I'd Rather Drink

Luckily, he didn't want to give An'an a hard time either, so he said, "My little tyrant, I admit defeat, all right? I really can't outdrink you. Spare my life, great hero!"

Hearing that, An'an looked smug and turned to me. "Well? Hanhan, I've avenged you!"

"Yes, yes! Our An'an is the best!"

With that, I wanted to tell Shen Nian I was leaving early with An'an, who was a little drunk.

But I had still underestimated Shen Yanchuan. He had indeed let An'an off, but he wasn't letting me off.

He stood, stretched his arms, and gave me an unreadable look before suddenly suggesting loudly, "Let's play the King's Game!"

Everyone chimed in with their agreement. Left with no choice, I said, "An'an's a little drunk. I'll take her home first."

Shen Nian came over and caught my arm with the hand wearing her limited-edition watch. "Let her rest over there for a bit. Come play with us!"

I was just about to refuse when I saw Gu Hansheng watching me over his wineglass, a faint, ambiguous smile on his face.

I understood at least some of what he meant.

He didn't want me to go against Shen Nian's wishes.

I parted my lips, then nodded under Gu Hansheng's gaze.

Once I had settled An'an, everyone in the private room gathered around the table.

The game supplies were in the low cabinet in the private room, ready to play as soon as they were taken out.

Shen Yanchuan began shaking the lots, and everyone drew one.

Before we even looked at our lots, Shen Yanchuan suddenly suggested, "The old rules aren't very interesting. How about this? If either person can't do the little challenge the king gives them, we won't make things difficult, but they'll have to drink two glasses!"

Everyone revealed their lots. Shen Yanchuan waved his hand and said, "I'm the king."

I looked at my lot. Number seven.

I thought that, with more than a dozen people, surely I wouldn't be picked.

What you feared most always came knocking. I heard him say, "Then... number six and number three, kiss!"

A perfect miss.

Number six and number three were both men. Number three said he would rather drink than kiss a man.

Someone beside him jeered that he couldn't handle the game.

Number three's face flushed red. He grabbed number six and planted a hard kiss on him.

After the kiss, both men turned their heads away and pretended to vomit.

Amid everyone's roaring laughter, the next round began.

This time, Shen Nian drew the king.

I drew number three.

Her beautiful eyes swept over everyone's faces before she finally said, "Then number three has to carry number eight bridal-style!"

I tightened my grip on my lot and heard Gu Hansheng's leisurely voice. "Let's see who's going to carry me bridal-style."

Shen Yanchuan teased him from the side. "With your build, I doubt many people could lift you. Why don't we change it so you carry the other person bridal-style?"

At that moment, I wished I could leave immediately. I should have insisted on leaving earlier.

I said nothing as everyone revealed their lots.

Shen Yanchuan looked around, his gaze finally settling on my face. He grinned. "No way! Xiao Hanhan, you're number three?"

I looked up at Shen Yanchuan, only to notice that Shen Nian's expression had soured.

I'm done for. The white moonlight is angry.

Someone nearby teased, "Oh, President Gu is going to carry his ex-wife? Does that count as revisiting old territory?"

"They were married once, anyway. One bridal carry shouldn't be a big deal, right?"

"Exactly. Maybe Miss Yu is even looking forward to it."

Just then, Shen Nian swayed and leaned bonelessly against Gu Hansheng. "I... feel a little dizzy. Maybe that glass of red wine I had earlier is kicking in."

Gu Hansheng looked tense as he sheltered Shen Nian in his arms and said softly, "How are you feeling? I told you not to drink, but you insisted on pushing yourself."

"I... I just thought we were having such a good time today. I didn't want to spoil your fun."

Gu Hansheng called over to us, "Keep playing."

I didn't dare look at Gu Hansheng and lowered my gaze slightly. "Um, I'd rather drink!"

Clenching the lot in my hand, I picked up a glass and drank it down.

The people beside me said something else, but I didn't take in a single word. My mind was filled with the worry on Gu Hansheng's face as he had looked at Shen Nian.

As I was about to drink the second glass, Shen Yanchuan took it away.

I looked up at him, and he said, "Gu Hansheng was the one who said he wasn't playing. Even if someone has to drink, it shouldn't be you."

I glanced at Gu Hansheng, who was holding Shen Nian on the sofa, and found him watching Shen Yanchuan and me coldly.

Shen Yanchuan raised the glass toward Gu Hansheng across the room. "I'll drink this for you!"

With that, Shen Yanchuan downed the second glass.

The game continued. I wasn't picked in the next few rounds. Some people had to carry another person on their backs and spin in place three times; others had to drink with their arms linked.

A few rounds later, as rotten luck would have it, I was picked again.

The "king" said, "Number one and number five, face each other, touch the tips of your noses together, and hold both hands with your fingers interlaced for one minute."

I paused, then revealed my lot. Number one.

Suddenly, Shen Yanchuan spoke. I looked up at him, only to find that he was looking at Gu Hansheng. "Oh, I'm number five! Isn't that a coincidence!"

Gu Hansheng, who had remained silent, suddenly gave a cold snort. "Why are you telling me?"

Shen Nian was no longer dizzy. "Hurry up, Cousin."

At those words, an embarrassed expression actually appeared on Shen Yanchuan's face.

I found it interesting that even Shen Yanchuan could make a face like that.

Could it be that he didn't dare?