Leng Xiyaoâs reaction rather confounded Ceng Hanyu. She was speaking up for Selina even when she was the one who had beer splashed all over her.
Leng Xiyao raised her brows and continued.
âCeng Hanyu, even if I am a daughter of the An family and your fiancee, youâre nothing compared to Big Sister Selina. It was obviously an accident, so why did you yell at her? You shouldnât be taking it out on her if youâre upset. Big Sis Selina already said she didnât do it on purpose, and I believe her. Understand?â
Leng Xiyao walked towards the frozen Selina after she finished, gently taking her by the arm and leading her outside.
In his frustration, Ceng Hanyu could do nothing but smile wryly. He became everyoneâs target all of the sudden, but what bothered him was that he could not pinpoint the root of his frustration.
Ceng Hanyu then sat down and began downing bottle after bottle of beer. Ye Zhongjue sat back down quietly, not saying anything but keeping his eyes on Ceng Hanyu.
Mo Suqing was about to say something, but felt that it was better that she did not in the current situation.
She took a large gulp of the fruit juice and felt the icy drink go down her throat.
Ye Zhongjue squeezed her arm lightly, his expression giving her peace of mind.
---
Leng Xiyao knew that Selina was crying, so she did not look at Selina the entire time on the way to the washroom. Leng Xiyao simply led her by the arm.
She found Ceng Hanyu to be awful. Even she could tell that Selina was not feeling great, but Ceng Hanyu still yelled at her like that. Unforgivable!
Selina felt much better after splashing some cool water on her face.
She looked at Leng Xiyao, who was still averting her gaze. She had really taken a liking to the girl now. Even though she was Ceng Hanyuâs fiancee, she had no airs. She was also very sincere when speaking up earlier.
Selina had decided that she would treat Leng Xiyao as her little sister from now on, and that she would protect the girl from any bullies.
She took a deep breath before turning to Leng Xiyao.
âIâm fine now, Yao!â
Leng Xiyao was relieved when she saw the genuine smile on Selinaâs face. She blinked mischievously. âThat fast? Really? I even wanted to console you, but I guess I wonât be of much use now. Iâm so sad!â
Selina put on an awkward expression on purpose. âOh no, what should we do then? You canât show your prowess now. I feel bad!â
Leng Xiyao laughed. âI know! Find me a bunch of handsome men, and Iâll forgive you!â
âReally?â Selina teasingly continued, âWhat if the handsome man complains that Iâve introduced an alcoholic to him, what do I do then?â
Leng Xiyao pouted at Selina. âIâm no alcoholic! Iâm a petite, feeble girl, okay!â
At this, Selina laughed out loud. This girl is adorable!
Leng Xiyao put on a straight face. âI mean it, Big Sis Selina. Remember to tell me if Ceng Hanyu bullies you again, Iâll beat him up!â
Selina nodded as she tried to mask the bitterness she felt.
She knew that Leng Xiyao had nothing but good intentions, but she could not help but feel upset when reminded of Ceng Hanyuâs attitude towards her.
Leng Xiyao walked towards the sink and said, âI should also wash my face and freshen up a little. I still want to drink!â
Selina was amazed at what she just heard.?So sheâs washing her face because she wants to drink more? What a peculiar girl!
When Selina and Leng Xiyao returned, it was almost as if nothing had happened. Everyone simply continued with what they were originally doing, either sipping on their own drinks or having a drinking match.
This time, Ceng Hanyu was downing the alcohol in lone misery. Ye Zhongjue and Mo Suqing were whispering sweet nothings to each other, while Selina and Leng Xiyao were having a merry drinking match.
After their drinking match, Leng Xiyao was dead drunk and her mobile phone was ringing non-stop.
Mo Suqing wanted to take Leng Xiyao back home with her, but seeing that the caller was her uncle, she thought better of it and answered the call instead.
Leng Haoyun insisted on picking her up after learning that Leng Xiyao was drunk, so Mo Suqing gave him the address of the place.
When Leng Haoyun arrived, Leng Xiyao laid in Ceng Hanyuâs arms. Though drunk, she was still mumbling, asking for more alcohol.
Leng Haoyunâs expression stiffened. He quickly walked over to Leng Xiyao and pulled her away from Ceng Hanyu.
Ceng Hanyu held onto Leng Xiyaoâs arm, his eyes darkening. Mo Suqing spoke quickly to ease the tension in the air.
âCeng Hanyu, Yaoâs uncle is here to take her back. We should get going as well!â
Mo Suqing placed heavy emphasis on the word âuncleâ on purpose, causing Ceng Hanyu to release his grip.
Leng Haoyun picked Leng Xiyao up like a bundle and made his way out.
Selina smiled, silently mocking herself.
Leng Xiyao kept tossing and turning as Leng Haoyun tried to settle her in the car.
Leng Haoyun finally fastened the seatbelt for her and was able to drive for a short distance before Leng Xiyao started dry heaving. She looked like she was about to vomit.
Leng Haoyun pulled over immediately and carried her out.
Leng Xiyao began vomiting by the roadside. Leng Haoyun passed her a bottle of mineral water and wiped her mouth clean with a piece of wet tissue.
He then carried her back into the car.
Leng Xiyao probably sobered up a little since she vomited, but she was still mumbling to herself.
Leng Haoyun took note of her condition as he drove.
Leng Xiyao started singing and beating on the windows as if they were drums.
Leng Haoyun frowned, but he had to continue driving.
After a while, Leng Xiyao stopped singing and started talking instead. Leng Haoyun was stunned by what he heard.
âUncle⦠Uncle⦠Donât you know that I like you? Canât you tell...â
Her head drooped like an upset child.
She then started crying loudly.
âYou knew I wasnât your niece⦠Why did you⦠Uuu⦠Why did you have to get engaged? Donât you know how much I hate An Huilin? I hate her more than youâd ever know!â
Leng Xiyao suddenly pointed straight ahead, her arms outstretched. âYes! I hate you, I hate you! An Huilin, you vile woman! How dare you compete with me over a man! Iâm going to beat you up and thrash you!â
Leng Xiyao started punching the air in front of her as she spoke. Leng Haoyun literally facepalmed as he took in the sight.
He could do nothing but shake his head in resignation.
Donât you know that Iâm protecting you, silly? Even though weâre not really related, everyone else sees us as uncle and niece. I donât care about that, but youâre still young, and you shouldnât have to carry such a burden. I care for you, silly girl, do you know that?
He was about to alight from the car when they arrived at the villa, but was immediately distracted by a certain drunk individual who was mumbling drunken nonsense.
âUncle, I like you⦠I really like you⦠I already had feelings for you since a long time ago, donât kick me out⦠Uuu⦠Could you not marry An Huilin? Iâm so upset, so upset...â
Leng Haoyun carried her out of the car and saw the streaks of tears on her face.
Her hazy eyes seemed to possess him in that moment, and he started kissing her.
Thud.?Something hit the ground.
Leng Haoyunâs lips were beside Leng Xiyaoâs when he turned to see Aunt Zhang staring at him in shock, open-mouthed.
Acting as if nothing happened, Leng Haoyun carried Leng Xiyao and walked past Aunt Zhang.
He said coldly, âYou didnât see anything.â
Aunt Zhang could only nod in her daze.
Leng Haoyun entered the villa quickly, while Leng Xiyao was still mumbling to herself.
Leng Haoyun carried her to her room and placed her gently on the bed. He looked at her plump, red lips and thought about what just happened outside. It was as if he acted without his own volition when he gave her another peck on the lips.
It was just a tiny peck, but Leng Haoyunâs heart raced as a wondrous feeling enveloped him.
He took another look at Leng Xiyao, who was already sound asleep. He decided upon something there and then, and left the room quietly.
â¦â¦
Leng Xiyao woke up with a splitting headache the next morning. She tried to recall what happened last night as she lay on the bed.
The five of us went drinking, and I seemed to have scolded Ceng Hanyu for Big Sis Selina before getting drunk. But I remember seeing Uncle somewhere, and I think I told him that I liked him.
Leng Xiyao sat up at that thought. No way, did I really confess to Uncle last night?
Stupefied, Leng Xiyaoâs mind went blank. Some images flashed through her mind, but these bits and pieces did not give her the full picture.
She wrapped herself up in the blanket and rolled around the bed. How embarrassing! My reputation is gone now!
Morevover, Uncle is already engaged with An Huilin. If I really did that⦠Itâs justâ¦?Even she despised herself for it.
No, this wonât do. I need to do something!
â¦â¦
Mo Suqing got a call from Leng Xiyao early in the morning.
Leng Xiyao sounded very excited on the phone.
âSuqing, Suqing, I have huge news for you. Youâll be shocked at this!â
Mo Suqing was used to Leng Xiyaoâs antics, and she calmly asked, âWhat is it?â
âI want to go study at A University! Howâs that? Shocking enough?â
Mo Suqing wondered what Leng Xiyao was thinking. She wanted to go back to school?
âDidnât you already graduate a year ago? What are you going to study?â