Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio  Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Around 9 oâclock, after dinner, some classmates started urging everyone to continue the gathering at KTV for a second round.
He Ming was feeling anxious, he really wanted to go back home.
But how could his colleagues let him leave so soon?
They insisted on He Ming staying, persuading him from all sides. In the end, with their insistent hospitality, He Ming reluctantly agreed to stay for a while longer, promising to have just one drink before heading back.
Glancing at the time, considering Xiaomengâs usual habits, he figured she would be getting ready to sleep by now.
Still feeling uneasy, he decided to call Xiaomeng.
Xiaomeng answered the phone groggily, telling him to take care and not to drink too much before promptly hanging up.
Hearing her voice, He Ming knew she was already asleep, which put his mind at ease as he joined his classmates for the next round.
There were about ten people in total, men and women, who booked a private room.
Yao Ning looked especially beautiful tonight, sticking close to He Ming throughout the evening. Anyone unaware of their situation would have thought she was his girlfriend.
In this kind of setting, not drinking seemed a bit awkward, didnât it?
Amidst the enthusiastic toasts from his classmates, He Ming also had a drink, but he was worried about driving back safely, so he declined any further toasts.
Interestingly, Yao Ning, however, seemed to impress everyone. She had three consecutive glasses of red wine, and although the alcohol content wasnât high, it was still a bit too much for her.
Suddenly feeling dizzy, she leaned towards He Ming, who instinctively caught her and helped her sit on the couch.
He then poured her a glass of water. âYao Ning, are you okay?â
Seeing her in this state, He Ming was concerned that she might be getting drunk.
âIâm fine,â Yao Ning smiled sweetly at him, realizing that it wasnât a dream. The man she had loved for so many years was indeed standing right in front of her, genuinely concerned for her well-being.
âHave some water; it helps with the dry throat after drinking,â Yao Ning took the water cup from He Ming and drank it slowly, feeling surprisingly sweet despite being just plain water.
Around 11 oâclock, the gathering finally came to an end. Everyone went their separate ways back home.
âHe Ming, could you give me a ride?â Yao Ning asked.
âSure, letâs go,â He Ming replied casually. He probably had forgotten about the promise he made a few days ago not to let any other women ride in his car.
Typical case of âout of sight, out of mindâ.
Yao Ning was a bit unsteady on her feet, so He Ming quickly went to support her and they walked together.
Yao Ning truly enjoyed sitting in the passenger seat of He Mingâs car. She couldnât help but fantasize about a future where this seat would be exclusively hers.
Watching He Ming focus on driving, she was completely captivated.
Finally, they arrived at the entrance to her residential area. He Ming got out of the car, opened the door for her, and helped her out. While He Ming wasnât looking, Yao Ning discreetly left her lipstick under the passenger seat of his car before carefully getting out.
At that moment, she didnât think much about it; she just wanted to create more opportunities for them to meet. If he had a girlfriend and foundâ¦
Well, that would be even better.
âHe Ming, thank you. Would you like to come up for a cup of coffee?â Yao Ning, emboldened by the alcohol, invited He Ming to her place.
âNo, itâs late. You should go home and rest,â He Ming politely declined.
âOkay, then take care on your way back,â Yao Ning said before heading home herself.
He Ming felt anxious, wondering if Xiaomeng was sleeping soundly.
Unbeknownst to them, a storm was brewingâ¦