Chapter 155

“How about that Korean barbecue restaurant we went to last time? It’s an authentic restaurant run by a Korean family. It’s the best and most delicious place in the entire city,” Gerda suggested, clapping her hands excitedly.

“Well, the food in that restaurant is indeed delicious. But it’s also a little expensive. With so many of us going there, I’m afraid we will empty Lind’s wallet.”

Now that Janet didn’t have any financial pressure, she thought for a moment and readily agreed, “It’s okay. I don’t often invite you to dinner, after all. Gerda, give me the phone number of the restaurant. I’ll reserve a table.”

Janet had not only received a promotion but a salary hike as well. She could occasionally squander without burning a hole in her pocket.

After making a reservation in the restaurant, Janet sent a message to Ethan, informing him about the dinner party.

Not long after she sent the message, her phone rang. It was indeed a call from Ethan.

“Who are you going with? A man or a woman?”

“Well, I’m going with my colleagues — mostly girls. One guy is joining us, but he already has a girlfriend,” Janet explained in a low voice.

“Why are you whispering? Are you afraid others might hear us?” Ethan complained. “What’s wrong?

Are you hiding me and our relationship from others? Are you ashamed of me?”

Janet frowned. She couldn’t understand what he meant.

“I’m used to keeping my voice down when I’m in the office. It’s a little inconvenient to chat loudly with so many people around.” Janet looked around. She was in the company’s bathroom now. After all, it was a common area where people enter and exit all the time.

Ethan hummed but didn’t say anything more. He was idly knocking on the table with a pen, having no intention of hanging up.

“All right. I’ll hang up then.” Janet was anxious to return to work.

Just as she was about to hang up, Ethan spoke, “I miss you. What do I do?” His voice was thick with emotion.

Janet’s breath caught in her throat; her face turned red. She didn’t know what to say. “I… I…”

“Why are you stuttering?” Ethan giggled. “All right. I’m hanging up. I won’t disturb your work.”

Janet stared at the black screen in confusion.

Ethan had disappeared after flirting with her. What was that supposed to mean?

It was late in the evening when she got off work.

It was almost dark outside.

Janet and her colleagues planned to take a taxi.

As soon as she finished packing her bag, her gaze fell on a hand with a royal blue gift box.

“Congratulations on your promotion! I just bought it from downstairs. Don’t refuse it. It’s not expensive.”

Janet looked up and saw Christopher. He put the box on the desk and looked at her, almost as if he was prepared to hear her refusal.

Janet pursed her lips and reluctantly took the gift box. “Thank you, Chris. By the way, we’re going to have a barbecue. Why don’t you join us? Don’t refuse, or I won’t accept this gift.”

Janet followed suit.

Now that Christopher had given her a gift, she decided to treat him to dinner in return.

“Well, since you insist, I can’t really refuse. Let’s go.” A small smile emerged on Christopher’s handsome face.

They had a good time at dinner. The atmosphere was warm and lively.

Gerda ordered a crate of beer and drank most of it.

“Lind, come on! I already finished drinking twelve bottles. Look at you. You haven’t even emptied one bottle. That’s unfair!” Gerda’s face turned red from all the alcohol she consumed. She urged Janet to drink more.

“Okay, I’ll help you empty these bottles.” Janet was happy. Being around friends seemed to encourage her. She opened two bottles of beer, picked one up, and downed the entire contents in one gulp.

She completely forgot about her low tolerance of alcohol.

“Awesome! It seems like Gerda has met her opponent tonight. Lind, defeat her! No one can compete with her when it comes to drinking. You should avenge us!” Everyone whistled excitedly.

Janet giggled as she finished three bottles of beer and let out a loud burp. “Yeah! I’m going to defeat her!”

Looking at her flushed face, Christopher sensed something was wrong. He patted her back and whispered in her ear, “I think that’s enough. You seem a little drunk already.”

Janet shook off Christopher’s arm and straightened up. She could not walk steadily. “Nonsense!” she slurred, shaking her head. “You are drunk! I’m not! I must defeat Gerda today! No one can compete with me!”

She was insanely drunk tonight.