The lingering warmth on her earlobe hadn't faded, leaving Rao Shiyun's gaze dazed and filled with an uncharacteristic allure.
This boy… could he really have the talent to drink without limits?
By any normal standards, someone who had downed three consecutive glasses of white liquor would already be passed out.
Watching Li Zhiyan tilt back yet another glass, Rao Shiyun's heart tightened with unease.
"Zhiyan, are you really okay?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.
Another middle-aged man rose from his seat, glass in hand.
"Rao, let me toast you as well," he said with a practiced smile, his eyes darting toward her figure.
He thought the boy had already reached his limit. After all, no matter how good his tolerance was, it was impossible to keep drinking at this pace without collapsing.
But to everyone's shock, Li Zhiyan downed another full glass with ease, swaying slightly yet remaining firmly upright.
The man froze mid-toast, utterly bewildered.
"What kind of monster is this kid?"
Even Wang Shangyan, seated nearby, was intrigued. She kept her sharp gaze trained on Li Zhiyan, her curiosity about his relationship with Rao Shiyun growing deeper.
Could they actually…?
Her thoughts strayed to the age difference between them, and strangely enough, she found herself thinking it made sense. An 18-year-old was at his physical peak, bursting with untamed energy, while someone like Rao Shiyun… well, her needs might align perfectly with his.
And I... Wang Shangyan thought to herself, suppressing a pang of jealousy.
Meanwhile, Li Zhiyan was far from done. He stood up, his hand steady despite the alcohol.
"Uncles," he said with a confident grin, lifting his glass, "thank you for your kind hospitality tonight. Let me toast all of you together!"
His voice was bright and respectful, his tone brimming with an air of sophistication that felt far beyond his years.
The middle-aged men exchanged glances, both impressed and unnerved.
The boy poured drinks for everyone at the table, his actions fluid and natural, like a seasoned host.
"Uncle Liu," he said, filling a glass to the brim, "your reputation precedes you. Please accept my toast as a sign of respect."
One by one, the men were flattered into drinking, their egos massaged by his compliments.
Wang Shangyan observed quietly, a small smile tugging at her lips. This boy really knows how to play the game.
By the time Li Zhiyan had toasted every single person at the table, the results were clear.
One by one, the men began to falter. The first slumped over the table, his snores breaking the tense atmosphere. Another stumbled backward, collapsing onto the floor with a loud thud.
Finally, only Liu Huan remained, swaying dangerously in his seat. His vision blurred, but his pride pushed him to keep going.
"Liu Uncle," Li Zhiyan said with a devilish smirk, "just one more for the road?"
Liu Huan, caught between his ego and his waning consciousness, gritted his teeth and lifted his glass.
"Fine... one more…"
With a groggy mutter, he downed the drink—and collapsed almost instantly, his head hitting the edge of the table before sliding to the ground.
The room fell silent.
Rao Shiyun and Li Meifeng looked around the table in stunned disbelief.
"Seven grown men…" Li Meifeng muttered, her eyes wide. "Zhiyan, you actually drank them all under the table!"
Li Zhiyan, still standing firm, felt a surge of pride. His new God of Liquor skill had truly proven its worth. Without it, he'd probably be in the hospital by now.
Just as he was savoring his victory, an enraged voice broke through the silence.
"You disgusting pig, Liu Huan!"
It was Wang Shangyan. She had been holding her composure all evening, but now her fury erupted. Grabbing a heavy glass bottle, she stalked over to her unconscious husband and smashed it against his forehead.
A sharp crack echoed through the room as blood trickled down Liu Huan's face.
Even in his drunken stupor, he didn't stir.
Li Zhiyan winced at the sight. This woman doesn't hold back.
"Shangyan, what are you doing?!" Li Meifeng cried out, rushing to intervene.
Wang Shangyan's chest heaved as she glared down at her husband.
"I received a message earlier," she said, her voice shaking with rage. "This scumbag planned to get Rao drunk tonight so he could take her to a hotel. I didn't want to believe it, but seeing how his little cronies worked together to corner her..."
Her gaze flicked to Rao Shiyun, who sat frozen in shock.
"Rao, you were the target tonight. If not for this boy..." She gestured to Li Zhiyan, her tone softening slightly. "Who knows what would've happened?"
Rao Shiyun felt a chill run down her spine as she pieced everything together. She looked at Li Zhiyan, who stood protectively by her side, and felt her heart ache with gratitude.
"Zhiyan," she whispered, her voice trembling, "thank you... really..."
"Don't mention it, Aunt Rao," he replied with a reassuring smile. "I'll always look out for you."
---
Later that night, Rao Shiyun and Li Zhiyan left the chaotic scene behind, choosing to walk under the cool glow of the streetlights.
The quiet streets of 2010's suburban Huancheng were a stark contrast to the tension of the dinner.
"Zhiyan," Rao Shiyun said softly, breaking the silence, "you've done so much for me tonight. I owe you more than I can repay."
The young man turned to her, his expression warm.
"If you really want to thank me…" He hesitated for dramatic effect, then grinned. "Why not let me kiss you?"
Rao Shiyun froze, her mind spinning. She looked at him—his flushed cheeks, his slightly dazed eyes—and realized he must still be drunk.
But a kiss… was just a kiss, wasn't it?
"Well..." she murmured, her cheeks heating. "Okay. But only a quick one."
Li Zhiyan wasted no time, stepping closer and gently wrapping an arm around her waist.
He leaned in, aiming for her cheek, but halfway there, his lips found hers instead.
The soft warmth of the kiss sent an electric jolt through Rao Shiyun's body.
"Zhiyan!" she gasped, pulling back in shock.
But before she could scold him, his earnest gaze stopped her.
"Aunt Rao," he said softly, his voice full of emotion, "I just want to protect you."
Her heart skipped a beat.
This boy... is too dangerous.
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