So, Song Wangzhuo was here after all.
The moment Song Wangzhuo spoke, the other person seemed to grow agitated and launched into another torrent of words.
Shen Yuqing listened for a while longer, but it was mostly just pleas for Song Wangzhuo to show mercy.
So, this was the instigator. That made sense—he had thought the matter between Song Wangzhuo and that Wang guy had been settled that day. There was no reason for the other party to suddenly send people to ambush Song Wangzhuo.
Turns out it was all for love. Though, judging by the current situation, that love seemed pretty precarious now.
Shen Yuqing pursed his lips, figuring the conversation inside was about done, then crossed his arms and left.
When he returned, Song Lejin was nowhere to be seen. Their booth was already filled with drinks, and the friends Lin Sui had called were gradually arriving.
Shen Yuqing asked, “Where’s Song Lejin?”
“On the phone with his family,” Lin Sui replied, sprawling lazily on the couch.
Shen Yuqing said, “So today’s supposed to be his welcome party?”
Lin Sui nodded. “Yeah.”
“You brought him to a bar? Shouldn’t you have booked a private club for everyone to have some fun?” Shen Yuqing casually picked up a cocktail, sniffed it first, then took a sip. It was sweet, not too strong.
Lin Sui said, “I asked him, but Lejin said he wanted to check out a bar. He’s never been to one before. With us around, it’s safe.”
So, it was Song Lejin’s idea.
Before Shen Yuqing could speak again, Lin Sui added, “Besides, Song Wangzhuo upset him today. I’ve got to make up for that.”
Shen Yuqing’s expression was hidden in the dim lighting. After a moment, he said, “Wasn’t the matter at noon already resolved? Why are you still hung up on it?”
“I’m not hung up on it,” Lin Sui muttered. “I heard from Lejin’s classmates this afternoon that he’s been sulking all day, constantly sniffing his own clothes. Qing-ge, you know how much Omegas care about their image. Lejin just doesn’t show it in front of us.”
That entire speech had too many questionable points. Shen Yuqing didn’t even know where to start.
Lin Sui sighed dramatically. “I know you’ve got a bit of a thing for Song Wangzhuo. Don’t worry, I know my limits. He embarrassed Lejin in front of so many people, so I’ll embarrass him in this bar. That makes us even.”
And then you made him crawl between your legs.
That was way worse than what happened to Song Lejin.
Shen Yuqing raised a hand to massage his temples, feeling a throbbing ache there.
Soon, Song Lejin returned, sitting beside Lin Sui as usual. He flashed Shen Yuqing a sweet smile. “Yuqing.”
Shen Yuqing nodded and took another sip from his glass.
Lin Sui noticed and said, “That drink’s pretty strong. Take it easy.”
The original host’s alcohol tolerance wasn’t great, but Shen Yuqing’s was decent after all, in his past life, he’d been an office worker who sometimes had to drink for work events when the bosses didn’t feel like it.
Still, he obediently set the glass down. The bar was gradually getting livelier.
Shen Yuqing stayed curled up in the corner, watching the stage downstairs. At exactly eight o’clock, a provocatively dressed host stepped up to introduce the night’s new game.
Hot Potato.
The “flower” in the bar naturally referred to alcohol, but the way it was passed around differed from usual drinking games. This time, participants had to pass a small shot glass using only their mouths, risking accidental kisses in the process.
As soon as the rules were announced, the crowd erupted. This kind of flirtatious game was perfect for stimulating hormone levels. When the host asked if anyone wanted to try the first round, many volunteers stepped forward mostly alphas and omegas.
Well, the interstellar world sure was different.
Shen Yuqing took another sip of his drink. Many people from the second floor had gone down to join the fun. Lin Sui asked, “Lejin, want to go check out the commotion downstairs?”
Song Lejin declined, “I can see everything perfectly fine from here.”
Other friends chimed in, “Then let’s go down and watch the excitement.” Being young and full of vigor, they were always eager for this kind of lively scene.
In no time, only the three of them remained at the booth.
Song Lejin smiled and asked Shen Yuqing, “Yuqing, aren’t you going down to play with them?”
“Not really interested,” Shen Yuqing replied.
Lin Sui added, “His fiancé’s in town recently, so he’s keeping to himself.”
Song Lejin was naturally aware of Shen Yuqing’s engagement to Pei Yiyan. He took a small sip of his drink and asked, “How is Yiyan-gege’s health these days?”
Shen Yuqing answered, “Fine, I guess. Eats and sleeps well.” He studied Song Lejin’s expression. “Are you two close?”
Song Lejin’s expression shifted slightly, as if worried Shen Yuqing might misunderstand. He quickly waved his hands. “Don’t get the wrong idea, Yuqing. A few years back, Yiyan-gege and I studied under the same music teacher, that’s all. After his accident, we…” He sighed, genuinely seeming to lament something.
For some reason, Shen Yuqing found the whole exchange odd. He’d only asked one question, but Song Lejin’s response left him with an inexplicable sense of irritation, as if he shouldn’t have asked at all.
Good grief, what was there to misunderstand? He’d just been making conversation.
Even Lin Sui chimed in, “Yeah, Qing-ge, Lejin’s always been popular. Don’t read too much into it.”
Shen Yuqing merely smirked. “What’s there to misunderstand? Even if there were, he’d be the one explaining it to me.”
Song Lejin smiled in agreement. “Yuqing’s right.”
Lin Sui, ever the simpleton, interjected, “Hey, don’t just sit there. Drink up!”
Shen Yuqing took another sip from his glass. As he set it down, he noticed Lin Sui looking behind him. Blinking, he turned to follow his gaze.
Song Wangzhuo had come upstairs.
Song Wangzhuo was carrying a freshly mixed drink but didn’t approach them. Instead, he stopped at a booth near the staircase, set the drink down, and left.
“Lejin, were you upset this afternoon?” Shen Yuqing turned back to see Song Lejin still smiling.
“Not at all. Where’d you hear that, Asui-ge?”
Lin Sui replied honestly, “I know someone from your class. They mentioned it.” He added, “Don’t worry, we’ll cheer you up soon.”
Song Lejin looked puzzled but said, “I’m already happy. Drinking with good friends is the most enjoyable thing!”
“Then let me add to your happiness on top of this joy.” Lin Sui stood up and ruffled Song Lejin’s hair again. “Wait for me!”
Shen Yuqing had remained silent the whole time. He took a deep breath what was coming would come eventually.
He watched as Lin Sui cheerfully went to find a waiter to order drinks, then pulled out his wallet and slipped several bills to the server. Though he couldn’t hear what was said, the waiter left beaming with the money, heading downstairs to fetch someone.
Shen Yuqing kept his eyes on both staircases. Sure enough, before long, he saw Song Wangzhuo carrying up a crate of alcohol.
The crate was heavy enough that Song Wangzhuo’s exposed forearms tensed visibly. Shen Yuqing watched as he made five or six trips up and down the stairs, hauling crate after crate to the second floor.
No explanation was needed, this was all Lin Sui’s doing.
Shen Yuqing frowned. But it wasn’t over yet. He heard Lin Sui call out, “Song Wangzhuo, come here.”
Having made multiple trips upstairs, Song Wangzhuo had long noticed them sitting there. He approached without surprise when summoned.
“How may I help you, Mr. Lin?” he asked, his voice steady though a slight breathlessness could be detected upon closer listening.
Shen Yuqing took another sip of his drink and spoke before Lin Sui could respond: “Of course there’s something. Would we call you over for no reason?”
