Chapter 5: The Kind One Is You
After downing a few bottles, the two began to chat aimlessly and spewed some complaints typical of school life, like moaning about teachers and courses. With Gan Yan Yu having taken a year off, Lin Tian filled her in on the school’s latest happenings.
Lin Tian had already started feeling tipsy after just a few beers; they sure can do a number on your head. It’s not that his tolerance was great—usually two big ones maxed him out—but this cheap lager was really doing its job.
Look at Gan Yan Yu: she was holding her own surprisingly well! She looked like a teetotaler but managed to drink bottle after bottle without signs of stopping. She was like a curious baby exploring a new toy land. Taking sips, checking the ingredients, sipping again, looking at the nutritional facts—almost as if she were studying how this delicious drink was concocted!
Whoever invented beer must be a genius!
Lin Tian, meanwhile, was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed. Wasn’t it usually men who could drink better? But then, this was her first time, so maybe it didn’t count?
Suddenly, she kicked off her shoes and put her feet up on the sofa, revealing only because her dress was long enough. And she didn’t even ask or wait for permission from Lin Tian! He wished he could go back to the days when he had a lot more respect.
Even though it had only been half an hour since they started, Lin Tian realized that if only he could delay the inevitable long enough—he’d have her preoccupied with thoughts other than taking an early exit tonight.
“Lin Tian, what year were you born?”
She slurred her words, becoming distinctly more tipsy.
“What year, start or age?”
“When did you get born?”
“05.”
“What month?”
“June.”
“You’re in December. I’m younger.”
Are you kidding me? Being older isn’t anything special.
He couldn’t help but chuckle, figuring she wasn’t far from passing out herself.
“You’re going to class tomorrow then?”
“Yes, aren’t you?”
“I’ve got a week off.”
Taking a week off to d*e seems a bit extreme.
Same thing, another excuse to avoid teachers’ attention. After all, at Flower School, once you’re on leave, you’re pretty much their business no more.
“So, you’ll need an early night. Guess I shouldn’t disturb you any longer.”
Gan Yan Yu tried to straighten her thoughts, then got up from the couch.
“No worries, you’ve had quite a night anyway. Where you gonna go?” Lin Tian joined her standing up.
“Yeah…where am I supposed to go?” She paused to look out at the city lights twinkling under the vast night sky.
Hearing those words, Lin Tian finally realized the gravity. From the moment they entered the café, everything felt off; it was odd that despite being next door, she wouldn’t head there.
Grandpa, did you…
He didn’t want to dwell on it, yet he braced for the worst. But he never dared ask directly.
“She’s scared,” he thought.
“Lin Tian, thank you.”
“For what?”
“Although this is our first meeting, I think you’re a good person. You were only trying to keep me here because you care?”
Holding her beer can, her gaze serious, she continued,
“My grandpa liked kind people. Even if we don’t meet again, you’ve really been nice.”
She took a breath, “I can’t stay anymore…”
The room went silent. A bitter smile tugged at the corners of Lin Tian’s mouth.
It’s you who’s kinder.
It was strange.
Though he was doing this purely because of the assignment or to repay a favor, somehow, he found himself getting involved.
Despite everything, he’d done so much that he felt guilt-free. Even if she left right now, he had other partners awaiting him.
But seeing her earnest eyes, filled with a hint of reluctant laughter.
No way could he let her leave under these circumstances.
Just do a little good. This one, no one would take away tonight.
“Alright, go if you must, but finish one last round with me!”
His tone hardened.
“How could you leave mid-drink? That would be rude!”
“But we drank plenty!”
Looking at the empty bottles scattered on the table, they had indeed polished off at least seven over the past hour.
“Not over,” Lin Tian smirked, walking toward the fridge.
Opening the lower shelf revealed more cans.
Don’t underestimate a man who treats beer like soda.
Gan Yan Yu’s face showed a struggle, her lips quivering.
“Its craft, definitely better than our previous swigs. Taste like heaven.”
With that, he placed a new unopened bottle in front of her.
She stared at it with an unreadable expression.
“Fine… Let’s keep going.”
[Task Completed:
One: Accommodate someone overnight.
Two: Extract and analyze bodily fluids.]
[Talent Partner Linked – Gan Yan Yu]
[System Screen loading…]
Lin Tian let out a sigh of relief looking at the system screen, turning to see Gan Yan Yu asleep on the couch.
At least his honor was intact!
He slowly sipped, barely keeping up her pace. Her drinking was incredible, almost too good.
Next time, it’ll probably be harder to beat her.
He watched her peaceful, pretty face with a sense of calm. Everything he did tonight seemed worthwhile.
Carefully lifting her feet towards the sofa, placing them gently akin to action figures.
Then, he adjusted her position and covered her with a blanket.
“Grandpa…”
A soft murmur escaped her lips.
He froze.
Was she talking in her sleep?
Remembering she had mental troubles, this didn’t seem unusual.
“Don’t make me…”
Her brows furrowed, agony in her voice.
“Just let me play my violin, please…”
“If only I could keep playing, I’d do anything.”
“Yet, I’ve done nothing wrong…”
[End Chapter]
