Staring at the crystal-clear glass, Su Yao hesitated for less than a second before reaching out to take it. She had always stuck to sugary drinks, and alcohol was unfamiliar territory. She’d never even tried fruit wine, let alone beer. If she had to name something close, would sweet rice wine count?
She lowered her head to sniff the drink. There was no sharp, stinging smell, just a faint fruity aroma.
Miss Li-zi shook an empty can from the table, smiling sweetly. “Lychee flavor, low alcohol content.”
“Mhm.”
For some reason, Su Yao felt warm all over since arriving here. Was it the air conditioning? Or was something burning? Her head was dizzy, her mind blank, as if she were already drunk. She looked at Wang Jing, Hua Mingye, and Yun Qing.
Su Yao wondered, *Can I try to fit into this world…*
Time was running out for her. Some choices had to be made eventually. Gazing at the transparent liquid in her glass, tiny bubbles rising within, the dim, ambiguous lighting revealed no reflection—just dreamy, colorful lights swaying as the glass tilted.
The cool rim of the glass touched her lips. Instead of a cautious sip, she tilted her head back and downed the vibrant, colorful drink in one bold gulp.
Bubbles burst in her throat, the fresh lychee flavor surging up, rushing into her nose. Su Yao coughed lightly, blinking rapidly as her eyes misted over.
It felt like drinking iced cola, just with a different taste.
When she recovered, Su Yao was stunned to find her glass still full. She froze, thinking, *Did I actually drink anything?*
Just as she was about to take a second sip, Wang Jing snatched the glass from her hand, downed it in one go, and gasped for air. Wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, Wang Jing’s body went limp, and she plopped down beside Su Yao, throwing her arms out for a hug.
Instinctively, Su Yao pushed back against Wang Jing’s shoulders, keeping her at bay.
Failing to hug her, Wang Jing pouted, her brows drooping in grievance. She collapsed onto the couch, one hand flailing aimlessly. After a long pause, she muttered resentfully, “If only you were a guy…”
With that, Wang Jing reached for an unopened can on the table but struggled to open it. Su Yao took it, opened a fresh one, and swapped it for the one in Wang Jing’s hand.
After Wang Jing finished singing, Miss Li-zi took the microphone. Without Wang Jing’s ear-piercing voice, the private room felt noticeably quieter.
Miss Li-zi’s singing was impressive. Even Su Yao, who knew nothing about music, could tell her tone and technique were exceptional.
Noticing Su Yao’s gaze, Wang Jing let out a soft hum. “She… she’s… Li-zi’s sister…”
“Li-zi?”
Su Yao paused for a few seconds before realizing Wang Jing meant their class advisor, Zhang Li. So, Miss Li-zi was Zhang Li-zi?
Li-zi, chestnut—delicious names.
She reached out to nudge Wang Jing, who seemed to have passed out, but stopped short. Squinting her sore eyes, Su Yao touched her face—it was burning hot, and she felt lightheaded.
*What’s wrong with me?*
Su Yao began breathing through her mouth, her thoughts sluggish.
Looking at Wang Jing—hair disheveled, clothes in disarray, completely passed out—Su Yao was puzzled. This wasn’t the usual Wang Jing. How did she end up in such a mess?
“People release mental stress through various behaviors—shouting, violence, sex. Normally, people subconsciously suppress these urges, but alcohol numbs the brain, bypassing self-restraint to let emotions out, relieving psychological pressure.”
Hua Mingye, who had been quietly observing, spoke up again. Su Yao stiffly turned to look at her. She’d been a bit intimidated by Hua-jiejie before, but in her current hazy state, she could meet her gaze more openly.
In the end, though, Su Yao looked away first.
Hua Mingye propped her head on one hand, watching Su Yao’s drunken demeanor. “That said, it’s only a superficial understanding. Alcohol’s effects vary from person to person.”
Su Yao’s lips moved as if to speak, but the words caught in her throat. A few seconds later, she forgot what she wanted to say.
Hua Mingye stood, picked up a crown-shaped can of flavored alcohol, opened it, and handed it to Su Yao. Once Su Yao held it steady, Hua Mingye sat beside her, speaking softly.
“You can open up to me, you know.”
“…”
Her voice carried a soothing “magic” that made Su Yao want to lean into her embrace and pour out her heart.
In appearance, Hua Mingye was an elegant, refined young lady, mature beyond her years, radiating a maternal warmth that easily drew people in.
Su Yao opened her mouth but quickly covered it.
She nearly made a fool of herself. Lowering her head, she stared at her shoes, dazed. Seeing this, Hua Mingye’s smile faded. She leaned close to Su Yao’s ear and whispered, “Let me guess. Yao-yao, you’re afraid to face the past, don’t want to think about the future, and refuse to accept reality. You lie to others and even to yourself. Am I right?”
*Thud!*
The can fell to the floor. Su Yao gasped heavily, breaking out in a cold sweat. When she regained her senses and glanced over, Hua Mingye was calmly seated in her original spot, as if those words had been an illusion…
Staring at the pink can on the floor, Su Yao bit her lip.
Her face was still hot.
Moments ago, she’d been in a daze, but now she felt fully awake.
Or so she thought.
Miss Li-zi finished another song, humming happily as if reluctant to stop. She walked over to Su Yao, holding out the microphone. “Yao Su, sing us a tune.”
Su Yao’s face scrunched up. Sing? Could she sing a nursery rhyme? She was about to say she couldn’t when she noticed Li-zi’s gaze wasn’t on her but on the door. Su Yao leaned forward to look, and when she saw who it was, she shrank back down, lowering her head and letting her long hair cover her face.
“Hey, A-Qiu, what are you doing here?” Miss Li-zi asked, puzzled. In her memory, Mu Nanqiu never came to KTVs. Glancing at Su Yao, who was playing ostrich, Li-zi seemed to realize something and looked toward Hua Mingye.
Hua Mingye sat there, serene as if in meditation.
Mu Nanqiu walked around to the couch, glancing at the passed-out Wang Jing, then at Su Yao, who kept muttering *she can’t see me* in her head, before shooting a glare at Hua Mingye, who was all smiles. Their eyes exchanged a silent conversation.
*We’ll talk later.*
*Mhm.*