Fueled by alcohol, Xie Yifei completely opened up today, her words flowing like a river as she poured out years of pent-up grievances.
Glass after glass of red wine, as refreshing as cold drinks, went down. She had already consumed four or five without realizing it.
Seeing her gaze become distant, Jian Fan raised his glass high. "Yifei, you can't drink anymore. If you drink any more, you'll be truly drunk."
"Give it to me. I just want to get drunk today," Xie Yifei said, her face flushed. She stood up and reached for the glass in his hand.
Losing her balance, she stumbled forward. Jian Fan immediately extended an arm to catch her.
She then snatched the glass from him, letting out two victorious giggles. She picked up the wine bottle and poured herself another glass.
Jian Fan glared at her with a hint of anger, but he couldn't do anything about her for the moment.
Shen Xi pulled him down to sit and advised, "It's alright. If she wants to drink, let her. Once she's drunk and has said everything, this matter can truly be put to rest. Besides, aren't you here? You can drive her back later, can't you?"
Hearing this, Jian Fan no longer objected and patiently listened as Xie Yifei continued her rambling.
After two more glasses, Xie Yifei began to falter. She swayed unsteadily towards the restroom.
Shen Xi was about to follow, but Jian Fan was a step ahead of her.
A smile playing on her lips, Shen Xi retreated to her seat, picked up her drink, and took a small sip. After tonight's outpouring, Jian Fan would truly understand Yifei. Perhaps they would get together soon. She didn't want to be a third wheel.
"Dr. Shen, we really are fated. To run into each other here of all places." At that moment, Su Chengyu's annoying voice suddenly came from behind.
Slowly raising her head, Shen Xi shot him a look of disgust without speaking.
Su Chengyu wasn't offended. Instead, he shamelessly sat opposite her with a fawning smile. "Why so aloof? We've met before, haven't we? We can't just not greet each other when we meet." He had initially wanted to say they were acquaintances, even friends. Then he remembered what she had said at the hospital; she didn't consider him a friend at all. He refrained, fearing it would upset her. It was alright if they weren't friends now; with more interaction, they would naturally become friends.
At this point, Su Chengyu signaled the waiter and ordered a bottle of expensive, vintage red wine. He poured two glasses, placing one in front of Shen Xi. "Regarding what happened at the hospital last time, I've been wanting to thank you. Since we've met here today, allow me to propose a toast. I hope you'll accept."
Shen Xi sat up straight, looked up, and said coldly, "I told you, that was my job. There's no need for thanks." This man was truly detestable. She had made her position clear, yet he still clung to this matter. She should have been harsher that day, making him tremble at the mere mention of it, perhaps then he wouldn't have pestered her.
"Work is work, but gratitude is my sincerity. Come, let's just have one drink, and I'll leave afterward," Su Chengyu said, raising his glass to her.
Shen Xi glanced towards the entrance, wondering why Jian Fan and the others hadn't returned yet. Fine, she wouldn't wait here any longer. She decided to go find them herself.
Silently, she abruptly stood up, grabbed her bag, and made to leave.
Seeing this, Su Chengyu's expression darkened. He immediately stood up and reached out to grab her arm. "Shen Xi, are you really going to disrespect me like this, refusing to have even one drink with me?"
"Please be respectful and let go!" Shen Xi struggled forcefully, her eyes like two cold arrows in the darkness, shooting towards him.
Su Chengyu, however, smiled dismissively. "Drink this glass, and I'll let go."
"Take your hand off me!" At that moment, a deep, cold, and familiar voice came from the side.
Both of them felt a jolt and looked over, only to see Qin Siye striding towards them with a darkened expression.
"Cousin." Su Chengyu trembled slightly and immediately released her hand, saying with a smile, "I didn't mean anything else. I just wanted to have a drink with Dr. Shen to express my gratitude."
Qin Siye walked forward, pulled Shen Xi behind him, and glared at Su Chengyu with puzzled anger. "Gratitude? What did she do for you that you need to thank her?"
Hearing this, Shen Xi's heart skipped a beat. She poked her head out and glared sharply at Su Chengyu, hoping he wouldn't say anything.
To her surprise, Su Chengyu seemed not to notice. He smiled and said, "A few days ago, I had a headache and went to the hospital to see Dr. Shen for acupuncture. The effect was very good. I happened to run into her here today, and I just wanted to have a drink with her to express my thanks." He had deliberately brought up that day's events to see Qin Siye's reaction.