Chapter 111: A Slight Buzz

“Alright!”

Xiao Huai’an’s deep voice echoed.

Ye Xin Ran felt, perhaps mistakenly, that when Xiao Huai’an said “alright,” his usually calm and cold eyes held a deeper, more meaningful expression.

She picked up another teacup and poured Xiao Huai’an a drink.

“Try it. This wine is sweet and fragrant, without the spiciness of white liquor or any bitterness. It’s my favorite.”

Xiao Huai’an took a small sip. “It’s indeed very sweet.”

“But don’t drink too much! I only have a few bottles left,” Ye Xin Ran said, a little possessive, as she pulled the teapot back.

On the iron plate, the barbecue began sizzling loudly, and the chicken wings oozed oil, releasing an irresistible aroma.

The three little ones couldn’t hold back anymore and started eating the crispy pork Ye Xin Ran had just fried.

The crispy pork was golden and tender on the inside. Dipped in the salt and pepper on the side, it delivered a burst of happiness with every bite.

“The pork belly is ready!” Chang Ping said eagerly, flipping the meat with chopsticks.

“The beef is ready too!”

“Second Uncle, Auntie, you should eat!”

All three children placed a piece of meat into Ye Xin Ran’s bowl at the same time.

Seeing this, Xiao Huai’an quietly picked up a piece of meat and also placed it into Ye Xin Ran’s bowl.

“Let’s all eat together!”

Ye Xin Ran took a piece of lettuce, dipped the pork belly in sauce, and wrapped it in the lettuce.

With one bite, the combination of meat and vegetables tasted rich yet refreshing, a heavenly delight.

It was the first time the others had seen her eat this way. They all followed suit, wrapping meat in lettuce and experiencing a whole new flavor.

“Auntie, you and Second Uncle just eat, we’ll handle the grilling.”

Chang Sheng took charge of placing the meat on the grill, while Chang Ping handled flipping it. The two busied themselves, insisting that everyone else just focus on eating.

Meanwhile, Chang An wasn’t idle either, constantly piling meat into Ye Xin Ran’s bowl until it resembled a small mountain.

“That’s enough! I can’t eat this much,” Ye Xin Ran protested, waving her hands.

But Chang An was persistent, only stopping when Xiao Huai’an shot him a glance. Reluctantly, he withdrew his hand and began eating himself.

“Chang Sheng, Chang Ping, you eat now. I’ll handle the grilling,” Ye Xin Ran said, feeling full after being so generously served. She took over the task of grilling.

“There’s no need to rush when eating barbecue. I’ll grill slowly, and you can eat at your own pace.”

Hearing this, the two nodded obediently.

Previously, they had only grilled meat.

Ye Xin Ran began placing a full layer of seafood on the grill.

For the children, it was their first time eating squid and shrimp. Ye Xin Ran patiently taught them how to tell when the squid was perfectly cooked and how to peel shrimp for eating.

Once they got the hang of it, Ye Xin Ran found her own rhythm. She grilled the food, occasionally taking a bite, and sipped her wine slowly, savoring the taste.

Xiao Huai’an watched her relaxed way of eating from the side, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Seeing that both of Ye Xin Ran’s hands were busy, he mimicked her earlier method of wrapping pork belly in lettuce and held it up to her mouth.

Ye Xin Ran didn’t find this odd at all and happily accepted Xiao Huai’an’s gesture.

One bite of meat, one sip of wine, she was thoroughly enjoying herself, relishing the moment.

No one noticed that, at some point, Ye Xin Ran’s grilling slowed down.

Xiao Huai’an, still keeping pace, continued serving her food. When he peeled a shrimp and held it out to her, she didn’t even acknowledge it.

That’s when he realized something was wrong.

He gently lifted her chin and turned her head toward him.

Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes shimmering like rippling water. Her long eyelashes fluttered like butterfly wings with every blink.

“Drunk?” Xiao Huai’an’s deep voice carried a hint of concern.

Ye Xin Ran shook her head lightly. “I’m not drunk. I’m just… happy.”

Xiao Huai’an picked up the teapot with his other hand and discovered it was completely empty.

Clicking his tongue in mild disapproval, he mused inwardly: So much for her protective attitude toward the wine, her tolerance wasn’t as impressive as he’d thought.

This sweet fruit wine had been enough to get her tipsy.

With a resigned sigh, Xiao Huai’an supported Ye Xin Ran as she leaned on him. Addressing the three children, he said, “You all take your time eating. I’ll take your aunt back to rest.”

“Okay!”

The three children, still engrossed in their feast, nodded without much thought.

“I don’t want to rest. I’m not drunk,” Ye Xin Ran protested softly, her body weak but her steps stubbornly unwilling to move.

Xiao Huai’an had no choice. He bent down, slid one arm under her knees, and lifted her into his arms.

This finally caught the attention of the children, who all turned to watch.

“Is Auntie really drunk?” Chang An whispered.

“Looks like they’re going back to rest,” Chang Ping chimed in, his eyes darting between the food and the scene.

“Yes, Second Uncle has to take care of Auntie now that she’s drunk. Tonight, it’s just the three of us sleeping together,” Chang Sheng whispered to his two younger brothers, as if issuing a solemn reminder.

Xiao Huai’an carried Ye Xin Ran into her room.

Ye Xin Ran wasn’t sure what was happening to her.

A moment ago, she’d felt perfectly sober. But the moment Xiao Huai’an picked her up, a wave of dizziness hit her, and she suddenly felt as though she truly might be drunk.

The weightless sensation unsettled her.

Instinctively, she wrapped her arms tightly around Xiao Huai’an’s neck, resting her head against his chest.

Feeling the strong, steady rhythm of his heartbeat, she unexpectedly felt an overwhelming sense of security.

When Xiao Huai’an placed her down gently on the bed, Ye Xin Ran felt an inexplicable sense of loss.

Gripping the sleeve of his robe, she pleaded softly, “Don’t go.”

Xiao Huai’an sat down beside her.

He hadn’t planned to leave, only to fetch a basin of warm water to help wipe her face.

But now, seeing her cling to him like this, he couldn’t bring himself to go.

Ye Xin Ran sat obediently on the bed, hugging her knees. Her long, jet-black hair cascaded over her shoulders, partially concealing her flushed cheeks.

Her usually lively eyes were down cast, giving her the look of someone who’d just been wronged.

Xiao Huai’an’s heart tightened at the sight. In a low, gentle voice, he asked, “What’s wrong?”

Ye Xin Ran blinked her eyes, her voice laced with grievance. “I’m still hungry.”

“We can eat more tomorrow,” Xiao Huai’an coaxed her softly.

A moment of silence passed.

“What if I lied to you? Would you blame me?” Ye Xin Ran suddenly asked.

Xiao Huai’an froze.

He’d seen many people drunk before.

Some cried, some laughed.

Some became chatter boxes, pouring out their hearts all night long.

And others did nothing at all, simply falling into a deep sleep.

But someone like Ye Xin Ran, whose drunken state made her want to confess, was rare.

“What did you lie about?”

Xiao Huai’an’s deep voice carried a hint of allure.

Morally, he knew he shouldn’t take advantage of someone who’d had too much to drink to pry into their secrets.

But emotionally, he couldn’t suppress his curiosity.

What had she lied about? Did she claim he was her favorite while secretly still thinking of Qiao Zi Yu?

Or was it her promise to stay by his side forever, was that the lie?

“I’ll tell you a secret, but you have to promise not to tell anyone else!”

Ye Xin Ran suddenly leaned in close, her breath warm against his face.