Chapter Twenty: A Meal
Sweeping his gaze across the crowd, he saw that everyone was feigning revelry, pretending to be lost in pleasure, yet ready to slip away at any moment to save themselves. The woman beside him picked up a bottle, intending to pour Lin Shuo a drink, but he simply turned his glass upside down on the table. Witnessing this, the others naturally understood he wished to drink no more; in such circumstances, none would risk making a fool of themselves. Only Xiaoxiao, contrary to all expectations, took an interest. Swaying unsteadily, she rose from her chair, holding her glass aloft. At Manager Huang’s request, she wore a pink dress tonight, delicate as the apricot blossoms of early spring—so alluring it seemed to seep into the very bones. She stretched out her arm, pointing straight at his half-smiling face, her words perfectly measured for the occasion: “It’s a rare honor to dine with you, Mr. Lin. It would be terribly rude not to propose a toast.” He lifted his gaze, his dark eyes seeming almost to pierce through his lids and fix upon her, his expression unfathomable. All present felt a pang of concern for her, yet they were also curious to see how the impeccably mannered young master Lin might lose his temper—after all, one seldom witnessed a hero snatching the tiger’s tooth. Amazingly, Xiaoxiao felt a hint of pride, as if defying his so-called rules might bring her a measure of balance and comfort.
For a long moment, Lin Shuo did not right his glass; once overturned, it remained so. Yet Xiaoxiao stood there still, her smile unwavering. Everyone thought her a fool. In this world, there are two sorts unworthy of sympathy: those blessed but unaware of their fortune, and those who knowingly do the impossible. In their eyes, four years ago, she was the former; four years later, she had become the latter—thus, least deserving of pity. Hua Mei wanted to tug her down to her seat, but Lin Shuo suddenly laughed, a laugh bright and unrestrained. Everyone instinctively let out a breath of relief. Only Xiaoxiao felt a chill to her core, for she alone saw the anger hidden deep within his eyes—dark as the midnight sea. Her arm began to ache, but he slowly rose, leaned over, and took the glass from her hand, downing it in one swift, graceful motion, leaving the onlookers stunned. He then refilled the glass himself and slid it before her. “It is only polite to reciprocate,” he said. A faint discomfort rose within her, as if every drop of wine she’d drunk had triggered a chemical reaction in her stomach, making her heart ache with a soft, sour burn.
“Won’t you drink?” Lin Shuo prompted her gently, a reminder that resistance was not an option. She returned his gaze with a poised smile, picked up the glass, and drained it in one gulp. Perhaps tonight’s wine was too bitter, too strong, for even someone of her tolerance felt her head spin as she sank lightly into her chair. Hua Mei pushed her glass away, concerned. “Don’t drink anymore.” Stubbornly, Xiaoxiao pulled it back and poured herself another. She sensed someone watching her; unsurprisingly, it was Lin Shuo. Even the woman beside him was staring, her eyes brimming with hostility. Xiaoxiao found the scene absurdly amusing and couldn’t help but laugh aloud, turning to the woman with piqued interest. “What are you looking at?”
The woman withdrew her gaze, disgruntled, and snuggled closer to Lin Shuo. He, in turn, played his part, slipping an arm around her shoulders and twirling a lock of her curled hair between his fingers—part affection, part provocation.
Lonely Hours, No Talk of Love 20_Chapter Twenty: Dinner—Update Complete!