Chapter 8: The King's Game

Lin Lehan and Pei Yi shared similar personalities, both capable of enlivening the atmosphere. After several rounds of games, the six gradually grew familiar with one another. Then, Lin Lehan proposed something more exciting—the King’s Game.

She brought out a deck of cards and explained the rules. There would be one King card, and the other five cards would be numbered from two to six. Whoever drew the King could designate two numbers among two to six, assigning them a task.

After shuffling, Lin Lehan dealt the cards one by one. The King card landed in Shen Mengxia’s hand, and Shen Mengxia ordered Number Two to carry Number Four in a princess hold for five seconds.

Lin Youqi and Pei Yi revealed their cards—Lin Youqi was Number Two, Pei Yi was Number Four. They glanced at each other and turned away with mutual distaste. Their synchronized movement elicited laughter from the group.

Eventually, Lin Youqi and Pei Yi moved to the empty space in front of the table. Lin Youqi, with obvious reluctance, lifted Pei Yi in a princess carry. After holding for five seconds, he immediately let go. Pei Yi, caught off guard, nearly stumbled but managed to steady himself, then chased after Lin Youqi, grumbling about his poor treatment.

The scene was comical from every angle. Lin Lehan laughed heartily from the side. Wen Jiu and Shen Mengxia grinned widely. Even Gu Zehuai, whose emotions rarely showed, couldn’t help but smile.

In the second round, Shen Mengxia shuffled the cards, and Pei Yi drew the King. Pei Yi, full of fighting spirit, was determined to reclaim his dignity.

He casually chose Number Two and Number Five, instructing them to hug for five seconds.

Wen Jiu reluctantly turned over her card; she was Number Five. She wondered who Number Two was, and across the sofa, Gu Zehuai revealed his card—it was Number Two.

The group erupted in teasing and laughter. Wen Jiu guessed Gu Zehuai might prefer to take a drinking penalty, but he turned to her and asked, “Would you?”

Wen Jiu hesitated for a second, then nodded without delay. She never shied away from games. Besides, the liquor Pei Yi chose was truly potent; if she took a few more penalties, she’d surely end up drunk. She resolved to drink as little as possible.

They rose slowly. Gu Zehuai approached Wen Jiu, opened his arms, and lightly placed his hands on her shoulders, leaving ample space between them, careful not to offend.

At that moment, Wen Jiu caught the faint scent from Gu Zehuai—a fragrance she found pleasant.

Five seconds passed quickly. Gu Zehuai released her and sat down with a blank expression, proceeding to the next round as though unaffected by the previous game. Only he knew his heart was racing out of control.

The subsequent rounds all involved some degree of physical contact, but nothing excessive, so no one escaped unscathed. Some chose to perform the tasks; others opted for the drinking penalty.

Time flew by. Everyone began preparing to leave.

All six had been drinking.

From the start, Wen Jiu had planned to hire a driver, so she drank without worrying about driving home. Gu Zehuai hadn’t had that much, but still couldn’t drive.

Lin Youqi, Lin Lehan, and Shen Mengxia were heading in the same direction, so Lin Youqi suggested they ride together.

Shen Mengxia, concerned for Wen Jiu, said, “Jiujiu, I don’t feel comfortable unless I see you home first.”

Seeing that Shen Mengxia was barely able to stand, it was clear she was thoroughly drunk. Wen Jiu asked Lin Youqi to take Shen Mengxia home.

Shen Mengxia’s company was far from Wen Jiu’s home, and she had work the next day. After drinking, if she went to Wen Jiu’s place, she’d surely be late for work, so Wen Jiu decided to send Shen Mengxia home.

Lin Youqi nodded, and the three got into the car. The driver quickly set off.

Pei Yi had already called his family’s driver ahead of time, and the driver was waiting at the entrance.

That left Gu Zehuai and Wen Jiu at the bar's door.

Gu Zehuai noticed Wen Jiu’s flushed cheeks and unsteady steps, assuming she was drunk. He gently asked, “Can you walk? Should I help you?”

Wen Jiu shook her head. “I’m fine, just feeling the effects of the alcohol. I can manage.”

Gu Zehuai then asked, “Do you want to ride with me?”

Wen Jiu nodded.

Her obedient demeanor, looking so docile in her drunken state, made Gu Zehuai want to pinch her cheek, just as he often did to Gu Yulin.

While waiting for the car, Gu Zehuai called a driver for Wen Jiu, gave instructions, and returned.

They both settled into the back seat together.