Beer was quickly brought over, two cases were placed by the table, and several bottles of red wine were also brought. Judging by the setup, it was clear they intended to drink until they dropped.
Charcoal was lit, and the grill pan was filled with freshly skewered meat.
A Rui opened the beer, and the boys chatted and drank, their hands busy turning the skewers on the grill.
Yue Yue and Yi Fei kept their distance from the grill. The smoke was too thick, and it wasn't good for their skin. The girls huddled upwind, with Yue Yue making some rice balls and cookies.
"This is getting boring. Let's play a game," Da B suggested.
"What should we play?"
"How about 'Truth or Dare'? I'll go get a deck of cards."
"No need for cards. We have empty wine bottles, right? Let's just spin one."
"Sure. Girls, are you joining us?" Although he asked politely, he seemed to already know the girls wouldn't refuse.
"Yes. Let's play together. It'll be more lively with more people," Yue Yue said, seemingly very interested. She grabbed someone by the hand and pulled them towards the table.
Jing Zi, who was in charge of grilling, placed the cooked meat skewers and vegetables in the center of the table.
"Jing Zi, the food is almost ready. Want to join us?" A Ming called out to him.
Truthfully, none of them were very hungry. They just wanted to make a dent in these cases of wine.
"Let me grill a bit more. Don't worry, it'll be quick. You guys start playing first."
By now, night had slowly enveloped the mountain. Darkness fell faster in the mountains than outside, and the sun had already dipped below the peaks. The shadows of the mountain and trees cast a dim, yellowish light over the villa.
Stars began to appear in the sky. The outdoor lights of the villa were turned on, and small fairy lights were strung around the yard, creating a romantic atmosphere.
Cooked meat skewers, vegetables, and some seafood filled the entire table. As Jing Zi placed the newly grilled skewers on the table, A Ming pulled him down to sit.
"Everyone's here. Let's begin."
The group worked together to clear a space in the center of the table. An empty wine bottle, finished by then, was laid horizontally on the cleared spot.
"I'll go first," A Rui said, spinning the bottle. When it stopped, the bottle's mouth pointed at Jing Zi.
"Truth or dare?" everyone chanted.
"T-truth," Jing Zi stammered.
"Okay." A Rui pulled out a box of card-like objects from under the table. "Draw one."
"What is this? You've really prepared everything," Li Yi Ze said, staring intently at what A Rui held. He was genuinely surprised by the completeness of A Rui's preparations.
Lin Yan watched them make exaggerated expressions, as if she were completely unaware. She couldn't help but comment on their terrible acting.
They had clearly set a trap for her, so why pretend to be so innocent? She knew without a doubt that the truth questions and dares would be disadvantageous to her.
However, since they were spinning a bottle, their hopes for tonight might be in vain.
"I'll take this one," Jing Zi said, drawing a card.
Da B snatched it. "When was your first love? That's too easy! It has no challenge. We all know the answer to this."
"I'm lucky, you know that. It was in high school."
"Alright, alright, next, next," Yue Yue urged, spinning the bottle again.
This time, Jing Zi spun the bottle. It whirled rapidly in the cleared space. When it slowly came to a stop, the bottle's mouth pointed at Li Yi Ze.
"Truth or dare?" the question was asked again.
"Dare," Li Yi Ze replied with a hint of resignation.
"Draw a card." A Rui took out another box of cards.