Ordering was placed first.
Qin Jiujiu could not drink alcohol. At most, she could handle low-alcohol cocktails and pineapple beer, and ancient wines seemed very strong!
As she hesitated, Xiong Er said, "It's deep autumn now, and a pot of osmanthus wine would be the most comfortable! If you try our wine, you'll surely come back!"
He said it with such certainty that Qin Jiujiu suddenly became curious. She changed her mind, "Then bring me a pot of osmanthus wine first!"
"Certainly, please wait a moment! It'll be right up!"
Seeing that he had retained a customer, Xiong Er walked towards the kitchen with a smile.
The system panted, "Crisis temporarily averted! New plot about to be triggered!"
Xiong Er soon returned from the kitchen to Qin Jiujiu. He held a wooden tray with a pot of wine and several cups.
He skillfully set them up in front of Qin Jiujiu, saying, "Guest, your osmanthus wine is here! If you need anything, just call me Xiong Er! I'll be there whenever you call!"
Qin Jiujiu smiled and said, "Okay!"
Xiong Er left cheerfully. Qin Jiujiu scanned the shop's decor. It was indeed a bit simple, incomparable to the large restaurants and teahouses, but it was quiet and cozy, with a pleasant atmosphere.
The proprietress at the counter was extremely beautiful. Although the traces of time were visible, she was still full of charm. She sat there, holding a brush in one hand and manipulating an abacus with the other, as if doing accounts.
Besides the clinking of the abacus beads, there was no other sound in the shop. Qin Jiujiu mused that no one recognized her at this moment, so she could finally let loose, without worrying about breaking character or doing missions.
She turned back and poured herself a cup of wine.
It wasn't as sharp and pungent as she had imagined. Instead, it was sweet and mellow, with distinct layers. At first sip, there was only a faint osmanthus fragrance, but soon she could taste the sweet osmanthus mixed with the wine's sweetness, with a strong aftertaste.
She drank a large gulp and quickly poured a second cup, as if she couldn't get enough. Soon, the pot was empty.
"Waiter, another pot!"
"..."
By the time there were four or five empty wine bottles on the table, Qin Jiujiu was already a bit dazed. Due to the alcohol, her face and ears were flushed, and she lay on the table like a child, a small, huddled figure.
"Qin Jiujiu?" Was that Xie Jing's voice? But Qin Jiujiu wasn't sure. She merely moved her head slightly, then turned in another direction, continuing to lie down.
When Xie Jing entered, he saw a scene of disarray on the table, with four or five empty wine bottles lying askew, and Qin Jiujiu sprawled on the table, mumbling something.
It was obvious she was drunk!
His already simmering anger intensified upon seeing Qin Jiujiu in this drunken state. He stood in front of Qin Jiujiu, blocking her view.
This woman had been drinking from day to night! If he hadn't returned to the General's mansion and not found her, and come looking in this area where they had gone boating, she would have likely been sleeping on the streets today.
This woman had no lady-like demeanor at all. Drinking outside late at night was one thing, and being indiscreet with men was another!
A woman who lacked such virtue would certainly lack marital fidelity in the future!
Thinking of this, he nudged his jaw with his tongue. He was so angry that blood rushed to his head.
He lowered his head and called her name in an unfriendly tone. The woman in front of him merely squinted, then displeasantly turned to lie in another direction.
At this moment, her back was to him, so she naturally didn't notice that Xie Jing was furious.
The system in the background was trembling with fear and had to brace itself, shouting, "Host! Host! The house is on fire! Your backyard is on fire!"
Qin Jiujiu suddenly heard the word "fire" and sprang up from her chair, "Fire? Where is it burning?"
System: If you ignore the great villain any longer, you'll catch fire yourself!
Due to her haste and her head being muddled from drinking, she lost her balance and was about to fall to the ground.
Xie Jing, with quick hands, scooped her into his arms. Embracing her slender waist again, Xie Jing vented his anger into the slim waist that fit perfectly in his palm.
"It hurts! Is the fire burning me? Hurry, save me! Water! Where is the water!"
Xie Jing pinched Qin Jiujiu's waist fiercely. The pain made Qin Jiujiu believe the fire had spread to her. At this moment, her consciousness wasn't clear, and her thoughts weren't rational.
She babbled for help, even trying to struggle out of Xie Jing's arms to get water.
The woman in his arms was very restless, clamoring for water. Xie Jing's head began to ache from the noise, and he somewhat regretted pinching her impulsively. However, his gaze then fell upon Qin Jiujiu's waist.
He would have to pinch her again next time!
He could only patiently coax her, "There's no fire! Open your eyes and look!"
The pain in Qin Jiujiu's waist gradually subsided, and she calmed down. Feeling someone holding her, she struggled even more vigorously.
Could it be that he wanted to take advantage of her while she was drunk?
Thinking of this, Qin Jiujiu stretched out her foot. Her blurry vision focused on a pair of black boots in front of her. Quick and accurate! She stomped down on the black boots, giving Xie Jing a hard kick.
Xie Jing cried out in pain, and the hand holding her waist loosened suddenly. Qin Jiujiu seized the opportunity to slip out of his embrace.
"Ah!" Qin Jiujiu sat down on the ground with a thud, crying out in pain.
Xie Jing gritted his teeth and watched Qin Jiujiu fall due to the loss of balance. His anger dissipated considerably.
System: It seems there are benefits to being foolish! At least you might be adorably foolish...
Xie Jing squatted down, stared at Qin Jiujiu's face, and suddenly remembered the day she returned from Hongxiu Hui. Without much thought, his words blurted out, "Who do you truly like?"
This woman seemed to have the same attitude towards all men, whether it was Xie Yun, Jiang Yan, or Liu Qi. She could always smile so happily!
Only in front of him, when she was clearly afraid, did she pretend to be fawning to approach him!
Qin Jiujiu heard Xie Jing's voice again. This time it was very clear, as if right by her ear. Her consciousness suddenly cleared significantly, and she widened her eyes to look at him.
It really was Xie Jing's face!
Not knowing what emotion she felt, she suddenly shifted her backside, moving further away from him.
Xie Jing's face was darkened, and he stared intently at her. So, after getting drunk, this is your true self!
So, you truly resist my approach! So, your smiles are all fake! But even so, since you've been pretending for so long, you can only continue to pretend! Otherwise... I don't mind turning you into a puppet...
Just like that little rabbit!
He suddenly felt a surge of excitement. His already exceptionally striking face now wore a wicked smile, like a charm that could bewitch the mind!