Chapter 73: Drunken Promise (Part 1)

"Bamboo Pavilion" in the western suburbs of Haicheng.

While the name sounds elegant, it's actually a top-tier private club, open only to a select group of people. Tucked away in a bamboo forest, the resort boasts whitewashed walls and green tiles, winding paths, and a unique and understated wabi-sabi aesthetic. At night, warm yellow paper lanterns adorn the corridors, illuminating the meticulously trimmed pine and cypress bonsai, while the air is filled with the refreshing fragrance of bamboo.

Inside the private room "Tingsong Pavilion", however, the scene was quite different.

The huge floor-to-ceiling windows framed the undulating silhouettes of a bamboo sea against the night sky. The room felt cozy and warm. Seven or eight people sat around a massive black walnut dining table. The cuisine was top-notch Huaiyang private banquet, and the wines were aged Maotai and Burgundy Grand Cru. The atmosphere was warm and relaxed, with the familiarity and hustle and bustle of old friends gathering together.

Yu Ling sat next to Zhao Chen, wearing a smoky gray velvet dress that Zhao Chen had prepared in advance. It was minimalist in cut, yet felt extraordinary in texture. She tried to maintain a proper smile as she listened to the conversation and laughter of the familiar and unfamiliar faces at the table.

These people were clearly Zhao Chen's "friends." They weren't dressed in formal suits, but casually, yet each piece of clothing was priceless. Their conversation touched on topics completely unfamiliar to Yu Ling—a recently concluded Antarctic research expedition sponsorship, a rare abstract painting that set a new record at Sotheby's, the development rights to a newly discovered rare metal vein in a small country... Their topics ranged wildly, yet their understatement revealed a staggering wealth and power.

Their politeness toward Ling was tempered by a subtle scrutiny and curiosity. Their glances swept over her with assessment and a hint of knowing amusement. Clearly, Zhao Chen's "mysterious flash marriage wife" was no longer a secret in their circle.

"Sister-in-law, don't be shy!" A young man wearing a sexy printed shirt and pigtails (introduced as Leo) sitting diagonally opposite Yu Ling raised his glass with a smile, "Brother Chen has been hiding well! Today I finally see the real person! I must toast to my sister-in-law!" His voice was loud and clear, with a familiar and heroic air.

"Yes! Cheers to my sister-in-law!" The others also agreed with a smile, and their eyes were all focused on Yu Ling.

Yu Ling held her wine glass, her fingertips slightly cold. This kind of situation was too unfamiliar to her, and being surrounded by a group of "friends" with unfathomable backgrounds made her feel uneasy. She subconsciously glanced at Zhao Chen beside her, her eyes filled with a hint of dependence, seeking help.

Zhao Chen was peeling a drunken crab slowly and gracefully. Catching Yu Ling's gaze, his lips curled slightly, and he put down the crab shell. His slender fingers naturally lifted the glass of crystal-clear baijiu in front of him.

"She can't drink much, as long as the meaning is conveyed." He spoke in a low voice, with his usual gentle smile, and swept his eyes over everyone, but with an invisible, unquestionable pressure, "I'll drink this cup for her." As soon as the voice fell, he raised his head and a glass of spicy Moutai was instantly empty.

"Wow! Brother Chen, the wife-protecting maniac, is here!" Leo yelled, slamming his fist on the table and cheering, "You can drink for me! But you have to pay double! Don't you agree, brothers?!"

"Double it! Double it!" There was a sudden chorus of agreement at the table, and the atmosphere became even more lively.

Zhao Chen didn't refuse. A hint of resignation and indulgence etched in his amber eyes, he gestured for the waiter to pour another glass. He drank it without blinking, his movements smooth and his Adam's apple rolling with a carefree, sexy air.

Yu Ling watched him block the wine for her, watched him remain calm despite the jeers from the crowd, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart. He always stood firmly in front of her when she needed him most.

However, this is just the beginning.

The following day seemed to become Zhao Chen's "Good Friday." He became the absolute center of attention at the table. Old friends would have a drink to reminisce, to close a project, or even to simply enjoy the swaying bamboo trees outside the window. The reasons were varied, but their sole purpose was to get him drunk.

Zhao Chen accepted everything, a gentle smile plastered on his face as he downed one glass after another, white wine and then red wine. He seemed to have a good alcohol tolerance; his eyes remained clear, his speech was still orderly, but his fair skin gradually took on a faint red, spreading from his ears to his neck. Under the warm yellow light of the private room, it took on a breathtaking, vibrant hue. Even his usually clear and steady breath was tinged with the rich aroma of wine, becoming hot and alluring.

Yu Ling watched with trepidation. She quietly tugged at his shirt under the table, whispering, "Drink less..." But Zhao Chen simply tilted his head and gave her a soothing smile. His amber eyes, shimmering with alcohol, held a rare, almost voluptuous allure. He reached under the table and grasped her slightly cool hand, his fingertips gently tickling her palm, a silent soothing and teasing gesture.

Yu Ling's heart beat faster and her cheeks became hot due to his grip and tickling, and she could no longer utter any words of persuasion.

After three rounds of wine and five dishes, the party is drawing to a close.

As Zhao Chen stumbled out of the private room, his cool, steady presence now obscured by the heavy stench of alcohol. His steps were unsteady, his tall frame swaying slightly, almost half his weight resting on Yu Ling's thin shoulders. His scorching heat, transmitted through the thin fabric of her clothes, burned Yu Ling's skin.

"Brother Chen is so nice today!" Leo said with a big smile, waving to the driver and bodyguard Acheng (Yu Ling had met him several times) who came to pick him up, "Sister-in-law, Brother Chen is in your hands! I will make sure you get him home safely!" After that, he and a group of friends who were also staggering got into their respective cars and drove away.

The driver, Ah Cheng, silently opened the car door. Yu Ling struggled to get Zhao Chen, who was practically hanging on her, into the back seat of the Rolls-Royce.

His tall body sank into the soft leather seat, his head tilted to one side, his eyes closed, his thick lashes casting a small shadow under his eyes. His breathing was a little rapid, with a strong smell of alcohol. The powerful aura that usually controlled everything was gone, leaving only the vulnerability and defenselessness of drunkenness.

The car drove smoothly into the night. The dazzling cityscape outside the window quickly receded. The car was completely silent, with only the sound of Zhao Chen's heavy breathing.

Yu Ling sat sideways, carefully supporting his slightly slumped body and letting him lean on her shoulder. Seeing his handsome face flushed with drunkenness, his furrowed brow, and his slightly dry lips, she felt incredibly distressed. She picked up a bottle of mineral water from the car, unscrewed it, and brought it to his lips, her voice soft as if coaxing a child: "Husband, drink some water?"

Zhao Chen seemed to have heard her, his thick eyelashes trembling, but he didn't open his eyes. He obediently opened his mouth slightly, and with Yu Ling's hand, he took a few sips of water. The cool liquid slid down his throat, and he seemed to feel a little better, his frown slightly loosening.

After finishing the water, he didn't leave Yu Ling's shoulder. Instead, he leaned in closer, as if he had found the most reassuring harbor. His scalding forehead pressed against her slightly cool neck, his hot breath spraying on her sensitive collarbone, carrying the rich smell of alcohol and a heart-wrenching attachment.

"Lingling..." He murmured vaguely, his voice hoarse and broken, with a strong sense of drunkenness and a strange sense of dependence. His arms unconsciously raised and tightly wrapped around Yu Ling's waist, locking her firmly in his hot arms.

Yu Ling was held so tightly by him that she couldn't move. She could only maintain her position stiffly, but her heartbeat was accelerating wildly because of his vague call and complete dependence. She gently patted his back: "Yes, I'm here."

"Lingling..." he called again, his voice filled with an almost stubborn certainty. Then, he raised his head, his misty, watery amber eyes focused intently on Ling's face. His gaze had lost its usual depth and sharpness, leaving only pure, childlike dependence and a deep, unwavering affection.

He looked at her for a long time, as if he wanted to carve her appearance into the depths of his soul. Then, he leaned in close, his hot lips almost touching Yu Ling's earlobe. His breath was hot and smelled of wine. Every word he spoke was like a bullet coated in honey, piercing Yu Ling's heart.

"Lingling... I will... always protect you..." His voice was low and vague, but with an unquestionable firmness, as if he was making a vow that was more important than his life.