Normally, the two only interacted when jogging in the morning and having breakfast. Li Xiuyuan had thought about expanding the scope of their interactions, but some of his ideas were too forced and too obvious.
On the contrary, Wei Ke's farewell banquet was just right, leaving no trace.
Soon, the food and drinks were served, and Wei Ke looked at Li Xiuyuan and asked him to say a few words.
"Mayor Li, please say a few words."
Li Xiuyuan smiled and shook his head: "Don't call me Mayor Li. We're having a private meal here. We're all about the same age. I only graduated a year or two earlier than you. Just call me Xiuyuan. We're all young people, so let's be casual."
“Then let’s call him Brother Li,” Wei Ke said.
“Okay.” Li Xiuyuan nodded and continued, “Actually, when we eat privately, we can be casual. But since Teacher Wei is leaving, let me say a few words of blessing.”
"I wish Teacher Wei a safe journey. Come back and visit often. Even though you're gone, don't forget Meilin Village in the central town." Li Xiuyuan raised his glass, and Wei Ke nodded solemnly: "Don't worry, Brother Li, I won't forget, I won't forget."
Li Xiuyuan only wanted to have a sip as a token gesture. Among the people present, Wei Ke and Su Ziying were both women, and although Xiao Rui was a man, he had a flushed face and somewhat dazed eyes after a few drinks during the extra meal in Meilin Village that night, indicating that his alcohol tolerance was not very high.
But Wei Ke was about to leave and was very excited. Although the wine cup was not big, only about three or four qian (a unit of weight), and everyone poured some out of the decanter, Wei Ke picked it up and drank it all in one gulp.
Wei Ke drank like that, so Xiao Rui followed suit, and Li Xiuyuan could only drink as well. However, he noticed Su Ziying's side, where Su Ziying's glass was also filled with baijiu (Chinese liquor). Clearly, Su Ziying was having some difficulty drinking like that.
However, Li Xiuyuan did not step forward to refuse the drinks. He wanted to win over Su Ziying, not to be her sycophant. When Wei Ke poured the wine at the beginning, he had already said that since the lady could not drink, she should drink tea instead.
But Wei Ke insisted, and Su Ziying didn't refuse, so he definitely wouldn't speak up now.
In addition, when Su Ziying was with him, she was not exactly wary, but they always kept their distance. The line was drawn between them, and neither of them crossed it.
After drinking, they might start saying other things.
Alcohol is a catalyst; whether discussing serious matters or romantic relationships, alcohol can sometimes act as a catalyst.
After watching Su Ziying drink it, Li Xiuyuan saw a faint blush rise on her cheeks. He was looking forward to what would happen next that night. Of course, he had no bad intentions. Even if their conversations were to push the boundaries a little, that would be progress.
After putting down his glass, Wei Ke immediately poured himself another drink and said, "Brother Li, Ziying, Xiao Rui, let me say a few words. I'm going back to the provincial capital tomorrow, and the first person I want to thank is Brother Li. If it weren't for Brother Li..."
As Wei Ke spoke, Li Xiuyuan smiled and shook his head. He didn't take credit, but it was indeed his achievement.
"Secondly, I felt really reluctant to leave Meilin Village this afternoon. Even after I return to the provincial capital, I will not forget Meilin Village. I will continue to send extracurricular books and tutoring materials to the children. If the children lack anything, I will try my best to get it for them..."
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