Chapter 163 Inside the restaurant, drunk, Guan Lixin led…
Inside the restaurant, Guan Lixin led everyone to sit down in a private room.
The place we're having dinner at today is a large private room that Guan Lixin booked early this morning. It seats twelve people, and after everyone sat down, there were still about half of the seats empty.
Skinny Monkey craned his neck to peek outside and said, "Brother, I see there's a small private room across the street. Since we haven't ordered yet, let's ask the waiter to move us to that small private room. I saw that it has eight chairs, which is just right for the seven of us. It doesn't look good if the big private room isn't full. Moving to a small private room will save us the cost of a private room."
Guan Lixin: "There are still people who haven't arrived yet."
Skinny Monkey: "Who is it?"
As they were talking, Mingxi led Wei Ning and Zhao Sulan in from outside.
Skinny Monkey: "Oh, Aunt Zhao!"
He quickly pulled out a chair and invited Zhao Sulan to sit down.
"No wonder my brother Guan said some people hadn't arrived yet. I was wondering who it was. Oh, it's you, Aunt Zhao!"
Skinny Monkey: "How have you been lately? I was busy with the store opening with Brother Guan during the Spring Festival this year, so I couldn't visit you to wish you a Happy New Year..."
Zhao Sulan waved her hand: "Hey, why are you being so polite? We're not strangers. Do you think I'd be angry just because you didn't come to pay your respects during the New Year? We don't need to be so polite between us."
The skinny monkey scratched the back of his head and nodded with a smile.
Zhao Sulan: "By the way, how have you been lately? Have you found a boyfriend yet? Didn't you say you wanted to find a boyfriend when we had dinner together last time?"
The last time Skinny Monkey had dinner with Zhao Sulan and Mingxi, he actually mentioned asking Mingxi to help him find a partner.
Mingxi was even thinking of introducing a potential partner to the after-sales person, but then she heard that Shouhou had a crush on an elementary school teacher, so the matter was dropped.
When Mingxi heard Zhao Sulan asking about Shouhou's boyfriend, she immediately looked over with a gossipy expression.
The skinny monkey waved his hand: "Hey, where am I supposed to find a girlfriend? What girl would even look at me?"
Zhao Sulan gave him a disapproving look: "You can't look down on yourself like that. As the saying goes, a person's worth lies in self-respect. Only when you respect yourself can others respect you."
She said, "Besides, I don't think you're lacking anything. To be honest, your circumstances were indeed average before. You didn't have a proper job, your income was unstable, and your family had a heavy burden. But now you're doing business with Lixin, isn't that a legitimate way to make a living? You can earn money and support your family. Compared to others, how are you lacking? Auntie, I don't think you're any less than anyone else!"
Zhao Sulan's words were righteous and forceful, making even the skinny monkey begin to doubt himself.
Mingxi chimed in, "My mom's right, Skinny Monkey, you're just too insecure!"
Skinny Monkey scratched his head. To be honest, because of his family background and the fact that his family's economic conditions had been poor for many years, he was somewhat inferior.
However, feelings of inferiority are not something that can be changed overnight. Mingxi didn't delve into it further, but instead asked, "What about Teacher Ning, whom you had a crush on before? Have you been in contact with her recently?"
The skinny monkey shook his head: "No, Teacher Ning is busy with work, and I'm embarrassed to bother her so often. Besides..."
He paused for a moment and said, "Besides, I saw last time that a male teacher at her school was pursuing her, and Teacher Ning probably has feelings for that guy too. I thought that since she has someone she likes, it's best if I don't bother her."
The skinny monkey's voice grew softer and softer as he spoke. Mingxi hadn't expected things to develop this way. Seeing the skinny monkey's obvious dejection, she forced a smile and was about to say something to comfort him when she saw him wave his hand with a smile.
"Sigh, it's all in the past, it's pointless to bring it up now."
He said nonchalantly, "There's an old saying that goes, 'A man should settle down before building a career.' Right now, I'm just focused on making my business successful. I'll think about finding a partner after my career is more stable."
Mingxi: "Okay, come find me when you have an idea, and I promise to introduce you to a good partner."
Skinny Monkey resumed his usual carefree and jovial manner, laughing as he said, "Okay!"
After everyone was seated again, Guan Lixin introduced Shouhou and Weining to each other. Neither Weining nor the after-sales staff were introverted people, and after exchanging names, they quickly hit it off.
Skinny Monkey: "Comrade Wei, although this is our first meeting, I've known you for a long time."
Mingxi frowned in confusion. What the heck, spiritual communion?
The people at the table didn't understand what the skinny monkey meant by that.
Seeing everyone's puzzled looks, Skinny Monkey smiled and explained, "I've seen Comrade Wei on the posters in the store before."
Guan Lixin: "So what if I've seen the posters in the store? You're making it sound like we're old friends."
Guan Lixin retorted, "I think you've just learned a few words and are using them indiscriminately everywhere."
He Li kicked Guan Lixin under the table.
Guan Lixin got kicked by his wife, but he still had a smile on his face.
"But to be honest, Wei Ning, you and Ming Xi really helped me a lot this time. The poster you two took was posted on the very first day that people started asking about it."
Before Guan Lixin could finish speaking, Skinny Monkey hurriedly added, "That's right. At first, they didn't know we owned a clothing store. The photos of you two were for advertising clothes. They thought the photo of you two was a movie poster, and they even came to our store to ask what movie it was and when it would be released."
Everyone burst into laughter, and Mingxi also chuckled.
Who would have thought that one day she would be mistaken for a movie actress?
Xiao Ming couldn't help but feel a little smug.
Skinny Monkey: "Later, when Brother Guan and I explained to people, they realized that we sell clothes and the two people in the photo are models. Everyone thought you two were a real couple."
At this point, the skinny monkey couldn't help but touch his chin.
Hey, looking at it this way, Wei Ning and Ming Xi are actually quite a good match.
Skinny Monkey wasn't very cultured, but he felt that Wei Ning and Ming Xi were a perfect match, both in terms of looks.
It just so happens that these two are sitting together today, and there's an atmosphere of pink bubbles between them. From the perspective of Skinny Monkey, it seems that there's an invisible barrier between them and everyone else at the table.
Guan Lixin didn't notice the skinny monkey's gaze and just chimed in, "That's right. There were quite a few people who thought Mingxi and Weining were a couple today. But this also proves the success of my strategy. More than twenty female comrades specifically asked to buy the jackets that Xiaowei and Mingxi were wearing in the photos. They said they wanted to buy a set so they could wear it with their partners."
Guan Lixin raised his glass as he spoke: "Speaking of this, I have to toast Wei Ning and Ming Xi. If it weren't for you two, the business in the store would definitely not be as good as it is today."
After saying that, he downed the tea in his cup.
Mingxi objected: "Hey, isn't this a bit insincere? If you're thanking us, you should at least offer us a toast. What's with this tea? And is it enough to just toast us? Don't you also thank Lin Xi and Xu Fei?"
"What are you thanking me for?"
Look how coincidental! Mingxi had barely finished speaking when Xu Fei pushed open the door and walked in.
Mingxi said with a smile, "We said we'd have Guan Lixin offer the toast..."
After everyone offered their explanations, Xu Fei, who had arrived late, finally understood what was going on. As he sat down, he said, "No, no, if you want to thank me, you can't just use tea to appease me."
He laughed and said, "I'm here today to get you drunk."
Guan Lixin made an exaggeratedly bitter face: "Then I'm doomed today."
Everyone chatted and laughed, and when everyone had arrived, Guan Lixin waved to the waiter and told him that the food could be served.
The waiter responded and quickly went to notify the kitchen. The kitchen staff acted swiftly, and the waiter returned to serve the cold dishes.
After the four cold dishes were served, the hot dishes began to be served one after another, and soon the table was full. At this time, the waiter also brought over the wine, and Guan Lixin immediately filled a glass and stood up.
"Today's first toast is to everyone. My clothing store wouldn't have been possible without the help of everyone at this table."
Guan Lixin's eyes were slightly red: "I won't say more, it's all in the wine, I'll drink it."
As he spoke, he tilted his head back and downed the wine in his glass in one gulp, which stunned everyone. Although they said they were going to get Guan Lixin drunk tonight, they were just joking.
Who would have thought Guan Lixin was serious?
Xu Fei quickly stopped him from drinking: "No need, no need, Lao Guan, there's no need. We're just joking around, there's no need to actually drink so much."
Guan Lixin waved his hand, a relaxed smile appearing on his face: "No, I wanted to drink it myself. I'm happy today. My clothing store is finally open. No one can say I'm a speculator or that I'm not doing my proper business anymore. No one can point their finger at me and tell the police to arrest me..."
Guan Lixin kept muttering to himself. Mingxi and Shouhou looked at He Li worriedly. He Li waved her hand and whispered, "It's okay, let him drink it."
Seeing this, Skinny Monkey raised his glass and drank with Guan Lixin.
For the past two years, he had worked with Guan Lixin in the black market, set up stalls together, and traveled to unfamiliar places to purchase goods. He knew best how difficult things had been for Guan Lixin, and listening to Guan Lixin's words, he couldn't help but be moved by his emotions.
Mrs. Guan couldn't stand it anymore and stopped the two of them: "What are you two doing? Today is the opening day, we came out to celebrate, why are you drinking alone?"
Father Guan: "Yes, we're all out celebrating together today. So, I propose we all raise a glass in celebration, what do you say?"
Mingxi raised her glass in agreement: "Come on, let's all drink this together."
"Yeah, come on, let's all do one together."
"Let's do one..."
Guan Lixin and Shouhou also raised their glasses and stood up. Guan Lixin said, "Okay, let's drink one together. This way, I wish my shop business will get better and better."
Mingxi: "Okay, I wish the store business will get better and better, and may wealth come rolling in!"
Everyone raised their glasses and drank together. After putting down their glasses, Mingxi, at Guan's mother's urging, began to eat heartily.
Guan Lixin was really happy today, raising his glass to toast people all the time. Mingxi also drank quite a bit. In the end, Guan Lixin couldn't hold on any longer and slammed his head on the table, passing out drunk.
He Li smiled helplessly: "Never mind him, let's continue eating."
She urged everyone not to be shy and to eat as much as they wanted. Wei Ning smiled, poured a cup of tea, and was about to push it to Ming Xi sitting next to her when she noticed that Ming Xi's eyes were wide open in a daze.
"Mingxi? Mingxi?"
Wei Ning raised his hand and waved it in front of Ming Xi's eyes. Ming Xi was attracted by his gesture, tilted her head, and slowly blinked her eyes: "Hmm?"
It was only then that Wei Ning realized that Ming Xi was also drunk.
Fortunately, Mingxi had good manners when drunk. She didn't make a fuss when she was drunk. She just sat obediently on the stool. If you ignored her blank stare and slow reactions, you probably wouldn't notice anything wrong with her.
Wei Ning pushed the freshly poured tea in front of Ming Xi: "You're drunk, have a sip to sober up?"
Mingxi slowly lowered her head, staring intently at the teacup in front of her for a long time, as if analyzing what it was.
Finally, as if she had finally figured out what the teacup in front of her was, she picked it up with both hands, took a small sip, and then wrinkled her face and complained to Wei Ning with a wronged expression.
"It's bitter and doesn't taste good."
Wei Ning was taken aback for a moment, then burst out laughing.
The tea on the table was complimentary from the restaurant. Since it was complimentary, it was naturally not good tea; it was just ordinary tea leaves. Perhaps because they were worried that the tea leaves wouldn't be strong enough, they put a lot of them in the teapot. In addition, they steeped it for a long time, so the tea didn't taste very good and had a slightly astringent taste.
However, it's rare to see Mingxi looking at things with such childlike disdain.
Hearing his laughter, Mingxi looked up, her large, clear eyes staring straight at him: "Are you laughing at me?"
Wei Ning covered his mouth with his hand and coughed lightly: "Cough, no, I wasn't laughing at you."
Mingxi, who was drunk, was easy to coax. When she heard Wei Ning say that, she said "Oh" and looked away.
Seeing Mingxi bury her head again, frowning and staring at the teacup on the table as if she were having an internal struggle with it, Wei Ning coaxed her softly, "Good girl, drink this tea to sober up, otherwise you'll have a headache tomorrow morning."
Mingxi was slow to react. It took her a while to process what Wei Ning meant. She shook her head and said, "No, I don't want a headache."
Wei Ning: "Don't worry about your headache, just drink this cup of tea, okay?"
Mingxi frowned, agonizing for a long time.
She didn't want a headache, but she also didn't want to drink bitter tea.
But Wei Ning kept talking incessantly, which annoyed her.
Mingxi's face scrunched up as the effects of the alcohol washed over her. She felt like her head was a complete mess and she couldn't think straight at all, and Wei Ning was still bothering her at this time.
She's about to throw a tantrum.
Mingxi raised her hand and slapped Wei Ning across the face.
Before Wei Ning could react, he felt Ming Xi's hand suddenly slam into his face.
He froze, momentarily forgetting to continue urging Mingxi to drink tea.
Mingxi was satisfied after successfully silencing the annoying person.
She raised her head, swaying slightly, and after aiming at her target, buried her face in Wei Ning's arms and fell asleep immediately.
Her hand hadn't even left Wei Ning's face yet.
Wei Ning: ...
To be honest, the way Mingxi hit him—no, if you ask Wei Ning—couldn't even be called a hit. Mingxi was drunk; her hands were limp and weak, she had no strength at all. If you really want to say it, it was just a little touch.
Wei Ning naturally wouldn't hold such a grudge against Ming Xi. He carefully removed Ming Xi's arm and adjusted her position so that she could sleep more comfortably in his arms.
Throughout the process, he was extremely careful and tiptoeing, afraid that he might accidentally wake Mingxi.
However, Wei Ning was clearly overthinking it. Ming Xi was fast asleep, and no matter how Wei Ning tried to move her, she showed no signs of waking up.
The private room was crowded and lively, and for a moment, no one noticed Wei Ningmingxi's little corner.
As night deepened, everyone was full and ready to leave, and it was getting late. It was then that Zhao Sulan noticed her eldest daughter sleeping soundly in Wei Ning's arms.
Noticing the look Zhao Sulan was giving him, Wei Ning instantly tensed up.
Although Zhao Sulan didn't seem to object to his pursuit of Mingxi, he was still very uneasy when Zhao Sulan saw him in close contact with Mingxi.
He was afraid that Zhao Sulan would have a problem with him.
He quickly explained, "Mingxi was drunk, and she just drifted off to sleep..."
Actually, even without Wei Ning's explanation, just by looking at their posture, it's clear that Ming Xi took the initiative to snuggle into Wei Ning's arms.
Zhao Sulan: "Cough cough, it's alright. Let me take care of Mingxi, I'll support her."
She stepped forward, intending to pull Mingxi out of Wei Ning's arms, but the moment her hand touched Mingxi, she heard Mingxi whimper, then frown and wave her hand, seemingly blaming Zhao Sulan for disturbing her sleep.
Immediately afterwards, she burrowed even deeper into Wei Ning's arms, pressing her head against his chest and wrapping her arms around his strong waist.
Zhao Sulan didn't show it on her face, but she felt somewhat embarrassed inside.
Does his eldest daughter have feelings for Wei Ning? If she does, Wei Ning has been pursuing her for a while, but he hasn't heard of any progress in their relationship. But if she doesn't, why is she suddenly throwing herself into Wei Ning's arms like that, acting like a complete stranger?
Wei Ning looked even more embarrassed than Zhao Sulan. He had taken off his coat while eating, and now he was only wearing a sweater. He could clearly feel Ming Xi's hot breath hitting his skin wrapped in the sweater.
His face flushed red, and he didn't know what to do with his hands.
Seeing Wei Ning like this, Zhao Sulan felt even more embarrassed. She coughed twice to clear her throat and then nudged Ming Xi's shoulder: "Xi Bao, Xi Bao, wake up. Let's go home and sleep. Let's go home and lie in bed to sleep, okay?"
Zhao Sulan called for a while before Mingxi slowly opened her eyes.
"Um?"
Mingxi was clearly not awake yet; her eyes were glazed over, and her reactions were still slow.
When Zhao Sulan saw that she was awake, she breathed a sigh of relief and said, "It's getting late, we should go home. Let's go home and sleep."
"oh--"
Mingxi puffed out her cheeks and let out a drawn-out "Oh," managing to wriggle out of Wei Ning's arms. However, she swayed precariously and looked like she was about to fall, so Wei Ning reached out and grabbed her, worried that she might fall.
Mingxi swayed unsteadily, then turned and buried her head in Wei Ning's arms again.
Zhao Sulan was speechless.
His daughter was like a magnet, sticking to Wei Ning.
Wei Ning: "Um, Aunt Zhao, how about I take Mingxi home? I just happened to ride my bike here today."
Mingxi is in such a state that she definitely can't walk back, so Weining rode his bicycle over, which makes it convenient for him to take Mingxi back.
"Okay, then I'll trouble you." Zhao Sulan had no choice but to agree. Mingxi was so drunk and clinging to Wei Ning that she couldn't pull her away. Even if she could, it would be a hassle to take Mingxi home later.
To take care of the drunkard, Wei Ning didn't continue exchanging pleasantries with the others. He simply greeted He Li and then half-carried, half-supported Ming Xi out of the restaurant.
Stepping out of the hotel, a gust of wind made Mingxi feel much more awake.
At least he's no longer clinging to Wei Ning, but he still walks unsteadily, like a dragon, unable to walk in a straight line.
She was in high spirits, her eyes were bright and clear, shining like stars even in the pitch-black night.
Mingxi pointed to the sky: "Stars, there are so many stars in the sky, so beautiful, so pretty."
"This is the Big Dipper, this is Sagittarius, look, look, if you draw these in a line, it forms an arrow..."
Mingxi tugged at Weining's arm, trying to respond. Weining hummed twice and coaxed her into the car: "Let's get in the car and look at the stars, okay?"
"Okay~" Mingxi was as easy to coax as ever.
Mingxi sat on the back of the bicycle. Wei Ning was worried that the little drunkard might not be able to sit still and would fall off halfway, so he told her to hold onto the corner of his clothes.
Unexpectedly, Mingxi wrapped her arms around his waist.
She was afraid Wei Ning didn't know, so she sweetly called out, "I'm ready, let's go!"
Wei Ning was taken aback for a moment, but quickly regained his composure. After all, Ming Xi was drunk, and one couldn't expect a drunkard to be judged by the logic of a normal person.
He stepped on the pedal: "Let's go."
With a drunkard sitting behind him, Wei Ning didn't dare to ride too fast this time. As the bike slowly drove around two street corners, he suddenly heard Ming Xi shout from behind, "Wait, stop!"
Wei Ning immediately slammed on the brakes, braced his feet on the ground, and turned around anxiously to ask, "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Are you going to throw up?"
Mingxi shook her head, then pointed mischievously to the sky and said, "I think the moon is so beautiful tonight."
Wei Ning breathed a sigh of relief. He had thought something was wrong with Ming Xi, but it turned out the moon was just beautiful.
Mingxi was not satisfied with his reaction, so she pulled him up to look. A half-moon hung in the sky, its white light complementing the twinkling stars, creating a truly beautiful scene.
Wei Ning sincerely exclaimed, "Yes, it looks good."
"Isn't it beautiful?"
Mingxi glanced at Wei Ning with a smug look, as if to say, "See? If it weren't for me, you wouldn't be able to appreciate such a beautiful moon."
Seeing her like this, Wei Ning couldn't help but smile again.
Just then, Mingxi suddenly looked over.
She stared intently at Wei Ning for a long while before blurting out, "The moon is beautiful, I like the moon. You are beautiful too, I like you too."
Wei Ning's heart skipped a beat, then began to pound wildly. In that instant, it felt as if a mad rabbit was beating wildly inside his chest, and he could even clearly hear the sound of his heartbeat.
thump, thump, thump
Wei Ning said in a hoarse voice, "I...I like you too."
"Oh." Mingxi nodded, yawned, and said, "I'm sleepy, I'm going home to sleep."
Wei Ning was almost caught off guard. He stared at Ming Xi, who was sitting obediently and waiting for him to start the bicycle, for a long time before letting out a helpless, bitter laugh.
Mingxi was drunk; what could he possibly argue with a drunkard?
He turned around, restarted the bike, and continued riding towards Mingxi's house.
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