Chapter 60 Drunkenness
Peng Chengyi felt as if her heart had been gently bumped by something, and it skipped a beat for no apparent reason.
She quickly looked down, her fingers rapidly tapping the screen, trying to hide her sudden panic: "What did I see? A sunset? It's quite a surprise."
After sending it, she couldn't help but quickly glance at it.
The figure on the opposite balcony seemed to lower his head slightly, his shoulders shrugging gently. Even from this distance, she could almost hear his lazy chuckle coming from his throat, and imagine his slightly irritating expression.
Sure enough, the phone screen lit up immediately afterward.
Chen Yubai: "Pretending to be blind?"
Peng Chengyi's finger hovered over the screen for a moment, then he deliberately and perfunctorily glanced up at the other side again before lowering his eyes and typing a serious reply: "Oh, now that you've reminded me, upon closer inspection, I realize there's also this dog in the sunset."
Chen Yubai: "..."
Even through the screen, you could feel his frustrated expression. Peng Chengyi couldn't help but smile slightly, and the inexplicable panic she had felt earlier was somewhat relieved: "I haven't finished hanging up my clothes yet, so I'll head back first. You can enjoy the scenery at your leisure."
Just as she was about to turn around, her phone vibrated again.
Chen Yubai: "We live so close, shall we have dinner together later?"
Peng Chengyi paused for a moment. Although the two had just reconciled, the idea of wanting to live an independent university life had not changed.
Having her first dinner with her roommate was clearly a better choice for the start of her new life.
She hesitated for a few seconds, then declined: "Never mind, I want to eat with my roommate tonight, so we can get to know each other better."
The reply came quickly, just one simple word: "Okay."
His tone was so flat that it revealed no emotion.
Peng Chengyi subconsciously looked up and saw the boy on the opposite balcony stuff his phone into his pocket, then lazily straighten up, not glancing in her direction again. With one hand in his pocket, he turned around, pushed open the glass door leading to the dormitory, and disappeared into the room.
The evening breeze suddenly seemed a bit chilly, making her feel inexplicably empty inside.
She held her phone, stood on the balcony for a few more seconds, and then turned around and went back to her dormitory.
-
After settling into the dormitory, I didn't have a moment's rest for the next two days.
They picked up books, got meal cards, got SIM cards, and bought daily necessities... The group ran all over campus like they were leveling up in a game. When they finally sat back down at their desks in the dorm, before they could even catch their breath, Peng Chengyi's phone vibrated in his pocket.
Upon opening it, I found it was a group notification for the welcome dinner that evening.
She turned to her roommates and asked, "Did you see the group message? Are you going?"
"Go! We have to go!" Wu Xian immediately raised his hand, scrolling through his phone while lowering his voice mysteriously, "Because I saw that the senior who's taking care of our class is Ke Xingjian!"
"Ke Xingjian?" Meng Yuqing, who was tidying up the bookshelf, pushed up her glasses and looked up in confusion. "Who is he? Is he very powerful?"
"He's more than just handsome! He's the most handsome guy in the Computer Science department!" Wu Xian instantly switched into explanation mode. "Didn't you guys see him on orientation day? That senior in the black T-shirt at the registration desk, with that super sunny smile! He got tons of stares!"
"I was so focused on filling out the form that I didn't notice..." Meng Yuqing smiled shyly.
“However—” Wu Xian changed the subject, his eyes full of meaning, “Compared to our Chengcheng’s childhood friend, Ke Xingjian is still a bit lacking.”
“I actually prefer Ke Xingjian’s type,” Fang Hao said leisurely. “He’s warm and sunny, and seems easy to get along with. Chengcheng, your childhood friend… he’s handsome, but he’s a bit cold and not easy to approach.”
"You only caught a glimpse of him from afar at the stairwell, how can you jump to conclusions so quickly?" Wu Xian retorted.
"I ran into him when I picked up my books this morning. I was hoping to strike up a conversation through Chengcheng's connection, but he was incredibly taciturn and as cold as the Arctic wind. Our conversation ended after three seconds." Fang Hao helplessly shrugged.
"But he was quite considerate when he brought Chengcheng here yesterday, wasn't he?" Wu Xian raised an eyebrow and turned to ask Peng Chengyi, "Right?"
“Uh…” Peng Chengyi pursed her lips and chuckled awkwardly, “He’s a bit cold to girls, but he’s fine with guys.”
“But aren’t you a girl too?” Fang Hao immediately seized on the loophole.
Peng Chengyi coughed lightly: "I'm his brother, and I used to be his boss, so I can't be considered a girl."
"..."
Fang Hao and Wu Xian exchanged a glance, their gossip-loving sparks instantly igniting. Fang Hao curled her lips into a smile and asked tentatively, "Is it possible that he treats you differently because he likes you?"
"..."
As expected, what was bound to happen eventually did happen.
This familiar flavor, this standard gossip process, is simply a perfect replica of Zheng Xinyue No. 1 and No. 2.
Peng Chengyi sighed inwardly and skillfully recounted their childhood friendship to their eighteen years of bickering, emphasizing the pure brotherhood between her and Chen Yubai.
The two then temporarily stopped their activities and excitedly began planning their dinner.
"By the way, how about we put on some makeup tonight?" Wu Xian suggested.
"Huh? It's just eating at the school gate, why do I need to put on makeup?" Peng Chengyi asked, puzzled. In her worldview, makeup was a step only required for stage performances or extremely important occasions.
“Because there’s a handsome senior here! First impressions are so important! And I heard that Ke Xingjian is still single.” Wu Xian blinked.
"..." Peng Chengyi was speechless.
Seeing that she wasn't getting it, Wu Xian simply rolled up her sleeves: "If you don't know how to do it, I'll help you. I spent a month watching beauty blogger tutorials during the summer vacation, just waiting to find guinea pigs!"
"I... forget it." Peng Chengyi waved her hand weakly.
"No way! You have such a good foundation, you'll look absolutely stunning with makeup!" Wu Xian was already itching to try.
So, surrounded by the atmosphere of "Don't hesitate, trust me," Peng Chengyi was half-heartedly pushed into the chair and officially embarked on the journey of becoming an experimental subject.
"Come on, close your eyes." Wu Xianqi applied the makeup primer, spreading it out little by little with her fingertips.
The cool touch on her cheek made Peng Chengyi involuntarily shrink her neck slightly, like a kitten being teased.
"Your skin is so good, I don't even have anything to cover up," Wu Xian exclaimed, casually applying a light layer of foundation, which gave her already clear skin a soft, matte finish, making her look even cleaner.
Next, Wu Xian picked out a shimmery brown-orange palette and patiently blended it on her eyelids, carefully extending the outer corners of her eyes.
After the delicate eyeliner was drawn, Peng Chengyi's already clear eyes suddenly became even brighter.
Finally, Wu Xian picked out a lip gloss with a hint of watery red and gently applied it to her lips. The thin layer of color instantly made her look vibrant, like a ripe cherry in summer.
"Completed!"
Wu Xian clapped his hands in satisfaction and pushed her to sit in front of the mirror. Peng Chengyi stared blankly at the somewhat unfamiliar self in the mirror, feeling that the makeup was almost as heavy as when she used to perform on stage, and couldn't help but hesitate to ask, "Isn't this... a bit too exaggerated?"
"Exaggerated? Are you kidding me!" Wu Xian's eyes widened immediately, still holding the makeup brush in her hand, as if afraid that she would remove it at the slightest provocation. "This is the lightest and most natural makeup I can give you. Any lighter and it will look like you're wearing no makeup at all."
“Yeah, that’s right,” Fang Hao also leaned over to look her up and down, her eyes sparkling with obvious amazement. “Chengcheng, you look so cute with this makeup on, I want to give you a kiss.”
Meng Yuqing nodded, her tone as gentle as ever: "It really looks good, it's not an exaggeration, you're just not used to it yet."
After being persuaded by the three people in turn, Peng Chengyi could only purse her lips and give up, leaving the dormitory.
-
As dusk settled, the small restaurants near the school gate were already fully booked. When I pushed open the door to the private room, I found it already filled with students, creating a lively atmosphere.
Ke Xingjian peeked out from the crowd, smiling casually, and pulled out a chair next to him: "Peng Chengyi, you're here, come and sit down."
His voice wasn't loud, but it seemed to possess an invisible magnetic field, instantly drawing all eyes in the private room to her.
Peng Cheng's heart tightened, and without bothering to find another seat, he hurriedly lowered his head and sat down.
The moment her bottom touched the chair, Wu Xian, who was standing next to her, couldn't wait any longer and asked in a low voice, "Wait, wait! You two know each other?!"
"Ah... I guess so." Peng Chengyi was taken aback by the question before briefly explaining her connection with Ke Xingjian from high school.
"So he plays in a band too!" Wu Xian's voice immediately rose, then he quickly lowered it again. "The campus heartthrob plus he plays in a band, what kind of novel protagonist setup is this? He suddenly seems even more handsome!"
Peng Chengyi couldn't help but curl the corners of her mouth slightly: "So what? I play in a band too."
"Huh? Really?!" Wu Xian was stunned, clearly not expecting her to have this side to her.
"I played around with it a little bit in high school, but of course I wasn't as professional as him," Peng Chengyi said with an embarrassed smile.
"So are you the lead singer or the guitarist?" Fang Hao also came over with a curious look.
“The guitarist.” Peng Chengyi paused, then added, “The lead singer is Chen Yubai, and he also plays bass.”
Fang Hao's eyes widened instantly: "The bassist and lead singer is amazing! Oh no, now it's hard to say who's better between him and Ke Xingjian in my heart! What kind of battle of gods is this!"
"Stop chatting for now, let's see what you'd like to drink." Ke Xingjian turned to the side at some point and handed over a drinks menu with a smile.
"Oh... thank you, senior!" Peng Chengyi, as if he had been called on for daydreaming in class, quickly sat up straight and awkwardly accepted the form.
After ordering drinks, the atmosphere gradually warmed up, and the senior students started a game of musical chairs. The rules were simple and clear: whoever got the chair had to drink a penalty shot.
However, Peng Chengyi's luck seemed to have been sucked away by a black hole tonight. She was passed around two rounds of flowers in a row, and could only grit her teeth and raise her glass amidst the cheers.
After two glasses, the alcohol quickly rose to my cheeks, giving me two distinct blushes.
She had just breathed a sigh of relief when, unexpectedly, the flowers were passed to her again.
...Wow, what incredible luck she has tonight!
Peng Chengyi cursed inwardly and resignedly reached out to take the poured wine, but another hand with distinct knuckles was a step ahead of her.
Ke Xingjian steadily placed his wine glass in front of hers, his voice laced with laughter but leaving no room for argument: "She can't drink much anymore, I'll drink this one for her."
As soon as he finished speaking, a series of good-natured exclamations and laughter rang out from the table: "Senior, you're so protective of your junior!"
Ke Xingjian simply smiled faintly, said nothing more, and simply drank the glass of wine for her.
Peng Chengyi's ears instantly burned, and she lowered her head, gripping her wine glass tightly in her hand uncomfortably.
Wu Xian, who seemed to enjoy watching the drama unfold, leaned over and lightly touched her arm, teasing in a low voice, "Hey, I think Ke Xingjian seems to have a bit of a crush on you."
"No, he's just a nice person." Peng Chengyi pursed her lips.
"If he's such a nice guy, why haven't I ever seen him shield other girls from drinks?" Wu Xian smiled with narrowed eyes, a hint of gossip in his expression.
“Other girls aren’t as unlucky as me, drinking…” Peng Chengyi muttered to herself.
“Of course you have. Look, Fang Hao has already had three drinks.” Wu Xian blinked.
"Yeah, is there anyone who can shield me?" Fang Hao interjected, both amused and exasperated.
"..."
Speechless for a moment, Peng Chengyi could only lower her head and frantically eat her rice, pretending she hadn't heard anything.
Fortunately, the dinner party was coming to an end soon, and after playing a few more games, everyone gradually began to leave.
Seeing that it was still early, Wu Xian enthusiastically suggested, "I heard the night market behind the school is super lively, shall we go check it out?"
Peng Chengyi slowly stood up, supporting herself on the table. Her head felt like it was filled with mush, and her legs felt light as if she were walking on cotton. She waved her hand, her voice weak, and said, "I feel a little dizzy, so I won't go with you guys. I'll go back to my dorm and lie down for a while..."
"Hey? Are you alright?" Wu Xian asked with concern upon seeing this.
"It's alright..." Peng Chengyi tried to force a reassuring smile, but her body swayed rather uncooperatively. "It just feels a little unsteady on my feet."
"Is your alcohol tolerance not very high?" Fang Hao also came over to look her over, somewhat amused and helpless. "The alcohol content of the wine tonight wasn't very high either."
"Hmm..." Peng Chengyi honestly admitted, her eyes starting to glaze over, "It doesn't seem like it's a good thing. I used to get dizzy after drinking beer."
"Oh dear, why didn't you say so sooner!" Fang Hao slapped his thigh, his tone tinged with annoyance. "If I had known, I would have drunk the first two cups for you! I could have drunk a whole pound of liquor and been fine!"
"No, I'm sorry to say," Peng Chengyi apologized, feeling dizzy and as if her tongue was about to tie itself in knots.
“Then why are we even going to the night market?” Wu Xian made a quick decision. “Let’s get Chengcheng back to the dorm first. She definitely can’t manage on her own.”
"Really, there's no need!" Peng Chengyi insisted stubbornly. "You guys go have fun, I'll walk slowly, I can get back by myself..."
“How can that be…” Wu Xian was interrupted by a gentle voice from behind when he was only halfway through his sentence. “It’s okay, you guys go have fun. I’m going that way anyway, I’ll just take her home.”
Wu Xian was taken aback, turned around, and saw that Ke Xingjian, who had finished paying the bill, had returned at some point.
"None of you need to see anyone off." Peng Chengyi was still muttering and waving her hand in a low voice, but obviously no one was listening to her anymore.
Wu Xian and Fang Hao exchanged a glance and smiled knowingly. Then they turned to Ke Xingjian and said, "Then you'd better take good care of her, senior."
"Don't worry," Ke Xingjian smiled, his gaze falling on the girl who was still trying to prove that she was sober, "I guarantee I will complete the mission."
-
Stepping out of the restaurant, the night, like a soft veil, enveloped the streets. The neon lights diffused on the damp ground, reflecting on Peng Chengyi's slightly flushed face.
She kept her head down, trying to make her steps look steady, but she still felt lightheaded.
Seeing that she was walking unsteadily, Ke Xingjian reached out his hand to her: "Want a ride?"
Peng Chengyi was taken aback for a moment, then quickly shook her head: "No need, no need, I can walk by myself."
With a sudden shake of her head, she felt even more dizzy, and her feet stumbled.
Ke Xingjian quickly stepped forward, firmly supporting her swaying body with his hand, and chuckled softly: "You call this walking by yourself?"
Peng Chengyi blushed slightly, pursed her lips awkwardly, and whispered an explanation: "...I was shaking my head just now." She tried to stand up straight, but also awkwardly distanced herself from him.
Seeing this, Ke Xingjian did not force her to support him anymore. He simply followed silently by her side, his steps light and steady, like a warm shadow accompanying her, ready to prevent her from losing her balance again.
Turning the corner from the bustling street, the night air was immediately filled with the strong aroma of cumin and chili powder after grilling. The open-air barbecue stalls along the roadside were bustling with noise, clearly another gathering of new students.
Peng Chengyi glanced subconsciously at the bustling scene, his gaze sweeping over the flickering lights and rising smoke, and unexpectedly caught sight of a familiar figure—
Chen Yubai sat listlessly in the plastic chair, his back slightly hunched, idly twirling a glass with his fingertips. The wine inside swirled, refracting scattered specks of light.
The surrounding noise and laughter seemed to be behind an invisible shield, completely irrelevant to him.
Even when people occasionally tried to strike up a conversation with him, he would only lazily lift his eyelids and react indifferently.
Peng Chengyi's steps involuntarily stopped, as if she had been tripped by something.
In the past, she was used to doing everything with him; the people and things around her were all familiar.
But now, he appeared in a circle completely unfamiliar to her, and his figure, reflected in the night and neon lights, gave her a strange sense of alienation.
Even he seemed to have become a stranger.
Noticing her pause, Ke Xingjian also slowed his pace slightly, turned his head, and asked in a low voice, "What's wrong?"
“…Nothing.” Peng Chengyi quickly looked away, suppressed the strange feeling in her heart, and tried to steady her steps as she took another step.
In the night breeze, the smoke and noise from the barbecue stalls rippled outwards, carrying with them scattered whispers:
"Hey, isn't that Ke Xingjian?"
Who is Ke Xingjian?
"He's the most handsome guy in the Computer Science department! But I think he's also a campus heartthrob; the other departments aren't quite as good."
"No way! Our math department just got a really handsome guy this year!"
...
Upon hearing Ke Xingjian's name, Chen Yu paused in his liquor glass, instinctively lifting his eyelids. In the dim streetlights, he saw a figure from behind that made his heart tighten—
She was walking alongside Ke Xingjian toward the school gate, her steps unsteady and swaying slightly.
Chen Yubai was slightly taken aback, then suddenly put down his wine glass and stood up.
"It's not over yet, Chen Yubai, where are you going?" someone next to him asked in surprise.
Chen Yubai seemed not to hear at all, pushed aside the chair behind him, and strode after the two.
-----------------------
Author's Note: [Eating popcorn][Eating popcorn][Eating popcorn]
Thank you to Wang Xiaoxiaoxie, Soleil, uoow, Gulu, Sunshine, Today I Want to Slack Off, 818411, XUANER, and 75981039 for the nutrient solution!
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