Housekeeper Su’s face looked full of joy. Liyuan had been quiet for a long time; Mr. Jiu liked peace and rarely entertained guests.
In the early years, a lady from the Su Family’s extended branch once caught Mr. Jiu’s eye. Unfortunately, later on, she clashed with him and was never allowed into Liyuan again.
However, this Miss Qin, in her demeanor and features, bore some resemblance to that Miss Su—though her personality seemed more endearing.
"Ninth Uncle, here, try this braised lion’s head meatball."
As she spoke, she picked up a piece with her chopsticks and placed it in Mr. Jiu’s bowl. His expression softened as he praised her:
"Good girl, Little Jin’er always takes care of me."
Lu Qing sat there with an air of refined elegance, like a noble gentleman. He scoffed lightly and glanced at her.
He scoffed again, but still—no reaction!
Unable to take it anymore, he called out loudly:
"Huh? What’s the matter?"
Qin Miaomiao suddenly realized something was amiss. Eh? Why did his expression seem a bit off?
At this moment, Mr. Jiu delicately picked up the lion’s head with his chopsticks, took a bite, and complimented:
"Today’s lion’s head is exceptionally well done."
The tone of his praise carried a satisfied air that Lu Qing couldn’t help but find irritating. Trying not to show it, he picked up a piece of braised pork and put it in Qin Miaomiao’s bowl, speaking with indifference:
"Miaomiao, try this."
Braised pork? She absolutely hated fatty meat, and Lu Qing knew this. There was only one explanation: he did it on purpose! Just because she hadn’t given him any food? Petty!
She glared at him, but he only cast her a fleeting glance. Alright, she immediately capitulated. Petty man—drink cold water, hmph!
This little scenario didn’t escape Ninth Uncle’s notice. It seemed this young fellow had been bullying his Little Jin’er quite a bit. He instructed in a calm voice:
"Housekeeper, bring that bottle of twenty-year-old Maotai."
The liquor was brought out, and Mr. Jiu personally poured Lu Qing a full glass:
Lu Qing took the glass and sneered:
"Looks like Ninth Uncle wants to drink me under the table."
"What’s wrong? Scared?"
"I, Lu Qing, have never been afraid of anyone in my life."
The two of them started exchanging glasses one after another without hesitation, and Qin Miaomiao stared dumbfounded from the side. Drinking —wouldn’t it cause problems?
"This liquor is very strong. You both should drink less."
But the two men were engrossed in their drinking contest, intent on outmatching each other, with neither willing to yield.
More than half a bottle of Maotai was gone. Lu Qing’s face was flushed red, though he remained relatively clear-headed, while Mr. Jiu didn’t even flinch. His gaze was slightly hazy, but he still maintained a proper posture.
"Kid, not bad—your drinking capacity is impressive."
"Ninth Uncle, your tolerance isn’t bad either."
Mr. Jiu raised an eyebrow slightly: "Carry on?"
Lu Qing smirked: "Of course."
Seeing that her attempts to persuade them were futile, Qin Miaomiao resigned herself to letting them continue. In the end, the large bottle of Maotai was emptied completely—without a single drop left.
"Housekeeper, bring another bottle."
"Mr. Jiu, that liquor is too strong. You should drink less."
"Don’t waste words. Go get the bottle."
Housekeeper Su had no choice but to comply. By this time, Lu Qing’s face was bright red, the liquor overwhelming him. Barely holding on, he gritted his teeth and said, "You... You win!"
After speaking, he collapsed to the floor with a thud, stone drunk.
Mr. Jiu chuckled: "Trying to outdrink me? Amateur!"
Saying this, he got up but almost stumbled. Qin Miaomiao quickly moved to support him: "Ninth Uncle, be careful. Let me help you back to your room."
Mr. Jiu raised his hand and patted her head lightly, smiling tenderly: "Good girl, Little Jin’er has grown sensible and knows how to care for people."