The canned drink had a pineapple flavor, sweet with a faint hint of alcohol.
It was Jiang Wei's first time "drinking" with Yi Ming.
Yi Ming's father had an allergy to alcohol, so he was worried that his son might have inherited the same gene. As a result, he didn't let Yi Ming touch a drop of alcohol until college.
Even Jiang Wei, who had grown up with Yi Ming since childhood, didn't know how well he could hold his liquor.
"Here, Xiao Shi," Yi Ming unexpectedly cut off a piece of steak and offered it to Xiao Shi, who was wandering under the table. "Try my cooking."
Xiao Shi wagged his tail happily, reached out with his little mouth, and took the meat.
"You two..." Jiang Wei looked at Yi Ming, then at Xiao Shi, her lips curling into a slight smile, "are very harmonious today."
"Of course, we've been living together for so long, our bond runs deep," Yi Ming smiled, picking up his drink and mimicking a toast. "Come, Jiang Xiao Wei, let's clink glasses. I've never had alcohol before, so this is my first time sharing it with you."
Jiang Wei smiled as well, "Then don't drink too much. If you get drunk, I can't carry you back to your room."
Of course, she knew this slightly alcoholic beverage wouldn't intoxicate them, but it was just the two of them joking and playing around. In front of Yi Ming, she was willing to show her more vibrant side...
As the dinner drew to a close, Yi Ming's face flushed slightly, and his deep eyes lingered on Jiang Wei's face as he said slowly, "Jiang Xiao Wei, you look so beautiful."
Jiang Wei froze, not sure if it was the alcoholic drink, but she suddenly felt her face burning up, the temperature rising...
"I... I'll go clean up the dishes."
Jiang Wei stood up from her seat somewhat flustered, lowering her eyes, unable to meet Yi Ming's gaze. "You go back to your room and rest first, I'll be done soon."
"No, let me do it."
Yi Ming curved his lips into an innocent, childlike smile. He steadied himself against the table as he stood up, his steps unsteady as he approached Jiang Wei. He grabbed her hand, "Don't wash the dishes, I'll do it. From now on—I'll do it."
Jiang Wei held her breath. At this moment, she was within arm's reach of Yi Ming. His large palm was undoubtedly warm, yet Jiang Wei felt like she was about to be scorched by it.
She quickly pulled her hand from Yi Ming's grasp, speaking softly, "Then I... Then I..."
Before Jiang Wei could finish her sentence, Yi Ming's towering figure suddenly leaned forward as if defying gravity. Jiang Wei let out a startled cry as she fell back into her seat.
"Yi Ming!"
Jiang Wei placed her hand on his descending chest, feeling her own heart pounding fiercely. "Yi Ming, you're drunk..."
"I'm not."
Yi Ming steadied himself against the table corner, shaking his head like a child. "I can hold three drinks easily, let alone just a beverage..."
"Then get up quickly..."
Jiang Wei felt both hurried and embarrassed as Yi Ming wrapped his arm around her, holding her in his embrace. If she tried to get up, she would bump against his chest. If she didn't, her erratic heartbeat would only become more uncontrollable in front of his eyes...
"Jiang Xiao Wei, you're not allowed to leave."
Yi Ming shook his head, his tousled hair swaying.
"I won't leave."
To get Yi Ming to release her as soon as possible, Jiang Wei sighed and forced herself to calm down.
"I won't leave, so be good, okay?" Jiang Wei gazed at Yi Ming before her, surprised to find that he looked even more handsome when drunk.
"Okay."
"Listen to me, get up now and go back to your room to sleep. Leave this place to me..."
Yi Ming smiled faintly and nodded obediently like a good child, "Okay."