Drowned in sorrow

"What's with two of you so full of alcohol smell, if your grandpa and pa sees this both of you will be in for it"

"Ma ... help me out here Ti...he had too much drink, it's my fault I didn't stop him but I accompany him instead"

Er Ge was conscious the elders didn't like it seeing such behaviour and he had to call ahead to let mother know their condition and had Song Jie arrange for the helpers to let them in via the back door

"Quickly ask Song Jie to get some overhang soup cook for tomorrow morning"

Er Ge was trying to hold his footing and soberness as he shoulder Ray into the room dropping him on the bed. Ray was totally knocked out....absolutely shocking to their mother.

Yi Ren was watching the two brothers when they left. He came over to their table in the midst of it but Er Ge prevented him from seating on the same table not wanting him to see Ray this way.

"Hey Keith...how's Ray?" Yi Ren was extremely concern watching Ray slumped in on the table as he entered the premise later hoping to find them there as usual...but something made him very disturbed, he had never seen Ray this drunk before given he knew he was very disciplined back in the days he would hang out for drinks he won't go beyond what he can handle and Ray is not a heavy drinker.

When he arrive at the bar he was looking around hoping to see some familiar faces and his heart raced when he saw both the brothers tugged away at the corner table but his eyes were fixated on the familiar body that was drowning a few glasses earlier until his head lean on the table and just stayed there. He was disturbed throughout the night and hesitated walking away a few times until he felt something amiss.

Concerned and can't believe what he is seeing, his immediate reaction - everything around him didn't matter it was just getting to Ray to see if he was alright, yet he knew Keith was there and he need not be overly concern.

"Hey Keith! Good to see you two here" He called out as he was walking over making it known on his presence yet as he came closer he sense Keith was trying to prevent him to reach the seat next to Ray.

"Hey Yi Ren!, didn't know you are here." Keith stood up trying to block him from coming nearer. As he traced Yi Ren's eyes he immediately said "Ray is just taking a nap a little, just a little to much on the drinks tonight"

Yi Ren wasn't focusing on what Keith was saying instead tried to squeeze through Er Ge - his intuition told him to just get through and pick Ray up. Yi Ren was devastated at the sight of it. Yi Ren's placed his hand on the flushed cheek. The scene in front stabbed his heart further seeing how broken Ray had become.

At that the driver came in quickly to Er Ge's relieve and shoved himself in to where Ray was seated.

"Over here help me take San Ti to the car quickly" Yi Ren stood there speechless and stoned still at those words.

"Come on Ti wake up we have to go..." Er Ge and the driver supported him by the waist and shoulder taking him away to the car outside.

"Excuse us Yi Ren we have to go" Keith said

As they steadied him and got hold of his balance, Yi Ren felt his heart shattered at this sight...seeing Ray this way. He wanted to reach out and touch his face, he wanted to hold him and ask him what's wrong, he wanted to be there to make him feel alright, yet everything seems so distant and he can't even reach out his hand to hold him but to sadly watch this scene happening in front of his eyes.

"You sure he is alright?...I can help.." He offered in a shaken voice as he saw how they tried to get him to his feet.

It was a moment that Yi Ren cannot forget, he was feeling helpless seeing this person here in front of him. On one hand he wanted to just take him in his arms and ask him what happen and want to be by his side. To see Ray fully drunk it must be something that had hit him hard.

Yi Ren knew their family well and their family values were ingrained in them, it taught to them about being controlled and composed and excessive drinking beyond control is not one that does not fit in well. Hence he had never once seen Ray drunk even at his worst state but here tonight he was just trying to comprehend what had gotten into him and Keith should have stop him yet he let him be.

Back at home as usual at times like this Er Ge would run to their mother for help. He didn't want to leave Ray back at his own place worrying, hence he brought him back to their family's home but with much preparation to call his mother ahead of time and let Song Jie know not to wake up their grandparents and have her open the back door gate quietly. They took the slightly further path but away from the main hall and mother had waited for them in Kay's room with a wet towel and change of clothes. They were very knitted and Er Ge would always run to their mother first and have her informed when such situation happens.

"Go wash up your self quickly - I've asked Soong Jie to put the the hot tea in the room for you. Have it first and then go wash up and clean that mouth with the rinser before you hit the bed. I'll take it from here" she told Er Ge.

"Wait ... was is it this time ?" she asked hoping for an explanation

"Ma ... nothing just some work related matters.." Er Ge explained before excusing himself quietly.