Chapter 74: You Don’t Mean You’re Chasing Me, Right?

Soon, the food arrived. Sun Lao Hu picked up the tab and ordered a feast. But I found it hard to enjoy the meal—probably because Huang Xiaotao was there. Between us sat Wang Dali, and throughout dinner, not a word was exchanged between me and her.

Meanwhile, Sun Lao Hu and Wang Yuanchao were having a lively time. Though Wang Yuanchao was just a regular cop now, I noticed Sun Lao Hu treated him with great respect—as equals, really.

Both of them were seasoned drinkers. After a while, they grew bored of competing and turned their attention to us.

I've never touched tobacco or alcohol since childhood, protecting my senses. So I politely declined. Unfortunately, Wang Dali became their target.

Sun Lao Hu's way of persuading someone to drink was cliché: "For close friends, just one gulp!" "I'll drink mine, you drink yours." Wang Yuanchao's approach was more forceful. As soon as Wang Dali pinched his nose and downed a glass, Wang Yuanchao filled two more cups, slammed down his empty glass on the table with a thud, making it impossible to refuse.

Wang Dali had some bragging rights in college for his tolerance, but he was no match for the two veterans bombarding him.

After half a bottle of strong liquor, Wang Dali was staggering, his face flushed purple, his head resting on the table.

Huang Xiaotao glanced over at us with a smile, our eyes met briefly. I smiled back, but she quickly turned away, expression serious.

I wondered if I had offended her somehow—maybe because I'd just been talking with Sun Lao Hu about his daughter?

…

As the meal wound down, Sun Lao Hu was clearly tipsy. He slapped my shoulder and slurred, "Nephew, I'm a loudmouth, probably offended more people than Yuanchao here when I was young. When I was in my thirties, I thought I'd never amount to much. A fortune teller told me I'd meet a benefactor at forty, and that's when I met your grandpa. Without your Song family, I wouldn't be who I am today. This drink's for your grandpa—and for you. You can't say no!"

He poured himself a full glass.

I couldn't refuse, so I poured some tea for myself. "Uncle Sun, I'll toast you with tea instead."

"Alright, cheers!" Sun Lao Hu clinked glasses with me and downed his drink.

After dinner, Wang Yuanchao helped the drunk Sun Lao Hu get a ride home, while I supported Wang Dali, and Huang Xiaotao drove us back to campus.

On the way, Wang Dali slept soundly in the backseat. Huang Xiaotao was silent, focused on driving, not uttering a word.

As we neared campus, I finally mustered the courage: "Hey… didn't I say I wanted to treat you to a meal sometime?"

"Sure. I'm off tomorrow. It's not the weekend, but are you free?" she asked casually.

"Yes! Definitely free!" I nodded eagerly.

I hadn't expected it to be so easy to set up a date, and my confidence grew. "There's something I should explain—I used to know Sun Lao Hu's daughter, but only as childhood playmates."

Huang Xiaotao rolled her eyes. "Are you stupid? You think I'm jealous? Why would I be jealous? We're not that kind of relationship."

I scratched my head awkwardly, unsure what to say next. Suddenly, Huang Xiaotao pulled over to the roadside.

"Hey, I've noticed something weird lately—why do you text me every night asking if I'm asleep?"

My face flushed instantly. Damn it. Had I been imagining things all along?

I wanted to sink through the floor out of embarrassment.

She said something that made me even more ashamed: "Song Yang, you don't mean you're trying to chase me, do you?"

My blood rushed straight to my head. My cheeks were so hot I could've fried an egg on them.

"N-no…" I stammered, "I was just asking casually… If it annoys you, I won't text anymore."

"I didn't say it annoys me."

"Huh?" I blinked.

She laughed and patted my shoulder. "You gotta be more proactive when chasing a girl. You're too shy. You expect the girl to chase you?"

"For example, last year a guy from the tax bureau chased me. He sent a whole truckload of roses to the police station and said if I didn't say yes, he'd hang a banner across the street saying 'Huang Xiaotao, I love you.'"

I asked, "So, did you say yes?"

"No! I told him if he acted up, I'd have him arrested for disturbing the peace. That scared him off."

I rubbed my temples. "Then what's a good way to chase you?"

She chuckled. "Are you dumb? You don't just ask that straight up! Would I answer you? I said your face is so red—am I gonna eat you? You're nervous around me."

I touched my burning face, probably redder than a monkey's butt. Then she placed her cool hand on my cheek. I froze, and then she covered both my cheeks with her hands. The cool touch was comforting, calming my racing heart.

Since we were sitting in the car, maintaining that pose naturally meant turning slightly toward each other, locking eyes.

For the first time, I looked at Huang Xiaotao's face so closely and for so long. Her eyes were clear and pure, like flawless gemstones, with hints of light gray—not just black—so beautiful.

Her skin was pale and delicate, clearly well cared for, flawless even up close.

Beneath her delicate nose, her lips were thin and rosy, catching the light inside the car like cherries. Her mouth curled into a shy smile, utterly charming.

I thought to myself: Huang Xiaotao is really beautiful—not just because I'm biased.

"Do you know what your cutest trait is?" she suddenly asked, leaving me puzzled.

"What?"

She smiled, "Whenever I say anything, you blush immediately. Your emotions show on your face more than any temperature strip. It's so fun teasing you."

"You were teasing me just now!" I exclaimed.

"Yep!" she nodded.

"Damn, you're playing with my feelings!"

"Playing with your feelings?" Huang Xiaotao burst out laughing, slapping her leg for a long time. "Song Yang, you're hilarious! Alright, alright, let me make it up to you."

"How… how are you going to make it up?" My heart raced, throat dry. Our faces were only inches apart—was this about to lead to a kiss? I wasn't mentally prepared.

"Close your eyes first!" she said teasingly.

I obediently shut my eyes and felt her face inch closer, her fragrant breath brushing against me.

Suddenly, from the back seat, Wang Dali groaned loudly. Huang Xiaotao quickly pulled away. "Hey, don't puke in my car."

We hurriedly helped Wang Dali out, where he vomited by the roadside. He sobered up a bit and asked, "Yangzi, where am I?"

"You're drunk. I'm taking you guys back to school," Huang Xiaotao said.

"Xiaotao, I'm really sorry," Wang Dali said, then vomited again, only sour liquid left. Everything he ate tonight was wasted.

That ruined the mood completely. The rest of the way, Huang Xiaotao and I didn't speak.

Near campus, I helped Wang Dali out and said goodbye. Huang Xiaotao reminded us to be careful and drove off.

I felt discouraged—was tomorrow's date still on?

Then a message popped up on my phone. It was from Huang Xiaotao:"Meet me at 8 AM tomorrow outside Jinlong Mall. Don't keep me waiting!"

I couldn't help but grin, wanting to punch the sky and shout: "Oh yeah!"