Chapter 17: Calling Him Brother

Gu Ze was adaptable and quick-witted; he immediately smiled and said, “It’s my fault. I’ll punish myself with a drink to apologize to Miss Yu.”

Yu Xiangsi glanced at Ji Jing, who was reclining on the sofa with a relaxed and composed demeanor. “Why are you looking at me like that? He’s apologizing to you. If you’re willing to forgive him, then drink it; if not, don’t.”

Gu Ze’s expression stiffened. He never expected Ji Jing to defend Yu Xiangsi so thoroughly and to slight him like that. They had known each other for over twenty years, and this was the first time Ji Jing had taken such a stance. Did Ji Jing value Yu Xiangsi that much?

Yu Xiangsi was somewhat surprised too, but since Ji Jing had spoken, she wouldn’t refuse his kindness. She looked at Gu Ze, smiling gently, the dimples on her cheeks sweet and charming. “Young Master Gu, I originally didn’t dare to accept your apology, but I wouldn’t want to disappoint your good intentions. However, this drink alone doesn’t seem to fully express your sincerity.”

Gu Ze’s expression tensed slightly. “Then what do you want?”

Yu Xiangsi poured a glass herself—mixing liquor and red wine until the glass was full—then split it evenly between Gu Ze’s glass and her own. She raised her glass, “Young Master Gu, you are too polite. It was all just a misunderstanding.” With that, she drained her glass.

Gu Ze was taken aback by her action and gave a bitter smile.

Shen Xinian, standing nearby, laughed gleefully. “Haha, Old Gu, drink up! You can’t lose to a girl, right?”

Yu Xiangsi drank her glass with boldness and then matched it with another one. Gu Ze, pressed to apologize and feeling cornered, could no longer voice any dissatisfaction.

As Shen Xinian said, as a grown man, he couldn’t be less spirited than a girl.

Ji Jing had defended Yu Xiangsi, and Yu Xiangsi herself had accepted Gu Ze’s apology, leaving him no room for complaint.

This girl was truly... not easy to deal with.

No wonder she had managed to hold Ji Jing firmly in such a short time.

Ji Jing sat aside, smiling proudly as he looked at the scene before him.

This was the woman he had chosen.

Then... Yu Xiangsi got drunk.

She had a good tolerance, but she rarely drank foreign liquors, especially mixed ones like this, which had a strong aftereffect. At first, she was fine, but later her head grew dizzy.

She leaned drowsily on Ji Jing’s shoulder, murmuring softly, “Hot.”

Her drunkenness was mild; she clung to Ji Jing’s arm in an affectionate manner.

Ji Jing adored her appearance at this moment, his heart melting as he held her in his arms.

“Shall I take you home?” Ji Jing’s voice softened.

Hearing the man’s voice, Yu Xiangsi was startled and withdrew her arms, crossing them over her chest. “Man? Go away, I... I don’t want to go with you. I want brother, I want brother to take me home.”

Though her mind was foggy, when she uttered “brother,” she suddenly became clear-headed.

Every time she had nowhere to go in the past, it was Qin Lang who had taken her home. Yu Xiangsi’s heart flickered with familiar pain.

Ji Jing looked at her obedient expression and felt utterly soft-hearted. He had seen many sides of her—capable, charming—but now she was as dazed as a kitten.

Especially when she called “brother” in that soft voice, it struck a chord deep within him.

Yu Xiangsi’s drunken state was a stark contrast to her sober self, and Shen Xinian and Gu Ze watched the spectacle with great amusement.

Ji Jing was quite satisfied. “Still quite alert,” he said, leaning closer. “Xiangsi, it’s me. I’ll take you home.”

Yu Xiangsi blinked groggily and opened her eyes to the familiar face before her, then smiled broadly. “Brother.”

She opened her arms and threw herself into his embrace, rubbing her cheek against his chest and wrapping her arms tightly around his waist.

“You can take me home,” she murmured before falling soundly asleep.

Ji Jing’s heart swelled with tenderness as he lifted her in a princess carry.

“We’re leaving now,” Ji Jing said, then glanced at Gu Ze. “From now on, stay away from my girlfriend.”

Gu Ze was in no better shape. He had already drunk quite a bit before Ji Jing and Yu Xiangsi arrived, and after another half glass, his head was throbbing and his mind blurred.

Unfortunately, he had no good friends to escort him home.

Ji Jing carried Yu Xiangsi out, his mood exceptionally good.

Back at the apartment, Ji Jing laid Yu Xiangsi on the bed, watching her sleep peacefully, a faint smile curving his lips.

He reached out and pinched her cheek. “Wake up.”

Yu Xiangsi frowned, showing signs of stirring.

Ji Jing continued teasing, “Wake up, Xiangsi, call me brother.”

Yu Xiangsi remained silent.

She turned over and sank back into deep sleep.