Going Against the Wind (Lan Lin)

Chapter 18

When the situation was at a deadlock, the matter was unexpectedly resolved. No one knew exactly why; Du Youyu smiled and said he didn't do it, but everyone thought he was being modest.

Anyhow, Ah Cheng and them were released that day, a joyful event; naturally, a gathering of everybody together to drink and celebrate could not be forgotten. Even Ouyang went along.

Everyone was joining in on the fun, celebrating the narrow escape from death, overindulging in food and drink. When men gathered together, they drank like they would die the second day if they didn't drink enough tonight. Zhong Li took a case for himself, drinking beer like it was water.

Ouyang also joined in on the fun, also matching them for drinks though his tolerance wasn't good, drinking very well. Zhong Li apologized to him, saying, "You will always be my best brother," and the two of them each downed a bottle.

Alcohol was a good thing; as he drank, he forgot everything, and became happy as well.

Beer and side dishes were served over and over; this was Ouyang's first time drinking so recklessly with others. Soon, he became drunk, starting to doze off in his chair halfway through.

When he was shaken awake, everyone wanted to go to the second round. Ouyang still wanted to follow, but he couldn't keep his eyes open, and he couldn't walk steadily.

Zhong Li saw him joining in on the madness without moderation; afraid that something would happen to him if he kept drinking, he didn't let him follow, wanting to bring him back.

Ouyang swayed for a while, dazedly waving his hand, "No, no need, I'm okay alone, you go have fun."

Zhong Li enjoyed excitement; what he liked the most was a group of people together eating large mouthfuls of meat and drinking large bowls of wine. When he was free, he would often accompany him at home, knitting like an old woman, or watching some serious movies, but he always couldn't bear it, drooling as he slept on the sofa.

Just as Zhong Li wanted him to live comfortably, he also wanted Zhong Li to be save his worry and his efforts, and not be tired because of him.

Flagging a taxi on the road, Zhong Li gave the driver the address, noting down the license plate and the driver's number to ensure safety. Ouyang got into the car and fell asleep in the backseat.

The driver opened the car window to disperse the smell of alcohol; the cold night air came in, making Ouyang's nose sting slightly, but he also felt fresh. By his ear was the distinct sound of cars rushing by; he closed his eyes and swayed, vaguely only feeling like it was it was almost a dream.

In his confusion, his phone rang. Ouyang fumbled to pick up, vaguely saying "Hello" twice. There was no sound on the other side.

"May, may I know who is speaking?"

"..."

"Hello?"

"..."

There was still no response, and Ouyang didn't hang up, just pressing the phone against his ear, continuing to doze off.

In his dizziness, he suddenly heard the person on the other end of the call sigh.

It was a very soft sound, but Ouyang was suddenly awakened, but when he listened again, there was nothing at all.

He waited a log time, but there was still a long silence from the phone.

An unknown number was displayed; the other party didn't say even half a word, and even that sigh seemed like a dream.

He had also long changed his number; Xiao Xuan probably didn't know at all.

In his drunken state, he patiently waited for the other to speak. As he waited, without knowing why, Ouyang finally began to cry.