"So, why are you here tonight? And all alone, for that matter?" Yu Han inquired, fixing his gaze on the glass wall behind the counter. Ren Ying followed his gaze with her own, drew a deep breath, and then offered her quiet response.
"It was a rather challenging day for me, so I thought I could use some solitude to unwind and relax... How about you?"
There was a moment of hesitation from the man, but he eventually let out a soft chuckle, treating her question as if it were a mere jest.
"Let's just say I had a rough day too. I... actually moved to a new place today, and couldn't seem to doze off. That's why I ended up here, trying to tackle that issue," he explained, his lips forming a forced smile at the end of his sentence.
Ren Ying couldn't help but mirror the same artificial smile in response. It was a peculiar situation; two strangers finding themselves in a similar boat - both compelled to depart from their familiar realms in pursuit of solace in an unfamiliar one, hoping to escape their solitude and pain. Yet, here they were, confronted with an even more desolate environment, seeking comfort amidst the company of strangers, unified by the gentle glimmer of artificial lights and the mellow embrace of intoxicating beverages.
"Seems like our glasses are begging for a refill. Let me grab us another round," Yu Han suggested, breaking the silence.
His sudden interjection jolted the woman out of her reverie. Uncertain about indulging in another round, her head was beginning to surrender, letting the world sway gently around her.
Yet, her gaze caught the sight of a large electronic clock hanging on the wall to her right, seemingly mocking her, a reminder of the new chapter of her life she was forced to inaugurate in this dismal setting. Despite the distress of such a birthday, Ren Ying resolved that there was nothing worse left to anticipate.
And so, after consuming what felt like a dozen glasses of Frose, each almost vanishing as swiftly as her conversation lines with the charming young stranger, the clock struck three in the morning. Ren Ying had achieved her desired state - she was undeniably, remarkably inebriated. And oddly, incredibly content.
***
"Okay..." Yu Han set his glass down with a slight thud on the bar counter, his flushed face receiving a quick wipe from both hands. He, too, had reached the point of intoxication where further conversation seemed futile. Nonetheless, he was determined to ensure his newfound companion made it home safely.
"Ren Ying... Where do you live? I've got a driver, he's really careful. I can make sure you get home safely!"
Ren Ying lifted her face from her palm, which had been supporting her head after an unfortunate collision with the polished counter, and raised her eyebrows, clearly surprised by his offer.
"A personal driver? Wow, you ARE loaded! That must be nice. Are you... one of those heirs or something?"
The young man shook his head and gestured with his hands, as if attempting to dispel that unfounded assumption, and then replied,
"I'm not exactly one of THOSE... But I am an heir."
Ren Ying couldn't contain her laughter; the man's response struck her as ridiculously amusing.
"What on earth are you talking about? That doesn't even add up!" she teased.
Yu Han attempted to explain the logic behind his previous statement, aiming to convince her that it did, in fact, make perfect sense. However, his efforts proved futile. After a moment of feeling utterly bewildered, he resorted to covering his face with his left hand, joining in the laughter.
"Alright, enough of this. We should head out. Come on, Ren Ying, I'll make sure you get home."
With a helping hand, he assisted Ren Ying in rising from her bar stool and guided her out of the establishment, swaying slightly as he moved, occasionally grappling with the unsteady sensation of balance.
Once outside, they were greeted by Yu Han's personal driver, whose restlessness had begun to escalate, particularly because of his employer's notorious reputation for stirring up trouble. However, upon seeing his boss emerge with a seemingly lifeless woman in tow, the driver couldn't help but release a lengthy, weary sigh, unsure whether to feel relieved or apprehensive.
"I can't believe you've already found yourself a fling on your very first night back! You truly are something else, Zhou Yu Han!"
Yu Han remained silent, simply gesturing to the driver to open the car door. He then assisted Ren Ying in settling into the backseat, taking a seat beside her. As the door shut, her head found solace on his shoulder, prepared to surrender to much-needed rest.
"Hey, you falling asleep? C'mon, Ren Ying, stay awake for just a bit. I still need to figure out where you live!"
Ren Ying exerted her remaining energy to formulate a coherent response, but it eluded her grasp. A particular trait of hers, stemming from an unfortunate incident during her teenage years, surfaced again; whenever she became overly intoxicated, her recollections vanished entirely, as if the preceding ten hours had been wiped from her memory.
Left without a response, Yu Han attempted once more to obtain directions, only to be met with silence yet again. Ren Ying had slipped into complete unconsciousness.
"Haaaa..."
Letting out a dramatic sigh, the young man reclined in the backseat, ensuring Ren Ying's head was comfortably nestled on his reliable shoulder. He stole a brief glance out the car window, his deep gaze momentarily fixating on the towering hotel building ahead, where he was lodging, its fading lights flickering akin to strange signals.
Then, after a few more seconds of contemplation, he finally arrived at a bold and rather unconventional, for him, decision,
"There is no helping it, Austin... Let's head back to the hotel."