Chapter Eleven: Brothers, Give Me a Hug

Nie Yunyang’s high school life was incredibly vibrant. He had no interest in studying and constantly violated school rules, eventually failing to even qualify for an undergraduate program.

His three roommates, however, were the complete opposite; they all got into their dream universities and went their separate ways after graduation.

"Let’s go somewhere else."

Since the third and fourth roommates were rushing over, Nie Yunyang felt an urgent need to get thoroughly drunk. This current place was clearly not suitable for them to vent their emotions.

Yuan Wei understood immediately and said, "It’s fine. It will take them at least two more hours to get here. By then, we’ll head straight to the old spot."

Yuan Wei and Gao Qi had only just arrived at Qiaoshan Banquet and hadn’t ordered yet. Mu Qingyao picked up the menu on the table and took the initiative to order a few dishes. Seeing this, Yuan Wei couldn't help but praise her for being so virtuous.

The group chatted idly until the waiter served the food, at which point they began to feast, never forgetting to toast each other throughout the meal.

After leaving Qiaoshan Banquet, Yuan Wei had Gao Qi leave by taxi first. It was evident that their relationship wasn't particularly intimate; if a man truly loved a woman, he wouldn't feel comfortable letting her leave alone, especially at night.

Once Gao Qi had departed in the taxi, Yuan Wei looked at Mu Qingyao and asked, "Sister-in-law, are you coming with us to drink?"

"I’m too tired today. I’ll head back to rest. It’s rare for the four of you brothers to get together, so I won’t intrude," Mu Qingyao replied.

Since all three men had been drinking, Yuan Wei’s driver took Mu Qingyao and the others to Longhu Huamanting in an Audi A6. Yuan Wei waited in the car while Nie Yunyang took responsibility for escorting Mu Qingyao home.

Along the way, Mu Qingyao clutched her bag, silent. After all, she had made a mess of things earlier, and speaking now would only invite Nie Yunyang’s mockery.

"Drink less tonight. Don't forget your injuries haven't fully healed yet," Mu Qingyao reminded him, her tone gentle.

Ever since the events of the previous night, her impression of the man before her had changed significantly.

"As you command, my girlfriend," Nie Yunyang teased.

Mu Qingyao’s face flushed red; she didn't dare look up at him, and in a flurry of confusion, she unlocked her door and ducked inside.

Outside, Nie Yunyang burst into laughter. Back in her apartment, Mu Qingyao stamped her feet in frustration.

When Nie Yunyang walked back downstairs, Yuan Wei was standing by the curb smoking. He tossed one to him and laughed, "Boss, you’re still as chivalrous as ever. Where did you find such a beautiful and elegant woman? You’re a lucky man!"

"Stop putting on an act, kid. Do I look like that kind of person?" Nie Yunyang asked.

Yuan Wei laughed heartily. "Boss, what is your relationship with this beauty? As the saying goes, those close to the water get the first chance at the moon. If you aren't going to make a move, I’m going to pursue her."

"Get lost, you pig. Don't go sniffing around another man's cabbage," Nie Yunyang scolded.

Yuan Wei hesitated for a moment before asking, "Boss, you haven't been kept by a sugar mommy, have you?"

"Nothing good ever comes out of a dog's mouth," Nie Yunyang retorted angrily.

After finishing their cigarettes, Yuan Wei suddenly grabbed Nie Yunyang in a bear hug, patting his back heavily. "Boss, it’s so good to see you again!"

"From now on, I’m staying in Chongqing," Nie Yunyang said, moved.

By the time the driver dropped them off at their "old spot," it was already ten o'clock at night. This was the Chunyang Old Tavern, located not far from the Eighth Middle School. Back when they were students, they used to gather here often.

Both Yuan Wei and Nie Yunyang were well-acquainted with the owner, though Nie Yunyang hadn't been back in ten years, while Yuan Wei occasionally stopped by for a meal.

"Boss, how’s business lately?" Yuan Wei asked as they stepped inside.

The restaurant offered inexpensive, tasty food, and even at this hour, it was still bustling with customers.

The owner was a short, plump man. Seeing Yuan Wei, he immediately beamed. "Young Master Yuan, what brings you to my humble shop today?"

"Work’s been a bit busy, but I had some free time today, so I came here for a late-night snack." Yuan Wei gestured toward Nie Yunyang. "Boss, do you still recognize him?"

"Haha, I could forget anyone, but I could never forget Young Master Nie! He almost smashed my shop to pieces when he got drunk back in the day," the owner joked.

Nie Yunyang nodded. "Long time no see, boss."

"Boss, stop with the chatter. Bring over a crate of beer quickly. I’ve got to catch up with my brothers," Yuan Wei urged.

"Right away, right away!" The owner said with a grin, scurrying off to fetch the beer.

The waiter brought over the dishes Nie Yunyang had ordered: pig’s trotters with fresh peppers, spicy diced chicken, sweet and sour pork ribs, garlic-baked shrimp... it was all the taste of the past.

Yuan Wei sent the location to the third and fourth roommates, and he and Nie Yunyang ate and waited.

Not long after, a cool Porsche sports car pulled up in front of the restaurant. The fourth roommate, dressed in a sharp suit, rushed in, clearly overwhelmed with excitement. "Boss, I’ve missed you so much!"

The restaurant wasn't large, and since Nie Yunyang and Yuan Wei were sitting near the entrance, the fourth roommate spotted them immediately, his eyes turning red.

Nie Yunyang stood up, walked over slowly, and smiled. "Fourth, I’ve missed you too."

As he spoke, Nie Yunyang pulled him into a hug, but the fourth roommate resisted, full of resentment, looking like a scorned lover.

Yuan Wei knew the fourth roommate’s heart; he had cursed Nie Yunyang many times after getting drunk. Back in school, the fourth roommate was timid and often bullied, and it was always Nie Yunyang who stood in front to protect him.

"Ten years, and you’re still such a crybaby?" Nie Yunyang teased.

Yuan Wei hurried over and pulled the fourth roommate aside. "Second Brother understands you’re hurt. Tonight, we’re going to force him to drink until he drops!"

Yuan Wei and Nie Yunyang dragged him over and pushed him onto a stool. The fourth roommate, whose name was Hou Yueping, was nicknamed the "Love Saint." He was handsome and very popular with the girls.

Unfortunately, after graduating high school, he tried to chase his goddess, only to meet his Waterloo.

That winter night, the wind was biting and snow was falling. They went to the building where the goddess lived and prepared a romantic confession ceremony, even paying for a band.

Hou Yueping held a guitar and sang himself. They both liked pop music, so he sang David Tao’s "Marry Me Today."

The whole neighborhood was buzzing. Bystanders, loving the spectacle, started singing along.

Finally, the goddess came down. Hou Yueping knelt to confess, only to be met with a heart-chilling rejection. The reason was simple: "You and I are people from two different worlds."

Hou Yueping was struck as if by lightning. He stood stunned for a long time before dropping the flowers on the ground. "I’m sorry, I was presumptuous." He walked away without looking back.

That night, they got dead drunk at a roadside barbecue stall. Hou Yueping wailed, singing, "The snow is falling so deep, falling so earnestly, reflecting the scars I hide in the snow..."

Hou Yueping sat on the stool, silent, staring intently at Nie Yunyang.

Yuan Wei smiled. "Fourth brother, how do you want to drink?"

Hou Yueping didn't hold back; he grabbed a bottle of beer and began chugging it. Nie Yunyang didn't know what to say, so he simply joined him. Yuan Wei followed suit, though his scalp tingled as he forced himself to keep up.

After the first bottle, Hou Yueping wasn't satisfied and grabbed another. Nie Yunyang drank right along with him, while Yuan Wei, feeling overwhelmed, had to keep pushing forward.

By the time the second bottle was finished, Hou Yueping reached for a third. Before he could continue, Yuan Wei grabbed his arm. "Fourth, you’re the brother I look up to, please stop. If I drink any more, I’m going to vomit."

"Fourth, it’s my fault for disappearing for ten years. If you want to drown your sorrows in alcohol, I’ll stay with you until the end," Nie Yunyang said.

Hou Yueping raised his bottle. "You get me drunk tonight, and give me a reasonable explanation later. Then, we can put this whole thing behind us."

"Whatever you say," Nie Yunyang agreed.

The scene that followed was rather comical. At first, it was Yuan Wei and Nie Yunyang talking while Hou Yueping drank in silence. But by the third round, Hou Yueping had become the most active, rambling on about his struggles and experiences.

Beer is hard to get drunk on, but the three of them made several trips to the restroom. Finally, the third roommate arrived.

He walked straight into the shop, patted Nie Yunyang on the shoulder, and said, "Boss, you’re finally back!"

"Yeah, I’m back," Nie Yunyang replied.

"Are you leaving again?"

"No. I’m never leaving again."

The third roommate sat down, grabbed a beer, and said, "Brothers, tonight we don't stop until we're wasted!"

Nie Yunyang, Hou Yueping, and Yuan Wei couldn't help but laugh.

Inside the shop, a song was playing: "Brothers, give me a hug, and tell me what’s in your heart..."