Chapter Fifty-Six: Clash at the Wine Table

When Li Sun-gyu handed him a small glass of Xinghuacun Fenjiu, Chen Zhe’s eyes lit up slightly. He hurriedly rose to his feet, politely extending both hands to receive the cup from her.

“Yes, that’s exactly the taste!” After taking the glass, Chen Zhe first examined the liquor inside, noting its clarity and purity. He brought it to his nose and inhaled gently—its fragrance was clean and true. Finally, he took a delicate sip: the flavor was mellow and sweet, lingering long on the palate, with color, aroma, and taste all in perfect harmony. It was, indeed, authentic aromatic Xinghuacun Fenjiu.

“Oh, this liquor is quite strong!” Though she was notoriously poor at drinking, Kim Taeyeon had made some progress thanks to her teammates’ persistent training. She too had received a small glass. Curious, she sniffed it and found the scent fresh and fragrant, so she boldly imitated Chen Zhe and took a tiny sip. Instantly, the fiery burn made her stick out her tongue.

“Is it really that strong? Let me see—oh, it truly is! Yuqi, I can’t read the Chinese. Could you check what the alcohol content is?” Watching Taeyeon's reaction, Li Sun-gyu’s first instinct was disbelief, suspecting it was just a typical excuse from someone who couldn’t handle alcohol. Yet, after trying a sip herself, she realized it was indeed potent, the alcohol content must be high.

Unable to decipher the characters on the label, she sought help from Chen Yuqi, their closest friend from Girls’ Generation.

“Xinghuacun liquor, 53% ABV, Qinghua 30 Revival Edition!” Chen Yuqi glanced at the packaging, raised her brows with a playful tone, and read out the crucial information.

“Fifty-three percent? That’s so high!” Taeyeon was the first to be startled. She had suspected this liquor might be strong, but never imagined it would reach fifty-three percent. Used to milder Korean soju and wine, which she could barely drink, the revelation left her unnerved.

“Despite the high proof, the taste is wonderful—the mellow sweetness and fragrant aroma are simply exquisite!” Although intimidated by the alcohol content, Li Sun-gyu, a true enthusiast, would not be deterred. She took another sip, savoring it slowly. Once she adapted to the strength, the unique mellow sweetness and aroma of Fenjiu made her eyes brighten, prompting endless praise.

“Indeed, this Xinghuacun Fenjiu is excellent!” Having spent much time with Han Geng, his former teammate and close friend, Kim Heechul had sampled many Chinese liquors brought by Han Geng. His palate had grown discerning, and he could tell that the Fenjiu purchased by Li Sun-gyu was of remarkable quality, joining in the praise.

“But Sun-gyu, did you only bring this one bottle?” Also a fan of fine spirits, Shindong’s fondness for liquor rivaled that of Li Sun-gyu. After tasting a sip, he immediately fell for the flavor, but when he shook the porcelain bottle lightly, his brows furrowed—he could clearly feel there was little left inside.

“I only bought one bottle!” Realizing what Shindong meant, Li Sun-gyu reached to snatch the porcelain bottle from his hands, but failed; Shindong guarded it tightly, giving her not the slightest chance.

“No need to worry. I noticed while looking at the menu that this restaurant still serves Qinghua Fenjiu. If you finish it, you can simply order another.” Watching Shindong and Li Sun-gyu’s almost animal-like struggle over the bottle, Chen Yuqi found it amusing and shook her head, concerned they might never stop. She spoke up, sharing her discovery from the menu.

Upon hearing Chen Yuqi’s words, Shindong and Li Sun-gyu ceased their childish standoff, returned the Fenjiu to the table, and both acted as though nothing had happened.

“Since this Fenjiu is so strong, let’s start with one bottle. Please, could you bring us a bottle of Qinghua Fenjiu and two glasses of mango juice?” When the server arrived with the dishes, the group had already decided what drinks to order, and Li Sun-gyu explained their choices.

As dish after dish was served, everyone ate with great enthusiasm—and drank just as heartily. After finishing the second bottle of Fenjiu, they asked the server to bring some beer and continued drinking. By the end, Taeyeon, the lightweight, had a rosy flush on her cheeks, leaning drowsily against Jung Sooyeon’s shoulder, clearly quite drunk, while Sooyeon herself had fallen asleep on the table.

Whether it was the mixture of spirits and beer or simply the quantity consumed, Chen Zhe was also heavily intoxicated. After putting down his glass, he began to sway and toppled sideways, his head hitting something soft and yielding, prompting him to close his eyes comfortably.

Since they had not been drinking, Jung Soojung and Choi Sulli were both perfectly sober. Watching the group of drunken friends and the few still competing, they shook their heads in mild exasperation, preparing to look after their inebriated elder sisters.

Seeing Choi Sulli rise to care for Hwang Miyoung, Jung Soojung also prepared to help her own elder sister and Taeyeon, but unexpectedly, Chen Zhe, seated beside her, after setting down his glass, swayed a few times and then collapsed in her direction.

Concerned he might hit the floor or a chair and end up with a bloody head, Jung Soojung quickly halted her movements, watching as Chen Zhe landed directly on her lap. As he slid down, she hurriedly supported his head, her actions strangely gentle.

“Ah Zhe, Ah Zhe…” Seeing Chen Zhe, eyes closed as though asleep, Jung Soojung cradled his head to keep him from falling, gently pushing his shoulder, her tone tender as she called his name, hoping he might awaken.

“Mmm~” Hearing the constant calling, the semi-conscious Chen Zhe responded instinctively, his body twisting slightly as if to turn over. Unable to, he ceased moving and returned to a peaceful sleep.

“Ah Zhe, Ah Zhe…” Watching him quiet again, his breathing soft and regular, Jung Soojung found his sleeping face less bold and lively than when awake, more gentle and adorable. Amused, she curled her lips into a smile, gently nudging him again, her voice warm as she softly called his name.