Zuo You looked around the table at the members from Team Shanghai and the few other people she remembered from the Shanghai 16 School Tournament. Theyre Lin Fengs friends. I dont forget faces. Her job back in her old role was to suck up to people. And she was very good at it. She smiled and nodded at herself. All right! Time to get this party started! Ill show these kids why the boss used to pay me so much money! She glanced at Tang Bingyao and An Xin. And we need to celebrate a little extra for you two. Girls beating those competitive boys! I love seeing that! Serves those dumbasses right for saying girls cant play games! Shut them right up! You two were fantastic!

Hiiiiiiiiii! Zuo You said, drawing everyones attention. She stood up and raised her glass, a large pint of beer, and said, Today was a great day! We saw Tang Tang and BunBun here carry you guys to the next round, once more proving that girls are just as good as guys! She winked at Tang Bingyao and An Xin and added, Did Lin Feng tell you girls Im a diehard feminist? And Im also a League addict! I love nothing more than to see girls do good at League! Watching you two play today was a dream come true! It was fantastic!

Lin Feng looked from Tang Bingyao to An Xin and back to Tang Bingyao. He then mumbled, I think I played really good too

An Xin glared at Lin Feng and was about to say something, but Zuo You was faster. You were also great! Your Fizz gave me flashbacks to that time you helped me out with my coworker! And you looked so much better! But anyway She raised her glass a little higher. I just wanna congratulate all of you on a series well played! GRATS!

GANBEI!

PROOST!

SKAL!

ROUND OF 16 NEXT!

Everyone raised their cups and drank them empty! One big swig, as was tradition! The alcohol flowing through their veins boosted their social skills, opening up a night of fun and laughter! That was how Zuo You had imagined it, anyway. She glanced around the table, confused. Why did they all order soft drinks Arent they 18? Why dont they get the good stuff? Ive never had to socialize with sober people Uhh She briefly hesitated before asking, Why are you guys all drinking soft drinks? Arent you all legal? Dont tell me you guys dont like beer. You know there are other alcoholic drinks, right? If you dont like beer, you can just get some wine or even something sweet like a breezer She trailed off, stopped by the wide-eyed looks of horror around her.

Ren Rou and Ouyang were shaking their heads, terrified. No! NO! was what they were trying to say without spelling out the words. It was their best attempt to keep the booze away from Tang Bingyao without telling her to her face that she was not a fun drunk. Everyone felt like this, all in their own ways trying to convey the message to Zuo You. The memory of Tang Bingyaos birthday party was still fresh in their minds. And they knew for a fact that they enjoyed her company better when she was sober.

Lin Feng scratched the back of his head and looked around the table. Why is no one saying anything? Oooooh! Theyre playing a game of dont say the words! He grinned and nodded at Zuo You, grabbing her attention. He then pointed with his eyes at Tang Bingyao and said, Bad stuff happens when the alcohol comes out. He pointed with his head at Tang Bingyao and continued, Were not drinking!

Zuo You scrunched her nose and looked at Tang Bingyao. She asked, Bad stuff? What does that even mean? Is Tang Tang bad with the alcohol? Or?

Not just bad! Lin Feng exclaimed, forgetting all about the game. He shouted, Shes terrible! You dont know what happened last time! But it was terrible! She became this completely weird pers AJJHHH! He abruptly turned to look at An Xin and yelled, BunBun! What did you hit me for!?

Tang Bingyao slumped back in her seat, trying to hide from the others. They can have alcohol if they want. I can just not have any. Mhm. What happened at my birthday party that they dont want to drink with me anymore? Why are they all looking at me? Did I do something She bit on her tongue and wanted to disappear. It wasnt that bad, was it? I just Lin Feng had to carry me home, but Oh my god, he had to carry me to his place. Her face heated up. She scratched her forehead, trying to hide her embarrassment behind her arm, and mumbled, N-no! Its Its I just

Tears wetted Tang Bingyaos eyes. She inhaled sharply, trying to draw them back. Dont cry. Dont let them see you cry. She chewed on her lips, the inside of her cheeks and her tongue. Her stomach was tied in a knot and she really wanted to get up and run away. I cant run away. No running. Mm-mhm. I cant look at them again then. Theyre still my friends. She took a deep breath and finally said, I just had a little too much last time we drank. Mhm.

Zuo You looked at Tang Bingyao and then at the others around the table and shouted, Whats wrong with you people? Socially inept freaks! She turned back to Tang Bingyao and smiled warmly. Hey, Tang Tang. Dont worry about it. That happens to the best of us. Itll be a fun story in a few years. Here, come, have a drink and lets just have fun! Ignore those insensitive assholes!

The waiters brought the food out and with that came the return of the lively atmosphere. The delicious smells made everyone forget about Tang Bingyao and alcohol, and even Tang Bingyao herself sat up a little straighter again. But it wasnt until Lin Feng grabbed a chicken wing that everything returned to normal. He clutched it tightly, then punched it up into the air and declared, Were going to win the Collegiate Cup!

Yang Fan adjusted his glasses and analysed, This is the first time high school teams are competing. If you guys win, that means youll become the first ever high school team to win a university tournament.

Ouyang nodded and said, Yeah, yeah! Our bros are gonna win this! Theyll be the first high school team to win the Collegiate Cup!

Zhang Hao took a big swig from his drink, pineapple flavoured, and said, Weve already reached the Top 16 at Regionals. I think the only two teams who can stop us now are Zhejiang and Fudan. Well win against everyone else!

TTSSSSSSK! Zuo You replied. She giggled and continued, Have some confidence! I saw you play today. Fudan and Zhejiang are shit! You guys can totally beat them! And itll be super fantastic when Tang Tang and BunBun carry you to Nationals!

Lin Feng quickly chimed in, And me! Im really good at wrecking university teams too! Who cares about their names!?

Zeng Rui felt the nagging throb at the back of his head again. Shes just as bad as he is. Theyre like some overconfident twin-duo-something Thundering dumbasses He took a deep breath and explained, Zhejiang University and Fudan University are strong teams. Itll take a lot of careful planning to beat them.

Yang Fan adjusted his glasses again and said, Youre right. Theyre very strong. Ive watched some of their games. But Ive also seen you guys play. I think you guys stand a good chance. Its winnable.

Of course its winnable! Ouyang shouted. These are our bros! Theyre the best! Its gonna be an easy win! HOORAH FOR OUR BROS! He raised his glass and drank it empty.

An Xin hadnt said much of anything all night. She looked around the table and smiled. Theyre all happy. Thats good. But I She gritted her teeth and took a long, deep breath. This is too much for me right now. Guys She waited for everyone to look at her before continuing, Im Im sorry. Im not feeling great. I think Im going to go home and get some rest. You guys celebrate. Ill see you all tomorrow. Goodnight. She got up from her seat and grabbed her stuff. Then she looked at everyone, an apologetic expression on her face, and said, I She paused and took another deep breath before continuing, Im sorry.

Everyone looked at An Xin in surprise. They hadnt even really noticed how absent shed been until now.

Are you okay? Get some sleep.

Yeah, go home and rest a bit. I hope you feel better in the morning.

Do you want me to call you a cab?

Is there anything we can do for you?

Su Xue looked at An Xin. She looks a little pale. Is she really ok? She chewed on her lips and listened to the others wishing An Xin a speedy recovery. No. We cant just let her go home like this. She nudged Lin Feng, who was sitting next to her, and whispered, Hey, bring her home. Make sure shes ok.

Lin Feng felt Su Xue nudge him and vaguely heard what she was saying, but wasnt really paying attention to it. His eyes were locked on An Xin. What is this feeling? Why do I feel like I should He chewed on his lips and rubbed his stomach. What did Su Xue say? He turned to look at her and finally connected the dots. Bring An Xin home. Thats what Im feeling. Hey, BunBun? he asked. Are you sure youre okay?

An Xin raised her eyebrows, surprised. Him? She smiled at Lin Feng and said, Yeah, Im fine. Its just been a long day. I need to rest a bit and Ill be as good as new!

Oh, okay Lin Feng replied. I cant let her go home like this. It feels all wrong. Im going to send her home! He got up from his seat and grabbed his own coat. Hold on. Ill bring you home!

An Xin paused. She turned to look at Lin Feng, confused. Youll bring me home? Did you just decide to bring me home all by yourself? Thats so not you But its a nice change. She smiled and briefly considered it, but then shook her head and said, Its nice of you to offer. But theres no nee

Im bringing you home, Lin Feng cut her off. He put on his coat and wished the others a good night.

An Xin bit on her lips. I dont want She shook her head and closed her eyes. Fine. Fine. She allowed Lin Feng to grab her arm and walk her out of the restaurant.

Tang Bingyao watched this happen from her seat at the table. She hadnt said anything through this entire scene, except for a quick goodnight. There was no jealousy that led her to act like this, but rather worry. Somethings wrong with BunBun. I saw her hand tremble when she took that piece of paper from Zeng Rui. That really happened. Shes not okay. Shes lying about something. Whats wrong? Is there something I can do? Mhm. Ill have to ask. When I get her alone, Ill ask. Mhm!

It wasnt far to the subway station, which was where An Xin wanted to go. Lin Feng offered to call her a cab multiple times, but was quickly shut down each time. When they arrived in front of the subway station, An Xin stopped and tried to pull free from Lin Fengs arm. She smiled at him and said, Its okay. You brought me far enough. I can go the rest of the way by myself.

Lin Feng nodded slowly, but didnt let her go. He looked at her and asked in a tone that was far more serious than he usually spoke, BunBun. Are you really okay?

An Xin forced a smile and nodded. Idiot. I told you Im okay. Im really, really, really okay. Ok? Im just a bit tired.

Really? Why does it feel like youre lying to me then? Lin Feng asked, doubtful.

Lying? Since when can you tell when someone is lying? An Xin asked sarcastically. Please let me go. Please.

Lin Feng glanced past this attempt to change the topic and repeated, Are you really okay?

Yes Im sure! Drop it! An Xin said, annoyed. Drop it and go!

Really? Lin Feng asked again. Something is feeling wrong. Why does this feel wrong? Can I really let her go alone? Really?

REALLY! REALLY! REALLY! IM FINE! An Xin yelled, quickly becoming very angry. I cant hold this up! GO AWAY!

Lin Feng chewed on his lips and looked An Xin up and down. He finally asked, Really?

I need to look strong. An Xin suddenly stood very straight. She raised her fist and smacked Lin Feng on the head. Youre an idiot! I said Im fine, so Im fine! Now Im going to go before I miss my train. Stop following me! Goodnight!

Lin Feng rubbed his head in pain, but didnt leave. He took a deep breath and said, Alright. Alright. Call me if anything happens. Please.

Dont worry, dont worry. I know. Ill call you if anything happens. Now go! An Xin said, shooing Lin Feng away.

Lin Feng let An Xin push him away. He walked a few steps away from the subway station, but then stopped and turned back around to look at An Xin. He said, BunBun. Im serious. Are you really okay?

An Xin looked at Lin Feng, the dark of the night hiding the tears popping up in her eyes. Im not. She chewed on the inside of her cheeks and blinked away a tear. He looks actually worried. I should tell him... No. No. She shook her head and said quietly, Really. Please dont worry about me. Ill be fine.

Lin Feng nodded and then turned around and walked away. This feels wrong. This feels all wrong. But I cant force her if she doesnt want me to stay. Its just He stopped after only taking three steps and turned back around again. An Xin was walking down the stairs into the subway station. He called out after her, BunBun? Are you sure? Are you really okay? But she didnt answer him. She kept walking until she disappeared from his view.

Im just worried about you, Lin Feng mumbled, scratching the back of his head. Im just worried But An Xin was gone. She wont like it if I go after her. Shell just smack me and tell me to go away He pursed his lips and, though his stomach was moving around and twisting tightly into a knot, he walked away.

An Xin glanced over her shoulder, searching for Lin Feng. He left. Good. She finally let the tension on her body drop. Her hand started trembling violently and the world swirled darkly before her eyes. She leaned against the wall and tried to stay on her feet. That was too much. I pushed myself too far. I shouldnt have let him come with me. I just need to I need to rest. She let her knees relax, falling semi-controlled to the floor. There, she leaned against the walls and closed her eyes. I just need a bit of rest.

It was late at night and she was in a subway station. An Xin knew she couldnt sit here for long. So after only a couple of seconds, she forced herself back to her feet. Every movement of her body cost her a lot of energy. Drops of sweat appeared on her forehead. Just keeping it together was asking a lot from her. She took slow, deep breaths, trying to stay calm. The sound of a train arriving came from deeper in the station. I need to hurry to catch the train A bead of sweat rolled down her face. She felt it make its way around her eye and down her cheek, before rolling over the edge of her chin. It fell to the ground and she reached her hand out.

There was the faintest sound of the drop of sweat hitting the palm of her hand. But in An Xins mind it sounded like thunder. It echoed and it smashed against the walls of her sanity. It was a painful reminder of the situation she was in. Her heart trembled. Just this much is already pushing it. I dont know how much more I can She bit on her lips, fresh tears watering her eyes.