As she spoke, Liu Erlong took another large gulp of alcohol, choking to the point that tears streamed down her face—whether from the burn of the liquor or the heartache, it was impossible to tell.
"This life of mine, Liu Erlong... I loved a man with everything I had, giving my all without hesitation... and in the end, it feels like some absurd joke!"
"And now... he's become this womanly figure..."
"Yu Xiaogang, my 'sister'?"
Her voice carried a heavy sob, yet she stubbornly refused to let the tears fall. Her eyes were red, and her body trembled slightly from both emotion and the effects of the alcohol.
Dai Chengfeng listened quietly, not interrupting her.
He simply refilled her cup when needed, or gently patted her back when she choked on the liquor.
He understood that what Liu Erlong needed wasn't someone to judge her, but someone to listen—to be a harbor for all her vulnerability and shame.
"And that brat Tang San!"
Liu Erlong suddenly raised her voice again, her tone filled with anger and a sense of being offended.
"His face... it's prettier than most girls! The two of them standing together... that sight... Dai Chengfeng, tell me, has the world gone mad?"
"Or are my eyes deceiving me?"
It was as if she were asking Dai Chengfeng, but also questioning herself, her voice brimming with confusion and a sense of helplessness at the absurdity of reality.
Dai Chengfeng shook his head. "The world hasn't gone mad, and your eyes are fine."
"It's just that some people, some things, have surpassed our usual understanding."
"But no matter what, it's them who've changed, not you."
"Liu Erlong, you're still the same bold, passionate woman you've always been."
Liu Erlong sat there, stunned, then suddenly collapsed onto the table. Her shoulders shook violently as suppressed, broken sobs finally escaped uncontrollably.
Dai Chengfeng set down his bowl of wine, stood up, and moved to her side. He extended his hand, gently patting her back.
"Cry it out. It'll make you feel better."
Finding solace in his presence, Liu Erlong suddenly turned around and buried herself into Dai Chengfeng's chest. She clutched his shirt tightly, burying her face deeply into him, and began to cry loudly.
All the pent-up grievances, pain, confusion, and humiliation erupted like a volcano in that moment.
Dai Chengfeng let her hold on to him, one hand still gently patting her back while the other rested on her shoulder.
Liu Erlong cried for what felt like an eternity. Her sobs gradually softened into small, fragmented hiccups.
The aftereffects of the strong liquor surged over her like a tidal wave, coupled with the extreme emotional swings. Her consciousness began to blur, and her body went limp, leaning completely on Dai Chengfeng for support, almost sliding off him.
Dai Chengfeng noticed the change in the woman in his arms. Looking down, he saw Liu Erlong's eyes tightly shut, her long lashes still glistening with tears. Her cheeks were flushed red, and her breath carried the heavy scent of alcohol—she was clearly very drunk.
He tried calling her softly, "Erlong? Liu Erlong?"
Liu Erlong didn't respond, only unconsciously smacking her lips and nestling closer to him, seeking a more comfortable position.
Seeing this, Dai Chengfeng lifted her into his arms. Despite her tall frame and long legs, her weight was negligible to him.
Carrying her, he walked towards the inner bedroom, gently placing her on the soft bed.
Just as Dai Chengfeng was about to get up to fetch her a glass of water, Liu Erlong grabbed his sleeve. "Don't… don't leave…"
Her brows furrowed, her face showing unease, like a child lacking security.
Dai Chengfeng froze, gazing at her face bathed in moonlight.
Liu Erlong was stunningly beautiful, exuding an aggressive allure akin to a blooming rose.
At this moment, her beauty was heightened by the intoxication and tear-streaked traces, adding a touch of pitiful charm.
His gaze swept over her smooth forehead, closed eyes, delicate nose, finally landing on her slightly swollen lips, still full and rosy from drinking and crying.
An inexplicable impulse arose...
Ever so slowly, he leaned down toward those tempting lips.
Liu Erlong's eyes were hazy, barely open slits; whether she saw his movement or not, she didn't resist.
Finally...
Dai Chengfeng's lips lightly brushed hers, like a feather touching water.
Perhaps it was the alcohol, but Dai Chengfeng found her lips even softer than before, carrying the heat of the liquor and a hint of salty tears.
And Liu Erlong still didn't resist, only letting out a faint moan~
Dai Chengfeng's originally restrained kiss deepened under Liu Erlong's naive response.
He felt her body soften in his embrace. Those hands that once clutched his shirt now uncertainly reached for his shoulders, guided by the softness brought on by the drink.
Liu Erlong's breathing quickened, her warm, wine-scented breath brushing against his cheek—a silent permission.
His hand slid slowly down the curve of her spine, finally resting on her waist. Even through her clothes, he could feel her trembling heat.
When his fingertips tentatively touched the knot of her robe, Liu Erlong's body noticeably stiffened.
"…Wait."
She mumbled the words in the gap between kisses, struggling with the last vestiges of clarity.
Dai Chengfeng immediately stopped, hovering close to her lips, giving her enough space to retreat.
"Okay."
That single word shattered Liu Erlong's final defense.
Dai Chengfeng's respect broke through her barriers more effectively than any forceful advance.
Suddenly, she felt that in this bizarre world where Yu Xiaogang had become her 'sister' and left her feeling adrift, Dai Chengfeng's tenderness was profoundly real.
She knew what would happen next...
That vague awareness made her heart race, mingled with fear and a reckless anticipation.
"…Never mind."
She closed her eyes, burying her burning cheeks back into the crook of his neck. Her voice was muffled, carrying a resigned whimper.
"…Do as you will."
Those three words, light as a sigh, struck deeply in Dai Chengfeng's heart.
Dai Chengfeng no longer hesitated, kissing her again, this time with clearer intent.
His fingers skillfully untied the complex knot at her waist, causing her outer garment to loosen and fall open.
The cool air touched her skin, and Liu Erlong shivered slightly, instinctively wanting to curl up, but Dai Chengfeng held her firmly in his arms.
His kisses trailed down from the corner of her lips, lingering on her slender neck, leaving behind trails of red marks.
The ties of her undergarments were also undone, the layers of clothing falling away like petals, revealing the crimson, intricately embroidered undergarment beneath.
Liu Erlong's body was exposed to the cool air, her skin breaking out in tiny goosebumps.
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