Of course, Lin Xiao was unwilling.

It was Huang Xingcheng's freedom to pursue Chu Xiangxue, and Lin Xiao had no say in the matter. But just moments ago at the restaurant entrance, the man had repeatedly said he didn't mind sharing a meal. Now that Chu Xiangxue was gone, he was showing his true colors. Although he phrased it politely, his words were truly nauseating.

Seeing Lin Xiao refuse him, a hint of anger flashed in Huang Xingcheng's eyes.

Yes, Huang Xingcheng was angry. A mere security guard had the audacity to show him such disrespect. He was from the Huang Family, one of the top-tier families in Shengjing. In the entire city, there were only seven such families. Entry into this elite circle wasn't merely a matter of financial assets; what was more crucial was a family's background and resources.

"You're Lin Xiao, right? I, Huang Xingcheng, have a principle. If you show me respect, I'll show you respect. But if you don't, I'll smack you right in the face!"

Lin Xiao feigned surprise. "Oh, really?"

"That's right. And I'm not trying to scare you, but our Huang Family is a top-tier family in Shengjing. You might not understand what that means, so let me clarify. In all of Jinling City, only the Shao Family has what it takes to go head-to-head with us. Every other family is garbage in our eyes. Not to mention, my grandfather is a disciple of the Immortal Doctor Sect, and my godfather is the King of the Northern Town. Do you understand now?"

"I understand. It means the Huang Family is a big deal," Lin Xiao said.

"Hmph, as long as you know. So, before I lose my temper, get lost!"

Lin Xiao smiled. "You see, I'm a bit of a peculiar person. If you had asked me nicely, I might have agreed. But if you try to pressure me with your so-called background, then honestly, I'm not scared at all. In fact, I find what you're saying to be utterly ridiculous!"

"So, you think I'm a joke?" Huang Xingcheng asked, his voice icy.

"Yeah, you're a joke. What else would you be?"

Huang Xingcheng could barely contain his rage. He was the young master of a top-tier family, a renowned figure among Shengjing's elite social circles, and yet he was being called a joke by a security guard who looked like a beggar.

Just as he was about to erupt, Chu Xiangxue and Pei Yanzi entered the private room, chatting and laughing.

Huang Xingcheng's cold expression vanished in an instant. With a complete change in demeanor, he smiled and picked up the teapot, personally pouring a cup for Lin Xiao. "Brother, what I said earlier was just a joke. Don't take it to heart!"

What a two-faced snake.

"Well, I wasn't joking," Lin Xiao said with a smile.

A terrifying sharpness flashed in Huang Xingcheng's eyes before he quickly regained his composure.

After Chu Xiangxue and Pei Yanzi sat down, Huang Xingcheng called the waiter over to take their order. The menu was naturally handed to Chu Xiangxue, but she smiled and passed it to Lin Xiao and Pei Yanzi. "Lin Xiao, Yanzi, see what you'd like to eat. It's my treat today!"

At this, Huang Xingcheng laughed. "Xiang Xue, how could we let you pay? I already said it's on me. Besides, I should be thanking you for introducing me to two new friends, right, Brother Lin Xiao?"

Lin Xiao ignored him. He snapped the menu shut and rattled off seven or eight of the restaurant's most famous and hearty dishes.

Huang Xingcheng scoffed internally. What a country bumpkin who's never seen the world, taking every little advantage he can get.

Outwardly, however, he said with a smile, "Brother Lin is quite the expert at ordering. These are all top-notch signature dishes!" Though his words sounded like praise, they were laced with sarcasm, mocking Lin Xiao for being a freeloader.

Lin Xiao, of course, understood the veiled insult, but he didn't react. After all, he had brought Pei Yanzi here to eat. Any confrontation could wait until after the meal.

"Lin Xiao, aren't you going to order a bottle of wine?" Chu Xiangxue asked with a smile.

"What would you like to drink?"

"Red wine, I think. Yanzi can have a little, too!" Chu Xiangxue smiled.

Lin Xiao ordered an expensive bottle of red wine.

Huang Xingcheng, however, laughed and added, "Let's also get two bottles of Maotai. I hit it off with Brother Lin right away. Men drinking red wine is fine, but baijiu is what shows a man's character. Wouldn't you agree, Brother Lin?"

Lin Xiao knew instantly that this guy was up to no good. However, he didn't refuse. If he wanted to court death, then Lin Xiao would oblige him.

The food and drinks arrived quickly. Noticing that Pei Yanzi was a bit reserved and at a loss, Lin Xiao took it upon himself to look after her, though not with the same level of attentiveness he showed Su Qingning. With Lin Xiao's care, Pei Yanzi finally began to relax. When a delicious piece of king crab leg met her charming, cherry-like lips, her eyes widened in astonishment. There's something so delicious in this world!

"Brother Lin, how about we have a drink?" Huang Xingcheng asked with a smile.

Lin Xiao smiled back. "Just one cup? That's not enough. Let's have at least three. I've never had Maotai before."

Huang Xingcheng was secretly thrilled. This was exactly what he wanted. He had loved drinking since he was young and could chug Maotai like water, so his alcohol tolerance was impressive. He had specifically ordered the two bottles to get Lin Xiao drunk and make a complete fool of him. Then, he would see if Chu Xiangxue still dared to associate with such low-class trash.

But Huang Xingcheng had no idea that even ten of him wouldn't be a match for Lin Xiao's drinking prowess.

"Alright, we'll do as you say, Brother Lin!" Huang Xingcheng laughed. Fearing Lin Xiao might back out, he immediately downed three consecutive glasses. Then, he watched Lin Xiao with a smug grin, his expression clearly saying, "Your turn."

Without a word, Lin Xiao also downed three glasses.

Honestly, when the first sip hit his throat, he felt a twinge of regret. This is supposed to be liquor? It's nothing compared to what I drank in Kunlun. Little did he know, the spirits he drank in Kunlun were the most exclusive of special reserves.

"Excellent tolerance, Brother Lin! Shall we continue?"

"Sure," Lin Xiao replied. "But these cups are a bit small. Why don't we switch to bowls?"

Huang Xingcheng sneered inwardly. What an uncultured hick. He gets a taste of good Maotai and immediately shows his true colors. He'll be crying his eyes out soon enough!

"Brother Lin, you're truly a man of great capacity! Let's do it your way!" Huang Xingcheng laughed.

No sooner said than done, they switched to large bowls and filled them to the brim. Huang Xingcheng drained his in one go, and Lin Xiao matched him without hesitation. In the blink of an eye, each of them had finished a full bottle. Huang Xingcheng then ordered four more.

Chu Xiangxue could see that Huang Xingcheng was trying to get Lin Xiao drunk. Frankly, she didn't care what happened to Huang Xingcheng, but she was worried about Lin Xiao. She glanced at him and saw that he looked completely unfazed. Only then did her anxious heart settle.

Still, she said with concern, "Lin Xiao, if you don't want to drink anymore, then don't."

Her words irked Huang Xingcheng. His goddess was actually showing concern for a stinking beggar. Damn it, I'm going to make this filthy beggar an absolute laughingstock today. Let's see if you still want to be friends with trash like him then, Chu Xiangxue!

Having made up his mind, Huang Xingcheng said with a cold smirk, "Brother Lin, do you dare go bottle for bottle with me?"

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