Chapter Forty-Seven: Drunken Antics

But Wen Jingxing, the one being called out, certainly didn't see it that way.

Was this woman truly drunk? Otherwise, given how she used to loathe him, even if her attitude had softened a bit lately, it was impossible she'd suddenly become so affectionate. Heaven only knew how deep the misunderstanding between them ran.

Song Wannning, in her muddled state, had mistaken Wen Jingxing for a personal maid from her previous life. Calling her a maid was a stretch—she was more like a sister. The maid’s full name was Wen Hang, and it was quite the coincidence, as her name was only one character different from Wen Jingxing’s.

Song Wannning had met Wen Hang during a time of war, and the girl had even risked her life to save her, all because Song Wannning had once given her a cake while fleeing famine. Grateful, Song Wannning kept Wen Hang by her side.

It was only after growing close that she realized Wen Hang rarely smiled. At first, Song Wannning thought it was due to the hardships of her past, but even in peaceful times, she never saw Wen Hang smile.

As Song Wannning grew violent and hard in order to defend her kingdom, no one dared approach her when she was drunk—no one but Wen Hang, who would snatch the wine bottle and pour out the finest spirits without hesitation. Only then, in those solitary moments, would Song Wannning open her heart to Wen Hang, confiding her troubles.

For example: “That old fox, Chancellor Li, just wants to force his daughter into the palace, yet he claims I neglect the nation’s safety by refusing to take a wife or concubine to ensure the royal line continues!”

“Today in court, the civil and military officials quarreled again—one side claiming their governance is essential, the other insisting that defending the nation is most important. What are they even fighting for? The country can’t do without either, otherwise there’ll be chaos inside and out.”

And so on.

Now, just as in her previous life, Song Wannning wrapped her arms around him as she spoke. “Ah Hang, stay and hear me out before you go.”

Wen Jingxing froze, feeling the soft warmth in his arms, his hands awkwardly suspended. “You… you’re drunk.”

“I’m not!” Song Wannning protested, her voice lilting. “Ah Hang, you know I can hold my liquor better than anyone.”

Song Wannning never bothered to prepare her lies. She’d told this one countless times—so much so that she was still telling it in this life.

Wen Jingxing, trying not to laugh at her drunken state, asked, “Are you sure?”

Song Wannning frowned. “Why do you always say that? My tolerance is excellent, all right?”

But his amusement faded at her words. “How come I’ve said that to you so many times? Are you sure you recognize who I am?”

She looked up at him. “Aren’t you Ah Hang?”

“Then, in the past, who did you drink in front of?” Wen Jingxing wondered. With the way she’d just knocked someone out, he wasn’t worried about her being bullied. But seeing her so adorably drunk, he didn’t want anyone else witnessing it.

“No one. I only drink in front of Ah Hang,” Song Wannning replied, shaking her head—so much that she grew dizzy and promptly fell asleep.

Wen Jingxing was still uncertain. “Are you sure by ‘Ah Hang’ you mean me?”

But she didn’t answer. After waiting a while, Wen Jingxing lifted her face and, sure enough—she was out cold.

He could only sigh helplessly.

He tried to pry her hands from around his waist, but she was surprisingly strong; it took a moment before he managed to free himself. Yet, once her hands were loose, she slumped against him like a boneless cat, even sliding lower as she leaned.

With another sigh, Wen Jingxing muttered, “How did I end up with you…”

Despite his words, he took off his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders, then lifted her in his arms, tucking her head against his neck. He even slipped off her painful high heels.

He was about to carry Song Wannning back to her room when Wen Yi appeared at the cabin entrance.

“Third Brother! What are you doing here? You up and left without a word, do you know how awkward you made it for me?”

She was so busy complaining that she didn’t notice until now—the person in her brother’s arms.

And more shocking still, it was a woman!

Wen Yi’s eyes widened. “Brother, who is she? Is that my future sister-in-law? Are you giving up on Song Wannning?”

She couldn’t see the woman’s face, hidden beneath a cascade of long hair, but the glimpse of a slender, fair calf, dainty foot, and round toes peeking out from the red dress was enough to imagine how adorable she must be! Certainly nothing like that Song Wannning woman!

Wen Jingxing arched a brow. “Yes, your future sister-in-law.”

He deliberately withheld the woman’s identity, leaving Wen Yi itching with curiosity.

“Brother, who is it? Tell me, please!”

Wen Jingxing dodged her probing hand. “No need to look, you already know her.”

“I do? Then I must have introduced you before! Come on, who is she?”

But he ignored her, striding off with Song Wannning in his arms. Wen Yi, forgetting her earlier dismay at the party, chased after him, eager for answers. But with her high heels and shorter legs, she couldn’t keep up, and soon he left her behind.

She stomped her foot. “Fine, if you won’t tell me, I’ll find out myself! Stingy!”

Meanwhile, Wen Jingxing returned to the lounge area, asked a staff member for Song Wannning’s room number, and carried her there.

The staffer, a young girl in her early twenties, immediately recognized the woman in his arms as Song Wannning and, seeing that Wen Jingxing was the one asking, didn’t see it as betraying a guest but as simply helping out.

Once inside the room, Wen Jingxing laid Song Wannning on the bed. To his surprise, she sat up again, calling out, “Ah Hang, stay with me a bit longer, don’t go, all right?”

Though Wen Hang had always been cold and aloof, whenever Song Wannning softened her tone, she would immediately relent.

Wen Jingxing, hand on the doorknob, hesitated, then let go and returned to the bedside. “I’m here.”

“No, you’re not…” Song Wannning shook her head stubbornly.

He quickly stopped her. “Enough, don’t shake your head or you’ll get dizzy again. How am I not here? I’m right in front of you.”

“No, no, you have to help me change my clothes and wipe my hands and feet first!”

In the old days, clothing had many layers—changing the outer ones still left you dressed. But now, modern clothes were just one piece. And to make matters worse, Song Wannning was wearing a dress that hugged her chest.

Wen Jingxing, who had helped her pick it out, was well aware of that fact.

For a moment, his mind went blank. Wiping her hands and feet was one thing—but changing her clothes?

“You… are you sure?”