Ever since Liu Duo had arrived at their house, he hadn't touched a single drop of wine, for he knew she didn't care for it. He wasn't clear why he had decided that.

Upon hearing that, Dongfang Ming looked over at Liu Duo, "Madam Ye, could you allow your husband to have a drink with me?"

She nodded, "Sure, why not? Go ahead, Liuzi. Just don't get drunk."

It was quite normal for men to have a drink together. She didn't mind too much. It was nice to let loose once in a while.

"Liuzi?" Dongfang Ming caught the peculiar nickname.

Shouldn't she call him her husband?

Ye Liu smirked at the curiosity written on his face, "She just loves to call me that. It's her unique way of showing love!" He held up his wine glass, "Cheers to you, Mr. Dongfang. I thank you for the extravagant meal you prepared for our Little Duo. I just hope you don't mind the company she dragged along with her."

The tips of their glasses touched. "Mr. Ye, there you go making jokes again. You are her husband, so of course she'd ask you to come along. I don't mind. Fate has arranged that we meet, and there's nothing more to say, so let's have another drink!"

Right, bottoms up!" Ye Liu gulped down his glass in one go, "This sweet Osmanthus wine has such a strong aroma!"

Dongfang Ming drank his in one gulp too, albeit more elegantly. "This wine has been with me for more than ten years. It's aroma is expected, although the aftertaste is a bit too much."

"Then it is all thanks to you that a lowly countryman like me can have a taste of such fine wine!"

Liu Duo couldn't help but scoff when Ye Liu called himself that. Lowly countryman? Lowly scumbag is more like it! A real countryman would be someone as honest as Li Wazi.

Two handsome men, with extraordinary features, chatted among themselves as they indulged in wine.

Liu Duo had had enough and settled for observing them from the sidelines.

She had always known Ye Liu was a chatty fellow, but she never thought he could have such a lengthy conversation with a man like Dongfang Ming, who was his opposite in terms of status, education level, and experience.

She signed again. This man was born into the wrong family. If he had been born rich, he'd certainly be a reputable talent, on top of being a womanizer!

"Brother Dongfang, let this be our final drink. We're almost done with the wine, and thanks again for the feast," Ye Liu held up his glass, clinked it against the other, and gulped down another drink.

Dongfang Ming gladly emptied his glass and set it down, "You're too kind. I'm merely doing what I should. If you hadn't requested a partnership with my shop, we wouldn't have seen this day - or our profits."

Now they'd started calling each other brothers. Liu Duo admitted that she'd never understand the world of men.

When they had finally finished their meal, Liu Duo spoke up, "Mr. Dongfang, thank you for your warm hospitality, but we really must go now. I hope you don't mind."

"Not al all. Let's do it again another day. It's not everyday I find myself visiting Anping Town, so I won't be leaving right away," Dongfang Ming replied with a smile.

Er...

Won't be leaving right away?

Something about that didn't sound right to Liu Duo. For a gentleman with a largely unknown identity, what reason did he have to stay in this little town? Yet she managed a smile, "Sure. Next time."

Then she dragged Ye Liu along and gave the boss a polite bow before turning away and leaving the room.

Ye Liu couldn't walk straight after having drank some wine. Liu Duo knew this was the effect of the aftertaste.