Seventeen Again: The Sweet Life with My Family

Chapter 163: Two Drunk People

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Bai Zheng sat cross-legged on the opposite side of the coffee table, facing her. “I never imagined that the two of us would end up spending a reunion night like this, just the two of us.”

Bai Zheng’s expression carried a hint of self-mockery.

Wen Nian asked curiously, “Why did you come to the capital during the new year?”

Bai Zheng opened a bottle of beer for himself and raised his eyebrows. “I’m from the capital. You didn’t expect this, did you?”

Wen Nian nodded, acknowledging the truth in Bai Zheng’s words. In her previous life, Wen Nian never knew that Bai Zheng was from the capital. Bai Zheng’s absence from his family during the holidays, despite being from the capital, suggested that there were likely unresolved issues and unpleasant experiences between them.

She didn’t ask any further questions and simply responded with a smile. “1 really didn’t expect it, especially since 1 had already prepared to celebrate this festival alone today. Yet here you are, accompanying me.”

Bai Zheng downed half a bottle in one gulp. “That’s not right. 1 must thank you for being here with me.”

Inadvertently, Bai Zheng glanced at the full moon through the window, a symbol of reunion, and spoke with heartfelt emotion, “Why do you think people are always discontented?”

Wen Nian was taken aback by the profound topic and took a moment to gather her thoughts before responding, “Perhaps it is inherent to human nature.”

Upon hearing her response, Bai Zheng turned to gaze at Wen Nian. “You’re right,’ he said. ‘Humans possess an inherent greediness. However, certain individuals manage to restrain it through their morals, whereas others consciously indulge in it.”

Wen Nian sensed a deeper meaning behind Bai Zheng’s words. She pondered whether the current troubles weighing on him would eventually become one of the straws that could potentially crush him in the future.

Bai Zheng asked, “Do you know why I like to play the piano?”

Wen Nian’s thoughts were interrupted. She shook her head and guessed, “Isn’t it because you like listening to the sound of the piano?”

Bai Zheng downed the remaining half of the bottle in one gulp. “Because through playing the piano, I can escape,’ he said. ‘It transports me to a pure realm, even if only momentarily, offering me a respite. Let me share with you a particularly poignant story.”

“My father had a deep love for my mother, who was fond of art and sought a life of romance and freedom. They never intended to have children. My existence came about due to my grandmother’s insistence, and thus my upbringing was taken care of by her. The reason my mother grew fond of me was my piano talent at the age of three. My father loved me just as dearly as he loved my mother.”

“To earn their approval, 1 dedicated myself to relentless piano practice. However, when I was six years old, my mother eloped overseas with another man. My father believed that my existence had worn my mother out and made her weary of married life. She hated me and only showed concern for my piano education. My father never hesitated to support my desire to hire a teacher or purchase a piano, regardless of the cost.”

“I believed that living in such a manner was for the best. Little did 1 expect my mother to return. Can you guess why she came back?”

Wen Nian, considering the mention of melodrama, contemplated a highly dramatic twist and inquired, “Did she come back for you?”

Bai Zheng chuckled with a touch of self-deprecation. “Indeed, she fought for my custody. My father readily granted it to her, only requesting that she spend three months each year with him. And just like that, I was handed over. I believed that my mother had discovered a newfound maternal love, but little did I know she saw me as a cash cow, a means to produce money for her husband and three children living overseas.”

At this point, Bai Zheng laughed. “Three children! She willingly gave birth to them!”

Wen Nian let out a soft sigh, realizing that everyone’s accomplishments were often displayed solely for the benefit of others.

Taking the initiative, Wen Nian seated herself beside Bai Zheng and gently patted his shoulder to offer solace. “Consider it from another angle,” she said. “From what I’ve observed, you have numerous devoted fans. While their affection may differ from that of family, they all share a common goal.”

With that, Wen Nian opened a bottle of wine for herself. “Cheers! Let’s drink our sorrows away!”

Wen Nian had initially intended to have a drink with Bai Zheng to alleviate his burdens, but due to her preoccupations, she inadvertently consumed more than intended. Chinese alcohol, known for its high potency, proved challenging for Wen Nian, who had not yet developed a tolerance for it, let alone Bai Zheng.

The two of them beckoned the waiter to bring two cases of beer to their room, embodying the appearance of two intoxicated individuals.

As they continued to indulge in their drinks, the conversation between the two gradually shifted towards the topic of love, driven by an inexplicable impulse.

Wen Nian pouted with a sense of vexation. “Do men have no defenses against women who come knocking on their doors?”

Despite feeling a bit dizzy from the drinks, Bai Zheng swiftly straightened his posture and responded with a hint of indignation, “Who said that! I have principles when it comes to such matters!”

Wen Nian glanced at Bai Zheng and said impatiently, “Except you!”

Bai Zheng thought about it with his slow brain. “Then it’s hard to say.. Why did you ask this question?”