Fated Love With the Billionaire
Chapter 392: Are you single now?

Chapter 392: Chapter 392: Are you single now?

Shuxiang Restaurant, Private Room No. 3.

Deng Yan silently picked up some food, while across from him Wei Lai was laughing uncontrollably at Zhou Chong’s jokes.

Wei Lai stopped laughing and asked Deng Yan, "Is the food not good?"

Deng Yan looked up and said, "It’s delicious."

Zhou Chong used the communal chopsticks to serve Wei Lai, "Your expression makes it seem like it’s not tasty."

Deng Yan looked at Zhou Chong, "You’re mistaken."

He continued picking up food, chewing slowly and thoroughly.

Wei Lai hadn’t expected Zhou Chong to suggest joining them, and it was hard to refuse, so dinner ended up being for three.

Zhou Chong poured some beer, "Come on, let’s have another toast."

Wei Lai was about to raise her glass when Deng Yan held her wrist, "You’ve had enough tonight. Zhou Chong and I will finish the rest."

Zhou Chong grabbed a large bottle, also saying, "Here, this is for the lady."

The two of them downed three glasses each in one go. Wei Lai knew Deng Yan wasn’t good with alcohol, which was related to his mild alcohol allergy; his face always turned red after drinking.

Wei Lai discovered this at the company’s annual dinner where Deng Yan sat at a table with Mr. Cheng but had only a glass of water in front of him. She asked and found out the reason.

"Don’t keep urging him, Deng Yan can’t drink much."

Being protected by a woman in front of a rival sat uneasy with Deng Yan, especially when he saw Zhou Chong’s challenging gaze as he downed his drink.

Though his alcohol tolerance was low, he couldn’t back down in front of a rival.

Deng Yan said, "No worries, I’m happy today."

Zhou Chong said, "Don’t put on a brave front if you can’t drink."

Wei Lai seized Deng Yan’s glass, "Your face is so red, if you can’t handle it, tell the reception to cancel the remaining bill."

Zhou Chong said, "Had I known Deng Yan couldn’t drink, I wouldn’t have ordered so much."

"Sorry, I didn’t accompany you to drink happily," Deng Yan apologized.

This made Zhou Chong momentarily speechless, who then laughed and said, "It’s my fault, forgot you couldn’t drink."

Deng Yan had already downed six bottles, feeling dizzy from the alcohol.

Wei Lai saw his dazed eyes and asked the waiter to bring a cup of hot water.

"Drink some hot water."

Deng Yan accepted it, "Thank you."

Zhou Chong asked, "With your drinking capacity, how do you handle Mr. Cheng’s parties?"

"Mr. Cheng’s drinking parties are handled by Cheng," Wei Lai continued to watch Deng Yan’s condition, gently asking, "Are you okay?"

Deng Yan faintly smiled, pretending to be relaxed, "I’m fine."

When settling the bill, Deng Yan already left cash at the reception, and since everyone had drunk, they called a designated driver to wait at the entrance.

Zhou Chong’s driver arrived first, he said to Wei Lai, "Why don’t you ride with me, I’ll pick you up from home tomorrow morning and then get your car."

Wei Lai said, "I’ve already called a driver, you go ahead."

Zhou Chong glanced at the two standing by the road, got into the car and left.

At that moment, only Wei Lai and Deng Yan remained.

The spring breeze at night still carried a chill, making Wei Lai shiver, Deng Yan noticed and took off his coat to drape over her.

Wei Lai felt awkward, "No need, keep it on, I’m not cold."

Deng Yan faced her, and under the moonlight gazed at Wei Lai’s face, their eyes met, creating an awkward atmosphere.

He hurriedly put his hands down, stepping back and awkwardly tucking them into his pockets, finally taking out a cigarette box and lighting one.

The smoke blew onto Wei Lai’s face with the wind, Deng Yan quickly swatted it away and moved to her other side.

Neither of them spoke, yet they seemed to be waiting for the other to say something.

Eventually, Deng Yan spoke first, "Wei Lai."

"Hmm?" Wei Lai’s heart skipped a beat, feeling tonight’s atmosphere wasn’t right, as if something was about to happen.

Deng Yan took a deep drag of his cigarette, "Have you always had a good relationship with Zhou Chong?"

Wei Lai explained, "I was interviewed by Zhou Chong when I joined the company. Later, he took responsibility for a subordinate’s error, got demoted and had his salary reduced. When Cheng needed manpower, I recommended him to Cheng."

Deng Yan nodded, "Oh."

He took another drag, Wei Lai asked amid a refreshing mint scent, "What brand is the cigarette?"

Deng Yan mistakenly thought she didn’t like the smoke and quickly said, "I’ll put it out."

"No, don’t put it out. I mean the mint smell is very nice," Wei Lai said.

A breeze swept through, causing Deng Yan to feel unsteady, he staggered slightly, Wei Lai swiftly held his arm, "Hey, are you okay?"

Deng Yan stabilized himself, "I’m fine."

The alcohol disrupted his thinking, Deng Yan felt his reflexes were slowing.

Drinking was supposed to boost courage, but it didn’t seem to work for him.

Deng Yan’s lips moved slightly, he licked his dry lips, gathered courage to try speaking, then heard Wei Lai say, "The driver is here."

"..." Deng Yan choked.

Wei Lai handed the car key to the driver, reminding Deng Yan, "Drink something to sober up when you get home."

The cigarette between Deng Yan’s fingers was crumpled as he said, "I don’t have any at home. Do you have some?"

Wei Lai: "...I do."

Deng Yan said, "Can I come over to get some?"

"Hmm?" Wei Lai hesitated, it didn’t seem appropriate.

Deng Yan realized the silliness of his question, chuckled and said, "Just kidding. Get going."

He continued smoking, noticing his hands trembling slightly.

Luckily, it was dark and otherwise, it would have been really embarrassing.

Wei Lai got into the car, and Deng Yan’s driver arrived as well.

The two cars drove along the street, one after another, with Wei Lai sitting in the back. Her phone rang; it was Zhou Chong calling.

She picked it up and answered, "Hello?"

Zhou Chong said, "Let me know when you get home, just to stay safe."

Wei Lai pretended not to understand, laughingly saying, "You’re so wordy, just like my dad. Alright, got it."

She hung up first, not giving Zhou Chong a chance to continue speaking.

Then came a message from Deng Yan on WeChat.

Deng Yan: Let me know when you reach home.

Wei Lai: Okay.

Wei Lai, upon reaching home, first thing sent Deng Yan a message.

Wei Lai: Safely home, what about you?

Deng Yan: I just arrived too.

Deng Yan: Are you okay? Feeling unwell?

Wei Lai: That amount of alcohol is nothing to me. And you? Do you have any sobering medicine at home?

Deng Yan: I do, don’t worry.

Wei Lai smirked, really can’t lie.

Wei Lai: Rest early, goodnight.

Deng Yan: Goodnight.

She tossed her phone aside, grabbed her sleepwear, and went to the bathroom to shower.

When she was done showering and was drying her hair, the doorbell rang.

Who would come this late?

Wei Lai walked to the visual intercom and saw Deng Yan’s figure, surprised, she confirmed again.

"Deng Yan?"

Deng Yan said, "It’s me."

Wei Lai: "This late, what’s up?"

Deng Yan said, "I have something to tell you."

So late, doesn’t seem proper.

Deng Yan said, "No need to open the door, I won’t come up."

Wei Lai was puzzled, if you’re not coming up, what’s the point?

"What is it?" Wei Lai asked.

Deng Yan took a deep breath and said, "Wei Lai, are you single now?"

Wei Lai’s heart pounded rapidly, "Yeah, I am."

Deng Yan said, "Can I pursue you?"

Tonight, it wasn’t the alcohol that made her face red, but Deng Yan’s words that caused her cheeks to flush.

The silence on the intercom was deafening, Deng Yan also sensed he was out of chances, turned to leave.

"Hey, hey, hey..." Wei Lai called out to him, "Where are you going?"

Deng Yan halted his steps, heard the door access card click open.

"Come up and talk."