#132 - Plot advance

A subordinate accompanying a leader for drinks is an art, and can be divided into several types depending on the person.

The 'Wooden Type': Typically a newbie in the workplace, usually engaged in technical work. They often just focus on eating when at the table, rarely taking the initiative to offer the leader a drink, and at most just follow along for a collective toast.

The 'Oil and Salt Won't Penetrate' Type: Mostly company veterans who refuse to drink under various pretexts such as 'I'm driving,' 'I'm taking medication,' 'I'm allergic,' or 'We're trying to conceive.' Although they know that the four words a leader hates to hear most at the dinner table are 'I'll substitute tea for alcohol,' they still 'knowingly walk towards the tiger mountain.'

The 'Service' Type: They don't drink much themselves, but they have good eyes. They pour drinks when the leader's glass is empty, support the leader when they've had too much to drink, and call a driver when the leader can't drive. They are often secretaries or assistants.

The 'Sensible' Type: They are well-versed in social etiquette and never let the atmosphere around the leader become cold. They wish they could toast ten times during a meal, each time saying auspicious words that are different from the last, and usually end with 'I'll finish mine, you can take it easy.'

The 'Turning Guest into Host' Type: They don't show off when they first take their seats, but after a few drinks, they become 'righteous.' Some even take charge more than the leader, with their classic catchphrase being—'I'll propose a toast.'

There is no good or bad in the performance at the dinner table, but it can reflect a person's character.

It's just that Chu Xianping doesn't belong to any of the above categories. If I had to say, he should be considered the 'Steady Type'.

Outside the window, the sky was already dark, and the tavern was brightly lit.

Diners came and went, and Zuixiao Tower was already bustling, but Wei Changtian's table was quite deserted.

The two of them had drunk a lot of wine and said a lot of words, but it was basically Wei Changtian asking and Chu Xianping answering, and the sense of distance between superiors and subordinates was still very obvious.

This won't work!

Wei Changtian picked up a piece of food, preparing to break through from a different angle.

"Brother Chu, I just heard the waiter say that a new brothel has opened nearby, and it seems to be quite good."

"Why don't we go for a stroll together after dinner?"

"Ah?"

Chu Xianping was stunned for a moment, then shook his head and smiled wryly, "Young Master Wei, I'd better not go."

"Hmm? What's wrong? Do you have something to do later, Brother Chu?"

"No, I don't."

Chu Xianping certainly couldn't say something that would slap the leader's face like "I never go to brothels." After hesitating for a moment, he whispered, "I already have someone I love."

That's the topic I've been waiting for!

Wei Changtian was overjoyed, but on his face, he showed a look of sudden realization.

"Haha, I see! I was being presumptuous."

"When are you getting married, Brother Chu? Remember to let me know then, I'll go drink your wedding wine!"

"..."

Hearing Wei Changtian's familiar words, Chu Xianping was first a little surprised, but soon a sense of loss surged in his heart, and finally he sighed softly.

If it were normal, he certainly wouldn't have shown his emotions so obviously.

But today he had drunk alcohol, and his vigilance inevitably declined.

"Huh? Brother Chu, why are you sighing?" Wei Changtian asked knowingly.

"This..."

Chu Xianping was still hesitant.

He really wanted to confide his inner distress, but he also felt that he wasn't familiar enough with Wei Changtian to that extent.

However, Wei Changtian didn't plan to let go of such a good opportunity to 'open up', so he simply took the initiative.

Wei Changtian pretended to drink a cup of wine, his expression sincere, "Brother Chu, what are the specific difficulties?"

"If you trust me, tell me about it, and I might be able to help."

"This..."

Wei Changtian had already said so much, if Chu Xianping was still unwilling to speak, then that would be 'not trusting the leader'.

He also took a sip of wine and finally said slowly:

"Young Master Wei, actually, it's not a big deal, it's just that the person I love... is going to marry someone else."

"What?!"

Wei Changtian's expression instantly became incredibly surprised.

Unlike before, this time he wasn't pretending, but truly surprised.

According to the original novel, Chu Xianping's beloved would indeed be favored by a wealthy merchant, who planned to forcibly take her as a concubine.

And it was precisely because of this that Xiao Feng had the opportunity to take Chu Xianping to rob the bride.

The plot wasn't wrong, but... but this plot should have happened after the New Year!

Why was it ahead of schedule?

Could it be because Xiao Feng had arrived in Shu Prefecture early?

This was the first time Wei Changtian had encountered a situation where the plot of the book had happened ahead of schedule, and he couldn't help but think about it for a while.

And Chu Xianping, seeing his reaction, thought that what he had said was too shocking, and quickly explained:

"Young Master, I don't actually have a marriage contract with that woman, or rather, it's just unrequited love on my part, you don't have to mind it."

"..."

Good heavens, he really is the king of simp.

Wei Changtian paused, calmed his mind, and asked softly, "Brother Chu, so... that woman has no intention of being with you?"

"S-She actually has some intention..."

"If she has intention, why would she marry someone else?"

"S-She doesn't want to either, but she can't help herself..."

"Hmm? Listening to Brother Chu's meaning..."

Wei Changtian "deduced", "She has been favored by those powerful figures?"

Chu Xianping nodded with difficulty, "Yes."

"Hiss..."

Wei Changtian thought to himself that this was definitely it, the plot was indeed ahead of schedule.

His face hardened, and he suddenly said sternly, "Brother Chu! I don't think you are the kind of timid person, since you two are in love with each other, why are you willing to give up your beloved?!"

"I..."

Chu Xianping was stunned by this sudden accusation, then shook his head and smiled wryly, "Young Master, who would be willing to do this, but I am of low status and power, what can I do?"

"Don't forget, you are also a member of the Xuanjing Division!"

Wei Changtian narrowed his eyes slightly, "Who exactly is the other party?"

"..."

Chu Xianping had already roughly guessed what Wei Changtian was going to do, he was a little hesitant, but also vaguely expectant.

"It's the Guo family, who do cloth business."

"Guo family? I haven't heard of them."

Wei Changtian curled his lips very arrogantly, then stared at Chu Xianping and said seriously, "Brother Chu, although we have only known each other for a short time, since I know about this, I will not sit idly by!"

"What is yours will eventually be yours, you just need to rest assured!"

"..."

Although he was mentally prepared, when Chu Xianping really heard Wei Changtian say that he would settle this matter for him, he couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion in his heart.

Excitement and gratitude, doubt and incomprehension.

"Young Master Wei, w-why are you willing to help me?"

Why help you?

This somewhat stumped Wei Changtian.

At this time, he realized that he was too eager to get closer to Chu Xianping, and the groundwork he laid was indeed too little.

But it's not a big problem, as long as the reason is sufficient.

And as for what reason is most convincing, that is naturally—empathy.

"Alas, Brother Chu, since that's the case, I won't hide it from you."

Gently putting down his wine glass, Wei Changtian turned his head to look out the window, his eyes beginning to become melancholic.

He seemed to be lost in sad memories, muttering, "Actually, I saw myself in you..."

"Young Master, are you saying..."

"That's right, I once had a beloved woman, but she was taken away by someone else."

Wei Changtian "painfully" recalled, "At that time, I was too cowardly, and I watched her become someone else's bride."

"Forget it, it's all in the past, let's drink!"

Forcibly holding back non-existent tears, Wei Changtian poured himself a glass of wine, then tilted his head and drank it all.

He was frantically showing off his acting skills, and Chu Xianping was indeed deceived, not only was the doubt in his heart gone, but he even "figured out" a lot of things in an instant.

No wonder it has always been rumored in the Xuanjing Division that Young Master Wei is a lecher who only cares about seeking pleasure in brothels all day long.

It turns out that it is because he was once hurt by love, so now he is so debauched!