NOVEL FROG Chapter 61
Chapter 61: Comfort
Maybe it was the practice he got from the bar, but Zhang Shaoqing could really hold his alcohol.
Without really touching the snacks, a few cans of beer were already on the floor, and he remained silent, calmly pouring himself more.
After almost triggering the plot last time at the hotel, Ning Chu dared not touch a drop of alcohol this time. He sat on one side of the small table, occasionally nibbling on some snacks while anxiously watching Zhang Shaoqing.
“Wen Yang, your alcohol tolerance is low, drink less,” he glanced at Wen Yang, who was already red-faced and tipsy.
Not that he cared about Wen Yang; he was more worried that this guy would get out of hand when drunk.
“Okay, I haven’t had much,” Wen Yang replied.
Ning Chu leaned forward, resting his arms on his thighs and supporting his chin with his hands, anxiously looking at the two men in front of him.
Ever since he crossed over, he had been constantly worried about these two men.
Wen Yang was doing fine, still maintaining his virgin status and rejecting attempts from women to seduce him quite resolutely. He remained a popular university student, not turning into the “main character” after all.
The only problem was that his bond with Ning Chu was too strong; people feared their friendship might topple over.
As for Zhang Shaoqing, he had been quiet up until now. Besides that one gathering, Ning Chu hadn’t triggered any villain-related plots. But now, due to his childhood sweetheart, it seemed like he was really heading down the path to become that “villain.”
Thoughts of “outdoors”, “props”, “training”, “hypnosis”, “obsession”, “clinic”… just thinking of those keywords related to the villain made Ning Chu dizzy.
Back then, his XP had been a bit too broad.
In the two-dimensional works, these keywords excited him, but now it was the real world… If Zhang Shaoqing turned into a villain, who knows how many girls would suffer?
And even though Ning Chu was still a man, he couldn’t rule out being the first victim!
If he didn’t manage to comfort Zhang Shaoqing today, it was time to pack up and run!
He didn’t even want to think about the dangers he might face; at least they were vague and unseen, much more abstract than the immediate crisis he faced.
He looked at Zhang Shaoqing’s expressionless face; he had already drunk quite a bit, yet he still appeared sullen and withdrawn, not speaking a word.
Then there was Wen Yang… well, he wasn’t one to talk much anyway, being more of a dull type. If he wasn’t handsome and large and wasn’t the main character of this world, there wouldn’t be so many girls lining up to pursue him.
So Wen Yang was merely drinking, occasionally glancing at his phone, showing no intention of chatting with Zhang Shaoqing over drinks.
“Sha…”
“Ning Chu, drink a couple with me,” Zhang Shaoqing pushed two bottles of beer towards Ning Chu.
He bit back whatever he was about to say, furrowing his brows while looking at the two bottles, feeling helpless.
He really didn’t want to drink; what if he ended up losing his judgment after two bottles again?
Besides, if Zhang Shaoqing did become a villain tonight, a drunken state would make him the easiest target.
Ning Chu shivered; he didn’t want any man getting too close, especially since he was also a man now…
“I… I think I’ll pass?” he said, retracting his neck, mumbling, “Isn’t Wen Yang keeping you company?”
He shot a glare at Wen Yang, who quickly got the hint and said, “Shaoqing, just drinking is kinda boring. How about a game? The loser drinks a bottle.”
Right! Playing a little game might alleviate Zhang Shaoqing’s gloom!
Ning Chu nodded vigorously, but when Zhang Shaoqing looked up at them, he curled his lips and said, “Boring.”
“……”
Although rejected, at least he spoke, right?
Ning Chu sighed inwardly, quietly munching on some peanuts.
“Come on, big man, can’t you drink at all?”
“I… I’m allergic to alcohol.”
“Ha~”
Under Zhang Shaoqing’s imposing gaze, and worrying that opposing him might fill the villain’s progress bar, Ning Chu had no choice but to steel himself and take a small sip of beer.
He had no idea what was so great about beer! The cocktails from bars were at least decent beverages!
Less is more; beer isn’t that powerful…
“I’ve known Ling Ling for fifteen years,” Zhang Shaoqing, seeing him take a sip, lowered his head and sighed, “I’ve liked her for over ten years, only to be seen as her brother…”
Ning Chu’s eyes lit up. Since you’re willing to talk, this could be easy!
Even if the situation couldn’t be solved, Zhang Shaoqing’s inner turmoil could be vented through discussion, reducing the chances of him darkening.
He hurriedly handed Zhang Shaoqing two bottles of beer and echoed, “Didn’t she ever notice you liked her before?”
“Not at all; during my last confession, she found it quite strange… She’s always regarded me as a brother.”
“Well, after the confession, she should have realized your feelings, right?”
“But she still doesn’t like me.”
Zhang Shaoqing sighed, “The guy dating Ling Ling is someone I know; he’s our high school classmate.”
“……”
“First it’s Wen Yang, then it’s a classmate…”
Ning Chu shot a glare at Wen Yang; this main character was truly a sinner!
Wen Yang sheepishly scratched the back of his head, “I didn’t know at that time, but I really didn’t touch her! Didn’t even hold her hand!”
“Since you’re high school classmates, why not talk to him? Like you did last time?”
Previously, when Wen Yang learned Ling Ling was Zhang Shaoqing’s childhood sweetheart, he didn’t hesitate to break up.
But this time…
Zhang Shaoqing shook his head, emptying half a bottle of beer in defeat, “Forget it.”
“So, what now…”
His gaze swept over Ning Chu’s worried little face, then to Wen Yang, who silently lifted his bottle and clinked glasses with him, drinking together.
“Let me be alone for a few days.”
Although he knew healing from emotional wounds wasn’t instantaneous, Ning Chu still felt a bit anxious.
Who knows what would be going on in Zhang Shaoqing’s head in a couple of days…
But he went along with his suggestion: “Yeah, things do get better with time.”
Then he gulped, tentatively asking, “Shaoqing, you… you won’t want to get back at Ling Ling, right?”
“……”
Zhang Shaoqing turned to him, his gaze going blank.
Don’t be silent! Silence means you’re agreeing!
Ning Chu jolted; he was already preparing to make a run for it in the night.
“No…” Before he could finish, Zhang Shaoqing’s head hit the table, slumping down completely.
“Great, he’s utterly drunk now.” Wen Yang burped and said helplessly, “Drinking fast without any food, can he not be drunk?”
Ning Chu let out a sigh of relief; at least he heard his thoughts before Zhang Shaoqing got wasted.
At least tonight, this guy didn’t think of revenge.
“Who knows what he likes about Ling Ling; she’s pretty open…” Wen Yang murmured, “After knowing each other for just a few days, she wanted to take me out for the night.”
Ning Chu squatted down a bit sheepishly, cleaning up the scattered beer bottles.
When he was writing, who cared if a girl was open or not? Just go for it, logic? Who needs that in a Small Royal Text?
In the end, he was the real culprit.