Chapter 13: How Can One Bear Such Feelings? Very Well

Chapter 16: When Love Becomes Unbearable

To be honest, Harks was really starting to feel that he couldn’t drink anymore. Yet the Chinese man before him still seemed unsatisfied, as if he hadn’t had his fill, and that left Harks in a rather awkward position with no way to express his misery.

“Hahaha, Harks, I truly didn’t expect this from you! Turns out you’re only good with words, not drinks. Who would’ve thought!” Su Feng looked at Harks, laughing heartily, his face brimming with pride at the sight of his companion’s discomfort.

“Su Feng, you brat, don’t be so cocky, alright? I’ll admit your drinking is better than mine, but I’m warning you, this isn’t something to be smug about. You know... heh, Su Feng, there’s something I need to tell you. Do you realize in this bar, there are plenty who can outdrink me? Would you believe that?” Harks’ face was flushed, but suddenly, as if he’d remembered something, a look of excitement flashed across his features. Lowering his voice, he spoke to Su Feng in a conspiratorial tone.

Su Feng frowned at Harks, a hint of puzzlement in his eyes, then replied with a smile, “Harks, what sort of trick are you up to again? If you’ve got something to say, out with it. You know I don’t care for pointless chatter.”

“Hehehe, Su Feng, didn’t you hear me? I’m saying I know someone here who can drink you under the table. You believe that?” Harks grinned broadly as he spoke.

“My hearing’s just fine, so you don’t need to worry about my ears, man. Just tell me, who do you want to bring to drink with me? But, Harks, my good friend, let me make this clear: in this bar, I don’t think there’s anyone who can drink more than me, unless...” Su Feng paused deliberately, as if to keep Harks in suspense, teasing him as he dangled the answer just out of reach.

“Unless what?” As expected, Harks bit the bait like a fish on a hook, immediately drawn in by Su Feng’s words.

Su Feng chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. Then he said, “I think the only people who could outdrink me are the Russians. Anyone else, I wouldn’t count on it.”

Harks realized he was being played and flew into a rage, shouting, “Su Feng, you’re getting full of yourself! Forget it—let’s leave it for now. Next time, we’ll see who can hold their liquor. Do you dare?”

“What’s there to be afraid of? I can’t speak for others, but when it comes to you, Harks, I’m confident I can drink you under the table, no question,” Su Feng replied, calm and self-assured.

It was clear Harks had been completely riled up by Su Feng’s words—so much so that his face burned red, not from alcohol, but from the sting of Su Feng’s taunts.

“Su Feng, you...!” Harks was so furious he could hardly catch his breath. If Su Feng pushed any further, he might just drive Harks mad.

Su Feng realized it was time to stop; if he kept provoking Harks, someone might actually end up hurt tonight.

“Alright, Harks, that’s enough for tonight. I’ve got other things to take care of, so I’ll be heading home. You don’t need to see me off—I’m not drunk, I can get home by myself. I’m leaving now!” Su Feng waved farewell to Harks as he spoke.

Harks glared at Su Feng, seething with anger. He thought to himself, Who wants to see you off anyway? Everything you do is so one-sided; you really are an infuriating fellow.

Catching sight of Harks’ bitter smile, Su Feng felt completely satisfied. After giving Harks a casual wave goodbye, he left the bar.

“Ah, what a satisfying night of drinking! But as much fun as it was, I have training tomorrow. If the head coach smells all this alcohol on me, I’ll be in serious trouble. Still, I doubt it’ll come to that—after all, who am I? I’m Su Feng! Things like that simply don’t happen to me. Even so, it’s best to be cautious. If I slip up, I could get kicked off the team, and that would be disastrous. Better to be careful in everything,” Su Feng mused as he walked along the road, ever cautious in his thoughts and actions.

It wasn’t really his fault; it was simply his nature—a habit developed over many years. You could call Su Feng conservative, but it was this very trait that had brought him to where he was today, and for that, it wasn’t such a bad thing.

“Big brother, do you remember me?”

As Su Feng walked down the street, a voice called out to him in Mandarin. Su Feng looked up and saw Sophie, the pretty girl from the little shop.

“Oh, Sophie, it’s you! What a coincidence to run into you here,” Su Feng said, looking her up and down with a smile. To be honest, running into Sophie here delighted him quite a bit.

“Yes, what a coincidence. But I have to go now—the shop is busy,” Sophie replied, glancing at Su Feng before hurrying along.