132 A Vicious Curse

Everyone was a classmate, and after a few drinks, inhibitions began to fade. Feeling that the atmosphere had yet to reach its peak, Li Wenxuan proposed, "How about we play a game to spice things up?"

"Sure, but it has to be interesting," replied Chen Yuxi. She was an outgoing, enthusiastic, and cheerful person. Although she wasn't from the same department as the others, after an evening of drinking, she felt right at home with the group.

"It’ll definitely be interesting. The question is, do you have the guts for it?" Li Wenxuan said, intentionally trying to provoke her.

Chen Yuxi retorted, "I’ve always been gutsy. What game are you thinking of? Spit it out."

"There are no outsiders here, just classmates and their partners. How about a game of Truth or Dare?" Li Wenxuan had played it a few times before. Whether the truths were honest or the dares were wild didn't matter; what mattered was the high energy and the excuse to make everyone drink a little more.

"Sounds good! I love hearing people’s truths. I’m in," Xiao Yao agreed first. He thought that if the game continued and certain people were forced to speak the truth, it would be truly entertaining. As for whether they would actually be honest—with him, a living immortal, present, their sincerity was guaranteed. In fact, he was already planning to ensure everyone told the absolute truth; no one would be getting away with any fabrications tonight.

The group was already a bit tipsy and high-spirited. The prospect of playing something daring and peeking into their classmates' secrets was a powerful temptation. The majority of the group were men, and they were all game.

The three women, however, were a different story. Aside from Chen Yuxi, both Yin Xiaoya and Tan Songjun were hesitant.

Yin Xiaoya was the first to object. "Everyone has secrets, and by definition, secrets aren't meant to be shared. I don't want to lie, but I can't handle my liquor well. I think this game is unfair to me." She hadn't been very talkative since she sat down, remaining quiet and observing the speakers with a serene, elegant air that stood in stark contrast to her reputation as a gold-digger. Xiao Yao’s gaze drifted to her occasionally; he felt there was a hint of artlessness about her, and her current demeanor was likely a facade.

Tan Songjun, though quite drunk, possessed strong self-control and remained clear-headed. She sensed the game was dangerous and didn't want to participate. Under normal circumstances, she would have loved a game like this. She knew that in Truth or Dare, no one would truly know if she was lying. She could always tailor her answers to her own benefit, and who would be the wiser? But now, feeling the effects of the alcohol, she worried she might let her guard down.

"Although I’m a person who always tells the truth, I can't share personal secrets," Tan Songjun said. "And I really can't drink anymore. I’m already tipsy, and if I have another glass or two, I’ll be under the table."

"How about this," Li Wenxuan suggested. "If the ladies don't want to answer, they can just take a small sip as a penalty. No pressure." His goal was to get the men drinking, so he didn't mind the women opting out. Since there was no forced drinking, Tan Songjun and Yin Xiaoya readily agreed.

"We’ll go clockwise. As the host, I’ll ask the first question. Xiao Yao, are you ready?" Li Wenxuan looked at Xiao Yao with a mischievous smirk.

"A veteran like me doesn't need to prepare. Ask away," Xiao Yao said nonchalantly.

"I’ll reiterate: if you choose to answer, it must be the truth. Anyone caught lying will be cursed by everyone here to be cheated on by their partner," Li Wenxuan laughed.

"That’s a vicious curse! Are you the reincarnation of Abbess Miejue?" Chen Yuxi joked, clearly intimidated.

Li Wenxuan cupped his hands in mock apology. "I wouldn't dare. I’m not as formidable as the Abbess. I didn't invent this curse, but it’s the only way to ensure we actually hear the truth." He turned back to Xiao Yao. "Ready?"

"Bring it on. A real man tells the truth. I hope none of us have to drink in this first round." Xiao Yao was thick-skinned and never feared intrusive questions.

Li Wenxuan’s smile turned devious. "Listen up: at what age did you lose your virginity?"

"When did you join the backstabbers' club? Is it too late to end our friendship?" Xiao Yao glared at him, not answering immediately.

"Classmate, I’ve been a member the whole time. If you’re only realizing it now, you’re too naive," Li Wenxuan said with a smug expression. "Answer honestly. You were the one who said no drinking in the first round."

"Just say it! Our glorious campus idol can’t go back on his own word now. You made your bed, you have to lie in it," Pan Xiaoliang, sitting next to Xiao Yao, gloated.

"Fine, fine. A real man has nothing to hide," Xiao Yao said, channeling the resolve of a man facing the guillotine. "I was twelve."

"What? Twelve!"
"You animal!"
"Oh my god, a juvenile delinquent! Should I call the police?"

Yin Xiaoya was sitting diagonally across from Xiao Yao. Seeing her eyes widen and her mouth drop open, Xiao Yao thought she looked particularly silly. Noticing his gaze and his amused smile, she quickly suppressed her expression, closed her mouth, and resumed her quiet, elegant posture.

No one had expected the very first question to be so explosive, and Xiao Yao’s answer was even more shocking. The group grew even more eager for the next turn.

Xiao Yao draped an arm around Pan Xiaoliang’s shoulder and said affectionately, "Brother, are you ready? Let me remind you: you have to answer the question. No drinking allowed."