Chapter 7: Sister-in-Law, You're Drunk!

Meanwhile, Qin Tian drove Su Wanqing’s car back toward the Qin residence. Gentle music played as she sat in the passenger seat, watching his profile with a distant look.

When she had first met him five years ago, he was a pampered young master with a careless, almost cynical air. His face was still handsome, but now it held a composure she couldn’t quite understand.

“Is there something on my face, Sister-in-law?” he asked suddenly.

She blushed and looked away. “N-no. You’ve changed, that’s all.”

He was silent for a moment, then smiled. “People change. You’ve changed too.”

“Me? How?”

He turned to her, utterly serious. “You’ve become prettier.”

Her face flushed scarlet. She lowered her head without answering. Qin Tian realized the remark might have been too forward and wanted to explain, but couldn’t find the words.

Silence settled over the car again, the soft music playing between two people whose thoughts were anything but calm.

…

Ten minutes later, Qin Tian parked outside the residence. Su Wanqing immediately noticed signs of a fight in the courtyard. “Did someone come here to cause trouble today? Is Grandpa all right?”

Qin Tian briefly told her what had happened.

Anger filled her gentle face. “Those bastards have gone too far. Now they’ve come to our home to make threats! Xiaotian, shouldn’t we call the police?”

He shook his head. “Sometimes the police can’t help. Don’t worry. I’m back, and this family won’t fall apart. Leave it to me.”

Her eyes softened, and her voice trembled. “Xiaotian, you’ve grown up.”

Just then Qin Yuanming came out of the villa. Seeing them both safe, he smiled broadly. “Xiaotian, Wanqing, come in and eat!”

“Grandpa, I’ll change first. You two go ahead,” Su Wanqing said.

He waved a hand. “No hurry. We’ll wait for you.”

Inside, Qin Tian sat with his grandfather at the table. Three modest dishes and a soup stood before them, a far cry from the lavish meals the family had enjoyed at its height five years ago.

Qin Yuanming rubbed his hands awkwardly. “Things are a little hard at home. I hope you don’t mind, Xiaotian.”

Qin Tian’s nose stung. He managed a smile. “What are you saying, Grandpa? It smells wonderful.”

“Good.” The old man’s eyes crinkled with pleasure.

Footsteps sounded on the stairs. Qin Tian turned and stared. Su Wanqing wore a long white dress, her hair falling loosely over her shoulders. In the warm light, her gentle, oval face looked softer than ever.

“Grandpa,” she said.

Qin Tian came to himself and hastily looked away. Qin Yuanming had noticed everything, and his smile widened. “There you are, Wanqing. Come and sit.”

She sat gracefully. Qin Yuanming picked up his chopsticks, put them down again, and looked from his grandson to Wanqing, whom he regarded as his granddaughter-in-law, unable to suppress his smile. For the first time in five years, the house felt like a home.

He brought out a bottle of liquor he had treasured for years. “Xiaotian, have a drink with your grandfather!”

Before Qin Tian could answer, Su Wanqing said gently, “Grandpa, you shouldn’t drink too much.”

“All right, all right!” He laughed.

The meal passed in warm conversation and laughter. In the end, Qin Yuanming drank too much. He rose unsteadily, his words slurred. “I’m old… can’t hold my liquor anymore. You two take your time…”

Qin Tian stood. “I’ll help you upstairs.”

His grandfather winked, waved him off, and pressed him back into his chair. “No need. Stay and eat with Wanqing.”

Qin Tian understood at once. Torn between laughter and embarrassment, he let the old man make his slow way upstairs.

Left alone at the table, the two fell silent. Su Wanqing lowered her head and sipped her soup.

“Sister-in-law,” Qin Tian said, clearing his throat, “you’ve had a hard time these past years. Let me offer you a toast.”

She looked up and shook her head. “It wasn’t hard. It was what I should do.”

She touched her glass to his and drank. Immediately she began coughing, her face flushing red. Qin Tian hurried around the table, steadied her trembling shoulder, and patted her back.

“You can’t hold your liquor. Why did you drink it all at once?”

When she finally caught her breath, she looked up, her face red as an apple and her eyes moist. “I… I’m happy, that’s all,” she said softly.

Feeling the warmth and softness beneath his palm, Qin Tian felt heat stir in his lower abdomen. He stiffened, quickly let go, and stepped back, suppressing the restless surge of dragon blood as he looked away.

“You still shouldn’t drink so fast. Should I get you some water?”

“No, I’m… a little dizzy. I’ll go upstairs and rest…”

She stood, but dizziness overtook her before she could finish. She pitched forward, and Qin Tian caught her.

Their eyes met, and the air seemed to go still. Her face was close, her lips parted, her breath faintly scented with wine. Her usually gentle eyes were hazy, filled with alarm, shyness, and something even she couldn’t name.

“X-Xiaotian…”

He tensed, his thoughts reeling at the softness of the woman in his arms, her body wrapped in a white dress. Turning his head, he said, “You’re drunk. I’ll help you upstairs.”

She seemed to realize it too. Cheeks burning, she murmured agreement. Her heart raced and her thoughts tangled. She wanted to push away, but lacked the strength, so she let him half support, half carry her up the stairs.

The staircase was narrow, and the dim light stretched their shadows long.

“Watch your step,” he said softly.

She lowered her head and murmured another assent.

They reached the second floor. Her room was at the end of the hall; the door was unlocked, and Qin Tian pushed it open with his shoulder. The room was clean and simply furnished, the bedding neatly folded, a small bedside lamp casting a warm glow.

He helped her onto the bed. “Get some rest. I’ll… go now.”

He turned to leave, but her small, burning-hot hand caught his wrist. He looked back sharply.

“You…”