The dinner was well underway, with several rounds of drinks and courses already served.
They were all young and old classmates, so the drinking was enthusiastic and unrestrained.
As toasts were made and glasses were refilled, one bottle of strong liquor was quickly finished, followed by a second, and then a third...
Hu Qiming was the man of the hour, and everyone took turns toasting him. He accepted every drink, and his face was already as red as Guan Gong's. His words had started to slur.
"Li Xu... I... I have to toast you again. Really... without you... I never would've gotten my permanent position so quickly..."
Hu Qiming swayed to his feet, lifting his glass to pour the drink straight down his throat.
The others were pretty drunk too. Some were slumped over the table, while others were slurring boasts and tall tales.
The only exception was Li Xu. Although he had also drunk a fair amount—at least half a pound of liquor—his face was only slightly flushed.
