Sweet Nostalgia of the 80s

While exchanging pleasantries, the dishes had already been served.

Since Chief Qiu insisted on keeping things simple, the four of them ordered just four dishes and a soup.

Chief Qiu and the director hadn’t sat at the same table for many years. Their relationship was both of superior and subordinate, as well as friends. Naturally, having come together, it was only fitting to have a drink.

So, they called the waiter to bring a bottle of alcohol.

The first glass was naturally to toast the chief, but Ji Chuan didn’t expect the chief to personally toast him with the second glass.

”I’ll have to trouble you with my surgery,” Chief Ji said.

”I will certainly go all out.” The chief toasted, and Ji Chuan didn’t hesitate, downing it in one go.

”I’ll also toast Dr. Ji with a glass. My father’s surgery’s success entirely rests upon you. I preemptively wish for your surgery’s success,” Qiu Xinyi joined in, holding up a glass.

It’s often said that unexpected things happen after drinking. In fact, Qiu Xinyi was faintly looking forward to it.

”Thank you. It will definitely be a success!” Ji Chuan didn’t refuse. Such a beautiful wish couldn’t be turned down.

With the third glass, he toasted everyone, and after setting it down, he refused to pick it up again. ”I’m a surgeon; there’s still night duty later, and if something goes wrong, I can’t shoulder that responsibility. After all, lives are at stake in the hospital.”

The reason was sufficiently valid, and no one could coax him to drink more.

Qiu Xinyi’s little plans didn’t succeed, and she stood up somewhat annoyed to go to the restroom. Upon returning, she inadvertently noticed a familiar face in the lobby.

It turned out that fellow news officer Tan Xiaomei was also at the Veteran’s Inn.

What a coincidence.

Qiu Xinyi’s lips curled up as she turned back to the private room, seeing her father and the director still drinking. She found an excuse to join in, ”Uncle Lin, my father’s health isn’t great. Let me drink a few glasses on his behalf!”

”Alright then! Let’s just have a few more, and leave it at that. We’re happy today,” said the director.

”We’ll listen to your arrangements.”

Though Qiu Xinyi said this, in her heart, she thought differently. She indeed was quite articulate, leaving the director with no excuses to decline the toasts each time.

The drinks went down fast, and before long, half the bottle was gone, with two glowing blushes appearing on Qiu Xinyi’s face.

”No more for you, you’ve had quite a bit. Let’s stop drinking now, everyone, let’s eat,” Chief Qiu, seeing his daughter had drunk too much, quickly stopped them from continuing.

”I still want to have a few more with Uncle Lin...” Qiu Xinyi slurred slightly.

”Your Uncle Lin was known for his incredible capacity in his youth, nicknamed ’Lin Three Kilos.’ Your small capacity is nowhere close,” Chief Qiu said, ”Alright, no more drinking. Dr. Ji still has a night shift, right? Once my surgery is over, let’s have a proper drink, and I’ll treat!”

By the end of the meal, it was already quite late.

Ji Chuan checked his watch; if he left now, he would make it back just in time for his night shift.

”Chief, Director, if there’s nothing else, please allow me to take my leave. I still have work at the hospital!” Ji Chuan said.

”Alright. You go ahead! Be careful on the way!” Chief Qiu instructed him a few times.

Just as Ji Chuan turned to leave, Qiu Xinyi stood up, swaying as she walked towards him, ”Dr. Ji, I’ll see you off!”