Xiao Li finally released Xiao Che and looked at the alchemist robe he was wearing. "How did you suddenly become an alchemist, and a third-grade one at that? When I first heard your name, I thought it was just a coincidence."
"My talent is too good. I just kept refining and became one," Xiao Che replied with a grin.
"Go on, you've always had the thickest skin since you were a child. Go find Big Brother — he's been missing you terribly."
Xiao Li feigned exasperation and shooed him away, but inwardly he was overjoyed by his younger brother's achievements. He subtly wiped the corners of his eyes.
Xiao Che walked into the main hall. Xiao Ding stood up and carefully observed him.
"Little Chezi, after a few years, you've really grown up. You're even taller than Big Brother now," Xiao Ding said with a gentle smile.
"Big Brother is also getting more and more handsome and dashing. You must have charmed quite a few ladies here," Xiao Che teased with a smile.
"You dare tease your Big Brother? You're still the same as before," Xiao Ding scolded with a laugh.
"Big Brother, Second Brother, let me introduce two people to you." Xiao Che waved toward the doorway.
The Little Fairy Doctor walked into the hall.
"This is the Little Fairy Doctor, my girlfriend."
The Little Fairy Doctor's face lit up with happiness when she heard how Xiao Che introduced her. She greeted them softly, "Hello, Big Brother Xiao Ding, Second Brother Xiao Li."
Xiao Ding and Xiao Li were momentarily stunned by the introduction, but with others present, they didn't ask any questions. They simply smiled and nodded in greeting.
"Let me also introduce you to the core members of our mercenary group," Xiao Ding said. He gestured to a woman standing nearby. "This is Xue Lan…"
Xiao Che glanced at Xue Lan, who might one day become his sister-in-law. She wore a short top that only covered her chest and a short leather skirt, revealing her long, slender legs.
Xue Lan and the others all smiled and greeted him warmly.
Xiao Che nodded politely in return.
Xiao Ding dismissed the others and had Xue Lan lead the Little Fairy Doctor to arrange rooms.
Once everyone had left, Xiao Li couldn't hold back any longer. "Little Chezi, what's going on? This is your girlfriend… so what about Xun'er?"
"Xun'er is naturally also mine," Xiao Che said with certainty.
"You… sigh. You've grown up and have your own ideas now. But don't let Xun'er down," Xiao Ding and Xiao Li were momentarily speechless. "Never mind, never mind. It's rare for us brothers to reunite. Let's not talk about this for now."
That night, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li set up a drinking challenge, determined to drink with Xiao Che until they were thoroughly drunk.
Halfway through, Xiao Li put his arm around Xiao Che's shoulder and sighed. "If only Xiao Yan Zi were here too, then the four of us brothers could get drunk together. Big Brother and I think about you two all the time."
"Second Brother, you're drunk. Xiao Yan Zi has recovered his talent and is currently out training. Who knows, he might show up here someday. Haha," Xiao Che said loudly, taking a big gulp of wine.
"Then I look forward to it. Come, let's keep drinking!"
Xiao Ding and Xiao Li also raised their wine jars. The three brothers clinked them together and drank heartily.
...
Late into the night, Xiao Che looked at his two brothers who had already passed out under the table. He shook his head with a smile and called for someone to carry Xiao Ding and Xiao Li back to their rooms.
He, on the other hand, was completely sober. They thought they could team up to get him drunk? In their dreams.
Xiao Che picked up a jar of wine and flew onto the rooftop. He gazed at the moonlit sky over Stone Desert City. The slight tipsiness gradually cleared, leaving his mind calm and clear.
Looking up at the bright moon, memories of his fifteen years since transmigrating flooded his mind. He began to recite softly:
"When did the bright moon appear? I raise my cup and ask the blue sky. I wonder in the heavenly palace, what year is it tonight? I wish to ride the wind and return, yet I fear the jade towers and magnificent palaces are too cold at such heights…"
Just as he finished reciting, a graceful figure quietly appeared beside him, accompanying him in silence as they gazed at the moon.
"Why are you here? Want some?"
Xiao Che looked at the Little Fairy Doctor and waved the wine jar in front of her.
He had never seen her drink before.
"Cough, cough, cough…"
The Little Fairy Doctor took the jar and, imitating Xiao Che, took a large gulp. The strong alcohol immediately choked her, causing her to cough violently.
Xiao Che gently patted her back to help her catch her breath.
Having never drunk before, the Little Fairy Doctor's face turned bright red in an instant. A wave of intoxication hit her, making her dizzy. She shook her little head.
"Why are there two Xiao Ches?" she mumbled unsteadily, then directly collapsed onto Xiao Che's body.
Seeing her pass out after just one gulp, Xiao Che shook his head helplessly and smiled.
He held her in his arms, took out a piece of clothing to cover her, and continued drinking slowly from the jar.
"Xiao Che… I know you'll have many women by your side in the future, but I don't mind… as long as you don't abandon me…"
In her drunken haze, the Little Fairy Doctor murmured these words.
Xiao Che's hand holding the wine jar stiffened slightly. He looked down at the sleeping beauty in his arms and remained silent for a long time.
Coming back to his senses, he gently stroked her rosy cheek and whispered, "I will never abandon you in this life. I want you to stay by my side forever, and I won't allow you to leave me."
Perhaps she was having a sweet dream, or perhaps she heard his words — a happy expression appeared on the Little Fairy Doctor's face. She stirred sweetly and shifted into a more comfortable position against him.
After finishing the wine, Xiao Che sensed the surroundings, carried the Little Fairy Doctor back to her room, and then walked into the room Xiao Ding had prepared for him next door.
...
The next day.
Xiao Che woke from a deep sleep. He sat up and patted his head. Last night, after returning to his room, he hadn't used Dou Qi to expel the alcohol. Instead, he had fallen asleep with a slight tipsiness.
"It's been a long time since I've slept this comfortably," Xiao Che said with a slight curl of his lips.
"Knock, knock. Young Master Xiao Che, are you awake?"
A timid voice came from outside the door, accompanied by a soft knock.
"Mhm, come in," Xiao Che replied calmly.
"Creak."
The door was pushed open. A petite young girl in a light green dress walked in, holding a copper basin. She had a cute, delicate melon-seed face with a hint of apprehension. Although she looked somewhat naive, her figure appeared rather mature.