In this unfamiliar city, where not a single acquaintance could be found, I was on the verge of losing my sanity from sheer boredom. A sudden craving for cigarettes struck, and though I considered heading to the designated smoking area, I decided to test my willpower and resisted the urge to indulge.

At last, the workday came to an end. Sophie cheerfully invited me to join her in heading to the parking lot. The group of people from the meeting were there, including Lucas Steele. A business vehicle was conveniently large enough to accommodate us all. Once the car started, the conversation flowed in a casual, somewhat disconnected manner, but the atmosphere remained surprisingly comfortable.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, Sophie instructed Lucas Steele to handle the meal order. We stood outside, awaiting the client's arrival. Glancing at the time, I noticed we still had a few moments, so I decided to step aside for a cigarette. I called over Theo Westbrook, but he shook his head and declined, saying,"I dare not; Sophie Summers would kill me."

I let out a helpless laugh and walked off alone, lighting the cigarette and savoring the fleeting moment of peace. However, before I could finish it, the clients arrived. I quickly extinguished the cigarette and hurried back to join the group.

To my surprise, the vice president of procurement was a woman. Her name was Lydia, a petite figure with short, masculine hair and dark skin, her appearance so striking that she could easily be mistaken for a man at first glance. With an air of arrogance, she shook hands with each of us, and when she reached me, her eyes suddenly lit up, her grip tightening slightly, as if she found me particularly intriguing.

The group of six proceeded with introductions. Sophie began by introducing our team, while the procurement assistant on the other side did the same. After a few minutes of pleasantries, we all stepped into the hotel.

Inside the private dining room, the table was already set with an array of delectable dishes. Glasses clinked and compliments were exchanged, creating a harmonious scene. I seldom drink, and after just a few shots of white liquor, I began to feel light-headed. The sharp, pungent taste of the liquor was hard to bear, but in such a setting, I couldn't excuse myself from the table. I could only force a smile and continue drinking in company.

I noticed that both Sophie and Lucas Steele were quite adept at drinking, confidently raising their glasses without hesitation. In contrast, I was the weakest drinker, feeling increasingly out of place. Unable to endure any longer, I decided to excuse myself for a moment and clear my head.

The instant I stood up, Lydia approached, reeking of alcohol, and grabbed my hand."Ryan," she said,"you haven't drunk much yet; I've been watching. You must drink more tonight!"

I quickly forced a smile, replying,"Lydia, you're too kind. My capacity for alcohol is quite limited. You're all masters of drinking; I cannot compare."

Lydia laughed heartily."Don't be modest! Tonight, we drink until we're drunk!" Her booming voice drew the attention of those around us, and the atmosphere quickly turned lively.

Reluctantly, I joined in the drinking. After a few rounds of liquor and several dishes, my head grew heavier, and the world before me began to blur. Sophie seemed to notice my distress and leaned over, whispering,"If it's too much, just drink less. Don't overdo it."

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I gave her a grateful glance, but before I could respond, Lydia's loud voice rang out again,"Drinking is a skill; you need to drink more. Come on, let's have another round!"

I hesitated."Lydia, I don't think I can take any more."

Lydia let out a hearty laugh, her eyes gleaming with mischief."What do you mean, you can't? If you finish this half bottle, I'll give you the order. What do you say?"

Internally, I groaned. If I could drink, I'd take the order regardless of its size, but the truth was, I couldn't stomach another drop. Meanwhile, others from the Haida company began to cheer,"Ryan, drink up, and the deal will be sealed."

Sophie, unaware of my limitations, didn't intervene. In fact, she seemed eager for me to keep drinking. She asked,"Are you sure you can't handle it?"

As a man, how could I admit to weakness? Already feeling disoriented, I took the half-bottle of liquor and downed it in one go, and after that... nothing more came to mind.

When I awoke, I found myself lying on the bed in the hotel room, the afternoon of the following day already upon me. The room was thick with the overpowering scent of alcohol and the sour stench of vomit, causing my stomach to churn uncontrollably. I hurried to the bathroom, gripping the sink as I retched several times, expelling only a trickle of bile.

At that moment, the door swung open, and Theo Westbrook entered, his face etched with concern."You're awake?" he asked.

"Yes, but I feel awful," I replied weakly, my voice hoarse as though it had been scraped from the depths of my throat.

Theo shook his head, a hint of reproach in his tone."If you couldn't handle it, why did you drink so much? You insisted on pushing yourself, and now look what's happened."

Furrowing my brow, I looked at Theo and asked,"What exactly did I do last night? Did I lose control?"

With a heavy sigh, Theo replied,"It wasn't just losing control—you knocked over the table."

The impact of his words struck me like a bolt of lightning, leaving me stunned for a long moment before I could fully comprehend them."I overturned the table?!"

Theo nodded helplessly."Yes, the entire room was in disarray. The waitstaff were terrified; they almost called the police."

A wave of regret washed over me, but I forced a faint smile, masking the turmoil within.

Theo turned to look at me, his eyes filled with concern."Come on, let's get something to eat."

"Thank you, but I'm not hungry," I managed to say, offering a strained smile, though confusion lingered in my mind.

"You may not feel like eating, but you must," Theo urged."Otherwise, your stomach will suffer."

A heavy weight settled in my chest, and I couldn't help but ask,"Did I really behave like that last night?"

Theo glanced at me and said,"From the looks of it, you can hardly stand, can you? Alright, I'll go get you something." With that, he left the room.

I sighed in helpless frustration, filled with regret. It seemed I had truly caused a scene last night. Sophie was certainly going to give me an earful this time.

As I lay there, my head spinning and my spirits sinking, I tried to piece together the events of the previous evening. My memory was a blur—only faint recollections of the lively atmosphere at the table, glasses being passed, and that half-bottle of liquor downed. How I made it back to the hotel was entirely lost to me.

I lay in bed, my mind clouded, my mood growing heavier. Given the extent of the mess I had created, I knew Sophie wouldn't let me off lightly.

Just then, the door opened again, and Theo returned, carrying a takeout box."Here, have some porridge to warm your stomach."

I sat up with effort, accepting the bowl, my gratitude palpable."Thank you."

He smiled, sitting at the edge of the bed, his gaze lingering on me."The chairman and Manager Charlotte Hayes have already gone to deal with it. Don't worry too much. I didn't expect your tolerance to be this low."

I had never been fond of strong liquor, especially the sharp scent of white spirits, yet last night, I had broken all my usual rules."It's just the way I am," I said with a self-deprecating laugh, my heart heavy with regret.

"Rest up," Theo said, patting my shoulder, his voice both comforting and resigned."I'll head back to my room now." With that, he left, his footsteps gradually fading away.

Just as he departed, I heard Sophie's voice from outside the door."Is he awake?"

Theo's voice followed,"Yes, he's awake. He's had some porridge."