It was almost noon, time for another joyful meal – or as Su Yudiel would say, grub time.

Su Yudiel insisted on going for all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ.

She pulled out all her cash, counted it, and said, "I'll keep enough for the bus ride back, and you can have the rest. If it's not enough, you can cover the rest."

Zhuang Zi'ang shook his head. "You don't need to pay."

"No way, I said last time it’s my treat!" Su Yudiel insisted.

Zhuang Zi'ang, seeing her determination, relented and took the money. He had his own little nest egg, about five or six thousand yuan, saved up over the years – New Year's red envelope money from his grandparents and occasional pocket money from his mom.

With his usual spending habits, it would easily last him three months, as long as he didn't eat out extravagantly every day. But with this little foodie around, his expenses were definitely higher than planned.

Korean BBQ meant grilling the food yourself, which was more interactive than just ordering dishes.

Su Yudiel oiled the grill and placed various meats on it. Soon, the sizzling sounds and delicious smells filled the air. The little foodie couldn't stop her mouth from watering.

Once the meat was almost cooked, she picked up the first piece, dipped it in sauce, wrapped it in lettuce, and held it up to Zhuang Zi'ang's lips.

"Here, open wide."

Zhuang Zi'ang obediently opened his mouth and accepted her offering.

The richness of the pork belly was perfectly balanced by the crisp lettuce. The first bite was pure bliss.

Zhuang Zi'ang couldn't feed himself because he was busy peeling shrimp for Su Yudiel. His hands were greasy.

He peeled the shrimp with practiced ease, and soon a mountain of glistening shrimp piled up on Little Butterfly's plate. It was a scene of tender domesticity.

Diners at other tables gave them envious looks.

"Wow, that young couple is so cute together!"

"The girl is so pretty and sweet."

"And the guy is hot too! Look how smoothly he peels shrimp."

...

Some of the comments drifted over, giving Zhuang Zi'ang a little ego boost. If only Little Butterfly were really my girlfriend, he thought.

Su Yudiel tuned out the comments, pretending to focus on the food on the grill. But her pink earlobes gave her away.

Just as Zhuang Zi'ang swallowed the first piece of meat, another was already at his lips.

He gently pushed her chopsticks away. "You haven't even eaten anything yet. Don't just keep feeding me."

"Eat one more piece, then I'll eat," Su Yudiel said firmly.

Zhuang Zi'ang sighed and opened his mouth again. Meat fed to him by Little Butterfly tasted extra delicious. Even though she was a big foodie herself, she was holding back her cravings to feed him first. What a sweet girl.

Zhuang Zi'ang had been to this BBQ place once before with Lin Mushi. Lin Mushi, a pampered princess, was terrified of getting oil splatters on her hands or face and kept well away from the grill. Back then, he had to grill, peel shrimp, and pour drinks, while campus queen Lin Mushi did nothing but eat and drink.

Little Butterfly was different. You could tell she was a skilled girl, probably great in the kitchen too. She always got the cooking time just right.

After finishing the shrimp, Zhuang Zi'ang went to wash his hands. When he came back, he saw that Little Butterfly had split the remaining shrimp, giving him half.

"What do you want to drink? Coke again?" Zhuang Zi'ang asked, smiling.

Su Yudiel beckoned him closer. "Come here a sec."

Zhuang Zi'ang leaned down. "Why the big secret about drinks?"

Su Yudiel leaned in close and whispered a bold idea in his ear.

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Zhuang Zi'ang's pupils instantly widened. "What? Dr… drink alcohol?"

Su Yudiel blinked innocently. "I’ve heard that alcohol tastes really good. People say it makes you feel like you're in heaven."

Zhuang Zi'ang had always been a good boy and rarely drank. He’d only heard adults say that alcohol could mess you up.

Their eyes met, both teetering on the edge of something daring.

Finally, Zhuang Zi'ang screwed up his courage. To hell with it, let's drink! He only had three months left anyway. He was done being a good boy. It would be a waste to die without ever knowing what it was like to be drunk. Besides, Dr. Chen had said to eat and drink whatever he wanted. The freedom of not caring was… liberating.

The BBQ place had a self-serve drink station. Zhuang Zi'ang first grabbed a bottle of baijiu, strong Chinese liquor, then put it back and took two bottles of beer instead. Maybe they shouldn't go too crazy.

He poured the beer into their glasses. The golden liquid with its white foam released a light, malty aroma.

Su Yudiel raised her glass. "Zhuang Zi'ang, to being happy every day! Cheers!"

"Cheers, to my good friend."

Their glasses clinked, and they both started chugging.

The beer was bitter with a slight alcoholic bite. Zhuang Zi'ang frowned. Compared to milk tea and Coke, this stuff tasted like horse pee.

He glanced at Su Yudiel. Her brows were furrowed too, she clearly wasn’t enjoying it either. Their eyes met, but neither wanted to back down. They forced themselves to finish their glasses, despite the taste.

Little Butterfly's face was noticeably pinker now, a lovely rosy hue. Even cuter than before.

"Zhuang Zi'ang," Su Yudiel asked tentatively, "is it… good?"

"Dude, it’s amazing! I drink this stuff all the time!" Zhuang Zi'ang bluffed.

"Yeah, it’s actually not bad!" Su Yudiel chimed in, not wanting to be outdone. "Another round? I'm gonna get two more bottles!" She refilled both their glasses.

Zhuang Zi'ang gulped, already suffering for his pride. Pride was getting him into trouble, he thought ruefully.

After a couple of shrimp, they clinked glasses again, the sound clear and bright. They downed their drinks, secretly watching each other, making sure no one cheated.

Little Butterfly’s cheeks were even rosier, and she was much more animated, talking non-stop. She chattered away, sharing jokes she’d collected over the years, often bursting into laughter halfway through, doubling over with giggles.

Beer wasn’t strong, but Zhuang Zi'ang was a total newbie when it came to alcohol. After a few glasses, his head was spinning, his cheeks were flushed, and he was seeing two of Little Butterfly. He didn't quite get the punchlines of her jokes, but he laughed along anyway. Just being with Little Butterfly made him happy.

Before they knew it, they’d each downed two bottles of beer. Zhuang Zi'ang, fighting off the wooziness, stumbled to the counter to pay.

When he returned, he found Little Butterfly slumped on the table, head resting on her arms, fast asleep. She looked adorably tipsy.

"Little Butterfly, I'll take you home to sleep," Zhuang Zi'ang said, gently nudging her.

"Zhuang Zi'ang, carry me," Su Yudiel slurred, her words a little mushy.

Sober, Zhuang Zi'ang could have carried her easily. But now, he was willing but unable. He could barely walk straight himself.

They ended up supporting each other, staggering out of the BBQ place.

Luckily, his apartment wasn't far. With Herculean effort, Zhuang Zi'ang managed to get Su Yudiel onto his bed.

He took off her canvas shoes and pulled her skirt down a little, covering her long, elegant legs.

"You sleep here. I'll take the sofa outside," Zhuang Zi'ang whispered in her ear.

Suddenly, Su Yudiel wrapped her arms around Zhuang Zi'ang's neck and pulled his head down.

Caught off guard, Zhuang Zi'ang lost his balance. He fell forward, his lips landing squarely on her plump, cherry-red lips.