C32 Bet

"How about we try something different?" Sienna cautiously proposed.

"Let's keep things simple and natural," Westley replied with a shake of his head.

In love, couples typically do a few things: share a meal, watch a movie, steal a kiss.

But beyond dining and movie-watching, everything else seemed too complicated.

Westley, the esteemed CEO's son-in-law, had his professional ethics intact.

He would never compromise himself.

Just then, Ethan walked over, uninvited.

He plopped down next to Westley and thumped a bottle of Huaijiang Liquor onto the table.

"Pal, even though this is our first meeting, it feels like we've known each other for ages," Ethan began.

Westley offered a wry smile.

This guy must be up to something.

"I feel it too," Westley agreed with a nod.

"Well, if that's the case, we're friends now. Eating's all well and good, but how about we drink together instead?" Ethan suggested.

"Ethan, what's your angle?" Sienna asked, her brow furrowed.

If she couldn't discern Ethan's motives by now, she'd be the epitome of beauty without brains.

"What's the harm? I just want to have a drink with your boyfriend. Is that not allowed?" Ethan retorted, giving her a sidelong glance.

"Why should he drink with you? I don't consent to that!" Sienna stood up abruptly.

Her genuine emotional response only confirmed for Ethan that she and Westley were indeed an item.

His desire for revenge grew more intense.

"What's wrong with a man enjoying a little drink? It can even bring people closer. Right, buddy?" Ethan paused, then raised his voice, "Unless, of course, you're not man enough."

Look at that.

Westley was just itching for a chance to flaunt his wit and put someone in their place.

And here was Ethan, practically knocking on his door, offering him the perfect opportunity.

To not take it would be a disservice to all!

Still, Westley knew he had to maintain his composure.

"Drinking can lead to trouble. Maybe it's best if we don't," he said, feigning concern.

Ethan Zhang's spirits lifted—there was an opportunity!

With a stern expression, he lectured, "What man navigating society doesn't drink? Let me top you off."

Without waiting for Westley's consent, he filled his glass to the brim with Huaijiang Liquor.

Brewed from sorghum, this liquor boasted a potent 68-degree alcohol content, placing it firmly in the category of strong spirits.

For the average person, a shot or two would be enough to induce dizziness.

Even those who lived for their next drink could only handle half a liter before succumbing to days of drunken stupor.

Ethan's tolerance was legendary; he was a fixture in the bar scene, known for his ability to drink a thousand cups without faltering. He could outdrink anyone at the table.

When faced with a worthy adversary, a round of Huaijiang Liquor was all it took for Ethan to decisively unhorse his opponent.

In essence, if they dared to lift their glasses, Ethan was confident he could drink them under the table.

His own limit with Huaijiang Liquor was a staggering one and a half liters—a fearsome feat!

"Here, let me fill mine as well," Ethan said, pouring himself a full glass.

He raised his glass, grinning, "If the bond is deep, down it in one go. If it's shallow, just sip. I'll lead the way—your turn is at your leisure."

With that, he tilted his head back and emptied his glass in one swift motion.

Westley remained still, casting a glance at Sienna.

"Westley, don't mind him, don't drink," Sienna urged.

"That's not quite fair," Ethan countered smoothly. "I'm meeting Mr. Jimenez for the first time; it's simply polite. Whatever happened between us is history. We couldn't be lovers, but we can still be friends, right?"

Flashing a sly smile at Westley, Ethan pressed, "Mr. Jimenez, wouldn't you agree?"

"Yes, you're absolutely right," Westley nodded.

Inwardly, Ethan scoffed, thinking Westley was nothing special—too timid to even stand up for his girlfriend.

He's such a wimp!

Sienna felt a twinge of annoyance but kept it to herself.

Out of the blue, Westley remarked, "Who hasn't run into a few lowlifes in their youth? Consider it tuition paid for life's lessons. Here goes!" With that, he tilted his head back and downed his drink.

Ethan's face darkened.

This guy is outright calling me trash.

Can I let that slide?

"Mr. Jimenez, you sure can hold your liquor. Let's keep it flowing," Ethan said, reaching to pour more.

But Westley covered his glass with his hand and interjected, "Hold on!"

"What's the matter? Can't handle it?" Ethan scoffed.

"It's not about that. It's just that drinking this way lacks any excitement," Westley replied, shaking his head.

"Oh? Do tell, Mr. Jimenez, what's your brilliant idea?" Ethan inquired, intrigued.

Ignoring him, Westley snapped his fingers, "Waiter, a moment, please!"

Promptly, the waiter approached and asked, "Sir, how may I assist you?"

"Bring me a box of this wine," Westley said, pointing to the Huaijiang Liquor. "And fetch the two largest bowls you have."

The waiter, without question, hurried off to fulfill the request.

Soon, a box of Huaijiang Liquor, along with two gigantic soup bowls, were set upon the table.

Ethan watched Westley open the box, arms folded, eyes squinting with suspicion.

What's he up to?

He's not planning to drink straight from the bottle, is he?

That's Huaijiang Liquor, nearly 70 proof! Is he trying to kill himself?

Sienna's eyes were wide with disbelief, utterly clueless about Westley's intentions.

Westley swiftly uncapped six bottles of wine.

He grabbed one of the giant bowls and poured a whole bottle in.

Then the second.

And the third.

Each bottle was a jin, so three bottles made three jin!

The soup-serving bowl was nearly brimming after these three bottles were emptied into it.

Upon seeing the enormous bowl of liquor before him, Ethan was utterly flabbergasted.

Had this guy lost his mind?

Chugging beer is one thing, but this is hard liquor!

Who in their right mind could down three pounds of nearly 70-proof white spirits in one go?

Westley slid the hefty bowl across the table, grinning as he said, "Back in my hometown, it's tradition to show our warm hospitality by polishing off a bowl of wine in one shot. Morris, care to give it a try first?"

Holy crap!

This dude was beyond brazen.

Expecting someone to guzzle three pounds of white wine in one sitting? Who the hell could handle that?

"Those might be your customs, but here in Huaiyang City, we play by our own rules," Ethan countered, shaking his head.

"So, you're chickening out?" Westley scoffed with a taunting smile.

The look in Westley's eyes was the last straw for Ethan, who felt a surge of provocation.

"Are you trying to pick a fight? Let's see you try and down three pounds of white wine yourself!"

"How about we make it interesting with a wager?" Westley suggested, giving him a sly look.

"What are the stakes?" Ethan inquired.

"If I manage to finish it, you'll have to fulfill one of my requests. If I can't, I'll grant you one of yours. Deal?" Westley proposed, still smiling.

Ethan couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement.

It was as if someone had handed him a pillow just as he was nodding off.

You're digging your own grave, buddy. Not my problem.

"Alright! If Mr. Jimenez is game, then I'm all in. But let me be clear: if you drink and then vomit, or pass out, you lose," Ethan warned, playing it safe.

"Naturally! Otherwise, what's the point of drinking at all?" Westley agreed with a nod.

"Excellent!"

Ethan rose to his feet, calling out to everyone within earshot.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Jimenez here has made a bet that he can finish this entire bowl of Huaijiang Liquor. I'd like all of you to bear witness, so there's no backing out later on."