My head was still a little fuzzy. I looked at everything in front of me—John Chou was still drinking and chatting with a burly man, looking completely at ease. But as I regained my clarity, I realized my body felt fine.
After getting up from the bed, I shook my head and looked over at John Chou. The burly man beside him looked weathered and rough, with a broad face and messy hair tied casually with a piece of string—like a bundle of wild grass. He wore a plain gray robe and gave off a rugged, wandering vibe, just like someone out of a period drama.
"Brother, you're awake. Want another drink?"
John Chou smiled at me. I crawled over, licking my lips, unable to forget the pleasant sensation this place's wine gave me. Just as I raised my cup to drink, the burly man shot me a sideways glance.
"Using that little cup? That's too stingy for real drinking."
With that, the burly man reached behind him and pulled out a large bowl, filling it to the brim with wine from the jug. He made a welcoming gesture, then raised it and gulped down a huge mouthful—utterly satisfied.
"And who is this friend?"
I looked at the burly man in confusion. John Chou just smiled.
"Back in the day, my nickname was Calamity Wraith. Ever heard of it?"
I gave an awkward smile and shook my head.
"Dean Ding, enough about your glorious exploits for now. Tell us, did you handle your business?"
I blinked and looked at Dean Ding. I wasn't sure what kind of relationship he had with John Chou, but my impression was that they were probably friends.
Right now, Dean Ding was looking at me, blinking.
"Drink up, all at once."
I made a sound of acknowledgment, but quickly shook my head.
"Dean Ding, I just sobered up. If I get drunk again, I'll have to lie down."
"Come on, just drink. If you get drunk, you get drunk. Then you sleep, wake up, and drink again. How free, how carefree."
I responded with a quiet sound, smiling awkwardly. Dean Ding slapped my back, and I helplessly looked at John Chou.
"Alright, Dean Ding, did you actually find it or not?"
"Found it. Why are you so anxious, John Chou? Back when you were in the Hall of Bloodbane, I never saw you in such a rush. It was always the rest of us running around, while you played us for fools. Honestly, you deserve this now. Hahaha! If the others saw you like this, they'd get a kick out of it."