Chapter Three: An Old Classmate Seduces Me

Qiu Jieqin unwound her scarf, took off her coat, and sat across from me. I nodded in greeting. “It’s been a while, Qiu Jieqin. How have you been?”

As she arranged her coat, handbag, and other belongings, she glanced at me with an alluring look in her eyes, a mysterious smile always playing at her lips. “Which aspect are you asking about?”

Truthfully, I’d only asked out of politeness, not expecting her to ask for specifics. Her reply caught me off-guard. After a moment, I answered, “Any aspect, really.”

Her smile grew more seductive. She clasped her hands atop the table, her gaze locked intently on mine. “If you mean work, it’s just so-so. But if you’re asking about my personal life, things aren’t good at all.”

My face grew warm. I’d experienced Qiu Jieqin’s persistence back in high school and dared not let this topic go further. I thought to feign ignorance, and just then the waitress arrived, handing us a beautifully bound menu and asking with a smile, “What would you like to order?”

I gestured toward Qiu Jieqin. “Ladies first. Please, order whatever you like. I’ll pay.”

She took the menu without hesitation and soon ordered four elaborate dishes and a soup—each one looked like it required careful preparation and was hardly inexpensive.

The waitress noted everything down and asked, “Would you like any drinks?” Since my companion was a lady, I was about to suggest something non-alcoholic, but Qiu Jieqin interjected, “Let’s have a good bottle of red wine.” The waitress asked, “Which kind?” Qiu Jieqin named an English brand I’d never heard of, but it sounded expensive. I started worrying about my wallet.

After the waitress left, Qiu Jieqin fixed her gaze on me again. I felt awkward and lit a cigarette to ease the tension. Suddenly, she spoke. “It’s been three years since I last saw you—at Qian Xiaolei’s wedding. You haven’t changed much; you still look like a scholar.”

I smiled. “Really? You haven’t changed much either.”

Qian Xiaolei had been our high school classmate and Qiu Jieqin’s close friend. She’d married a civil servant three years ago. I’d attended the wedding and met Qiu Jieqin there—our first meeting since graduation. I remembered she’d brought a rather tall boyfriend. The question slipped out of my mouth: “By the way, how’s your boyfriend? Did you get married?”

“Him? That was ages ago. We broke up long ago. Didn’t I tell you my personal life’s a mess? I’m still single—nobody wants me.”

“Nobody wants you?” I couldn’t help but laugh. Back at that wedding, a classmate had told me Qiu Jieqin changed boyfriends as often as she changed clothes. Even during my university years, she’d dated countless men in quick succession. Someone like her, unwanted?

She tilted her head. “You don’t believe it?”

“No, I wouldn’t dare question you.”

“Enough about me. What about you? How have you been all these years? Found a girlfriend yet?”

“Not great—just getting by. With my clumsy tongue, how could I possibly find a girlfriend?”

Her eyes sparkled, and her smile grew even more suggestive. “Is that so? Back then, someone offered herself to you, but you didn’t dare accept. No wonder you’re still single!”

I hurriedly took a few drags of my cigarette, blowing smoke between us. I dared not bring up the past and was searching for a way to change the subject when the waiter arrived with our dishes, rescuing me yet again.

Food and wine were served in succession. I poured her a full glass and said, “Qiu Jieqin, thank you for your help this time. Without you, my little sister would have driven me crazy. Here’s to you!” I filled my own glass, raising it in a toast.

She gave a little laugh. “You’re unbelievable. If you hadn’t brought it up, I’d have forgotten.” She opened her handbag and handed me a few tickets. I took them eagerly. “Thank you so much! How much do I owe you?” I reached for my wallet.

She shook her head. “I don’t want money. These tickets are a gift.”

I was surprised. “Are you sure? Five tickets must’ve cost over a thousand yuan. I can’t let you pay for them. You must let me reimburse you.”

She waved me off. “I told you, they’re a gift. If you don’t want them, give them back. Don’t talk about money with me.”

“But…” I was at a loss. Sometimes, women’s minds truly defy logic. I thought for a moment. “I asked you for these tickets, but now it feels like you’re spending your own money on me. How can I accept them? If you refuse to take payment, I’ll have to return them.”

I pushed the tickets back toward her.

She looked surprised, then burst out laughing. “You really haven’t changed at all! Still as stubborn as ever. Fine—if you insist, just treat me to a few more meals. We’ll call it even when the ticket value is used up. Deal?”

“Why?” I asked.

“Because I like it.”

I hesitated, my hand hovering over the tickets. She pushed my hand and the tickets back toward me. “Alright, Tang Qian, truth is, someone got these tickets for me. I didn’t spend a cent, and I wouldn’t dream of charging you, especially after you asked for my help. How could I take advantage of you?”

I was genuinely grateful. “Then… well… thank you…”

She smiled enchantingly. “So you see, I’m already taking advantage by making you treat me.”

Left with no other choice, I raised my glass. “Qiu Jieqin, thank you! Here’s a heartfelt toast.”

She raised her glass. “Cheers!” and drained it in one go.

We ate and chatted, first reminiscing about high school, then talking about our current lives and careers. The conversation livened her up, and she kept pouring wine and toasting me. Out of gratitude, I drank with her each time.

After a few glasses, her cheeks flushed prettily, and her words became more plentiful. She started talking about her love life, cursing all men as no good, and I could only laugh along awkwardly.

Before long, we’d finished the bottle of wine. Qiu Jieqin waved the waiter over and called for another bottle. I quickly intervened. “No, that’s enough. If we drink any more, you’ll get drunk.”

She shot me a look. “What? Worried about the price? Fine, I’ll pay for this bottle myself.”

Hearing her say that, I had no argument, and signaled the waiter to bring another bottle. I turned to her. “It’s not about the money, I just don’t want you getting drunk.”

She gazed at me through half-lidded eyes. “So you’re worried about me? Don’t worry, I can hold my liquor—I’m not that easy to get drunk.”

I pretended I hadn’t heard.

When the second bottle arrived, I made a conscious effort to drink less, leaving most of it to her. Tonight, Qiu Jieqin seemed especially exuberant, talking non-stop and drinking enthusiastically. In the end, her tolerance turned out to be not quite as high as she claimed; she was visibly tipsy.

By then, we’d finished eating. I checked my watch: eight-thirty. We’d been at dinner for nearly two hours. I signaled for the bill and said to her, “Shall we go? Are you alright?”

She laughed, slurring slightly. “Of course, it’s just a little wine. Let’s go home.” With that, she staggered as she stood, and nearly fell. I caught her just in time.

She clung to my collar, her lips close to my ear. “This wine really packs a punch. I feel weak all over. Looks like you’ll have to help me get home.”

I sighed. “I told you not to drink so much. Now look, you’re really drunk. Come on, I’ll take you home.” I draped her coat over her shoulders.

She nestled into my arms, and I failed to notice the hint of triumph at the corner of her lips.

Half supporting, half holding her, I led her out of the hotel and hailed a cab. After settling her inside, I got in as well. She immediately slumped against me. I asked for her address. Despite her drunkenness, she was lucid enough to reply, “Qifeng Apartments, Building 9, Unit 3, Apartment 501.”

When we arrived, I saw she was too drunk to climb five flights of stairs alone. I paid the driver and helped her out. It took all my strength—half carrying, half dragging her—to get her upstairs, leaving me sweating even in the middle of winter.

I shook her gently. “Hey! Is anyone home? Do you have your keys?”

She fumbled with her bag. “Help me… find them…”

So I opened her handbag, found a ring of keys, and asked which one to use. After some fumbling, I got the door open and switched on the lights. It was a small studio apartment—everything suggested she lived alone.

After locking the door, I managed to get her to bed, took off her boots, and removed her coat. Just as I was about to cover her with the blanket, she suddenly sat up, wrapped her arms around my neck, her eyes full of allure.

“Tang Qian, do you know… it’s been eight years, and I’ve never forgotten you. I still like you… just like before.”

I froze, momentarily unable to process what was happening.

She leaned in, her gaze smoldering. “Why are you just standing there? Kiss me!”