After this interlude, Gu Sui returned to his seat to continue eating and drinking, not caring about others’ evaluations of that piece.

“What time is it?”

He was still waiting to give the birthday gift.

“Soon, probably about half an hour before we can leave.”

Li Fuyu now looked at Gu Sui with stars in his eyes, thinking in his mind how amazing Sui gege was, Sui gege was the best in the world!

To the left, Mu Yi was also shocked by that piece just now, occasionally looking over at Gu Sui.

He seemed to understand a bit now why his imperial sister liked him.

But he was still surnamed Gu, why did he have to be Gu Tingsong’s son!

The conflicted Mu Yi became somewhat sullen, drinking fruit wine one cup after another.

Gu Sui found that fruit wine too sweet and called over a palace maid to ask for a change.

The palace maid considered that Young Master Gu was a general after all, and drinking this kind of fruit wine was indeed beneath him, so she went to fetch a pot of the strongest Tusu wine.

After Sui Yu tested it for poison, he poured a cup for him. Gu Sui’s eyes brightened for a moment after just one sip.

This wine was strong enough, no worse than modern ones.

Seeing this, Li Fuyu also wanted to try. Gu Sui smiled and poured him half a cup.

Li Fuyu excitedly brought it to his lips, but just one small sip made him stick out his tongue, hot sweat breaking out.

“Sui gege, you’re so mean, you didn’t tell me it was so spicy!”

“Hahaha, you wanted to try it yourself.”

On the other side, Mu Yi instructed his attendant: “Whatever they’re drinking, bring a portion for this prince as well.”

“Yes.”

“Hiss, it’s so spicy, so spicy.”

Mu Yi was choked to the point of almost tears, but he forcibly held it back.

Was Gu Sui even human? How could he drink this kind of wine!

A quarter of an hour later, Gu Sui was slightly tipsy. He stood up, wanting to go out for some fresh air.

Sui Yu and Yun Mu quickly followed. That small sip had already made Li Fuyu a bit unclear-headed, lying motionless on the table, so Gu Sui didn’t call him.

Walking outside, the slightly cold wind brushed his cheeks, and Gu Sui sobered up a bit.

He turned to look at Sui Yu: “Where’s that box I gave you earlier?”

“Young Master.”

Sui Yu took out the small sandalwood box from his sleeve and handed it to Gu Sui.

Gu Sui took out the small portrait inside and stroked it with his fingertips.

“How long until twelve o’clock?”

“What did Young Master say?”

“Ah no, I mean, how long until the Zi hour?”

“Less than a quarter of an hour.”

“Oh.”

Gu Sui nodded, then somewhat hesitantly pointed in a direction.

“Luanxiao Palace is in this direction, right?”

Sui Yu and Yun Mu exchanged glances, looking at each other in bewilderment.

“Yes.”

Gu Sui lifted his foot to walk in that direction.

“One of you go tell Mu Jiulu that I’m at Luanxiao Palace.”

Sui Yu frowned slightly, somewhat worried.

“Young Master, are you drunk?”

Gu Sui looked back at him.

“What nonsense are you talking about, would I get drunk? Hurry up and go.”

“I’ll follow Young Master, I won’t let anything happen to Young Master.”

Yun Mu said, and only then did Sui Yu return to Shaohe Hall under Gu Sui’s gaze.

At Luanxiao Palace, the guards at the gate were somewhat surprised to see Gu Sui suddenly come here and didn’t dare to let him in.

Gu Sui wasn’t in a hurry either, just waiting here, looking up at the starry sky.

“Young Master, are you alright?”

Yun Mu asked softly, and Gu Sui responded very alertly.

“Of course, why wouldn’t I be? Another year, a new year.”

Seeing him speak clearly, Yun Mu finally felt relieved.

“Then Yun Mu wishes Young Master a happy new year in advance.”

“Happy new year to you too.”

Gu Sui said amiably, and Yun Mu felt warmth in his heart.

“What are you doing in front of this king’s palace gates?”

Mu Jiulu came alone, Sui Yu was not by her side. Yun Mu frowned slightly.

“I’ll tell you in a moment.”

The young man curved his peach blossom eyes, filled with joy and mystery. Mu Jiulu pursed her lips.

“Young Master, Sui Yu is missing.”

Yun Mu leaned close to his ear and whispered.

The Regent, who had followed shortly after Gu Sui came out and deliberately avoided Sui Yu who returned midway, raised an eyebrow.

“Then go look for him, don’t let anything happen to him.”

Yun Mu: “……”

So Young Master didn’t find anything wrong with the Regent being here now?

“Go on, don’t worry about me. With her here, I’ll be fine even if there are assassins again. Besides, where would so many assassins come from on New Year’s?”

Gu Sui urged, and Yun Mu sighed helplessly.

How could Young Master trust the Regent so much?

Alas.

Gu Sui kept urging, and Yun Mu looked back three times with every step as he left, afraid that the Regent would have ill intentions towards his Young Master.

After Yun Mu’s figure could no longer be seen, Gu Sui suddenly grinned foolishly.

Well, in Mu Jiulu’s eyes, it was a foolish grin.

He suddenly moved closer to Mu Jiulu and whispered in her ear.

“Now no one will disturb me.”

The palace maid standing guard at the door silently lowered her head.

Mu Jiulu shook her head helplessly.

“Want to go in?”

Gu Sui nodded excitedly: “Yes, yes.”

Inside the hall, the lit lamps made the blush on his cheeks even more apparent. Mu Jiulu’s brows furrowed slightly.

“Are you drunk?”

“No, I’m perfectly sober!”

He shook his head and said dazedly. Mu Jiulu couldn’t help but sigh.

If this wasn’t drunk, what was!

“Do you still know who I am?”

Mu Jiulu asked helplessly. Gu Sui’s eyes sparkled brightly. Hearing this, he raised his hand to point at her, his voice, tinged with alcohol, was incredibly alluring.

“Of course I know, you’re my baby!”

Mu Jiulu: “……”

Well, he’s completely drunk.

“I love baby the most, baby hug hug.”

Gu Sui clung to her stickily. Mu Jiulu symbolically pushed him away, but seeing that she couldn’t, she let him hug her.

“What did you just say?”

“I love baby.”

Mu Jiulu’s fingers threaded through his smooth hair: “Say it again.”

“Hmph, I won’t. Baby is tricking me. You never say you love me.”

Mu Jiulu: Even drunk, he’s still so particular.

“You say it first.”

“If I say it, will you say it too?”

The drunk young man’s coquettishness became even more powerful. Mu Jiulu’s throat tightened, and she made an affirmative sound.

“I love baby, I love baby the most. Baby, quickly say you love me too!”

“Love.”

“Who do you love?”

Gu Sui said, unsatisfied.

“You.”

“Say it all together.”

Mu Jiulu’s voice was choked: “Lo…”

Bang–

The New Year’s fireworks suddenly burst at the Zi hour. Gu Sui, who had been nuzzling her shoulder, suddenly raised his head.

Mu Jiulu hadn’t finished speaking when he cupped her face, meeting those rippling peach blossom eyes.

“Happy birthday, baby. May the new year bring you success in everything, peace and joy. I will always be by baby’s side!”

Mu Jiulu’s heart suddenly stopped for a moment.

His words lingered in her heart. Though so gentle, they left an indelible mark.

“You…”

“Baby, look, the birthday gift I made for you. Is it nice?”

Gu Sui handed over the small figurine. Mu Jiulu reached out to take it, gently stroking the delicate wooden carving.

“Did you make this yourself?”

“Mm-hmm, am I not awesome, baby!”

The young man raised his chin, with an expression that said ‘praise me quickly’. Mu Jiulu couldn’t help but lower her head and lightly peck his lips.

“Very awesome.”

“Hee hee hee, baby praised me. Baby is the best.”

Gu Sui started grinning foolishly again. Mu Jiulu held him even tighter.

“Gu Sui.”

“Hmm?”

“You must keep your word.”

“Of course I will.”

Mu Jiulu closed her eyes, her right hand cupping the back of his head, her breathing heavy.

“Happy New Year, my Sui Sui.”