“What’s wrong?” Nicholas asked, raising his deep voice and narrowing his eyes. “Are you drinking or not?”

Zuko forced a smile and replied, “I’ll… I’ll drink, of course.”

“Then fill the glasses!”

“Sh*t!” Zuko let out a soft gasp. “Uncle Nicholas, slow down!”

He watched as Nicholas brought out two whiskey glasses and filled them to the brim before handing one to him.

Zuko had no choice but to accept it. However, he had never even had vodka straight. It felt more like a glass of alcohol rather than something to savor.

“What’s the matter? Scared to drink?” Nicholas raised an eyebrow smugly. “Kid, are you even a man if you can’t handle this?”

“Uncle Nicholas—”

“Your father must not have taught you these things!” Nicholas leaned closer to him with a mischievous smile. “A real man drinks this. That’s the real deal! Don’t learn those fancy habits from your father, thinking you’re sophisticated just by sipping red wine and eating fancy tiny dishes. Those rich heir types like him always think they’re above everyone else! Come, come, bottoms up!”

Zuko held the glass hesitantly, only to see that Nicholas had already taken a big gulp.

“Ah!” Nicholas sounded quite gratified.

Zuko wanted to laugh but dared not. He tried to copy Nicholas and gulped down the alcohol as well.

“Ah!” His voice was louder.

The scorching sensation felt like a sharp blade that sliced down his throat and chest, burning his stomach.

After a while, he felt a bit lightheaded.

Zuko felt his face burn, but he saw Nicholas offering him another glass. This time, he did not refuse and just drank it up.

Nicholas laughed and also downed his own glass.

shocked. The bottle of vodka on the table was already empty, and the two men seemed to have had quite a bit to drink. They were laughing with

“Nicholas, bro!”

“Buddy!”

me to

From now on, wherever you go, just mention my name! I promise you… It will be more

reluctant to part. They

at them. “What

shushing gesture and whispered, looking up at Nicholas, “They’re definitely

make sense, buddy!

Linda abruptly grabbed

brought some clarity to Nicholas’

old fool! Have you got any sense? Zuko’s never drunk that kind of liquor since he was little. What if you

understand

grasp a little understanding

shot to Zuko. ‘Right! Today is the day this young man came to propose,

supported him, feeling bad, while Zuko could only smile foolishly with an unfocused

why don’t you rest in my room for a while?”

Nicholas stomped

of Thompson

well. Seeing he was surrounded and catching a glimpse of Lina’s worried and frightened expression, he forgot where he was for a moment. All he could think about was

shove…

Zuko saw a familiar face and

his mind was still in a daze. “Uncle

forgotten that you came to the Thompsons

a moment to connect the fragmented memories and make sense of what

you want to marry our Thompson heiress, you must show your sincerity,”

Zuko was startled. “Sincerity?”

“According to our rules…”

ask me to fight all of you…” Zuko counted. “30 people alone,

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