Drinking with someone beats drowning sorrows alone. Besides, the thought of possibly losing her job gnawed at her.

Years of work had built a comfortable nest egg, but most was saved for her precious daughter. Without income, both would depend on those savings—no room for reckless spending.

Why refuse a beautiful woman’s drink invitation? Jianglai wasn’t lusting after her looks. Free drinks meant saving money.

And this woman *was* stunning. Her serene face and ethereal aura seemed utterly detached from worldly desires—like a celestial maiden. On the street, Jianglai would’ve mistaken her for a star.

*Why would someone this radiant approach me?* Jianglai wondered. *Do I look that pitiful, sitting alone in the corner?*

The woman across from her had no idea Jianglai’s acceptance stemmed from thriftiness, not attraction.

Another shot of liquor burned Jianglai’s throat. Dizziness washed over her. She braced her forehead with a slender hand, her sleeve sliding down to reveal a pale wrist.

The bar’s heat made heavy coats unnecessary. Jianglai’s bundled layers only sparked a desire to peel them away slowly.

Earlier distance had hidden it, but up close—her chest strained against the loose shirt beneath her coat. The top button strained dangerously as she slumped, making the woman’s throat tighten.

*My tolerance’s vanished,* Jianglai realized. *Just a few drinks and I’m spinning. One more, and I’ll black out.*

But where could she go drunk? Her daughter was home tonight. She hadn’t even dared to check her phone, avoiding reminders of her crumbling world.

Heat prickled Jianglai’s skin. Sweat beaded on her brow despite the AC. The tight collar felt suffocating. She fumbled to unbutton it, fingers weak and trembling.

"You seem drunk," the woman murmured, sliding close until their shoulders pressed together. "Need me to... *help*?"

Jianglai hadn’t been this near to anyone in years. Loneliness surged—a hunger to lean on someone, just once.

Since her wife left, she’d been everyone’s rock. No one to confide in. No one to rely on. *If I crumble, what happens to my daughter?* She’d armored herself in strength, solving every crisis alone. Until now. This problem had no solution. No words to share.

*Just... someone to hold me. Even for a moment.*

The weight of Jianglai’s body against her made the woman’s fingertips tingle. Her fingers brushed the strained button. Jianglai didn’t resist. It popped open.

Bar lights rained down like liquid gold. They traced the woman’s knuckles, climbed Jianglai’s slender neck, glinted on her collarbone rising with each breath, and settled on lips flushed faintly red.

Relief flooded Jianglai as the collar loosened. She tried lifting her glass again, but her head lolled heavily.

Drunkenness made her limbs float like clouds, yet her mind stayed unnervingly clear. *So people who "lose control" drunk... were always like that sober.*

*We’re both women. Leaning on her won’t hurt.* Just as Jianglai relaxed against the stranger’s shoulder, the second button gave way.

Smooth skin peeked through the gap. The woman’s breath hitched. Emboldened by Jianglai’s passivity, her touch grew intimate. One hand stroked Jianglai’s neck; the other circled her waist. Jianglai stiffened.

Their bodies aligned. A shiver raced down Jianglai’s spine, deepening her daze. A whisper in her mind urged surrender. *It’s just comfort between women. No risk. No loss.*

"Can I... rest against you?" Jianglai’s voice, thick with alcohol, held an icy clarity—like mountain meltwater.

"Of course," the woman breathed, pulling her close. Jianglai’s head nestled against her throat. Fingertips traced Jianglai’s cheekbone, slid down her nose, and hovered at her lips.

*How heartbroken must you be to drink like this?* The woman didn’t know if this was taking advantage. But finding someone this captivating... she wanted to devour her whole.

Jianglai, head swimming, saw only kindness in the stranger. *Maybe... someone to talk to.*

The woman’s lips brushed Jianglai’s ear, a demon’s whisper: "This place is too loud. Let’s find somewhere quiet. Somewhere to... sober up together."