Starting Off By Confessing To My Classmate's Mother

Rao Shiyun felt deeply moved.

She had never imagined that Li Zhiyan, so young yet so earnest, would step up to shield her from drinking.

But she couldn't allow him to take her place. The dynamics of the dinner table were for adults, and Li Zhiyan was still just a child. At eighteen, he shouldn't have to deal with the complexities of alcohol-fueled banter and maneuvering.

At the same time, Wang Shangyan, seated nearby, found herself observing the young man with growing curiosity.

"Rao, is this your nephew?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Before Rao Shiyun could answer, Li Meifeng interjected with a smirk.

"Nope, he's not her nephew. He's our friend."

That word, friend, made Wang Shangyan pause. A young boy as their friend? How peculiar.

Perhaps sensing her skepticism, Li Meifeng elaborated:

"Don't underestimate this kid just because of his age. Li Zhiyan is incredible—he self-taught himself French and helped our company resolve a major project. Not to mention, he's a programming genius who saved Liu Yan's entire system from collapsing."

Wang Shangyan's widened eyes betrayed her disbelief.

A self-taught prodigy? She couldn't help but reevaluate the boy sitting at the table. It seemed there truly were geniuses in this world she couldn't begin to understand.

---

The dinner continued, with the group of seasoned businessmen ramping up their efforts.

"Rao, let the boy drink. A little exposure to this part of society won't hurt him," said one man, raising his glass. "If he's as talented as you say, the ability to handle his liquor will only ensure his success!"

Rao Shiyun firmly shook her head.

"No, I can't allow a child to drink. It's too much."

To her, Li Zhiyan was already like a son. She would never let her own child be dragged into something like this.

But before she could stop him, Li Zhiyan had already picked up a glass, tipping it back in one smooth motion.

The fiery liquor slid down his throat, and to his surprise, it tasted... amazing.

The "God of Liquor" skill kicked in immediately, making him feel refreshed rather than intoxicated.

He grinned, his cheeks flushed a convincing shade of red.

"Good! What a drinker!" one of the businessmen praised. "This kid's got potential!"

The table roared with laughter and cheers, assuming they had found someone to take the brunt of the drinking games.

Sitting across from him, Wang Shangyan felt a pang of discomfort. Watching adults coerce a teenager into drinking for their gain unsettled her. She reached out, gently touching his face with a concerned look.

"Child, you shouldn't drink so much. It's not good for you," she said softly.

Her touch was soft, her concern genuine. Li Zhiyan couldn't help but notice her refined elegance—her cascading curls, the alluring figure framed by her fitted dress, the faint scent of perfume.

Before he could react further, Rao Shiyun's slender fingers gently pried his hand away from Wang Shangyan's grasp.

Her tone was calm, but there was a faint tinge of possessiveness.

"Shangyan, don't tease him. He's shy."

Rao's voice carried a subtle undercurrent of jealousy that even she didn't realize at first. She felt uneasy watching someone else fuss over her boy.

Despite the tension in the air, the businessmen pressed on. Another toast was called, and the spotlight once again landed on Rao Shiyun.

Li Zhiyan didn't hesitate.

"I'll drink for her," he declared, grabbing her glass and downing it in one go.

The boldness of his action stunned everyone at the table. Even the man who had initiated the toast felt a pang of awkwardness as he reluctantly followed through on his own drink.

"Enough, Li Zhiyan," Rao Shiyun whispered, her voice tinged with worry as he sat back down.

Underneath the table, his hand found its way to her soft, shapely thigh. The smoothness of her skin was intoxicating, and he leaned in close.

"Don't worry, Aunt Rao," he murmured. "I'll make sure no one can take advantage of you tonight."

Her heart swelled with emotion. Though her instincts told her to push his hand away, the alcohol coursing through her veins muddled her judgment.

His touch sent shivers up her spine—something she hadn't felt in years.

From her seat, Wang Shangyan caught the briefest glimpse of the interaction beneath the table. Her sharp eyes narrowed.

They must have at least a twenty-year age gap... Could it be possible?

While Rao Shiyun tried to steady her thoughts, yet another businessman stood up, raising his glass.

"Rao, I've yet to toast you this evening. Let's have a drink together!"

Li Zhiyan, still pretending to be tipsy, grinned.

"I'll take this one too," he said confidently, raising his own glass.

Rao Shiyun gripped his arm tightly.

"No, Zhiyan. You've had enough," she protested, her voice urgent.

But he leaned closer, his warm breath brushing against her ear.

"Aunt Rao," he whispered, his tone laced with determination, "don't worry about me. My liver is different from most people's—I can handle it. Let me take care of this."

Before she could respond, his tongue lightly flicked her earlobe, sending an unexpected jolt through her.

Her cheeks flushed even redder. Was it from the alcohol? The touch? Or the flood of emotions swirling in her chest?

"This boy," she muttered to herself, clutching her glass tightly. "Is he really this... talented?"