Everything I bought on online shopping platforms was genuine.

Chapter 1260 Dream

[One bottle of Sanbai; Effect—Reunite with the person you most want to see in your dream; Trigger condition: Two people must drink together. Due to its realistic nature, it is designed to prevent addiction, so two people must drink together. Please be careful not to become addicted to the dream, otherwise it will cause irreversible damage to yourself. You will gain the relief effect after successfully waking up; ¥9999]

This was something he had seen on a shopping page a couple of days ago. When Lin Mo first saw it, he was overjoyed; it was clearly meant for Old Zhao.

I got drunk and dreamed of seeing the person I most wanted to see again. Even though it was only once, it could at least make up for the regret of not having a chance to say goodbye back then.

But he immediately realized the danger involved. Not to mention that there was a certain probability that Lao Zhao would become addicted and cause irreversible damage to his body, even if he didn't become addicted, was the brief meeting a reward or a punishment?

He didn't know, and he didn't even dare to think about it. Putting himself in his shoes, he couldn't even imagine how he would face the immense emptiness he felt after sobering up.

Losing a loved one once is already a major blow; if it happens twice in a row, wouldn't that be too cruel?

After all, this wasn't a real resurrection, but just a brief reunion, and it was fake. So he hesitated at the time, and when he walked out of the bedroom with a troubled look on his face, Liu Ruyan asked him about it, but he didn't say anything.

Later, when he came out of Sun Hui's psychological counseling room, he asked Lao Zhao this question. Lao Zhao's answer was very affirmative: even if it meant paying a price, he would want to see the other person again.

It was precisely because of Lao Zhao's attitude that he made up his mind. Moreover, they were going back tomorrow, and even if Lao Zhao's health really had some problems, he could help him get better through the "Safe Travel" talisman hanging in his hometown. That's why he took it out.

Even though Lao Zhao didn't say it explicitly, he knew clearly that Lao Zhao would definitely leave after he returned from his home, and it would be difficult for him to operate back in his hometown, since there were people around him. Rather than that, he might as well get this done today.

The trigger condition is that the two people drink together, which is naturally what he did. After all, there is no definite answer to how effective this stuff is. If someone else were to try it, the two of them would have to compare the results after they woke up, which would easily lead to problems being discovered. So, it was the best choice for him to take the plunge himself.

He doesn't drink baijiu (Chinese liquor) because he thinks it tastes awful, but he has no choice but to drink it now.

[Wednesday] In the hotel's unmarked private room, Lin Mo and Lao Zhao sat down side by side. Outside the window, a fierce storm raged, with torrential rain pouring down.

On the table is a bottle of baijiu (Chinese liquor), two glasses, a bag of spiced peanuts from the supermarket, and a bag of braised beef. It's simple, but it's a good thing to have with alcohol.

"What? Why are you being so mysterious?"

Old Zhao watched with ease as Lin Mo filled his glass with wine and smiled.

Lin Mo didn't answer directly, but just smiled and replied, "Hey, I just felt you wouldn't last long. Chuanzi and Director Wang didn't realize it, and I don't plan to talk to them about it. I might as well find some time to have a heart-to-heart talk with you."

As he spoke, Lin Mo poured himself a full glass.

Hearing this, Old Zhao smiled and then raised his glass: "Is that so? How about a whole sip?"

Lin Mo: "Come on!"

The two raised their glasses and clinked them together. Lin Mo took a sip, while Lao Zhao downed a third of his glass.

"Cough cough. It's so spicy, this liquor is awful!"

Lin Mo took a bite, then immediately put on the Pain Mask and complained.

Old Zhao, on the other hand, was much more relaxed. He patted him on the back and said, "Drink slowly, or have some beer instead!"

"No need, I don't believe I can drink it," Lin Mo wiped his mouth, grabbed a handful of peanuts, put one in his mouth and ate it as he spoke.

Old Zhao smiled and said, "To be honest, I'm really happy to be back this time. You, Chuanzi, Director Wang, everyone is doing better and better."

Lin Mo: "And what about you?"

Old Zhao: "Me? I'm alright, at least I'm still alive, right?"

Lin Mo thought for a while after hearing this before speaking: "Actually, learning to accept death is a compulsory course in our lives."

I saw a man who, a year ago, was full of energy, relaxed and composed, sweating on the playground, living an active and optimistic life. But now he reeks of cigarettes and drinks strong liquor without even flinching.

Your eyes are lifeless and your face is haggard. To be honest, seeing you like this makes us brothers very sad. We don't know what we can do to help you get better, so we've always wanted to keep you by our side.

They even naively thought that if you stayed, you would recover quickly, but only I knew that you were leaving.

Upon hearing this, Old Zhao sighed, then raised his glass again. Lin Mo followed suit and clinked glasses with him. This time, they each took a small sip, and Lin Mo's brows furrowed.

Then Old Zhao spoke up: "Old Mo, why do you think this person would be so attached to someone who only appeared briefly?"

Lin Mo: "I...I don't know either!"

Old Zhao laughed: "Sometimes I really envy you, Lao Mo. You're so lucky. You're even luckier than Chuanzi."

I know the answer to this question. Her name echoes on paper, her fingertips leave verses as they glide through the air, and when she's angry, she's like morning mist over a mountain. Wherever she sits is the prelude to a song. I've seen many moons, but none have ever been as round as her.

I know a young man who could drive 1200 kilometers straight just to take his beloved girl to see her favorite moon—1200 kilometers in one go! He'd drive me crazy, back when I was 20. Let me put it this way, she's the girl who would give me a perfect score even if I gave her a blank exam paper. Tell me... how could I not be unforgettable!

Upon hearing this, Lin Mo took a deep breath, and the two raised their glasses again. Soon, Old Zhao's glass was empty.

Seeing this, Lin Mo refilled his glass. He looked around and found that nothing had changed. He then looked at the remaining wine in the bottle, thinking that it would probably only have an effect if he drank it all.

He then laughed and said, "Drink slowly, wait for me. You know how much I can drink."

However, I still think we shouldn't be too fixated on interpersonal relationships, whether it's friendship or love. It's unrealistic to expect a long-term commitment; just let things happen naturally.

A lively and lasting companionship is something that can't be forced; being able to meet at the right time, to have fun and enjoy ourselves is already the greatest blessing.

Don't regret what you could have done yesterday, and don't panic about what tomorrow will bring. You waste so much energy on these things, but you forget how to live today well.

Who can live a life without regrets? The most amazing thing about fate is that even if you lie down now, what is meant to be yours will not run away. Similarly, your regrets will not change the outcome.

A person swallows too many meanings in their life, but life only requires breathing, doesn't it?

In response, Old Zhao quickly ate a few bites of beef, then took a sip of baijiu (Chinese liquor) by himself. Seeing this, Lin Mo quickly followed suit and took a sip as well.

After a long silence, Old Zhao finally spoke: "During the half-day she was awake, she seemed to have a premonition that this time was going to be difficult, so she quietly said to me, 'I don't want to be treated anymore, take me to see the sea!'"

I promised her that once she recovered and was discharged from the hospital, we would go to see the sea as soon as possible, but we didn't end up going.

Do you think this was the most painful moment for me? No, what suffocated me most was a few seconds before she breathed her last, when she forced a smile through her tears and whispered to me in a tone that was both joking and pleading, "Xiao Zhao, please save me, I haven't lived enough yet."

She hasn't lived enough yet. We haven't fulfilled so many promises we made, but there's nothing I can do about it.

At this point, Old Zhao raised his glass, tilted his head back, and drank the wine in one gulp. Seeing this, Lin Mo also took a big gulp.

He choked so badly that tears welled up in his eyes. Meanwhile, Old Zhao finished his drink, refilled his own cup, and then revealed the watch on his wrist, saying in a trembling voice, "When I was in high school, what I wanted most was a watch. Men, you know, care about appearances. But I was poor back then. A Tissot watch cost 5000 yuan. A watch like that would cost more than a month's salary for an average person. I was just a high school student back then, and I couldn't afford it."

And guess what? During the summer vacation after the college entrance exam, someone just gave me a dollar. I said, "Where did you get the money? You only earn 2000 yuan a month working a summer job. You would have to save up for almost three months to get this dollar. You just give it to me like that?"

I was looking at my watch, and she was looking at me. I said to her, "Old Zhao will definitely make sure you live a good life."

We're almost graduating and starting to earn money, and then she leaves. Looking back, I realize that all these years, I haven't even given her a decent gift. Tell me, buddy, am I a complete failure?

The two drank and chatted, but the alcohol dwindled, and they barely touched the beef and peanuts.

Finally, Old Zhao drank most of the bottle of wine, and now only the last sip remained in their glasses. Lin Mo was already feeling dizzy.

Looking at the still-rainy weather outside, he couldn't help but laugh and say, "Young hero, is she indispensable in this vast world?"

Old Zhao: "She is the entire martial arts world!"

After saying that, the two looked at each other, then clinked glasses and drank their last sip of wine.

Lin Mo then stood up, supporting himself on the table, and draped his arm heavily over Lao Zhao's shoulder to steady his slightly dazed body. He knew he had drunk too much, but his mind was extremely clear. He then smiled and said, "Lao Zhao, do you believe it or not? Actually, fate will give those whose destinies have run their course a final farewell!"

"Really? Then I'll wait and see, hoping we'll meet again someday. Let's go home, it's all over!" Old Zhao laughed.

As they spoke, the two helped each other downstairs. Walking in the lobby, Lin Mo wondered to himself, why hadn't it worked yet? Did it have to wait until the two of them went home and went to sleep?

Just then, Old Zhao pushed open the restaurant door, and instantly, the bustling sounds of students could be heard outside.

Lin Mo looked up and saw that what was in front of him was the back gate of the art academy next door, and not far away, a familiar figure was standing there with his roommate drinking cold drinks.

Lin Mo was stunned. He turned his head and saw that there was no restaurant there. They were clearly standing by the roadside. His body, which had been heavy, felt light again.

"Is this... a dream?" Lin Mo whispered.

He then suddenly looked at Old Zhao beside him, only to see that Old Zhao's eyes were filled with tears.

The next second, Lin Mo felt his arm slip and Old Zhao was sent flying.

Upon seeing this, Lin Mo murmured, "So that's how it is!"

(End of this chapter)