Unintentional Surprise (GL) - Chapter 22

Wen Dinglan was worried about Jiang Shunyao, who was socializing in the front hall.

But it still wasn’t the time for her to step in and rescue the situation.

Jiang Shunyao still had some strength left to hold her ground, so Wen Dinglan remained seated, observing from the sidelines.

The guests had already sized up Jiang Shunyao as an easy target and were fully prepared to make fun of her.

They jeered:

“There’s plenty of wine here! Let’s see who can drink more—whoever gives up first has to leave!”

“I brought dice too! If you roll higher than me, I’ll leave!”

These were typical antics of idle rich youths. How could a mere scholar like Jiang Shunyao possibly win?

Even Wen Dinglan had no confidence that Jiang Shunyao could hold her own.

But unexpectedly, Jiang Shunyao agreed to all the challenges.

When she picked up a jar of wine, Wen Dinglan finally grew uneasy and stood from her comfortable seat, stepping behind the beaded curtain.

The rich brats always came on strong at the start.

Everyone around, including Che Kuiyuan, offered no support or cheer for Jiang Shunyao.

Most of the wine was poured straight down Jiang Shunyao’s throat, the harsh burn searing her esophagus and stomach.

One jar after another—her opponent didn’t stop, and neither did she.

Wen Dinglan grew increasingly anxious, silently muttering, “Idiot,” while also hoping Jiang Shunyao could hold on just a bit longer.

Better to have this mess break out now than on the wedding day.

The rich kid who had challenged her to a drinking contest originally thought Jiang Shunyao was frail and wouldn’t last long.

He didn’t expect her to down five large jars in one go without even blinking.

Cold sweat broke out on the drinker’s forehead. Overwhelmed by Jiang Shunyao’s fierce momentum, he couldn’t drink anymore and admitted defeat repeatedly.

Jiang Shunyao had won—though she was already half-drunk. She grabbed another guest who had wanted to make a wager. “Didn’t you say dice? Come on! Let’s gamble!”

Was this fool really fired up now? Winning the drinking contest was already pure luck, and now she was going all-in on dice?

Wen Dinglan couldn’t help but lift the curtain, one foot ready to step out, but restrained herself.

Just a little longer.

Wait until the situation truly spiraled out of control—then she would step in to support Jiang Shunyao.

But Jiang Shunyao didn’t need Wen Dinglan to back her up. In fact, she was already helping Wen Dinglan clean up this mess.

The dice were now rattling wildly inside the cup.

Fueled by alcohol, Jiang Shunyao shook them with fervor.

Her opponent assumed she lacked any real skill and was just going at it blindly, so he felt quite confident. “You’re going to lose, Lord Jiang.”

Jiang Shunyao didn’t care, setting her dice cup down first on the high table. She looked challengingly at her opponent and taunted, “Still not stopping? Don’t have the guts?”

No one wanted to admit defeat, but someone had to lose.

It was a petty game meant to amuse, yet Wen Dinglan still watched anxiously.

Clutching the bead curtain tightly, she deluded herself into feeling personally involved.

The guest revealed his roll first!

One, two, three, four, five, six!

The total wasn’t high, but it was a rare straight.

The crowd around him burst into congratulations for his luck.

Before lifting her own cup, Jiang Shunyao noticed Wen Dinglan’s worried face peeking out from the curtain. She didn’t explain or gesture—just gave a faint smile to reassure her beloved.

With a steady hand, Jiang Shunyao lifted her cup!

Six sixes! All sixes!

The room fell silent. No one had expected Jiang Shunyao’s luck to be this incredible.

Wen Dinglan loosened her grip on the curtain and let out a quiet, relieved breath.

She didn’t know whether it was pure luck or a clever trick—

But either way, she was completely impressed by this unexpected top scholar.

“Anyone else? Anyone not convinced?” Jiang Shunyao, fully intoxicated, had shed all traces of her scholarly demeanor.

Even the ruffian playboys had to admit defeat—when they lost, they honored the bet. No one challenged Jiang Shunyao further.

Except for Che Kuiyuan, who was still holding his golden zither, clearly ready to stir up more trouble.

“You, of all people…” Jiang Shunyao showed no fear, “The others are just scoundrels, but you, Che Kuiyuan—you’re a rascal!”

Just as Che Kuiyuan was about to speak—

Jiang Shunyao couldn’t be allowed to drink or gamble any further.

Wen Dinglan finally decided to step in.