Farming boy with a magic ring

Ethan raised his glass with a grin, waving at the chubby man across the table. "Wait, brother. I've never had such fine wine before. It's rare to get a chance like this, so why not make the most of it? But this little cup... it barely touches the sides! How about we switch to bigger ones? Now that would be more exciting. What do you say?"

Zoe's brows furrowed. "Ethan, are you crazy? No matter how good the wine is, it's not worth risking your life. Don't tell me you're really that greedy!" She sighed inwardly, regretting bringing him along. She hadn't expected Ethan to be the kind of guy who'd throw caution to the wind for free drinks. This was embarrassing.

Leo, watching the scene unfold, nearly burst out laughing. Ethan looked exactly like the foolish country bumpkin he'd expected. You really thought you could challenge me? Leo sneered. He clapped his hands mockingly. "Hahaha! Zoe, why are you so anxious? Look at him — just a simple farmer who's never tasted quality wine in his life. Of course he'd want to take advantage of the situation. Let him drink!" He waved at the waiter. "Bring two more cases and get us some big cups!"

Yuyu giggled, her chubby cheeks bouncing with excitement. "Brother Ethan, you're a madman! Don't worry, though. If you drink yourself silly, I'll get you a room. And who knows... maybe when you wake up, you'll find me in your arms. Then you have to marry me! If you don't, my brother will hunt you down and make sure you'll never be a man again!"

"Yuyu, you little brat!" Zoe grabbed Yuyu's soft, round cheeks and tugged. "Always causing trouble. Watch me tear that mouth apart!"

Ethan chuckled, expecting Yuyu to dodge, but she just sat there squealing, her face squished between Zoe's fingers.

Soon, three waiters arrived. Two carried boxes of wine, while the third brought a tray with massive cups — each one holding nearly half a liter. The sight of such an unusual drinking challenge had even the waitstaff excited. They quickly opened the bottles and filled the large glasses.

"Come on, brother! Let's continue!" Ethan raised his glass, his expression eager.

The chubby man scoffed, eyes narrowing with disdain. "You really are greedy." He clinked glasses with Ethan and downed his drink.

The difference between slowly drinking three liters of wine and chugging down half a liter in one go was staggering. After the first cup, the fat man's face flushed red. He hurriedly grabbed his chopsticks, stuffing food into his mouth to ease the burn. Meanwhile, Ethan praised the wine, completely unfazed, as he calmly poured himself a second cup.

Yuyu pounded the table with her tiny fists. "Brother Ethan, you're amazing! Look at that big white pig — one cup and his face looks like a roasted tomato!" She turned to the chubby man. "Hey, Big White Pig! Stop eating! Can't you see Ethan's raising his glass again?"

The fat man grumbled but put down his chopsticks, signaling for another pour. The two drank again. After the third cup, his eyes began to glaze over. By the fourth, his body swayed, words slurring into incoherence. Finally, with a loud Wahhh!, he staggered towards the bathroom, dragged by two waiters.

Everyone stared at Ethan in disbelief. His expression hadn't changed. In fact, his eyes seemed even clearer than before. Even Ethan was surprised. He'd been prepared to cheat using his ring if he started feeling tipsy, but he hadn't needed to. Was this another benefit of drinking the spirit water from the ring's well? Had it improved his alcohol tolerance too?

Realizing this, Ethan relaxed. Since his drinking capacity had skyrocketed, there was nothing to fear.

One after another, Ethan drank the other young masters under the table. Finally, only he and Little Four remained. Ethan raised his glass, giving Little Four a lazy smirk.

Little Four's face paled. What the hell is this guy? He was getting tipsy a moment ago. How is he perfectly sober now? His hands trembled as he lifted his glass, cursing his rotten luck. I wanted to make him look like a fool, but he's the one drinking us all under the table. This is insane!

"Brother Ethan!" Yuyu cheered. "Finish him off! If you win, I'll wash myself clean and keep you company tonight!"

"Hey!" Zoe grabbed Yuyu's face again. "I told you — Ethan is mine! Hands off!"

Leo clenched his fists. His plan to humiliate Ethan had backfired spectacularly. Not only had Ethan held his liquor, but he'd stolen the spotlight. Zoe seemed to be warming up to him, and Yuyu clearly liked him. The humiliation burned in Leo's chest. A filthy farmer... and I can't even outdrink him? His face twisted with rage.

As Ethan raised his next glass, Leo's mind raced with dark thoughts. Ethan might've won tonight, but Leo wouldn't forget this. No — he'd make Ethan regret ever crossing him.

Ethan, however, wasn't thinking about revenge or power. He just wanted another drink. Raising his glass high, he grinned. "Bottoms up!"

The room erupted in cheers as Little Four slumped against the table. Ethan stood tall, victorious and clear-headed. But in the back of the room, Leo's cold gaze promised that this was far from over.