The table was filled with fine wine and delicious dishes, and everyone raised their cups, making the atmosphere lively.
Cao Cao took a sip of wine and suddenly began carefully observing Liu Bei, who was sitting across from him.
Earlier, when they first sat down, Yuan Shu had already introduced everyone, so Cao Cao knew that this man was named Liu Bei, the last disciple of Lu Zhi, the Governor of Jiujiang.
But for some reason, Liu Bei gave him a special feeling—both like a lifelong rival and an old friend. It was a very strange sensation.
Liu Bei also glanced up at Cao Cao and gave him a slight smile.
In truth, he felt the same way about Cao Cao. A strange sense of both rivalry and camaraderie arose out of nowhere.
Due to Yuan Shu's existence in this timeline, their first meeting happened more than ten years earlier than in the original history.
"Ding! Cao Cao and Liu Bei's hidden skill has been activated!
Hidden Skill: Cao-Liu.
Who in the world can rival the heroes? Cao and Liu!
The true heroes of the world—only you, my lord, and I!
Cao Cao and Liu Bei's peak leadership and martial stats have permanently increased by 1 point!"
Yuan Shu, who was drinking, suddenly heard the system notification and almost spat out his wine.
What the hell?!
There are even hidden skills, and they activated just by meeting each other?!
Who's the real protagonist here—me or them?!
Are you two cheating?!
These two warlords were already ridiculously strong in their stats and abilities.
Now each of them just got a permanent boost in martial and leadership stats—how is anyone supposed to survive this?!
Liu Bei is one thing, but the real problem is Cao Cao. That guy's peak leadership stat was already 99. Now with this boost, it's a straight 100. How the hell am I supposed to play this game?
Maybe I should just throw in the towel and cling to Cao Cao's leg…
"Ding! System Warning:
The host's ultimate mission is to unify the Three Kingdoms and establish an era of prosperity.
Your current thoughts are completely against your ultimate goal. This is extremely dangerous—please be aware!"
Just as Yuan Shu had the fleeting thought of surrendering to Cao Cao, he heard the system's warning.
He quickly reassured the system in his mind: "I was just joking! I'm not actually thinking about joining Cao Mengde, please don't deduct my stat points!"
"Ding! Please correct your mindset and constantly motivate yourself." The system gave another reminder before letting it go.
The moment Cao Cao and Liu Bei's eyes met, both of them felt as if some part of their abilities had been enhanced.
Liu Bei was the first to raise his cup and, with a smile, said to Cao Cao:
"I feel like I've known Lord Cao forever. Let me offer you a toast!"
Cao Cao also lifted his cup, chuckled, and said:
"Brother Xuande is a great disciple of Master Lu and will surely have a bright future. I shall also toast to Brother Liu!"
Watching the two of them get along so well, Yuan Shu thought to himself: I wonder if, when you two are fighting to the death on the battlefield in the future, you'll still remember this moment in Luoyang, drinking Laughing Dust?
After three rounds of drinks, everyone was enjoying themselves. Yuan Shu had to admit that he was quite skilled at entertaining guests.
After downing two bottles of Laughing Dust, Zhou Yi completely abandoned his usual modest and courteous demeanor.
He let his hair down, sang loudly, and clung to the zither of Drunken Immortal Pavilion, playing song after song.
Yuan Shu watched Zhou Yi's uninhibited display and thought to himself that he never expected Junior Brother Zhou to be such a karaoke king.
With his devastatingly handsome face, if he were thrown into a modern-day bar, he would undoubtedly become a top DJ.
Ten bottles of Laughing Red Dust were not enough for the crowd, so they ordered a few more. In total, they spent three million coins at Drunken Immortal Pavilion, nearly the same as their expenditure on horses that morning.
As for these expenses, Yuan Shu only wished he could spend more. His total "wastrel points" had now reached seven hundred.
The next day, as usual, Yuan Shu took everyone out to eat, drink, and have fun. He also visited Luoyang's largest fabric shop to buy them some luxurious clothing, spending the remaining three million coins.
Once he completed his spending quota, the system's voice arrived right on time:
"Ding! The task of squandering ten million coins within a year is complete!
Rewarding host with 100 attribute points and two Super Resource Lottery Cards!
Would the host like to settle the task now?"
Yuan Shu thought for a moment and told the system, "Not yet."
"Ding! Acknowledged. Task settlement has been postponed. The host may call the system anytime to settle."
The 100 attribute points he received were enough to upgrade the system. Yuan Shu planned to deal with it after handling his current affairs.
Two days passed quickly, and soon it was time to part ways.
Lu Zhi was about to depart for Jiujiang with Gongsun Zan and Liu Bei to take up his new post.
Cai Yong was clearly reluctant to part with his old friend, personally leading his disciples to escort him out of the city.
For some unknown reason, Cao Cao also shamelessly joined the farewell procession.
Based on Cao Cao's opportunistic nature, Yuan Shu guessed this guy wanted to improve his rapport with Master Lu.
...
At dawn, ten miles outside Luoyang City.
Lu Zhi, his white hair flowing, held onto his horse and turned back to his old friend Cai Yong.
"Bo Jie, we've already come ten miles. There's no need to see me off any further."
Cai Yong, full of reluctance, grasped Lu Zhi's hand and said,
"Zi Gan, once we part today, who knows when we shall meet again?"
Lu Zhi looked at Cai Yong's sorrowful expression and suddenly smiled.
"Bo Jie, at our age, what is there to be sentimental about when it comes to farewells?
Let's stop here. Don't let the disciples mock us."
Cai Yong's eyes reddened, and he nodded heavily at Lu Zhi.
"Zi Gan, take care in Jiujiang.
When you return to Luoyang, we will drink and celebrate once more."
Lu Zhi cupped his hands in salute and smiled. "It's a deal."
Gongsun Zan and Liu Bei also bid farewell to Yuan Shu and the others. These past few days, they had gotten along well, especially with Yuan Shu's extravagant generosity, which had skyrocketed their camaraderie.
Unexpectedly, Cao Cao also stepped forward—not to ingratiate himself with Lu Zhi, but to approach Liu Bei.
Taking a step closer, he said to Liu Bei,
"Xuande, I'll be honest with you—my first impression of you was both as an enemy and a friend.
After these two days, I acknowledge you.
One day, when we serve in the imperial court together, there will surely be a place for Liu Xuande."
Hearing Cao Cao's sincere words, Liu Bei felt a surge of emotion and replied,
"I felt the same way when I first met Brother Mengde. If fate allows us to serve together, whether as foes or allies, I will always remember today's farewell."
Yuan Shu sighed inwardly. The great Han Dynasty was on the brink of collapse. In this lifetime, the two of you may never get the chance to serve under the same roof.
After saying their goodbyes, the group mounted their horses and rode off into the distance.
Suddenly, Yuan Shu took a few steps forward and sang loudly in their direction:
"You ask when I shall return, but there is no set date.
Jiujiang's night rain swells the autumn pond.
When shall we trim the candle by the western window,
And speak again of Jiujiang's rainy nights?" (Note 1)
Hearing this, Lu Zhi was startled. He had always thought Yuan Shu was nothing more than an ignorant and unrefined playboy. He had even wondered why Cai Yong accepted him as a disciple.
But upon hearing Yuan Shu's verse, he realized he had misjudged.
This Yuan Shu was not simple.
[Author's Note]:Note 1: This poem is adapted from Tang Dynasty poet Li Shangyin's "A Letter Sent to the North on a Rainy Night." The author slightly modified the location.