I Love You Like an Alcoholic

At the banquet hall on the top floor of the exhibition center in A City.

"Congratulations, Miss Joyce! You've just joined our company for a month, and now you've won the most prestigious prize. No wonder our company recommended you to come." Serena Li raised her glass up in the air.

Joyce Ruan's eyes glinted in joy as she twirled her wine glass gracefully around her hand. Without another word, she clinked glasses with Serena Li.

People who just met Joyce Ruan would've been fully convinced that she was an elegant lady who came from the highs of life. Serena Li, who was her best friend for ten years, saw through the "facade" right away.

As expected, Joyce Ruan dropped the mask almost immediately. She slumped back, sighing.

"Please. Weren't you the one who recommended me to this company? I should be the one thanking you."

Joyce Ruan lowered her hand, her eyes twinkling with playfulness. She had been exchanging formal pleasantries with so many people that her eyes started to twitch in exhaustion.

Serena Li snorted. "I knew you couldn't keep that up. Half an hour in, and you're already tired."

"I'm not. I'm just a bit tipsy."

Joyce Ruan motioned to the dozens of wine glasses on the table. Although she'd only been drinking for half an hour, several people went over to propose a toast to her. She might be a heavyweight in drinking, but even she couldn't help but waver at the amount of glasses she just drank.

"Please, you're just seeking an excuse to run away from here. Just go then," Serena Li teased.

Joyce Ruan waved her off, running to the bathroom. Nature was already calling her. After heading out of the party hall, she was so dizzy by the strong liquor in her system that she staggered across the corridor.

"Watch out!"

She stumbled forward. Fortunately, the man beside her quickly reached out and held her up.

"Thank –"

Joyce was about to say her thanks, but once she looked up, her body froze. It was as if the entire world had just stopped.

"What's wrong? Don't you remember me?"

The man was standing on top of the stairs, a kind smile threading across his lips.

"I–I..." she stuttered out, eyes wide in panic.

"The day my car hit you at the door of the cafe. I wanted to take you to the hospital, but you ran away before I could talk to you. Don't you remember?"

She stared at him, dumbfounded. Although she wanted to say something, anything, it seemed as if someone was holding her back. 'Did he only remember me from the car accident?' she thought.

"Don't you remember me?" Joyce said lowly. Although she tried to suppress her emotions, she couldn't stop her voice from trembling.