My Xianxia Harem Life

"Is he really going to drink that?"

"No one’s ever survived more than two glasses!"

"Does he have a death wish?"

The whispers grew louder, but Riley paid them no mind.

He raised his glass, locking eyes with Veronica as if to say, Watch this, and then downed the wine in one swift motion.

The liquid burned as it slid down his throat, but it wasn’t an unpleasant sensation.

It was a fiery warmth that spread through his body, igniting every nerve and vein with raw energy.

For a brief moment, he felt as though he were standing at the edge of a blazing inferno, and yet he remained steady, unfazed.

This was likely due to his Primordial Chaos Physique, which seemed to awaken the moment the potent wine touched his lips.

Riley felt an overwhelming surge of unimaginable strength coursing through him.

The room went silent, every pair of eyes fixed on Riley.

"Another," he said, setting his empty glass down with a sharp clink.

Veronica’s lips curved into an intrigued smile. "Impressive," she said, pouring him another glass.

"Most can barely handle a sip, yet here you are asking for more."

"I told you," Riley said with a grin. "I’m built different and am not most men."

As he sipped his second glass, the murmurs in the room resumed, louder and more animated than before.

"Who is this guy?!"

"He’s insane! No one drinks Dragon’s Heart Wine like it’s water!"

"Maybe those rumors about him are true after all…"

Riley leaned back, savoring the taste of the wine and the whispers of awe around him.

This wasn’t just about proving his resilience—it was about making a statement.

Whether it was a drink, a duel, or a challenge from fate itself, Riley Mason was always ready to take it head-on.

By the time he finished his third glass, Veronica leaned forward, resting her elbows on the counter.

Her smile was sharper now, tinged with curiosity.

"I must admit, Elder Riley, you’ve piqued my interest. Not many would dare challenge the Dragon’s Heart, let alone emerge unscathed. Tell me, what’s your secret?"

Riley chuckled, setting his glass down with a flourish.

"If I told you that, Veronica Gray, where would the mystery be?" To this, Veronica merely smiled.

"A man who truly appreciates good wine—men like you are rare in this world, Elder Riley," she noted with a hint of admiration next.

"Just Riley," he replied with a casual smile.

"And if it’s fine, I’ll call you Veronica."

"Hmmm… a good talker too. Color me impressed," Veronica smiled some more making several patrons glance their way with envy.

Their conversation flowed smoothly after that, filled with laughter and lighthearted banter.

Veronica’s sharp wit and Riley’s effortless charm turned their interaction into the highlight of the room.

"Damn it! If I’d known Lady Veronica would talk to a customer like that, I would’ve tried the Dragon’s Heart Wine too!" one patron muttered, his voice filled with regret.

"You already tried, remember?" another snorted.

"You were knocked out cold before the wine even reached your belly! Hahaha!"

"Does my goddess Veronica finally fancy a man? No! I can’t accept this! Just kill me now!" wailed a particularly dramatic patron, clutching his chest as if his heart had shattered.

The once-tense atmosphere of the Drunken Immortal Pavilion had completely shifted.

The noise swelled with the chatter and laughter of jealous patrons who couldn’t decide whether to envy or admire Riley.

Meanwhile, Riley simply smiled and continued talking with Veronica, unfazed by the chaos around them.

He was savoring the company of an extraordinarily beautiful woman, basking in the envious gazes of the other men around him.

Now, he could only hope for the impossible—to make Veronica Gray his girlfriend.

But the path to that goal was anything but easy.

Despite talking with her for nearly an hour, the lovely woman had skillfully deflected every attempt he made to learn more about her.

Eventually, Riley resigned himself to the conversation’s stalemate and focused on his drink.

He emptied one jug of Dragon Hearts wine and had just started on his second when he noticed something new about Veronica’s exquisite features—a fleeting look of longing and melancholy that seemed to betray her usual poise.

"What’s wrong?" Riley asked, his tone shifting to one of concern. The flirtatious air in his voice vanished, replaced by genuine seriousness.

"Nothing," Veronica replied curtly, though the sad smile tugging at her lips betrayed her words.

"Clearly, it’s something," Riley said firmly.

"Spill it, or I’ll never drink here again. Then you’ll be left without your most handsome patron." His expression remained serious, but the playful glint in his eyes softened the words.

Veronica blinked, surprised by his boldness, and let out a soft chuckle despite herself.

"You really do have a way with words, Riley." Her laughter rang out like chimes in the wind, a sound so rare and mesmerizing that it instantly caught the attention of everyone in the Drunken Immortal Pavilion.

The room fell silent for a moment as patrons turned to witness the impossible: Veronica laughing, her face lighting up in a way that seemed to outshine even the best wine in the room.

"Kill me now! It’s really over!" one man wailed, clutching his head in mock despair.

"Goddess Veronica has fallen!" another declared dramatically, slamming his cup on the table.

"I can’t believe it! I’ve been coming here for years, and this is the first time I’ve ever heard Lady Veronica laugh!" a third chimed in, his tone filled with both shock and admiration.

The entire pavilion erupted into a lively ruckus, with patrons lamenting their dashed hopes and marveling at Riley’s apparent charm.

Yet amidst all the noise, Veronica’s eyes softened as she looked at him, a hint of gratitude glimmering in her gaze.

"So?" Riley prodded.

Veronica grabbed a glass, poured herself some Dragon Hearts wine, and downed it in one quick motion.

It was the first time her patrons had seen her drink while working, which only added to the lively chatter in the room.

Riley could almost hear the sound of every man’s heart shattering in that moment.