Ruediger drove slower than usual, being mindful of the distance between his truck and the vehicles on all sides. At eight, the traffic rush hour had yet to end. Various kinds of vehicles moved on the major roads.

Passersby also filled the pedestrian walkways, dressed warmly in layers, as they headed back from their respective workplaces. Some were in a rush, while the others walked at a relaxing pace.

The orange glow of the street lamps streamed through the windows, sliding across the interior of the truck.

Next to Ruediger, Lariette leaned comfortably in her seat. Her eyes were shut as she dozed off. Her exhaustion, paired with her drunkenness, made it easier for her to fall asleep.

Ruediger glanced at the rearview mirror, smiling at Mr. Eastwood, who sat in the backseat. The older man noticed his look.

After lowering the radio's volume, Ruediger asked, "Do you like your new place? How are you settling in so far?"

Mr. Eastwood cleared his throat quietly, "The apartment is wonderful. But I haven't gotten the chance to relax. I still have things to unbox and sort out."

Ruediger chuckled, understanding what the older man meant. He said, "Hope you'll get to do it soon. If you want to, I can help. I work from home, and my schedule's usually lax."

Ruediger wasn't that close to Mr. Eastwood, but they had worked together briefly during the Sports Day. Seeing that the latter could be considered their new neighbor, it was great to be on amicable terms.

Mr. Eastwood's conduct was good. He was usually quiet, but harmless. Ruediger didn't mind lending a hand or two if the older man needed it.

"Thank you for your offer," Mr. Eastwood smiled faintly, "I'll keep it in mind."

Ruediger said no more. He didn't want to pressure Mr. Eastwood, just simply giving a heads-up.

Soon, the truck drove past the apartment's main gates and down to the basement. The time was close to eight-thirty.

Lariette was still asleep when Ruediger parked the truck at their allocated slot. Mr. Eastwood unlatched the seatbelt while grabbing his briefcase.

"Mr. Eastwood, you should head home first," Ruediger glanced at the backseat. He also unbuckled the seatbelt and now reached for Lariette's.

"Do you need any help?"

Mr. Eastwood looked from Ruediger to Lariette. The young lady sat unmoving. She occasionally grunted, but it didn't seem she was awake.

"It's fine. I can handle this sleepyhead," Ruediger chuckled, his gaze softened, "Have a good weekend. You should rest since the exam week's over."

"You too. And thank you for the ride."

"You're welcome."

Wasting no time, Mr. Eastwood slid out of the truck, leaving Ruediger and Lariette inside. He subtly glanced at them before walking away. His figure disappeared into the basement lobby.

At the same time, Ruediger's focus was on the drunk Lariette. He held back from laughing. The scent of wine was quite strong. He didn't know how many glasses she had.

"Lettie, we're home. Do you want me to carry you, hmm?"

Lariette's eyes fluttered, but she didn't open them immediately. She whined, "Sleepy... You dare to wake me up?"

Ruediger bit his lower lip. Lariette sounded upset, but her coquettish tone tickled his heart instead. Reluctant to reason with a sleepy and drunk person, he decided to just carry her.

Ruediger emerged from the truck. After wearing Lariette's backpack and sling bag, he carefully carried her out.

He laughed when she suddenly encircled her arms around his neck while nestling closer. She pressed her forehead in the crook of his shoulder.

After making sure the truck was locked, Ruediger carried Lariette to the elevator. No one was in the basement lobby or the elevator.

Ruediger didn't mind, but he knew Lariette would be so embarrassed if she was sober. He stepped inside one of the elevators.

His movement seemed to stir her, albeit slightly. She lifted her head and began sniffing his neck, almost tickling him.

"Hmm... Whose smell is this?" Lariette slurred, eyes still closed. Then, she erupted, "Oh! My honey's smell!"

Blinking, Ruediger was dumbfounded for a moment. He shook his head before suppressing his laughter. He didn't know a drunk Lariette could be this cute.

Neither he nor she enjoyed drinking alcohol much. They usually preferred tea or coffee.

Back then, when he surprised her with dinner at the penthouse, she only had a glass.

Tightening his arm around her, he whispered tenderly, his voice and gaze overflowing with affection, "Yes, I'm your honey. We're going home now."

She chuckled, "Mm... home. Going home... with my honey."

"Are you that happy?" he laughed.

"Yes~ My honey cooks so well. He's handsome~ too~"

Amused, he asked, "Do you love your honey so much?"

"I love him so so so much!"

Then, she was quiet again.

He smiled in helplessness, thinking it would be better if he could record this moment. For sure, she would blush in embarrassment, as red as a cooked shrimp.

Ruediger steadily carried Lariette to their apartment unit after leaving the elevator. She was still nestling comfortably in his arms.

Once inside, Ruediger kicked his shoes off before placing Lariette on the couch. He put her backpack and sling bag away, and then took off her coat.

"Honey~"

Lariette opened her eyes a fraction. A rosy tint spread on her flushed cheeks. Grinning, she waved at Ruediger to come closer.

"You're still drunk," he stated, but still did as she urged him to. She quickly returned into his arms.

Ruediger let Lariette stay in his embrace, but not for long. He couldn't let her go to bed like this. Once again, he carried her.

"Can you hear me? Sweetheart, I'll clean you up first. Then you can sleep on the bed."

Ruediger didn't know how much Lariette ate for dinner. Fortunately, the soup he had made earlier was still plenty. She could have it if she woke up hungry later.

"...clean... bathe! Take a bath!" Lariette suddenly struck a fist to the air, "Bath time! Need to stay clean!"

"Yes, yes, I know," Ruediger exhaled, "It's bath time."

Bringing the drunken sleepyhead in his arms, he carried her into her bedroom. Needless to say, not long after that, someone's merry singing could be heard from the washroom.