Chapter 136: New Year Arrangements

"How does it taste?"

"Seeing everyone take a bite, Qin Ge, feeling a bit uneasy, asked."

'"Heh, I didn't expect the commander's cooking to be this good," Guanghui said with a smile, being the first to speak.'

'"That's right, although it's not as exquisite as what Yixian makes, it's still tastier than restaurant food," Mikasa said, nodding. "I didn't expect you, Qin Ge, to have this skill; if you keep cooking, I'll come over to mooch meals."'

'"Count me in," A Furore said. "I wonder if Qin Ge can make borscht?"'

"Facing everyone's laughter, Qin Ge replied, 'As long as you think it tastes good, that's fine, because I usually eat my own cooking alone and have never served it to others, so I was a bit worried it might not suit your taste.'"

"As for the borscht that Senior A Furore mentioned, I can make it, but only the version passed down in our place; I haven't tried the authentic original borscht yet."

'"Heh, that's fine; when I get another chance I'll bring some over for you to try, and I estimate you'll be able to make it then," A Furore said.'

'"Heh, if that's the case, I'd certainly welcome Senior A Furore bringing her borscht over next time," Qin Ge said with a smile.'

'"By the way, Qin Ge, are you planning to go home for the New Year?" Mikasa asked Qin Ge.'

'"I spend New Year's at school, so I won't be leaving here," Qin Ge told Mikasa.'

'"Huh? Don't you Donghuang people value the Spring Festival highly? Why aren't you going home to visit your family at this time?" Mikasa asked.'

"Since she didn't know Qin Ge's identity, she asked these questions out of concern."

"Qin Ge smiled faintly and said, 'There's no one left at my home; it's just me, so now it's one person eating enough to keep the whole family from hunger. Or put another way, wherever I am with my shipgirls, that's my home.'"

"Hearing Qin Ge's answer, Mikasa and A Furore exchanged a glance, and Mikasa said to Qin Ge, 'Sorry, I really didn't know your situation was like this.'"

"Qin Ge waved his hand, saying, 'There's nothing to apologize for; this is simply the fact, and Senior Mikasa didn't ask anything wrong.'"

"Besides, I've grown used to it over the years. This year is actually the first time I'm celebrating New Year with my shipgirls, and deep down I still feel a thrill, after all, it's my first time celebrating with so many people."

'"Heh, being able to take up and let go is what makes a real man; I'm coming to admire you more and more," Mikasa said with a smile. "When New Year comes, I wonder if we can join in?"'

'"Of course, if you're willing," Qin Ge said with a smile.'

'"How could Mikasa possibly be unwilling?" A Furore said with a light chuckle, looking at the doubtful Qin Ge and his shipgirls.'

"A Furore said, 'Do you know what Mikasa has been doing during New Year these past few years?'"

'"Um, let's not talk about those embarrassing things…" Mikasa said, a bit embarrassed.'

'"Heh, it doesn't matter even if it's said; do you think Qin Ge would still laugh at you?" A Furore said. "She, as soon as she's off, buys a pile of models and spends the whole New Year putting them together. Compared to model‑building, I feel she'd rather spend a happy New Year with you juniors."'

"Mikasa couldn't help laughing; since A Furore had already said it, she saw no need to hide it further: 'Building models is my hobby, so taking this break to treat myself well is perfectly normal.'"

'"But it's you who gets drunk every day; several times when I've gone to your place I've had to carry you to bed.'"

'"When one is bored, it's natural to drink, just like you building models," A Furore said.'

"Watching the two expose each other's past, Qin Ge and a few shipgirls exchanged smiles. This relaxed feeling is something he really likes; he's had his spring wound tight for half a year, so he really ought to rest."

"With Mikasa and A Furore joining in, what was supposed to be a simple reward dinner turned into lively fun; everyone chatted a lot, said a lot, and the mood was completely relaxed."

"In the latter part, A Furore also took out the vodka she carried with her and everyone started drinking it together."

"But the people here were just her, Qin Ge, and a few Mikasa; after all, for shipgirls without ship‑equipment power, the vodka's flavor is still too strong."

"Qin Ge, on the other hand, has drunk vodka with A Furore several times before and after; each time it was because when he went to ask her a question, her condition was that she'd only tell him the answer if they drank together, using that as an excuse."

"Thus, Qin Ge has gradually come to accept vodka. At the very least, the last time he drank, he didn't need Belfast or Banrenma to half‑carry him home; he could make it back on his own."

"However, while the three were drinking, Ou Gen Qin Wang also joined in, curious."

'"Ou Gen Qin Wang, I know you lot are famous for beer, but speaking of which, vodka is still pretty strong; I don't know if you can handle it," A Furore said.'

"Ou Gen Qin Wang chuckled and said, 'Don't you remember Lv Zuofu, A Furore?'"

'"Oh, you mean Comrade Tallinn," A Furore reacted instantly, "I almost forgot that Comrade Karin was originally your sister ship of the same class, so I won't stop you—come on."'

"A Furore then poured a cup of vodka and handed it to Ou Gen Qin Wang; seeing this, Qin Ge said to Ou Gen Qin Wang, 'Don't gulp it down too fast—vodka is still pretty strong at first sip, take it little by little, and once you get used to its potency it'll taste better.'"

"Ou Gen Qin Wang nodded at Qin Ge and said, 'Commander, this isn't my first time drinking, so there's no need to look so worried.'"

"Seeing Ou Gen Qin Wang so confident, Qin Ge nodded involuntarily, then stopped worrying about him and started drinking with A Furore and Mikasa."

"The three drank for a while, during which Weineituo also wanted to join in, but after just a sip she stopped. For her, whiskey or champagne would be acceptable, but vodka is still a bit hard to take."

"After three rounds of drinks, the sky gradually darkened, so A Furore and Mikasa said their goodbyes and left. After Qin Ge saw them off, he discovered Ou Gen Qin Wang still sitting at the table, though it looked like the whole person had slumped over it."

"Qin Ge, somewhat puzzled, walked over and leaned close to Ou Gen Qin Wang, saying, 'Ou Gen Qin Wang? Ou Gen Qin Wang!'"

"Seeing Ou Gen Qin Wang completely still, Qin Ge realized she had passed out drunk…"