"Hey, senior, Sister Lingze, look quickly! Are they holding hands? No way, that fast?" I wished I had a telescope here, squinting my eyes to watch the two under the streetlight not far away. Hah, they were indeed getting closer and closer.
The three of us were like high school students secretly spying on classmates in early relationships, feeling more anxious than anyone else.
"Alright, alright, you two keep watching. I'm going back. These mosquitoes are biting me to death." I left impatiently.
But as I reached the bedroom door, I noticed that without my interruption, Mu Lingze and the other person had quickly gotten close again—could it be that they also had something going on?
I secretly observed from around the corner.
About ten minutes passed, and the two were just chattering away—looks like I was overthinking it.
The next day, with no plans, everyone was sleeping in. I woke Chu Yun up.
"What is it, Xuanyu?" Chu Yun was still rubbing his sleepy eyes when I ordered him to accompany me out to run errands.
"What? Auntie Ouyang's birthday? Why didn't you tell me earlier? I haven't prepared anything." Chu Yun said nervously in the car.
"Ah, you don't need to prepare anything. Just get a big bouquet of flowers near the restaurant," I said. The reason I hadn't told him earlier was to avoid making him feel awkward around everyone, and besides, Auntie Ouyang didn't need any gifts.
"Alright..."
"Buzz!" A message from Jingyan came through on my phone: "How are the preparations going? Mom, Xuanyu, and I are all chatting together."
I replied with an "OK" sticker.
Inside a private room at a luxurious restaurant. As Chu Yun carried in a large bouquet of flowers, Jingyan placed a birthday hat on Auntie Ouyang. Amid everyone's birthday song, I slowly wheeled in the cake.
"Happy birthday, Auntie Ouyang! Make a wish." Chu Yun and I placed the cake on the table in front of Auntie Ouyang, while Zhao Chenyu stood nearby, ready to take photos. I thought to myself, you finally brought the camera for the right occasion.
Auntie Ouyang clasped her hands together, resting them on her full chest, her eyes closed as if in prayer. Her mature and enchanting face, in that moment, appeared as pure and flawless as a young girl's. Her lips were tightly pressed together, as if silently voicing her wish. Time seemed to freeze. Suddenly, her eyes gently opened, a fragrant breeze swept through, and the candles were extinguished in unison.
"Oh!! Happy birthday!"
"Happy birthday!"
Everyone cheered together, but Auntie Ouyang lightly turned her head and looked at me sitting beside her, making my heart skip a beat.
Because amid the cheerful cheering and joyful atmosphere, I keenly noticed a subtle, almost imperceptible hesitation in Auntie Ouyang's beautiful eyes, mixed with a hint of tension and unease, faintly flickering like a melancholic breeze gently brushing over the surface of a calm lake.
This was completely inconsistent with Auntie Ouyang's usual confident and radiant demeanor and even more out of place in the lively and joyful birthday atmosphere.
Why? Because Uncle Qin wasn't here? But why was she looking at me?
"Happy birthday, Mom. May you always be beautiful." Jingyan took out an exquisite gift box from her embrace and carefully retrieved a delicate necklace. The golden chain was adorned with several small jade stones, exuding luxury while perfectly complementing Auntie Ouyang's elegance.
She walked up behind her and carefully placed the necklace around Aunt Ouyang's neck. Aunt Ouyang's eyes were filled with deep affection and emotion for Jingyan.
"Thank you, my precious daughter. You will always be Mommy's favorite."
"Mwah, I love you too, Mom." Jingyan gently kissed Aunt Ouyang on the cheek. This touching scene of mother-daughter affection moved everyone deeply. I glanced at Zhao Chenyu beside me—he was already frantically snapping photos.
"Aunt Ouyang, this is for you." My younger sister ran over from beside Jingyan, holding a red sachet shaped like a protective charm.
"I learned this from Mom and made it myself. It's for you—you can hang it in your car. It smells lovely and I wish you safety always." After handing it to Aunt Ouyang, my sister gently massaged her shoulders, looking utterly adorable and well-behaved.
"Thank you, my precious daughter. Come here, Xuanman, let Auntie give you a kiss." Aunt Ouyang affectionately kissed my sister on the cheek.
"Aunt Ouyang, this is from my sister and me."
Mu Xianning and Mu Lingze each held an exquisite gift box of skincare products.
"Isn't this the one we looked at together before?" Aunt Ouyang asked Mu Lingze.
"Yes, yes! But you seemed to have forgotten, so I cleverly made it your birthday gift, hehe. And this set is for my sister." Mu Lingze spoke softly and sweetly.
"Thank you, my two beauties. Lingze is so thoughtful, and Xianning, you too. Jingyan will need you to take good care of her." Aunt Ouyang gently patted Mu Xianning's hand.
"Don't worry, whatever Jingyan says, I'll do. I won't let her suffer even the slightest harm." Mu Xianning patted her ample chest confidently. "But who was it that sprayed Jingyan the hardest with the water gun yesterday?" Mu Lingze suddenly chimed in, making everyone laugh—except me, who was left confused.
"Hey, you little troublemaker!" The two of them playfully bickered as they returned to their seats.
Next were the boys sitting on the other side of Aunt Ouyang. Zhao Chenyu put down his camera and picked up a large gift box from beside him.
"Aunt Ouyang, this is for you." He walked up to her and opened it—was it a cushion or something?
"First, thank you for keeping me, a clueless college student, as your assistant. It's given me so many new experiences. Um, I chose this because while working for you, I noticed you often have back discomfort from sitting too long, and the one you're using now isn't quite suitable anymore. Since I study sports, I have some understanding of these things, so I bought this based on my knowledge, hoping it'll help keep you healthier." Zhao Chenyu explained earnestly as everyone listened attentively. Jingyan even nodded slightly, as if approving of his words.
"Thank you, Chenyu. You've done well. I'll officially hire you when we get back—keep up the good work." Aunt Ouyang accepted the gift with great satisfaction.
"Really? That's amazing! Thank you, Aunt Ouyang... Wait, but I haven't graduated yet." Zhao Chenyu clasped his hands excitedly, then suddenly remembered he was still a junior in college and froze. The sudden shift left everyone roaring with laughter once again.
"Haha, alright, you just focus on doing a good job here with Auntie for now. We can discuss making it official after you graduate," Auntie Ouyang reassured him. I thought to myself, Zhao Chenyu is definitely set now. Zhao Chenyu happily walked back to his seat, and as he passed by me, he quietly whispered, "Thank you, senior."
I nodded with a sense of satisfaction.
"Auntie Ouyang... I..." Chu Yun stood up. His tall frame, combined with the large bouquet of flowers in his hands, made it feel as though he was blocking out the light.
"Auntie, I only found out about your birthday at the last minute, so my preparations were a bit rushed. Here's a bouquet of flowers for you. I wish you... to be as beautiful as the flowers, um... um... good health... and a successful career!" Chu Yun gently handed over the flowers. When I heard his words, I almost choked on my water. A successful career? Auntie Ouyang is already plenty successful.
"Thank you, Chu Yun. It's the thought that counts," Auntie said, lowering her head to smell the flowers, a sweet smile spreading across her face.
"Hehe, as long as you're happy," Chu Yun said, scratching his head sheepishly.
"You're Xuan Yu's roommate. Please look after him both in life and at work. Auntie won't let you down," Auntie Ouyang said gently to Chu Yun.
"Don't worry! Xuan Yu is like a sworn... um, my good friend. We hit it off right from the start. Rest assured, I'll go through fire and water for him without hesitation..."
I rubbed my forehead, thinking to myself, how did I end up with such a character? He's big and sturdy, but with just a little puff of air, he's ready to float away!
"Haha, alright, Big Chu, hurry back to your seat. We still have the main event," Mu Xianning said, and with just one sentence, Chu Yun obediently returned to his seat.
Instantly, I felt everyone's eyes fall on me. I straightened my posture and took out the gift I had prepared for a long time from my pocket.
"Auntie Ouyang, this is for you," I said softly as I opened the small gift box in my hand.
"Wow!" Mu Lingze and Mu Xianning couldn't help but gasp softly, their eyes filled with admiration.
Lying at the center of the box was a heart-shaped jade pendant, about two centimeters in diameter. Under the light, the jade shimmered with a dazzling yet gentle green hue—vibrant and translucent, yet with a hint of subtle mystery, like the eyes of a lover or a heart-shaped pool of spring water, rippling and captivating. The jade was set in a gold base, exuding a fresh and elegant charm with a touch of noble grace, like a woman of endless allure, both pure and enchanting.
"Let me put it on for you." Under Auntie Ouyang's delighted gaze, I fastened the pendant onto the necklace Jingyan had given her. The pendant rested perfectly just above Auntie Ouyang's cleavage, striking a balance between elegance and irresistible allure.
"So beautiful!" Che Xuanman exclaimed, as if she were about to jump up with excitement.
"Auntie Ouyang, happy birthday," I said. My words were the simplest, but they moved Auntie Ouyang the most.
"Thank you, my dear son! Mwah!" Auntie Ouyang didn't hesitate at all in front of everyone and planted a firm kiss on my cheek.
"Did you and Jingyan prepare this in advance? Was it originally a set?" Auntie Ouyang asked curiously.
"No, Mom, they were originally separate. It was Xuan Yu's idea to combine them, and then we had it custom-made. Hehe," Jingyan explained excitedly.
"Alright, alright, you're already taking his side even before you're married, huh?" Auntie Ouyang said warmly, gently pinching Jingyan's cheek.
"Auntie Ouyang, look over here." Zhao Chenyu had somehow made his way to Auntie Ouyang's side, holding up a camera. Auntie Ouyang sat up gracefully, waiting for him to take the photo.
"Let me see, Brother Chenyu!" Xuan Man eagerly walked over to Zhao Chenyu, who then handed the camera to Auntie Ouyang.
I leaned in to look as well. In the camera, Auntie Ouyang sat elegantly, wearing a tasteful black gown that perfectly showcased her enchanting figure. The necklace Jingyan and I had given her together—a heart-shaped gemstone crafted with exquisite skill—emitted a gentle green glow. It seemed to be embedded in her snow-white, jade-like skin, adding an air of dignified elegance to her already commanding and extraordinary presence.
"Alright, I'll cut the cake now. Everyone, let's eat and warm up!" Auntie Ouyang cheerfully raised the cake knife and began slicing the cake amidst everyone's cheers. Another round of laughter and joy followed, making me wonder if the worried, fearful look I had seen in Auntie Ouyang's eyes earlier had just been my imagination.
In the taxi, Auntie Ouyang leaned against my shoulder, holding my hand.
"Buzz!" Auntie Ouyang's phone suddenly vibrated. She lifted it, holding it directly in front of her face.
"Hello?" Her tone, devoid of any form of address, instantly told me who was on the other end.
"Happy birthday, my dear!" Uncle Qin said excitedly.
"Alright, just hearing from you makes me happy. Where are you now?" Auntie Ouyang's concerned question eased the doubts I had been harboring.
"Well, there were some backlogged matters, and then there was an accident at the construction site," Uncle Qin replied.
"Really? Are you okay?"
"What could happen to me? I just had to step in to handle things and coordinate. We'll compensate as needed. Hey, who are you leaning against?" Uncle Qin asked.
"Who am I leaning against? A man! A handsome young man!" Auntie Ouyang teased him.
"Let me see. Which young man has caught my wife's eye? I'll castrate him when I get back," Uncle Qin said with unnerving calmness, sending a chill down to my groin.
"Go ahead, castrate him then," Auntie Ouyang said, turning the front-facing camera toward me.
"Oh, it's Xuan Yu! Sorry, sorry, haha. Pretend Uncle Qin never said that. I should have known—your Auntie Ouyang wouldn't be interested in any man besides the two of us, haha," Uncle Qin laughed it off.
"Ahaha, hello, Uncle Qin," I could only force an awkward smile and subtly shift my legs. Castrate me, and you can forget about having a grandson.
Auntie Ouyang's words were even more ruthless. In the rearview mirror, even the driver couldn't help but chuckle.
"Hey—I was just joking. Are you having fun?"
"Fun! So much fun."
"Alright, wait for me, dear. I'll be back soon to spend time with you. Mwah!" Uncle Qin even blew a kiss.
"Oh, stop it! Hurry up and finish your work! That's it—I'm almost there. Bye! Mwah!" Auntie Ouyang hung up the phone directly.
"Um..." For a moment, I didn't know how to react.
Auntie Ouyang stopped leaning against me and instead looked out the window. That same look of worry and fear returned to her eyes, and at the same time, a tight, gripping force came from her hand holding mine.
I squeezed Auntie Ouyang's hand tightly in return.
Late at night, everyone gathered on the basement floor and, at Zhao Chenyu's suggestion, started playing Monopoly. Aunt Ouyang mentioned that she didn't like holding a wine glass and a bottle of red wine, sipping while watching us play.
"Hey, bro, you've landed in jail again?" my sister teased, hands on her hips.
"Uh... I don't know how that happened, haha."
I scratched my head, my peripheral glance drifting toward Aunt Ouyang beside me. She was swirling the red liquid in her glass, her eyes distant, cheeks flushed, also looking at me with a faint trace of melancholy.
"Mom? What's wrong?" Jingyan noticed too, looking up to ask.
"It's nothing, just a little tipsy. You all keep playing. Xuanyu, come with me back." Aunt Ouyang held her glass and bottle, and I quickly went over to support her. "You guys keep playing. I'll take care of Aunt Ouyang."
I turned back to Jingyan as I spoke, and she gave a gentle nod.
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