Chapter 46: First Birthday!

Xiao Wen’s birthday was on a Tuesday, and Zhu Jia didn’t have classes that day. Mo Yichen took the day off to be with Xiao Wen on his special day.

Zhu Jia had already made arrangements to take Xiao Wen to “Focus Baby Photography Studio” to have photos taken. After all, she had purchased a three-photo package earlier.

Xiao Wen, who had turned one, had grown taller and more handsome. His facial expressions were more varied, and he could pose for photos much better than when he was younger. However, he had also become less cooperative.

As soon as they set him in front of the backdrop, he stood up and walked toward the photography lights. He was very curious about the tall, glowing object.

He gripped the tripod light stand and shook it, wondering if it would fall over and break into pieces like the tall vase at home.

Although his mother had spanked him that day, he couldn’t deny that it was still fun.

But Xiao Wen didn’t understand why his mom quickly picked him up and kept apologizing to everyone.

Others laughed and reassured her, “It’s okay, it’s okay.”

What did “sorry” and “it’s okay” mean? Were they complimenting his cool pose?

Xiao Wen grinned, thinking that if mom liked it, he could shake the vase again at home to show her.

In the end, Zhu Jia and Mo Yichen had to hold Xiao Wen in their arms and force him to sit still for the photo.

Although the photos were not as exquisite as the last time, they were very lively. Xiao Wen made funny faces in every shot, while Zhu Jia wore a fake smile, trying not to look angry, and Mo Yichen looked distant but somewhat indulgent.

After the birthday photos, Zhu Jia planned to visit her father’s home. She had been too busy with school recently to visit Zhu Tianyao.

“Mo Yichen, you go home first. I want to visit my dad.”

“Let’s go together.” Mo Yichen wrapped his arm around Zhu Jia’s shoulder. “I haven’t seen my father-in-law in a while.”

He paused for a moment. “You should have told me earlier that we were going to visit your dad. I haven’t prepared any gifts.”

Zhu Jia furrowed her brows. Had Mo Yichen really changed his ways?

Ever since the auction, when he confessed to her, Mo Yichen seemed to have become a different person. He spoke to her gently, always smiling warmly. Whenever he had free time, he would come home to spend time with Xiao Wen.

He really seemed like the perfect husband.

Zhu Jia looked at Mo Yichen carefully, seeing his sincere expression, and she couldn’t refuse. “Alright, let’s go together.”

“You and Xiao Wen wait for me here. I’ll be right back.”

Zhu Jia nodded, understanding he was preparing a gift. She played with Xiao Wen inside the “Focus Baby Photography Studio.”

Half an hour later, Mo Yichen returned.

“Let’s go.” Mo Yichen picked up Xiao Wen, and the three of them got in the car.

Zhu Jia’s family home was very close to the photography studio. She rang the doorbell, and after a moment, Aunt Zhang opened the door, looking pleasantly surprised. “Miss! You’re back!”

But when she saw the tall man standing behind Zhu Jia, she froze. “Young Master… you’re here too.”

Aunt Zhang recognized Mo Yichen from the photos she had seen online.

“Please, come in!” Aunt Zhang hurried to the shoe rack to find two pairs of slippers for them.

“Where’s my dad?” Zhu Jia asked.

Aunt Zhang was about to speak when a loud voice came from the stairs, “Jiajia is back.”

“Dad,” Zhu Jia smiled brightly as she greeted him.

“Dad.” A deep male voice startled Zhu Tianyao. He looked closely and saw Mo Yichen, dressed in white clothes and black pants, standing in the living room, smiling at him.

Zhu Tianyao’s smile froze immediately. He hurried down the stairs, a thin layer of sweat forming on his palm. “Young… Young Master, you came today as well?”

He gave Zhu Jia a reproachful look. “Jiajia, why didn’t you say earlier? I’ll have Aunt Zhang go buy some more ingredients.”

“Dad, there’s no need to trouble yourself, just eat whatever is fine,” Mo Yichen paused, then added, “Please don’t be so formal, just call me Yichen.”

Each “Dad” made Zhu Tianyao’s scalp tingle and felt strangely uneasy. He immediately forced a smile and said, “Yes, yes… Well, Jiajia, hurry and ask Yichen to sit down.”

Mo Yichen handed the brick-red gift bag to Zhu Tianyao. “A small token, prepared in a hurry. I hope you won’t mind.”

“This… this is too much,” Zhu Tianyao felt an odd sense of unreality, as if he were dreaming.

“Dad, just accept it,” Zhu Jia smiled as she pushed the gift bag into her father’s arms.

Zhu Tianyao took a quick glance at it—two bottles of limited-edition Hennessy and a box of limited-edition Cuban cigars, all stored in Mo Yichen’s basement. These were rare items, so hard to get that even money couldn’t buy them.

This gift truly reached Zhu Tianyao’s heart, and his smile brightened immediately. His interactions with Mo Yichen were no longer forced or perfunctory, but now carried genuine warmth and sincerity.

During the few hours at the Zhu family home, everyone had a great time. Zhu Tianyao played with Xiao Wen for a long time and even gave him a thick red envelope as a birthday gift.

When it was time to leave, Xiao Wen seemed reluctant to part with Zhu Tianyao, clinging to his leg and calling out “Grandpa…”

“Next time, Grandpa will come visit you,” Zhu Tianyao said with a smile that made his wrinkles deepen.

Although this child wasn’t his biological grandson, he was still very amusing. After playing with him for an hour, Zhu Tianyao felt as if he’d suddenly become several years younger.

After leaving the Zhu household, the family of three got into the car. Xiao Wen, feeling like a special little treasure today, decided not to take his afternoon nap.

Zhu Jia sighed, “Well, let’s just take him to MIMO now.”

The birthday party was at MIMO Kids Café, only a 20-minute drive away. Zhu Jia had booked the venue from 3 to 8 PM. They arrived at 3:30, just as the staff finished setting up the decorations.

Colorful balloons spelling “Happy Birthday, Mo Wen” hung on the wall, and small blue tables displayed Xiao Wen’s photos and birthday cards.

MIMO had two areas: a dining section and a play area, separated by a glass wall. The play area included a ball pit, slides, trampolines, a sandpit, and play kitchens. Older kids could play independently while parents dined nearby, watching through the glass.

Since Xiao Wen was still too young, Zhu Jia and Mo Yichen accompanied him. They spent over an hour in the ball pit and countless trips down the slide. Xiao Wen was unusually energetic, leaving Zhu Jia exhausted and sprawled in the ball pit.

Fortunately, Mo Qingqing and Mo Chengxin, Yichen’s younger siblings, arrived.

“Big Brother, Sister-in-law.” They greeted politely.

“Qingqing, Chengxin, take over for us,” Zhu Jia said, pushing them into the ball pit.

“Xiao Wen, let Daddy and Mommy rest. How about playing with Auntie and Uncle?” Mo Qingqing patted his head.

Xiao Wen happily ran into her arms.

Relieved, Zhu Jia and Mo Yichen sat at a dining table, enjoying milk tea. Zhu Jia sipped through her straw, chuckling. “Why do your siblings enjoy these games so much? They’re so childish.”

Mo Yichen smirked as he watched Mo Qingqing laughing gleefully on the slide, while Mo Chengxin dutifully followed Xiao Wen.

Later, Liang Sisi arrived with her husband and daughter. It was her husband’s first time meeting Mo Yichen and Zhu Jia, and he seemed a bit reserved but managed a brief chat with Mo Yichen.

Liang Sisi’s daughter, Yuanyuan, now 1.5 years old, had grown more refined and lively. However, for some reason, she and Xiao Wen didn’t get along. When the adults weren’t looking, Yuanyuan threw balls at Xiao Wen in the ball pit, causing him to cry and run to Mo Chengxin for comfort. Chaos ensued briefly.

As dinnertime approached, another family member, Linlin, arrived with her 4-month-old daughter, Duomi.

“Xiao Wen, come meet your little cousin Duomi. Isn’t she adorable?” Zhu Jia couldn’t resist holding the baby. “Babies under six months are the cutest!”

Duomi’s pinkish face and slightly curly hair gave her a mixed-race appearance. Xiao Wen tried to pinch her cheeks but was stopped by Zhu Jia. “No pinching. Just hold her hand.”

Xiao Wen obediently shook Duomi’s tiny hand.

The café offered a kid-friendly menu, and Zhu Jia ordered tomato meat sauce pasta and a handmade pizza set for Xiao Wen and Yuanyuan. Meanwhile, Duomi contentedly nursed in her father’s arms.

Yuanyuan and Xiao Wen seemed to have forgotten their earlier scuffle, sharing pizza amicably.

After dinner, it was time for the cake—a cute, car-themed one specially made for Xiao Wen.