This Saturday is Shen Nanxing’s birthday. After much consideration, Shen’s mother decided to host a large birthday banquet for him. Due to Shen Nanxing’s health condition from childhood, he rarely attended large social events, so Shen’s mother planned to use this opportunity to help him make more friends.

The Shen family invited many prominent nobles from the capital city to attend the banquet tonight. The event is being held at Lanyue Manor. Inside the manor, the huge banquet hall has a blue color scheme. A crystal chandelier hangs high, emitting a soft yet dazzling light, reflecting off the exquisite paintings on the surrounding walls. The golden tablecloths are set with delicate dinnerware, and each table has fresh flowers and beautiful candleholders, adding warmth and romance to the atmosphere.

Shen Nanxing is dressed like an elegant little prince today, drawing attention. His well-tailored white suit perfectly outlines his tall, slender figure, and under the light, the royal blue rose brooch on his chest gleams, further highlighting his noble air. Shen Chuanqiong wears a light gray suit, understated yet elegant. He places his arm around Shen Nanxing’s shoulder and compliments him, “Good boy, this outfit really suits you, like an elegant little prince.”

Shen Nanxing, a little embarrassed by the praise, replies, “Brother, you look handsome today too! When Qingyan comes later, she’ll probably be so charmed by you that she won’t be able to move.”

Shen Nanxing’s words made Shen Chuanqiong feel pleased. He gently ruffled his brother’s hair, sighing, “You’re the best, little brother. I’ve never spoiled you in vain.”

The banquet is about to begin, and guests are gradually arriving. At this moment, Xie Ling and Fang Yanran also arrived.

“Xingbao, happy birthday!” Xie Ling and Fang Yanran walked up to Shen Nanxing and handed him their prepared gifts. Shen Nanxing took the gifts and politely thanked them. He then added, “By the way, let me introduce you, this is my brother, Shen Chuanqiong.”

Shen Chuanqiong smiled gently and extended his hand to greet them, saying, “Hello, thank you for coming to my little brother’s birthday party.”

Xie Ling, upon seeing the handsome man standing next to Shen Nanxing, was already very curious. She hadn’t expected him to be his brother—truly a family of good looks. She excitedly shook his hand, “Hello, Brother Shen, just call me Xie Ling.”

Fang Yanran appeared a bit reserved, but she politely introduced herself as well. Seeing their shyness, Shen Nanxing pointed towards the dessert area. “You must be hungry by now. There are small cakes over there, you can grab something to eat.”

Upon hearing about food, Fang Yanran’s food-loving side immediately showed. “Great, Lingling, let’s go check it out.”

Xie Ling waved at them and then followed Fang Yanran toward the dessert area.

At this moment, Shen Chuanqiong glanced at his phone and said to Shen Nanxing, “Xingbao, I’ll step out for a bit. Qingyan should be arriving soon.”

“Okay, Brother,” Shen Nanxing nodded. Watching Shen Chuanqiong hurry off, he couldn’t help but tease, “Brother, how eager are you to see Qingyan? You’re practically flying.”

Just then, Xia Zimu appeared out of nowhere. Today, he was dressed more formally than usual, having changed from his casual style to a sharp, dashing suit, complete with a neat tie. Even his usual flashy earrings had been swapped for something more subdued. If not for his distinctive, flamboyant hair color, Shen Nanxing might not have recognized him at all.

Xia Zimu, now looking more like an elegant heir than the carefree young man he usually was, smiled and said, “Wow, Nanxing, you didn’t tell me you invited two stunning beauties to your party?”

Shen Nanxing, surprised, asked, “Why are you here alone? Where’s Zhou He?”

Mentioning Zhou He, Xia Zimu couldn’t help but snort coldly, “Who knows about him!”

Seeing this, it was clear that the two of them had argued and hadn’t made up yet. Shen Nanxing, with a curious expression, looked at him, “Are you still mad at him?”

Xia Zimu replied, “How could I be mad at him? Clearly, he started it…” Before he could finish, he felt a cold presence behind him. He couldn’t hold back a shiver and turned around, only to meet Zhou He’s icy gaze.

Xia Zimu sneered, “Always walking around with that frozen face, scaring everyone!”

Zhou He ignored his sarcasm and handed a gift box to Shen Nanxing, saying, “Nanxing, happy birthday.”

“Thank you,” Shen Nanxing smiled at both of them.

Fearing that Zhou He would outshine him, Xia Zimu leaned in close to Shen Nanxing’s ear, lowering his voice intentionally, “Nanxing, I’ve prepared a surprise for you. You’re definitely going to like it.”

After saying that, he gave Zhou He a smug look.

Shen Nanxing responded with an “Mm,” curiosity piqued, “What kind of surprise?”

Xia Zimu smiled mysteriously, “You’ll know when the time comes.”

“Okay.”

Zhou He watched their interaction closely, a trace of disappointment flashing in his eyes. It’s been nearly a week, and Mu Mu still refuses to talk to him. If Mu Mu confessed to Nanxing tonight, then wouldn’t that mean he wouldn’t have any chance at all… Just thinking about it made Zhou He feel a dull pain in his chest, a sour feeling rising.

“Mu Mu…” Zhou He took a step toward Xia Zimu, intending to grab his arm, but Xia Zimu sidestepped him.

Shen Nanxing, observing the scene, felt increasingly confused. “Why does this seem like it’s not just a simple argument between them? It feels oddly familiar, like I’ve seen this somewhere before…”

Xia Zimu coldly took a step back, and Zhou He stepped forward. Finally, unable to handle it anymore, Xia Zimu reluctantly gave in. Looking at Zhou He’s persistent face, he spoke with some irritation, “What the hell do you want?”

“Are you still mad at me?” Zhou He asked, his voice soft and somewhat pleading.

Xia Zimu, seeing him ask knowingly, became even more uncomfortable. He sneered, “Mad? I don’t have the time to be mad. I’m too busy, I haven’t even thought about you.”

He was too busy preparing a surprise for Nanxing to even remember Zhou He!

Watching their exchange, Shen Nanxing couldn’t hold it in anymore and burst into laughter. Finally, he remembered why it seemed so familiar—this was the scene from a novel he had recently read. The cold, indifferent “ice king” character had made the arrogant, sharp-tongued “tsundere” character mad, and now, when he was begging for forgiveness, he had this exact expression. Oh my god, he thought, he might have just uncovered an incredible secret.

Could it be that Zhou He likes Xia Zimu? With that thought, Shen Nanxing couldn’t help but smile widely.

His round eyes darted back and forth between the two of them, afraid he might miss some crucial detail. Suddenly, he didn’t know what Zhou He whispered, but it made Xia Zimu kick him.

“Get lost, Zhou He, are you crazy?” Xia Zimu kicked him and still felt unsatisfied, pushing him with his hand.