The day before National Day, the last working day of the holiday, Qiao Anchen went out of town on business and wouldn’t return until the next day.

He said he would be busy until late and wasn’t sure of the exact time, but he was in a remote mountainous area. The journey alone would take three to four hours, so he would likely get home after dark.

Chu Yi was a girl who believed in repaying kindness with kindness and had a kind heart. Even though Qiao Anchen had hurt her countless times, she felt that on this special day, she should show some care for the hardworking people.

The next morning, she got up early, cleaned the house, and made the entire living room, bedroom, and kitchen sparkle. The sunlight made the place exude a clean and fresh atmosphere.

Then Chu Yi went out to the largest nearby supermarket.

Steak, red wine, candles, and some decorations… and so on.

After spending half the day selecting items, Chu Yi finally gathered everything she needed. The most crucial part of the day was the cake!

Chu Yi leaned against the display glass, carefully choosing among the various styles of small cakes, which were both delicious and attractive.

She spent a long time picking, then looked up at the young lady behind the counter, blinking her large, dark eyes.

“Can this cake… be customized?”

After confirming with the staff and drawing the design, the cake maker said it could be done, so Chu Yi paid the deposit, left the address, and waited for the delivery.

By the time she returned, it was already afternoon. She marinated the steak and began decorating the living room.

Colorful streamers, stickers, “Happy Birthday” signs, and smiley faces.

The previously plain and minimalistic living room was transformed into a warm and cute space, filled with a strong birthday atmosphere.

Chu Yi drew the curtains and turned on the starry lights nearby. The warm, yellow glow immediately filled the room, adding a dreamy and hazy beauty to everything.

She clapped her hands with satisfaction and went into the kitchen to put on an apron.

In the evening, the cake shop staff called her on time, and Chu Yi went to the door to pick up the cake.

She carefully opened the box and saw the cake inside.

It was a single-layer, round cake with a sky-blue fondant base, adorned with many small patterns, and edged with white lace.

In the center was a small figure in uniform, with a stern face, serious expression, and no smile.

Chu Yi immediately laughed when she saw it.

It was as if she saw someone standing in front of her.

Hmm… She tapped the little figure in the uniform and felt that this one was cuter.

At eight o’clock in the evening.

The elevator doors opened, and Qiao Anchen walked out, rubbing his brow while entering his fingerprint at the door.

After a bumpy afternoon drive, and arriving home after dark, Qiao Anchen felt a bit tired.

The lock clicked open, and without thinking, he pushed open the door, only to be stunned by the sight before him.

The familiar living room had been decorated for a celebration. The starry lights twinkled, and his gaze lingered on one of the “Happy Birthday” stickers.

He almost forgot that today was his birthday.

A feeling he couldn’t quite describe surged in his heart. Qiao Anchen looked down to change his shoes, removed his coat, and walked in.

In the dining room, Chu Yi was waiting for him with a smile, her eyes shimmering with a soft glow from the candlelight. He looked at the table.

There was Western cuisine.

Steak, pasta, red wine, fruit, and neatly arranged cutlery with a beautiful candlestick.

The ordinary evening seemed exceptionally special with these items, as if it had gained an extra layer of color, making it oddly formal.

“You’re back,” Chu Yi said as she stood up to greet him. Qiao Anchen replied with a simple “mm,” and pulled out a chair.

“This is…” he hesitated, looking at everything before him.

“Today is your birthday!” Chu Yi said happily, “Happy Birthday.”

Qiao Anchen gazed at her for a moment, then softly said, “Thank you.”

“Eat quickly, you must be hungry. This is my first time cooking, so try my skills.” Chu Yi pushed the plate towards him, and Qiao Anchen nodded, picking up the knife and fork.

He cut a piece of steak and, under Chu Yi’s eager gaze, put it into his mouth.

“How is it?” she asked impatiently.

Qiao Anchen chewed slowly, then suddenly frowned.

“…It’s a bit undercooked.”

“…No way.” Chu Yi immediately cut a piece for herself and tasted it, carefully savoring the flavor.

“It’s fine, just right, very tender.”

“This part is still red with blood,” Qiao Anchen pointed at the cut in the steak with a serious face.

Chu Yi: “…It’s medium rare.” I chose this doneness to accommodate Qiao Anchen’s preferences.

“I usually like my food well done,” Qiao Anchen said seriously. He looked around the room and then stood up.

“I’ll heat it up again.”

“………”

Alright.

The beautiful and romantic atmosphere was instantly gone.

Chu Yi watched as Qiao Anchen took the plate of steak to the kitchen, turned on the stove, added oil, and placed the steak in the pan. It sizzled, and the aroma of cooked meat filled the air.

After Qiao Anchen reheated and cooked it again, several minutes had passed by the time he returned.

He placed the plate on the table, pulled out a chair, and sat down.

“It tastes much better now,” Qiao Anchen said, cutting a bite and nodding in satisfaction. Chu Yi pulled at her lips, unable to smile.

“…As long as you’re happy.”