Shen Nanxing noticed Xia Zimu’s reddened ears and a mischievous glint flashed in his eyes. “Why is your face all red?”

Xia Zimu hurriedly placed his arm around Shen Nanxing’s shoulder. “Nanxing, let’s go, don’t mind him!” He rubbed his ear, which Zhou He’s lips had just brushed against, but his steps were hurried. Damn it, Zhou He, why did he have to get so close when talking? And he even kissed my ear—this is so awkward!

Xia Zimu felt like the spot Zhou He had kissed was almost burning. Shen Nanxing, noticing his discomfort, teased, “What did Zhou He say to you that made you react so strongly?”

Xia Zimu hesitated for a moment, avoiding Shen Nanxing’s gaze. “Nothing, nothing.”

Shen Nanxing knowingly pressed on, “If it’s nothing, then why are you scared of him?”

“Who said I’m scared of him?” Xia Zimu retorted loudly without thinking.

He wasn’t scared, no, he was just… Xia Zimu noticed the mischievous smile at the corner of Shen Nanxing’s mouth and immediately realized what was happening. He pretended to be serious and said, “Oh, Nanxing, you’re actually teasing me now? That’s too much!”

As he spoke, he made an exaggerated threatening gesture, reaching out to pinch Shen Nanxing’s cheek.

Shen Nanxing couldn’t stop laughing, stepping back and saying, “Haha… I didn’t mean to, it’s just because…” Before he could finish, Shen Nanxing lost his balance and bumped into a broad, warm chest.

The man who was bumped let out a deep grunt. Just as Shen Nanxing was about to apologize, the man firmly steadied him by the waist.

The man’s voice was low and pleasant, with a hint of affection, “Xingbao, why aren’t you watching where you’re going? Be careful not to fall.”

The faint scent of sandalwood from Fu Zhiyuan’s clothes surrounded Shen Nanxing, making him feel as if he had been pulled into Fu Zhiyuan’s embrace.

Shen Nanxing quickly stepped back out of his embrace, turning around in surprise to look at him. “Brother Zhiyuan, you arrived so soon?”

Hadn’t he just sent a message saying he was stuck in traffic and would arrive later?

At this moment, Xia Zimu also put away his playful grin and called out, “Uncle.”

Fu Zhiyuan gave him a cold glance before answering shortly. When he looked at Shen Nanxing, his gaze was tender. “Xingbao, happy birthday!”

Shen Nanxing smiled, “Thank you.”

Fu Zhiyuan couldn’t help but reach out to pat his head. “Xingbao, I’ll give you your gift later.”

Shen Nanxing nodded. “Okay.”

When Fu Zhiyuan saw the brooch on Shen Nanxing’s clothes, a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. As expected, this brooch suited Xingbao very well.

The atmosphere between the two was warm and natural, which made Xia Zimu feel like an outsider.

“Xingbao, the banquet is about to start. As the guest of honor, how can you not make an appearance?” Shen Mother, arm in arm with Shen Father, approached them. She had been searching for Shen Nanxing for a while and there was a trace of worry on her face.

Shen Nanxing obediently walked to Shen Mother’s side. “Mom, I was just chatting with them.”

Fu Zhiyuan calmly greeted, “Uncle Shen, Aunt Shen.”

Xia Zimu smiled and greeted the couple, “Uncle, Aunt.”

The couple nodded politely. “Today is Xingbao’s birthday, no need for formalities, just enjoy yourselves!”

“Xingbao, where is your brother?” Shen Mother looked around but couldn’t spot Shen Chuanqiong.

Shen Nanxing glanced towards the main entrance. “Brother went to pick up his friends. He should be here soon.”

Shen Father checked his watch. “Xingbao, let’s go ahead, we don’t need to wait for your brother.”

“Okay.” Shen Nanxing followed them to the front hall. Shen Father proudly introduced his youngest son to the guests, and the banquet officially began, lively and bustling.

Fu Zhiyuan watched Shen Nanxing shining on stage, his eyes filled with obsessive possessiveness. ‘Xingbao, when will you agree to be my boyfriend?‘

I Think I… Can’t Wait Anymore.

Fu Zhiyuan had to admit it—he was jealous. The scene earlier, where Shen Nanxing was playfully teasing Xia Zimu, made him start to reflect on whether he was moving too slowly in pursuing Shen Nanxing. It seemed that everyone else could bring happiness to Xingbao. And he, wasn’t the most special one…

Halfway through the banquet, Shen Nanxing finally had a chance to catch his breath. There were many people at the event tonight, some were business partners of the Shen Group, and Shen Nanxing accompanied Shen Father and others as they toasted the guests. After making the rounds, Shen Nanxing hadn’t drunk any wine, but his feet were sore from standing. He looked around but couldn’t see Fu Zhiyuan anywhere, and even Xia Zimu and the others had disappeared.

Strange? He had just seen them here, so how did they vanish so quickly? Shen Nanxing pushed the confusion aside and walked toward the food area, planning to grab a mango mousse cake to fill his stomach.

After picking up the cake, he found a quiet spot and began to enjoy it. Suddenly, the light in front of him dimmed, and a shadow loomed overhead. A figure stood before him, and in a low, hoarse voice, said, “Nanxing, happy birthday!”

Shen Nanxing froze, the fork still in his hand. He looked up at the person and frowned in disgust. “What are you doing here?”

Fu Chengyu looked somewhat haggard, his eyes bloodshot, clearly someone who hadn’t rested well. He held out a gift box, lowering his head to present it to Shen Nanxing. “Nanxing, I’m here to apologize. I’m sorry.”

Shen Nanxing, seeing his disheveled appearance, felt an overwhelming headache. “Fu Chengyu, do you not understand human language? I’ve already told you very clearly—don’t show up in front of me, don’t come and disgust me!”

Fu Chengyu looked at him with an obsessive gaze. “Nanxing, will you forgive me?”

Shen Nanxing couldn’t hold back a curse. “Fuck, are you crazy?”

After swearing, Shen Nanxing turned and walked away without sparing him another glance.

Fu Chengyu anxiously chased after him. Shen Nanxing was nearly speechless. He never expected Fu Chengyu would have the audacity to show up at his birthday banquet. Who let him in?

Shen Nanxing walked ahead, determined, and before he knew it, he had reached the back yard. Just as he was about to feel relieved by the quieter surroundings, Fu Chengyu once again appeared and grabbed his hand, questioning, “Nanxing, why do you always do this? Can’t you just listen to me finish? I really want to apologize to you!”

Shen Nanxing forcefully shook off his hand and looked at him with a mocking expression. “Do I have to accept your apology just because you say it? Who do you think you are?” He wasn’t some masochist who needed to suffer by accepting his apology. What right did Fu Chengyu have to ask for his forgiveness?

The mockery in Shen Nanxing’s eyes completely triggered Fu Chengyu’s tightly wound nerves. To him, Shen Nanxing was looking down on him from the bottom of his heart.