Chapter 66

The usual drive from the neighborhood entrance to their villa took one or two minutes, but today they had been stuck in traffic for ten minutes without arriving. The further they went, the more uneasy Xu Zhiyi felt.

This road led directly to her home.

And today was her birthday.

Suddenly realizing the grand celebration was all for her, she turned away from the window, spun around, and grabbed Jiang Sixun’s arm, pretending to hit him playfully. “You guys actually teamed up to trick me!”

Though she was voicing her grievances, she couldn’t hide the smile tugging at her lips.

Jiang Sixun laughed. “What did I trick you about?”

Xu Zhiyi exclaimed, “Like how my parents went to Su City to eat crabs while you suddenly had to go to Hong Kong for business…” Her eyes widened in shock as realization dawned on her. “Wait… you didn’t hastily arrange Zhou Mingqian’s yacht party, did you?”

Jiang Sixun just smiled and remained silent.

“It really was you!”

“I haven’t had a night cruise in Victoria Harbour for a long time,” he awkwardly explained.

Xu Zhiyi suddenly understood. “No wonder Director Zhou was acting so adorably foolish that night!” She had been completely oblivious.

Jiang Sixun raised an eyebrow.

Not just Zhou Mingqian, but Ning Yun had been laughing all night, teasing Jiang for being a lovesick puppy, while others had been poking fun at him—he was the mastermind behind the party!

Between the back seats was a console that concealed a mini fridge. Leaning over it, she half stood up to hug Jiang Sixun tightly.

“Thank you! You have no idea how happy this makes me!”

Jiang Sixun grinned. “There’s even more happiness in store.”

Xu Zhiyi could vividly imagine the lively atmosphere awaiting them at home, her excitement beyond words as she held onto him, unwilling to let go.

This extravagant birthday party felt perfectly timed. In any previous year, she would have felt a sense of regret. Back then, there had been an invisible barrier between her and her parents; she couldn’t share her joy and happiness with him, and Shen Qingfeng hadn’t been a part of their lives yet.

But now, everything felt just right.

Their car finally arrived in front of the black and gold gate, and the driver came to a stop.

“Get out quickly; don’t hold up the cars behind us,” Jiang Sixun urged her.

“We can get the luggage tonight,” he added.

As Xu Zhiyi stepped out of the car, she miscalculated her footing and stumbled forward, but Jiang Sixun reached out to steady her. “What’s going on? You can trip on flat ground?” he teased.

With a laugh, Xu Zhiyi self-deprecatingly replied, “I’m just overwhelmed by this scene.”

Standing at the entrance, it felt like she was gazing into a dreamlike world. What had once been an expanse of several thousand square meters of grass had overnight transformed into a Monet-inspired garden.

The glass greenhouse from her backyard had been enlarged to a scale of one to five or even one to six, almost exactly replicated here.

The greenhouse sat by a lake—an artificial one created within the community—since it was impossible to dig a lake in her own backyard. Instead, they cleverly used her pool, with the garden coming to life along the water’s edge.

Before her stretched a sea of flowers: her favorite roses, beloved peonies, delightful hydrangeas, and a plethora of blooms whose names she couldn’t even recall, all harmoniously intertwined with greenery, swaying gently in the early autumn breeze.

Pinks mingled with purples, reds danced among greens, creating a vivid tapestry of colors.

Wooden-framed windows were draped in vines, slightly ajar, with flowers spilling in. Ahead, another window was adorned with blooming wisteria.

The flowers weren’t all in season at once, but the decorators had ingeniously worked their magic.

Today, the autumn sky was clear and high, with fluffy clouds dotting a sea of blue.

Long tables draped in pristine white tablecloths were scattered throughout the garden, each displaying vibrant centerpieces that showcased the splendor of fall to the guests.

Even the pebble pathway from the greenhouse had been recreated, winding its way through the sea of flowers, leading to an unknown destination.

This birthday celebration had nothing to do with extravagance; instead, it radiated pure romance.

Xu Zhiyi wondered whose brilliant idea this was.

It was as if all her past disappointments and regrets over the last twenty-six years had been smoothed away.

Jiang Sixun took her hand and led her inside, reminding her, “Be careful of the pebbles; don’t trip again.”

Xu Zhiyi playfully nudged his arm and giggled.

Just then, He Yian spotted her daughter. “Zhiyi!”

Releasing her hand, Jiang Sixun watched as she sprinted towards her mother, filled with childlike joy.

Today, she was absolutely thrilled.

Xu Zhiyi enveloped her mother in a warm embrace.

“My precious daughter is finally back! Your dad has been worried sick since he hasn’t seen you for days.”

“Did you get to eat crabs?” Xu Zhiyi asked eagerly.

He Yian chuckled, “I only managed to get a crab claw!”

She hadn’t even gone to Su City, so where was the crab coming from?

Xu Heng had set all the table decorations, starting early in the morning and continuing until 1:30 PM. While their parents praised his work, he felt it was merely passable.

Seeing her son approach, He Yian pointed out to Xu Zhiyi, “Today’s centerpieces were all arranged by your brother, with a little guidance from the florist.”

“Thanks, big brother!” Xu Zhiyi exclaimed, rushing to hug Xu Heng.

The last time they had hugged was six years ago at a concert, when Xu Heng had given her a spontaneous embrace.

He affectionately ruffled her hair, satisfied. “You’re usually ungrateful and like to tell tales on me, but I’ll let you off the hook for now.”

Xu Zhiyi laughed. “I promise not to tell on you for a month!”

Xu Heng playfully warned, “I’ll come for you after a month.”

He Yian interrupted, “You two can chat later. Zhiyi, come help me greet the guests; most of the family is already here.”

As the birthday girl, Xu Zhiyi needed to attend to her relatives. She turned to Jiang Sixun, recalling how she used to dislike having many people around on her birthday because it meant she wouldn’t get to talk to him as much.

Jiang Sixun reassured her, “I’ll be right here in the yard, not going far.”

To make it easier for her to find him, he pointed to the second table on the right. “I’ll be waiting there for my mom. You’ll see me as soon as you come out.”

“Call me when Auntie Jiang arrives.”

“Okay!”

Finally, Xu Zhiyi linked arms with He Yian and headed indoors, passing through the open garden. She couldn’t help but glance back, enchanted by the beauty of it all. “Mom, thank you and Dad for this incredible birthday party.”

He Yian smiled, “It was Jiang Sixun’s idea. He knew you loved flowers, so he decided to make the theme floral.” Due to the greenhouse being too small to accommodate so many guests, her future son-in-law had created a whole garden just for her.

A professional team had spent a week working late into the night to achieve today’s stunning result.

He Yian continued, “The flowers in the yard were flown in this morning, so they’re very fresh. Jiang Sixun even organized for each guest to take home a bouquet after the party. Those who love flowers can take several; there won’t be many left!”

Every family in their extended family had arranged for fresh flowers, and her friends, who shared her passion for floral arrangements, had already expressed their desire to take home some flowers after the banquet to carry a bit of the joy with them.

“The greenery will be planted in our glass greenhouse. Your brother’s centerpieces have already been reserved by quite a few relatives; there may not be enough for everyone!”

Xu Zhiyi hugged her mother again. “Thank you!” They had truly made this romantic occasion unforgettable.

As soon as they stepped into the villa, laughter filled the air, with cheerful chatter resounding throughout the house.

Xu Zhiyi had met all of her relatives. Every Lunar New Year, her parents would take her to pay respects to the elders, and the reunion dinners were countless, so she knew exactly how to address everyone.

The room was packed; the living room couldn’t accommodate everyone, and the dining area was equally full.

“Our precious Zhiyi is back! You must be in shock!”

Xu Zhiyi smiled at her aunt, “I really was dazed; I stumbled getting out of the car.”

Xu Xiangqing waved her hand at her niece, “Come here, dear! It’s been a while, and you’re looking more beautiful!”

“Thank you, Aunt!” Xu Zhiyi happily accepted the compliment.

Xu Xiangqing pinched her niece’s cheek. “You’re starting to look more and more like me!”

Everyone laughed. “So, she’s just praising herself!”

Xu Zhiyi perched on the arm of the sofa, resting a hand on her aunt’s shoulder. After exchanging pleasantries with various relatives, she asked, “Where’s my cousin?”

Xu Xiangqing pointed upstairs. “He’s off patrolling his territory. He says Jiang Sixun has taken over his room.”

Xu Zhiyi: “…”

Just as their conversation ended, her cousin Fu Yanzhou descended the stairs.

Fu Yanzhou had a closer relationship with Uncle Xu Xiangyi than with his own father. He used to spend summer and winter vacations at their house, where he had his own room right next to Jiang Sixun’s.

Lately, he hadn’t been around because Jiang Sixun had taken over his space, using it to store things he rarely needed. Just moments ago, he had been clearing his room out.

“Cousin!” Xu Zhiyi waved at him.

Fu Yanzhou asked, “Where’s Jiang Sixun?”

“In the yard.”

As he approached, Fu Yanzhou playfully ruffled her hair. “You and Xu Heng are family; he’s an outsider. Remember that.”

Xu Zhiyi chuckled. “Got it! Next time he takes your room, I’ll help you hang his stuff out to dry!”

Xu Xiangqing looked at her son. “Are you three years old or something?”

Just then, the stylist arrived, and she told her niece, “Aunt will take you upstairs for your hair and makeup. Don’t mind your cousin.”

Meanwhile, in the yard, Jiang Sixun watched the two brothers approach him, speechless.

He never expected Shang Yun would really bring his brother along.

Sticking a peony into a vase, he stood to greet them.

Ignoring Shang Yun, Jiang Sixun extended a hand to the other brother. “Thanks for coming all this way to support.”

Shang Yun smiled lightly. “I just came uninvited. Congratulations in advance.”

He glanced at his brother, “I’m just here to ride his coattails and snag a piece of cake.”

Shang Wen directly asked, “Where’s Zhiyi?”

Jiang Sixun glanced at the gift in Shang Wen’s hand and replied, “She’s inside.”

Shang Wen said, “I have a gift for her from someone.”

Jiang Sixun reached out. “Hand it over.”

Shang Wen wasn’t about to do that; he looked at his older brother for support.

Shang Yun: “…”

He had never felt so embarrassed before.

But what could he do? He had to maintain some dignity and create an opportunity, so he said to Jiang Sixun, “Why bother quarreling with someone you can easily outmatch?”

Jiang Sixun: “…”

Shang Wen: “…”

Five minutes later, a light knock sounded on the door of the suite on the east side of the third floor.

The door was ajar, and a few people inside were discussing makeup.

After a second knock, the stylist finally noticed someone at the entrance.

“Zhiyi?” Shang Wen called from the doorway, raising his hand to knock again.

Xu Zhiyi froze, double-checking her vision. It was indeed Shang Wen.

He explained, “I brought a gift for you from someone. I was worried about losing it in the crowd, so I wanted to deliver it first.”

“Thank you!” Xu Zhiyi quickly walked to the door. “How did you get up here? Where’s Jiang Sixun? I didn’t see you.” She found it hard to believe Jiang Sixun would allow him upstairs.

“My brother is downstairs; they’re chatting,” he replied.

Shang Wen handed her the gift. “It’s a badminton racket.”

Without needing to ask, Xu Zhiyi already knew who it was from.

Shang Wen added, “Qi Zhengchen asked me to send his wishes to you: Happy Birthday and may all your wishes come true. He said he wouldn’t make it today, but he’ll definitely be there for your wedding, no matter how far away he has to travel.”

Xu Zhiyi felt her eyes mist over as she held the racket tightly. “Please tell Second Brother I received his gift and thank him for me.”

“How did he know you’d be at my birthday party?” Shang Wen asked.

“Honestly, I asked him if he had a gift for me to bring,” Shang Wen admitted.

Xu Zhiyi: “…”

Shang Wen continued, “He initially planned to have Fu Yanzhou bring it to you, so you wouldn’t have to bother him.”

With that, he smiled and headed downstairs.

After taking a few steps, he turned back to say, “Happy Birthday!”

Meanwhile, in the yard downstairs, Jiang Yueru’s car had just arrived.

Shang Yun and Fu Yanzhou moved to a distant table, vacating one that only had a single peony as a centerpiece.

Seeing his mother get out of the car, Jiang Sixun strode toward the entrance.

Today, his mother wore a champagne-colored satin shirt instead of her usual light blue.

He embraced her. “Thanks, Mom.”

Jiang Yueru adjusted her son’s collar. “What are you thanking me for? Today is such an important day for you; of course, I have to witness it. It would be such a shame otherwise.”

She eyed his shirt. “Why are you wearing burgundy again?”

Jiang Sixun replied, “Zhiyi likes it.”

Just as they settled at the second table, commotion erupted at the entrance.

Jiang Sixun turned to see his father arriving, greeted warmly by many people.

Xu Xiangyi and He Yian also stepped forward to welcome him. With so many guests, it was impossible to attend to everyone. They exchanged brief pleasantries, a flurry of words without pause.

Xu Xiangyi didn’t even manage to say a word to his daughter.

“Yueru, please take a seat; we can chat properly tomorrow,” he said.

Jiang Yueru waved dismissively. “No need to be polite with me.”

On the other side, Lu Jianbo hurriedly finished mingling and walked over to the table with his ex-wife and son.

After standing in front of the table for a few seconds, he finally pulled out the chair next to Jiang Yueru and sat down.

Jiang Sixun, sitting next to his mother, felt a wave of emotion as his father settled in. It was the first time in his memory that their family sat together like this.

Thirty years had passed.

His phone vibrated, and Jiang Sixun opened it.

Shang Wen had sent him a photo—one of their family of three, with a peony, his mother’s favorite flower, captured in the frame.

He replied: [Thanks.]

Shang Wen: [We’re family; no need to be polite.]

Jiang Sixun didn’t respond further, choosing to save the photo instead.

To him, it was a precious memory.

He Yian glanced at the silent trio at the table and tugged at her husband. “Let’s sit for a couple of minutes while Xu Heng takes care of the guests.”

They handed the task of entertaining guests to their son and sat down at the second table.

Jiang Yueru came back to reality and noticed Xu Xiangyi and his wife across the way. Her heart, which had felt lifeless, seemed to flutter slightly, stirring a bittersweet ache.

Who would have thought they would all sit together one day?

Yet, they were no longer young, and neither she nor He Yian could joke about each other’s partner’s lack of romance anymore.

Time truly waits for no one.

Thirty years had passed, and even love and hate had blurred into something indistinct.

“Where’s Zhiyi?” Jiang Yueru broke the silence.

He Yian replied, “She’s upstairs getting ready.”

At the table, Lu Jianbo picked up a piece of pastry to taste, finding it similar to the ones from their old family home, just as delightful.

He had no idea what to say, so he turned to his son, but with his ex-wife in between them, he couldn’t quite see him. Still, he shrugged it off. “Sixun, who made the pastries?”

Jiang Sixun replied, “The chef from Grandpa’s house.”

The pastries had been airlifted from Hong Kong Island.

He wrapped a few in a napkin. “Uncle Xu and Auntie, you two chat. I’ll step out for a bit.” He got up and left.

On the third floor, Xu Zhiyi had just finished changing into the gown her mother and aunt had picked out for her.

Just as she settled back in front of the makeup mirror, there was another knock on the door.

Xu Xiangqing looked over and said to her niece, “This time it’s Sixun.”

Jiang Sixun entered and asked his aunt if she wanted any pastries.

Xu Xiangqing smiled and waved her hand, not wanting to interrupt the young couple’s time together. She made an excuse to go downstairs to find someone.

The stylist, clearly used to their obliviousness, quietly went about her work.

Jiang Sixun fed Xu Zhiyi a piece of pastry, reminding her, “Take your time eating.”

Xu Zhiyi asked if his parents had arrived.

“They’re here.”

“Are they sitting at different tables?”

“They’re sitting together.”

Xu Zhiyi said, “I’ll go give Aunt Jiang a hug later.”

Jiang Sixun replied, “No need. Aunt Xu is right next to her.”

As Xu Zhiyi was getting her hair done and couldn’t turn around, she caught a glimpse of him in the mirror. He had changed into a wine-red shirt. In that moment, she felt an uncanny sense of déjà vu, as if it were six years ago.

“Is that a new shirt?” she asked.

Jiang Sixun replied, “I’ve worn it before.”

But he couldn’t remember if it had been six years ago.

He scrutinized her turquoise dress, certain it wasn’t the one she wore when she confessed her feelings to him.

“Did you just buy that dress?” he asked.

Xu Zhiyi replied, “Yeah, it’s a modified haute couture design. My mom said the previous one wasn’t suitable for the evening gown.” The color remained the same, though the style was somewhat similar.

“Are you not going to greet your friends downstairs?”

Jiang Sixun said, “No need. I told them to make themselves at home.”

He silenced his phone and stayed upstairs with her.

As she started to put on her makeup, he fell silent and stepped out onto the balcony.

From the balcony, he looked down at the yard and quickly spotted where his mother was seated. At that moment, only his parents were at the table. His mother seemed to be admiring the flowers, while his father stared intently at the peony on the table.

Neither spoke.

Cars continued to arrive at the entrance.

On the grassy patch among the flowers, children were playing. A few older ones had started a game of hide-and-seek, and he watched as one child crawled under a large cluster of hydrangeas.

Every now and then, the hydrangeas rustled slightly.

Before long, that child was pulled out from the pile by several other children.

Laughter rang throughout the yard.

Shang Wen was just like that child being dragged out.

Fortunately, the yard was large. The front had a newly built garden, while the back had a flower house and a tennis court. Guests who had arrived early formed small groups, playing cards at various tables. Those who didn’t care for card games chatted and laughed, taking photos amidst the flowers, so no one felt bored.

By 5:30 PM, under a warm and vibrant sunset, the birthday party began.

Xu Xiangyi finally spotted his daughter and took her hand. “You didn’t come find your dad?”

Xu Zhiyi smiled. “I thought you were in Su City eating crabs and wouldn’t be back.”

Xu Xiangyi chuckled, delighted. As long as his daughter was home, his laughter never ceased. He used to think he had a high threshold for humor.

He told her, “Tonight, we’ll have spicy crabs.”

“Really?”

“Would I lie to you?”

An old friend from Su City had brought a truckload of crabs to celebrate Zhiyi’s birthday, along with several of the family’s chefs.

Nearby, Zhou Mingqian sat in front of the monitors, having brought his team along. It was too good a location not to shoot a film.

“Zhiyi, why not go up and say a few words?” he asked, holding the microphone so everyone could hear.

Many people chimed in, insisting she should speak, and it couldn’t just be a few words.

In a setting like this, Xu Zhiyi, the head of Yuanwei Capital, found it effortless to take charge. However, Xu Xiangyi still held his daughter’s hand, leading her toward the makeshift stage.

He treated her like a ten-year-old. Facing a crowd like this, it was only natural for a child to feel shy, and as her father, he needed to be by her side.

Xu Xiangyi took the microphone and began with a few opening remarks. “There’s so much I want to say, but this morning, Yian reminded me to keep it short and not ramble on endlessly. I’m sure you’ve noticed—I’ve become particularly talkative these past few years.”

Laughter erupted from the audience.

“Everyone here today is my closest friends and family, so I won’t go on with formalities and expressions of gratitude.”

“But I must say thank you for coming so early, and for bringing your families to share in my joy.”

He paused, suddenly realizing he had stolen his daughter’s lines.

So caught up in the moment, he had forgotten these words were meant for the birthday girl.

Quickly, he handed the microphone to Xu Zhiyi but didn’t let go, holding it for her instead.

After a simple introduction, Xu Zhiyi said, “This year, I’ve received more blessings than in my entire twenty-six years. My mom always regretted that I had so few precious things in my first twenty years. Besides clothes, my possessions fit into just one suitcase. Today, I suddenly have so much more—gifts that you’ve treasured for years. They may not be expensive, but they are particularly meaningful, things that money can’t buy. I know these gifts carry your heartfelt blessings. Two words—thank you—can hardly express my gratitude. I will cherish these gifts.”

She looked at He Yian. “Mom, I have just as many precious things now as anyone else, so please don’t be sad anymore.”

He Yian’s eyes glistened with tears as she nodded.

Xu Xiangqing passed a tissue to her sister-in-law. “Why is it just my brother up there?”

He Yian replied, “He has more regrets than I do. If I go up there, Zhiyi will cling to me.” Their daughter was growing up, and it was natural for her to create some distance from her father, but she still sometimes wanted her mother close at night.

Her husband envied the moments when she could hold their daughter in her arms.

Once Xu Zhiyi finished speaking, He Yian finally stepped up.

The couple each took one of their daughter’s hands, as if celebrating her tenth birthday.

Nobody called for Xu Heng; he made his way to the stage on his own.

Someone who had been drinking burst out laughing, “Xu Heng, have some self-respect!”

Amid the laughter, the family gathered for a group photo.

The couple’s gifts hadn’t yet been presented, and as they stepped off the stage, the big screen lit up.

As they walked, Xu Zhiyi turned back. “Is there more entertainment?”

Xu Xiangyi replied, “No performance; in a moment, the big screen will draw ‘prizes.’ Whoever’s name comes up will have to perform.”

Xu Zhiyi chuckled. “Whose idea was that?”

Xu Xiangyi said, “Your brother, of course. Who else could it be? He excluded his own name, so he doesn’t have to worry about being called up. But the final round is a real lottery, with prizes sponsored by Jiang Sixun. Everyone will get one, including the kids—except for your brother. His name isn’t in the drawing.”

Xu Zhiyi nearly smudged her eye makeup from laughing, gently pressing her forehead.

Xu Xiangyi led his daughter to the second table, where Jiang Sixun’s family sat. He said to her, “Let’s see the gifts your mother and I got for you first.”

Xu Zhiyi sat beside Jiang Sixun, who held her other hand under the table.

She turned to her father. “What gifts?”

Xu Xiangyi replied, “Look at the big screen. Your brother insisted on a presentation.”

Everyone’s attention shifted to the screen.

An image appeared, revealing a painting—two overlapping hands cradling a tiny footprint.

Xu Zhiyi gasped, tears suddenly filling her eyes. “But my footprint was lost long ago!”

Xu Xiangyi explained, “Sixun found it again in the archives.”

He continued, “The hand on top is your mother’s, and the one underneath is mine. Your mother has a gift for painting; her work is lovely, while mine isn’t as good, so please don’t dislike it.”

Xu Zhiyi shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks. “How could I ever dislike it?”

She stood between her parents, wrapping an arm around each. She kissed He Yian first and then her father’s cheek, finally making up for some regrets from her childhood.

This heartwarming moment was broadcast on the big screen.

Xu Xiangyi covered half of his face with his hand, feeling both proud and sorrowful.

This was his daughter’s first kiss, and perhaps her last.

Xu Zhiyi embraced her parents’ necks, realizing her father had learned to paint to create a birthday gift for her. She was immersed in the joy of the precious gifts her parents had given her. Her tears still hadn’t dried when suddenly, the crowd erupted with excitement.

Following their gazes, she quickly turned her head to find Jiang Sixun standing behind her with a diamond ring.

She had no defenses up.

The man took a half-step back and knelt on one knee.

Xu Zhiyi beamed, her tears refusing to stop.

Jiang Sixun took her left hand, gently holding her fingertips, looking up to meet her gaze. Despite having prepared for over two months, he felt nervous in this moment.

His throat moved slightly. “When you interned as my assistant, you told me you weren’t very fond of your birthday. Because on this day, you had to leave Uncle Xu and Auntie Xu’s side, and each year, you recalled more of the sad things. It was only later that I learned your one expectation for this day was that I would come back to share a meal with you. I’ve often wondered how I could make this day hold a little more meaning for you.”

“You may not know this, but I look forward to this day every year because it means I can come back to have a meal with you.”

He spoke in a jumbled manner, losing track of what he was saying.

“I hope that from this year onward, on this day each year, you’ll remember only happy things. I love you; will you give me a title?”

Laughter erupted from the audience, but Xu Zhiyi was in tears.

She reached out, placing her hand in his. “Okay.”

Jiang Sixun slipped the diamond ring onto her finger and stood, wrapping her in his arms.

Xu Zhiyi held him tightly, whispering softly, “Jiang Sixun.”

“Hmm?”

“I love you.”

The evening breeze caressed the air, carrying the sound of applause and laughter into the blooming flowers.

And he was like a gentle southern wind from that summer long ago, sweeping into her heart.