Yu Jinxiao’s conscience kicked in, realizing he had made a serious mistake. Most of his memory and mental energy were consumed by work. It was only by immersing himself in busyness that he could avoid the painful memories of the past.

It was a vicious cycle—one he couldn’t escape. He remained trapped in a never-ending loop of work, distracting himself but neglecting the people who truly mattered around him.

“The day after tomorrow… let’s plan a birthday party,” Yu Jinxiao said, trying to come up with a celebratory idea.

“We should give Second Brother a huge surprise!” Yuanyuan said, motioning for her dad and brother to crouch down. She whispered her plan, her face lighting up with excitement.

After hearing the plan, Yu Jinxiao looked skeptical, glancing down at the little dumpling, “Are you sure this will work?”

The tiny Yuanyuan stood between them like a proud leader, her fists clenched in determination. “Trust Yuanyuan, it will work!”

Her confident stance didn’t exactly fill Yu Jinxiao with reassurance.

But… there wasn’t much else he could do. Besides, with Yu Mingxi keeping an eye on things, it should be fine, right?

It should be fine.

Yu Jinxiao wasn’t completely convinced, but in this case, he had no choice but to trust his eldest son.

In business, Yu Jinxiao never made a move without certainty. He would never put decision-making power in someone else’s hands. Yet, here he was, relying on two kids to plan his son’s birthday surprise.

With the birthday party settled, there was still the matter of Yuanyuan’s gift.

After thinking for a while, she decided to make something herself for her brother.

Yu Mingxi and Yuanyuan would personally go and invite. But to make it formal and heartfelt, invitation cards couldn’t be left out.

For the other kids, Yuanyuan planned to draw each invitation by hand.

Once they finished planning, Yuanyuan rushed back to her room. She grabbed a black pen and began drafting designs for the invitation cards in her notebook. In just half an hour, she had drawn five different drafts.

The childish yet adorable lines danced across the pages, forming various designs. Under the warm light, the little dumpling was deeply focused on her task.

By the time dinner rolled around, Yuanyuan was so immersed that even the enticing smell of food didn’t distract her. She managed to finish seven drafts before dinner.

Feeling a great sense of accomplishment, Yuanyuan stretched, hopped down from her chair, and proudly made her way downstairs to eat.

Yingze, assuming everyone had forgotten his birthday, ate only a little and then stormed back upstairs, pouting.

At the dining table, the three remaining members of the family exchanged mischievous glances, watching Yingze’s retreating figure.

After quickly finishing her dinner, Yuanyuan pulled Yu Mingxi upstairs, where they narrowed down the invitation designs to three drafts.

But when it came to choosing the final version, neither Yu Mingxi nor Yuanyuan could decide. They handed over the decision-making power to Yu Jinxiao.

In the study…

Holding the three draft sketches for a long time, Yu Jinxiao’s brows furrowed. After some time, he couldn’t help but ask, “How about I have someone professionally print the invitations?”

Yuanyuan’s eyes widened as if lightning had struck her brain, and she hesitated before asking, “Dad… do you think Yuanyuan’s drawings are ugly?”

Her little eyes reddened, and she looked like she was about to burst into tears at any second.

Still needing to patch things up with Yingze, Yu Jinxiao’s instincts went on high alert. “No, no! I just don’t want you to get tired from drawing so many invitations.”

Mr. Yu, who had just told a straight-faced lie, was immediately seen through by his eldest son.

“It’s okay! Yuanyuan wants to give Second Brother a surprise!” The easily appeased Yuanyuan beamed, completely ignoring his weak excuse.