In the past, it was always Liang Yufeng who had such feelings unilaterally. This time, Lan Lan also had such an illusion. When Liang Yufeng handed her something, and she helped him beat eggs, she suddenly understood what people meant by "peaceful years."
Due to her personality and work, Lan Lan rarely wasted time in the kitchen. In the words of her colleagues, she was a female warrior, always ready for battle. People surviving under cement, steel, and high walls, living and dying in struggle, found it hard to relax.
The last time Lan Lan felt so relaxed was during a trip with her parents. She had originally thought that such a state would only occur when interacting with family, but she didn't expect Liang Yufeng to also catalyze her sense of relaxation.
After Lan Lan's cake base was baked, she began preparing for the frosting. By then, Liang Yufeng had already prepared breakfast for the two of them.
Jiang Wan had not yet woken up, so the two of them ate first, just in time for the cake base to cool. The longevity noodles Liang Yufeng cooked were rich in ingredients, not only with chopped scallions and eggs, but also with beef balls and sausages.
The rich aroma of the broth was intoxicating. After a busy morning, eating the noodles was very satisfying. Lan Lan finished the entire bowl and then went to frost the cake. Liang Yufeng followed her, "Need any help?"
"Are you not trusting me?" Lan Lan shot him a glance, confident, "With my amazing talent, do I need your help? Get out of the way, I'll do it myself."
Liang Yufeng had no choice but to give up and watched her whip the cream from the side. Undeniably, Lan Lan had a strong learning ability. Although she didn't understand baking, as long as she spent time learning, she would definitely master it in the fastest possible time.
The cake was a simple cream and fruit design. Fresh cherries and strawberries were placed on it, creating a pleasing color. Lan Lan added the decorations she had bought the day before, and a delicate birthday cake was completed.
"Has Auntie not woken up yet?" Lan Lan asked.
Liang Yufeng put the cake into the refrigerator, "I'll go check."
Coincidentally, shortly after the cake was finished, Jiang Wan woke up. Lan Lan helped Jiang Wan change into the qipao Liang Yufeng had customized for her, and then carefully applied makeup for her.
Jiang Wan had been living in the welfare home for a long time and hadn't worn makeup in who knows how long. But even without makeup, it couldn't hide her temperament and beauty. With makeup, she was even more stunning.
Time seemed to have left few traces on her face. Especially after applying makeup, anyone would believe she was in her thirties. Lan Lan had known she was beautiful before, but after getting dressed up, she was still amazed.
She had met Xu Zhengxi before. Although Xu Zhengxi was no longer young, it was evident that he must have been handsome in his youth, with deep facial features. Jiang Wan, on the other hand, was gentle and charming, likely due to her upbringing in a scholarly family.
Liang Yufeng, that scoundrel, was truly gifted in genetics. He had successfully inherited all the advantages of both their facial features, combined on his face. His features were well-defined but not aggressive, handsome enough to capture one's heart.
No matter what Liang Yufeng did, his appearance never seemed greasy.
"Auntie, you're so beautiful, let me take a few photos for you!" Lan Lan bustled, raising her phone.
Jiang Wan hadn't taken photos in many years and was a bit unnatural facing the camera, but Lan Lan was good at guiding her, and with a few words, she gradually relaxed.
After taking photos for Jiang Wan, Lan Lan said to Liang Yufeng, "You come up too, let's take one together."
Liang Yufeng stood with Jiang Wan, a faint smile appearing as they posed for the photo.
After these photos were taken, Jiang Wan suddenly said, "You and Feng Feng accompany me to take a family photo!"
A family photo... This didn't align with her relationship with Liang Yufeng, but seeing Jiang Wan's eager gaze, how could Lan Lan bear to refuse? "Okay."
The phone was set to a timer, and the three of them took a family photo, with Lan Lan and Liang Yufeng on either side, linking arms with Jiang Wan.
Looking at the finished picture, Jiang Wan sighed, "You two are becoming more and more alike, like a couple."
Lan Lan: "..."
Because of Jiang Wan's remark, Lan Lan looked at the photo carefully for a long time and actually saw a bit of "couple resemblance." She was shocked. She and Liang Yufeng... when did they start looking so alike?
Lan Lan was not the only one surprised; Liang Yufeng was too. He had initially thought Jiang Wan was just saying that to match them, but after seeing the photo, he genuinely felt that Lan Lan and he shared five or six parts similarity in their features. Could it be because they had been living together for so long?
At this moment, Jiang Wan said again, "You two were together in college. After so many years, seeing each other every day, you're bound to look more and more alike. People say that couples who have a good relationship tend to grow more alike."
"Yes, perhaps," Liang Yufeng agreed.
Lan Lan couldn't speak. Not to mention that she and Liang Yufeng had separated for a few years, even if they had been sleeping together for the past two or three years, there was no such thing as a "good relationship"...
Never mind, it was Jiang Wan's birthday; she wouldn't say anything to dampen the mood.
Lunch was eaten out. Lan Lan booked a private kitchen according to Jiang Wan's taste. In the afternoon, after strolling around for a few hours, the three of them returned to prepare dinner.
Jiang Wan hadn't been out for a long time and was tired after returning, so she fell asleep. Lan Lan went to the kitchen to help Liang Yufeng, but she didn't have much room to maneuver. Liang Yufeng's every move was too skilled, leaving no opportunity for others to help.
The ingredients were all prepared the day before. This birthday meal was even more lavish than the lunch at the restaurant.
At seven-thirty, Lan Lan and Jiang Wan arrived at the dining room. A sumptuous dinner was laid out on the table. Jiang Wan showed a surprised expression. Lan Lan seized the opportunity, "Feng Feng made all of this. He has something to say to you!"
Jiang Wan became curious, "Oh?"
Lan Lan winked at Liang Yufeng. Earlier, while cooking, she had asked him to say "I love you" to Jiang Wan when she arrived. Liang Yufeng had not agreed, but Lan Lan had assumed he would do it.
It was still somewhat difficult for him to express his feelings so directly, so Liang Yufeng hesitated for a few minutes before saying to Jiang Wan, "Mom, happy birthday."
He paused for a moment before saying the last three words, "...I love you."
Although the process was a bit bumpy, it was considered a complete success. Lan Lan was very satisfied and gave Liang Yufeng a thumbs-up.
Jiang Wan was surprised for a few seconds, then broke into a joyous smile. When she smiled, she looked even more beautiful, her eyes like crescent moons, and her gaze brimming with happiness, "Thank you, Feng Feng, Mom is very happy."
"Auntie Jiang, beautiful lady, happy birthday," Lan Lan also offered her blessings, linking arms with her, and they sat down together, the three of them eating harmoniously.
Normally, Liang Yufeng and Jiang Wan spoke little when they ate together, but today, with Lan Lan present as someone to liven up the atmosphere, the table became very lively, and Jiang Wan's laughter never stopped.
Liang Yufeng gazed at Lan Lan, who was chatting and laughing with Jiang Wan, and a place in his heart suddenly became very soft. She had such a unique charm, effortlessly drawing out others' emotions, making people involuntarily attracted to her enthusiasm.