Shen Keqin's recent frequent activity was checking the calendar.
She never wished for her birthday to arrive any sooner than she did now.
Three days before her birthday, she could no longer wait and went directly to Jian Mubai's workplace to find him.
After leaving the Shen family, Jian Mubai had started working at a law firm.
He hadn't neglected his studies during his time as Shen Keqin's bodyguard.
Shen Zhengcheng had wanted him to join his own law firm, but Jian Mubai had politely declined.
When Jian Mubai heard from a colleague that Shen Keqin was looking for him, he was somewhat surprised.
He had thought Shen Keqin would never speak to him again.
He didn't go to see Shen Keqin immediately, his heart filled with torment.
Now that they were at such a critical juncture, he shouldn't see Shen Keqin, fearing he would soften.
But she was downstairs.
After much struggle, Jian Mubai looked at the bright sun outside and still rushed down.
He had expected Shen Keqin to be waiting for him under the hot sun, but only when he saw her holding the juice given by the receptionist and playing on her phone while drinking did he finally breathe a sigh of relief.
That's right, she wouldn't be that foolish.
As soon as Jian Mubai came down, Shen Keqin saw him.
"Cough, cough..."
Shen Keqin choked on her juice immediately. She fumbled in her bag for tissues, and with one wrong move, everything in her bag spilled out.
At that moment, Shen Keqin was so embarrassed she wished she could find a hole to hide in.
It was too humiliating!
And to be humiliated in front of Jian Mubai!!!
Seeing her like that, Jian Mubai said nothing. He walked over, picked up everything from the ground, and placed them back into her bag one by one.
In the past, whether it was a schoolbag or a handbag, Jian Mubai would help Shen Keqin pack, and with his obsessive-compulsive disorder, everything in the bag was always neat and tidy.
Now, without Jian Mubai's help, Shen Keqin's bag was a mess.
Lipstick, keys, tissues, a mirror, a powder compact, all thrown inside.
Seeing Jian Mubai looking down and tidying up, Shen Keqin, with a red face, snatched the bag from his hands. "Thank... thank you..."
Their last phone call had ended very unpleasantly.
Shen Keqin was not one to back down. When she argued with others, it was always the other party who apologized first; there was absolutely no way she would apologize first.
It was already a groundbreaking event for her to come looking for Jian Mubai this time.
Jian Mubai straightened up and looked at her faintly. "What business do you have with me?"
As soon as she heard this, Shen Keqin became unhappy. "Can't I come to see you if I have nothing to do? What? You quit working for my family, and we can't even be friends anymore?"
"I'm sorry, that's not what I meant."
Shen Keqin snorted. She had finally made up her mind to find him, and here he was, still so cold.
She took out an invitation card from her pocket and handed it to Jian Mubai. "My birthday is in three days. I didn't want to invite you, but my parents asked me to."
Three days later.
Jian Mubai held the red invitation card, his heart filled with complex emotions.
Why did it have to be at this time?
Seeing Jian Mubai remain silent, Shen Keqin became angry. "I've given you the invitation. Whether you come or not is up to you. I'm leaving!"
Hmph, they had been together for ten years, how could they become so estranged after separating?
Such a blockhead!
Shen Keqin turned to leave, but Jian Mubai, looking at her retreating back, felt a sharp pain in his chest. His brain hadn't even registered what was happening before he rushed forward and grabbed her.
Shen Keqin froze when she turned around and saw Jian Mubai.
Jian Mubai also froze.
Damn it, what had gotten into him just now?
But he quickly regained his composure. "It's almost noon, let's have lunch together."
Shen Keqin, who had been very angry, felt the anger surge in her chest disappear instantly upon hearing this.
"But you're begging me."
Knowing Shen Keqin was shy and needed an excuse, Jian Mubai nodded. "Mm."
Shen Keqin immediately became smug. "Alright, considering how sincere you are, I'll condescend to have a meal with you."
The two went to a Western restaurant.
Jian Mubai had chosen the place, and Shen Keqin was a little surprised upon entering; it was quite elegant.
Soft, romantic music played in the restaurant, and fresh roses were placed on every table.
"Where would you like to sit?"
"Wherever you want to sit, we'll go."
Seeing Jian Mubai being so obedient, Shen Keqin's mood improved considerably. "Then let's sit on the balcony."
They sat on the balcony, and from there, they could see the law firm where Jian Mubai worked.
Shen Keqin was a little puzzled. "Since you want to be a lawyer, why didn't you work with my father? You were my father's bodyguard for ten years, and he definitely wouldn't treat you unfairly."
Jian Mubai remained silent and handed her the menu. "Let's order first!"
Shen Keqin's attention was not diverted. She agreed to have lunch with Jian Mubai not for the meal itself, but because she wanted to talk with him.
Seeing that Jian Mubai didn't answer her question, she frowned. "Are you... unwilling to be associated with my family?"
Having spent ten years together, Jian Mubai knew Shen Keqin too well and knew she would get to the bottom of things. He said faintly, "No."
"Then why..."
"I am very grateful to you all, but I want to succeed through my own efforts and not rely on others."
Shen Keqin clearly didn't agree with this answer. Why should one strive when there was a shortcut?
But considering Jian Mubai was inherently a blockhead, she could understand.
"Then are you doing well at this law firm? Is anyone bullying you?"
Shen Keqin's concern made Jian Mubai suffer immensely. His throat felt dry, and it was as if a heavy stone was pressing on his chest, making it difficult to even breathe.
"Very well, no one is bullying me."
"Oh... then... then are there many girls at your law firm? Are... is anyone pursuing you?"
Although Jian Mubai always had a cold expression, his popularity with women was immense.
When he accompanied her to school, many girls would write love letters to Jian Mubai. When he didn't accept them, they would secretly stuff the letters into her schoolbag for her to pass on to Jian Mubai.
The current Jian Mubai was even more handsome, cooler, and more stylish than before, often seen in suits. He was bound to attract a lot of attention.
When Shen Keqin asked this question, her heart pounded wildly.
Jian Mubai suddenly looked up at her. The moment their eyes met, their heartbeats quickened.
They both looked away simultaneously.
Shen Keqin looked out the window, her face red, and stammered, "I... I was just asking casually. If you don't want to say... then don't."
This sounded rather like protesting too much.
Jian Mubai responded faintly and remained silent.
Shen Keqin: "..."
He really didn't want to say it!