"I heard from Qin Qin that today is Qiaoqiao's birthday. It's rare we all meet, please wait for me here for a moment. After I finish filming, we'll go out to dinner together."
Song Qinian felt embarrassed and was about to refuse when Gong Yuqi had already turned and left.
She looked down at Qiaoqiao, who was gazing at Gong Yuqi's retreating back, her hands clasped under her chin, looking like a little fan.
"He's so handsome. He must be handsome when he eats too."
Seeing how much Qiaoqiao liked Gong Yuqi, Song Qinian thought it would be good to let him accompany Qiaoqiao for her birthday, especially since she didn't know if such opportunities would arise in the future.
Gong Yuqi didn't make Song Qinian and Qiaoqiao wait long. He finished filming and returned, taking them to a private restaurant.
"Go and tell your boss to bring out all the signature dishes in your restaurant."
Gong Yuqi was quite generous. Song Qinian, afraid they wouldn't be able to finish much, cautiously gestured, "Let's order two fewer dishes. It would be a waste if we can't finish them."
"Don't worry, someone else is coming later."
Song Qinian was stunned. Gong Yuqi had invited others?
The dishes were soon served, all looking and smelling delicious, whetting their appetites.
Seeing Song Qinian and Qiaoqiao's salivating expressions as they looked at the food, Gong Yuqi picked up his chopsticks and smiled at them, "Let's start."
Song Qinian gestured a few times, and Qiaoqiao politely translated, "Aren't we waiting for your friend?"
"Him..."
Gong Yuqi looked at Song Qinian, a smile playing on his lips that held an unspoken meaning, "His mind won't be on eating. Eat, no need to wait for him."
At that moment, Qiaoqiao gently tugged at Song Qinian's sleeve, "Niannian, I'm hungry."
Song Qinian smiled, picked up her chopsticks, and put some food on Qiaoqiao's plate, "Eat."
Halfway through the meal, Gong Yuqi's assistant arrived with a cake.
"Little Qiaoqiao, happy birthday! I'll sing you a birthday song, and we'll blow out the candles together, okay?"
"Okay, okay!" Qiaoqiao was so happy she almost jumped up.
Song Qinian hadn't expected Gong Yuqi to be so thoughtful. This man, who outwardly appeared carefree and like a rich playboy, was actually quite sensitive.
"Happy birthday to you... Happy birthday to you..."
As soon as Gong Yuqi started singing, the magpies on the branches flapped their wings and flew away.
He was probably the only person in history, across all cultures and times, who could sing "Happy Birthday" so off-key.
What confidence must a musical illiterate like him have to release songs, yet his fans would blindly praise him.
However, what did it matter if he was off-key? Happiness was the most important thing.
Song Qinian couldn't sing the birthday song for Qiaoqiao, so she could only clap along to the rhythm.
After singing the birthday song, Gong Yuqi accompanied Qiaoqiao in blowing out the candles. Song Qinian took out her phone and took many photos of the two of them.
When Shen Chi'an arrived at the restaurant, he saw a scene of harmony and happiness.
Gong Yuqi was holding Qiaoqiao, and Qiaoqiao dipped her finger in some cream and smeared it on Gong Yuqi's handsome face.
Gong Yuqi smiled and also smeared cream on Qiaoqiao's nose.
Song Qinian stood by, smiling and watching the two of them, her eyes filled with indulgence.
Although Song Qinian smiled a lot, her usual smiles often seemed a bit perfunctory, rarely revealing such a sweet and happy expression.
Thinking of the "family of three" picture Gong Yuqi had sent him earlier, Shen Chi'an's expression grew even more unpleasant.
A fine family of three!
"It seems I've come at the wrong time!"
The three people who were happily celebrating the birthday turned to look at him when they heard Shen Chi'an's icy voice.
When Song Qinian saw him, the smile on her face slowly faded. Remembering what had happened the night before, her expression also turned grim. Why was he here?
Could it be that the person Gong Yuqi mentioned was him?
Then why didn't Gong Yuqi tell her?
Song Qinian frowned and looked at Gong Yuqi.
Even a fool like Gong Yuqi could sense the awkwardness between Song Qinian and Shen Chi'an.
He gave Song Qinian a forced laugh, "Ah Yan knew you were looking for me, so he asked me to keep you for dinner. He booked this restaurant too, he's treating."
Song Qinian pursed her lips. Gong Yuqi's words were clearly a lie.
Shen Chi'an hated her so much, how could he possibly have come here for her?
"Why are you so slow, kid? We're almost done eating."
Saying this, he put down Qiaoqiao and leaned into Shen Chi'an's ear, whispering so only they could hear, "Did you bully her again?"
All of Song Qinian's reactions were interpreted by Shen Chi'an as her not wanting to see him!
Hmph...
She took photos with Gong Yuqi, but didn't want to see him. Did she like him that much?
Come to think of it, he and Song Qinian didn't even have a single photo together.
Shen Chi'an cast a cold glance at Gong Yuqi, his eyes filled with a chill that made Gong Yuqi shiver.
It's over, it seems I've overplayed my hand!
Then, he looked coldly at Song Qinian, "Weren't you just having a good time? Why did the atmosphere turn cold as soon as I arrived? Am I disturbing your little 'family of three'?"
"Ah, what are you saying? We were just waiting for you!"
"Really?"
Shen Chi'an's dark eyes fell on the cake that had already been blown out and the dishes that were half-eaten.
Was this what waiting for someone looked like?
When Song Qinian heard "family of three," she assumed Shen Chi'an had come to pick a fight intentionally.
Seeing Qiaoqiao hiding behind her, scared of Shen Chi'an, she looked at Gong Yuqi and smiled, gesturing, "Mr. Gong, thank you for accompanying Qiaoqiao for her birthday today. It's getting late, Qiaoqiao and I won't bother you any longer. Goodbye."
Song Qinian didn't look at Shen Chi'an's expression again and took Qiaoqiao's hand to leave. Gong Yuqi, seeing Shen Chi'an's menacing expression, felt a jolt.
What was going on?
He had originally wanted to see Shen Chi'an's jealous expression and perhaps eavesdrop on the gossip between the fifth master Shen and his mute little wife.
Why had things unfolded so differently from his expectations!
Didn't Song Qinian like Shen Chi'an?
This reaction was not right!
She wasn't going to explain at all?
Seeing Song Qinian about to leave and Shen Chi'an on the verge of an outburst, Gong Yuqi immediately stepped forward to block Song Qinian's path, "It's hard to get a taxi at this hour. You can go back with Ah Yan later!"
Without giving Song Qinian a chance to gesture, he added anxiously, "Also, there's still cake on the table that hasn't been finished. We can't just waste it like that... You guys eat slowly, I have something to attend to, I'm leaving now!"
Gong Yuqi then made his escape, leaving so quickly that even Qiaoqiao was stunned.
Only the three of them were left in the private room.
Song Qinian's mood was more complicated than it had ever been. She shouldn't have praised Gong Yuqi as a good person.
"Niannian..."
Qiaoqiao softly called out to Song Qinian. Song Qinian looked down at her.
Qiaoqiao's small eyes secretly glanced at the cake on the table, "That cake is quite delicious. Can I take it with me?"