It's not too late to meet in the book

Sunlight filtered through sparse clouds, illuminating the neighborhood where Lei Xiaoyue lived, adding a touch of warmth to this ordinary weekend. Today was Lei Xiaoyue and Lin Yuxuan's eighth birthday party. The two little ones had changed into their carefully chosen new clothes early in the morning and stood at the door, eagerly awaiting the guests' arrival.

At the door, streamers fluttered, balloons gathered, and a large banner reading "Welcome to our birthday party!" hung on the door lintel, making it particularly eye-catching. A long table was filled with a variety of snacks and drinks, and several unopened gift boxes were piled next to it, foreshadowing the joyous time to come.

"Ding Dong!" The doorbell rang. Lei Xiaoyue and Lin Yuxuan exchanged a glance, their eyes gleaming with excitement as they quickly ran to the door. Lin Yuxuan pressed the doorknob first, and the door swung open, revealing Xiao Ming and his mother, who often played together downstairs.

"Xiao Ming, you're here! I'm so happy!" Lei Xiaoyue greeted him with a smile and gave Xiao Ming a big hug.

Xiao Ming was holding a beautifully wrapped gift box, his face beaming with smiles: "Xiaoyue, Yuxuan, happy birthday! This is the gift I prepared for you."

"Thank you, Xiao Ming. Come in quickly. There are many fun things waiting for you!" Lin Yuxuan took the gift and greeted him warmly.

Xiao Ming's mother smiled and said to the two little protagonists: "You are so handsome today. I wish you a happy birthday and have fun!"

"Thank you, Auntie, we will!" The two children answered in unison, then pulled Xiao Ming into the living room, leaving the adults talking outside the door.

Soon, the doorbell rang again, and this time it was the sisters Xiaohong and Xiaoli downstairs. They were holding hands, each holding a colorful bag.

"Xiaoyue, Yuxuan, we are here!" Xiaohong shouted as soon as she entered the door, her voice clear and pleasant.

"Welcome, welcome! The gifts you gave look great!" Lei Xiaoyue's eyes lit up, she took the bag and looked at it curiously.

Xiaoli smiled shyly: "This is our own handicraft, I hope you like it."

"Of course I like it, thank you!" Lin Yuxuan said gratefully, and then led them to join the game that was already in progress.

In the living room, the children's laughter echoed. They sat together and took turns opening their gifts. Each time they opened one, they were met with exclamations and applause. Lei Xiaoyue and Lin Yuxuan's faces were always filled with happy smiles. They cherished every blessing from their friends.

As the guests gradually arrived, the party officially reached its climax. Lei Xiaoyue suggested playing hide-and-seek, and everyone agreed. Children ran around the room, their laughter filling the air.

While looking for a hider, Lei Xiaoyue quietly came to the balcony and found Xiao Ming sitting alone in the corner, looking a little lonely.

"Xiao Ming, why don't you play with everyone?" Lei Xiaoyue asked softly and sat next to him.

Xiao Ming looked down at the game console in his hand and said softly, "Actually, I'm a little nervous. I'm afraid I won't play well and everyone will laugh at me."

Lei Xiaoyue patted his shoulder and said gently, "Don't worry, we are playing together. Winning or losing is not important. Having fun is the most important thing. Besides, you are very good at playing games. Everyone knows it."

Hearing this, Xiao Ming looked up at Lei Xiaoyue, a glint in his eyes: "Really? Then I'll try."

The two returned to the game together. Xiao Ming seemed more confident and cheerful, and quickly integrated into the group.

After the games, it was time for delicious cake and snacks. Lei Xiaoyue and Lin Yuxuan's parents brought the carefully prepared cake to the table, and the children sat around and sang birthday songs, creating a warm and sweet atmosphere.

"Make a wish!" Under everyone's urging, Lei Xiaoyue and Lin Yuxuan closed their eyes, silently made a wish, and then blew out the candles together.

When cutting the cake, Lei Xiaoyue specially cut an extra piece for Xiao Ming and handed it to him, saying: "This is for you. You are the bravest today. I hope every wish of yours will come true."

Xiao Ming took the cake, his eyes slightly red, and said gratefully: "Thank you, Xiao Yue, this is the happiest party I have ever had."

Lin Yuxuan also sent his best wishes to each of his friends. He said: "With you all, our birthday is so perfect. I hope we will always be good friends."

Xiaohong held Xiaoli's hand and turned around to say to them: "I am really happy today. Thank you, happy birthday!"

Xiao Ming hugged them tightly and said, "Next time it's my birthday, you must come too!"

Lei Xiaoyue and Lin Yuxuan smiled and nodded, their hearts filled with gratitude and happiness. They knew that these simple and pure joys would become the most precious memories of their childhood.

As the last ray of sunlight disappeared over the horizon, the lights in the house remained warm, illuminating the contented smiles of the two children. They smiled at each other and silently made a wish: May we be able to spend this day with our friends every year, so that this friendship and joy may continue forever.

"Tomorrow, let's go downstairs and play games together, okay?" Lei Xiaoyue asked softly.

"Of course, every day is fine!" Lin Yuxuan agreed readily. The laughter of the two echoed in the room again, bringing a perfect end to this wonderful day.