After the divorce, my second-married military officer husband doted on me

"Happy birthday to you!"

"Happy birthday to you!"

"Happy birthday to you!" Jiang Nuan sang a birthday song softly while holding a cake in her hand. Gu Siheng and Gu Hong followed behind her with gifts in their hands.

There were 17 candles on the cake, and the faint candlelight illuminated the faces of the three of them in the darkness, making their outlines blurry.

Gu Minglei stared at the three of them walking towards him in disbelief, his lips trembling, "Grandpa, uncle, aunt, you..."

Gu Minglei had forgotten that today was his birthday.

In previous years, his parents would spend this day with him, book a state-owned restaurant, and entertain relatives and friends.

But this year, he thought that no one would remember his birthday after his parents had an accident.

did not expect……

While he was stunned, Jiang Nuan came to him with a cake in her hands and said with a gentle smile, "Minglei, happy birthday!"

"Close your eyes and make a wish. This cake was bought for you by your uncle."

Gu Hong looked at him kindly, "Minglei, happy birthday. This is a gift from grandpa." Gu Hong handed a beautifully packaged box to Gu Minglei.

Gu Siheng raised the corner of his mouth slightly, and handed him the gift in his hand, "Happy birthday, I wish you grow one year older."

Gu Minglei's eyes were moist and he blinked hard a few times. With red eyes, he took the gifts from Gu Siheng and Gu Hong and said in a choked voice, "Thank you."

He thought no one remembered his birthday this year, but unexpectedly both his grandfather and uncle remembered it.

Jiang Nuan urged him, "Minglei, make a wish and blow out the candles."

None of the three of them mentioned Gu Minglei's parents. They looked at him with a faint smile, and the look in their eyes was the love of an elder for a younger person, not pity.

Gu Minglei closed his eyes as the three of them waited, clasped his hands together and silently made a wish.

When he opened his eyes and blew out the candle, the lights in the room suddenly came on.

After Gu Minglei blew out the candles, Jiang Nuan placed the cake on his desk and said, "Come on, cut the cake and wish our Minglei another year older."

At the age of seventeen, you have burning dreams and your eyes are full of stars.

May you meet good teachers and friends, encounter beautiful scenery, and all your efforts be rewarded. Happy birthday."

Gu Hong continued Jiang Nuan's words and said, "Minglei, you are now standing halfway up the mountain of youth, with sparkling dreams above you and steady steps below you.

This year, Grandpa wishes you more joy and no worries. May your heart be filled with warmth and sunshine, fearless of the long road ahead. May you have an umbrella on rainy days and a light on dark days, keeping you warm through the three winters... Happy 17th birthday to you.

Gu Siheng patted his shoulder, "17 years old is a transformation of growth and the starting point of progress. I hope that in the days ahead, you will be like bamboo shoots that have broken through the ground, rising step by step and constantly surpassing yourself. I hope that in this journey of youth, you will continue to hone yourself, grow in wisdom, and gain courage. May your path of growth be filled with flowers. Happy birthday, and may you always maintain your love for life and your thirst for knowledge!"

No matter when or where you are, you must always remember your original intention, be grateful, and live a different life for yourself."

Gu Minglei listened to the three of them's heartfelt blessings and their expectations for him, tears welling up in his eyes.

What they said were all expectations for his future and the hope that he would become successful.

In the past, my parents would only say, "Happy birthday! Today is your birthday and you are the most important. Your parents will satisfy whatever you want..."

They only spoil him and give him money, and never guide him to learn to be grateful and self-reliant.

He took a deep breath and choked with gratitude, "Thank you!"

“Thank you for not giving up on me because of my parents.

I will definitely study hard and become a responsible, capable and upright man in the future.

I will definitely not let down my grandfather, uncle, and aunt’s expectations.”

Gu Hong was very pleased that his grandson was not as selfish and narrow-minded as his son.

"Come on, cut the cake quickly. Grandpa believes you can do it."

Jiang Nuan helped him put away his homework, "Studying is important, but we must learn to balance work and rest.

I heard from your grandfather that you often study in the middle of the night.

Minglei, you are now in the second year of high school, and it is still a long time before the college entrance examination. As long as you complete the tasks assigned by your tutor on time every day and thoroughly understand the knowledge he teaches, there is still enough time in more than a year. You don't have to study all night every day.

Your body can't handle such long and intensive study."

Gu Siheng, "Your aunt is right. More haste, less speed. Adjust your mindset, get enough sleep every day, and stay alert so you can study harder."

Gu Minglei nodded, "I understand. I will adjust the time later."

Gu Siheng tried his best to influence Gu Minglei, hoping that he would achieve something when he grew up.

Gu Hong had two sons, one was gone and the other disappointed him deeply. Although he didn't say it, Gu Siheng knew that he was actually very painful in his heart.

Gu Hong has been very good to him over the years, and he doesn't want the Gu family to fall into decline.

Gu Changsheng's son can still be saved. He hopes to train him into a talented person so that Gu Hong can have some comfort in his later years.

……

Gu Minglei's birthday this year was simple and warm, without the extravagance and luxury of previous years, but he felt it was the most meaningful year.

Because of his birthday this year, he learned to be grateful, clarified the dreams he wanted to pursue, and understood how he should be a responsible, caring and loving person in the future.

In the future, he wants to be a man who stands tall and upright like his uncle, protecting the country outside and the family at home.

……

the next day.

The teahouse was bustling with activity.

Outside the teahouse, there was a faded sign hanging on the door, and a big red word "Tea" was pasted on the wooden framed glass.

The shop is neat and clean, with several octagonal tables and long benches, where guests sit around eating melon seeds and chatting. An old-fashioned tape recorder in the corner hums opera music, and amid the humming sounds, the tea waiter carries a long-spouted kettle and shuttles around, pouring boiling hot tea precisely into the cups, steaming hot, and the whole place is filled with the aroma of life.

At this time, Lu Ting was holding a small handbag and wearing a beige coat. The corners of the coat were unrestrained and fluttered in the wind when she walked. She was wearing a simple solid-color dress underneath. The hem of the dress just reached her knees, revealing her slender calves.

Her slightly curly black hair was casually and fluffy draped behind her head, and she wore an exquisite red-edged headband on her head. A few strands of hair hung down by her ears, which matched her baby face, making her look playful and cute.

The exquisite leather shoes on her feet tapped the ground, and every step she took was fashionable and stylish.

As soon as she entered the teahouse, she looked around for someone.

Huo Qiming was sitting in an inconspicuous corner of the teahouse. Seeing Lu Ting walk in with a swift breeze, he waved at her, "Lu Ting, this way..."

Lu Ting came over following his voice and sat down opposite him casually.

"What do you want from me? Why do you have to meet me at a teahouse?"

When Huo Qiming saw her fashionable and stylish outfit, a dark light flashed in his eyes, and then he poured her a cup of tea.

"Have some tea to calm your nerves first, or I'm afraid what I'm going to say will make you furious."

Lu Ting was very curious. "What's so mysterious about this? I'll be furious if I find out!"

Do I look like someone with a bad temper to you?"

Huo Qiming wore a navy blue business suit with a white shirt underneath and a pair of silver-framed glasses. He looked modest and gentle like a gentleman.

He briefly talked about Gu Siheng's family's visit to the Huo family yesterday to propose marriage, and then asked, "I want to be the best man at my sister's wedding. Can you be my bridesmaid?"

Lu Ting was furious when she heard this, and her voice instantly rose, "What did you say?"

"You want me to be a bridesmaid at their wedding?"