To make up for the debt owed to Lin Qingping and Gu Juncheng

Lin Qingping didn't make a big fuss, so dinner that night consisted only of her, Zhiyuan, and Zhangzhu. In addition, she invited Gu Youlian, Xiaomai, and Sister Zhao, who had always been like family to her.

Sister Zhao was introduced to Lin Qingping by the Wu family. She was not a local of the capital; she came to the capital to work as a nanny. Later, when Lin Qingping needed her, the Wu family introduced her to her.

For so many years, Sister Zhao has been earning money in the capital, while her husband and children are all in their hometown, waiting for her to send money back home. They don't come to the capital to live with her, and Sister Zhao only goes back to the capital for the Spring Festival. In fact, Sister Zhao, Lin Qingping, and Gu Youlian are as close as family.

Therefore, Zhiyuan's birthday is just like having a meal with his family.

Sister Zhao and Gu Youlian arrived early to help. Xiaomai, who was on holiday and had nothing to do at home, also came over. Zhangzhu pulled her into the room and they did something.

Zhiyuan came back after get off work.

With the family all present, Lin Qingping called for dinner to be served, only to find that while everyone was sitting neatly at the table, one person was missing.

"Where's Qingtian? Zhangzhu, didn't you say you informed her?" Lin Qingping asked.

“I did notify them, but Sister Qingtian texted me saying she has class tonight and won’t be coming.” Zhangzhu pointed to her phone.

Lin Qingping glanced at Zhiyuan, "Alright, let's eat then."

Lin Qingping didn't order a cake from a cake factory; she made it herself at home. Even now that it's time to eat, the house still smells of baking cake.

Zhiyuan made a wish, blew out the candles, and the whole family sang "Happy Birthday" together, celebrating a lively birthday. Zhiyuan is another year older now.

"Congratulations to Zhiyuan on turning thirty!" Lin Qingping clapped.

Zhiyuan choked for a moment, "Mom, it's 29."

"What's the difference?" Lin Qingping said to him, "He's thirty-one years old (by the traditional Chinese age reckoning)."

Zhiyuan: ...

“Brother, stop talking. If you keep talking, Mom will say you’re almost forty,” Zhangzhu added.

Zhiyuan: ...

Actually, it wasn't just Zhiyuan who was mentioned; Xiaomai was about the same age, and even Qingtian, who wasn't here today, was the same age.

When girls reach this age, many parents start urging them to get married and arranging various blind dates. However, Xiaomai and Qingtian were not pressured to get married. This was because their mothers had both experienced the hardships of marriage and did not oppose or persuade them to get married. They only hoped that their daughters would be independent and happy.

After finishing his meal, Zhiyuan went out, but he didn't go anywhere with Lin Qingping.

Actually, it wasn't just his family who remembered his birthday today, but also Wan Xuening.

Wan Xuening confronted him at the hospital, wanting to treat him to a meal and give him a birthday gift, but he politely declined.

Wan Xuening insisted on giving him a stone, and even stretched out her hand to show him, looking aggrieved, that her nails and fingers were broken from polishing the stone.

This was the first time Zhiyuan had encountered something like this. He felt more pressure than anything else about Wan Xuening's enthusiasm—being liked by someone you don't like is not a happy thing.

Moreover, since he didn't like her, he felt he shouldn't give her any hope. It would be better for everyone if he cut off her hopes as soon as possible. So, no matter how aggrieved Wan Xuening felt, he always refused her with a cold face and kept his distance from him.

Wan Xuening chased after him and shouted, "Do you like that country bumpkin who gave you the stone? The one we met at dinner last time? She's not as pretty as me!"

Zhiyuan turned around and said, "Whether she is beautiful or ordinary, she is the best person in my heart."