When spring arrived and flowers bloomed, Liu Jiu turned eighteen.

Gu Ye and Bao Ni didn't have a big celebration; their family simply had a quiet but solemn one.

Actually, Liu Jiu's birthday had already passed several days ago. That day wasn't a day off, and she couldn't leave school. Today is a belated birthday celebration.

"Here, Liu Jiu, this is your aunt's birthday present."

"Thank you, Auntie!"

Liu Jiu touched the beautiful long dress. Most of the dresses she had since childhood were gifts from her aunt, and Liu Jiu remembered them all.

"This is a birthday present from your mom and dad."

Gu Ye and Bao Ni gave her a sharp dagger, which was Gu Ye's trophy and Liu Jiu had always liked.

"You really gave it to me, and you don't regret it?"

"No regrets, as long as my daughter likes it. Before, you were too young, and this dagger was too sharp."

Gu Ye looked at the graceful Liu Jiu and felt a pang of sadness. She would be leaving home in just a few years to go to someone else's house. He glared at Mu Nanfang standing next to Liu Jiu.

Mu Nanfang looked up and saw his future father-in-law's fierce eyes. He understood everything, so he touched his nose and pretended not to understand.

Xuan Yi gave Liu Jiu a picture book containing ten different styles of clothing illustrations.

"Liu Jiu, this is my gift, ten different outfits. I'll make them for you whenever you need them."

"Thank you, Second Brother!"

"Mom, Liu Jiu called me brother again. It's been so many years since I heard her call me brother."

The slightest bit of emotion that Liu Jiu felt vanished instantly; Gu Xuanyi was still Gu Xuanyi!

Aunt Gu slapped her son, saying, "Why are you so noisy? You have no sense of composure at all."

"Sister, this is a gift for you."

Sanqi took out the box containing the airplane model and opened it.

"Ah! Sanqi, how did you get this? This is... this is a model of a fighter jet!"

Liu Jiu carefully picked it up and examined it closely from all 360 degrees.

"Sanqi, thank you, I like it very much."

"I'm glad you like it. This is Uncle Mu's thank-you gift, which I specifically requested."

"Mmm, mmm, that's nice, that's nice."

Liu Jiu stared intently at the model; this was no ordinary airplane model, but a simulated fighter jet model.

Sanqi glanced at Mu Nanfang, her expression unreadable.

Mu Nanfang thought to himself, "Do you know how hard it is for me? My father-in-law is glaring and snarling at me, and my brother-in-law keeps provoking me. I'm determined to have a daughter someday, so I can experience what it's like to be a father-in-law."

Gu Xuanyu is out of town and can't come back, but he sent a gift back, which hasn't arrived yet.

Commander Mu also showed his appreciation by gifting a set of videotapes—foreign military-themed videotapes. Although not the originals, they were still quite valuable.

Mu's mother also gave her a set of clothes, a denim outfit, which was recommended by Mu Jiaojiao.

Finally, it was Mu Nanfang's gift. Sanqi and Gu Xuanyi were watching it closely, which also made Xuanhao mischievous, constantly clamoring to see Brother Nanfang's gift.

"Liu Jiu, this is a comprehensive guide to computer knowledge that I've compiled for you, along with a videotape. My study abroad application was approved; I'll receive my diploma in July and leave in mid-August."

I will study hard and try to graduate as soon as possible. Wait for me to come back. Watch the videotape yourself; I recorded some words for you.

"I understand. Don't push yourself too hard. I'll wait for you to come back."

Liu Jiu finally understood her own feelings. She liked Mu Nanfang, and it was the kind of liking a woman has for a man, not the liking of a partner or friend. She understood the difference.

"Okay, you have to wait for me to come back, and don't get too close to Brother Pine Tree and Sister Poplar Tree."

Mu Nanfang also learned about the existence of the Bai siblings later from Aunt Gu's conversations.

"I know, they'll laugh at us later."

"Don't be afraid of them laughing at us. Single people have no right to laugh at us."

Did Mu Nanfang not see his brother-in-law and his younger brother's grinning mouths, showing off their teeth, making their teeth look whiter?

Gu Ye and Bao Ni felt happy watching the children laughing and playing.

“Bonnie, let’s go cook and let them play by themselves. Nanfang is really capable; he’s going to study abroad now. He must have a lot to say to Liu Jiu.”

"Sigh, there's nothing we can do even if we're reluctant. We should study when we're old enough, and do the right thing at the right age so that we can have a better life in the future. We can't put the cart before the horse."

Bonnie knew it was a little unpleasant to separate the two girls who had just begun to deepen their relationship. She could sense that her daughter was just beginning to understand feelings between men and women, because her eyes had changed.

“You’re right. They’re still young, especially Liu Jiu, who hasn’t even graduated from university yet. It’s good this way. Being apart for a while and missing each other will make them cherish their relationship even more.”

Sister-in-law Gu was filled with envy, hoping that her sons Xuanyu and Xuanyi could also meet suitable partners.

In the evening, Bao Ni's uncle brought over several elaborate dishes, and Bao Ni's aunt even made a pair of embroidered shoes for Liu Jiu. Lin Nan and her husband also prepared gifts, and Gu Wei's wife also came over with gifts for the children.

This birthday of Liu Jiu was both simple and warm. With her parents and siblings by her side, and with the person she loved by her side, nothing else mattered.

After a sumptuous dinner and blowing out eighteen birthday candles, Liu Jiu made a wish in her heart.

After my birthday on June 9th, time flew by. Before I knew it, willow catkins were flying everywhere, cherry blossoms were pink, peach blossoms were red, and pear blossoms were white...

"Sister-in-law, how do you plan to renovate the courtyard house?"

"We need to thoroughly clean everything up. The drains need to be unclogged, and the rooms need to be repainted. The windows need to be replaced, and the furniture needs to be repaired. Not to mention, your older brother's study needs to be tidied up properly."

This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!