As the daughter of the Cheng family, Cheng Zhili's birthday is celebrated in a grand manner every year. Not only are the Cheng family's business partners invited, but the media is also invited to promote Cheng Zhili.

However, Cheng Zhili was very sad. Wenwen was clearly her best friend, but she couldn't invite her.

"I'm sorry, Wenwen, the invitations were all sent by Mom."

"It's alright." Because Wenwen knew her friend's family situation well, she didn't blame her at all.

"Let me tell you a little secret: Mom and I have prepared birthday presents for you!"

Cheng Zhili's eyes widened in surprise: "Did Auntie prepare something for me too?"

"Hmm, Mom said it's a coincidence that we share the same birthday. Do you want to guess what it is?"

"A bracelet? A hair clip? Or a doll?" These are the most common gifts Cheng Zhili can think of that people give to girls her age.

"You guessed half right." Then Wenwen sent over a photo, "How is it? Does it look good? Ours is a pair."

The photo shows two exquisite little jade stones with auspicious cloud patterns that add the finishing touch. Cheng Zhili liked them at first sight. Although she has many precious gemstones, she swore that these two in the photo were the most pleasing to her eye.

"Is this Hetian jade? It's incredibly precious!"

“Mom said no, it’s a relatively new type of gemstone. You know, my mom even carved the cloud patterns on it herself!” Wenwen proudly boasted.

Cheng Zhili was genuinely surprised: "Auntie actually has such excellent carving skills!"

“My mom is amazing. This little jade is even more beautiful in person than in the photo. I’ll bring it to you tonight.”

"Okay, I also have a gift for you, Wenwen. Can you tell me when Auntie's birthday is? I'd like to give her a gift then too."

"Zhili, Mom gave you the gift because she likes you. You don't need to think about giving a gift back or feel guilty."

"It's not a psychological burden, I genuinely like Auntie, Wenwen, please tell me."

"Okay then, actually Mom's birthday is in a month..."

While making pastries, Song Xia watched her daughter and Zhili chat. Not knowing what flavors Zhili liked, she made a small cream cake and a small red velvet cake, both only the size of a palm, so they wouldn't be too heavy to eat.

That evening, she drove Wenwen to the villa. Cheng Zhili, keeping track of the time, told Yu Peiyan that they wanted to take a walk in the neighborhood.

Yu Peiyan had no suspicions, and besides, the banquet was tomorrow, and there were still many things to inform and prepare, so she waved her hand and agreed.

With Xiao Queyue in tow, Cheng Zhili walked towards the entrance of the villa area under Cheng Zhibo's suspicious gaze.

This area is an old villa district in the city. The surrounding area is very prosperous, but this place is unique in that it is shaded by jade trees and has a quiet life. Those who can live here are all rich and noble.

The two girls were very excited to meet, and Song Xia also got out of the car to greet Cheng Zhili.

Cheng Zhili hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward and hugged her: "Thank you, Aunt Song, for coming all the way to give me a birthday present."

Song Xia gently patted her back twice: "You'll be fourteen after tonight, Zhili. Auntie wishes you health and happiness forever."

Cheng Zhili felt that Aunt Song's embrace was very warm and her voice was very gentle. She even felt a little reluctant to leave.

"Let's see if you like the gift your aunt gave you."

When I opened the box, it was indeed as Wenwen had said on the phone: the actual product looked much better than the photos. Although it was cool to the touch, it didn't feel icy. In the late autumn season, it was even quite comfortable to wear around my neck.

Whether it was her imagination or she felt Aunt Song's good intentions, she felt that her mindset had broadened and she was no longer so depressed.

Because Wenwen is easygoing, she didn't have the same strong feelings as Cheng Zhili; she just thought it looked good.

“We’ll have matching jewelry now.” She pulled Cheng Zhili to take a picture together, and then Cheng Zhili pulled Song Xia in. The three of them looked at the camera with bright smiles.

"Come on, have some cakes. Auntie made these herself." Each cake had a candle on it. Song Xia lit them, and Wenwen and Cheng Zhili held hands, made a silent wish, and then blew them out together.

Cheng Zhili swore that this was the happiest birthday she had ever had since she could remember. She didn't have to worry about anything, entertain guests, fake smiles, or constantly worry about doing something wrong and embarrassing her family. This was her own birthday, a simple wish and blowing out a candle.

But thinking about it this way, she felt guilty. Her parents had given her the best life and the best education, and she didn't know how to be grateful. How could she be so cold-blooded?

In a moment of low spirits, Cheng Zhili felt as if a gentle breeze had swept over her, clearing her mind considerably.

She wasn't blaming her parents; she loves them very much. Perhaps every family has a different way of getting along, and their family's circumstances dictated that their birthday celebrations were conducted in this way.

"Wenwen, this is for you."

"What is it?" Wenwen was really curious. When she opened it, she was surprised to find a small crystal bear. "It even has my initials on it!"

Cheng Zhili knew that Wenwen really liked this style of bear, so she specially called the brand to order one.

"I'm glad you like it."

"I'm embarrassed to present my gift to you like this."

"Do we still need to be so formal between us? If that's the case, how am I supposed to repay Aunt Song for what she gave me?"

"Hehe." Wenwen chuckled. "The weather is about to change. This is a scarf I knitted myself. Zhili, it's for you."

The scarf was brown, soft and warm, and Cheng Zhili really liked it.

It must have been really tough on Wenwen. She's usually so carefree and doesn't seem to care about anything, yet she's learned such meticulous handicrafts. This scarf is so well-knitted; who knows how many others she's ruined before.

Even Song Xia was surprised. Wenwen took Song Xia's hand and said, "Mom, don't be jealous. I knitted one for you too."

"That's wonderful! Mom really needs a scarf!"

The three of them laughed and shared the two small cakes until it got a little darker, at which point Song Xia and Wenwen said their goodbyes.

"Goodbye, be careful." Cheng Zhili waved vigorously, filled with emotion, and prepared to go back, but when she turned around, she saw her brother walking out from behind the tree.

She nervously carried the box containing the scarf: "Brother, when did you arrive?"

Cheng Zhibo leaned lazily against the tree trunk: "This is your best friend?"

"Hmm." Her expression was both anxious and nervous.

Cheng Zhibo clicked his tongue and took the bag from her hand: "Let me carry it in for you, otherwise Mom will ask again."

Cheng Zhili breathed a sigh of relief: "Thank you, brother."