Chapter 102 Birthday Gift

Does she really like Sheng Tingzhou?

She couldn't tell the difference, nor could she explain it clearly.

All she knew was that whenever she was in trouble...

That man always appears, without a word.

She used to be afraid of him, afraid of his overly calm eyes, afraid of his merciless accusations.

Seeing her silence, Zhou Yuze assumed it was tacit agreement.

He swallowed hard, raised his hand, and gently touched the top of her head.

"Zhiwei, you two are not a good match."

The hand rested on her hair, trembling slightly.

“He’s from the Sheng family. He’s been pampered since he was a child. He has a wild temper and never follows the rules. I’m afraid you’ll suffer if you’re with him.”

He didn't want to break them up.

But he couldn't bear to watch her walk down a path that might be full of thorns.

Sheng Tingzhou is a chosen one of heaven.

She was the Zhou family's stepdaughter, a situation of great disparity and hardship.

He was afraid she would get hurt, afraid she would cry.

Song Zhiwei felt as if something was blocking her throat, and she couldn't utter a single word.

She wanted to argue that she didn't need anyone else to decide her happiness.

But the words just wouldn't come out.

She knew Zhou Yuze was doing it for her own good.

But this kind of "goodness" made her feel suffocated.

Yes, she is just the Zhou family's stepdaughter.

Now that things have turned so sour with the Zhou family, how could she possibly be worthy of someone of Sheng Tingzhou's status?

She gave a bitter smile, her eyes dimming.

She never intended to curry favor with anyone, but reality repeatedly reminded her of that.

She doesn't belong to that world.

The Sheng family is a top-tier wealthy family.

She couldn't even gain a foothold in the Zhou family.

What makes her think she can be with Sheng Tingzhou?

"I know."

Zhou Yuze felt a pang of heartache when he saw her like this.

I guessed what she was thinking, and I felt even worse.

“I’m not saying you’re not good enough for him,” he said in a low voice. “I just feel that his temperament doesn’t suit you.”

He didn't want her to feel inferior, nor did he want her to feel rejected.

"You should find someone gentler, someone who can coax you and indulge you."

He wished that person was himself.

But he dared not hope for it.

He knew his own personality: cold, stubborn, and not good with words.

He couldn't give her sweet words or romantic surprises.

She suffered too much from a young age.

Now all he wants is for her to be able to relax and be happy.

He remembered the first time she came to the Zhou family home, she was wearing a faded school uniform and stood at the door with her head down.

At that time, Zhou Yuze thought that if possible, he hoped that she could smile more brightly in the future.

Song Zhiwei neither spoke nor nodded, but suddenly opened her mouth.

"Uncle, if you don't have anything else, you can go now. I'm really tired."

She didn't even look up after saying that.

I don't know when it started.

When I saw him, I no longer felt the same anticipation as before; all that remained was an indescribable heaviness in my heart.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuze was stunned.

He opened his mouth, as if to say something more.

But seeing her pale face and bloodless lips, he swallowed his words.

"Then you should rest well. Call me if anything happens."

"etc."

Song Zhiwei seemed to remember something.

She turned and went into the bedroom, her footsteps so light they barely made a sound.

A moment later, she came out, holding the gemstone in her hands.

It is entirely azure blue and crystal clear.

She handed it to him, her arm trembling slightly.

"Uncle, here you go."

She won't take what isn't hers.

No matter how precious or dazzling it may be, it doesn't belong to her.

Zhou Yuze was taken aback, his gaze suddenly freezing on the gemstone.

His gaze lingered, a hint of shock flashing in his eyes.

"Listen to me... this matter is something your uncle has wronged you about."

"Actually... it's nothing."

She smiled, but it was a faint smile.

"I understand why you saved Qiao Yiqing."

She spoke calmly, even with a hint of understanding and empathy.

But the more this happened, the more Zhou Yuze's heart ached as if it were being torn apart.

She simply could never go back.

The little girl who used to snuggle into his arms has quietly disappeared into the dust of time.

Looking at the distance in her eyes, Zhou Yuze felt as if his heart had been squeezed tightly.

He hates her the way she is now.

I dislike her calmness, I dislike her politeness.

In the past, Song Zhiwei would smile whenever she saw him, her eyes shining like stars.

She loved telling him everything, from little things at school to her deepest secrets; she wanted to lay her whole heart bare for him.

But now, she's becoming quieter and quieter.

She spoke less and less, smiled less and less, and even glancing at him required careful consideration.

Is it because of Sheng Tingzhou?

Or is it because of myself?

His lips were pressed tightly together, his brows furrowed deeply, and he stared at her for a long time.

Finally, he asked, "Zhiwei, are you... blaming me?"

If he hadn't agreed to the marriage alliance with the Qiao family, Qiao Yiqing wouldn't exist.

He saved her not only because she was a daughter of the Qiao family, but also because he felt guilty.

He was the one who personally dragged her into this arranged marriage.

Now that he sees her being taken away by Sheng Tingzhou and nearly suffering irreparable harm, he cannot stand idly by.

"No."

She shook her head, managing a weak upward curve to her lips.

"Uncle, I really understand you, don't blame yourself."

She spoke of it casually, as if it were all really unimportant.

Zhou Yuze didn't say anything more, but just looked at her quietly, his gaze slowly sweeping over her eyebrows and eyes.

After a long silence, he said nothing, letting the silence fill the room.

"Take this gem."

"I really...don't want it."

Zhou Yuce stared at the sapphire, remaining silent for a few seconds, his gaze complex and unreadable.

Finally, he spoke in a low voice.

"Take it. I originally intended to buy it as a birthday gift for you."

Song Zhiwei was stunned, completely unexpected that he would say that.

Her eyes widened, her pupils trembling slightly.

We'd been planning to give it to her for a while now?

That feeling had actually been brewing quietly for so long?

"I'll give Sheng Tingzhou something else."

He continued speaking.

"You don't need to feel sorry for him."

As soon as he finished speaking, he didn't wait for her to respond or give her any time to react.

He turned around and left.

Song Zhiwei stared at his retreating figure, remaining motionless for a long time.

She pursed her lips again and again, her teeth gently biting her lower lip, almost sinking into her flesh.

Finally, she slowly and very gently placed the gem back in its place.

The corner of that carved wooden table was so quiet it seemed as if it had never been touched.

At noon, Sheng Tingzhou, wearing a black velvet bathrobe and slippers, sauntered in through the door.

He hadn't even changed his shoes, and his steps were dragging.

The sunlight slanted across the living room window, casting a pale golden edge on his shoulder.

He slumped lazily onto the sofa, sinking into the soft cushions.

He didn't even bother to open his eyelids, only vaguely asking, "What are we having for lunch?"

What would you like to eat?

Song Zhiwei's voice was very soft.

She sat in a single chair by the window, holding a cup of tea that had long since gone cold.

"What's wrong? Your uncle came to see you this morning, and he upset you?"

Sheng Tingzhou turned his head to the side and slightly raised his eyelids.

How did you know?

She was taken aback, her tone revealing surprise.

That matter... clearly no one knows about it.