Rong Xiao and Zhao Jiequn presented a gift: a polka-dot masterpiece by the Polka Dot Queen.
This kind of artwork is loved by some and overwhelmed by others. Xue Qiandai belongs to the former category.
"Xiao Xiao understands me best." He casually handed the painting to Qin Shu. "Senior Brother Qin, could you please frame it when you have time? Oh, just hang it in the studio on the first floor."
Qin Shu, the laborer and tool, grumbled and complained to express his dissatisfaction.
Rong Xiao was very pleased with himself. "The important person is making a grand entrance last. Now, shall we cut the cake?"
There was one person who didn't give a gift: Ji Jiaying.
Ji Jiaying's gift was a sketchbook, entirely hand-drawn, depicting only infants under 100 days old. After that, she left and never drew any more.
Xue Qiandai held the sketchbook, her eyelashes fluttering. Her mother had drawn her. "Mom, I really like it."
Thinking of the debt she owed Xue Qiandai, Ji Jiaying blinked, her eyes welling up with tears.
Huo Yunchao said with a smile, "Now I finally know where Dai Dai's artistic talent comes from. It turns out that Auntie is such a good painter!"
Upon hearing him call her "Auntie," Rong Xiao was the first to object, "Is it so hard to change how you address someone? Still calling me 'Auntie'? If you're so capable, then keep calling me 'Auntie'!"
That's really awkward.
"Time to cut the cake!" Xue Qiandai held a plastic knife and pretended to hit Rong Xiao on the head. Zhao Jiequn inadvertently pulled Rong Xiao over to protect his teammate.
Xue Qiandai simply smiled.
After cutting the cake, everyone shared it. Xue Qiandai turned on the vintage phonograph, inserted the vinyl record Qin Shu had given her, and chatted while listening to the music.
The birthday celebrant announced, "Next is ballroom dancing time. You may invite a partner to dance with you."
Qin Shu responded immediately, supporting Jian Yan's waist and jumping up.
If it were Rong Xiao, he would have invited Xue Qiandai, but now that Consort Dai is cherished in his heart, he has found a new sight in his eyes.
The outstretched hand was slapped away, and Zhao Jiening threw down a single sentence: "You cunning fox, you dead fox, you stinking fox!"
Lan Shan quickly pulled Zhao Jiening away, saying, "You teach me to dance."
Zhao Jiequn shrugged. "This is just the first hurdle. There will be many more challenges ahead. Do you have the guts to take them on?"
Rong Xiao immediately cursed: "Whoever backs down is a coward!"
The music was beautiful, the time was peaceful, and people danced gracefully in the living room.
The doorbell rang again.
This time, the person who came was Zhao Sheng, who was holding a large bouquet of flowers.
*
The champagne is empty, the party is over.
In the courtyard, Zhao Sheng and Xue Qiandai stood facing each other.
"Dai Dai, happy birthday!" Zhao Sheng looked visibly haggard, suggesting that he hadn't had a good time in the past.
"If you don't come and spoil the fun, I'll be happier!" Xue Qiandaiyu said coldly, without any politeness.
"Dai Dai, we are family. No matter what, we should be happy together."
When Zhao Sheng uttered those very Hong Kong-style words, Xue Qiandai felt nauseous.
“I don’t want to claim kinship with Mr. Zhao. My father is Xue Jingnian, the man you sent to prison. I didn’t pursue the matter because of my mother and Mr. Zhao. Please know when to stop and don’t be greedy.”
Zhao Sheng stepped forward, his heart full of sincerity. "Dai Dai, whether you admit it or not, my blood flows in your veins, that's a fact. The reason I didn't acknowledge you was because of the promise I made to Xue Jingnian back then. He granted my and Jia Ying's wish and retained custody of you. And now, no one can stop our family from being reunited."
What an eloquent speaker!
Xue Qiandai's inner fire burned even brighter, almost raging.
"Did anyone consult me about what you did back then?" Xue Qiandai's eyes reddened. "I'll ask you again, where were you when I was kidnapped? What did you do? Where did Hua Se's money come from? Where did Hua Se's people come from? They not only kidnapped me, stabbing me in the abdomen with a knife, the blood flowing and freezing; they also injured my Mr. Huo, almost turning him into a vegetable. And what about you? You colluded with Hua Se, did you think I was too stupid to know?"
Zhao Sheng snorted, his superior authority naturally evident. "Hmph, Hua Se thought she could intimidate me with the evidence left by her father, so I played along. That's why she's dead, and I've avenged you. I didn't know she was after you at first; I just went along with it and took the opportunity to wipe you out. No one in this world can threaten me, and no one will ever harm you again."
Xue Qiandai glanced sideways at this elder she had once respected, seeing what an ugly face she had. "Are you done? You can leave now!"
“Dai Dai!” Zhao Sheng remained unmoved. “If you miss your mother, I have no objection to you living with her. But could your mother come home occasionally? We’ve lived together for many years…”
"Can't bear to part?" Xue Qiandai's reply was utterly firm. "My mother has been with you for twenty-two years, and during that time you haven't let me see her even once. Fine, for the next twenty-two years, give my mother back to me. That's fair. If you insist on not doing so, then let's see what your mother chooses."
Zhao Sheng knew perfectly well that Ji Jiaying would choose Dai Dai, as she had made it clear when she and Dai Dai went home. Her choice was both compensation and atonement.
"Dai Dai, do we really have to go to such extremes?"
“Yes, my heart is made of stone. If you don’t want me to hate you even more, hand over Tiansheng Capital to Zhao Jiequn and step down.” Xue Qiandai had her back to him, her back straight, as imposing as an abyss, leaving no room for doubt.
Is this the end for him? Is he retiring early and spending money to play the game?
"If this makes you feel better, I agree."
For a moment, Zhao Sheng seemed to age; his gaze was no longer sharp, and he looked like a pitiful old man.
Xue Qiandai smiled, thinking of his father in prison.
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