Wanqiu is turning eighteen.
This time, Chu Zhang didn't rush to leave after returning, because he was waiting to celebrate Wan Qiu's eighteenth birthday.
Unlike before when Wanqiu would simply invite his friends to celebrate his birthday, this coming-of-age birthday is very important.
Because of Wanqiu's special nature, Chu Jianshu and Yang Xiaoyu raised Wanqiu as a private treasure. Although they did not hide it, they did not make it public either.
However, Chu Jianshu and Yang Xiaoyu's identities cannot be equated with those of ordinary families with modest assets.
Wanqiu, who has now come of age and is gradually returning to normal, is ready to face the public.
Everyone should remember the appearance of the Chu family's beloved youngest son.
Now Wanqiu can enter the circle of rich second-generation.
It can also be popular among the masses.
However, they will also make sure to maintain a proper demeanor to prevent malicious people from taking advantage of them.
Not only were Chu Zhang and Yang Ze required to attend, but all the relatives and elders of the Chu and Yang families were also invited to participate in this coming-of-age banquet.
Everything was being prepared in full swing, and Chu Yigui also received information on the personnel who would be arriving this time.
Chu Yigui's task was to stay by Wan Qiu's side.
Chu Yigui, once an adopted son of the Chu family, was well-known to many people because of his outstanding abilities.
By placing Chu Yigui by Wan Qiu's side, the more they show their affection for Wan Qiu, the more protective Chu Yigui will be.
And Wanqiu...
I only found out a day in advance that my birthday celebration was going to be a very grand affair.
"Why?" Wan Qiu was bewildered and at a loss. "I don't know many people."
"These are all people Wanqiu doesn't know. It's not that you need to get to know them, it's that they need to get to know you in the future."
Chu Zhang was different from Yang Ze; he was an out-and-out, unrestrained fourth-generation rich kid, and he was much more arrogant than the others.
"Why do they need to know me?" Wan Qiu asked, puzzled.
"So that Wanqiu won't be bullied in the future?" Chu Zhang had Wanqiu try on the custom-made suit. "Oh my, how come our Wanqiu looks so cute in clothes? It's clearly a suit, clearly a suit!"
Looking at herself in the mirror, Wanqiu felt completely different from how she always felt wearing the loose school uniform.
"Why are they bullying me?" Wan Qiu didn't understand at all.
"It's for prevention," Chu Zhang said with a smile, helping Wan Qiu take off his suit jacket.
Seeing Wan Qiu's pale face filled with anxiety because she had no idea what to do at such a grand banquet, An Quan reached out and rubbed Wan Qiu's face.
"Then I can't invite my friends?" Wan Qiu hesitated.
"There's nothing we can do. Wanqiu took leave today to come back and celebrate her birthday, right? Everyone else has to go to class or work."
Wanqiu was a little disappointed.
"How should I entertain the guests?" Wan Qiu had already begun to think about what he should do once he accepted reality.
"No need, Wanqiu doesn't need to do anything, we've prepared everything."
Chu Zhang smiled, revealing a malicious grin in front of Wan Qiu.
"Tomorrow, Wanqiu will receive an unimaginable gift. Big brother has also prepared a wonderful gift for you. Wanqiu, you can look forward to it."
Wanqiu...
I'm very nervous.
What kind of birthday does he want to wear a suit for?
How grand is a birthday celebration where you don't have to do homework but still have to try on a little suit?
Why would a stranger come to his birthday party?
Why would they specifically take time off to celebrate their birthdays?
They returned to the villa, which was said to be so large that it could accommodate all those who came.
Can……
The villa is very, very big.
Wan Qiu belatedly began to feel nervous.
He went to the hall and saw that a considerable number of tables and chairs had already been set up.
There will be flower pots placed nearby; it is said that fresh cut flowers will be air-freighted in tomorrow, not handmade flowers.
The entire hall was sparkling clean, even cleaner than Wan Qiu's own small bedroom, which she had diligently cleaned herself.
When Wan Qiu saw the ground reflecting light under the lamp, he gasped.
Wanqiu went to the kitchen and saw that there were quite a few more chefs there, and they seemed to be talking about something.
Wanqiu went to see the maid, who was still cleaning even though it was so late and hadn't finished get off work yet.
Looking around, Wan Qiu felt so scared that his calves were trembling.
When Wan Qiu went to find Yang Ze, Yang Ze was trying on a suit.
When Wanqiu saw her tall, well-dressed second brother, her eyes widened in surprise.
Suddenly, I realized that my second brother could be even more imposing than usual.
"Wanqiu?" Yang Ze wanted to be in the best possible condition to celebrate Wanqiu's eighteenth birthday, so he not only tried on a suit but also styled his hair to see how it looked.
Wanqiu's eyes widened in disbelief.
A hint of embarrassment flashed across Yang Ze's face: "Isn't this a bit too much? It is indeed different from my usual self, but it's just that the occasion is different and we need to be more formal."
"Second Brother is very handsome." Wan Qiu said very seriously, but his voice was not so loud and unrestrained.
“But you look very scared.” Yang Ze was also somewhat at a loss.
"I've never seen my second brother like this before..." Wan Qiu felt a sense of oppression.
"It's alright, it won't happen often." Yang Ze bent down slightly, trying frantically to reassure Wan Qiu, who was somewhat frightened.
When Wan Qiu saw Yang Ze's face, which was extremely serious due to tension, his mind went blank for a moment.
"Is it...is it really that scary?" Yang asked hesitantly.
“But…it’s terrifyingly handsome,” Wan Qiu replied truthfully.
Yang Ze: "..."
"I...I'll go find Yi Gui."
Wan Qiu turned around and stiffly went to Chu Yigui's door to knock.
Yang was left frozen in place.
Upon hearing Chu Yigui open the door, Wan Qiu entered Chu Yigui's room.
Yang returned to his bedroom and looked at himself in the mirror.
He... does look a bit fierce, and this outfit really makes him look too intimidating.
Will it scare children?
But there are probably no children among the people who will come tomorrow.
To project an image that isn't easily disregarded in front of others, this kind of attire should be fine, right?
Yang sat in front of the mirror and stared at himself for a long time.
When Wan Qiu entered Chu Yigui's room, he immediately noticed a brand-new suit hanging to the side.
Wan Qiu's eyes widened.
"Wan Qiu?" Chu Yigui saw Wan Qiu stop and turned to look at him. "What's wrong?"
"Tomorrow seems to be a very important day." Wan Qiu's trembling voice revealed his nervousness.
“Indeed, it’s your eighteenth birthday, a very important day,” Chu Yigui said.
"No." Wan Qiu wanted to deny it, but felt there was no reason to deny it.
Chu Yigui looked at Wan Qiu.
It was clearly because of the tense atmosphere caused by the completely unfamiliar and grand banquet they were witnessing.
Wan Qiu, who had never been the protagonist in such an unfamiliar environment before, had probably only ever participated in the grandest group activity: the opening ceremony.
Chu Yigui lowered his eyes and saw Wan Qiu grab his clothes.
As always, when I feel uneasy, I habitually rely on him.
"It's okay, don't worry, I'll be by your side all day tomorrow."
Chu Yigui pulled Wan Qiu and made her sit on his bed.
He knelt down in front of Wan Qiu, looked directly into Wan Qiu's eyes, and told him.
"There will be strangers tomorrow, that's okay. I'll tell you who they are and what you should do."
“People will come to congratulate you, and I will tell you how to respond to them.”
"If you receive a gift, all you need to do is say thank you."
"If they toast you, I'll prepare a drink for you."
"them……"
Chu Yigui's voice gradually revealed everything that might happen tomorrow.
Wan Qiu really wanted to remember everything Chu Yigui said, but it was too complicated.
Even the method of shaking hands is complicated.
How to smile.
How to clink glasses.
It's meticulous down to the smallest detail.
What should you do if your long, meticulously styled hair gets messy?
However, after every sentence Chu Yigui uttered, there was always a "I will".
Even with such meticulous attention to detail, Chu Yigui was always there to help him.
Listening to Chu Yigui's voice, although it was rambling on and on, the actual speaking speed was very slow.
Just like when Wanqiu was at a loss, Chu Yigui would always guide him during that time.
A restless mood is like dust floating in the air; once sprinkled with water, it sinks to the ground and no longer rises.
Chu Yigui placed her hands on Wan Qiu's legs.
Wan Qiu reached out and grasped Chu Yigui's hand.
Chu Yigui paused slightly, then smiled faintly: "Are you relieved now?"
"Hmm," Wan Qiu said.
"Don't worry," Chu Yigui said.
Wan Qiu shook his head: "I'm not worried anymore."
"Really?" This rhetorical question was more of a teasing remark intended to put Wan Qiu at ease.
"Mm." Wan Qiu nodded obediently. "The excellent Yi Gui will help me."
Chu Yigui turned her hands over and grasped Wan Qiu's hands as well.
Their hands were clasped together, and a reassuring warmth was transmitted between them.
"Won't Yi Gui be very tired?" Wan Qiu suddenly asked. "It seems like Yi Gui has a lot of things to do."
"No," Chu Yigui said.
"Really?" Wan Qiu asked back, mimicking the question.
"real."
Wan Qiu looked at Chu Yigui.
He seemed no different from usual, calm and stable, as if he wasn't worried about tomorrow at all.
Perhaps tranquility is contagious, Wanqiu thought.
I don't seem so nervous anymore.
Wan Qiu released Chu Yigui's clasped hands and pulled Chu Yigui up: "Will Yigui dress up handsomely tomorrow too?"
"Yes," Chu Yigui replied.
"Was this also a suit that your older brother made for you?" Wan Qiu looked at the suit on the wall.
"Um."
Wan Qiu and Chu Yigui chatted casually.
Wanqiu went back to her room.
Chu Yi returned to the computer in her room, where a list of guests for the entire day was displayed.
It takes a long time to write everything down, even if it only takes a few hours.
But it's not boring at all.
These are all people whose paths may cross in the future.
People who might clash with Wan Qiu.
Then it becomes natural for him to remember everything.
Chu Yigui's hand moved slightly, as if the warmth of her hand clasped with Wan Qiu's still lingered in her palm.
Unconsciously, his fingers curled up, as if trying to hold onto the warmth of Wanqiu.
Slightly greedy, unwilling to be let go.
Chu Yigui looked up and saw the computer screen, which was now completely black.
His shadow was faintly reflected on the black screen.
It was as if it were telling him that he was constructed from darkness.
Wanqiu unconsciously relies on him when she's nervous.
Chu Yigui could not deny that he so desperately craved Wanqiu's vulnerability and unease.
When you are being depended on.
Only then can you clearly hear your own heartbeat.
Active, excited, intense.
——
Wan Qiu received a happy birthday text message from Chu Yigui at exactly midnight.
There are also Chu Zhang and Yang Ze.
If it weren't already midnight, Wan Qiu felt that given Chu Zhang's long congratulatory text message, he probably would have rushed straight to the bedroom.
But Wanqiu needs to sleep.
I only fell asleep contentedly after seeing the congratulatory message.
Even though Wan Qiu was very nervous, his good biological clock still allowed him to fall asleep quickly, and when he woke up again, it was the time he would normally wake up.
From the moment Wanqiu opened her eyes and began thinking about what she was going to do that day, she started to feel nervous.
Wan Qiu looked at the suit jacket, wondering if he should put it on. Just as Wan Qiu was hesitating, there was a knock on the door.
Wan Qiu opened the door and saw Yang Xiaoyu standing there.
"Happy 18th birthday, my darling!" Yang Xiaoyu gave Wan Qiu a big hug right when Wan Qiu woke up.
"Thank you, Mom." Wan Qiu hugged Yang Xiaoyu back.
Wan Qiu said he hadn't washed up yet, but Yang Xiaoyu showed no sign of leaving.
Yang Xiaoyu works mostly abroad, so she came back these past two days specifically to celebrate Wanqiu's birthday. She definitely didn't want to miss seeing Wanqiu.
While Wan Qiu was washing up, he felt that Yang Xiaoyu seemed to be watching him the whole time.
After washing up, Wan Qiu stared longingly at Yang Xiaoyu, noticing that Yang Xiaoyu seemed to be in a daze.
“Baby…” Yang Xiaoyu murmured, “Aren’t you taller than Mommy now?”
Wan Qiu was taken aback.
Suddenly, Yang Xiaoyu grabbed Wan Qiu's hand and led her to the dressing room in the bedroom.
“Back to back with Mom!” Yang Xiaoyu suddenly said.
Wan Qiu and Yang Xiaoyu stood back to back. Wan Qiu vaguely noticed that her mother's back was not as broad as she remembered.
Yang Xiaoyu looked at herself and Wan Qiu in the mirror; Wan Qiu was a little taller than her.
Yang Xiaoyu is not short; she is considered tall for a woman. She was able to easily pick up Wan Qiu, who was malnourished.
But Wanqiu is no longer the kind of woman she could easily pick up.
"Wow, so fast! My baby has grown up so quickly?" Yang Xiaoyu was still a little dazed.
Yang Xiaoyu turned around and reached out to press down on Wan Qiu's hair.
Wan Qiu was a little confused, but seeing Yang Xiaoyu raise her hand, he obediently bent down slightly so that Yang Xiaoyu could better press down his hair.
"Baby, how can you grow up so fast?"
Yang Xiaoyu felt a mix of very subtle and complex emotions.
"I haven't even had a chance to properly pamper my baby yet, and he's already grown up."
Yang Xiaoyu thought back to Chu Zhang and Yang Ze, seemingly without realizing that the two children had grown into tall, strong figures.
"Mom?" Wan Qiu noticed that Yang Xiaoyu was in a low mood.
It sounded like the gentle patter of rain falling on the ground, glass, and rooftops—a sound tinged with melancholy, but not one of sadness.
"Baby, take your clothes off so Mommy can see you. Mommy hasn't seen you in so long," Yang Xiaoyu suddenly said with a smile.
Wan Qiu nodded and obediently took off her pajamas.
On his thin upper body, the scars that were once numerous have changed with age.
What should have disappeared has disappeared; what was too difficult to remove has left only faint pink scars.
On Wanqiu's milky white skin, a touch of cuteness appeared.
"Are you still applying scar removal medication every day?"
Yang Xiaoyu's fingers lingered on the scar on Wan Qiu's body that had once threatened Wan Qiu's life; it would probably be very difficult to remove.
“That’s all,” Wan Qiu said.
"That's true. Topical scar removal medications probably can't help this much." Yang Xiaoyu's expression was more one of sighing than helplessness.
"I've heard of a method for removing scars that involves damaging the skin..."
Wan Qiu had also secretly inquired about it; it was Zhou Peiyu who told him it was a method for removing acne scars.
“There’s no need for that,” Yang Xiaoyu said directly. “Mom doesn’t want our baby to suffer anymore.”
pain……
This word seems to be far removed from Wanqiu.
Wanqiu can hardly even remember what it felt like when he was in pain all the time.
"Honey, you're a little thin." Yang Xiaoyu's fingers brushed across Wan Qiu's skin, clearly revealing the outline of his ribs. "Is it because you've only grown taller?"
Wan Qiu thought for a moment, then pinched the flesh of his arm: "I have flesh."
Yang Xiaoyu watched as Wan Qiu meticulously sculpted her flesh, making it appear more like she had sculpted a layer of skin.
Yang Xiaoyu felt both amused and heartbroken at the same time.
"What kind of meat is this? You can call skin meat too?" Yang Xiaoyu punched Wan Qiu's stomach with her fist. "Baby will gradually grow stronger and become a handsome man."
Wan Qiu also thought so.
Although Wan Qiu also wanted to train with Chu Yigui, Chu Yigui refused, saying that dancing was also a form of training.
However, Wanqiu has been attending dance classes diligently, and his current teacher says he dances very well.
"My darling is an adult now." Yang Xiaoyu helped Wan Qiu put her pajamas back on. "Can Mommy spoil you a little longer, my darling?"
Wan Qiu didn't quite understand Yang Xiaoyu's feelings, but she still nodded obediently.
Yang Xiaoyu smiled.
Although she knew that no matter what she said, Wan Qiu would nod.
"The stylist will come to style our baby after lunch, so let's relax in the morning and do some things our baby wants to do."
Yang Xiaoyu pinched Wan Qiu's cheek and suddenly laughed, "Why don't you go and compare your height with Dad's?"
Yang Xiaoyu also noticed that Wan Qiu was nervous because of the grand birthday celebration, and tried to find something for Wan Qiu to do.
Wanqiu agreed.
Yang Xiaoyu, however, smiled.
Although he's an adult, he doesn't look like one at all.
She's still like a child.
She is well-behaved and sensible, and will secretly observe others.
But things are different now than before, when I had to read people's expressions and act accordingly.
He seemed to hope that by observing, he could elicit a more pleasing response from others.
Wan Qiu remained tense.
As I passed through the lobby, I saw everyone bustling about, and I felt a sense of oppression that made it hard to breathe.
Chu Yigui was not in the bedroom. Wan Qiu knew that Chu Yigui would exercise in the morning if she had time, so she did not disturb her.
Wan Qiu really listened to Yang Xiaoyu's advice and went to compare heights with Chu Jianshu.
Wan Qiu is still not as tall as Chu Jianshu.
But compared to the short and thin child he once was, Chu Jianshu couldn't help but feel a little dazed for a moment.
Chu Jianshu found it difficult to determine whether Wanqiu could grow any taller, as that period of childhood had indeed affected Wanqiu's growth.
Although I had considered taking Wanqiu for another physical examination, I gave up the idea after thinking it over.
There's no need to have any unrealistic expectations of Wanqiu.
Chu Jianshu simply smiled and said to Wan Qiu, "Not bad, you've grown taller."
Chu Zhang didn't wake up until the sun was high in the sky. As soon as he woke up, he started making a lot of noise, disturbing Wan Qiu so much that he didn't have a chance to be nervous.
Wanqiu only had a chance to catch her breath after the stylist arrived.
However, under the stylist's manipulation, Wan Qiu felt like he was being repeatedly tormented. Staring at the stylist who was diligently doing his makeup, Wan Qiu began to get nervous again.
When Wan Qiu saw Chu Yigui, he was stunned.
In order to stand better by Wan Qiu's side, Chu Yigui naturally put on a careful and meticulous makeover.
Moreover, the Chu family has never mistreated Chu Yigui.
Chu Yigui was impeccably dressed in a suit, and his hair was meticulously styled. His already handsome face was made even more mature by his makeup, shedding his youthful appearance.
Wan Qiu was stunned by Chu Yigui's unique attire.
When Chu Yigui turned to look at Wan Qiu, she was also stunned.
Wan Qiu's attire is actually more casual than a formal suit, which is clearly a subtle way of telling everyone that Wan Qiu is not someone who needs to be strictly disciplined.
Wan Qiu noticed that Chu Yigui was staring intently at him.
Chu Yigui's gaze seemed to linger for a long time.
From his legs, down to his chest, and finally settling on his face.
Wan Qiu stood still, quietly waiting for Chu Yigui to watch.
Chu Yigui simply smiled and said, "Wanqiu looks very beautiful today."
Wan Qiu was very pleased to receive Chu Yigui's praise.
I just didn't expect that Chu Yigui's praise would require such a long period of observation.
"Yi Gui today is also very beautiful."
Wan Qiu laughed.
Wan Qiu thinks that not only is Chu Yigui very good-looking.
His family members are shining brightly today.
Wan Qiu had never seen his family like this before...
Radiant? That was the only word Wan Qiu could think of.
Wanqiu was half asleep when her mother took her hand.
Under the bright, dazzling lights and the radiant glow of the sunlight, I saw many, many people.
They are handsome, stylish, elegant, and clean-cut; each of them possesses a unique charm.
Wan Qiu stood among the crowd.
It was the first time I had ever felt the center of attention.
Wanqiu didn't know how he got through it.
He was so nervous that he didn't even know what to do with his hands and feet.
He didn't hear what his mother said.
Wanqiu didn't remember what her father said.
When his elder brother put his arm around his shoulder and started talking to everyone, Wan Qiu just stared blankly ahead, at a loss for what to do.
When someone tries to hand him a wine glass, his second brother will take it away and replace it with a soft drink.
Wanqiu didn't know what to do.
But it also seems that he doesn't need to do anything.
When he was at a loss, Chu Yigui was right behind him, telling him what to do and how to do it.
Wanqiu watched longingly as many people smiled at him, regardless of gender.
Wan Qiu spoke to everyone as Chu Yigui instructed, smiling. Although his whole body was stiff, he seemed to be doing a good job.
Wanqiu was so nervous that she didn't know how to act on her own, but...
Chu Yigui is here.
Chu Yigui has always been there.
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