After getting out of the car, Huang Hu looked around and his loud voice stood out among the group: "You must have put in a lot of effort. It looks like something out of a dream. Are all these colored lights newly purchased?"
"It really is beautiful. I never thought I would be able to visit a mansion one day."
"Is my gift too shabby? I feel a little embarrassed to present it, haha."
As the people got off the car, they all offered their congratulations to the little prince, seeing his expectant gaze.
--Happy birthday.
The Little Prince is probably not one to laugh heartily. He squints his eyes slightly, his cheeks blushing shyly, like a sugar apple with a red skin and a sweet fragrance.
In everyone's mind, a banquet at a high-society event is a lavish buffet, with people dressed in suits and tuxedos everywhere, celebrities and big names everywhere, and a bright and spacious hall where everyone is toasting each other with wine glasses in hand.
This birthday party was indeed a buffet, with a huge long table set up in one place, displaying all kinds of exquisite dishes and beautiful, clean tableware.
There are indeed suits and tuxedos, but they are all casual styles.
There was indeed red wine and champagne, but there were many more colorful beverages.
Not many people came to participate; it was less than the number of students in a class.
The food was delicious, and the drinks were great.
There are no procedures, only casualness and blessings.
Wan Qiu, holding a beverage cup, thanked everyone one by one for taking the time to attend this birthday party.
Everyone was also secretly observing Wanqiu's mother. When they searched online, the first person to find her gasped in shock.
Although they thought it looked similar at first glance, they were still not sure. After Yang Xiaoyu introduced herself, some of the older people were even more shocked.
Goodness...
My childhood goddess!
"My God, I really didn't expect this." The group gathered together to watch the video they found on their phones, and then all looked at Yang Xiaoyu.
Each of them looked extremely surprised.
The chorus of "Happy Birthday" was perfectly synchronized, and Wan Qiu looked very happy holding the gift.
Just as Wanqiu was about to cut the cake, someone suddenly barged in.
"I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, third brother, my third brother..." The man rushed forward and hugged the birthday boy tightly. "I'm sorry, big brother, for coming back late. Don't blame big brother, waaaaaah, it's all those bastards' fault..."
Many people stared in shock at the familiar, handsome face that often appeared on the big screen—Chu Zhang.
"It's alright, big brother." Wan Qiu carefully hugged Chu Zhang and patted Chu Zhang's back with his small hand.
Chu Zhang's arrival suddenly ignited the entire birthday atmosphere.
After the "Happy Birthday" song, party music began.
Chu Zhang took Wan Qiu's hand and they began to dance a ballroom dance in the spacious hall.
Wanqiu can't dance, but Chuzhang is an excellent dancer.
Wan Qiu followed in Chu Zhang's footsteps, as if Chu Zhang had become his wings, carrying him in flight.
Wanqiu's friends weren't very skilled, but the servants of the Chu family were all experts in their respective fields, and they all extended invitations to the visitors.
Chu Jianshu and Yang Xiaoyu also stepped onto the vast dance floor.
From initial awkwardness to the cheerful music, everyone relaxed and learned ballroom dancing techniques from each other.
Wan Qiu's hand was held by Chu Zhang, who led her steps.
The colorful world adorned with colored paper and paper flowers shimmered in Wanqiu's peripheral vision, as if she had truly stepped into a fairy tale world.
The occasional passerby carried the lingering sweet aroma of the cake.
Although there were no glamorous dance dresses and many people were still unfamiliar with each other, the laughter between them and the cheerful steps created a different melody than the background music.
Wan Qiu suddenly felt that perhaps he could learn to dance.
In that instant, Wanqiu saw a joy that flickered like fireworks.
The joy that dance brought to Wanqiu sparked her longing for it.
"Can I learn to dance?" Wan Qiu looked up at Chu Zhang, whose appearance was more dazzling than ever before under the crystal chandelier.
"Okay." Chu Zhang smiled broadly and granted Wan Qiu's wish without any hesitation. "Big brother, my best skill is dancing. I'll practice with Wan Qiu whenever I have the chance."
Chu Zhang was surrounded by starlight, making it difficult for Wan Qiu to open his eyes.
I'm so happy.
So birthday parties are such a happy thing?
Some people sitting nearby secretly asked the butler if they could have a pen and paper; they wanted an autograph.
Some sat to the side waiting for Chu Zhang, but one of them secretly took a pen and paper and went to Yang Xiaoyu's side.
"I never thought that in this day and age, people would still want my autograph." Yang Xiaoyu was also surprised by the request, but she was very patient with these people.
Regardless of whether it's because of the kindness of good people.
It was because they helped Wanqiu.
"I was sad for a long time when you retired from the entertainment industry." The person who came was the shop owner, who smiled shyly and a little embarrassed. "I never expected that the person I met back then would be you. It's such a pity that I didn't recognize you."
"Now you know, don't you?" Yang Xiaoyu was in a very bad mental state at the time and didn't pay much attention to this person. "I should have thanked you properly back then."
"Hey." The shop owner shrugged. "To be honest, I didn't do anything."
"You did the most important thing for Wanqiu." Without him, Wanqiu might have had an even harder time. Yang Xiaoyu would not downplay the contributions of others.
“I’ve also received help from others.” The shop owner accepted the autograph and chuckled. “When I was young, I started a business and lost everything. I was heavily in debt and almost didn’t want to live anymore. Later, a friend lent me money and I opened a small shop. After things got better, I paid back the money, and I’m still very grateful to him.”
"People always receive all kinds of kindness. You are lucky and kind. Thank you to your friend for passing on this kindness to you."
So it will eventually be passed on to the baby, Yang Xiaoyu thought.
The shop owner, embarrassed by the praise, scratched his head and said, "I was just trying to help out; I didn't expect anything in return. I just wanted some peace of mind."
It's like a human rescuing a cat shivering in the middle of the road, like picking up litter, like handing an umbrella to a stranger on the street.
These subtle, unintentional actions were simply done out of feeling or instinct.
"I was quite surprised when Teacher Jiang came to see me. I didn't think I had done anything extraordinary." The shop owner said with an embarrassed smile.
Yang Xiaoyu raised her eyebrows: "Is that so? Jiang Chengfeng went to see you."
Those around Wanqiu may always be able to see something purer, something hidden in instinct, through Wanqiu.
From Yang Xiaoyu's perspective, she understands kindness and occasionally takes advantage of it.
but……
"Your kindness deserves to be reciprocated," Yang Xiaoyu said with a smile to the shop owner. "If you need anything in the future, you can ask us for help."
Adversity is like a dying spark; passing it on keeps the faint flame burning.
The tiny spark was rekindled, filling the dark night with light and gathering into hope.
Wan Qiu sat on a chair next to the banquet, watching everyone's smiles.
The bright lights, like little suns, illuminated all the joy.
Wanqiu wanted to etch all of this into his memory.
Wanqiu's steps were unsteady as he trod on the clouds called dreams, yet he was truly in a magnificent and solid reality.
When Wanqiu saw someone going to the restroom, he instinctively wanted to follow and lead the way.
Following behind the group, Wan Qiu overheard their conversation.
"That child is lucky to have come into such a family. He won't have to worry about the future."
"Although he is not smart, he has good character. Everyone has their own destiny."
"The food today is delicious too."
“My family runs a barbecue business. That child’s adoptive father never gave him anything good. He’ll definitely be able to make up for everything he lacked before by eating here.”
Wan Qiu blinked, as if a clear, ringing bell sounded in his ear.
"Yes, his foster mother doesn't even feed him. How can she let such a young child pick up trash outside? Raising a child is worse than raising a dog."
Wanqiu's pace gradually slowed down.
"Absolutely. Thinking about it now, I think those adoptive parents were really inhuman. They dressed themselves up so nicely, but you didn't see what kind of rubbish they dressed the child in."
"Let me tell you, I also saw that man outside..."
Wanqiu stood still, and the sounds grew fainter and fainter until he could no longer hear them.
In the empty corridor, soothing music still played in the hallway not far behind him, as if it were the end of a happy occasion.
He seemed to be separated in this wide, yet quiet corridor.
Until the sound of music could no longer reach my ears.
Suddenly, a pair of hands covered Wanqiu's eyes, and the abrupt transition between light and darkness abruptly interrupted Wanqiu's thoughts.
Wan Qiu was startled and instinctively grabbed those hands with both of his own.
Guess who I am?
It was a familiar voice, calm and soothing. Once Wanqiu heard it, he no longer needed to guess.
Wan Qiu did not struggle. He placed his hands on the hands that were gently covering his eyes. The warmth and largeness of those hands, despite bringing darkness, gave Wan Qiu a sense of security.
"It's my younger brother."
Chu Yigui withdrew her hand from Wan Qiu's and turned to face Wan Qiu: "Brother, are you happy today?"
"Hmm." Wan Qiu regained his vision and looked at his handsome and tall younger brother in front of him, responding slowly.
"The banquet is over, we need to take them home. Will brother be disappointed?" Chu Yigui tilted her head.
Wan Qiu asked, "Will you be happy to go home?"
Chu Yigui nodded.
"Not disappointed," Wan Qiu replied. "I'm very happy."
Chu Yigui revealed a faint smile.
"All the gifts my brother received today have been put in his room by Butler Bai. He can open them by himself later. Opening gifts is a very interesting process."
Wan Qiu blinked.
Chu Yigui added, "Brother, you don't need to give me the gifts you received. They are yours, things given to you by others."
Wan Qiu was somewhat surprised. Did Chu Yigui guess that he also wanted to give Chu Yigui the best gift from among the presents?
"Brother, happy birthday." Chu Yigui's voice was gentle, as if carrying a faint laugh.
It was rare that Wan Qiu couldn't see Chu Yigui's 'unhappiness'. Without the interference of those 'unhappiness', Chu Yigui's handsome appearance became even clearer.
I would be happy if I could see Chu Yigui happy someday.
Wan Qiu thought to himself.
Will we see him happy on Chu Yigui's birthday?
Wan Qiu vaguely noticed that Chu Yigui had spoken very little today.
Only now did Wan Qiu hear Chu Yigui's congratulations.
Wan Qiu, led by Chu Yigui, returned to the living room where soothing music was playing.
The beautiful three-tiered colorful fruit and chocolate cake still has a little bit left.
A pretty glass with just a little bit left after the drink was finished.
There was also Chu Zhang, who was already drunk and slumped over the back of his chair.
All of this is proof of the happiness that has been left behind.
Wanqiu turned around and looked at the quiet corridor.
It seems he overlooked something.
Something that made him very upset, but was interrupted by his younger brother.
A strange, odd idea was forming in my mind.
It seems to bring a feeling that is more uncomfortable than pain.
——
Chu Jianshu and Yang Xiaoyu are not the type of people who attend banquets until the very end, but this time they stayed at Wan Qiu's birthday banquet from beginning to end.
This wasn't a business gathering; it was just a small family celebration.
No need to change clothes, no need to touch up makeup, and no need to toast strangers while wearing high heels.
"Thank you for your hard work today." Yang Xiaoyu took the initiative to approach Jiang Chengfeng, who had been resting quietly to the side.
Jiang Chengfeng was probably having a lot of fun, and even forgot that he should be more respectful in front of Yang Xiaoyu, so he replied casually, "How can having fun be tiring?"
Yang Xiaoyu replied, "It's kind of you to have made several trips specifically for Wanqiu."
Jiang Chengfeng was taken aback, realizing that his secret plea for Wan Qiu had been exposed.
"I didn't want you to know about this." Jiang Chengfeng was a little embarrassed. If you knew, it would seem like he did it on purpose to curry favor.
"Do you know why we chose you in the first place?" Yang Xiaoyu turned her head to look at Jiang Chengfeng with a gentle smile.
Jiang Chengfeng genuinely had no idea. He was just an ordinary special education teacher, whose qualifications and background were only average to below average in any aspect. He still felt that he was incredibly lucky to have been chosen by the Chu family.
"Could it be... there's a reason?" Jiang Chengfeng asked.
"We won't let just anyone get close to the baby. The baby is very special, you should know that, right?"
Yang Xiaoyu's words made Jiang Chengfeng think. Indeed, Wan Qiu's condition for establishing his trust was merely a single sentence from Yang Xiaoyu.
After that, he had Wan Qiu's complete trust.
If he intends to exploit this trust...
"Did I do something?" Jiang Chengfeng asked.
Yang Xiaoyu sat on the soft sofa next to Jiang Chengfeng and said, "You did some volunteer work at an orphanage during your university years, do you remember?"
During his university years, Jiang Chengfeng often did similar things, not for any particular purpose, but just because he wanted to.
“Our youngest child has heard about you from students at other orphanages,” Yang Xiaoyu said to Jiang Chengfeng with a smile. “You have a good reputation and are liked by the children at the orphanages.”
Jiang Chengfeng never imagined that he would gain something unexpected during his time at the orphanage.
So that means I'm perfectly capable of getting this job right now...
"Was it because Chu Yigui recommended me?" Jiang Chengfeng had never imagined that there was such a layer to this.
"Yi Gui is a very amazing child; his suggestions are always very insightful."
Yang Xiaoyu remembered that Chu Jianshu had investigated a considerable number of people, but Jiang Chengfeng was the least noticeable one among them.
"But is it also because you're easier to manipulate?" Yang Xiaoyu said with a smile, "You don't seem to have a very ambitious personality."
Jiang Chengfeng couldn't help but cough a few times. Were these words really not meant to mock him?
Jiang Chengfeng noticed the faint smell of alcohol on Yang Xiaoyu and realized that Yang Xiaoyu was probably already somewhat drunk.
"Do you like Wan Qiu?" Yang Xiaoyu asked.
Jiang Chengfeng liked Wan Qiu, but as much as he liked her, he was still a little embarrassed when someone suddenly said it out loud.
"Hmm." Jiang Chengfeng felt that since meeting Wan Qiu, he had become less muddled and confused.
Of course, I hope it's paid. Thanks to Chu Jianshu and Yang Xiaoyu.
Yang Xiaoyu smiled, seemingly pleased that anyone could like Wan Qiu.
"I wonder what wish our darling made when blowing out the candles," Yang Xiaoyu said, resting her chin on her hand. "I really want to make it come true for our darling."
Yang Xiaoyu still remembers Wan Qiu's blank look when she was asked to blow out the candles and make a wish.
In the dim light of candles and nightlights, Wan Qiu closed her eyes and made a wish, her profile serious and solemn. The moment she opened her eyes again, her clear eyes reflected the firelight.
It was as if a wisp of fire had been grasped from the darkness, and the spirit of fire had bestowed a blessing upon it.
Yang Xiaoyu looked at the people Wan Qiu had invited to the birthday party; there were very few.
However, one can receive a great deal of kindness in one's life.
Her baby is a lucky child.
The baby's return brought good fortune home and to them.
A small gathering in a small area of the hall, decorated with thoughtful little touches everywhere.
Yang Xiaoyu had seen countless lavish venues, flown-in flowers, chefs brought in from abroad, and countless luxurious social classes, all of which wore masks.
And everyone here now feels happiness from the bottom of their hearts.
As always, Wan Qiu returned to Yang Xiaoyu's side.
Peeking at Yang Xiaoyu, her mother seemed to have been drinking, looking rather tipsy.
"Mom," Wan Qiu asked softly, tentatively, "Are you happy?"
"Of course, baby." Yang Xiaoyu, slightly drunk, leaned on Wan Qiu's head. Her eyes were blurred with alcohol, and she looked at Wan Qiu, finding him even more handsome.
Wan Qiu could tell that Yang Xiaoyu was very happy.
Happy bubbles, displaying iridescent colors under the light, floated in the air, emitting a pleasant scent.
Yang Xiaoyu hadn't drunk much, but she seemed to be intoxicated by happiness and felt comfortable.
In the living room, the servants were already quickly removing everything and tidying up.
Wan Qiu secretly helped, but was stopped by Butler Bai.
"Go see the guests off, Wanqiu," Butler Bai nudged Wanqiu.
Everyone would take the bus back. Wan Qiu stood by the bus, watching the group.
"Don't stand outside, it's cold, come inside quickly." Huang Hu nudged Wan Qiu.
Wan Qiu had always been obedient. When he heard Huang Hu's request, although he was very reluctant, he could only back down.
Chu Jianshu draped his coat over Wan Qiu's shoulders: "Go back after everyone leaves. I'll go in first."
Huang Hu stared at Chu Jianshu in disbelief. Could a person really change so quickly?
Who is that gentle and kind father?
However, Huang Hu also noticed that Wan Qiu seemed to want to watch them leave. After thinking for a moment, he said, "The food today was delicious."
Wan Qiu nodded: "It was prepared by the chef."
"Yes, yes, the ingredients are amazing too. I've never eaten such delicious meat before," someone else chimed in.
“It was prepared by Dad,” Wan Qiu said.
"The mini cakes tasted great too."
Wan Qiu then said, "It was prepared by Butler Bai."
Lu Qinghe laughed out loud: "This child really doesn't know how to take credit at all."
While Wanqiu's parents were away, Huang Hu ruffled Wanqiu's hair and said, "It means that we are happy to have all of this because it is your birthday."
Wan Qiu was swayed from side to side by Huang Hu's strong grip, and after being released, he saw stars before his eyes.
But Wanqiu also wanted to say that it was because everyone participated that they were so happy.
"The paper flowers are so pretty today!"
"I heard you also worked in the kitchen."
"Hahaha, I heard someone say that your plating is very neat."
As Wanqiu listened to these kind words, which were tinged with warmth and radiated a warm orange hue, it felt as if the cold wind of the late autumn night had seeped into his hands and feet, and the warmth flowed into his heart through his blood.
"Live a good life from now on." Suddenly, a voice entered Wan Qiu's mind. "Forget about the past."
Wanqiu looked at the person who had spoken.
He is the shop owner.
After they finished talking, they got into the car, and Jiang Chengfeng told him to go back.
Wan Qiu watched as the bus's taillights gradually disappeared. He stood quietly at the door, feeling the cold wind gradually dissipate the warmth.
Wan Qiu pushed open the door and entered the living room, which had been almost completely cleaned, with only a faint scent remaining in the air.
Although everything has disappeared, the image of everyone happily dancing in the living room can still be vividly recalled in Wanqiu's mind.
He could see the beautiful decorations on his older brother's clothes, the hair clips that shone brightly in the light from the shop owner, and the school gatekeeper's round belly that made his clothes bulge.
For Wanqiu, all memories are worth recording; they are exceptionally precious to her.
What is there to forget?
Everything he remembers is a happy memory, isn't it?
More and more strange things gradually entered Wanqiu's thoughts.
Some previously overlooked dividing lines are gradually emerging.
"Wanqiu, everyone else has gone to rest. You should go back too," said Butler Bai, standing beside Wanqiu.
Wan Qiu looked up at Butler Bai and asked, "Butler Bai, I will never forget today."
Butler Bai smiled gently: "Of course, I wouldn't either."
"Then..." The sound of a bell, seemingly meant to wake a sleeping person, echoed softly in Wanqiu's ears, "What is it that needs to be forgotten?"
Butler Bai's voice rang out clearly in the now silent hall.
"Probably..."
"Memories of pain and sorrow..."
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