Page 21
It was afternoon.
They contacted the restaurant, booked a private room that could accommodate more than a dozen people, and communicated their birthday decoration requirements with the restaurant. The restaurant said it could help prepare some balloons, ribbons and other decorations, but a certain decoration fee would be charged.
Lu Yi and several friends had booked a private room at the restaurant well in advance, and the round table was piled with balloons, ribbons and cakes.
"It's Xiao Li's birthday today, and she actually forgot. We have to make sure it's a good day for her."
As Lu Yi tidied up the gifts on the table, he spoke to his friends.
The restaurant had prepared several of Xu Li's favorite dishes and a beautiful birthday cake in advance. The cake was decorated with candles and the words "Happy Birthday Xu Li" were written in icing.
"Everything is ready, just waiting for Xu Li to come over," Lu Yi said excitedly. At this moment, Xu Li was at home, unaware that her friends had prepared such a meticulously planned birthday party for her.
Xu Li's friends nodded in agreement, all hoping she would come over soon. Finally, Xu Li was called to the restaurant by Lu Yi and the others.
"Xu Li, let's go to that newly opened escape room tonight," Lu Yi messaged Xu Li.
“Okay, where will you wait for me?” Xu Li replied. “Right at the restaurant entrance, we’ll leave from there in a bit.”
Lu Yi replied. Actually, this was just an excuse for Lu Yi to get Xu Li to the restaurant smoothly. Soon, Xu Li arrived at the restaurant entrance, and Lu Yi and the others went to greet her.
"Xu Li, let's grab something to eat first, then we can play the escape room game," Lu Yi said. "Okay, let's go in then."
Xu Li followed them into the restaurant without any suspicion. The moment she pushed open the door and entered the private room, she froze.
Under the bright lights, the exquisite decorations, the cake with lit candles, and the warm smiles of her friends all surprised her greatly.
Xu Li was stunned when she pushed open the door to the private room and saw the scene inside. "What are you all doing here..." Xu Li looked at the decorations and smiling faces in surprise.
"Surprise! Happy birthday!" everyone shouted in unison. "Wow, you all came, and you prepared so much! I never expected this!"
Xu Li was moved to tears. Lu Yi and several friends were busy at a rather unique restaurant in the city. It turned out that it was Xu Li's birthday today, but Xu Li herself seemed to have completely forgotten about it.
Lu Yi and his group meticulously decorated the private room, hanging colorful balloons and setting out an exquisite cake, all in preparation for giving Xu Li a surprise.
Xu Li looked at the room full of decorations and the smiling faces with some surprise.
Lu Yi stepped forward, smiling, and took Xu Li's hand, pulling him inside. Xu Li then realized what was happening, and a smile gradually appeared on his face. The awkwardness in his heart slowly dissipated because of this pleasant surprise.
"Xiao Li, it's your birthday today! You forgot? Come on over!" Lu Yi stepped forward, smiling as he grabbed Xu Li's hand and pulled him inside.
She was pushed into the center of the crowd, and the candles on the cake made her eyes well up with tears.
Lu Yi stepped forward and handed Xu Li the carefully selected necklace, along with some other small gifts.
"Happy 17th birthday, Xu Li. This is a small token of our appreciation; we hope you like it," Lu Yi said with a smile. "Thank you all so much! You really put so much thought into this; I love it!"
Xu Li accepted the gift happily. Afterwards, everyone sat down together and began to enjoy the meal. At the table, they ate the delicious food while sharing anecdotes from their lives, their laughter filling the air.
When it came time to sing "Happy Birthday," restaurant staff came over with microphones to help. Everyone sang "Happy Birthday" together, their voices filled with heartfelt blessings for Xu Li.
Amidst everyone's singing, Xu Li blew out the birthday candles and made a wish. Next up was the exciting musical chairs game.
As the music started, everyone passed around the flowers they held, immersing themselves in the game and creating a lively atmosphere.
Whenever the music stopped, the person who received the flower would go on stage to perform. Some sang, some told jokes, and some performed impromptu dances, making everyone laugh.
Bai Chuan also took the opportunity to take out the small prizes he had prepared and distributed them to the winners, pushing the atmosphere to one climax after another.
On this special day, Xu Li felt the deep love and warmth of her friends. This birthday party not only brought her endless joy but also filled her with touching moments and wonderful memories.
As night fell, the birthday party drew to a close.
"I'm so happy today! Thank you for preparing such a perfect birthday party for me. I'll never forget it!"
"Xu Li, as long as you like it, that's all that matters. We'll continue to surprise you in the future," Lu Yi said with a smile.
While his friends sang "Happy Birthday," Lu Yi quietly stood in the corner, his gaze fixed on her—the Xu Li who had thrown the punch was completely different from the Xu Li he knew now, making him both angry and heartbroken.
Xu Li then realized what was happening, and a smile gradually appeared on her face. The awkwardness in her heart slowly dissipated because of this surprise.
Everyone began to celebrate Xu Li's birthday in a lively atmosphere, singing birthday songs, making wishes, and blowing out candles. The whole process was filled with laughter and joy. Afterward, everyone sat together, eating and chatting, creating a particularly harmonious atmosphere.
During the event, everyone had a few drinks, their faces were slightly flushed, and they became more talkative. Tan Yuqi and Tan Yuze are brothers, and they came to Xu Li's birthday party together.
Tan Yuqi has a rather outgoing personality, and she drank one cup after another with everyone, soon becoming a little drunk.
After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became increasingly lively. The siblings Tan Yuqi and Tan Yuze also arrived.
As soon as Tan Yuqi saw Xu Li, she went up and hugged her. Tan Yuqi was a bit weak-willed.
Tan Yuze remained quietly to the side, only occasionally taking a sip of his drink. He stared at Xu Li's flushed cheeks, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly.
Xu Li was extremely drunk, her consciousness felt like it was submerged in cotton. She remembered someone stuffing cake into her mouth, and Lu Yi awkwardly handing her a gift—a worn but neatly repaired boxing glove, the one she had broken years ago.
She giggled, then suddenly grabbed a glove and threw it at Lu Yi: "You've been holding a grudge all this time!" Lu Yi caught the glove, his ears turning red, but he didn't dare to get any closer.
Several people got drunk and went to vomit, but Xu Li was already so drunk she was staggering. Tan Yuqi was leaning against the wall and dry heaving when Tan Yuze suddenly stepped forward and put Xu Li on his shoulders: "I'll take her home."
Everyone waved goodbye and staggered away. Tan Yuze led Xu Li to a spare private room in the restaurant, where the curtains were drawn and only the emergency light shone dimly.
Xu Li slumped on the sofa, muttering incoherent words. Tan Yuze stared at her for a long time before finally leaning down and pressing down on her. The moment their lips touched, Xu Li mumbled, "Lu Yi? Come on, I'll beat you to death today."
Tan Yuze shuddered, but his movements became even more urgent. He kissed her breathless mouth, his tongue prying open her loose teeth, his hand caressing her burning cheeks.
Xu Li responded unconsciously, her fingertips unconsciously clutching his shirt, making Tan Yuze's heart pound so hard it almost burst out of his chest.
When Xu Li woke up in her hotel room, she had a splitting headache. She groped her way back to the bed and saw that her clothes were neat and tidy, with no trace of disarray, and no suspicious red marks on her body.
Memories flickered in her mind like shards of glass: the blurry private room, Tan Yuze's face pressing down on her, her own struggling movements... She grabbed her phone; the call log showed that Tan Yuze had over a dozen missed calls last night.
The sound of running water came from the bathroom. Tan Yuze walked out wrapped in a bath towel, his hair wet, his expression as complex as a palette of colors. "Xu Li..." he began, his voice hoarse.
Xu Li froze, her breathing quickening. She remembered Tan Yuze quietly helping her organize her notes in class. Xu Li had never liked taking notes; Mu Mu used to take them for her. After Mu Mu left, Xu Li was depressed for a long time, but now that she had Tan Yuze, he would take notes for her and give them to her as soon as he finished.
She remembered how he would always "coincidentally" drive her home after working overtime.
Over the weekend, Tan Yuze invited Xu Li to a coffee shop. Although Xu Li had been attracted to him, she felt that things were moving too fast.
This relationship didn't distance them; instead, it tore open their hearts. Xu Li began to dream frequently about that kiss, in which Tan Yuze's breathing and Lu Yi's boxing gloves appeared alternately.
She would bump into Tan Yuze everywhere she went, and she would always unconsciously slow down. The documents he handed her always contained a note that read, "I'm waiting for you."
Ambiguity was brewing, yet it was fraught with the thorns of morality and trust. Tan Yuze was like a leech stuck to Xu Li, saying, "Your scent last night kept me awake."
Tan Yuze, on the other hand, was relatively composed. He hadn't drunk much and remained sober throughout. While everyone else was laughing and joking, Tan Yuze quietly pulled Xu Li into another private room.
Xu Li followed him inside with some confusion. As soon as the door closed, Tan Yuze looked at Xu Li earnestly. "Ah Li, today is your birthday. I don't want the noise to drown out what I want to say to you."
Tan Yuze's voice was a little deep, and his eyes revealed a special emotion. Xu Li felt a little uncomfortable under his gaze and lowered her head slightly.
Tan Yuze gently lifted Xu Li's chin, making him look at him, then slowly leaned closer and gently kissed his forehead. Xu Li's eyes widened, momentarily at a loss for words.
Tan Yuze continued, "I have always admired you for your courage and perseverance. Today, on your special birthday, I want you to know how I feel."
Xu Li's heart began to race; he hadn't expected Tan Yuze to do this. Seeing that Xu Li didn't push him away, Tan Yuze gently kissed Xu Li's cheek again, like a feather lightly brushing against him, carrying a touch of tenderness.
Xu Li's face flushed slightly, and he said softly, "Tan Yuze, this..." Tan Yuze put his finger to Xu Li's lips, signaling him not to speak.
Then she continued softly, "I know this might be a little sudden, but I don't want to miss this opportunity. You are very important to me, and I hope to always be by your side and protect you from now on."
As he spoke, he gently kissed Xu Li's eyelids again, the movement so tender as if afraid of disturbing something precious. Xu Li slowly closed her eyes, her feelings a complex mix of surprise, emotion, and a touch of something she couldn't quite explain.
Seeing that Xu Li did not resist, Tan Yuze felt a surge of joy. He gently embraced Xu Li and whispered in her ear, "Happy birthday, Li, may every day of yours be filled with sunshine."
In Tan Yuze's arms, Xu Li could hear his strong heartbeat, and his own emotions gradually calmed down. He slightly raised his hand and gently hugged Tan Yuze back.
At this moment, a unique warmth filled the private room, and the noise outside seemed irrelevant to them.
Suddenly, Tan Yuze pulled the person into his arms.
She nestled in his arms, feeling a warm, damp patch on the back of her neck. Tan Yuze buried his head in Xu Li's neck.
Xu Li was angry, but she couldn't vent it; she felt completely drained. "Tan Yuze..."
Xu Li slowly relaxed her shoulders, trying to accept his burning body temperature.
After a long while, they finally came out of that private room and returned to their original room. Everyone was still chatting happily and didn't seem to have noticed their departure.
When Lu Yi saw Xu Li return, he smiled and handed him a glass of wine: "Little Li, have another drink. Wishing you a smooth and successful new year!"
Xu Li took the wine glass, smiled, and clinked glasses with everyone, but her eyes kept glancing at Tan Yuze, who returned her a gentle smile.
This birthday was destined to be an unforgettable and special one for Xu Li. He received blessings from his friends and also received special sentiments from Tan Yuze. These will all become precious treasures in his memory.
Afterwards, everyone played around for a while before gradually dispersing. This birthday party, full of surprises and warmth, became a beautiful memory for this group of people.
He had a rather outgoing personality and drank one glass after another with everyone else, quickly becoming a little tipsy. Tan Yuze, on the other hand, was relatively calm and didn't drink much, remaining sober throughout.
As Tan Yuze helped Xu Li into the private room, his fingertips touched her burning neck, and his heart suddenly raced. She smiled dazedly, muttering incomprehensible sentences, leaning against him like a soft cloud.
The private room was dimly lit, the air filled with the sweet scent of red wine and the faint fragrance of gardenias emanating from her. He knew he shouldn't act at this moment, but emotions he had suppressed for years suddenly overwhelmed him—she always smiled and refused to let anyone get close, yet she was completely unguarded in front of him.
The moment his lips touched hers, she froze, her warm hands pressed against his chest, her breathing rapid and disordered. Was it resistance or helplessness?
He couldn't see the focus in her eyes, only the pounding of his own heart that made his eardrums ache.
Perhaps Tan Yuze's kiss was too passionate, because she began to go limp and lean backward. Tan Yuze held her, even though the position was very uncomfortable, he supported her, and Xu Li wrapped her arms around his waist. Tan Yuze's hand was pressed against her neck.
The kiss was long and wet; he had already sensed it the moment she fell for him too.
She sobered up a bit. "So when did you realize I liked you too?" He didn't hide anything. "The time when Mu Mu went abroad and you turned around and hugged me. Little Li, you're really trying to strangle me."
"Oh..." Xu Li replied, still somewhat confused. "What, are you trying to renege on your debt?" Tan Yuze stared at her blankly.
"I didn't say that."
After a while, he received no reply and did not pursue the matter further.
The next day.
Tan Yuze sat down next to her, becoming her deskmate.
"What are you doing sitting here?!"
"Perhaps it's because my teacher is particularly fond of me!"
Tsk tsk tsk, speechless at how pretentious he is!
But in reality, he had been talking to the leader repeatedly after he transferred here, and the leader agreed. He was gloating as if everything was under his control.
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