Shen Qiao deliberately stopped before Jiang Yuli, his gaze sweeping over the oversized white gift box held by his assistant Zhao Kai behind him. The box was tied with an exquisite white lace bow, exuding a princess-like aura.
He spoke with sarcasm: “What a crowd of guests tonight, Little Uncle. Aren’t you afraid people will find out that an elder like you is pursuing your nephew’s ex-girlfriend? Have you completely abandoned the dignity of the Shen family?”
“Since she’s an ‘ex’-girlfriend, how does my pursuing her damage the Shen family’s reputation?” Jiang Yuli stepped forward, meeting his gaze evenly, his tone devoid of fluctuation. “As for the Shen family’s reputation, I truly don’t care.”
What did the Shen family’s dignity have to do with him?
When had the Shen family ever acknowledged him?
Jiang Yuli ignored him further and walked away with Zhao Kai.
Shen Qiao stormed outside the hotel, seething with anger.
“It’s all your fault—all your fault—” he suddenly turned to Hu Kexin, venting his frustration, “It was your terrible idea! Now look, I’ve lost my girlfriend!”
Hu Kexin trembled in fear: “Mr. Shen, I… I didn’t know it would turn out like this. Miss Su used to be so attached to you, and she has separation anxiety… Who would have thought she’d break up so decisively…”
With Shen Qiao in such a rage, she didn’t dare say more.
Su Lingyu was a pampered young lady, Shen Qiao was a spoiled young master—both had strong personalities, making a lasting relationship difficult to begin with.
Once he calmed down, he would understand.
As his personal secretary, she had heard Shen Qiao complain countless times about Su Lingyu being too clingy and unbearable.
If not for that, she wouldn’t have suggested booking Su Lingyu on the next flight that day at the airport.
“Fine, it’s over! It’s not like there are no other women in the world!” Shen Qiao said bitterly. “I’ve humbled myself to approach her so many times, and she refused to come back. Even if she kneels and begs me in the future, I’ll never get back with her!”
Hu Kexin cautiously asked: “Mr. Shen, should… should I take you home now?”
“No! Go back by yourself!” Shen Qiao refused outright. He was going to drown his sorrows in drink!
In stark contrast to Shen Qiao’s resentful departure, Su Lingyu’s birthday banquet was filled with joy and warmth.
The banquet hall was decorated like a European fairy tale dream, and Su Lingyu was the only princess of the night.
White bubbles continuously released from both sides echoed her childhood nickname, Pao Pao.
Accompanied by melodious music and dreamy lighting, Su Lingyu, dressed in a white gown, made a graceful entrance—poised, natural, and charmingly innocent.
“Thank you, my dear family and good friends, for coming to my 22nd birthday banquet! Please eat, drink, and enjoy yourselves! If anyone accidentally drinks too much, hotel rooms are prepared—just show your ID to check in~” she said with a cheerful smile.
The music changed. Su Lingyu’s eyes swept across the room and immediately locked onto Jiang Yuli in the crowd—he had clearly dressed up carefully tonight as well.
She walked straight over to him and extended her hand: “May I invite you for the first dance?”
Jiang Yuli had never dared to hope such fortune would befall someone like him.
Someone as cold as him actually becoming her first choice.
“Little Uncle~” Su Lingyu playfully wiggled her fingers.
“Alright.”
Jiang Yuli’s throat felt tight, managing only those two brief words, afraid to reveal the turmoil in his heart.
He placed his hand in her palm, then firmly grasped it.
Su Lingyu led him to the center of the dance floor, smiling gently: “Hold me.”
Jiang Yuli’s warm palm rested against her slender waist, his expression slightly stiff.
She asked softly, “Uncle, are you shy?”
“…A little.”
“Relax~ It’s just casual dancing between friends,” she reassured.
As the music flowed, Jiang Yuli’s tense body gradually relaxed, and his movements became more fluid.
Watching Su Lingyu’s radiant smile, warmth blossomed in his heart.
When the song ended, Su Lingyu moved closer to him, her eyes sparkling: “Uncle, you dance quite well. Have you… danced with other girls before?”
“No.”
Su Lingyu raised an eyebrow, somewhat skeptical: “How could that be? Don’t you bring female companions to social events?”
“Never have.” Jiang Yuli answered honestly.
His heart only had room for her; he only wanted to dance with her.
“No wonder you’re so… innocent~” Su Lingyu couldn’t help but laugh.
After just one dance, Jiang Yuli’s ears were already thoroughly red.
Next came free socializing time.
Su Lingyu deliberately placed Jiang Yuli next to her brother Su Huainan, thinking that since they knew each other, they’d have topics to discuss.
“Xiao Yu, Xiao Yu! Come take photos!”
“Little princess, over here!”
Su Lingyu had barely eaten a few bites before her friends pulled her away for photos.
“Coming, coming!” Every corner of the meticulously decorated banquet hall was a perfect photo spot tonight.
Just as Su Lingyu was enjoying taking photos with her friends, a figure suddenly intruded into the frame.
Ge Ling approached with a wine glass, feigning curiosity: “Su Lingyu, why didn’t your boyfriend come?”
Yu Chengyin immediately retorted: “Are you that out of touch? Don’t you read the news? They broke up, what boyfriend! Shen Qiao can go wherever he wants!”
Ge Ling leaned close to Su Lingyu, lowering her voice: “Others might not know, but as old classmates, how could I not? Don’t you have that… whatever illness? Can you really cut ties with him completely?”
“Do you like him? Want to pursue him?” Su Lingyu’s expression remained neutral. “We’ve indeed broken up. Feel free to go after him.”
“But what about your illness—” Ge Ling hesitated. “What if I end up with him and you two become entangled again? Wouldn’t I become the fool?”
The mere thought of Shen Qiao filled Su Lingyu with disgust: “Impossible. Didn’t you see he couldn’t even get through the door tonight? That should be proof enough that I stopped caring about him long ago. There’s absolutely no chance of us getting back together. I don’t believe in revisiting past relationships.”
Besides, Shen Qiao wasn’t even worth revisiting!
If Ge Ling liked him, that was her business.
Ge Ling pressed: “Really?”
Su Lingyu responded with a noncommittal “Mhm.”
“Your… illness is cured?” Ge Ling still had doubts.
After all, no one wanted their future boyfriend to have a troublesome ex.
“You can rest assured about that,” Su Lingyu said firmly. “Shen Qiao and I are like fire and water now.”
She didn’t want to see him ever again. Her brother’s actions tonight had been perfectly to her liking.
Ge Ling walked away, half-convinced.
Yu Chengyin frowned: “Someone actually likes Shen Qiao?”
“Darling,” Su Lingyu pretended to be hurt, “are you saying my taste was terrible before?”
“I didn’t mean…”
“You can say it,” Su Lingyu laughed, with a sense of relief. “My taste really wasn’t great before…”
Shen Qiao only had the advantage of being her childhood friend.
And Shen Qiao?
He was only with her because she was the treasured daughter of the Su family.
After enduring for a year, his true nature had been revealed.
It’s okay, Su Lingyu.
She repeated to herself.
There are plenty of men out there!
Feelings can be cultivated!
And illnesses can be cured!
At that moment, a massive multi-tiered cake was slowly wheeled in to the melody of “Happy Birthday.”
Su Lingyu stood before the cake, closed her eyes, and made a heartfelt wish:
“May my loved ones and I be healthy, safe, and blessed with happiness. May my brother and sister-in-law’s baby be born safely. May Jiang Yuli overcome the shadows of his childhood and find joy and happiness in the years to come.”
Amid the singing of family and friends, she opened her eyes, blew out the candles, and cheerfully began cutting and serving the cake.
Jiang Yuli remained quietly seated in his spot, not joining the festivities. Beside him, Su Huainan had already accompanied his pregnant wife back to their room to rest.
He was the only one left at the table, as if forgotten in the corner.
An isolated island.