Chaрtеr 6: Нарpy Birthdау
After thе two girls left, thе shор rеturnеd tо its quiet stаtе.
Хu Jinhuаn was aсtually very сuriоus abоut whаt Мr. Wеn hаd just said, but shе didn’t dаrе ask direсtlу and сould only find оther tоpics to disсuss.
“Did yоu try thе tirаmisu from last timе? Did it suit your tastе?”
“It wаs dеliсious.”
Wen Yu rерliеd, “Вut unfortunatеly, I оnly got оne bite.”
А few questiоn marks apреаred in Хu Jinhuаn’s mind.
How cоuld he hаvе only gоtten onе bite? Did it fаll оn thе floоr?
Wen Yu eхplainеd, “Ке Er loves sweets the most. Bеfоre I could evеn tаste it proреrly, he snatched it away.”
As he spoke, he unlocked his phone, opened a photo, and turned the screen toward Xu Jinhuan.
Xu Jinhuan leaned in to take a look. So Ke Er was a dog.
In the photo was a purebred show-quality Doberman, its coat glossy and sleek, muscles firm and well-developed, with smooth, flowing lines. Its erect ears gave it a cool and handsome appearance.
Who would have thought that, in private, this “cool guy” had a sweet tooth?
Xu Jinhuan, being a pet owner herself, found this stark contrast quite endearing.
“He’s so handsome. But dogs shouldn’t eat too many sweets—it’s not good for their teeth and can affect digestion…”
Wen Yu smiled slightly. “That’s why he snatches it. I don’t let him have it.”
Xu Jinhuan chuckled softly, her cheeks dimpling adorably.
“Pets can be quite mischievous. My Xiao Xiao is the same. During the day, after eating, she loves to sleep upstairs, but at night she’s full of energy, jumping all over me and keeping me from sleeping…”
Watching the girl’s lively and gentle expression, Wen Yu’s lips curved into a tender smile.
As long as they found common ground, the sense of distance between their ages would naturally disappear, wouldn’t it?
One day, she would be willing to open up to him.
Wen Yu suggested, “When you have time, we could plan an outing to the countryside. Ke Er would definitely like Xiao Xiao.”
Just like he did.
“Okay, sure…”
Suddenly, a faint, elegant fragrance drifted into Xu Jinhuan’s nose.
Only then did she realize that, in her excitement while talking, she had unconsciously leaned against Wen Yu.
Xu Jinhuan quickly pulled back, the tips of her ears turning slightly warm. “Sorry…”
“It’s fine.”
Wen Yu glanced at his wrist. “It’s getting late. I should head out now.”
He sighed softly. “I still have to attend a birthday party later. Adult gatherings tend to be quite boring.”
Xu Jinhuan’s first thought was, So even someone like Mr. Wen dislikes parties?
The next moment, she realized, “A birthday party… Is it your birthday?”
“Yes.”
Wen Yu sighed lightly. “Just the day before yesterday, I told you I was 31. Today, I’m a year older.”
Xu Jinhuan said sincerely, “Actually, you’re perfect just the way you are now, really…”
“Wait here for a moment!”
With that, she hurried into the kitchen.
Wen Yu watched her retreating figure, resting his chin on his hand. Behind his glasses, his narrow, deep eyes held a unique tenderness.
Before long, Xu Jinhuan walked out carrying a tray.
On the white plate was an exquisitely crafted small cake, no larger than a palm. The cream had been skillfully spread into layered petal shapes, sprinkled with scattered rose petals.
“I found out too late, so I only had time to prepare this…”Xu Jinhuan gently placed the cake in front of Wen Yu, her eyes particularly bright, her smile sweet.
“Happy birthday to you! This time, Ke Er isn’t here, so you can have this whole cake to yourself.”
Wen Yu was slightly taken aback.
Then he smiled, “Thank you.”
“This is the first time I’ve received a cake made by a friend’s own hands.”
Xu Jinhuan had always been lonely, but these past couple of days, she suddenly felt that having friends like this wasn’t so bad.
Sitting across from Wen Yu, she said earnestly, “If you don’t mind, I can make you a cake every year from now on, to wish you a happy birthday.”
Every year from now on…
Wen Yu let those words linger on his tongue for a moment, his lips curling slightly, his smile deepening.
“Then I’ll take you at your word.”
Xu Jinhuan nodded, “Mm, I won’t go back on my promise. You should try it now, so you don’t miss your dinner appointment.”
Wen Yu’s voice was gentle, “It’s fine, there’s still time.”
…
After Wen Yu left, Xu Jinhuan carefully wiped the table with a cloth.
Grandma Liu watched Xu Jinhuan’s busy figure, her eyes filled with affection and concern.
“Xiao Huan, it’s almost noon. Grandma will go back first to prepare lunch. Is there anything you’d like to eat today?”
Xu Jinhuan looked up, offering a smile, “Grandma, I like whatever you make. There’s no need to prepare anything special for me… You already help me so much, always bringing me meals.”
When Xu Jinhuan got busy, she often forgot to eat. Grandma Liu felt sorry for her and would often cook extra, packing some up to bring over.
Xu Jinhuan often felt embarrassed, but Grandma Liu didn’t see it that way.
As a nearly seventy-year-old woman, she usually just cleaned the shop and couldn’t help much, essentially receiving over four thousand yuan in high wages for doing very little.
It was just home-cooked food, but this child was overly sincere—every month, besides her salary, she would also give Grandma Liu extra money for meals.
This made Grandma Liu both grateful and uneasy.
So she found various ways to add extra dishes for Xu Jinhuan, wanting her to eat well.
Grandma Liu said, “It’s just something I do in passing. Anyway, the old man and I can’t finish it all ourselves. I’ll be off now.”
“Alright, take care on your way…”
As soon as Grandma Liu left, a very beautiful woman walked into the shop.
She had thick, curly black waves, wore red-soled high heels, and her makeup was exquisite. Though there were slight traces of age, she was extremely sexy and stunning, her every movement elegant and full of presence.
“Little one, I’d like to order a birthday cake. Do you have any recommendations?”
As the beauty approached, a rich, elegant fragrance wafted over—exceptionally pleasant and intoxicating.
A flash of admiration crossed Xu Jinhuan’s eyes, and she couldn’t help but glance a few more times before remembering to respond to the question.
“Do you have any dietary restrictions? And when do you need it by?”
The woman took off her sunglasses and smiled, “No restrictions. Write ‘Wen Xiaobao, Happy Birthday’ on it. You can handle the rest as you see fit. I’m in no hurry.”
Also surnamed Wen…
Xu Jinhuan thought of Wen Yu, who had just left, and her heart stirred slightly—the same surname as Mr. Wen.
But it must be for a child, right?
The woman’s full red lips curved slightly as she said, “Also? Do you know someone else with the surname Wen, little one?”
Only then did Xu Jinhuan realize she had unconsciously voiced her thoughts aloud.
Slightly flustered, she explained, “It’s a friend.”