Birthday Banquet 13

“Are you surprised?”

“Mhm, I didn’t think there’d be so many people.” If Qin Chu didn’t tell her, she would’ve never guessed that so many people had tried to kidnap her.

“So, Honey… I was so worried that you’ll get exposed, and now you have… more hardships will be waiting for our family down the road, are you afraid?”

Huo Mian shook her head. “No, I know you’ll protect me.”

“I will… even if we die, we’ll die together.” Qin Chu held Huo Mian’s hand tightly and with determination.

Ian, Nalo… the human traffickers, and whoever saved Huo Siqian… so many people and powerful forces are trying to take Huo Mian away from him.

Qin Chu was always on alert; he was worried that if he relaxed, he wouldn’t be able to protect Huo Mian.

“Come on, be optimistic, okay? We’re going to live until we’re a hundred years old, they’re the ones who are going to die.”

“Mhm.” Qin Chu smiled.

“Honey, I don’t want to drag other people down with us. If worse comes to worst and all they want is me so they can control my dad, I’ll go. You just have to protect Little Bean and Pudding.”

“I can’t do that.”

“You can, for the kids.”

“I won’t, I never will. If I learned anything over the years, it’s that I can’t live without you. If you were in my shoes and I were the one dying, do you think you’ll find happiness in being alive?”

“Honey, I never want to be apart from you again. I’m scared.” Huo Mian put her arms around Qin Chu’s neck and hugged him tightly, as if she was worried that he might disappear at any moment.

“I thought you wanted me to protect the children?” Qin Chu laughed.

“I was pretending to be brave, don’t take me so seriously, okay?”

“You’re such a kid.” Qin Chu lovingly rubbed Huo Mian’s head. Then, the couple headed home.

– The next morning –

It was Huo Mian’s birthday, and the party began at 7:30.

She didn’t have anything to do at home, so she decided to head over to South Side. On her way, she made a public post in the group chat.

“NOTICE: to those who are attending my birthday party tonight, please do not bring any presents. We will have guards outside, you only need your phones and nothing else. Those who bring presents will be asked to leave.”

“Haha, what a great announcement, I can save money this year,” Zhu Lingling said.

“I guess I’ll have to save your present for you next year then,” Jiang Xiaowei chimed in.

“Mian, that’s not fair for you. We’d be eating and drinking for free,” Ni Yang joked.

“It’s okay, the Qin Family is rich enough to afford a meal, don’t hold back!” Huo Mian responded.

“Wait, Mian, the Tang Family is hosting your party. You can’t tell people to not hold back!” Tang Chuan jumped out to blame Huo Mian’s generosity.

“Tang Chuan, so what if Mian doesn’t hold back? If you don’t keep me happy, I’m going to ask you for a bigger betrothal gift!” Qin Ning defended Huo Mian.

“Haha, Ning, I’m kidding. Don’t take me so seriously!”

“This is the first time we’re holding Mian’s party, it’s a serious matter!”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

Su Yu was right; the only person Tang Chuan listened to nowadays was Qin Ning.

After some back and forth in the group, Zhu Lingling suddenly said, “Wait, why didn’t Su Yu say anything? Don’t tell me you got her a present.”

Only then did the rest of the group notice that Su Yu indeed hadn’t said anything since Huo Mian’s group post.