Shen Wanqing forced a smile, "Si Lan is right."
Even so, the way her classmates from Class Two looked at her had changed. Wasn’t Shen Wanqing supposed to be the favored one? Yet, Lord Qin seemed to imply that Gu Anxi was the Qin family’s little darling. Now, important figures from the Qin family were celebrating Gu Anxi’s birthday, and Chu Ci was too. So, what were they doing here? Just for the food?
Word spread quickly, and the four tables of classmates emptied out again. This time, it wasn’t for Chu Ci they left, but for Gu Anxi. They were curious to see what prominent figures were at her celebration, figures who could so completely turn the tables.
Suddenly, half of the forty tables were vacant—cold and empty. Shen Wanqing felt as if she’d been slapped in the face; they had all left without a word to her, as if she were completely unimportant.
She lifted her head, her eyes filled with tears.
At that moment, a cheer came from outside, "The fireworks have started! They look amazing!"
She thought Qin Siyuan had arranged this for her in Zhen Garden. But this romantic gesture now made her feel hollow, utterly empty.
But as exclamations continued around her and a crowd started exiting the hall, Shen Wanqing involuntarily followed them outside. Zhen Garden was situated on high ground, offering a view of the entire scenic city of Qingcheng.
Stepping outside, she saw the sky above all of Qingcheng lit up with fireworks, one after another, illuminating the ancient city’s night. Moreover, dozens of helicopters, their tails marked by small green lights, formed a message in the night sky: "Happy Birthday, Little Darling."
Though somewhat extravagant, the city-wide fireworks and the grand formation of dozens of helicopters were breathtaking. Everyone craned their necks, looking up and excitedly spreading the news.
The whole city of Qingcheng was bubbling with excitement that night, celebrating what was supposed to be Gu Anxi’s quiet birthday.
Standing in the crowd, Shen Wanqing looked up at the sky. Though adorned in designer clothes and jewelry worth over a million, she felt like that same lowly servant girl with nothing to her name. It was as if everyone was mocking her, saying she didn’t deserve any of this... She didn’t want to believe it, but it was all so real.
This was her birthday banquet, where she was supposed to be the center of attention, yet Gu Anxi had once again stolen everyone’s gaze. Such hatred, such indignation welled up inside her. Why? After everything she had done, why did she still have nothing...?
「Inside Zhen Garden’s most exclusive private room, the atmosphere was warm and touching.」
Chu Yan and Gu Anxi were at the window. Chu Yan stood straight, while Gu Anxi was practically plastered to the glass like a gecko. One was silent; the other was constantly squealing with excitement, "HOLY COW! This is such a huge spectacle! Big Bro, even your fan support events probably aren’t this over-the-top, right? But it’s really awesome, I LOVE IT SO MUCH... AH!"
Chu Ci, dressed casually, languidly reclined in a chair with a cigarette in hand. His demeanor was unlike his usual self, giving off a certain masculine charm. He glanced at Bo Xichen and raised an eyebrow.
Bo Xichen smiled, "This grand show isn’t my doing."
Uncle He teased, "Then Xichen, what did you get for our little darling? I heard her painting hangs right above your bedside. Why not take her back in the helicopter to check it out tonight?"
Everyone burst out laughing. How did Uncle He suddenly start making suggestive jokes? Even Bo Xichen found it a bit much, though he was relieved that the little one, Gu Anxi, hadn’t understood Uncle He’s risqué remark.
Chu Yan pulled on Gu Anxi’s arm excitedly, "Anxi, look quickly, the message on the helicopters is changing."