Xia You could imagine that Ding Ling’s expression at this moment must be extremely brilliant. Without the lead singer, the blessings from the band lost all meaning.
"Is it your birthday today?" Xia You thought for a minute and sat down as well. She didn’t blush like others when she was with Lu Yimo; she just felt very comfortable.
"It’s my birthday." Lu Yimo didn’t take a plate or a fork, and again scooped out a piece of cream and popped it into his mouth.
"Cherry liquor center?" Xia You’s eyes lit up. This was both hers and Xiao Maiqi’s favorite flavor, and it was from Zu Ji.
"If you’re afraid of gaining weight, I’ll take care of the cream," Lu Yimo said, causing Xia You to turn her head to look at him leisurely, "Look at my memory, you’re not Xiu Na, you like cream."
Xia You’s smile disappeared. How could Lu Yimo know her preferences?
"Who are you really..." Xia You’s nerves tensed all over her body, and she immediately crouched down, pulling Lu Yimo down with her.
Several unfamiliar figures appeared in the Ding Family’s garden.
"Military region’s defensive arrangement?" Xia You, as one of the participants in the Friendship Conference, knew a bit about tonight’s defense setup. The seemingly vacant garden should have a small squad stationed, and the entrance was specifically equipped with a weapons checkpoint. Other well-dressed personnel from various departments were all concealing weapons; these thieves picked the wrong time to come.
A smell that was very conflicting with the scent of cream – the smell of blood – filled the air, and the figures quickly vanished into the corners of the villa. "Hiss hiss," a few sounds, and several bloodstains appeared on the dry winter leaves.
Those hypothetical alarm systems were quickly dismantled. Within a few minutes, the small squad was silently eradicated. And Xia You hadn’t even seen the clear number of the opponents.
Fortunately, the group of unfamiliar black-clothed people did not immediately penetrate the villa but chose a few clusters of bushes to hide in.
Xia You crouched hiding, while Lu Yimo beside her was not nervous and leisurely licked the cream off his fingers.
After a while, a black sniper rifle barrel extended out of the bush, aiming at the villa’s exit.
After singing the birthday song, what followed was a dance party. The loudspeakers for the dance and the screens for the adjustments had all been set up.
The garden regained its quiet, and the scent of blood dispersed in the north wind.
As the crowd left, Lu Xun, pushing Ding Ling, wanted to "lead" the dance with Ding Ling, followed closely by Major General Ding and his wife.
The sniper rifle continued to aim, and Xia You’s heart began to panic. Her hand reached for the pistol in her trouser pocket. But how could her lone defense compare to the shooting of several sniper rifles? She didn’t know who the sniper’s target was this time.
"Hasn’t the bishop come yet?" Major General Ding asked Wuyue, who was arranging the attendance. The sniper rifle paused slightly as Wuyue stepped forward and blocked the shooting target with his response.
"Miss Xianxian said that the bishop left later than her. He’s still on the road," Xianxian deliberately walked into the venue one after another with Lin Yi. She, too, had to dance with Lin Yi.
"Dad, let’s not wait anymore. It’s almost time," Ding Ling pouted. Like Xianxian, she didn’t have much affection for that Yin Yang Strange Qi David Sect’s bishop. But her father insisted that the bishop was a significant figure, although petty, who loved to be the center of attention at important events.
"Xiao Ling, be patient," Lu Xun said from the side. Today, Ding Ling was somewhat abnormal; she had drunk several cocktails in a row, and now her eyes were hazy, and she kept holding onto his hand, unwilling to let go.
"Brother Xun, I..." Ding Ling stole a glance at Xianxian and saw an encouraging look from her, becoming nervous again. That microphone used to announce the start of the dance was in Major General Ding’s hands. As soon as the music started, she had to take the microphone and announce herself – about her engagement with Lu Xun. Ding Ling did not know what kind of consequences her bold move would bring, but today was her birthday, wasn’t it? As long as she was happy, everyone here would send her their sincerest blessings.
"It’s eight o’clock; let’s not wait," Major General Ding went beside Ding Ling and raised his voice, just about to speak.
"Dad, it’s my birthday today. I have something to tell everyone," Ding Ling said petulantly, sliding the wheelchair to in front of Major General Ding.
Xia You watched closely from the side. Whenever Major General Ding stepped out alone, the sniper rifle barrel would move. Their target was Major General Ding.
"Alright, alright, let’s indulge you today," Major General Ding helplessly gave the microphone to Ding Ling.
Simon hid in the bushes; he had been waiting for quite a while but hadn’t caught the opportunity.
Earlier, while waiting for people to enter the venue, he never found the David Sect’s bishop. With no choice, he had to sneak into the villa garden. As long as he completed an assassination, his mission would not be considered a failure.
"Welcome everyone to my birthday party tonight. This twenty-second birthday party is significant for me. In the words of my father, it provides a venue for exchanges between the military and various sectors. But for me, its meaning isn’t that simple because it’s also the moment for Brother Xun and me..." Ding Ling finished speaking, holding Lu Xun’s left hand, her eyes full of affection.
"Birthday girl, may I have this dance with you?" Lu Yi cleared his throat, emerged triumphantly, covered in dry grass and leaves, from the trees. In his hand, he was holding a bewildered Xia You. (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your vote of recommendation, monthly pass. Your support is my greatest motivation.)