Song Recommendation: One In A Million By Twice
Yue Ning stood frozen as the main lights flicked on.
"Happy Birthday, Yue Ning!"
The chorus of voices filled the hall. Lu Jiang, Lu Ting, Lu Ran, Lu Quan, Huo Feng, and Huo Yan were all smiling brightly at her.
For a moment, Yue Ning just stared, completely lost. The words echoed in her ears, soft and unbelievable.
"Birthday?" she whispered, blinking fast. Her gaze swept over the decorations again—the flowers, the candles, the table at the center. It all made sense now. It was her birthday, and they were celebrating it.
Huo Feng stepped forward, his expression gentle. "You didn’t think we’d forget your birthday, did you?"
"I..." Yue Ning shook her head, still in shock. "I didn’t even realize what day it was." She scratched her head awkwardly, "I guess I can’t even recall my birthday since I never celebrated it."
Huo Yan laughed, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "You’ve been too busy lately. We had to surprise you somehow. And also, you don’t have to worry about forgetting your birthday with us by your side."
Lu Jiang walked closer, his tone calm but full of warmth. "You’ve grown so much, Ning Ning. Today, you deserve to be celebrated."
Yue Ning’s throat tightened. She opened her mouth but couldn’t find any words. She hadn’t expected this—hadn’t expected them.
Lu Ting moved closer, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She reached out, but paused, hovering just above Yue Ning’s shoulder as if afraid to break the moment.
"You’ve grown... so much," Lu Ting whispered softly, her voice barely audible over the soft murmur of the guests. Her gaze lingered on Yue Ning’s face, tracing each feature she had longed to see for years. Pride, love, and relief mingled in her expression.
She exhaled slowly, a small, tender smile tugging at her lips. "My darling, you’re really here."
The warmth in Lu Ting’s eyes, filled with all the care and devotion she had kept hidden for so long, made Yue Ning’s chest tighten. For the first time in both the novel’s world and her real world, she felt the quiet comfort of belonging.
"This is for you, Xiao Ning." Lu Quan stepped forward, handing her a box.
"I also got you something," Lu Ran stepped forward, nudging a box towards her, unwilling to be outdone by his brother.
"Thank you," Yue Ning said softly, her eyes flickering with immense gratitude.
The candles flickered softly as everyone gathered around. Yue Ning could only stand there, heart pounding, surrounded by the people who cared so much about her, realizing slowly... this was all for her.
The group gathered around the small table where a white cake sat, soft candlelight glowing against the golden frosting.
"Make a wish," Huo Yan urged her brightly, her eyes shining with excitement.
Yue Ning hesitated, staring at the single candle. Her mind was blank. Wishes... she hadn’t made one in years.
After a moment, she closed her eyes. If only things could stay peaceful a little longer, she thought silently.
When she opened them again, she blew out the flame. Applause broke out, light and cheerful.
Huo Feng handed her a small velvet box. "This is for you," he said quietly.
Yue Ning blinked, confused, then took it. Inside was a delicate silver bracelet with a small blue gem at the center.
"It belonged to my mother," he continued. "Now, it’s yours."
Her lips parted slightly, her throat tightening. "Thank you," she said softly, the words barely above a whisper.
The rest of the afternoon passed in warm laughter and simple chatter. Yue Ning could hardly believe the day was real. It felt like a dream she didn’t want to wake from.
But as the sun began to set, the mood shifted.
The Lu residence, once calm and homely, began to transform again. The maids moved swiftly, arranging flowers, setting tables, and lighting soft golden lanterns along the path. Expensive cars started arriving, one after another.
Huo Yan and Lu Ting helped Yue Ning into an elegant gown. It was a light blue silk with soft embroidery that shimmered under the light.
"You’ll look perfect," Lu Ting whispered with a satisfied grin.
Yue Ning still didn’t fully understand what was happening. "Why are there so many guests?"
"You’ll know soon," Huo Yan said mysteriously.
By evening, the Lu residence was filled with music and the murmur of prestigious guests—business partners, old friends, and officials. The grand hall glowed with luxury.
Yue Ning stood beside Huo Feng, her hands clasped before her. Standing beside him, her face was filled with calmness which seemed to be out of the world. But only she understood how hard her heart was racing.
Then, as the clock struck seven, Lu Jiang rose from his seat at the front of the hall. His deep voice echoed across the room.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, pausing as all eyes turned to him. "Tonight, we celebrate not only a birthday, but a reunion long overdue."
He turned toward Yue Ning, his gaze warm yet firm. "Let me officially introduce someone very important to me—my daughter, Lu Yue Ning, who has finally returned home."
Silence fell over the hall.
Yue Ning’s breath caught in her throat. The words echoed in her mind, slow and surreal.
His... daughter? Chapters fırst released on 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵·𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖·𝙣𝙚𝙩
’Seems they are finally introducing you to the public,’ the system commented. ’It was long overdue.’
Every head turned toward her, murmurs rippling through the guests. She stood frozen in the glow of the chandelier, her heart pounding so hard it almost drowned out the applause that followed, but her lips carried an elegant smile.
And in that moment, surrounded by strangers and flashing cameras, Yue Ning realized—her life as she knew it was about to change forever.
Yet, beneath the glittering lights and warm smiles, a subtle tension lingered. ’Be cautious,’ the system warned her, whispering in her mind.
’Not everyone here welcomes you with pure intent. Some shadows may have already arrived.’ A quiet chill brushed her thoughts, hinting that this celebration was only the beginning."