The number one playboy on the Peninsula!

Chapter 378 Mingjing Nan Achieves Success! 600 Million Korean Won! (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
On March 24th, the cherry blossoms in Myeongdong bloomed...

In the bright, warm spring weather, Gong Cheng got up early today and was shaving his stubble in front of the bathroom mirror in his villa in Seongbuk-dong.

With bright eyes, he stared at his face in the mirror and smacked his lips smugly.

Even though he's been out of the spotlight since the Grammys, he's still handsome.

These past few days, besides drinking, Gong Cheng has been living in a daze...

Looking back now, Gong Cheng felt rather dejected.

He was actually harmed by wine and women?
Quit drinking...

Gong Cheng picked up a towel and wiped the water droplets from his face. He walked shirtless to the French windows in the bedroom, basking in the warm sunlight. After midnight last night, Daegu's mother came to check if he was dead and celebrated his birthday. But she left after coming twice, saying that she had to get up early this morning to catch her schedule.

The temperature difference between day and night in Seoul is significant this season. From the floor-to-ceiling windows of the villa, you can see the cherry blossoms planted along the roads in the villa area, their buds bulging and blooming in pale pink in the air. However, this year's birthday is a bit quieter than in previous years.

Gong Cheng opened the wardrobe, then took out a thin white sweater and a black jacket, and put them on.

Seeing the cherry blossoms in full bloom in spring has unexpectedly put me in a good mood today.

So, it turns out he and Mina-chan were both born during the cherry blossom season. Thinking about it that way, it's quite romantic...

...

...

"Remember, you must behave well at today's birthday party!"

In the underground parking garage of JYP Entertainment building, the nine members of TWICE stood in front of their van, listening to Park Jin-young's admonition. He said solemnly, "Show us your team spirit, understand?"

As he spoke, he glanced at Mina, Sana, and Momo. Today was Mina's birthday, and the company had prepared a birthday fan meeting for her. All the members would be there, making it a small-scale fan meeting, except that the theme was to celebrate Mina's birthday, and of course, it also had a profit-making aspect.

"Mina, Sana, Momo?" Park Jin-young reminded him again, still worried. "I've already informed you about the summer project for the three of you, so you know what you need to show the fans today, right?"

The implication of his words was that he wanted the members to promote their pairings so that the pre-release hype for "Misamo" would be easier to handle, but he was not confident about it at the moment.

Originally, Park Jin-young hoped to build the three Japanese members of the group into the strongest "cherry blossom line" on earth, but now it seems that's highly unlikely.

Sana Minatozaki nodded, indicating that she understood: "Alaso PDnim."

Mina and Momo also agreed. The "cheating" scandal had passed for some time now, and the company's statement that the three of them would form a sub-unit was practically a forced partnership. No matter how you looked at it, it was indeed very good for their career development, so they had even less reason to refuse.

They could only hold their noses and tie themselves together.

Life is always full of unexpected twists and turns...

"Ring ring~"

Park Jin-young was preparing to give a few more instructions to Director Kim of the company, telling her to keep an eye on the members. He was growing to like Dahyun more and more in TWICE now, since she was the acting director. Besides, even though she was just average, she was very dedicated!

I don't date just anyone...

Upon hearing the phone ring, Park Jin-young glanced at the caller's contact name before answering it in front of the other members. Immediately afterward, Gong Cheng's voice came through the receiver: "What's wrong, senior?"

The familiar voice rang in Lin Nayeon's ears, and they immediately turned their attention to it.

Park Jin-young cleared his throat and turned his back. He had called Gong Cheng this morning, but there was no answer. "Happy birthday!"

He said something briefly, then felt the gazes behind him making him feel embarrassed, so he offered a blessing and hung up the phone.

Park Jihyo rolled her eyes, speechless.

During this period, President Park told them every day how much of a scumbag and a bastard that oppa was.

But why do you love it so much?

Did you even send me a special birthday greeting?

...Soon, all nine members of TWICE got into the van.

Mina's birthday fan meeting was held in Myeongdong. Her company booked a business event hall, and staff started decorating the venue yesterday with various balloons and ribbons. There was also a small stage on site.

The van drove under the Seoul sun, crossing the Han River Bridge. Lim Nayeon sat by the window and pulled back the curtains. What came into view were posters on every street corner. In a country that is obsessed with entertainment, you can see posters, standees and other support for celebrities in any corner of the street.

On the towering buildings, LED screens, bathed in sunlight, still displayed "Tarot" posters as always. Seoul Tower lit up for "Tarot" in the early hours of last night, displaying "Happy Birthday~".

Not only in Seoul, but even though that person has separated from her boyfriend and temporarily left the music industry.

But since the clock struck midnight last night, "Akana" fans around the world have continued to celebrate his 23rd birthday. Besides lighting up famous LED screens in various cities and sending drones in support, this year's fans have gone even further, chartering several "itasha" (decorated airplanes) on flights to and from Seoul.

Videos of "ita-air" (a type of themed airplane) support have gone viral worldwide, with some overseas fans seeing this form of support for the first time. Gong Cheng is also the first singer to have "ita-air" support. As for the so-called "ita-air," Akana (the fans) created an immersive themed cabin using the three-piece cabin set, with the "theme" being Tarot. Long scrolls running through the overhead bins, posters, and miniature "Tarot" dolls hanging on the cabin's restrooms, and even his image is printed on the tickets.

But from the current perspective, Seoul is a huge "city of pain" about "Tarot," which makes Lim Na-yeon feel complicated and depressed.

Even though you've already broken up, that bad boy always seems to reappear in front of you in unexpected ways, like a scoundrel, and you find it hard to forget him.

...What are you doing now? Gong Cheng.

……

"Don't do that, we still have to meet your uncle and aunt later."

In the Aston Martin carriage on the way to Yeongdeungpo, Zhao Meiyan, her face flushed with shame and indignation, reached out and slapped Gong Cheng's hand, which was resting on her thigh. "You're driving, why isn't your right hand in gear or on the steering wheel? What are you doing touching my leg like that?"

The gray stockings under the short skirt were almost snagged.

Gong Cheng gazed at the residential area getting closer to his home and said matter-of-factly, "Love, huh!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Meiyan's rosy cheeks and the corners of her eyes lifted, and she seemed quite pleased.

Lately, it's strange, the boyfriend hasn't been going out fooling around much. Instead, their relationship has become sweeter. (G)I-DLE just finished promoting their second mini-album "I Made" and is taking a break, so they've been spending a lot more time together.

Today, I'm accompanying my father-in-law to his home to celebrate his birthday.

See? He still cares about me the most.

After getting out of the car, Zhao Meiyan, carrying a cake and wearing a light pink floral dress, walked into the building with practiced ease. She thought about the support the whole world had given to her boyfriend today, and said with a mix of envy and pride, "Oppa, you saw all the support the fans gave you, right?"

"I saw it." Gong Cheng said, carrying the gifts she brought. He had even posted on Instagram last night to thank the Akana fans for their support.
Zhao Meiyan stepped onto the stairs with a grin, her skirt swaying, revealing her shapely, taut thighs encased in gray stockings. She teased, yet also asked curiously, "Oppa, are you already used to this kind of support? You don't seem particularly surprised~"

"What are you saying?" Gong Cheng curled his lips, raised his hand and slapped her bottom, and seriously lectured her: "Even if you're used to it, you should still be grateful."

This is the truth. Fans support you with real money, and if you don't appreciate it, that would be too much... That's why he never makes any promises to fans, like not dating before he's in his thirties.

But he would try his best to keep his promises to them. As he spoke, Gong Cheng glanced at Zhao Meiyan's embarrassed and indignant face and teased, "I hate idols like you who have no idol ethics the most~"

"Huh?" Zhao Meiyan's eyes widened upon hearing this. Forgetting to rub her burning, itchy buttocks, she let out an incredulous snort and turned to Gong Cheng to express her dissatisfaction: "Oppa, I don't have Doude because of you!!!"

Gong Cheng chuckled lightly, "Haha~ Of course I know~"

"Then you still say?"

"Just teasing you!"

……

Meanwhile, after TWICE arrived at their birthday fan meeting in Myeongdong, as per the usual procedure, Mina, with tears in her eyes, looked at the fans present and said some words of gratitude: "I'm really grateful to ONCEs for their birthday wishes, and..."

She continued, her tone unnatural, "And the companionship of the other members."

Lim Na-yeon, Minatozaki Sana, Hirai Momo, and Son Chae-young stood on a small stage, chuckling and forcing a sincere smile at the cameras of the crowd.

...At the birthday fan meeting, in addition to fans expressing their love, JYP, as the organizer, specially prepared some small gifts and TWICE merchandise for the ONCEs who came to attend, and the fans excitedly shouted in the venue.

As the staff brought out the cake, the lights in the clubhouse dimmed and went out.

Mina's delicate face slowly closed her eyes, a birthday hat on her forehead, the other members surrounded her, and hundreds of ONCEs sang her a birthday song together.

Next, it was placed at the fireworks stand.
Mina made a wish, and confetti fell onto the stage. She then cheerfully picked up a knife and fork and began to distribute the cake to the members.

In the moment of swift execution, she suddenly had a profound realization.
Now that I'm Makoto's nominal mother, Makoto is like a huge cake right under my nose, coveted and coveted by the other members.

She, on the other hand, has the right to distribute the cakes; the size of the cakes given to the members is up to her.
"Birthday card~"

"Onie~"

Even after experiencing such a major incident as the "cheating scandal," the nine members of TWICE still have excellent performance skills. After all, they are a girl group that has been tempered by a tough schedule. At this moment, the smiles of each member are incredibly genuine.

Mina was somewhat dazed, especially seeing Sana Minatozaki and Momo Hirai's heartfelt smiles and words of blessing: "Mina, happy birthday~"

"Salanghey~"

Hirai Momo strictly followed Park Jin-young's parting advice, confessing her feelings and selling her CP (couple pairing), while Minatozaki Sana hugged Mina tightly, clinging to her small frame, swaying back and forth in ONCE's eyes.

Many ONCEs screamed immediately upon hearing Hirai Momo's teasing "Saranghae".

"Ahhhh!"

Mina pursed her pink lips, smiled sweetly, and squinted her eyes, looking deeply moved.

After hugging Sana Minatozaki, she subtly touched her bottom with her hand behind her back. Baka... If it weren't for the lingering soreness from last night's beating, she would have almost wondered if she'd lost her mind!
They're all such good actors...

"Owner!"

"Owner!"

Inside the venue, some die-hard Momo fans were shouting loudly at Hirai Momo.
Hirai Momo stood smiling beside Kim Da-hyun. The way she was addressed made her momentarily lost in thought, and her dark eyes suddenly dimmed.

If I am your master, then where is my master?

...Why is everyone so calm during the cooling-off period?

Twenty minutes later, the birthday fan meeting came to the part where the members exchanged gifts. Normally, this kind of thing could be done privately, but after witnessing what happened in the meeting room that day, Park Jin-young had deep suspicions about the other members giving Mina a birthday gift.

If the members had such a close relationship a year ago, there would have been no need to worry.

But right now, Lim Na-yeon, Minatozaki Sana, Hirai Momo, and Son Chae-young... well...

birthday present?

Park Jin-young was afraid that each of them would give Mina a huge advantage...

Stealing someone's boyfriend in public is indeed going too far. However, Park Jin-young doesn't know the specifics. All he can say is that the relationships between these members and that scumbag junior are too damn complicated and messy!
Junior brother—aren't you tired of living like this?
Therefore, Park Jin-young cleverly arranged the gift-giving segment to be held at the birthday fan meeting. With ONCEs as witnesses, the boys wouldn't cause any trouble, and it would also showcase TWICE's strong group spirit to the public.

He has always believed that the core of "TWICE" lies in friendship.

But now he's my love rival...

"Unnie, this is a gift I prepared~" Chou Tzuyu stood prettily in front of Mina and handed her a pink gift box.

Minami smiled brightly and accepted the gift.

Yoo Jeongyeon, Park Jihyo, and Kim Dahyun gradually followed suit, explaining why they prepared the gift. This was to show the ONCEs present and the cameras in their hands that they had the group's spirit, and to repair the trust crisis that had arisen since Park Jihyo's dating incident.

"Birthday card~"

Amidst the blessings.

When it was Hirai Momo's turn to give the last gift, she took a black gift box with a red ribbon tied on it. In the Peninsula, most people usually open the gift on the spot, and there is a gift introduction session, so it is definitely necessary to open it and take a look.

Mina's fair hands untied the bow, and she opened the gift box with a smile.

...Hirai Momoya watched her friend with a slight smile.

The moment Mina opened the gift box, her fair face froze, her expression instantly hardening. Then, she gripped the edge of the gift box tightly, the veins on the back of her hand bulging.

Inside the gift box, on a black foam pad, lay a Rolex watch; judging by its craftsmanship and texture alone…

Yoo Jeongyeon and Lim Nayeon were acting as MCs, but when they saw the watch, they immediately looked back and forth between Mina and Momo with unnatural expressions.

Oh my god, how is Momo so brave?

surface--?
婊！
Mina raised her eyelids and gave Hirai Momo a cold look. Her small body trembled with anger, and her throat was choked with rage.

Little Strange Tofu's mouth twitched immediately upon seeing the gift!

Damn it—think fast, how do you smooth things over?

The symbolism of the watch is quite simple; even a little bit of speculation from the media and fans can lead to rumors of discord within the team.

As Director Kim, and as the messenger sent by the Great Marshal to maintain peace within TWICE, Kim Da-hyun anxiously thought of a solution!

Momo Hirai – Are you going to ruin TWICE?
Hirai Momo smiled, a slight curve appearing at the corners of her mouth. She raised a hand to brush a stray black hair behind her ear; her intelligence prevailed—she was doing it on purpose!
I heard Yu Dingyan's embarrassed voice introducing it, "A Rolex watch..."

She had barely uttered a few words when she ran out of ideas and handed the microphone to Hirai Momo: "Tell me why you gave this gift."

At the same time, his face looked grim.

The other members' expressions were also alternating between pale and flushed, but they didn't dare to show it too obviously in front of the numerous cameras and ONCE.

Mina remained silent, staring intently at Momo Hirai.

I hope she can give me a reasonable explanation, otherwise, I will definitely teach this ungrateful friend a lesson!

She was really angry. Nobody had brought this up publicly, and what did it mean to give me a watch for my birthday?
For a moment, she felt extremely wronged, and her eyes reddened.

Just as an awkward silence was about to fall, Hirai Momo, in front of everyone, raised her hand and patted her forehead under her bangs, took the microphone, turned to look at Mina, and said in a silly tone with a blank and embarrassed look on her face, "Mina-chan~"

"I prepared two gifts, but I was in such a hurry today that I accidentally took the wrong one." After saying that, she blinked at Mina with a guilty look on her face, pouting like a silly little girl.

Lim Nayeon quickly tried to smooth things over, picking up the microphone and asking, "Two gifts? So who is this gift for?"

Upon hearing this, Hirai Momo turned her head and smiled at Lim Nayeon, as well as Minatozaki Sana and Son Chaeyoung beside her. Then, she pitifully explained to the ONCEs present, "Isn't Tarot oppa born on the same day as Mina-chan? I bought the gifts together, but they got mixed up. Mina-chan only realized she got the wrong gift when she opened it just now."

As she spoke, she smugly lamented, "I originally prepared a very pretty necklace for Mina-chan..."

As Hirai Momo explained, Lim Nayeon, Minatozaki Sana, Son Chaeyoung, and even Mani Mina, who had just chimed in, all froze.

Ah-shi~
You're giving me a double gift?

Good for you……

"Mina-chan, you won't be mad at me, will you?" Hirai Momo held the microphone in one hand, looking earnestly at Mina. "I'll have to give you the present when we get back to the dorm."

Mina turned slightly, managing her expression, her eyes flashing with anger while she spoke softly to Momo, who was embracing her. She patted Momo's back and said with a grin, "How could I blame you? Kenchana~"

Kim Da-hyun's soft face trembled incessantly.

With this group of drama queens around, how could I not win the Blue Dragon Award for Best Actress?
Seeing that Hirai Momo had taken the initiative and defused the awkward situation herself, Yoo Jeongyeon quickly picked up the thread and continued, "Oh, today is also Tarot oppa's birthday..."

In her voice, after Hirai Momo and Mina finished hugging, they put their hands behind their backs and waved to the ONCEs with smiles.

Just then, a female fan in the audience was amused by Momo Hirai's mistake of giving the wrong gift. She called out to the TWICE members on stage, "Mina unnie, Momo unnie gave the wrong gift, please don't mind~"

"Because~"

As she spoke, the female ONCE, who knew each TWICE member's personality very well and was a die-hard fan, burst into laughter behind her, saying, "Because, that's so Momo-chan!!!"

Amidst the laughter and chatter, Mina glanced at Momo Hirai and silently swallowed her grievance.

Having witnessed the whole thing, Chou Tzu-yu looked at Hirai Momo, who was still pretending to be clueless and interacting with the ONCEs, in great shock, as if she were meeting Hirai Momo for the first time.

...Unnie, how are you so strong?
After a birthday party that lasted for more than two hours, we went backstage to wait for our turn.

At Park Ji-hyo's urging and Park Jin-young's instructions, she called the three members of Misamo to stand aside for a group photo. Today is member Mina's birthday, and they will take several group photos to show their team spirit.

In addition to posting it on TWICE's official account, it will also be posted on the members' personal social media accounts.

When shooting "misamo" first, Yoo Jeongyeon held up the camera and acted as the photographer. The three of them stood in front of the backdrop with smiles on their faces. Mina was in the center, Sana Minatozaki was on the left, and Momo Hirai was on the right, tilting her head and showing her white teeth.

The three of them looked happy and joyful, linking arms with each other in a close and intimate manner.

"Click..."

The flash went off with a swift, decisive motion, and Yu Dingyan immediately put away her camera. Meanwhile, Mina Minami, Sana Minatozaki, and Momo Hirai, who were standing in front of the backdrop, quickly and decisively separated their arms and left in different directions.

Sana Minatozaki took a sip of her coffee, then glanced at Miyeon Cho's message and replied, "Let's meet the day after tomorrow then."

Mina glanced furtively at Momo, then began planning to sneak out tonight to find Makoto.

After filming wrapped up, Hirai Momo couldn't help but roll her eyes as she walked away...

Become a face.

"..."

Then, at their manager's beckoning, the TWICE members stood in front of the backdrop and took a group photo.

TWICE's official account has been posting photos from today.

JYP immediately hired online trolls to market the photo of Mina, Sana, and Momo in the comments section, calling it "the best Misamo," thus planting the seeds and generating buzz for the trio's debut in the summer.

……

Two hours after the birthday fan meeting ended, TWICE left work very early today.

Lim Nayeon returned to her dorm, changed her clothes, and put on a mask and baseball cap. She wandered around the supermarket and bought two gift boxes, which she put in the trunk of her Maserati.

Immediately, she stepped on the gas and drove towards Yeongdeungpo with inexplicable feelings.

Now that you've broken up with that bad boy, shouldn't you at least visit the uncles and aunts who are good to you?
She thought to herself...

I wonder if Gong Cheng has told her aunt and uncle about their breakup?

……

After returning to her dorm, Chou Tzu-yu, with her graceful figure, changed into a light white sweater and jacket. Standing in front of the mirror, she felt a surge of youthful energy. Donning her baseball cap, she took out the gift she had prepared and headed to Yeongdeungpo. How could she miss her brother's birthday?

If I had a job, that would be fine, but I don't have one right now.
As soon as she stepped out of the living room, she glanced at her two pet swans. Thinking of her brother's swan May, which was stolen by Nayeon unnie, Tzuyu was speechless at the ruthlessness of her older sister.

After thinking for a moment, she pressed the elevator button and went to the dormitory of Lim Na-yeon, Minatozaki Sana, and Hirai Momo.

But as soon as Zhou Ziyu pushed open the door to their dormitory, she saw Minatozaki Sana sitting alone on the sofa, hugging May, her eyes red.

It seems the plan to steal the dog is not going to work.

withdraw!
……

"Zhimin?"

"Gifts, please..." Gong Cheng was sitting on his balcony at home, talking to the Dragon of the Execution Department. Zhao Meiyan, on the other hand, was accompanying her adoptive mother to buy groceries and stroll around.

Before leaving, her adoptive mother secretly asked herself, "Why didn't Nayeon come?"

Gong Cheng could only offer a perfunctory reply: "She's busy..."

Liu Zhimin asked cautiously, "So, Oppa, can we meet? I really want to give you my blessings in person."

Gong Cheng sat on the swing chair on the balcony, basking in the sunset, and thought for a moment: "How about tomorrow? I have to have dinner with my family today."

Family is very important.

"Oh, okay~ Then please accept my blessing tomorrow, Oppa~" Yoo Jimin happily agreed. It seems that she is the second most important person in Oppa's heart after his family~ She thought to herself with a smug smile.

After ending his call with the Executive Department's Dragon, Gong Cheng received calls from Shin Yuna, Hwang Ye-ji, Shin Ryu-jin, and Little Washboard.

They were all birthday wishes for him.

The meeting is scheduled for tomorrow.

"Yuan Yingmo?"

Gong Cheng greeted her with a smile, but upon hearing that it was yet another invitation, he reluctantly nodded in agreement. However, after seeing the chat box that popped up on Kakao with Jiang Huiyuan, he added, "Tell Yideng Qingchun to come along too~"

……

"Where is that bastard?"

Jisoo's concerned voice came through the receiver: "I just finished work. Do you want me to come with you to celebrate your birthday?"

She felt a pang of heartache when she talked about it.

She's known Gong Cheng for four years, and she's never celebrated her white moonlight's birthday even once!
That despicable Zhao Meiyan, she's deprived me of these things for years...

"I have plans," Gong Cheng said in a light, slightly helpless voice, "Let's do it another day~"

……

While replying to well-wishes from friends, trainees, members of the "Pao-kun" group, the older sisters from "Old Girls Generation," IU, and other friends, Gong Cheng took a bite of an apple.

The sound of a door opening came from the living room behind me.

The adoptive mother and Zhao Meiyan walked in carrying large and small bags.

"Son, when are you going to continue singing?" In the kitchen, the foster mother asked with concern as she cooked.

She knew that her son had temporarily left the music scene, but she also knew that so many people on the internet loved him and were trying to persuade him to return to singing as soon as possible. In addition, she had just heard Zhao Meiyan complaining on the way that her son had been almost addicted to alcohol since he stopped taking a break.

She was very worried about Gong Cheng, wondering if something had happened to him.

Gong Cheng, lying on the sofa, joked upon hearing the question, "When I run out of money, I'll go out and sing karaoke~"

"When was that?" The adoptive mother knew that Gong Cheng was very popular worldwide, so popular that his posters and fans were all over the country. In addition, he had purchased real estate in Seoul in the past two years. She was not a clueless housewife. On the contrary, she knew very well how terrifying her son's status and money-making ability were.

Gong Cheng mumbled through a piece of apple, "I don't know either, but oh my god, there's probably no hope in this lifetime~ hh~"

"Perhaps even in your next life you'll be very rich~"

Hearing these words, his foster mother glanced back at him, but when she saw him with his arm around Zhao Meiyan's shoulder, she didn't bother to say anything.

Oh dear, you brat!
What will happen to Nayeon now that you and Miyeon are like this?
……

Auntie, Nayeon is here!
Lin Na-yeon parked her Maserati downstairs at her apartment building. When she saw a silver Aston Martin, she took a gift out of the trunk and stood there calming herself down.

What business is it of yours, Gong Cheng, that I'm looking for my uncle and aunt?

snort!
After mentally preparing herself, Lin Nayeon smiled broadly, dispelling the gloom after parting ways with Gong Cheng, and walked into the stairwell.

"Dong Dong Dong~"

Knocking on the door...

Lim Nayeon took a deep breath to calm her nervousness. Would it be her uncle or aunt who opened the door?

Or perhaps it's that bad boy, Gong Cheng?

……

In the living room, Zhao Meiyan, wearing slippers, volunteered to get up and open the door. The figure that came into view instantly froze her and the person at the door.

Lim Nayeon was wearing a brown fitted jacket and a brown pleated skirt, her legs encased in thick black stockings, and white canvas shoes. She looked energetic and sweet. Her eyelids twitched, and she asked, "What are you doing here?"

"Of course I'm here. I'm always here at this time of year." Zhao Meiyan's previously gentle, smiling expression instantly turned aggressive as she spoke coldly. This wasn't during an event, and she wasn't going to put up with Lim Nayeon at all.

On the contrary, she holds grudges and always makes things difficult for Lim Nayeon and Bae Joo-hyun during events.

"Who?"

Gong Cheng's curious voice came from the living room.

Upon hearing this, and seeing that Zhao Meiyan was blocking the door from letting her in, Lim Nayeon raised her voice and shouted, "Me!!!"

As she spoke, she bumped into Zhao Meiyan with her shoulder and went inside.

"Aigoo~" Upon hearing Lim Nayeon's voice, the foster mother immediately sensed something was wrong and quickly came out of the kitchen to greet her with a smile.

Gong Cheng stood there somewhat bewildered, glancing at Lin Nayan who had suddenly arrived.

But he quickly calmed down.

Haven't they already broken up...?

After Lim Na-yeon greeted her uncle and aunt, her adoptive mother ran to the kitchen and wielded the spatula rapidly. She had only one thought in mind: to finish cooking and run away with her husband!
Let that capable son handle the rest.

Lim Nayeon sat on the sofa, glanced at Zhao Meiyan's smiling face, and then looked at Gong Cheng who was looking at her. Her eyes were very sore.

How come you're living such a comfortable life without me?!
Judging from her aunt and uncle's attitude, they were unaware that she had broken up with Gong Cheng. But now, facing Gong Cheng's gaze and Zhao Meiyan's provocative eyes, she felt very insecure and uneasy.

Zhao Meiyan stared at Lin Nayeon as if facing a formidable enemy, unaware that her boyfriend and Lin Nayeon had broken up.

Seeing how well she got along with her aunt and uncle, he remained constantly vigilant...

"Happy birthday." Lim Nayeon was stunned for a while. She sniffed, looked at Gong Cheng and said softly, while clenching the bag in her hand.

It also contained a birthday gift prepared for him.

But after seeing Zhao Meiyan, she felt a little embarrassed to give the gift she had prepared...

I feel really sad inside.

"Yes~" Gong Cheng smiled with his eyebrows curving, just about to say something more.

But Zhao Meiyan suddenly spoke up, asking, "Where's the gift?"

She was quite curious about what gift Lim Nayeon had prepared for her boyfriend.

Lim Nayeon gripped her handbag tighter, saying awkwardly, "I'll give it to you later..."

After seeing Gong Cheng's car downstairs, she originally wanted to ask the brat if he had missed her during this time of no contact.
If he misses her, then he should try to ease things up; she might soften her heart...

But why is it that this bad boy, after separating from me, could be so indifferent as to get back together with Zhao Meiyan?

A short while later, as Nayeon opened the door, Tzuyu walked in with a frozen expression, her short face full of question marks.

Didn't you two break up?

Upon seeing Chou Tzuyu arrive, Lim Nayeon breathed a sigh of relief, and the soreness in her red eyes lessened considerably. The thought of Chou Tzuyu, who knew that she and Gong Cheng had broken up, coming over made it easy for the lie that "the two are still dating" to be exposed in front of her uncles, aunts, and Zhao Meiyan.

Thinking so sensitively and timidly.

She realized she had no reason to stay any longer, so she pretended to answer a phone call, put on a show, greeted her aunt and uncle, and then left.

"Nayeon?"

Gong Cheng stood up and called out, watching the big star's departing figure.

He was so happy that she could come to his birthday party. He had just taken out his phone to call and ask what was going on.

But suddenly he received a transfer notification...

……

As soon as Lim Na-yeon stepped out of the living room, tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.

She lowered her head, her face streaked with tears as she walked downstairs, got into the car, and then, clutching the steering wheel, burst into tears of grievance.

After wiping away her tears with a tissue, Lim Nayeon grinned, showing her bunny teeth, and opened her phone. She transferred the money to Gong Cheng's bank account, choking back tears as she typed in a long string of amounts. Then, she opened Kakao and typed, "Gong Cheng, I've paid back the 600 million won I owe you. Consider it a birthday present. Happy birthday~"

After sending the message, Lim Nayeon felt that she didn't seem strong enough.

She sent another emoji, then threw down her phone and sped away!

(Grinning with rabbit teeth)

"Don't cry! Lim Nayeon, you're a woman from Jiangdong. If you can't outmaneuver him, you can always run away, right? Stop fantasizing..." Lim Nayeon patted the steering wheel, tears streaming down her face as she tried to reassure herself.

……

"..."

After seeing the message from the big star, Gong Cheng wanted to vent his emotions by cursing, but he couldn't say anything.

He glanced at Zhao Meiyan and Zhou Ziyu, then took a deep breath to calm his trembling heart. He didn't want to speak, and couldn't say anything...

During the next meal, he forced a smile and chatted for a few minutes.

After dinner, I drove Tzuyu and Miyeon to their respective homes.

Master Gong is very busy...

……

It's 10 p.m., and a terrible day is about to end.

Gong Cheng sat in his villa in Itaewon, numbly drinking his wine. After seeing the 600 million won, for the first time he was not confident that he could bring the big star back. His thoughts were scattered, thinking of the love lock in Seoul and all the little things he had with Lim Nayeon.

But none of that matters. Think about it carefully, because tomorrow there's still Liu Zhimin, isn't there?
There's nothing to be sad about.
Just as Gong Cheng was feeling conflicted, the doorbell rang at the villa. He put down the wine bottle and glanced at the figure in the video.

Mina, with her small frame, pulled down her mask, smiled sweetly at the camera, and blinked. Her long, straight black hair fell loosely on both sides of her shoulders, and was ruffled by the evening breeze outside the door.

Her delicate face and unexpectedly cute smile are quite adorable.
Gong Cheng opened the door and walked out into the yard, just in time to see Mina Mina push the door open and come in. She was wearing a white baseball jacket with matching white casual pants, and she was walking with her toes pointing outwards, swaying back and forth. She was also carrying a cake box in her hand. It wasn't very big, but the packaging looked very exquisite.

He stood under the streetlamp in the courtyard and smiled: "You didn't even give me a heads-up, so I could have picked you up."

"Come on, Makoto wouldn't drink and drive~" Mina walked up to Makoto, pressed her cheek against his chest, and sniffed carefully. There was a strong smell of alcohol~ It seems that her guess was correct!
Not long ago, she heard about Nayeon and Sung-chan from Tzuyu.

Makoto, how heartbroken you must be!
But how pleasant it sounds!
Upon entering the living room, Mina irritably tidied up the bottles of liquor on the table—all well-known spirits. Then, she took two bottles of fruit wine from the refrigerator and carefully unwrapped the cake she had brought. With a smirk, she gestured towards him, "Pretty, isn't it?"

Following Mina's gaze, Miyako looked at the cake on the table. It wasn't very big, but on the top layer, someone had specially made a small blue penguin and a miniature Miyako like a doll out of cream.
Under the little penguin's cream, it says: 22 years old~
Under the miniature Miyako's cream, it says: +1~
"Why is it +1?" Gong Cheng asked, puzzled. "We're not the same age, are we?"

You should call me Oppa~

His gloomy mood improved considerably after seeing Mina.

Mina raised her little hand and patted his shoulder with a hum: "Idiot, Makoto~ +1 is, my 22 years old +1 equals your 23 years old, hard to understand?"

With a cloyingly sweet tone, Gong Cheng opened his mouth, glanced at her, and said, "Is this some kind of forced explanation?"

"Oppa?"

Mina ignored him, instead tilting her head back and calling out softly with a smile, "Makoto-chan, why are you so sad?"

"Are you sad?" Gong Cheng smiled and leaned back on the sofa after hearing the little penguin speak. But when faced with Mina's tender gaze, he narrowed his bright eyes under the light: "How could I be sad on my birthday?"

"qinjia?"

"Inside!"

Mina raised her glass, took a sip of fruit wine, and then texted Dahyun on her phone: "Tell the members I'm not going home tonight!"

Kim Da-hyun: "Unnie, where are we going?"

Tofu replied quickly, and Mina typed carefully: "Save Cheng-chan, clear the court of evil, if he goes and never comes back, that would be the best."

After sending the message, she put down her phone, looked at Gong Cheng with gentle eyes, raised her hand, and touched the corner of Haji Cheng's eye, her eyes misty: "If you weren't sad, why would you cry?"

"Makoto, didn't you say you haven't cried since you were seven?"

Her eyes held a hint of heartache. "Makoto, this is the inevitable path of growing up, but I didn't come here to accompany you, did I?"

Gong Cheng sat down in front of her, laughing through his tears. "You used to brag."

Who doesn't cry? That's just showing off, how can you take it seriously?
...Mani was somewhat taken aback by the answer, but she still leaned in and hugged Makoto tightly. Her body was burning hot, and she whispered softly, "Cry if you want to, Makoto-chan, I'm here!"

It's time to harvest the crops...

"Ani, I've just been a bit sentimental lately." Gong Cheng buried his head in Mina's flat chest, feeling even more upset!

It's not as comfortable as being a big star, sob sob!
Mina had no idea what he was thinking. Instead, she felt the warm tears inside her collar and felt happy and excited. Am I big or not?
But more than anything, she felt sorry for him. She took the opportunity to probe, "You're not just being sentimental, you're sick, Makoto?"

"..." Gong Cheng buried his face in Mina's arms, remaining silent.

A faint fragrance lingered in his nostrils, and he turned his face away to wipe the silent tears from the corner of his eyes.

Sometimes you have to admit that Gong Cheng is also a sentimental person. For example, right now his thoughts have spread to the question of whether his child with Mina will drink formula after birth.

Seeing that Gong Cheng did not reply, Mingi Nan's worried expression deepened even more, and she raised her hand to pat Gong Cheng's head.

Saving Private "Makoto" has officially begun.

After a while, the deep sorrow that had been building up in Gong Cheng's heart dissipated considerably with the arrival of tears and Mina.

Honestly, the departure of the big star really caught him off guard.

Gong Cheng pushed away Mingi Mina's embrace, raised the back of his hand, and wiped away his tears. His handsome features, under the warm light, looked utterly broken in Mingi Mina's eyes. Those tears, blurry and hazy, were like halos. Her heart ached terribly!
"Let's celebrate our birthdays. There's only one hour left before today is over."

Mina listened to his words, watching his sorrowful smile, then nodded, her small frame rising to go to the corner of the living room and turning off the light.

The entire villa was plunged into darkness in an instant.

She turned on her phone's flashlight, went to the table, and plopped down on the carpet.

Gong Cheng took out the "candle" from the cake box. It was shaped like a flower. However, the little penguin said that after it was lit, the petals would bloom and reveal 22+1 stamens, which would represent each other's 22nd and 23rd birthdays.

"Click"~
He picked up a lighter and lit it. The crackling sound of the flame illuminated a small patch of light in the large, empty, and cold living room, and even the loneliness that permeated the air was somewhat diminished by the flame.

Mina's delicate features were perfectly reflected in the flickering candlelight. Her eyelashes were tinged with a light gold, her eyes were slightly curved at the corners, and a smile she couldn't hide played on her lips beneath her small nose.

She held up her phone, the screen's soft glow reflecting on her face, her fingers gently adjusting the angle as she carefully captured the flickering candlelight on the cake...

Before the photos were even taken, Mina seemed to suddenly remember something, her eyes lit up, and she deftly pulled two gold birthday hats from the gift bag next to her.

The hat was adorned with delicate silver threads along its edge, and the pom-pom at the top swayed gently. She grinned and first tiptoed to put the hat on Gong Cheng's head, then quickly put another one on her own head, the pom-pom tilted to one side, giving her a playful look.

Immediately afterwards, Mina cleared her throat, deliberately raised her chin, and imitated the MC's tone: "Next, please make a wish, both birthday celebrants~"

As Gong Cheng listened to her soft, coquettish voice, he obediently clasped his hands together, propped his elbows on the table, and blinked at Mingi Minami, awaiting her next instructions.

"Makoto-chan~ Close your eyes and make a wish~"

"No peeking?" Mina shook her head slightly, the pom-pom on her head swaying with it. The candlelight reflected in her eyes, casting a warm glow on Makoto's face. She was still quite vain; who knew that Makoto might be secretly looking at her in such a beautiful moment.

Gong Cheng clenched his fists together and closed his eyes: "Yes... I'll listen to you."

"You can only open your eyes if I give you permission, okay?" Mina slowly moved her body and said, taking advantage of the situation. She then grabbed Miyako's wine glass and drank the remaining half of the wine in one gulp. The fiery alcohol instantly turned her fair face red.

Gong Cheng didn't respond, because he was thinking about what to wish for.

He made a greedy wish, hoping to be with Mina, Nayeon, Chaeyoung, Sana...

Before he could finish reciting the names of his female relatives, who were reciting dishes, a faint fragrance wafted towards him.

Mina tiptoed to him in the candlelight, drinking because it was the first time she had ever experienced something like this.

You have to muster up your courage!
Amidst her racing thoughts, Mina continued to execute her meticulously planned scheme. In the flickering candlelight, she brought her lips to her mouth, cupped Miyako's tear-stained cheeks in her hands, and kissed him.

My birthday present is here!
At that moment, Mina glanced at Makoto's wide eyes, and tears welled up in her eyes.

Because... all the beatings I took were worth it.

(End of this chapter)