On a rainy night, the school beauty knocked on my door and asked for shelter

Although the personal, romantic birthday surprise I originally prepared may no longer be suitable.

But seeing the rekindled longing and expectation for family warmth in Su Yuqing's eyes, he felt that this was good too.

Perhaps this is exactly what she needs—affirmation and blessings from both her family of origin and her future family.

The atmosphere at the dinner table became even more lively because of the news of the birthday.

Chen Xi began planning with great enthusiasm: "We definitely need to order a beautiful birthday cake, and put plenty of fruit that Qingqing likes! As for the dishes, since your mother wants to show off her skills, she must have some signature dishes. We can't fall behind either. Momo's dad's signature braised pork has to be included, and I'll also make one of my signature seafood dishes... Oh, and the venue decorations need to create a festive atmosphere, so balloons and ribbons are a must..."

As Su Yuqing listened to Chen Xi's meticulous arrangements, and watched Chen Mo helplessly yet indulgently listen to his mother's "guidance," and then thought of her mother's cautious yet expectant voice on the other end of the phone, the immense happiness of being cherished and held in someone's palm surged over her like a tidal wave, completely engulfing her in an ocean of bliss.

It was a mother's love that had been lost and found, and a doting affection that seemed to fall from the sky, intertwined together, so warm that she almost shed tears.

Her heart not only found rest, but was also embraced and nourished by two warm ocean currents at the same time.

Chen Mo noticed Su Yuqing's slightly reddened eyes and the barely suppressed smile on her lips, and his heart was filled with tenderness.

He quietly reached out from under the table and gently took her hand, which was resting on her lap. Su Yuqing stiffened slightly, then gripped his fingers tightly in return, her fingertips conveying a silent excitement and reassurance.

Chen Xi was still enthusiastically describing the details of the birthday party when she caught a glimpse of the two little ones making little movements under the table out of the corner of her eye, and a knowing and gratified smile appeared on her lips.

She picked up her milk glass, concealing the smile on her lips, and thought to herself: This birthday must be celebrated in a lively and perfect way, so that her "precious daughter-in-law" will always remember this double and abundant love.

The sunlight outside the window was just right, streaming into the room through the glass. The aroma of food mingled with warm laughter, making this small space feel cozy and inviting.

Su Yuqing's wandering heart not only found a stable harbor on this morning filled with the warmth of everyday life and genuine emotions, but was also coated with an indelible golden edge called "home".

My birthday is in three days, and although it hasn't arrived yet, it's already filled with exciting anticipation.

After breakfast, Chen Xi demonstrated remarkable initiative and social skills.

After getting Li Fengzhi's phone number, she immediately dialed it, deliberately turning on the speakerphone so that Su Yuqing could hear clearly.

When the call connected, Su Yuqing was sitting next to me, her palms sweating with nervousness.

However, Chen Xi's cheerful and perfectly warm voice, like a spring breeze, instantly dispelled the invisible barrier between the two ends of the phone.

"Is this Yuqing's mom? I'm Chen Mo's mom, Chen Xi! Oh my, I was just saying that I wanted to give Yuqing a big celebration for her first birthday at our house, and then she got your call. She said you also want to prepare a big meal to celebrate for her. In that case, I was thinking, how about we celebrate Yuqing's birthday together? The more people there are, the more lively it will be, and it will show that we really care about her."

Chen Xi's voice was full of sincerity and infectiousness. Li Fengzhi on the other end of the phone was clearly not expected to be so enthusiastic and proactive, and for a moment she responded somewhat awkwardly, "It's...it's Chen Mo's mother, hello, hello...this...isn't this too much trouble for you..."

“What a hassle!” Chen Xi interrupted immediately, her tone light and cheerful. “Yuqing is living with us now, and we’ve long treated her like our own daughter! This is the first birthday she’s spent with us, so it’s incredibly meaningful! Besides, Momo and Yuqing have such a good relationship, shouldn’t we, as parents, get even closer? I was thinking of taking this opportunity for both families to get together and give the children an unforgettable memory!” Her words were natural and affectionate, making the idea of ​​“both families together” seem perfectly natural, as if Su Yuqing was the link between the two families.

Once that's started, it becomes much easier to talk about the rest.

Chen Xi cleverly inquired about what dishes Li Fengzhi planned to cook, then enthusiastically announced the main dishes her family would contribute, and even offered to take charge of the cake and venue decorations.

"We don't need to worry about the venue! Our house in Lanting Garden was just cleaned up, it's spacious and perfect! I'll pick you up on the day, and we'll cook some of our best dishes to celebrate with Yuqing!" Chen Xi patted his full chest, clearly outlining the division of labor and the location in just a few words.

As Su Yuqing listened and watched Chen Xi communicate with her mother with great enthusiasm and ease, her initial nervousness was gradually replaced by curiosity and warmth.

She had never seen her mother being "arranged" throughout the entire process without feeling resentful. On the contrary, she could hear the gradual relaxation in her mother's voice, accompanied by a grateful smile.

After hanging up the phone, Chen Xi winked triumphantly at Su Yuqing: "Done! Your mother is a nice person, just a little too polite."

Chen Mo sighed and said, "Mom, your social terrorist skills have improved again."

But I couldn't help but admire my mother's skills in handling interpersonal relationships; she was truly impressive.

In the days that followed, the Chen family villa became a temporary "birthday battle command center".

Chen Xi, along with Su Yuqing and Chen Mo, embarked on a crazy shopping spree.

She had a clear goal: to buy the prettiest balloons, the shiniest ribbons, the most exquisite tableware, and to pick out a beautiful new birthday dress for Su Yuqing.

"Auntie, no need, I have clothes to wear... Chen Mo brought me here last time and I bought several sets." Su Yuqing waved her hand quickly as she looked at the beautiful but expensive dresses in Lin Yuwei's shop.

Last time, she was tricked into coming here by Chen Mo, and in the end, even with a 90% discount, she still spent several thousand yuan.

In other words, those clothes would cost tens of thousands without a discount!

This is not something an ordinary family can afford.

This time, when Chen Xi brought her here, she didn't dare to go in.

"No way! How can you not wear new clothes on your birthday? Listen to your aunt!" Chen Xi said without waiting for a reply, picking up a light blue dress adorned with tiny sequins and holding it up against Su Yuqing. "This color suits you, you look like a fairy! Momo, Yuwei, what do you think?"

Chen Mo watched as Su Yuqing was being helped by her mother to try on clothes, and he couldn't help but feel expectant. When he saw that his mother had put together a very pure, natural, and unique outfit for Su Yuqing, he immediately smiled and nodded, "Yes, it looks good."

He noticed that Su Yuqing's eyes also lit up when she saw herself in the mirror wearing a dress; clearly, she liked the outfit. (End of Chapter)