The Cinnabar Mole of a Beijing Circle Tycoon

Just then, a waiter pushed the dessert table over, with milk gelato placed in the most prominent position, next to Shen Qingyao's favorite tiramisu and strawberry cake.

Shen Qingyao couldn't wait to taste it. "It's delicious!"

The waiter pushed the dessert table away, and a soft bang was heard outside the window.

Shen Qingyao subconsciously turned her head and saw clusters of gilded fireworks suddenly bloom in the dark night sky, with tiny specks of light falling down. Then, hundreds and thousands of drones slowly took off and spelled out "0831" above the river.

"Wow!" she exclaimed softly, her eyes shining like they were filled with starlight, and she immediately got up to run to the deck.

Meng Jiangyu quickly grabbed her wrist and casually picked up a shawl from the back of the chair and wrapped it around her shoulders. "It's windy tonight, don't catch a cold."

His movements were forceful and undeniable, his fingertips brushing against the skin on the side of her neck.

The two stood side by side on the deck, the river breeze carrying water vapor that swept over them, blowing Shen Qingyao's skirt and hair.

What does 0831 mean?

"The day we first met!" Meng Jiangyu explained, his thoughts drifting back to that day.

"Ah...you set off those fireworks!" Shen Qingyao exclaimed excitedly, "That day at Lingyin Temple."

"Yes, I put it there for you!"

The drones continued to change formations, sometimes forming leaping hearts and roses, sometimes transforming into a flowing galaxy, while fireworks bloomed one after another in the sky, making the river surface sparkle.

Shen Qingyao was so engrossed in watching that she tiptoed slightly and reached out to touch the dangling specks of light. Her skirt fluttered in the wind like a butterfly.

"Thank you, Ayu, these fireworks are so beautiful, I love them!"

Meng Jiangyu stood beside her, his gaze not on the dazzling scenery, but only on her profile illuminated by the lights, his eyes filled with a tenderness even stronger than fireworks.

He reached out and gently wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, his palm pressed against her lower abdomen, his strength steady and reassuring, conveying a sense of control.

Shen Qingyao's body stiffened for a moment, then relaxed, her back pressed against his warm chest, where she could clearly hear his steady and powerful heartbeat.

"Do you remember what day it is today?" He lowered his head, his lips brushing against the top of her hair. His voice was slightly muffled by the wind, but it carried an undeniable tenderness.

"Today?" Shen Qingyao shook her head, a smile playing on her lips. "What day is it?"

No sooner had he finished speaking than another magnificent cluster of fireworks exploded overhead, showering down a dazzling display of color.

Meng Jiangyu tightened his grip on her waist slightly, tilted his head slightly, and his thin lips landed precisely on the corner of her lips.

The kiss was light, carrying the coolness of the river breeze and the crispness of champagne, like a feather gently brushing against the tip of the heart.

Shen Qingyao's breath hitched, and she subconsciously gripped the hem of his clothes.

He didn't push his luck; he simply pressed his lips to hers and whispered, "Think about it?"

Fireworks were still blooming, and a heart made of drones hung in the sky. The river breeze carried an ambiguous atmosphere, tightly enveloping the two of them.

Shen Qingyao turned around, stood on tiptoe, and took the initiative to kiss his lips.

Meng Jiangyu's eyes suddenly darkened, his hand gripping her lower back tightened abruptly, and he lowered his head to deepen the kiss.

The Oriental Pearl Tower in the distance shimmered with light, and cruise ships slowly sailed across the river, creating ripples like scattered gold. Even the wind carried a sweet scent.

"I can't think of anything!" Shen Qingyao said coquettishly.

"Honey, today is your birthday!" Just then, drones formed the words "Happy Birthday, Miss Shen" in the sky.

Shen Qingyao's breath hitched, her pupils dilated slightly, and she looked up at the line of shining words on the sky, her eyes instantly welling up with a thin layer of moisture.

She even forgot to blink until Meng Jiangyu released his arms from her waist. "Happy birthday, baby."

Shen Qingyao covered her mouth, her nose stung, but tears still fell uncontrollably, landing on the back of his hand, a warm touch.

Meng Jiangyu chuckled, stood up and wiped away her tears, his fingertips tracing the corners of her reddened eyes, his tone filled with helpless affection: "Why are you crying, you silly girl?"

Shen Qingyao threw herself into his arms, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist, burying her face in his chest, and said in a muffled voice, "When did you prepare this? I had no idea."

"About two weeks ago." Meng Jiangyu lowered his head, his chin resting on the top of her head, his palm gently stroking her back, the force steady and tender.

The fireworks overhead were still exploding, and the drones changed formations, forming a large heart that wrapped the birthday wishes in the center.

A sweet, lingering breeze wafted along the river, and the distant whistles of the cruise ships echoed, making everything around us seem like a grand yet tender dream.

Shen Qingyao raised her head, stood on tiptoe, and took the initiative to kiss his lips.

Meng Jiangyu's eyes darkened, his hand tightened around her lower back, and he lowered his head to deepen the kiss.

As their lips intertwined, they were filled with the crispness of champagne and the sweetness of fireworks, and even their heartbeats resonated in unison.

After a long while, he stepped back slightly, his forehead touching hers, his breath slightly ragged: "My little girl, you've grown another year older."

"Meng Jiangyu." She looked up at him, her eyes glistening with tears, but her smile was brighter than fireworks. "This is the happiest birthday I've ever had."

Meng Jiangyu lowered his head and placed a light kiss on the corner of her lips, his voice deep and solemn: "From now on, I will spend every birthday with you."

-

Meng Jiangyu led Shen Qingyao back to the hotel room, where warm yellow light instantly enveloped them.

Light purple balloons entwined around the tassels of the crystal chandelier, their ribbons dangling and swaying gently. The "happy birthday" balloons pasted on the floor-to-ceiling windows glowed softly under the city's neon lights, making the entire penthouse suite look dreamy.

On the long table in the center was a light purple cream cake decorated with delicate lily of the valley patterns, topped with a number candle sparkling with tiny diamonds. Next to it, nineteen gift boxes were neatly stacked on the floor.

Shen Qingyao stopped in her tracks, a faint light flickering in her eyes. Turning to look at the man beside her, her voice was soft and choked with emotion: "Didn't we just celebrate my birthday? Why are you preparing all this again?"

"How can a birthday be without a birthday cake?" Meng Jiangyu squeezed her hand and led her to the cake. "I want to sing you a birthday song just for you!"

He reached out and turned off the overhead light, leaving only a few wall lamps, their warm light falling on the two of them.

He picked up a lighter and lit the candle. A small flame flickered, illuminating the tenderness in his eyes.

"Happy birthday, my darling." He began, his voice deep and mellow, singing the birthday song simply and quietly without accompaniment.

"Happy birthday to my baby..." Meng Jiangyu said, taking pictures of the girl with his camera.

Without any fancy techniques, every word was filled with tender feelings. Looking at his focused eyes, Shen Qingyao felt a lump in her throat, and tears welled up in her eyes again.

Meng Jiangyu reached out and wiped away her tears, the warmth of his fingertips making her cheeks burn. "Make a wish."

Shen Qingyao closed her eyes, clasped her hands together, her eyelashes still glistening with tears, and silently recited all her hopes and dreams related to him.

Happy birthday! Wishing you…

After she opened her eyes and blew out the candle, Meng Jiangyu turned on the living room light.

"What did you wish for?" Meng Jiangyu asked, standing beside Shen Qingyao.

"I hope you can love me a little more every day!" Shen Qingyao looked at the man in front of her with sparkling eyes.

"I believe your wish can definitely come true!" Meng Jiangyu looked at the girl with gentle yet firm eyes.

"Shut up, fake shut up!" Shen Qingyao said coquettishly.

"Doo!" Meng Jiangyu responded, mimicking the girl's tone.