Chapter 231: Light in the Eyes
’The private, romantic birthday surprise I had planned might not be right for the occasion anymore,’ he thought. ’But seeing the longing and hope for a warm family life rekindle in Su Yuqing’s eyes, this is good too.’
Perhaps this was exactly what she needed—a twofold blessing and affirmation from both her original family and her future one.
The news of the birthday made the atmosphere at the dining table even more lively.
Chen Xi began planning with gusto. "We’ll definitely have to order a pretty cake, and make sure it has plenty of the fruits Qingqing likes! As for the food, since your mother is going to show off her skills, she must have her specialties. We can’t be outdone! We have to have Momo’s dad’s signature braised pork, and I’ll make my special seafood platter... Oh, and the decorations! We need to create some atmosphere. Balloons and streamers are a must..."
Su Yuqing listened as Chen Xi meticulously planned every detail. She watched Chen Mo, who stood by with a look of helpless indulgence as his mother "commanded her troops." Then, she remembered her own mother’s timid yet hopeful voice over the phone. An overwhelming sense of happiness, of being cherished and treasured, washed over her like a tidal wave, completely submerging her in an ocean of bliss.
It was a combination of her mother’s love, now found again, and this heaven-sent affection that felt just like a real family’s. The two intertwined, warming her so much that she nearly cried.
Her heart hadn’t just found a harbor; it was being embraced and nourished by two warm currents at once.
Chen Mo noticed the slight redness in Su Yuqing’s eyes and the uncontrollable smile playing on her lips, and his heart filled with tenderness.
He sneakily reached out under the table and gently took her hand, which was resting on her lap. Su Yuqing stiffened for a moment, then squeezed his fingers back, her touch conveying a silent mix of excitement and reassurance.
Chen Xi was still chattering away, dreaming up details for the birthday party, when she caught a glimpse of the young couple’s little movements under the table. A knowing, gratified smile touched her lips.
She raised her glass of milk to hide her grin and thought to herself, ’I have to make this birthday lively and perfect. I want my precious daughter-in-law to forever remember this full, twofold love.’
The afternoon sun was perfect, spilling through the window into the room. The aroma of food mingled with warm laughter, filling the small space with a cozy, heartwarming atmosphere.
On this morning, so full of life and genuine affection, Su Yuqing’s wandering heart not only found a safe harbor but was also gilded with a never-fading golden edge called "home."
The birthday, still three days away, was already filled with a delightful sense of anticipation.
After breakfast, Chen Xi demonstrated her astounding proactivity and social genius.
As soon as she got Li Fengzhi’s number, she dialed it and purposefully put the call on speaker so Su Yuqing, who was beside her, could hear everything clearly.
When the call connected, Su Yuqing sat next to her, so nervous her palms started to sweat.
However, Chen Xi’s cheerful voice, filled with just the right amount of warmth, was like a spring breeze that instantly blew away the invisible barrier between them.
"Is this Yuqing’s mother? This is Chen Mo’s mother, Chen Xi! Oh my, I was just saying how we have to throw a big celebration for Yuqing’s first birthday with our family, and then she got your call! She said you were also planning a big feast to celebrate for her. Since that’s the case, what do you think about our two families celebrating Yuqing’s birthday together? The more the merrier, and it shows how much we all care."
Chen Xi’s voice was full of sincerity and infectious enthusiasm. On the other end of the line, Li Fengzhi clearly hadn’t expected such warmth and proactiveness. She stammered for a moment, "Oh... it’s Chen Mo’s mother. Hello, hello... This... wouldn’t this be too much trouble for you all..."
"Trouble? Not at all!" Chen Xi immediately cut in, her tone brisk. "Yuqing is living with us now; we’ve already come to see her as our own daughter! Her first birthday with us is a very special occasion! Besides, Momo and Yuqing are so close, shouldn’t we parents get to know each other better? I was just thinking we could use this chance for our two families to get together and give the kids a memory they’ll never forget!"
Her words were so natural and warm, making the idea of "the two families together" seem like the most obvious thing in the world, as if Su Yuqing had always been the bond that connected them.
With the ice broken, the rest of the conversation flowed much more easily.
Chen Xi deftly asked what dishes Li Fengzhi was planning to make, then enthusiastically listed the main courses her own family would contribute. She also volunteered to take care of the cake and decorations.
"Don’t you worry about the venue! We just finished cleaning up our house in Lanting Garden. It’s spacious and perfect for this! On the day, I’ll come pick you up, and we can cook up some of our signature dishes together to give Yuqing a proper celebration!" Chen Xi declared, patting her chest confidently. In just a few sentences, she had laid out the division of labor and the location with perfect clarity.
Su Yuqing listened from the sidelines, watching Chen Xi’s animated expressions as she skillfully and effortlessly communicated with her mother. The knot of nervousness in her stomach slowly loosened, replaced by a sense of wonder and warmth.
She had never seen her mother let someone else "take charge" of everything without getting annoyed. In fact, she could hear her mother’s voice gradually relax, her tone colored with a hint of grateful laughter.
After hanging up, Chen Xi shot Su Yuqing a triumphant wink. "All set! Your mother is very nice, just a bit too formal."
Chen Mo, standing to the side, facepalmed. "Mom, your skills as a social bulldozer have leveled up again."
’But inwardly, he had to admit his mom was a true master at handling relationships. She was seriously impressive.’
In the days that followed, the Chen family’s villa became a temporary "birthday-party-planning headquarters."
Chen Xi dragged Su Yuqing and Chen Mo along on a frantic shopping spree.
Her mission was clear: to buy the most beautiful balloons, the shiniest streamers, the most exquisite dinnerware, and to pick out a gorgeous new birthday dress for Su Yuqing.
"Auntie, you don’t have to. I have plenty of clothes... Chen Mo bought me several outfits the last time he brought me here." Su Yuqing quickly waved her hands in refusal as she eyed the beautiful but pricey dresses in Lin Yuwei’s boutique.
The last time, Chen Mo had tricked her into coming in, and she ended up spending several thousand even after a ninety-percent discount.
That meant the clothes would have cost tens of thousands without the discount!
There was no way an ordinary person could afford them.
So this time, when Chen Xi led her over, she didn’t dare go inside.
"Absolutely not! How can you not wear a new dress for your birthday? Listen to your auntie!" Chen Xi brooked no argument, grabbing a light blue dress adorned with tiny, glittering sequins and holding it up against Su Yuqing. "This color looks great on you. You look like a little fairy! Momo, Yuwei, what do you two think? Is it beautiful or what?"
Chen Mo watched with anticipation in his eyes as his mother fussed over Su Yuqing, making her try on clothes. When his mother finally put together an outfit for her that was innocent and natural, yet possessed a unique charm, he immediately smiled and nodded. "Yeah, it’s beautiful."
He noticed that Su Yuqing’s eyes lit up as well when she saw her reflection in the mirror. It was obvious she loved the outfit.