CHAPTER 167: CHAPTER 167: BIRTHDAY 5_1

"He came to see me on Christmas Day."

"Really? What did he say? Do you two still have a chance?"

Yan Xixi briefly recounted what happened that day. Xu Xiaoya was both surprised and delighted. "I used to dislike Huang Xiaojue, but I really see him in a new light now. Xixi, you mustn’t let him slip away. He’s truly a rare, good man."

She shook her head dejectedly. "You know what his mother is like."

Xu Xiaoya said dismissively, "You’re not going to live with his mother, so what’s there to fear? It’ll be fine as long as Huang Xiaojue’s parents don’t live with you, right? Besides, his career is going so well now. His parents can’t possibly interfere with everything he does, can they?"

If only things were that simple.

"Wait a minute! If Huang Xiaojue has already made his intentions clear to you, why didn’t he even call you on your birthday today?"

"He’s on a business trip. He was supposed to be back already, but he had a last-minute detour to South City for work. Besides, we never celebrated my birthday when we were together, and he’s always so busy. Let alone him, I forgot too, didn’t I?"

Xu Xiaoya couldn’t believe it. "He doesn’t even know when your birthday is?"

"I didn’t tell him before because I never saw the point in celebrating birthdays."

Xu Xiaoya recalled Zhou Xiaoxuan’s recent visit. She hesitated for a moment, then said, "When Zhou Xiaoxuan came to pick up her crocodile skin bag, she mentioned having some shocking news about Third Young Master. I asked her what it was, but she wouldn’t say."

Yan Xixi wasn’t interested in anything concerning Wan Donglin. What shocking news could there possibly be? It was probably just about how extravagant the wedding was, or something like that. Who could be bothered to listen?

But somehow, after parting ways with Xu Xiaoya and walking home in the biting wind, her spirits were unusually low.

Sleet fell in a fine, dense flurry. After getting out of the taxi, she walked slowly. Alone, with no one waiting for her at home, even her own birthday forgotten by everyone—how pathetic.

She dragged herself home. As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, she froze.

Standing at her door was a man holding a large bouquet of flowers. He greeted her with a beaming smile, "Xixi, happy birthday."

Her nose prickled. "Xiaojue, why didn’t you tell me you were back?"

"I’ve been waiting here for half an hour. I wanted to give you a surprise."

She opened the door and went inside. The moment she stepped in, he pulled her into a tight hug, his breath hot against her ear. "Xixi, I’ve missed you so much these past few days."

Leaning into his embrace, a sudden sense of ease and calm washed over her. Even her deep-seated suspicion and self-protective instincts slowly began to dissolve.

He released her, his eyes bright with excitement. "Xixi, look at the gift I brought you."

It was an exquisitely crafted women’s watch. One glance told her it was very expensive. She hesitated, reluctant to accept such a pricey gift. But Huang Xiaojue had already taken her hand and was personally fastening the watch onto her wrist. "It’s beautiful, Xixi. This watch really suits you."

She couldn’t bring herself to refuse and could only manage a soft, "Thank you."

But before the word "thank you" could fully leave her lips, his mouth covered hers.

For a good while, she felt her strength leave her. She had no desire to struggle, only to lean lightly into his arms. Honestly, she was so tired. On such a cold night, nothing could compare to this warm embrace.

The kiss deepened, and the temperature in the room seemed to soar. Their bodies grew pliant with passion, and they tumbled onto the couch together... Just then, a sudden, frantic banging came from the door—BANG! BANG! BANG! The sound was loud and urgent, as if someone were trying to break it down.

Startled, they immediately pulled apart.