Yu Baihan stared at the dialogue box for several seconds, his focus deeply fixed.
Sun Yiqing caught his perplexed expression and asked, “What’s the matter?”
He glanced down, his gaze following Yu Baihan’s gaze, and then he caught the subtle sentence on the screen.
“…”
There was a pause, and Sun Yiqing advised, “You should delete it.”
Yu Baihan shook his head and said, “There’s no need to erase evidence, I’ll just cover it up.”
With a calculated move of his fingers, he tried to maintain his composure and quickly added a follow-up message: Just kidding.
Romance, not boasting.
After sending it, he almost immediately received a response from Lu Huan—
[Fish]: Haha.
Yu Baihan, “…”
The swift reply indicated that Lu Huan had been there the whole time, just staying silent.
So it wasn’t that he didn’t notice earlier when he didn’t receive a response; it was Lu Huan deliberately choosing not to answer.
Yu Baihan turned his gaze to the co-conspirator sitting next to him, and Sun Yiqing, with an air of nonchalance, turned her phone screen toward him, “What do you think of this option?”
He inwardly chuckled, recognizing Sun Yiqing’s attempt to divert the topic.
What a rather transparent yet effective strategy.
Glancing at the screen, he took in the sight of vibrant red roses in full bloom, exuding a strong romantic ambiance that seemed to smooth over the slight disturbance from earlier.
His expression softened slightly, “Looks great.”
Sun Yiqing directed his attention back to the shop, “This place offers a wide range of choices. You can come back in the evening and take your time to pick. I’ve informed my friends, and they will ensure the freshest selection for you.”
With a comprehensive approach, she seemed to be making amends for her earlier misstep.
Yu Baihan temporarily pardoned her, “Alright.”
…
The birthday presents were prepared, and the two went their separate ways.
Upon returning home with the gift box, Lu Huan hadn’t yet finished work.
Yu Baihan discreetly stowed away the gift box inside his closet, keeping it out of sight from Lu Huan—naturally, such a surprise would be revealed only on Lu Huan’s actual birthday.
Despite the slight misunderstanding that had arisen, Yu Baihan believed that if he maintained a sufficiently serious demeanor, Lu Huan wouldn’t delve too deeply into it.
Around six o’clock, Lu Huan arrived home after his workday.
Uncle Feng had already prepared dinner. As Yu Baihan settled down beside Lu Huan, he noticed the other’s intermittent glances in his direction.
Yu Baihan returned his gaze, curious. “Is something the matter?”
Uncle Feng stood by, attentively observing the two. Lu Huan shifted his gaze again and, picking up his chopsticks and bowl, responded, “It’s nothing.”
Once the meal was underway, Yu Baihan found himself occasionally under Lu Huan’s scrutiny.
Yet, Lu Huan remained quiet throughout the meal.
After they had both finished eating, Uncle Feng cleared the table and left the dining area.
Yu Baihan was about to rise from his seat when Lu Huan’s voice arrested him, as if he had finally yielded to his curiosity. “What did you buy?”
Yu Baihan turned to face Lu Huan, his eyes meeting the faintly wavering gaze of the man before him.
Understanding dawned on him in an instant: while Lu Huan had maintained an outward indifference, his heart was actually anticipating the surprise.
Intentionally leaving an air of mystery, Yu Baihan replied with a smile, “No need to worry. You’ll find out when the time comes.”
His words hung in the air, and the obsidian depths of Lu Huan’s eyes revealed an even deeper sense of anticipation.
…
Yu Baihan stood resolute, refraining from spilling any information. Consequently, Lu Huan had no choice but to ascend the stairs with an air of uncertainty, leaving Yu Baihan alone in the living room.
Taking Sun Yiqing’s advice, Yu Baihan selected a lavish bouquet of crimson roses from the recommended flower shop. As he reached the address field, he hesitated momentarily.
Given that Lu Huan’s residence was situated within the urban expanse, it was evidently unsuitable for hosting guests, implying that the birthday celebration would occur elsewhere.
Yu Baihan headed to the kitchen, seeking Uncle Feng’s assistance. “Uncle Feng, what’s the address for Lu Huan’s birthday gathering?”
“Master usually arranges a banquet at Yiting Manor each year.” Uncle Feng replied, presenting the address to Yu Baihan. Observing Yu Baihan’s online flower order, he beamed and inquired, “Is this for Mr. Lu?”
Having successfully submitted his order, Yu Baihan affirmed, “Yes.”
Uncle Feng’s contented smile emerged. “Master Baihan, you’re so thoughtful. You’re truly fortunate.”
Yu Baihan sighed softly, musing, “I’m not certain whether he desires this blessing.”
Uncle Feng was taken aback. “Pardon?”
Engaged in conversation at the kitchen’s entrance, Aunt Zhou, the resident cook, overheard their discussion regarding birthday gifts. She felt inclined to contribute a suggestion.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
“Zjrafg Djltjc, kbeiv sbe mbcrlvfg yjxlcu j rwjii mjxf obg Zg. Oe? C qfgrbcjiis mgjoafv uloa lr wbgf tfjgaofia. Ciatbeut atf clcf-alfg kjafgojii mjxf vlrqijsfv ja atf yjcdefa lr delaf rqifcvlv, la ijmxr atf lcalwjaf jwyljcmf bo j ylgatvjs mfifygjalbc.”
Te Djltjc gfrqbcvfv, “P’w mbcmfgcfv atja atf mjxf P wjxf wluta yf fzmfrrlnfis ugjcv.”
Aunt Zhou and Uncle Feng exchanged glances, left a little perplexed.
Aunt Zhou reassured, “It’s not as daunting as it seems.”
After pondering for a moment, Yu Baihan nodded. “Then I’ll give it a try.”
A cake would be a sincere and substantial addition, fitting well into the “intimate” theme he aimed to foster.
———
In the kitchen, Aunt Zhou imparted the art of cake-making to Yu Baihan.
Around the same time, Yu Baihan concluded his studies for the day and readied himself to retire upstairs.
As he passed outside Lu Huan’s bedroom, a sudden slam of the door jolted Yu Baihan. For a fleeting moment, he entertained the notion that he might have inadvertently set off some sort of alarm.
Turning his head, he found Lu Huan standing at the doorway, his gaze fixed upon Yu Baihan.
Yu Baihan regained his composure and inquired, “Is everything alright? You appear a bit restless tonight.”
Lu Huan scrutinized him silently, then abruptly closed the distance between them, poised to speak. But before his words could fully materialize, they were cut off mid-sentence.
Yu Baihan pressed for clarification, “What were you going to say?”
However, Lu Huan resumed his upright stance, his words unspoken.
After contemplating for a brief moment, Yu Baihan probed, “…is there a sweet scent in the air?”
A slight twitch of Lu Huan’s brow followed. “Si Baihan,” he uttered, the phrase sounding somewhat peculiar.
Yu Baihan tried to alleviate the awkwardness, “Don’t worry, I won’t regard you as mere change…”
Yet, before he could finish his sentence, the bedroom door resounded with a solid thud, abruptly truncating his last words.
…
This insignificant incident swiftly faded into the background.
The following day, Yu Baihan resumed his routine by heading to the C Archery Club as usual.
As he approached the club’s entrance, he was intercepted by He Yue, who was standing by the gate. He Yue seemed to have moved past the peculiar dream from two days prior and had returned to her usual demeanor.
“Baihan, I’m not planning to practice archery today. How about we go for some afternoon tea?”
Afternoon tea? The notion of sipping tea in the sunlight was appealing. It was like combining a session of sunbathing with indulgent refreshments, making it quite enticing.
With a cheerful nod, Yu Baihan agreed, “Sure.”
The dessert café chosen by He Yue was conveniently located within C University’s vicinity, making the walk there a mere ten minutes.
The summer sun radiates warmth, but the café was equipped with air conditioning. Opting for a window seat, the two settled in.
After placing their orders for drinks and desserts, He Yue leaned back in her chair and regarded Yu Baihan with a hint of sentiment, “You know what? For the past two days, I’ve been having dreams where I’m discussing Lu Huan with you at length. Little did I expect that he would turn out to be the ‘Lao Gong’ you were mentioning.”
Yu Baihan shared a sigh, “It didn’t dawn on me initially.”
“…” He Yue’s sentiments were momentarily suspended for a couple of seconds.
Swiftly resuming her focus, she inquired, “By the way, I wasn’t at the club yesterday due to some matters. After the other club members found out about your connection with Lu Huan, did they say anything to you?”
Yu Baihan replied, “They said to me, ‘So your surname isn’t Bai’.”
He Yue, who had mistakenly used the wrong surname, faltered for a moment: …
While news of Lu Huan’s marriage to the Si family had circulated within elite circles, the specifics of the situation—such as the exact name and appearance of his partner—remained elusive.
Consequently, even if they were aware that Yu Baihan had a prior acquaintance with Lu Huan, no one would have surmised that their connection extended to being life partners.
Shifting the conversation gently, He Yue changed the topic, “Did Zheng Song show up yesterday?”
Yu Baihan shook his head, “He didn’t come.”
He Yue mused, “Well, I wouldn’t blame him for wanting to lie low for a while after such an incident.”
While they conversed, a waiter arrived with their dessert drinks.
Thanking the waiter, Yu Baihan pulled out his phone and snapped a photo of the drinks. He then opened WeChat and shared the image with Lu Huan.
Their ongoing chat was still labeled as “very romantic” and “romantic.”
After sharing several pictures, Yu Baihan scrolled through their chat history.
[Yu Er]: I skipped practice today and am having afternoon tea with the club president [Picture] [Picture] [Picture]
From across the table, He Yue’s voice sounded clear, “Are you chatting with Senior Lu?”
Nodding in affirmation, Yu Baihan’s phone vibrated right at that moment.
[Fish]: Sounds nice.
The responsiveness was remarkably swift.
He Yue couldn’t help but express envy, “Senior Lu must be very busy, yet he replies to your messages instantly.”
Yu Baihan gave a small smile, “Yes.”
Today, Lu Huan’s replies were exceptionally prompt, almost as if he was eager not to miss a beat.
After finishing the WeChat exchange with Lu Huan, Yu Baihan set his phone aside. Meanwhile, He Yue, resting her chin on her hand, took a bite of her cake and suddenly exclaimed, “Oh.”
“Speaking of which, isn’t Lu Huan’s birthday approaching soon?”
It seemed the information had circulated among upper-class circles.
Yu Baihan confirmed, “Yes, it’s just next week. Will you be attending?”
He Yue’s expression carried a tinge of regret, “Our family isn’t particularly connected with the Lu family, so we’ve never participated in their previous celebrations.”
As she spoke, a sigh escaped her, suggesting a hidden desire to attend.
After contemplating for a moment, Yu Baihan picked up his phone and sent a WeChat message to Lu Huan.
[Yu Er]: Will the He family be attending your birthday party? I’ve made a new friend, and I’d love to introduce them to you. [cute smiling face.jpg]
The response arrived almost instantly.
[Fish]: It’s up to you.
Turning to He Yue, Yu Baihan shared the news, “Lu Huan has extended an invitation to your family for his birthday. If you’re available…”
He Yue’s face lit up with excitement, “Absolutely!”
“And my father…”
“He’s been included too!”
Lifting his grapefruit sparkling water in a gesture of celebration, Yu Baihan beamed, “Great! This will strengthen our relationship. We’ll see each other at the birthday party next week.”
He Yue raised her honey lemon tea with equal enthusiasm, clinking their glasses together with a satisfying bang.
“Cheers to our newfound friendship!”
—
After arranging a plan to meet face-to-face for the upcoming week, Yu Baihan returned home feeling rejuvenated.
Coincidentally, he was tasked with compiling the guest list for the upcoming birthday banquet today.
Following dinner, Fan Lin took the list and headed to the study to consult Lu Huan. Yu Baihan followed suit, bringing along a stool to settle nearby.
Gazing at the list filled with names, Yu Baihan chimed in, “Don’t forget to include the He family.”
Lu Huan looked over the list, questioning, “We’ve only known them for a short while, are we on such friendly terms?”
Yu Baihan looked at him with a furrowed brow:
Isn’t it a good thing to get acquainted in a short time?
Perhaps his confusion was quite evident on his face, because Lu Huan stopped and met his eyes, pausing for a moment before a half-praising, half-sighing smile crossed his lips. “You’re right, after all, our Baihan.”
A new sibling in half a day, a new mother in one day.
Yu Baihan modestly returned the smile.
Meanwhile, Fan Lin, still revising the list, got Lu Huan’s agreement to include the He family. Then, with hesitation in his gaze, he looked towards Yu Baihan.
“Sir, what about inviting the Si family?”
As an insider, he was well aware that the relationship between the two wasn’t ordinary.
Lu Huan paused at the mention, casting a glance at Yu Baihan before allowing a small smile to play on his lips.
Yu Baihan:?
Alert. That familiar, crafty smile.
Lu Huan leaned back in his chair after setting aside the list, almost as if he were seeking Yu Baihan’s input, “So, our Baihan, how do you think we should extend the invitation to the Si family?”
Of course, the implication was that they should “climb up” to the Si family.
Yu Baihan took a brief moment to let the urge to say something sarcastic pass, then he picked up the water glass beside him, took a sip, moistened his slightly parched lips, and after contemplating for a few seconds, he suggested, “Just invite the third brother.”
It’s rather amusing to opt for the third child instead of the eldest.
After a pause, he added, “The invitation will be sent to the Si family.”
It’s likely that Shan San’er is still in the hospital.
We might need Si Yanting, the eldest brother, to sign for it.
Amid Fan Lin’s inquisitive gaze, a chuckle escaped Lu Huan, and he raised his hand in agreement, saying, “Let’s go with his suggestion.”
“…Yes, sir.”
With the guest list roughly arranged, Yu Baihan checked the time and decided to head downstairs to continue learning how to make cakes.
He had made commendable progress over the past couple of days. With further practice, the final result should genuinely reflect some “sincerity.”
Considering the time, he inquired of Lu Huan, “How many days are left until your birthday celebration?”
Lu Huan responded within seconds, “Four days.”
Yu Baihan glanced at him sideways and said, “You’re keeping track quite meticulously.”
Lu Huan cast him a pointed look and said, “Well, the countdown is a daily reminder, and there are still several days until July 14th.”
Observing his impatience, Yu Baihan couldn’t help but tease, “You don’t anticipate your birthday’s arrival?”
Lu Huan quipped, “Honestly, I just wish for a peaceful sleep as soon as possible.”
“…” Yu Baihan playfully chided, “You’re incorrigible with your witty retorts.”
Next to them, Fan Lin nearly threw away his pen.
—
Four days swiftly slipped by.
The eagerly awaited birthday party arrived, each carrying its own set of expectations.
The festivities commenced in the evening.
On that afternoon, the stylist, arranged by the Lu family, arrived to groom both Lu Huan and Yu Baihan, meticulously tending to their appearance and attire.
The custom suits, designed in harmonizing styles yet of differing shades, fit impeccably. Delicate accessories adorned them, accentuating their inherent grace.
Once Yu Baihan had donned his attire, his eyes fell upon Lu Huan, who stood nearby.
No matter how often he gazed at him, Lu Huan remained irresistibly captivating.
With genuine admiration, Yu Baihan complimented, “Mr. Lu, you look exceptionally handsome today.”
Lu Huan cast a sidelong glance at him, his demeanor devoid of any overt emotion.
Yu Baihan smoothed his palms and said, “Tonight, at the banquet, you’re sure to captivate everyone’s attention.”
“……”
With this gesture and tone, the memory of that day’s playful exchange unexpectedly surfaced in his mind.
Lu Huan quenched the fluttering in his chest, his voice neutral, “That won’t be necessary.”
Yu Baihan concurred, saying, “Certainly, let’s keep it low-key.”
At five o’clock, the Lu family’s car departed from their residence, en route to Yiting Manor.
Before leaving, Yu Baihan remembered to retrieve the gift box discreetly stored in the closet, taking it along. The morning had been dedicated to crafting the cake, which was now in the capable hands of the butler, Uncle Feng, who would be transporting it. Similarly, the bouquet of roses had been prearranged for evening delivery to the manor.
The gift box intended for Lu Huan wasn’t particularly sizable, allowing Yu Baihan to cradle it in his arms as he joined Lu Huan in the back seat of his car.
As the car door clicked shut, Lu Huan’s eyes settled on the box, questioning, “What’s this?”
Turning towards him, Yu Baihan wore a warm smile and said, “A present for your birthday.”
Lu Huan’s gaze subtly intensified, and just as he was about to inquire further, the vehicle started moving. Glancing at Fan Lin, who was observant of every detail, Lu Huan compressed his lips, withholding his questions.
The private car cruised steadily towards the manor.
Outside the window, the sky gradually transformed into twilight. The scattered lights in the distance signaled their approach to the banquet venue.
Yu Baihan’s anticipation was palpable, causing him to shift in his seat, his hand unconsciously caressing the gift box’s surface.
These subtle motions didn’t escape Lu Huan’s keen perception.
His gaze rested on the box for a moment, then curiosity got the better of him, and he finally asked, “What’s inside?”
Turning towards Lu Huan, Yu Baihan offered a reassuring smile, saying, “Don’t worry, I’ll give it to you privately later.”
Privately, during the night.
A faint wariness flickered across Lu Huan’s features.
He parted his lips and said, “Don’t give me any surprises.”
“……”
Yu Baihan consoled him, “Rest assured, I’ve got the dimensions down.”
Fan Lin braked suddenly, causing the car to halt abruptly!
Lu Huan’s attention was instantly riveted on Yu Baihan’s face.
Balancing himself, Yu Baihan chuckled, “My mistake, I meant to discuss proportions.”
“……”
They maintained eye contact for a beat longer, and then Lu Huan’s lips curled slightly, “You better.”
Yu Baihan’s fingers brushed the box again, “Absolutely.”
Sun Yiqing, the brain researcher, had rigorously verified that this gift was genuinely meaningful.
In the meantime, Fan Lin had already stepped out of the car and opened the back door.
Temporarily averting his gaze, Lu Huan inhaled deeply and exited the car.
Before him lay the illuminated grand entrance of the manor.
For the first time in two lifetimes, he strode towards his birthday celebration, flanked by discreet guardians.
I had just caught up after binging and left a comment only to look up and find this page right after. The timing is impeccable.
Oh, telepathy~ One more is coming soon!
Um did something happen on his 29th birthday in his first life? He seems tense leading up to today and now he has secret guards. I hope they have a good night at least.
There’s no mention of his birthday as a major event in the original story/past life, maybe he’s just being paranoid(?)
Is it paranoia if people are really out to get you? Alas keep forgetting the deep trauma and anxiety the ML is probably feeling.
LMAO Yu Baihan is killing me with his own witty remarks 😂😂 your hubby’s curiosity is off the charts now. But wait, isn’t Sun yiqing supposed to be a guy? But in the middle of this chapter, he was suddenly referred to as she?
Oh, thanks for the info! I’ll fix it asap
Thanks for the chapter 💜
Can’t wait for Lu Huan’s reaction to his birthday present 🎁😘
Thanks for the chapter 💞
Thank you so much
Tysm for the chapter 💕
I forgot Sun Yiqing was the one who made Baihan sat on Lu Huan’s lap. Now I’m doubting if the gift is actually appropriate🤣