Chapter 277 - 270: Bad News
"Happy birthday, Jiang Li." Ji Qinghe walked in with Zhou Tiancheng and Zhao Shuo, carrying gifts.
"Thank you, Qinghe, Officer Zhou, Officer Zhao."
"What are you thanking us for? You’re making it sound like we’re strangers," Zhao Shuo teased, as humorous as always.
Luo Jingheng walked over, carrying a gift. "Happy birthday."
"Thank you," Jiang Li said, taking the gift and setting it aside. Facing such a grand occasion for the first time, she felt a bit out of her element.
Lu Xingye arrived with Lu Xingchen. "Happy birthday, Jiang Li!"
Jiang Li looked at Lu Xingchen. She had lost some weight, but she looked much better.
"Thank you, Xingchen."
Lu Xingchen offered her blessings with a smile, then went inside to sit with Ji Qinghe. The two chatted about matters at the police station.
Jiang Li looked at Lu Xingye. "Thank you."
Lu Xingye let out a bright smile. "You’re thanking me before I’ve even said anything."
He pulled out a peace amulet he had prayed for from his pocket. Although it might not compare to Wu Ming’s, it was still a token of his feelings.
He, too, hoped she would be safe and sound.
"Thank you." Jiang Li reached out and took it.
Yu Huannian rushed back. "Happy birthday, Jiang Li," he said, handing over his bank card.
Jiang Li looked at him hesitantly, wondering if this was his savings for marriage. It wouldn’t be appropriate for her to take it, would it?
Why was this silly boy still so impulsive?
"It’s my ’sister fund.’ Just take it," Yu Huannian said, awkwardly shoving it into her hands. He turned and headed into the kitchen, which was already crowded with Wu Ming, Ji Qinghe, and the others.
"I’ll take over." Yu Huannian grabbed an apron from the side. He wanted to cook this meal for Jiang Li himself.
"Everything is pretty much prepped, so we’ll leave it to you." Wu Ming pulled Ji Qinghe and the others out of the kitchen.
"We understand, we understand. That’s just how a sister-obsessed brother is."
Ji Qinghe and Lu Xingchen exchanged a smile.
Song Shujing sat next to Jiang Li, holding her hand the entire time, her eyes observing everyone present.
Miao Anji had locked himself in his room to tinker with something as soon as he returned.
Jiang Li couldn’t help but smile when she saw the red scorpion crawling onto her shoulder, wearing a little bow.
By unspoken agreement, no one else had bought a cake. Soon, a large table was filled with dishes, all of which were Jiang Li’s favorites.
Jiang Li felt a bit shy looking at the spread; it was the first time she had seen such a complete feast.
Song Shujing looked at the table and then at Yu Huannian, watching him constantly.
After dinner, the group gathered around the cake. Through the glow of the candles, Jiang Li looked at everyone present.
"Jiang Li, make a wish!" Wu Ming urged with a smile.
"Yeah, make a wish!"
The people around her watched with smiling faces.
Jiang Li glanced at Song Shujing. Just like in the videos she had seen, she closed her eyes and brought her palms together.
However, her mind was completely blank.
The candles were blown out, and fireflies all around them lit up, sparkling like stars.
Watching the glowing fireflies, Miao Anji felt relieved that nothing had gone wrong.
A dab of frosting was smeared on the tip of Jiang Li’s nose. She turned her head to look at Song Shujing.
After the festivities, everyone gradually began to say their goodbyes.
"Jiang Li, we’ll be heading back now."
"Be safe on the way!"
Jiang Li saw Ji Qinghe and the others off at the door.
"See you tomorrow." Lu Xingye gave her a look before heading back with Lu Xingchen.
As Jiang Li watched them leave, she still hadn’t fully processed everything.
She finally understood why people loved celebrating birthdays; they were celebrating occasions just like this, filled with blessings.
After Jiang Li went back inside, Wu Ming gave Yu Huannian and the others a meaningful look. By tacit understanding, they all returned to their respective rooms.
"Happy birthday to you... Happy birthday to you..."
Jiang Li followed the sound of the singing. In the small garden, Song Shujing was holding a doll and singing the birthday song.
When she saw Jiang Li approach, she looked at her in confusion for a few seconds before seemingly remembering who she was.
"Happy birthday, Lili! You have to be happy every day!"
Jiang Li walked over and sat beside her. Only then did she notice that Song Shujing had brought Shao Zhenhua’s portrait and placed it next to them.
"Thank you, Mom."
Song Shujing froze, unable to recover her senses for a long time. Then, she broke down and pulled Jiang Li into a tight embrace.
"SOB SOB SOB, I didn’t mean to. I didn’t mean to lose you. I’m sorry, I’m sorry..."
Jiang Li hugged her back, patting her back soothingly.
"I don’t blame you. I’m doing quite well now, and I’m very happy.
"Everyone treats me so well. I’m not alone."
A smile appeared on Song Shujing’s face. Thinking of the scene tonight, she stroked Jiang Li’s head. "That’s good. That’s good."
Song Shujing turned to look at Shao Zhenhua’s portrait beside them. She picked it up, cradled it in her arms, and rested her head on Jiang Li’s shoulder.
It was truly wonderful to be reunited as a family.
"Lili, please don’t hate us. In your next life, find better parents."
They weren’t good parents at all; they couldn’t give her anything.
With red eyes, Jiang Li looked up at the moon. It wasn’t round at all.