The first-floor banquet hall of the Regal Hotel was transformed into a grand stage with ribbons, flowers, and balloons. The decor alternated between sky blue and white, with baroque cherub statues perched on plaster columns. The entire hall was carpeted in ivory white.
Lin Yu was making the final checks on the decorations.
“Move the balloons a little to the left.”
“The display board fell again. The corners are dented. The glue won’t hold—get a nail and secure it.”
“These flowers have wilted. If necessary, remove the withered ones and replace them with fresh ones of the same color.”
A staff member looked at the backup flowers in the box and grimaced. “Director Lin, we’re out of blue flowers. We originally brought a bunch of Ice Blue and Blue Plumbago, but a waiter accidentally stepped on them earlier.”
Lin Yu ran a hand through his hair. “Check how many we’re short.”
The staff counted. “About ten, but ideally more, so the light areas won’t look too empty.”
Another staff member, busy fixing the display board, chimed in, “I know a flower market nearby—Xinyuan Flower & Bird Market. They should have what we need, but it’s a bit far. Driving there takes about half an hour.”
With only an hour and a half left until the party started, and all available staff occupied, there was no one to spare for a flower run.
Lin Yu made a quick decision. “You two keep setting up. I’ll go buy them. Once I’m back, arrange the flowers immediately.”
The guests hadn’t arrived yet—there was still time.
Lin Yu sped off in his car toward Xinyuan Flower & Bird Market.
He had never been there before and wasn’t familiar with the route. Following the GPS, he drove for about forty minutes and finally arrived.
Upon arrival, he found the market was about to close. A security guard informed him that normally, the market shut down at 5:30 PM, but with Christmas and New Year approaching, they had extended their hours by an hour.
Lin Yu thanked the guard and rushed inside.
After navigating a few turns, he finally found a flower shop that was about to close and bought Ice Blue and Blue Eustoma flowers.
The shop owner, an older man, was very helpful. Upon learning that the flowers were for a banquet, he carefully packed them into a large cardboard box and advised Lin Yu not to place heavy objects on them, avoid sealing the box, and refrain from spraying water to prevent damage.
Lin Yu paid, wiped the sweat off his forehead, and smiled. “Thanks.”
Carrying the box, he walked out of the shop carefully, worried about damaging the flowers, so he moved slowly, retracing his path toward the entrance.
Around him, vendors were packing up their stalls.
As he passed by a bird shop, he heard a familiar male voice.
“I’ll take this pair of pearl birds—a male and a female. How about 50 yuan?”
A female voice responded, “I still think the feathered budgie looks better. Especially this blue-violet one—it looks like it’s wearing a little cape. So cute!”
The man’s voice was gentle. “Then let’s just get both. It’s not like we can’t afford it.”
The girl giggled. “Since we’re getting both, why not also take this little cockatiel?”
The man chuckled helplessly. “You…”
Lin Yu’s steps faltered, and he glanced toward the bird shop on his left.
A young man and woman were just exiting the shop, each carrying a birdcage.
Xie Shaoyang seemed to sense something and turned in his direction.
…
Lin Yu immediately looked away, intending to leave quickly.
However, the girl beside Dr. Xie was in high spirits, skipping as she carried her birdcage. She failed to notice a raised stone on the ground, tripped, and nearly crashed right into Lin Yu.
Lin Yu instinctively reached out to steady the girl’s shoulders.
Still shaken, the girl grabbed Lin Yu’s hand. “Thank you…”
Dr. Xie walked over in a few quick steps, lowered his voice, and asked if the girl was okay.
Now that they were face-to-face, pretending not to know each other would be too much.
Dr. Xie coughed lightly. “Lin Yu, long time no see. Thanks for… helping my girlfriend.”
“How many times have I told you? Remember to change the way you address me,” the girl pouted. “Is ‘fiancée’ such a difficult word to say? We’ve been engaged for over half a year now, and you still haven’t gotten used to it.”
She extended her hand to Lin Yu with a bright and confident smile. “Hello, my name is Qin Zhi—Qin as in Qin Dynasty, and Zhi as in Lingzhi mushroom. I’m Xie Shaoyang’s fiancée.”
Qin Zhi was a beautiful girl.
She had short hair, big eyes, fair skin, and neat, glossy bangs. A beige luxury handbag hung on her arm, making her look like a character straight out of an animated film.
Lin Yu freed one hand and shook hers briefly.
Something felt off. “You… got engaged over half a year ago?”
“Yes, we got engaged on Labor Day.” Qin Zhi smiled. “Are you a friend of Shaoyang, or a client?”
Lin Yu turned to look at Dr. Xie.
Dr. Xie avoided his gaze, coughed again, and said to Qin Zhi, “Let’s go, the market is about to close.”
He grabbed Qin Zhi’s hand and hurriedly tried to lead her away.
“…Dr. Xie,” Lin Yu said quietly from behind him, “so, just three days after I rejected your advances, you got engaged to Qin Zhi?”
Qin Zhi stopped in her tracks.
Lin Yu continued, “You didn’t just meet her three days before your engagement, right? So you were clearly dating Qin Zhi while also leading me on, asking me to go to the movies with you?”
Qin Zhi turned to face him, her expression shifting. “What are you saying…? We’ve been together for two years.”
Dr. Xie immediately interrupted, “What nonsense are you talking about? When did I ever lead you on? You must be delusional!”
Lin Yu ignored his aggressive denial and remained calm. “So, when you asked me if I still liked you, was it because you suddenly realized I was a good option, or was it simply because you felt it was time to settle down and wanted to pick the most suitable fish from your pond to marry?”
….
Lin Yu got into his car, placed the cardboard box on the passenger seat, buckled his seatbelt, and let out a long breath.
There was nothing shameful about admitting he once liked a scumbag.
He only felt regret. Qin Zhi had been in love with Dr. Xie for two years. Their wedding was coming up, and she clearly adored him, evident in the way she kept glancing at him with eyes full of warmth.
Whether they broke up or got married in the end didn’t concern Lin Yu.
He had simply wanted to tell the truth, nothing more.
…..
By the time Lin Yu rushed back to the hotel, there were only twenty minutes left before the birthday banquet began.
Guests were arriving one after another.
Near the self-service food station on the right side of the banquet hall, Wu Yu was animatedly chatting with colleagues.
“Liang Zhi, are you serious? Did Ziqing-gege really say he plans to confess at the banquet?”
Liang Zhi replied, “Yeah, that’s what he said… But my name is Liang Zhi—Zhi as in ambition, fourth tone, not second tone…”
Wu Yu let out a high-pitched squeal of delight. “I knew it! I knew Ziqing-gege liked me too!”
Mi Lan covered her ears.
Wu Yu grabbed Liang Zhi’s shoulders so tightly his sharp nails nearly dug into his skin. “What else did he say? Was there anything else? Hurry up and tell me, Liang Zhi!”
Liang Zhi sighed, “Nothing more… Also, my name is Liang Zhì, not Liang Zhí.”
Wu Yu let out another ear-piercing shriek, cutting off his correction.
“That means there’s still a surprise! Ziqing-gege must be planning something special and keeping it a secret from everyone.”
“Thank you, Liang Zhi. When Ziqing-gege and I get married, you’ll be the first to receive an invitation.”
Liang Zhi gave up trying to correct Wu Yu, his face blank. “Oh. You’re welcome.”
Wu Yu strutted off, saying he needed to change into an even prettier outfit for the big moment.
Mi Lan finally uncovered her ears. “Liang Zhí, can you pass me that cake from the table?”
Liang Zhi, still numb from the conversation, handed her a plate of strawberry cheesecake. “Stop mocking me.”
Mi Lan took a bite and teased, “I told you not to entertain him. He’s completely delusional. My ears nearly went deaf.”
Liang Zhi was about to grab a slice of cake for himself when he turned and saw Lin Yu approaching. He immediately greeted him, “Director Lin.”
Lin Yu nodded. “I heard you guys chatting from across the room. What were you talking about?”
Liang Zhi really didn’t want to relive the humiliation of being misnamed three times.
“Nothing much, just random stuff,” Mi Lan said. “Director Lin, do you need something?”
Lin Yu asked, “Is Lu Ziqing here? I need to talk to him.”
He had looked around earlier but hadn’t seen Lu Ziqing anywhere.
The messages he had sent also hadn’t been read.
They were supposed to arrive together in the afternoon, but Lu Ziqing had said a friend needed him for something, so he would be late. Lin Yu had come on his own.
Mi Lan said, “No, we’ve been here for half an hour, but we haven’t seen him.”
Lin Yu nodded. “Okay, got it.”
He continued searching through the crowd.
There were several scheduled birthday celebration events, so he needed to remind Lu Ziqing in case he forgot.
After circling the hall, he ended up near the exit again.
Lin Yu was getting tired.
He had a naturally weak constitution, and after running around the flower and bird market earlier, he was already exhausted. Now, after walking in circles around the banquet hall, his legs were starting to ache.
He sat down on a chair near the exit to rest.
Just then, the door suddenly opened.
Wu Yu walked in wearing a dazzling silver mermaid-style backless gown, crowned with a gold tiara encrusted with diamonds, making a grand entrance.
Lin Yu almost got blinded by the sparkle.
Wu Yu carried himself with the elegance of a socialite as he walked in. Upon seeing Lin Yu dressed in a simple white short down jacket and black pants, he covered his mouth with a chuckle. “Assistant Lin, it’s a banquet, after all. Why are you dressed so plainly?”
Lin Yu glanced at his own down jacket and fleece-lined jeans.
“Am I?” He replied flatly. “I think it’s quite comfortable.”
Wu Yu sighed. “Well, I suppose it’s understandable. A sham marriage will end sooner or later. No need to bother dressing up anymore. You should start thinking about your next move after the divorce.”
Lin Yu showed no reaction, simply staring at Wu Yu’s chest.
Wu Yu felt uneasy. “What? Why are you staring at me like that?”
Lin Yu: “Did you forget to wear a heat patch?”
Wu Yu: “…”
Wu Yu: “I don’t need that kind of thing.”
“You should still put one on,” Lin Yu sighed. “You’re young now, you don’t understand. Wearing so little in winter—once you get older, you’ll end up with chronic joint pain. When it rains, your legs will ache, and it’s really unpleasant.”
“Your legs are already turning red from the cold. I bet you’re not even wearing thermal leggings under that outfit.” Lin Yu suggested, “You should really put on some thermal underwear and wool sweaters. Freezing yourself like this isn’t worth it.”
Wu Yu stiffened his neck. “How could such outdated things suit my figure? And if I wore those, how would I wear this gown? Are you suggesting I let ugly thermal underwear peek out from under my sleeveless mermaid gown?”
As the second young master of the Wu family, Wu Yu had been spoiled since childhood. He was the type to stick stubbornly to his ways, no matter who tried to dissuade him—the more they pushed, the more determined he became.
He was waiting for Lin Yu to continue persuading him.
But Lin Yu simply nodded. “Alright then. I’ll get back to work. Take care.”
Then, he turned and left.
Wu Yu: “…”
For some reason, he suddenly felt disappointed.
…..
At exactly 8 PM, the banquet officially began.
Yet Lu Ziqing still hadn’t arrived.
With an entire banquet hall full of guests waiting to start, Lin Yu had no choice but to ask the host to proceed with the planned schedule and push the birthday speeches to a later time, trying to stall for as long as possible.
The host finished the opening speech, introduced the two birthday stars, held a few interactive games, and gave out some red envelopes—yet Lu Ziqing was still nowhere to be seen.
Wu Yu was the first to break.
It was just too damn cold.
Colder than Zhen Huan being exiled to Lingyun Peak in the snow.
Colder than Maertai Ruoxi kneeling in the rain, begging for the Thirteenth Prince.
Wu Yu signaled to the host before hobbling onto the stage and snatching the microphone.
His brain was practically frozen, making it impossible to recall the three-thousand-word speech he had prepared in advance.
“Thank you all for coming to the birthday banquet… Ah-choo! I… um… Damn, it’s f*cking freezing—ah no, I mean, even though the weather is cold today, my heart is burning with warmth…”
After rushing through a couple of sentences, he shoved the microphone back into the host’s hands and bolted to the dressing room.
The host stood there holding the mic, utterly dumbfounded.
The guests below exchanged bewildered glances.
They had never seen such a chaotic birthday banquet.
One birthday star was still missing, while the other had rushed onto the stage like a lunatic, blurted out some nonsense, and then fled just as suddenly.
Lin Yu, being experienced with big events, could tell that the banquet was teetering on the edge of disaster. Still, he managed to keep his composure.
“It’s fine,” he whispered to the host. “Just continue with the program.”
The host: “Oh… oh, alright.”
Just as the host was about to resume, the grand doors of the banquet hall suddenly swung open.
Everyone turned to look—
Lu Ziqing walked in, dressed in a long black wool coat and black trousers.
A few guests gasped softly.
Lu Ziqing usually dressed casually, often just throwing on a T-shirt and jeans. But thanks to his striking features, he still ranked as the company’s “Most Desirable Alpha to Date.”
But tonight, Lu Ziqing had clearly made an effort.
With his hair styled in a slicked-back, Hong Kong-film-inspired look, his tall nose bridge and sharp, well-defined features stood out even more.
His height, broad shoulders, and long legs made him look like a movie star.
Lin Yu found himself staring in a daze.
So when Lu Ziqing walked up to him and spoke softly, he didn’t react at first.
“… what did you say?” He was flustered, avoiding Lu Ziqing’s gaze. “I didn’t catch that…”
“I said,” Lu Ziqing chuckled, “I’ve always had a dream. There are a lot of things I’ve wanted to do, but I never dared. So I’ve always wanted to accomplish them on a big stage, in front of everyone.”
Lin Yu nodded slightly. “Do you want to sing? Cosplay your favorite anime character? Or show off your three-point shooting skills?”
He understood the kind of childish fantasies young men had.
Lu Ziqing: “It’s something a little… weirder than that.”
Lin Yu had a bad feeling. “What do you want to do?”
Lu Ziqing: “For example, streaking across the stage. What do you think?”
Lin Yu: “?”
Lu Ziqing: “Or maybe something else—like dancing to ‘Banana Song’ in bright floral pants?”
Lin Yu: “…Please don’t.”
Lu Ziqing: “I’ve also thought about performing the ‘Iron Chest Breaking Stone’ act while singing ‘Hero Song.’ Sounds exciting, right?”
“…Are you determined to embarrass yourself in front of this many people?” Lin Yu massaged his temples. “I won’t even scold you for being late, but can you not cause trouble? Just go up there and say your speech properly—”
“If those three are out, that leaves just one option,” Lu Ziqing sighed. “I already decided before coming here. It’s my zodiac year, so I have to accomplish at least one of my four dream scenarios.”
Lin Yu: “What’s the last one?”
Lu Ziqing: “You really want to hear it? What if you don’t agree…”
Lin Yu was on the verge of losing it. “Just say it already, the host is still waiting on stage. As long as it’s nothing too outrageous, do whatever you want. Do you think I can stop you?”
“You said it yourself,” Lu Ziqing leaned in slightly and whispered in his ear, “Then, I’ll go on stage and confess to you.”
That’s the exciting part!
Thank you so much for the updates! Ugh! ❤️