Birthday Party

It wasn’t just a birthday celebration—they weren’t hiding it from Qi Ran, nor could they. How could they kick their sister out of the house to prepare?

This party also marked their recovery: Qi Ran’s legs, and Qi Yan’s high fever. Though Qi Yan felt he was just an afterthought.

To his surprise, Qi Ran had personally invited Su Shiyu.

Su Shiyu was the first person Qi Ran had ever openly disliked since birth. Could it be that his sister actually wanted to be friends with her, but was just acting tsundere around him?

That seemed the only logical explanation. Qi Yan resolved to play matchmaker—to make Su Shiyu his sister’s friend, someone to look after her once she started school.

The idea took root deep in his heart. Every chance he got, he itched to execute his sister’s friendship plan.

Only Su Shiyu was invited today. Qi Yan wished he could have thanked others too—Aunt Chunxiang who’d sheltered them, Uncle Lin who’d given practical advice, stern-but-kind Uncle Zheng.

But their tiny rental flat could barely fit three people. No space, no extra bowls or chopsticks. Gratitude would have to wait.

To amp up the birthday vibe, Su Shiyu hung colorful balloons from the ceiling and set up party poppers.

Qi Yan glanced at the clock. "Time to fetch the cake. Guard the fort, you two. Chat if you’re bored—you might even become friends."

Qi Ran and Su Shiyu simultaneously turned their heads away, vanishing from each other’s sightlines.

*They’re holding back because I’m here,* Qi Yan thought. *Girl talk needs privacy. Once I’m gone, they’ll hit it off.*

He was wrong about many things. But after he left, sparks flew between them.

[Thanks for last time. But it doesn’t change how much I hate you.] Qi Ran slid over a note loaded with gunpowder.

"Funny—I feel the same. You’re the one I can’t stand most," Su Shiyu crossed her arms. "Stop dragging Senior down."

[That’s *my* line. Stop buzzing around my brother like a pesky fly.]

"So you’re calling Senior… dung? If we’re comparing, I’m a beautiful butterfly. Which makes him a flower attracting admirers. Is this the best metaphor a future novelist can muster?"

[How did you—wait… did you *see* it?]

Qi Ran’s face paled, all fierceness gone.

"Oh, the Word doc in your study files? I only read it three or four times."

[You shameless thief! That’s criminal!]

"Your password was your brother’s birthday. His was yours. What’s wrong with you two?" Su Shiyu shrugged helplessly. The story’s content had sent chills down her spine.

If left unchecked, their chemistry could trigger an irreversible reaction. She’d become the immovable obstacle—blocking them for her own sake, and for Senior’s.

Yet as a seasoned fujoshi, Su Shiyu couldn’t deny her own thrill. Her feelings were tangled, conflicted.

But one thing was certain: they were an interesting pair of siblings.

On his way to pick up the double-layered strawberry cream cake, Qi Yan spotted a familiar figure buying pomelos outside a fruit stall. "Miss Qin Lin!" he called.

She didn’t react—as if he’d mistaken her for someone else. But Qi Yan’s eyes weren’t failing him. Not with that uniquely eccentric style.

Her pink top had black bow-tied cuffs. Lavender hair peeked beneath oversized headphones. A massive black guitar case dwarfed her petite frame—different from their first meeting, yet strikingly charming.

"Miss Qin Lin! Remember me?" Qi Yan waved before her.

"Ah!" She jumped back, clutching a golden pomelo.

"Don’t recognize me? Two weeks ago, you guided me when I was lost. You even introduced me to Uncle Lin. I’m so grateful."

"Oh! Right!" She thrust the pomelo into his hands. "Happy Mid-Autumn. May we meet again by fate." Then she spun and fled down the street.

"Wait—I haven’t finished—" Qi Yan sighed at her vanishing figure. "Am I that scary? Or do I stink?"

He didn’t chase her. She’d clearly dodged him—and he had a cake to fetch.

Qi Ran had initially refused the cake. But how could a sweet tooth resist? After Qi Yan’s relentless coaxing, she’d finally scribbled: [Brother, I want birthday cake.]—a childish plea that shattered her tsundere facade.

Cake in one hand, unexpected pomelo in the other, Qi Yan returned home.

Qi Ran and Su Shiyu sat stiffly across the table, locked in icy silence. Not the warm reunion he’d imagined.

Qi Yan clapped his hands. "Main course has arrived! Time to start the party!"

"Right! Candles first," Su Shiyu chimed in.

Seventeen candles—marking the years—were planted on the cake. Qi Yan lit them one by one with a lighter.

"Time for lights-out, wishes, and blowing!" Su Shiyu cheered.

Darkness fell. Only candlelight flickered like fireflies. Qi Ran pressed her palms together, wished for the most impossible thing, and blew out every flame.

As Qi Yan flipped the lights back on, Su Shiyu pulled the party popper. Confetti rained down like blossoms, dusting Qi Ran’s hair.

"Finally—the gift ceremony! First up: Brother’s present!"

Qi Yan placed a wrapped box before Qi Ran.

"Open it now!" Su Shiyu urged.

Qi Ran untied the red ribbon. Inside lay a pale pink smartphone.

"It’s just a cheap no-name brand," Qi Yan scratched his cheek. "But the SIM card ends with your birthday—1008. I bundled it with mine. Free local calls and texts between us. Shared data too."

Qi Ran grabbed the phone, frantically adding his number. She texted:

[Like it.]

[I’m glad you do.]

Qi Yan replied instantly.

Su Shiyu’s disdainful gaze flicked between them before she slammed her palms on the table. "Now—*my* gift! Something money can’t buy!" She flourished a box. "My treasured possession: *Yosuga no Sora* Limited Edition Game and Uncensored BD! I sacrifice it so you may learn life lessons, find your path, and avoid wrong turns."

"Hold on—that’s way too mature for Xiao Ran!" Qi Yan lunged to snatch the box—

—but song and melody drifted through the window.

*Happy birthday to you… Happy birthday to you… Happy birthday, dear friend…*

A birthday song? They’d skipped this part entirely, fearing Qi Ran’s silence would kill the mood. Yet now it played like background music.

Was someone nearby celebrating too?

No one opened the door to check. They simply hummed along softly, singing the belated tune.

On a second-floor balcony of the high-rise next door, a girl sat cross-legged on the floor. She strummed a guitar toward the full moon—a silver platter in the sky. Her sweet voice amplified through speakers.

She set down the mic, whispering to the night:

"Happy birthday… And welcome back, Brother Qi… Xiao Ran…"