Chapter 114: Birthday

The so-called birthday naturally called for a grand cake and a candlelit dinner shared with a beloved companion. Due to their demanding work schedules, Ling Tian Huo and Rong Qing rarely had the chance to travel or dine out together. Before leaving, Rong Qing made a special effort to dress up—she wore an unusual black batwing blouse paired with yellow leggings and red sunglasses, a stark contrast to her usual elegant and graceful style. Undeniably, her poise and figure lent a unique charm to any look she chose.

Meanwhile, the CEO of the Huo Corporation shed his usual boss demeanor. Ling Tian Huo donned a simple baseball cap, casual clothes, and sneakers. His once commanding aura softened into calm composure. Any paparazzi, no matter how vigilant, would be stunned to see the scion of the Huo family in such a deliberately unconventional outfit. Thus, the glamorous, sought-after star and the wealthy finance magnate strolled hand in hand through the busiest streets of City X, drawing the eyes of all.

After being cooped up on the mountain set for over half a month filming, Rong Qing was exhilarated, as if freed from a cage. She and Ling Tian Huo walked like the closest of lovers, arms around each other, utterly intimate. At City X’s largest plaza, they fed pigeons together. In the bustling commercial district, a young, beautiful fashionista knelt carefully on the ground, cradling food with reverence to feed the birds. When a cheeky pigeon pecked at her fair palm, she grimaced and scampered back to the man, who tenderly kissed her hand, easing her distress. Instantly content, she returned to the pigeons in the center of the square.

Ling Tian Huo sat on the dusty steps, never imagining that one day the proud head of the Huo family would enjoy a simple afternoon sunbeam like any ordinary man, quietly watching the joy of his beloved. His eyes softened throughout, gentle and warm, as if about to overflow with tenderness. He watched his radiant darling approach with a bright smile, her forehead dotted with secret sweat, her once pristine hand now slightly soiled. Without a word, Ling Tian Huo pulled out a handkerchief and lovingly wiped her hand with meticulous care.

Rong Qing stood obediently, cheeks flushed, amidst the noisy crowd. They appeared like lovers deeply in love—so serene and beautiful.

“Tired?” Although he enjoyed this leisurely half-day, he felt a pang seeing the sweat on his beloved’s brow.

“Not at all!” Her sparkling eyes gleamed like stars as she tugged him along like a cheerful bird toward the vibrant old commercial street.

City X’s renowned antique street displayed an array of curios and odd trinkets, dazzling and colorful. Stepping into the street was like entering the most prosperous commercial district of ancient times, with its quaint architecture full of historical charm, intoxicating the heart. Rong Qing wandered about, fascinated by the strange items. The little rascal nervously touched a few, then sheepishly returned them to their places. She wanted to touch everything beautiful and fun, but not a single coin left her wallet.

Ling Tian Huo’s eyes brimmed with affection. With the immense wealth of the Huo family, how could he not afford whatever his baby desired? Just moments ago, the mischievous girl’s eyes suddenly lit up as she headed toward a shop.

As the doorbell tinkled upon opening, a chime echoed. It was a doll shop, shelves piled high with all kinds of dolls—Barbie, Winnie the Pooh, and stylish Paul Frank monkeys. The shopkeeper was an elderly man in his fifties.

Rong Qing reached the corner where a dusty, abandoned Barbie princess lay forgotten. She picked it up, gently brushing off the dust.

“I used to have a beautiful little princess like this,” Rong Qing softly said, while Ling Tian Huo listened attentively beside her. “Back when life was tight, my mother saved up for months to buy me this doll. I loved her dearly, often combing her hair, sewing her clothes, dressing her up beautifully. I even carried my treasure everywhere.”

“That doll was my only childhood companion, but…” Rong Qing paused, then a sarcastic smile curled at her lips. “At one birthday party, Rong Hui, jealous of my toy, threw it into the trash when no one was looking. I cried and screamed all night, nearly losing my voice.”

The fleeting melancholy in her eyes soon gave way to a calm smile. She placed the doll back on the shelf, having cleaned most of the dust off, and linked her arm with Ling Tian Huo’s as they stepped out.

She never told Ling Tian Huo that night she had fished her doll out of a messy garbage bin, but it was irreparably damaged, which broke her heart. From then on, she never bought another toy, abandoning her innocent childhood memories completely.

Ling Tian Huo, holding his beloved’s hand, silently vowed: such a thing would never happen again.

They browsed several nearby shops, and Rong Qing quickly regained her enthusiasm, chattering excitedly about bursting into the crowded stores for a shopping spree.

As night fell, they headed to a nearby Western restaurant. Just as they were about to enter, the waiter stopped them. “No entry without suit and tie.” The waiter seemed used to casual folks trying to enjoy a refined dining experience with just a single ice cream order all evening. Such places were not for paupers!

“Alright, let’s go somewhere else,” Rong Qing said, pulling back Ling Tian Huo. It was his birthday, and she did not want any unpleasantness. She led him in the opposite direction.

Of course, seasoned international brand waiters couldn’t recognize that their clothes were bespoke creations by world-renowned designers—unique and priceless, without labels. They had no idea that this small oversight had just offended a key figure who determined the fate of their entire dining industry.

Hand in hand, Rong Qing and Ling Tian Huo strolled the luxurious streets with no private car or heated room waiting for them. Just the two of them, quietly walking until eternity. Noticing Ling Tian Huo’s darkening brow, Rong Qing secretly chuckled. “Husband, how’s the simple life?” She swore Ling Tian Huo never imagined being refused entry anywhere before. Seeing his nearly furrowed brows, she thought this outing was worth every moment.

Ling Tian Huo knew well the mischievous thoughts in his little rascal’s mind. Back when he fought his way up without family backing, surviving in the wild eating even tree bark, he was far from a stranger to hardship. Yet, public embarrassment was a rare blow to the formidable heir.

“You’re such a silly little fool!” he teased, poking her chubby cheek.

“Hmph, then, birthday lord, where are we dining tonight?” Rong Qing feigned obedience, utterly docile.

After the earlier fuss, neither felt like eating Western food, especially amid the opulent hotels of the commercial district. He wouldn’t let his darling be treated poorly again. Changing plans, he promised, “Come on, I guarantee you’ll feast to your heart’s content!”

Ling Tian Huo led Rong Qing through back alleys, away from the bustling sights. Only the streetlights flickered brightly. Compared to the noisy streets, the alleys were peaceful. After winding around a few turns, they stopped before a modest but well-known hot pot shop.

“Here?” Rong Qing asked, surprised but full of guilt. “Isn’t today your birthday?”

Without hesitation, Ling Tian Huo ushered his beloved into the most famous spicy hot pot restaurant in the neighborhood. He understood her better than anyone—mountain delicacies and abalone couldn’t compare to the fiery hot pot she craved. Being an artist restricted her lifestyle; entering a wealthy family raised her living standards, but she rarely had the chance to savor the things she yearned for. His greatest birthday gift was simply to see her happy.

Rong Qing inhaled deeply the fragrant aroma, her hunger awakened. Only she knew how long she had missed this scent—one word: delicious.

The shop was clean, tiled in white squares, with ingredients meticulously washed by hand. The broth was a secret family recipe, rich with spicy aroma. Rong Qing ate heartily, a little woman with steaming breath, her eyes shining with subtle happiness that made the watching man smile too. He frequently wiped her mouth and tasted the tofu she fed him. Though raised with upper-class etiquette that forbade street food, seeing her pure joy, he was willing to follow her habits, willing to change for her.

“Mmm—” Rong Qing sipped the broth contentedly, lounging like a sleepy cat, rubbing her round belly, utterly satisfied. “I haven’t had anything this authentic in so long.”

“If you want it, we’ll come again,” Ling Tian Huo promised indulgently.

“Really?” Her eyes sparkled with delight. She was so simple and fulfilled—just a little kindness from him made her shine as if she owned the world. He could never bear to let such a treasure reveal herself to the world easily.

“Mm-hmm,” he nodded.

On the way home, Rong Qing soon fell asleep in the passenger seat, her eyes shadowed with dark circles—proof of the tireless effort she had put into preparing the cake and accompanying him through such a joyful day. Ling Tian Huo felt deeply satisfied, filled with love and gratitude for his darling.

He drove steadily, ensuring a peaceful sleep for his baby, even at a slow pace.

－－－－－Side note－－－－－

Why does the title keep getting mixed up every time... so frustrating. Another update today... so tired. Time to catch up on sleep... Group number: 214867000