Lu Ting, sensing the right moment, changed the topic, "Brother, I've also notified my classmates about my birthday party next week."
"Hmm?"
Lu Jingzhi was stunned for a moment, and asked subconsciously, "Party?"
Lu Ting's smile stiffened, "It's my 18th birthday party, you said it was going to be a grand affair, didn't you?"
Lu Jingzhi pursed his lips, feeling a bit guilty for having forgotten about the birthday party due to being preoccupied with Qiao Yun's issues recently.
This had been agreed upon before Qiao Yun returned, as it was Lu Ting's 18th birthday, and they had planned on making it special.
But now that Qiao Yun was back… it had become somewhat complicated.
Lu Ting's eyes dimmed, she said indifferently, "Maybe I'm being unreasonable, throwing a party just as sister has come back, it might make her uncomfortable."
"It's just a birthday, it's not that important. Before I was adopted by mom and dad, I never even celebrated my birthday."
Lu Jingzhi felt a tightness in his chest, intending to say he'd make it up to her later, but he couldn't bring himself to say it after hearing her words.
His expression was conflicted for a moment.
Lu Ting smiled, "I really don't mind, I just hope our family can live in harmony."
Lu Jingzhi, meeting Lu Ting's eyes filled with a tender smile, sighed, "You are too sensible, I would prefer you to be more willful. Of course, we'll have the party. You only turn 18 once, and there's no second chance. Since we agreed, there's no way we can go back on our word."
The Lu Family, being among the wealthy in Shangjing, usually practiced frugality, but never skimped when it came to their own family members.
Lu Ting moved her lips, but was interrupted by Lu Jingzhi.
"That settles it then."
Lu Ting's lips curved into an almost imperceptible smile; she wanted Qiao Yun to know that she was the most doted upon daughter.
Qiao Yun, coming from the countryside, simply wasn't her match.
...
Upstairs.
Qiao Yun turned off her computer, changed her clothes, squinted at the harsh sun outside the window, casually picked up a baseball cap and put it on before heading downstairs.
Lu Jingzhi had gone back to the office, Su Mian was leisurely arranging flowers, and Lu Ting was helping her out, the two creating a harmonious and joyful atmosphere.
"Qiaoqiao, are you heading out?"
The internet-addicted girl heading out, Su Mian was indeed surprised!
Qiao Yun tapped the brim of her hat, revealing her dark, bright eyes as she responded with a faint "Hmm."
Su Mian initially wanted to ask where she was going, but fearing that Qiao Yun might feel she was being too controlling, she suggested, "You're unfamiliar with the place, why don't you let your sister go with you?"
Lu Ting wasn't very keen, so she remained silent.
Qiao Yun replied calmly, "No need, I know my way."
Su Mian guessed that Qiao Yun had probably looked up the map. She grabbed her purse, pulled out a bank card, and said magnanimously, "Take the card, there's two hundred thousand in it, buy whatever you like."
Lu Jingzhi had told her about the birthday party, and she didn't want Lu Ting to feel neglected due to Qiao Yun's return.
So she agreed to proceed with the party as planned; she was also worried about Qiao Yun overthinking, so she decided to be extra generous with her.
Now she finally had a reason to give Qiao Yun money openly without hurting her pride.
Qiao Yun declined, "I have money."
Su Mian insisted, pushing the card towards her, "Keep your money for snacks, and if it's not enough, come and ask mom."
Qiao Yun blinked, recalling the uncountable zeros in her own account.
She fell silent.
After about ten seconds, Qiao Yun finally reached out and took the bank card.
She didn't want to waste time arguing with Su Mian.
Su Mian watched Qiao Yun leave with concern, "Be careful on the road, come back early, if you're hungry find a place to eat, and remember to drink water if you're thirsty..."
Qiao Yun: "..."
Lu Ting just couldn't stand seeing Su Mian being nice to Qiao Yun, hesitated for a bit, then picked up her phone and went into the bathroom.