Xu Xiuwen was amused by Lu Xinyao's words.
He knew the girl was joking with him.
Since he didn't have anything urgent to attend to, he didn't mind spending some time chatting with her.
He swatted her hand away and teased, "I'll return it to you once I've finished with it."
Lu Xinyao, not offended by the swat, replied with a smile, "Alright then, I'll lend it to you for another two days."
Xu Xiuwen shook his head and said, "If Xu Qian found out you were making fun of her like this behind her back, she'd definitely give you trouble."
Lu Xinyao chuckled, "I'll just deny it."
After joking with Lu Xinyao, Xu Xiuwen went upstairs to find Hang Fei.
Before leaving, he reminded Lu Xinyao to work diligently and promised a salary increase for good performance.
Whether Lu Xinyao believed it or not, Xu Xiuwen thought he was being a good boss.
A mature boss must know how to paint a rosy picture.
A boss who can't do that is bound to be a failure.
When Xu Xiuwen reached the upstairs office, he found Hang Fei in the company's editing room.
Hang Fei was disheveled and had grown a long beard.
Xu Xiuwen was taken aback by his appearance.
He quickly guessed that Hang Fei had been working tirelessly on the editing without taking time for personal hygiene.
Xu Xiuwen couldn't help but say, "You're ruining your health working like this."
Hang Fei smiled faintly, "It's okay, I'm used to it."
After a brief conversation, Xu Xiuwen understood the progress of the TV drama's post-production.
According to Hang Fei, the editing could be completed within half a month if things went smoothly.
The review process was also underway, meaning the drama might be ready for release by July.
Xu Xiuwen felt this timeline was tight, but seeing Hang Fei's dedication, he didn't press further, as it would seem inconsiderate.
Xu Xiuwen returned to his office and began replying to messages from the girls.
Once he finished responding, he turned to his next task.
Tomorrow was May 30th.
While it was an ordinary day for others, Xu Xiuwen took it seriously because it was Xiao Youran's birthday.
Having grown up together as childhood friends, their bond was deeper than most.
Xu Xiuwen remembered that the last time he celebrated Xiao Youran's birthday with her was over ten years ago.
It had been too long.
Now that Xiao Youran was his girlfriend, he couldn't neglect it.
After a busy afternoon, Xu Xiuwen came home, exhausted, and collapsed on the sofa.
However, thinking about Xiao Youran's smile the next day made it all worthwhile.
The next day, May 30th, was a Tuesday.
Xiao Youran attended classes with her roommates.
During class, she frequently glanced at her phone, a behavior that didn't escape Song Siyu's notice.
Song Siyu easily guessed the reason and scolded, "Youran, can you be a little more ambitious? I just don't get it, what's so great about Xu Xiuwen that you're like this for him?"
Xiao Youran knew that Song Siyu had always disapproved of Xu Xiuwen.
She didn't argue with Song Siyu.
She understood that Song Siyu was speaking out of concern for her.
However, Xiao Youran herself didn't feel the same way, so no matter how much Song Siyu tried to persuade her, it was hard to change her mind.
But as she waited and waited, she still hadn't received a message or call from Xu Xiuwen.
Xiao Youran couldn't help but think: Has Xiao Xu forgotten that today is her birthday?
She really wanted to call and ask, but felt that doing so would spoil the surprise.
She continued waiting until noon, but still no sign of Xiao Xu.
Song Siyu noticed her mood and, though unwilling, spoke up for Xu Xiuwen, "Maybe he's planning to surprise you. Don't worry."
"Hmm." Xiao Youran nodded but still looked dejected and downcast.
Her lack of enthusiasm was evident in the afternoon classes, and she couldn't focus on the lessons.
She slumped over her desk in low spirits.
Finally.
Xiao Youran's phone vibrated suddenly.
She quickly pulled out her phone to check.
Seeing the message content, her mood instantly lifted from dejection to excitement and joy.
"Look at you, so happy. What did Xu Xiuwen say?" Song Siyu asked, relieved.
Xiao Youran grinned, "Xiao Xu said he'll come to pick me up after school."
"Look at you, getting so excited over just a message."
"It's not like that," Xiao Youran was reluctant to admit.
Seeing this, Song Siyu sighed in resignation.
Xiao Youran waited eagerly, almost to the point of impatience.
Finally, the school bell rang.
As soon as the bell rang, Xiao Youran dashed out of the classroom, not caring that the teacher was still at the podium.
The teacher was stunned by her sudden departure.
Song Siyu, feeling embarrassed, quickly offered an excuse, "Teacher, she has a stomachache."
That managed to cover for her.
In the classroom, Cheng Lu and An Shishi, seeing Xiao Youran leave in a hurry, guessed the reason.
They had also received Xu Xiuwen's message.
Xiao Youran rushed downstairs.
Sure enough.
Outside the teaching building, by the roadside, was a BMW 5 Series.
A young man wearing a mask was leaning against the car door, looking towards the entrance of the teaching building.
"Xiao Xu~" Xiao Youran called out excitedly and ran towards him.
Her speed was so fast she couldn't stop in time and ended up leaping directly into Xu Xiuwen's arms.
Xu Xiuwen supported her and, once she steadied herself, teased with a smile, "Why are you so happy?"
Xiao Youran said somewhat plaintively, "You didn't contact me all day, and I thought you had forgotten my birthday."
Xu Xiuwen laughed heartily at this.
He reached out and ruffled her hair gently, saying, "Silly girl, I might forget my own birthday but I would never forget yours."
"Hmm, I believe you." Xiao Youran had no doubts.
"Where are Lu Lu and the others?"
"They're behind. I came down first."
"Then we'll wait for them."
Xiao Youran pouted, "Xiao Xu, can't we leave them behind? It's my birthday today, and I want to spend it alone with you."
"No way!"
Seeing Xiao Youran's disappointed expression, he sighed, "They're your roommates, and don't forget, I'm now Cheng Lu's boyfriend."
Xiao Youran fell silent upon hearing this.
Xu Xiuwen didn't know what more to say.
At this moment, the three girls from Room 301 walked out of the teaching building.
All three were top campus beauties at Jiaotong University, attracting attention wherever they went.
Their appearance together drew countless male gazes.
Now, the three girls were all heading toward Xu Xiuwen.
Many boys eyed Xu Xiuwen, curious about who he was.
As the girls approached, Xu Xiuwen proactively opened the car door for them.
He smiled and said, "Get in the car."
Seeing Xu Xiuwen's gesture, Xiao Youran suddenly moved to the front passenger seat, opened the door, and sat down.
An Shishi, Song Siyu, and Cheng Lu naturally saw this scene.
Song Siyu said nothing.
She wanted to see how Xu Xiuwen would handle it.
An Shishi snickered to herself, eager to see the drama unfold.
Both girls were also curious about how Cheng Lu would react and what she would say.
However, to their surprise.
Cheng Lu didn't say anything and quietly took a seat in the back.
Cheng Lu's generous behavior surprised Xiao Youran a bit.
She hesitated, but in the end, said nothing.
Xu Xiuwen certainly wouldn't bring up anything awkward.
Since Cheng Lu hadn't spoken, he was happy to play dumb.
After the car started, Xu Xiuwen reminded, "Hold on, we're going to dinner now."
Xu Xiuwen had booked a private room at a famous restaurant in the most bustling area of Jinling.
He drove the girls directly to the restaurant.
From before they even entered, the restaurant's luxury and exclusivity were evident.
There were two rows of hostesses at the entrance.
All the hostesses were young and beautiful, with smooth skin, dressed in matching red cheongsams, and wearing high heels.
Every man passing by couldn't help but steal a few extra glances.
But Xu Xiuwen didn't look at them much.
It wasn't that he lacked appreciation, but compared to the four beautiful girls beside him, they were far inferior.
Even Song Siyu was a few notches more attractive than the most beautiful of the hostesses.
Xu Xiuwen wasn't about to lose sight of the true beauties beside him by getting distracted by the hostesses.
He knew that if he upset the girls, it would be counterproductive.
Once inside, a beautiful hostess came to greet them.
After confirming their reservation, she led the five to their private room.
The private room was not only luxuriously decorated but also adorned with various artistic calligraphies and paintings, adding an artistic flair.
Once inside the room.
Xiao Youran couldn't help but ask, "Xiao Xu, this restaurant must be very expensive, right?"
Xu Xiuwen smiled faintly, "It's just average."
Xiao Youran shook her head, "No way, it must be very expensive."
Seeing the hesitation on her face, Xu Xiuwen said with a smile, "No matter how expensive it is, it's not more precious than you. Now, don't think about the cost, just order whatever you like."
Hearing Xu Xiuwen say "not more precious than you," Xiao Youran was momentarily stunned.
A warm feeling surged through her, spreading from her heart to her hands and feet, filling her entire body with warmth.
She was almost moved to tears.
If it weren't for Cheng Lu being there, she would have wanted to leap into Xu Xiuwen's arms and give him a kiss.
But she could barely contain her emotions and softly said, "Xiao Xu, you're so good to me."
Xu Xiuwen patted her head and said, "I promised Aunt Zhang that I'd take good care of you."
During this time, Song Siyu and An Shishi remained silent.
Cheng Lu also said nothing.
Her calm and generous demeanor was both surprising and impressive.
Xu Xiuwen felt relieved.
"Alright, everyone, take a seat."
He quickly ushered the four girls to their seats.
The seating arrangement was Xu Xiuwen in the center, with Xiao Youran and Cheng Lu on either side, followed by An Shishi and Song Siyu.
After sitting down, Xu Xiuwen asked the waiter to bring the menu and prepare to order.
At this moment, Xu Xiuwen was focused on making Xiao Youran's birthday special and momentarily ignored Cheng Lu.
An Shishi leaned in and quietly asked Cheng Lu, "Lu Lu, didn't you feel jealous earlier?"
Cheng Lu's expression remained calm, "It's her birthday today. As long as she's not being unreasonable, I can pretend I didn't see anything."
An Shishi was surprised, "Lu Lu, you're so generous. If it were me, I wouldn't allow my boyfriend to be so close with another girl."
Cheng Lu replied calmly, "They're childhood friends. How can I stop that? If Xu Xiuwen really wanted to do something to hurt me, there's nothing I could do about it. So why should I be upset? Besides, I trust Xu Xiuwen won't deceive me again."
"Heh..." An Shishi didn't know what to say and could only smile.
After receiving the menu from the waiter, Xu Xiuwen and Xiao Youran began ordering.
They huddled close, discussing each dish as they decided.
"Alright, I'll order this much. Let them choose the rest," Xiao Youran said with a smile.
Xu Xiuwen handed the menu to Cheng Lu.
Cheng Lu had just finished her conversation with An Shishi.
She accepted the menu without any pretense and quickly chose a few more dishes.
After ordering, the waiter left.
During the wait, Xu Xiuwen found himself in an awkward situation.
It was Xiao Youran's birthday, so he couldn't ignore her.
But Cheng Lu was sitting right next to him.
So he was torn.
After some hesitation, Xu Xiuwen turned toward Cheng Lu.
He felt the need to explain or at least give her a heads-up.
"Lu Lu, today is Youran's birthday. I said those things to make her happy. You understand, right?"
Cheng Lu responded with an "mm."
Xu Xiuwen felt relieved upon hearing this.
An Shishi suddenly asked, "Master, have you prepared the birthday gift?"
Xu Xiuwen was about to nod.
He noticed Xiao Youran looking at him with curiosity.
"Don't worry, you'll find out soon."
"Alright," Xiao Youran nodded, her eyes still filled with anticipation.
Soon, the dishes started arriving.
They had ordered over ten dishes, half of which were substantial.
The food at the restaurant was excellent.
The girls praised the dishes enthusiastically.
Before long, the girls were full.
While they were eating, Xu Xiuwen left the private room.
He was quietly calculating the time in his head.
At this moment.
The door to the private room suddenly opened.
Then a waiter wheeled in a cart.
On the cart was a three-tiered cake.
Eighteen candles were already lit on top.
The moment Xiao Youran saw the cake, tears of joy started flowing uncontrollably.
Though this wasn't her first birthday, it was definitely the happiest birthday she had ever had.
The three-tiered cake was a meter tall.
Clearly, this wasn't a cake that could be bought on the spur of the moment; it was obviously pre-ordered.
Xiao Youran felt Xu Xiuwen's thoughtfulness and care.
That was why she was so happy.
Xu Xiuwen smiled and teased, "Why are you crying? You look like a little kitten. Aren't you afraid of being laughed at?"
"Who would dare laugh at me?" Xiao Youran both laughed and cried, playfully rebuking him.
The group moved to stand by the cake.
Xu Xiuwen told the waiter, "Alright, you can leave now."
After the waiter left, Xu Xiuwen went to the wall and turned off all the lights in the room.
The large room was instantly lit only by the flickering candles.
The candlelight cast a warm glow on the girls' faces, making their flushed cheeks look even more charming.
Xu Xiuwen quickly returned and began singing, "Happy birthday to you…"
In the quiet room, Xu Xiuwen sang the birthday song alone.
Xiao Youran stood silently, watching Xu Xiuwen walk toward her step by step.
Her eyes were once again filled with tears.