"Xiao Xu~~"
Seeing this scene, An Shishi felt an intense sense of envy.
Cheng Lu had a faint smile on his face.
Song Siyu remained silent.
Finally, after the birthday song was over, Xu Xiuwen reminded, "Youran, make a wish now. After you're done, blow out the candles."
Xiao Youran happily nodded.
She closed her eyes and started making her wish.
No one knew what she wished for.
But soon she opened her eyes and began to blow out the candles.
The one-meter-high candles were placed on the serving cart. Xiao Youran even had to stand on tiptoe to reach the candles at the top.
Once the candles were extinguished, the private room was instantly plunged into darkness.
Xu Xiuwen quickly said, "Don't move, I'll turn on the lights."
"Mm." The girls obediently stayed put.
As Xu Xiuwen was about to turn around to switch on the lights, suddenly a soft arm reached out and wrapped around his neck.
The next moment, the owner of the arm placed a kiss on his lips.
Xu Xiuwen was stunned.
In the darkness, he was kissed unexpectedly.
Since the kiss was brief, he had no idea who it was.
However, he reacted quickly. Xiao Youran was standing on his left, Cheng Lu on his right. It couldn't be either of them.
Song Siyu and An Shishi were standing not far away; it must have been one of them.
But Song Siyu clearly wouldn't do something like this.
So by simple elimination, it had to be An Shishi.
Only someone with An Shishi's bold personality would dare to do something like this.
Xu Xiuwen didn't want to make a scene and quickly moved to the wall, pressing the switch.
When the lights came back on, Xu Xiuwen immediately looked at An Shishi.
An Shishi happened to look back at him.
Xu Xiuwen saw that An Shishi's gaze was calm and composed, not at all like someone who had just stolen a kiss.
This made Xu Xiuwen even more puzzled.
If it wasn't An Shishi, then could it be Song Siyu?
That would be even more surprising.
"Xiao Xu~" Xiao Youran called softly.
Xu Xiuwen immediately snapped out of it.
He walked to Xiao Youran's side and smiled, "Let's cut the cake for everyone."
Xiao Youran did as told.
She took a knife from the serving cart and cut a piece of cake for everyone.
Xu Xiuwen ate only a few bites of the cake before putting it down.
He took a gift box from his pocket and handed it over.
"Happy Birthday, Youran. I hope you'll be this happy every day."
"Thank you, Xiao Xu. I really like your gift. I'm very happy."
"Haha, don't be too quick to say you like it. Let's see the gift first."
"Okay."
Xiao Youran actually wanted to say that no matter what the gift was, as long as it was from him, she would like it.
She opened the gift box.
Inside the beautifully wrapped box was a ladies' wristwatch.
If the four girls from Room 601 were there, they would immediately recognize that this watch was the same one Xu Xiuwen had given to Tang Weiwei.
Xiao Youran didn't know Xu Xiuwen had given similar watches to others.
Seeing the beautiful wristwatch, she instantly liked it.
"Xiao Xu, I really like it," Xiao Youran said happily.
"I'm glad you like it. Let me help you put it on."
"Okay."
Xu Xiuwen took the wristwatch out of the box and put it on Xiao Youran's wrist.
Xiao Youran admired the watch on her wrist, her eyes showing even more affection.
Then the other three girls also took out their gifts from their bags or pockets.
Cheng Lu had brought a bottle of perfume as her gift.
Song Siyu and An Shishi both gifted lipsticks.
Although they were different brands and shades, their gifts matched.
They hadn't coordinated beforehand, so now, facing the surprise and awkwardness of their matching gifts, both were a bit taken aback.
Xiao Youran found the situation amusing and couldn't help but laugh.
"Siyu, Shishi, thank you for the gifts. I really like them."
Hearing Xiao Youran's words, the two girls also felt relieved.
After finishing the cake and exchanging gifts, the birthday dinner was almost over.
Xu Xiuwen suggested, "Shall we go shopping later?"
"Sure," An Shishi was about to agree.
But Cheng Lu shook her head and said, "I won't go. You and Xiao Youran go ahead."
This made Xu Xiuwen feel uneasy.
Was Cheng Lu upset?
"Don't look at me like that. I'm not angry. It's her birthday, and she probably wouldn't want me there."
Cheng Lu glanced at Xiao Youran with a smile.
Xiao Youran had remained silent, but her expression revealed her thoughts.
There was no doubt that Cheng Lu had spoken to Xiao Youran's wishes.
While a bigger gathering was ideal for the birthday party, Xiao Youran obviously hoped that later, whether shopping or doing other things, it would just be her and Xu Xiuwen alone.
Xiao Youran was once again impressed by Cheng Lu's generosity.
If roles were reversed, she wouldn't be able to so easily let her boyfriend go, especially when the other person was Xu Xiuwen, with whom she had a complicated past.
An Shishi had initially wanted to go shopping too, but since Cheng Lu had decided not to, she felt she couldn't insist without offending Xiao Youran.
An Shishi didn't want to upset either of the two, so she quickly changed her mind, "I'm feeling a bit tired too, so I'll pass on shopping."
That left only Song Siyu.
Though she wasn't keen on leaving Xu Xiuwen and Xiao You Ran alone, seeing Xiao Youran's somewhat pleading look made her relent.
She huffed and said, "I'll skip shopping too. I'm feeling a bit tired and will head home to sleep."
Xiao Youran was thrilled and couldn't stop smiling.
Hearing the responses from the three, Xu Xiuwen didn't press further and agreed, "I'll drive you all back then."
Cheng Lu smiled lightly, "No need. We'll just take a cab."
Xu Xiuwen hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded in agreement.
The group left together.
Xu Xiuwen paid the bill and asked Xiao Youran to wait in the car.
He then accompanied the three girls to the roadside to hail a cab.
While waiting, Xu Xiuwen pulled Cheng Lu aside.
He scratched his head and rubbed his nose, looking unsure.
Seeing this, Cheng Lu laughed.
"Idiot, what are you trying to say?"
Xu Xiuwen tried to explain, "Lu Lu, it's Youran's birthday, and you know how things are between us. I just wanted to make her birthday a bit happier."
Upon hearing this, Cheng Lu suddenly stopped smiling.
She looked at Xu Xiuwen with a calm, expressionless face, making Xu Xiuwen feel uneasy.
But then Cheng Lu suddenly chuckled and rolled her eyes.
"Did I say something? Why are you so nervous?"
"Oh, nervous? I'm not."
"Still denying it? Are you…?" Cheng Lu paused mid-sentence.
Xu Xiuwen thought she had guessed something, and his heart leapt into his throat.
Cheng Lu continued, "Are you afraid I might get jealous and angry?"
Xu Xiuwen then let out a sigh of relief.
He replied with a "Mm."
Cheng Lu gave a faint smile, "Am I really that petty?"
"Of course not. Lu Lu, you're the most generous girl I've ever met."
Cheng Lu rolled her eyes again, "Do you know a lot of girls? Hmph, looks like I need to ask you some questions!"
"Hehe…" Xu Xiuwen played dumb.
"Look at you, acting so clueless."
After a pause.
"You and Xiao Youran have a good relationship. I can't be angry, and I'm okay with you spending her birthday with her, but you mustn't do anything to wrong me!" Cheng Lu said seriously.
Her expression had become much more serious.
Hearing Cheng Lu's words, Xu Xiuwen felt a surge of guilt.
He had already done many things to hurt her, some of which were accidental, but others he knew were wrong.
In truth.
Xu Xiuwen didn't want to be a scumbag.
At least he didn't want to hurt someone like Cheng Lu who was wholeheartedly devoted to him.
But Xu Xiuwen had the common flaw of many men: greed.
He was incredibly greedy.
"Why aren't you saying anything?" Cheng Lu's eyes showed a hint of suspicion.
Xu Xiuwen didn't speak. Instead, he took a step forward and pulled Cheng Lu tightly into his arms.
He whispered into her ear, "I promise."
He didn't specify what he was promising.
Seeing his sincere tone, Cheng Lu naturally didn't doubt him.
"The car is here, Lu Lu."
An Shishi suddenly called out to them from a distance.
Cheng Lu smiled, "Alright, the car is here. I need to go."
Xu Xiuwen still wasn't willing to let go.
"Why are you acting like a child? Be good, your big sister has to leave."
Cheng Lu felt satisfied seeing Xu Xiuwen's reluctance.
Xu Xiuwen composed himself.
Suddenly, he reached out and gave Cheng Lu's rear a firm smack, grumbling, "Don't call yourself 'big sister' in front of me. I'm the big brother here, alright?"
Cheng Lu patted him as if calming a child, "Alright, alright, you're the big brother. Happy now? The car's here, I really have to go."
"Make him wait!" Xu Xiuwen said domineeringly.
Cheng Lu didn't understand why Xu Xiuwen was suddenly so clingy.
She didn't struggle but remained still, letting Xu Xiuwen hold her.
After hugging for about ten seconds, Xu Xiuwen said, "Remember to text me when you get back to the dorm."
"Mm." Cheng Lu nodded gently.
Only then did Xu Xiuwen let go.
As Cheng Lu freed herself from his embrace, she rubbed her shoulder, "You're such a pig, hugging so tightly. My arm hurts."
Before Xu Xiuwen could explain.
Cheng Lu grinned and said, "I'm leaving now, little brother."
Without waiting for Xu Xiuwen's reaction, she quickly walked towards the taxi.
Xu Xiuwen watched Cheng Lu get into the car and drive away.
He didn't immediately return to his own car.
He stood there for a moment, feeling conflicted.
After a few minutes.
Xu Xiuwen suddenly turned and walked toward his parking spot.
Arriving at the car.
Xiao Youran was waiting in front of the vehicle.
When Xiao Youran saw him, she walked over with small steps.
A waft of fragrance hit him.
At this moment, Xu Xiuwen had managed to adjust his emotions.
He smiled and asked, "Why aren't you getting in the car and waiting for me?"
Xiao Youran sweetly replied, "I wanted you to see me earlier."
Xiao Youran resembled Lin Yun'er, with a very sweet smile when she laughed.
Her nose was delicate and petite, yet still refined.
Xu Xiuwen couldn't help but reach out and gently rub her nose.
"Oh!" Xiao Youran was startled and playfully scolded him.
"What are you doing?"
Xu Xiuwen explained with a smile, "You're just too cute. I couldn't help it."
"That's not fair," Xiao Youran complained, but inside she was already beaming with joy.
"Let's get in the car."
"Okay."
The two got into the car from opposite sides.
"Are we really going shopping?"
"What? Don't you want to shop?"
"It's not that I don't want to… it's just…" Xiao Youran's cheeks were flushed and her eyes darted around.
"That's fine. Let's just go shopping for now."
"Alright." Xiao Youran seemed a bit disappointed, pouting.
Xu Xiuwen drove to the shopping street.
He found a spot and parked the car.
As soon as they got out, Xiao Youran naturally linked her arm with Xu Xiuwen's.
Xu Xiuwen started shopping with Xiao Youran.
He wasn't a stingy person, and given it was Xiao Youran's birthday, he was prepared to spend money.
However, Xiao Youran didn't give Xu Xiuwen many chances to spend.
Most of her purchases were for him.
With summer approaching, the stores were full of summer T-shirts.
Xiao Youran bought several men's T-shirts.
In the end, Xu Xiuwen had to intervene.
"Today is your birthday, not mine. You don't need to buy me clothes."
"Okay." Xiao Youran nodded.
They continued shopping, but bought very little.
After more than an hour of browsing.
Xu Xiuwen checked the time.
It was already 9 o'clock.
Xiao Youran suddenly suggested, "Xiao Xu, why don't we go back now?"
"Isn't it a bit early to go back? Let's shop a little longer."
Xu Xiuwen said this and started walking forward, but after a few steps, he realized Xiao Youran hadn't followed.
He turned around to see Xiao Youran still standing there, pouting at him.
The girl's gaze was sharp, and her face was full of resentment.
Xu Xiuwen had to walk back.
"What's wrong? Did someone upset you?"
"You!" Xiao Youran replied immediately.
"How did I upset you?"
"You're not keeping your word!"
"What did I not keep my word on?"
"You know exactly what I'm talking about!"
Xu Xiuwen knew exactly what Xiao Youran was referring to.
He had some thoughts of trying to brush it off.
But reality made it clear.
Xiao Youran hadn't forgotten at all; in fact, she might have been remembering it all along.
Seeing that he couldn't brush it off, Xu Xiuwen said, "It's still early. Let's shop a bit more."
"Xu Xiuwen! Are you trying to play tricks?" Xiao Youran called him by name directly.
It seemed she was genuinely a bit angry.
Xu Xiuwen found it quite amusing.
Usually, it's the man who rushes to coax the woman to sleep.
But in their case, it had reversed.
Xiao Youran was the one taking the initiative.
Xu Xiuwen couldn't help but say, "What tricks am I playing? I just meant we should shop a bit longer; it's still a little early."
Xiao Youran pouted, "Early? It's already 9 o'clock. In three hours, today will be over. Anyway, I'm not shopping anymore. I'm tired."
Xu Xiuwen was at a loss for words.
"Youran, you're a girl. Don't you understand how to be reserved?"
Xiao Youran murmured softly to herself, "If you're too reserved, someone else might steal you away."
"What did you say? Your voice was too soft, I couldn't hear."
"I said I'm tired."
It was obvious that her fatigue was just an excuse.
Xu Xiuwen didn't want to expose her.
He sighed, "Are you really sure about this?"
Xiao Youran nodded firmly.
"Alright then, let's go."
Xiao Youran's eyes widened with surprise. "Okay, let's go home then."
So they both headed back to the car with their shopping bags.
They put all the bags in the back seat, and Xu Xiuwen asked again, "Are you really sure about this?"
"Mm!" Xiao Youran replied firmly.
Xu Xiuwen started the car.
Suddenly, Xiao Youran exclaimed, "Wait, Xiao Xu, aren't you going the wrong way? This isn't the way home."
Xu Xiuwen explained, "Silly, we can't go home. What if Cheng Lu and the others are there, or if they come by tomorrow morning and find out?"
"What should we do then?" Xiao Youran became worried again.
She still had a hint of doubt.
Would Xu Xiuwen use this as an excuse to avoid something?
Xu Xiuwen guessed her thoughts and, before she could ask, explained proactively, "Don't overthink it. I have everything planned."