Chapter 256

“Do I have a choice?” Lu Jinnian replied casually as though he didn’t care about his own birthday .

Qiao Anhao frowned . Through the tiny door opening, she could vaguely catch a glimpse of Lu Jinnian . He had his head lowered as he flipped leisurely through the documents . As he flipped, he paused momentarily as though a thought had struck him .

He lifted his head, looking into the empty space in front of him, his expression dazed, a tiny deprecating smile curling his lips . He lowered his head once again, studying his documents . With an emotionless expression, he replied indifferently, “Besides, there isn’t much to celebrate . “

Ever since his mother passed away, the number of people that knew his birthday dwindled, his father, his wife, and his grandfather . . . But every year on that day, they would only celebrate Xu Jiamu’s birthday . How could they remember his? There wasn’t much to celebrate . . and there wasn’t anyone to celebrate with him . . .

His assistant did not say anymore .

Silence fell on the room .

Lu Jinnian sat gracefully, resuming his work . However, from the tiny opening, Qiao Anhao could see the usual cold, detached look he had on his face, even his tone was his usual frosty one . But somehow, she could sense a hint of loneliness and isolation .

She distinctly remembered that every year on Xu Jiamu’s birthday, he would often invite everyone out to have fun . It was always a joyous occasion and Lu Jinnian would definitely be there . He would even prepare a present for him, appearing indifferent as usual . Who knew that it was also his birthday . . . It was both their birthdays, but he had to stand by the sidelines, watching as his little brother was flooded with gifts and blessings . And on that very day, he wouldn’t receive a single greeting .

Qiao Anhao could feel a throbbing ache clench her heart, she leaned against the wall for a long while . Only when Madam Chen came out of the kitchen did she finally come back to her senses, walking over to knock on the door .

That afternoon, Lu Jinnian and his assistant left directly after lunch .

Qiao Anhao had the whole day to herself since there wasn’t any filming that day . Since it was both Lu Jinnian and Xu Jiamu’s birthday on Friday, she decided to get the both of them a present . Out of habit, she called Zhao Meng to ask her out, but she was on a date . Qiao Anhao didn’t want to disrupt her, so she called Qiao Anxia instead .

Since Qiao Anxia was working in Qiao Enterprise, her working hours were flexible, and she agreed to Qiao Anhao’s request instantly .

Coincidentally, both Qiao Anhao and Qiao Anxia had to renew their car plates that day . Since Qiao Enterprise was in the central business district, Qiao Anhao took the metro over to find her cousin .

Qiao Anxia remembered that it was Xu Jiamu’s birthday, hence she decided to pick out a present for him while Qiao Anhao shopped .

When Qiao Anxia was about to pay, she turned and saw Qiao Anhao leaning over the counter, staring at something . Qiao Anxia titled her head slightly and saw her pointing at an elegant tie clip .