Birthday?

Song Yaoyao was surprised. She had been so busy since arriving in this world that she had completely forgotten about it.

The 9th of December was her birthday.

"I'm not going," she replied coldly as she turned to board her car.

Just as Huo Jiu was about to close the door, Song Rui quickly stopped him.

"It's just to celebrate your birthday, we won't force you to stay," Song Rui said anxiously. "I'll speak to your mother and tell her to stop opposing you. Come back and celebrate, I'm sure your brother would also hope—" 

"Okay."

Huo Jiu was taken aback.

The girl in the car had already nodded. Her red lips were pressed firmly together and her dark eyes were bright, but her expression was indifferent as she looked at Song Rui.

"Just this once."

It was true that Song Wenchuan would have hoped for her to live peacefully with Song Jingwan and celebrate their birthday together.

But how was peace possible between them?

That was just a secondary priority.

She did not believe that Song Rui would suddenly lower himself and treat her so well when he hated her.

He definitely had other motives.

But she didn't think too deeply into it. This time, she was doing this for Song Wenchuan. Just this once, she was compromising.

...

9th December, 7pm.

A beautiful light-up sign hung outside the luxurious mansion, and fairy lights decorated the trees around it. The mansion had been completely refreshed and looked completely different from before Song Yaoyao left.

A new lawn had been laid, and on top of it, sat a desserts table with drinks and alcohol.

When Song Yaoyao entered, there were already people seated at the table.

They were talking and laughing, and due to the weather, a pergola had been set up.

With this setup, they could enjoy the night sky while keeping warm.

At the same time, it created a beautiful and dreamy atmosphere.

The hanging tassel lights moved with the wind like elegant wisteria.

"Song Yaoyao? What are you doing here?" 

"That's right, didn't she leave the Song Family?"

"What is she doing here? I thought this was just a celebration for Jingwan!"

Those that spoke were either Song Jingwan's classmates or friends.

In contrast, Song Yaoyao was all alone.

And the only person who treated her well, Song Wenchuan, was currently in hospital.

She found an empty spot and casually sat down. From her backpack, she pulled out her copy of Palace Walls. This book had never been printed, it was a custom order, and there were gaps between each line for her to make edits.

She read it every day and discussed her thoughts with Yun Shuihan.

From the 10 million yuan copyright fee, Yun Shuihan received more than half after Yulan took their share.

Thus, she quit her office job and focused on Palace Walls.

"Hey!"

An Ruoyao crossed her arms and sat down beside Song Yaoyao. "You're not supposed to be here. Please move. Auntie Song planned this for Song Jingwan; it has nothing to do with you," she scoffed. 

"In that case, please tell her to kick me out herself."

Song Yaoyao calmly flipped her book as her eyelashes fluttered like butterflies.

The wind swept through her loosely hanging hair. Her skin was supple, her lips were red, and her teeth were white.

She sat quietly in place with a calm temperament, and her every move was elegant.

It was hard not to notice and follow her.

When had this brat been so beautiful?!

An Ruoyao was envious. She stretched out her hand to grab her. "Everyone knows you're not welcome here. Is it necessary to wait for someone to kick you out? Anyone with a bit of shame would know not to stay here. Look at all the signs around you: Song Jingwan's name is written all over them. Even those lilies are Song Jingwan's favorite. What about you? Where are your favorite things? Are any of them here?"