Vanish

Ying Huai's body trembled slightly.

He raised his head to look at the person in front of him, a trace of bewilderment flashing across his expression, but he still sat beside Liang Shining without moving.

A trace of disbelief also flashed across Chu Hongsheng's expression.

He lowered his head to glance at the Cane in his father's hand, a hint of distortion appearing on his face, but it was well hidden.

'Brother Ying, what are you saying? That was just children playing around, it has nothing to do with me. Brother Ying, you're taking it too seriously.........'

Chu Ming, who had hurried over from not far away, showed a flash of disbelief on his face.

'Dad, what are you saying? It wasn't me, it wasn't me just now........' Chu Ming frantically tried to look at Ying Huai's expression.

But Ying Huai was only turned away from him, leaning against Liang Shining, his face unclear.

Chu Ming anxiously tried to step forward, but the next second, he saw his father raise the Cane and strike Chu Hongsheng heavily on the back of the knee again.

His father held back no strength at all in this strike. Chu Hongsheng let out a muffled groan, his body suddenly swayed, and cold sweat instantly broke out across his face.

'Dad!'

Chu Ming couldn't worry about anything else, he stepped forward two paces and rushed to Chu Hongsheng's side.

'I warned you before you came. I can deal lightly with the things that happened before,' his father gritted his teeth, 'but you absolutely cannot pull any more tricks like this.'

Chu Ming beside him looked bewildered, supporting his own father with a face full of helplessness.

Chu Hongsheng took a deep breath.

He had completely lost this game of Song Fengyi's. Chu Hongsheng glanced at Ying Huai, then turned his gaze back to his father.

'Brother Ying, we've known each other for several decades now, haven't we?'

Chu Hongsheng raised his head: 'When the Ying Corporation was first founded, I was always following Brother Ying. Have you already forgotten all those years of dedication?'

'That's why at first I only warned you.' His father's tone was grim.

'And the last time.'

His father raised his head and stared at him, speaking slowly, word by word: 'Settle your heart. The shore lies behind you.'

'Don't do something that will make everyone regret it.'

Chu Hongsheng's expression finally darkened as well.

He stared at his father with a shadowed face for several seconds, then suddenly began to smile slowly: 'Thank you for the advice, Brother Ying.'

He gave his father a slight bow, walked two steps outward, then suddenly thought of something and turned to look at Ying Huai.

'Today's matter was ultimately caused by our mistake,' Chu Hongsheng raised his head, his tone gentle with a hint of apology. 'Brother Ying, I'd like to apologize to Xiao Huai alone as well. May I?'

His father coldly hmphed, opened his mouth just as he was about to say something, but when he turned his head, he saw his own son leaning against Liang Shining with a curious expression.

His father's expression twisted for a moment, he gritted his teeth, and actually stepped aside a few paces, slightly turning his back.

Chu Hongsheng stepped past his father and lowered his eyes to look at Ying Huai.

'I'm truly sorry, Xiao Huai, for disrupting your Birthday Banquet........'

As he spoke, he leaned down slightly and said in a barely audible voice: 'This round, do you think you've won, Xiao Huai?'

Ying Huai slightly raised his head.

'What is Uncle Chu saying?' Ying Huai chuckled lightly. 'Didn't Uncle Chu just say this was only an accident?'

Even as he said this, he also slightly tilted his head, hiding all the movement of his lips in the darkness: 'The piece that is Song Fengyi, Uncle Chu can only—cut off the arm to save the body, I'm afraid.'

Chu Hongsheng gave a cold laugh.

'He was a piece of trash to begin with. What's there to regret? Discard him if he must be discarded........'

Before he finished speaking, he looked at Ying Huai's expression that seemed to be smiling but wasn't, and suddenly realized something.

His expression instantly twisted for a moment: 'Those reversed public opinion messages from before—you deliberately released them?'

Liang Shining's body behind him shifted, but the next second, Ying Huai stepped directly in front of him, his eyes curving noncommittally.

This time, an uncontrollable flash of rage passed through Chu Hongsheng's eyes.

The piece that was Song Fengyi truly didn't matter. His original intention was only to use the reversal of public opinion to suppress Ying Huai while conveniently pulling someone out.

But what mattered was that if not for that earlier reversal of public opinion, he would not have chosen this method so rashly.

And because of this, he had directly torn his face with Ying Huai's father in front of everyone, exposing himself.

Chu Hongsheng suddenly raised his hand: 'You—'

The next second, he saw Ying Huai suddenly raise his voice and laugh: 'I appreciate Uncle Chu's apology, but the gift isn't necessary.'

His father beside him turned his head at the sound, and Chu Hongsheng's movement instantly stiffened.

He lowered his head.

The dim lights around cast upon Ying Huai's face. His complexion was as pale as always, his slender and supple waist seeming as though it could bend and break easily, but in a blink, he sat there calmly for a long while.

Chu Hongsheng's gaze moved upward inch by inch, from Liang Shining who had been silently guarding behind him, finally landing on Ying Qi who had walked behind Ying Huai at some unknown point.

Both of them were blocked behind Ying Huai, but they subtly formed a protective stance, sheltering Ying Huai among them.

The smile at the corner of Chu Hongsheng's lips slowly curled up, and he finally couldn't help but let out a deep laugh.

'What a pity that when you left home back then, your father couldn't bring himself to lock you up, Xiao Huai.'

Chu Hongsheng leaned close to Ying Huai's ear and whispered: 'If you were my child, I would definitely—'

Ying Huai's brow twitched.

He suddenly raised his head, but saw Chu Hongsheng had already straightened up and said loudly: 'Good, good, Xiao Huai is the birthday star today, the birthday star is the most important. I'll listen to Xiao Huai.'

He slowly lowered his hand and gently patted Ying Huai's shoulder.

'I was wrong before,' Chu Hongsheng said slowly. 'Xiao Huai has already grown up, and can begin to help the Ying Corporation.'

He glanced meaningfully at Ying Qi: 'He can even share the burden of the Ying Corporation without Xiao Qi knowing—Xiao Qi must be very gratified, right?'

Chu Hongsheng spoke as he released his hand.

The next second, he saw Ying Huai raise an eyebrow, and a flash of embarrassment cross Ying Qi's expression.

Chu Hongsheng frowned.

His words had originally been meant to plant a thorn in Ying Qi's heart, to make Ying Qi realize there was another person who would come to compete with him for the Ying Corporation.

But Ying Qi and Ying Huai's reactions........ were the reverse of what he had expected.

'Of course, Uncle Chu is right,' Ying Qi coughed lightly and said gently, 'Whatever Xiao Huai does, I will support him.'

Chu Hongsheng's expression darkened.

He took a deep breath and said loudly: 'Today's matter really was an accident. I hope it doesn't affect your Birthday Banquet, Xiao Huai.'

'Uncle Chu wishes you happy birthday once again,' Chu Hongsheng slowly took a step back, speaking word by word in a gentle voice, 'may you live a hundred years.'

His words clearly carried hidden meaning. Ying Huai's eyes flickered slightly, and Liang Shining's face instantly darkened.

The smile at the corner of Chu Hongsheng's lips deepened.

He turned and walked straight back. Chu Ming, caught in the middle of the group, looked helpless, gritted his teeth, and finally turned to Ying Huai first: 'Brother Huai, it really wasn't me just now. I'm sorry. Please don't be angry........'

Ying Huai raised his head, but before he could speak, the next second, he heard Chu Hongsheng's indifferent voice from behind: 'Ming'er, come here.'

A flash of grievance crossed Chu Ming's expression.

But he could only bow deeply to Ying Huai, turn around, and quickly walk toward his father.

Ying Huai let out a silent sigh, and Liang Shining's eyes flickered.

His gaze fell to the side, he suddenly saw something, and quickly said: 'Mr. Chu, please wait a moment.'

Chu Hongsheng turned his head and watched Liang Shining step forward quickly, handing something over.

'Mr. Chu dropped something.'

Chu Hongsheng was somewhat baffled and said with a frown: 'That's not my thing........'

But the next second, Liang Shining had already directly stuffed that thing into Chu Hongsheng's hand.

Chu Hongsheng lowered his head, and his face instantly turned green.

It was that Turtle Hair Clip from earlier.

He had long ago taken advantage of the earlier darkness to disgustedly take it off and set it aside, but at some unknown point Liang Shining had picked it up again.

Chu Hongsheng's face darkened, and he said gently: 'What does... young Liang mean by this?'

'Nothing, I just feel this hair clip suits you very well.' Liang Shining curved his lips.

'Weren't you just pushing that video matter onto your son?'

Chu Ming beside him froze, and Chu Hongsheng's temple twitched.

He instantly realized that Liang Shining was referring to the meaning of 'turtle that shrinks its head' (a coward).

Low laughter came from around them. Chu Hongsheng took a deep breath, clenched the hair clip in his hand, and wanted to turn around.

The next second, Liang Shining stepped forward again.

'Oh right, so regarding the blessing just now, I think it would be better if Mr. Chu gave it to yourself.'

Liang Shining said softly: 'After all—'

'A turtle lives a thousand years, a tortoise ten thousand.'

Liang Shining took a step back and gave Chu Hongsheng a slight bow: 'My own shifu, I will personally ensure he lives a lifetime of peace and joy.'

.

Chu Hongsheng left the venue with a livid face, and the people around gradually dispersed.

Ying Huai silently exhaled, his tense expression relaxing for a moment, only then realizing he was covered in cold sweat.

His father, leaning on the Cane, walked step by step to Ying Huai's front.

'Father.' Ying Huai half-propped himself on the sofa, raised his head, and casually curved his eyes at his father.

He saw his father frown and stare at him for a long time without speaking, and an absurd feeling inexplicably rose in his heart that the next second, his father would wish him 'happy birthday.'

The next second, he heard his father finally let out a cold snort: 'After all this, you still won't come back to the Ying Family?'

Ying Huai was stunned for a few seconds, then couldn't help but chuckle.

'What are you laughing at?' His father frowned, his fingers gripping the Cane slowly tightening.

'Nothing,' Ying Huai covered his lips and coughed twice, shook his head, 'laughing at myself for overthinking.'

His father frowned, gritted his teeth, and said: 'Have you caused enough trouble? If you've had enough, hurry home with me.'

Ying Huai opened his mouth to retort, but the next second, memories from his previous life suddenly surfaced before his eyes.

Ying Huai opened his mouth, then suddenly said: 'Why do you insist I come home?'

His father was slightly taken aback.

Ying Huai looked up at him, but heard his father grit his teeth and say in a low voice: 'Why? What's good about staying outside? Letting people bully you like this? Aren't you ashamed of bringing disgrace to the Ying Family........'

A trace of disappointment passed through Ying Huai's heart. He lowered his eyes and laughed softly: 'Disgrace, is it?'

'Wasn't it Chu Hongsheng who should be embarrassed just now?'

His father suddenly struck the Cane heavily on the ground: 'You dare talk back to me—'

'Don't force me to lock you up at home........'

Chu Hongsheng's words just now and his father's words strangely overlapped.

Ying Huai had a hunch there must be some connection between these two things, likely related to him being locked in the Sanatorium in his previous life.

But he was agitated, and before he could speak, he suddenly started coughing.

The next second, a figure suddenly stepped in front of him.

'Father.' Ying Qi stood in front of Ying Huai, took a cup of warm water and handed it to Ying Huai, smiling gently.

'Xiao Huai is already very tired tonight. I told you last time, he needs more rest.'

His father's expression paused slightly. He frowned and looked at Ying Qi for a few seconds, then coldly snorted and slowly turned around.

The next second, he heard Ying Qi behind him say in a low voice: 'If Father truly cares about Xiao Huai........ it would be better to change your approach.'

His father suddenly turned his head: 'You—'

Before he finished, Ying Qi said in a gentle but brooking-no-argument voice: 'Father is tired tonight too. Go back and rest early.'

'Xiao Huai isn't feeling well yet, so I won't see Father out.'

His father took a deep breath.

He stared at Ying Huai for a few seconds, frowned, and eventually walked away with the Cane.

Ying Huai raised his head and narrowed his eyes.

—He couldn't tell if it was his imagination, but he felt his father's Cane sounds were slightly lighter than before.

Ying Qi in front of him silently exhaled.

He turned back: 'Are you alright, Xiao Huai........'

Before he finished, he suddenly paused: 'Where are you going, Xiao Huai?'

Ying Huai said nothing.

He slowly stood up holding the sofa, glanced back at him, and walked straight toward the corridor on the side.

Ying Qi realized something, pressed his brow with a slight headache, and slowly followed behind.

Liang Shining, who had just approached, was stunned. Confused, he quickly followed.

·

Ying Huai didn't walk fast.

The cold sweat on his body was blown by the wind, sticking coldly to his skin, making him cough uncontrollably.

He rounded the corner ahead, and his vision gradually started going dark.

Ying Huai had no choice but to reach out and hold the wall beside him. The next second, he felt warmth on his shoulder.

'Let me take Shifu to a room to rest for a while?'

Liang Shining wrapped him in his coat and said in a low voice.

He reached out to support him, but the next second, saw the person in front slightly turn aside, avoiding his hand.

Liang Shining was slightly stunned.

'Shifu.........'

'Doesn't Mr. Liang have anything to explain to me?' Ying Huai raised his head while coughing lightly, smiling with an unreadable expression.

'And gege?'

Liang Shining immediately realized something, a trace of embarrassment appearing on his face.

Ying Qi also walked over from behind somewhat awkwardly, saying softly: 'Xiao Huai, we didn't mean to hide it from you.'

'Then when was ge planning to tell me?' Ying Huai barely suppressed his cough and smiled with curved eyes.

The surrounding corridor was empty. Ying Huai simply stopped holding back and said directly, word by word: 'Wait until Chu Hongsheng discovers the truth and makes a move against you?'

Ying Qi sensed something was off about Ying Huai's state. He said somewhat flustered: 'No, Xiao Huai, Xiao Ning and I know our limits, nothing will happen........'

'But this is still very dangerous!' Ying Huai suddenly spoke, unable to stop coughing twice more.

Liang Shining noticed his breathing sounded off, quickly pressed his wrist, and said in a low voice: 'Calm down first, don't be angry, Shifu.'

'I'm not angry,' Ying Huai broke free from Liang Shining's hand, his breathing somewhat urgent.

He rubbed his brow, 'I'm just........'

—He was just afraid.

Liang Shining and Ying Qi didn't know what Chu Hongsheng did in the previous life, but Ying Huai knew all too well how far Chu Hongsheng could go.

What if today he hadn't guessed this before Chu Hongsheng said it, what if Chu Hongsheng had discovered first that it was Liang Shining and Ying Qi........

Various terrifying thoughts flashed through Ying Huai's mind. His body trembled uncontrollably.

'But we can't always let you bear those dangers alone, Xiao Huai.' Ying Qi couldn't help reaching out to gently support him.

'We didn't mean to hide it from you, we were just afraid you'd worry........'

But Ying Huai seemed not to have heard Ying Qi. His expression was dazed, and he continued speaking to himself.

'Chu Hongsheng is more terrifying and more unscrupulous than he appears,' Ying Huai's voice was hoarse, almost using breath to speak in a low voice, 'you can't do this, you can't have anything happen to you, you.........'

Before he finished, his voice gradually faded.

A sense of unease flashed through Liang Shining's heart. He panicked and stepped forward, only to see a flash of pain cross Ying Huai's expression.

The next second, Ying Huai suddenly turned his head and covered his lips, coughing violently.

He coughed so hard he couldn't straighten up. In his dazed state, he felt someone support him, someone stroking his back again and again, bringing a sip of warm water to his lips.

'Take a deep breath, Shifu.' Liang Shining said in a deep voice.

'Catch your breath first, moisten your throat with water, swallow slowly.'

Ying Huai coughed until he was dizzy.

He instinctively obeyed and took a sip of water, but before it reached his throat, he suddenly choked it out again.

Ying Qi had never seen Ying Huai like this. Liang Shining also frowned, but quickly suppressed the panic on his face.

He reached out and directly pulled the person into his arms, slowly stroking his chest, and brought the cup back to Ying Huai's lips.

After repeating this several times, Ying Huai's coughing finally gradually weakened, though his consciousness was still hazy and slow to recover.

Liang Shining supported the person as he sipped the water in the cup little by little, silently exhaling.

'Feeling better, Shifu?' Liang Shining pressed Ying Huai's pulse, 'It was my fault, don't be anxious........'

The pulse under his fingertip was still beating somewhat rapidly, but the person in his arms seemed not to notice, speaking in a low voice.

'Don't........ hide things from me again.' Ying Huai gripped Liang Shining's clothes, speaking in a low voice.

His bony fingers tightly clutched Liang Shining's coat, the exposed fingertips showing a faint bluish-white against the black coat.

Liang Shining's heart ached.

He reached out to brush the stray hair from the person's forehead and said in a low voice: 'Okay.'

Ying Huai's tense body finally relaxed somewhat.

He almost immediately went limp, leaning in Liang Shining's arms, saying softly: 'My chest feels tight, Liang Shining.'

Liang Shining silently sighed, bent down, and lifted the person in his arms.

The person in his arms struggled slightly, a trace of reluctance appearing on his face: 'I haven't eaten the cake yet.'

'We'll eat in a bit, it's still early.'

Liang Shining carried the person steadily toward the room beside them, saying in a low voice: 'Shifu should get a good sleep first. When you wake up, I'll take Shifu to eat.'

Ying Huai said nothing more, just turned his face and curled up in Liang Shining's arms.

Ying Qi behind watched the two figures, his expression momentarily caught between tears and laughter.

—His own didi really had Liang Shining wrapped around his little finger.

·

Ying Huai fell asleep directly on the way back to the room.

But he didn't sleep peacefully.

All kinds of bizarre images floated through his mind, but they all ultimately landed on Liang Shining and Ying Qi.

He didn't personally witness the scene of Ying Qi's accident in his previous life, but strangely, in the dream, he watched Ying Qi fall in a pool of blood.

Ying Huai watched the blood spreading outward. He instinctively took a step back, but felt himself falling into a familiar embrace.

'Liang Shining—'

Ying Huai's heart relaxed, he suddenly turned his head.

But the next second, his expression froze.

It was pitch black around him, not a trace of Liang Shining anywhere.

Ying Huai felt a vague unease in his heart. He spoke again: 'Liang Shining?'

But the surrounding darkness seemed to have substance, suddenly swallowing all his sounds.

An invisible suffocation gradually spread around him. Ying Huai tried to open his mouth again, but felt the air around him being slowly drained, his chest tight and blocked.

'Cough cough cough cough........'

'Awake?' Song Si Lan stood by his bed, helping him sit up halfway.

Ying Huai suddenly woke from the dream, momentarily shaken.

'I.......'

He closed his eyes briefly, took a soft breath: 'Why is Doctor Song here?'

'Oh, because I just heard Liang Shining say you told me not to come.' Song Si Lan clipped the oximeter to his fingertip and glanced up at him.

'So I came.'

Ying Huai choked.

—He had a hunch he'd offended the sharp-tongued doctor again.

Ying Huai guiltily covered his mouth and coughed lightly, trying to gloss over it: 'I'm fine, I just had a nightmare........'

'Yu Wu said your nightmares decreased after the last treatment.'

Song Si Lan raised his head expressionlessly: 'Should I call him over too?'

Ying Huai's words cut off abruptly.

He took a deep breath and quickly changed tack: 'No need, I probably just had trouble breathing before bed, that's why I had the nightmare.'

Ying Huai coughed a few times into his hand, trying to get out of bed: 'I was just too tired today, that's why my chest felt tight, no big problem, Doctor Song, don't worry........'

'It'd be a problem if you could breathe fine.'

Before he could finish, he heard Song Si Lan say, in no pleasant mood.

He reached out and pushed Ying Huai back onto the bed, took out the stethoscope, and pressed it directly against Ying Huai's right chest.

The cold touch made Ying Huai shiver slightly. He instinctively shrank back, but Song Si Lan pressed him firmly in place.

'You have a lung infection, not caused by the fever—possibly bacteria triggered by myocardial cell hypoxia. That's why you've been coughing frequently and feeling chest tightness today.'

Song Si Lan frowned as he removed the stethoscope. 'I just put you on anti-inflammatories. Let's see if we can get it under control by tomorrow. If not, we'll go to the Hospital for a more thorough check in a couple of days.'

Ying Huai's expression didn't change much.

He stared at the IV drip that had somehow been reconnected to his hand for a few seconds, then sighed silently.

'So my birthday cake tonight is off the table again, isn't it.'

Ying Huai, thinking of his birthday cake, tentatively spoke up: 'It's my birthday tonight, can't Doctor Song give me one day off?'

Song Si Lan kept packing up without looking up: 'Doesn't matter, I get overtime pay.'

Ying Huai choked.

He leaned back against the headboard, caught between laughter and tears, rolled his eyes, and decided on the spot to find a chance to slip out once Song Si Lan left.

But after Song Si Lan finished packing, he showed no sign of leaving. Instead, he dragged a stool over and sat down right beside the bed.

'Aren't you going back, Doctor Song?' Ying Huai couldn't help asking.

'Liang Shining's overtime pay for you doesn't last until tomorrow morning, does it?'

Song Si Lan glanced at him and continued sitting by the bed, lost in thought: 'Guess.'

Ying Huai gritted his teeth.

He narrowed his eyes, looked around, and suddenly asked: 'Where's Liang Shining?'

Song Si Lan glanced up at the IV bag and answered obliquely: 'Ten more minutes and it'll be done. Hang in there.'

Ying Huai had a hunch Song Si Lan was hiding something from him.

His mind set on going out to find Liang Shining and get his birthday cake, he narrowed his eyes and sat up slightly straighter.

He stared at Song Si Lan with great interest for a few seconds, then suddenly asked: 'Have things progressed between Doctor Song and Doctor Yu lately?'

Song Si Lan's expression faltered.

He turned his head sharply, wary: 'What did you say?'

'Doctor Song still likes Doctor Yu, right?' Ying Huai said with a smile. 'Let me guess—ex-boyfriend?'

He leaned forward slightly, his eyes curving with interest: 'Doctor Song's already getting overtime pay, might as well tell me the story.'

Song Si Lan's brow twitched.

—He knew he shouldn't have taken this job.

He took a deep breath, glanced at the IV bag overhead, and suddenly straightened up. 'Alright, it's done. I'm sealing the line.'

'Don't go, Doctor Song,' Ying Huai said, rarely seeing Song Si Lan this flustered and genuinely growing more interested. 'Didn't you just say you'd keep working overtime? The night is long, just the two of us in the room, we can talk slowly........'

Before he could finish, the next second, he heard a strange voice from the doorway.

'Who does shifu want to talk to?'

Ying Huai looked up sharply.

A rare flicker of awkwardness crossed his face. He looked at Liang Shining and opened his mouth soundlessly: 'No, I........'

This time it was Song Si Lan's turn to laugh.

'Alright, he's done with the IV. I'm leaving.'

Song Si Lan stood up unhurriedly, glanced at Ying Huai with a smile: 'Next time I get the chance, I'll have a longer talk with Teacher Ying.'

He said playfully: 'Next time, Teacher Ying might as well tell me—have things progressed between Teacher Ying and Teacher Liang?'

Ying Huai: ??

He opened his mouth soundlessly, and the next second, saw Liang Shining slowly walk up to him.

'What did shifu say to Doctor Song?' Liang Shining crouched down, wrapping Ying Huai's slightly cold fingertips in his hand.

Ying Huai felt inexplicably guilty because of Song Si Lan's parting words.

He instinctively looked away, covering his mouth as he coughed lightly a few times: 'Nothing much, just chatted a bit.'

He quickly changed the subject: 'Can I eat birthday cake now?'

Liang Shining looked up: 'Did Doctor Song just say you could eat it?'

Ying Huai's eyes flickered.

Song Si Lan hadn't actually answered that question directly. Ying Huai lightly scratched Liang Shining's palm with his finger and said with a smile: 'Doctor Song didn't say I couldn't.'

Liang Shining stared at him for a few seconds without speaking.

Just as Ying Huai couldn't help looking away, he saw Liang Shining suddenly lower his eyes.

'Okay.'

He helped Ying Huai slowly to his feet: 'I'll take shifu to eat birthday cake.'

Ying Huai was stunned—he hadn't expected it to be this easy.

His heart leapt with joy, and he stood up at once: 'Good, let's go quickly, before Song Si Lan comes back.'

He pulled Liang Shining along as he hurried out, not noticing the flash of a smile that crossed Liang Shining's face.

·

All the way there, Ying Huai couldn't hide the smile on his face.

After leading him for a few seconds, Liang Shining finally couldn't help asking: 'Is shifu this happy?'

'Of course.' Ying Huai smiled, his eyes curving.

He suddenly tilted his head up: 'You prepared me a really big birthday cake, right?'

Liang Shining was briefly stunned, then couldn't help the curve of his lips: 'Mm, very big.'

He said softly: 'Shifu's childhood birthday cakes must have been pretty big too.'

'Of course not.' Ying Huai said casually.

'I didn't have birthday cakes when I was little.'

The Ying Family's discipline was extremely strict. Sweets and the like had been banned outright by his father as 'unambitious' food when he was young.

Only Ying Qi would secretly make him a small cupcake the night before.

But Ying Qi's talent in cooking was, frankly, nothing to brag about—the cake could barely pass for cup-shaped at best.

Liang Shining's steps faltered.

He turned his head, somewhat dazed, only to see Ying Huai walk right past him, saying casually: 'So later I learned to make them myself. But living alone, there's no point making one too big—I can't finish it.'

After Ying Huai learned to cook on his own, the first thing he learned was how to make all kinds of sweets.

He turned his head and smiled, his eyes curving at Liang Shining: 'Too bad Bouquet can't eat with me, or he'd definitely get even fatter.'

Liang Shining realized Ying Huai was deliberately changing the subject.

He took a soft breath, suddenly pulled the man heading toward the hall back, and stopped in front of a doorway.

Ying Huai was startled.

He heard Liang Shining say softly: 'It's okay.'

'I can make cakes too.'

'Next time I'll make shifu a big one, and we'll eat it together.'

Ying Huai was taken aback.

Before he could react, the next second, he saw Liang Shining gently push open the door before them.

Ying Huai was somewhat bewildered: 'Wait, aren't we going to the hall........'

Supported by Liang Shining, he walked in a daze into the darkness.

Ying Huai's heart panicked. He instinctively fumbled beside him, picked up a wine bottle, and slowly raised it.

The next second, the room was flooded with light.

'Happy birthday! Little shidi!'

Lu Jing, Song Si Lan, Yu Wu, Su Yun, Ying Qi and others all stood in the center of the room.

Xin Wan poked his head out from behind a large cake. 'Look how big this cake is, this is what every one of us together........'

Before he could finish, his voice cut off as he saw Ying Huai's action.

'What are you doing, little shidi?'

Xin Wan looked at Ying Huai holding the wine bottle, somewhat at a loss.

'You're holding a wine bottle........'

Ying Huai: ........

Behind him, Liang Shining coughed lightly, barely holding back his laughter, and stepped back without drawing attention.

Ying Huai gritted his teeth.

In the silence, he suddenly reached out and tapped the wine bottle against the corner of a nearby table with a deft twist of his wrist.

The golden champagne sprayed out instantly, and Xin Wan let out an "ah," scrambling to push the cake aside to dodge.

Amid the clamor, he heard Ying Huai say with a smile: "Nothing."

"You gave me a surprise, so I'll give you one too."

***

"It was your brother's idea. He said you don't like big crowds, so we only invited a few people you're close with and put together a small one just for you."

"The cake was made by Liang Shining together with us."

Xin Wan rubbed his hair with a towel, chattering as he leaned into Ying Huai's view: "Do you like it, xiaoshidi?"

Ying Huai looked up at him and didn't answer.

He looked around the room, his gaze landing on Song Si Lan, and instantly realized something.

"So Dr. Song deliberately went over to block me just now."

"What do you mean block me? That's called fulfilling my responsibility as a doctor." Song Si Lan said, annoyed.

"And Liang Shining didn't even pay me overtime."

He was sent over first because Ying Huai only had a natural fear of him, and second because... he really couldn't cook.

Ying Huai couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"You don't have a fever, just a bit of inflammation. Why can't you eat cake?" Song Si Lan said slowly, arms crossed.

Speaking of which, he thought of something else and said warily: "Don't go giving yourself a fever again tonight."

"Of course not, don't worry. I won't make Dr. Song work overtime again." Ying Huai curved his eyes.

Xin Wan cheerfully stuffed a big piece of cake into Ying Huai's hand, and the room was filled with laughter and playful chatter.

Ying Huai sat on the sofa, watching the scene around him, still seeming not quite back to himself.

The room suddenly went dark again.

Ying Huai's expression instantly tensed.

The next second, a familiar presence appeared behind him.

"It's fine, they're setting something up."

Liang Shining sat beside him and said quietly: "Everyone here is someone you know. Relax."

Ying Huai's eyes flickered, and he said nothing.

He raised his head and watched Xin Wan and Lu Jing fiddling with something by the screen. A few seconds later, they suddenly cheered.

"It's done, it's done, it's open!"

Ying Huai looked up in a daze.

—That was the complete version of the birthday video that hadn't finished playing at the banquet earlier.

One birthday wish after another came from the speakers, crossing most of the room, landing by Ying Huai's ear one by one.

The final scene showed the people in the room.

Xin Wan, in his usual grinning manner: "Happy birthday, xiaoshidi."

Lu Jing, a rare stiff smile on his face: "Happy birthday, Xiao Huai. I hope you're safe and well every year."

"Happy birthday, Teacher Ying," Song Si Lan stood in the center of the screen, saying casually, "Wish you take less medicine and date more."

Liang Shining squinted his eyes, and Ying Huai couldn't help but let out a soft laugh.

Liang Shining was stunned.

He slowly turned his head.

Though Ying Huai's expression hadn't visibly changed, Liang Shining could clearly sense the person gradually relaxing.

The video played at an unhurried pace, and finally Liang Shining's figure appeared on the screen.

Ying Huai instinctively sat up straighter.

But there was no sound from the screen.

Ying Huai's expression froze.

The next second, he heard a slightly deep voice rise by his ear: "Happy birthday, Ying Huai."

"I hope you're always happy, not just today."

Warm breath fell by Ying Huai's ear, and he realized in a daze that Liang Shining had called his name once again.

He turned his head, and the moment the lights came on, he saw Liang Shining seem to mouth something silently.

"What?" Ying Huai blurted.

But Liang Shining shook his head, only lightly curving his lips.

***

Ying Huai had a small appetite; after a few bites of cake he couldn't eat anymore.

He curled up in Liang Shining's arms, eyes half-closed, listening to the people around him chattering and laughing.

But before a few seconds had passed, a shadow suddenly fell before him.

"Huai-ge, I'm really sorry."

Chu Ming had walked up to Ying Huai at some point.

He stood nervously by the sofa, speaking hurriedly: "I don't know what was going on with that video, and I don't know if it was my father who did it, but I'll apologize on his behalf first. Huai-ge, don't be mad at me..."

Before he could finish, he saw Ying Huai suddenly laugh lightly: "Hid for so long just now, finally willing to come over?"

Chu Ming was stunned.

He silently opened his mouth, somewhat dazed: "Huai-ge saw me just now?"

"You had a hand in this surprise, right? And you helped Xin Wan and the others put together that video just now, right?" Ying Huai yawned.

Chu Ming nodded blankly.

He couldn't help but ask again: "So Huai-ge isn't angry?"

"What would I be angry about?" Ying Huai couldn't help but reach out and knock on Chu Ming's forehead. "It's not your fault."

Chu Ming covered his forehead, expression stunned.

At some point, the gazes of the people around had also turned over. Ying Huai slowly lowered his hand and said softly, as if unintentionally.

"This Birthday Banquet—"

Ying Huai curved his eyes absently: "I really like it."

***

Xin Wan seemed especially excited tonight, dragging Lu Jing and Su Yun into some game or other.

Ying Huai was still sick after all, his energy flagging. Halfway through, Song Si Lan gave him another dose of medicine.

The medicine probably contained a sleep aid. Ying Huai curled up on the sofa, feeling his consciousness gradually grow muddled, and fell asleep not long after.

Liang Shining had originally wanted to carry him back to the room, but just as he bent down, Song Si Lan called him aside to brief him on some precautions regarding his condition.

A few minutes later, when Liang Shining returned to the sofa, his expression suddenly darkened.

The person on the sofa had disappeared at some point.

Liang Shining's hand at his side tightened suddenly.

He looked around and noticed that Chu Ming's figure had also vanished from the room.

***

Chu Ming carried Ying Huai, walking quickly through the corridor.

He lowered his head to look at the sleeping person in his arms, and what surfaced in his mind was what Chu Hongsheng had said to him earlier.

"Why did you have to drag me away just now, Dad." Chu Ming followed behind Chu Hongsheng, speaking anxiously.

"Let me go back. I need to explain to Huai-ge..."

"Do you think Ying Huai will still believe you?" Chu Hongsheng said unhurriedly.

Chu Ming was bewildered.

He instinctively opened his mouth: "Of course he will. Why wouldn't Huai-ge believe me..."

"What if I, your father, am destined to end up on the opposite side from Ying Huai?" Chu Hongsheng suddenly grabbed Chu Ming and pulled him to a stop.

A trace of bewilderment flashed across Chu Ming's expression.

"What do you mean, Dad?"

Chu Ming stepped back: "Are you going to hurt Huai-ge? Why? You can't..."

"You're imagining Ying Huai too simply, Ming-er." Chu Hongsheng laughed coldly.

Chu Ming turned and ran back.

The next second, he heard Chu Hongsheng suddenly say from behind: "Don't you like Ying Huai?"

"Do as I tell you, son. As long as you do it."

"I guarantee, Ying Huai will be yours."

Chu Ming froze in place.

He turned around, expression blankly staring at Chu Hongsheng.

"What did you say, Father?"

***

Now, in the corridor.

Chu Ming carried Ying Huai quickly around a corner and into a room.

He took a deep breath and slowly laid the person in his arms on the bed.

The person on the bed was still deeply asleep. He seemed to sense something slightly off, his brow furrowing slightly, but his exhausted body wouldn't allow him to wake no matter what.

Chu Ming looked down at the person before him.

He closed his eyes briefly and silently exhaled.