Xie Lianqing looked at the scene before him, his girlfriend's delighted inquiry ringing in his ears. For some reason, he suddenly recalled the day Xu Qingqing sneaked off to the racetrack and how she had answered when he asked if she had enjoyed herself.
Back then, Xu Qingqing had answered uneasily, "Should I have been happy?"
And now, rendered speechless, Xie Lianqing also wanted to reply with a question: "Should I like it?" What kind of genius would come up with the idea of giving her boyfriend a commendation banner as a gift!
However, whether Xie Lianqing liked it or not wasn't the main point; his subordinates standing behind him all wore rather peculiar expressions.
It turned out President Xie had a group of secretaries following him. Now, facing their boss adorned with confetti and streamers in his hair, everyone kept their eyes downcast, not daring to speak. Some with a lower threshold for laughter were desperately trying to control the trembling of their shoulders.
It was only then that Xu Qingqing suddenly realized that perhaps her timing for presenting the banner wasn't ideal.
She scratched her head, silently tossed the two streamers behind her back, then stood on tiptoe to pat the confetti off President Xie's suit. With a solemn expression, she said, "President Xie, you go ahead with your work. I'll go pour you some coffee!"
And before Xie Lianqing could say a word, she turned and made a quick escape.
Xie Lianqing: "..."
Everyone else: "..."
Fortunately, Xie Lianqing had strong mental fortitude. Even with streamers tangled in his hair, he could conduct the meeting and give instructions to his subordinates without batting an eye. His composure was steady, his demeanor as calm and collected as ever. His subordinates couldn't help but rein in their amusement and focus seriously on their work.
By the time Xu Qingqing returned, Xie Lianqing had already changed into a fresh suit in the restroom. He was now gazing at that commendation banner, lost in thought.
"President Xie, would you like some coffee?" Xu Qingqing eagerly entered, holding a cup of coffee. She offered it to him on tiptoe, saying, "I made this especially for you!"
Although there had been a minor hiccup during the 'thank you' process, Xu Qingqing felt it didn't dampen her gratitude one bit!
Xie Lianqing took the coffee with an amused smile and asked, "Why are you being so well-behaved today?"
At this, Xu Qingqing immediately ran over to the banner, pointing at it happily. "Look! To thank President Xie for his good deed done without seeking recognition!"
When Xie Lianqing saw the banner, he guessed she had probably found out about what he had done. He hadn't intended to use this matter to gain favor with Xu Qingqing or the Xu family, but he also hadn't planned to hide it from her. So, now that she knew, she knew.
It was just that her way of thanking him was both laughable and exasperating. Remembering the looks his subordinates had given him earlier, Xie Lianqing couldn't help but feel a wave of helplessness.
Seeing he didn't seem entirely pleased, Xu Qingqing muttered, "I thought about it for a long time!"
If not for the limitations of the venue, she would have loved to hire a publicity team to put up celebratory banners for President Xie downstairs at the Xie Corporation building.
When President Xie later accidentally learned of Xu Qingqing's regret about this: "..."
He suddenly found that bright red banner a lot more agreeable. Under Xu Qingqing's eager gaze, he proactively reached out and put the banner away, nodding in praise, "Thank you for your gratitude, Miss Xu."
Then, seeing Xu Qingqing's eager, ready-for-more expression, he quickly added, "This is perfect. Let's not do anything else." He was afraid Xu Qingqing might get carried away and actually put up banners for him downstairs.
Such a thing was not beyond the capabilities of Miss Xu.
To divert Xu Qingqing's attention, Xie Lianqing casually asked, "Speaking of which, since you've given me this gift, have you thought about how we'll spend the weekend?"
Xu Qingqing looked bewildered. "At home, of course."
She enthusiastically listed her plans for herself and Xie Lianqing: "Work has been so tiring lately. I plan to spend the weekend lying at home, playing games, reading comics, eating snacks..."
"What about you?" After rattling off her own plans, Xu Qingqing suddenly felt something was off.
Recalling his earlier question, she looked up at Xie Lianqing, confused. "Are you going to spend it with me?"
Xie Lianqing's expression didn't look great, but he still maintained a polite smile. "Indeed. I wonder if Miss Xu would grant me the honor."
Xu Qingqing didn't dwell on his reaction and agreed offhandedly, "Sure, you can help me rank up in the game." It was near the end of the season, and even Zhou Chenyu was struggling to carry her. Xie Lianqing's arrival was perfect timing.
Xie Lianqing continued smiling. "Is that so?"
Seeing he still didn't seem very satisfied, Xu Qingqing grew a bit annoyed. She thought Xie Lianqing was being utterly ungrateful. She was even giving him the chance to play games with her, and he still wasn't appreciative, looking so reluctant.
Xu Qingqing said, "Suit yourself then..."
Xie Lianqing probably guessed what she was thinking and couldn't help asking, "Qingqing, do you remember what this weekend is?"
Instantly distracted, Xu Qingqing ventured a guess: "The weekend?"
Xie Lianqing didn't speak, his smile tinged with weariness.
That answer didn't seem right.
So, Xu Qingqing thought for a moment and offered another: "The third-to-last day of the ranked season?" She hadn't realized Xie Lianqing, who didn't even play games, paid such close attention to them.
Xie Lianqing's smile grew even more strained. He suddenly praised, "Qingqing, your memory is truly remarkable."
Although his tone struck her as odd, Xu Qingqing accepted the compliment. "Yes, my memory has always been good."
She thought Xie Lianqing was stating the obvious. Wasn't her intelligence common knowledge?
So, Xie Lianqing fell silent, completely giving up. Just then, someone knocked on the office door—a secretary coming to report on work. Xie Lianqing sighed helplessly and turned to handle official business.
Watching Xie Lianqing at work, Xu Qingqing felt utterly baffled. She had no idea what he was going through, making him act so strangely.
After pondering it for a while without an answer, and having just talked about games with Xie Lianqing, Xu Qingqing happily called up her childhood friend Zhou Chenyu and booted up the game to play.
A while later, Xu Qingqing suddenly heard Zhou Chenyu ask over voice chat, "Xu Qingqing, since you have time to play games now, have you decided what birthday gift to give your boyfriend this weekend?"
Caught up in the game, Xu Qingqing froze. "...Whose birthday?"
Zhou Chenyu frowned. "Your boyfriend's." It hadn't even crossed his mind that Xu Qingqing could forget Xie Lianqing's birthday.
Xu Qingqing was shocked. "My boyfriend's birthday is this weekend?!!"
Zhou Chenyu was equally shocked and guessed, "Did you and Xie Lianqing finally break up?"
Before the stunned Xu Qingqing could respond, another clear, pleasant male voice sounded in the quiet room. "Thank you, not yet."
Zhou Chenyu: "..."
Xu Qingqing: "..."
Xie Lianqing's voice was calm as he added, "And what do you mean by 'finally'?"
Zhou Chenyu was horrified. "Xu Qingqing, are you playing with the sound on speaker? Have you no consideration for others?!"
Xu Qingqing instantly forgot about her boyfriend's birthday, defending herself vehemently. "I was wearing headphones! They just got pulled out by accident!"
Her boyfriend's birthday was one thing, but her personal integrity and character could not be tarnished!
Zhou Chenyu couldn't reason with her: "Is that the important part?" The important part was that his earlier comment had been overheard by Xie Lianqing on the spot!
Before Xu Qingqing could answer, Xie Lianqing added, "She still hasn't muted it."
Zhou Chenyu immediately fell silent and, without another word, kicked the unreliable Xu Qingqing out of the team.
By the time Xu Qingqing realized what happened, she sneakily turned her head and saw Xie Lianqing on the other side of the room. He was holding a fountain pen, calmly reviewing documents.
Feeling her gaze, he looked up, raised an eyebrow with a knowing smile, and asked, "Do you know what day this weekend is now?"
Xu Qingqing: ...
Under Xie Lianqing's stare, Xu Qingqing felt inexplicably guilty. She tentatively asked in a small voice, "My... my boyfriend's birthday?"
Xie Lianqing offered a polite smile and said unhurriedly, "Mhm. Miss Xu Qingqing, whose memory is so excellent."
Originally, when Xu Qingqing forgot his birthday, Xie Lianqing felt somewhat helpless and frustrated. But now, seeing her anxious reaction upon learning the truth, he found it oddly amusing.
Xu Qingqing was conflicted. After a moment's thought, she said, "Actually, if you don't feel like smiling, you don't have to." It looked a bit scary.
Seeing her expression, Xie Lianqing was inwardly amused and deliberately schooled his features. The smile slowly faded from his face, replaced by an indifferent demeanor.
Before he could even speak, Xu Qingqing immediately reached out a hand and corrected herself, "Alright, you'd better keep smiling."
Xie Lianqing shook his head with a laugh, looking at her with fond exasperation. "Alright, go play."
So she forgot. It wasn't a rule that Xu Qingqing had to remember his birthday. If she really forgot, he could always remind her himself.
Xie Lianqing didn't dwell on the matter. After comforting Xu Qingqing, he went back to work. However, seeing his attitude, Xu Qingqing suddenly felt uneasy.
Xie Lianqing had always been very good to her. He'd given her many gifts, taught her how to review documents, and even stood up for her against the Lin family and Bai Youlan...
Not long ago, Xu Qingqing heard from her grandfather and aunt that if it weren't for the Xie family's help this time, their family's funds might have faced difficulties, and the issue with the Lin family withdrawing their investment probably wouldn't have been resolved so easily.
Xu Qingqing considered herself a person who understood gratitude, but today when she presented the commendation banner, she nearly caused Xie Lianqing public embarrassment...
And Xie Lianqing had never forgotten her birthday.
After much deliberation, Xu Qingqing finally decided to make it up to him properly by giving him an absolutely fantastic birthday gift!
Since she was already planning to hang out at the Zhou family's house, she consulted Le Jiaojiao. Applying nail polish, Le Jiaojiao said offhandedly, "Give him a watch. You can't go wrong with that for a guy."
Xu Qingqing said, "I've already given one." A matching couple's set, no less.
Le Jiaojiao held up her hand to inspect it, then continued polishing. "Cufflinks then? Doesn't your family own a jewelry store? Pick out a pair of gemstone cufflinks for him."
Xu Qingqing rested her chin in her hands. "Given those too."
She started to think Le Jiaojiao wasn't much help and that consulting her had been a mistake.
She turned to Zhou Chenyu instead.
Zhou Chenyu was lounging on the sofa eating grapes, casually offering a terrible suggestion: "If Miss Xu is willing to give herself to President Xie..."
Putting the boyfriend matter aside for a moment, Xu Qingqing found Zhou Chenyu's posture and tone utterly infuriating!
She directly snatched the grapes from Zhou Chenyu, looking like she wanted to do something drastic.
Seeing the situation turning sour, Zhou Chenyu immediately jumped up from the sofa, raising his hands in surrender. "I'm wrong, I'm wrong! Miss Xu, put down my grapes, wasting food is shameful... Wait! Put down the fruit platter too!!"
After chasing each other around the sofa twice, he finally said, "Alright, alright, I'll help you think! I'll help you think!" He really couldn't afford to provoke this young lady.
Only then was Xu Qingqing satisfied. She threatened, "You'd better. Otherwise, I'll expose you and tell everyone you wrote love letters to Xie Lianqing."
Back in middle school, Xu Qingqing had been determined to make Xie Lianqing fall for her just to dump him later. She delivered warm water bottles in winter, cold drinks in summer, and a great many cringe-worthy love letters. And how could Miss Xu possibly write those love letters herself? Naturally, they were all penned by her good childhood friend Zhou Chenyu.
Zhou Chenyu, caught by his weak spot: ...This woman is so wicked!
He had to emphasize again, "You forced me to write them back then, and you were the one who gave them to Xie Lianqing. It has nothing to do with me."
What Xu Qingqing and others didn't know, but Zhou Chenyu was well aware of, was how treasured those love letters from Xu Qingqing were to Xie Lianqing. Last time he visited Xie Lianqing's home, he even spotted them in the study, each one perfectly preserved, a clear sign of how much the owner cherished them...
If Xie Lianqing found out they were all written by Zhou Chenyu... Zhou Chenyu looked up at the sky, already contemplating which country on Earth, besides his own, would be suitable for relocation.
Xu Qingqing ignored him. After a while, she suddenly said, "Right! How about I just give him a love letter!" What gift could be better than a love letter? It would be the epitome of deep affection, moving heaven and earth.
Xu Qingqing believed that upon receiving a love letter written by her own hand, Xie Lianqing would be immensely touched!
She thought she was a genius.
Xu Qingqing got straight to work. She fetched paper and a pen from the study in Zhou Chenyu's house, lay on the table, and began pondering deeply, crafting her masterpiece.
Le Jiaojiao stopped polishing her nails and came over to help brainstorm. The two of them chattered away, passionately debating how exactly to write it.
Le Jiaojiao even went upstairs to the study and brought down a few books of sonnets, earnestly studying them with Xu Qingqing for reference.
Le Jiaojiao encouraged her, "I think this line is so romantic. President Xie would really like it."
Xu Qingqing stroked her chin and said, "Really? But this line doesn't seem to align with the central theme of my entire piece."
Zhou Chenyu, who had been pretending to be dead on the side, truly couldn't take it anymore. He peeked over and asked, "What are you two writing?"
He got up and took the paper. The first line Xu Qingqing had written was—
"Dear Xie Lianqing, I am your girlfriend. First of all, congratulations on having the perfectly excellent, adorable, innocent, kind, and virtuous Miss Xu Qingqing as your girlfriend at the age of 24..."
Zhou Chenyu was incredulous. The further he read, the deeper his frown became.
He put down the paper and said to Xu Qingqing, "What is this? A commendation letter praising yourself?"
It was less a love letter and more a showcase of Xu Qingqing's self-praise, having nothing to do with Xie Lianqing from start to finish.
In the very first paragraph, Xu Qingqing recounted her excellent character demonstrated in second grade when the teacher recommended her to join the Young Pioneers. And that wasn't all. Next to that line, she had added a small note: "Le Jiaojiao was recommended to become a Young Pioneer next semester, a whole semester later than me!"
Zhou Chenyu put a hand on his hip, his expression puzzled. "You're writing a love letter to Xie Lianqing. Why bring Le Jiaojiao into it?"
Xu Qingqing said righteously, "To highlight my excellence, of course!" She had joined the Young Pioneers a full semester earlier than Le Jiaojiao.
Le Jiaojiao had been happily eating melon seeds and watching the drama on the side, but upon hearing Zhou Chenyu's words, she immediately couldn't help but scramble up, tiptoe to look at the letter paper, while glaring furiously at Xu Qingqing: "Well done, Xu Qingqing! You really did write it behind my back! You sneak!"
She was very indignant and immediately snatched the paper and pen, writing on it: "Xu Qingqing failed the pinyin section of her third-grade Chinese exam!!"
Xu Qingqing was shocked: "Le Jiaojiao, are you insane? Who told you to scribble on my paper!"
Seeing these two about to start arguing again, Zhou Chenyu's head was already beginning to ache. Rubbing his temples, he said, "Xu Qingqing, this won't do. If you send this thing over, even if Xie Lianging racks his brains, he wouldn't be able to guess that what you wrote is called a love letter."
In the end, Zhou Chenyu once again took up the role of love letter instructor. But no matter what Xu Qingqing said, he absolutely refused to budge and help her write it for her.
The previous times were one thing, but if he got caught this time, he'd probably have to settle on Mars for the rest of his life.
Xu Qingqing spent a long time writing this love letter; she felt she had it so hard.
Zhou Chenyu assigned her example essays, telling her to write a couple of sentences praising Xie Lianging. They had to be subtle, using analogies like the spring breeze and willow leaves, yet carry deep meaning within the words, and it would be best to mix in a hint of a young girl's shy admiration.
Xu Qingqing: "...I don't get it."
Xu Qingqing's head hurt from writing; she only knew how to receive love letters, not how to write them.
According to Xu Qingqing's own words, she was so good-looking that if she liked someone, why would she need something like a love letter?
It was just that Xie Lianging had been so tsundere back then, actually requiring her to seek Zhou Chenyu's help to ghostwrite one before she could win him over.
At this moment, Xu Qingqing deeply regretted not keeping one or two of the love letters her suitors had sent her back in the day; otherwise, she could have used them for reference now.
Xu Qingqing pieced things together from here and there and finally managed to finish a love letter, which Zhou Chenyu rated as 'barely passable,' just before Xie Lianging's birthday.
Then she happily tossed the matter to the back of her mind and swiftly booked an appointment with her beautician for emergency skincare and beauty treatments.
Xie Lianging's birthday would definitely involve a banquet, and as his girlfriend, of course she had to attend. On such occasions, she absolutely had to outshine everyone; none of those plastic sisters were going to look prettier than her!
Moreover, Xu Qingqing was very aware: appetite and lust are part of human nature.
If she looked stunning and unattainably beautiful, the gift recipient would most likely consider such a thoughtfully prepared gift extremely precious.
But if she looked plain, no matter how touching and heartfelt her gift was, the recipient would probably just think she lacked social graces and that her gift wasn't fit for a proper occasion...
Such is the flawed nature of people. But Xu Qingqing didn't think it was a big deal either; after all, she liked pretty people too.
So, no matter how excellent a gift she gave Xie Lianging, it wouldn't compare to dressing up beautifully on his birthday, attending solemnly, and giving him all the face he deserved.
However, Xie Lianging's birthday banquet wasn't held on his actual birthday. Because his parents, Chairman Xie and his wife, were vacationing abroad, and due to company matters, he used that as an excuse to postpone it for a few days.
Actually, it was because Xie Lianging didn't want to deal with other people on his actual birthday. If he really held a banquet that day, many people would likely come to socialize and network with him. Anyone would prefer not to spend their birthday feeling so exhausted and fake.
So Xie Lianging planned to spend his birthday with Xu Qingqing.
On the day of Xie Lianging's birthday, he didn't call the driver but personally went to pick up his girlfriend, ready to spend their couple's day together.
Although Xie Lianging and Xu Qingqing had been together long enough to be accustomed to each other's beauty, when she walked out of the Xu residence today, he couldn't help but be struck by her radiance once again.
Xu Qingqing looked exceptionally beautiful today. She wore an overcoat over a flowing black dress inside. Her almond-shaped eyes were clear and bright, her nose tip small and delicate, and her long hair was braided into a fishtail braid, the end resting on her shoulders and collarbone.
She had also pinned cute, exquisite diamond hair clips on both sides of her hair. The whole look made her appear both charming and adorable, with a touch of the unique playfulness of a young girl.
Xu Qingqing carried a small purse, hopping and skipping down the steps from her house and running to the car.
Xie Lianging was leaning against the car waiting for her. The moment he saw Xu Qingqing, he handed her a single rose, saying gently, "For the beautiful Miss Xu Qingqing."
Xu Qingqing took the rose, asking with a reserved yet proud tone, "So, am I very pretty today?"
She felt she was simply the best girlfriend in the world—considerate, sensible, and able to hold up appearances for her partner at key moments. Xie Lianging was so lucky to have her as his girlfriend!
Xie Lianging, with great finesse, said, "You've always been beautiful."
Xu Qingqing then extended her hand, putting on an air, and said, "Here, I'll give you the opportunity to open the car door for the beautiful Miss Xu."
Xie Lianging chuckled softly and said, "Okay."
He personally opened the car door for Xu Qingqing. After getting in, they drove towards the destination restaurant.
Today, Xie Lianging planned a couple's holiday with Xu Qingqing: first dinner at a restaurant, then a movie, and in the evening, going out to sea to watch fireworks.
However, on the way to the restaurant, Xu Qingqing suddenly looked at the buildings across the highway and muttered, "Wow, what's that? It's so tall."
She pressed against the car window, turned her head to look at Xie Lianging, and said excitedly, "Let's go play there today?!"
If it were any other day, given her personality, she would have directly demanded Xie Lianging change course. But today was Xie Lianging's birthday, so she remembered to ask for his opinion.
Xie Lianging glanced at his wristwatch, hesitating, "How about we go after our meal?" The pre-ordered ingredients were already prepared; he was afraid Xu Qingqing might get hungry later while playing.
Xu Qingqing looked at him with pleading eyes and said softly, "But I've never been on a Ferris wheel before..."
Who could resist that?!
Without another word, Xie Lianging made a U-turn. The amusement park probably had restaurants anyway.
When they arrived at the amusement park and entered, Xie Lianging took Xu Qingqing straight to where the Ferris wheel was located.
As the little princess of the Xu family, even if she wanted the stars and the moon, Chairman Xu and the others would probably find a way. Yet, she had never been on a Ferris wheel until now...
Xie Lianging's mind raced through over a dozen possible reasons. He knew about Xu Qingqing's family situation and even wondered if it might be related to the matter of Xu Qingqing's mother.
Feeling heavy-hearted, while waiting in line with his girlfriend, he casually asked in a light tone, "How come you've never been on a Ferris wheel before?"
Xie Lianging's tone was gentle, trying his best not to touch upon any sad memories that might upset his girlfriend.
Xu Qingqing looked up, staring unblinkingly at the tall Ferris wheel in front of her, and said, "Because I'm afraid of heights."
Xie Lianging, who was standing in line with her: ...?
Then why are you here?
