CHAPTER 109: CHAPTER 109 PREPARATION

"Of course I have time, but let me plan your birthday tomorrow. Call all your girlfriends over, and I’ll take care of everything," Xia Liang assured her.

Hearing Xia Liang’s immediate agreement, Zhou Ruo’s eyes lit up. "Really? That’s wonderful!"

"Yep."

...

Since he had promised Zhou Ruo to give her a birthday to remember, Xia Liang wouldn’t do things halfway. He was ready to let her show off among her friends.

The necessary entertainment facilities were already available in the villa, so the location was set. As for the rest? Xia Liang had already started preparing. Of course, with enough money, none of this was difficult. He ordered 9,999 stems of Blue Enchantress, five-star hotel chefs for home service, and even five Yuan worth of fireworks. Xia Liang only needed to make a single call to Qian Wan, and in less than ten minutes, everything was handled.

With the atmospheric touches taken care of, it was time to prepare the gift. He secretly snapped a photo of Zhou Ruo, went out to buy a huge canvas, and then spent three hours straight in his studio to complete his first present. As for everything else, he left it to his staff to handle.

After everything was ready, Xia Liang went out again. He needed to see that girl Qingxue today, and Xi Yiqian as well. After all, he had been "missing" for a day, and tomorrow he would be with Zhou Ruo for her birthday. He definitely wouldn’t be back, and if he didn’t pay them some attention now, they might get a little sulky.

「At six in the evening」

Xia Liang drove to Yunni Cafe. Seeing him come in, Qingxue was clearly very excited, but she subdued her enthusiasm in a moment. She tried to appear indifferent as she asked, "Why are you here?"

"I have some things to take care of tomorrow, so I won’t be able to see you," Xia Liang replied.

Upon hearing this, Qingxue realized she wouldn’t see Xia Liang for another day and immediately felt a pang of disappointment. But she quickly regained her composure and waved her hands. "Oh, no problem, go ahead and get your work done. Anyway, once you’ve dealt with it, we can see each other every day, right?"

Qingxue didn’t doubt Xia Liang’s excuse about company business. After all, in her eyes, someone as wealthy as Xia Liang couldn’t possibly be making a living from food delivery or live broadcasting. He must have other businesses. And here he was, bringing it up voluntarily, wasn’t he?

Qingxue didn’t inquire further, which lightened Xia Liang’s mood considerably. "Have you eaten?"

Qingxue tilted her head, slightly puzzled. "Not yet, I was about to order some takeout."

"Then let’s go. I’ll take you out to eat?"

"Hmm?"

Clearly, upon hearing Xia Liang’s words, Qingxue was taken aback. She couldn’t quite believe it. Good lord, he’s actually offering to take me out to dinner today! Is this a dream? It was unbelievable.

Just a simple meal was enough to make Qingxue this happy. If she ever mentioned wanting someone to treat her, at least twenty other men would jump at the chance. But this was Xia Liang! If he had just replied, ’Hahaha, I’ve already eaten,’ I wouldn’t have been surprised at all. Because he’s Xia Liang. But here he is, asking me out for a meal?

Immediately, Qingxue looked at him with a puzzled expression. "Did you take the wrong medicine today?"

...

Xia Liang’s face darkened. What kind of way is that to talk? I finally decide to treat her to a meal, and she accuses me of taking the wrong medicine!

He grew somewhat impatient. "Are you eating or not?"

Seeing Xia Liang returning to his usual self, Qingxue quickly responded, "Of course I’m eating! Why wouldn’t I?"

"Then let’s go."

He started walking, so Qingxue called out a quick goodbye to Qin Shiya before hurrying after him.

They ate out, went shopping, and saw a movie. For once, the two of them did things that a couple would do, making Qingxue feel as if she were in a dream.

On the way back to the cafe, Qingxue couldn’t help but ask, "Xia Liang, why are you... so nice today?"

"Nice?" Xia Liang asked back.

Qingxue didn’t immediately reply. She just tilted her head and thought for a moment. Was Xia Liang nice to me today? Not exactly. It’s just that he’s usually so irritating that the contrast is vast, making today feel especially different.

Qingxue nodded. "Yeah, you were very different today. I... I really liked it."

Having said that, she blushed slightly and gazed out the window, sneakily observing Xia Liang’s expression in the reflection. Clearly, Xia Liang was also pleased to hear the compliment.

"Really? In that case, I’ll go back to normal next time."

...

Qingxue’s smile immediately stiffened. Sure enough, the niceness couldn’t even last three seconds.

Just then, the car stopped at the entrance of Yunni Cafe. Qingxue got out of the car in a huff.

Watching her leave, Xia Liang nodded in satisfaction. She’s angry. Looks like I won’t have to worry about being disturbed tomorrow. I can celebrate Zhou Ruo’s birthday in peace.

There was still one more person to see.

He checked the time. Xi Yiqian was about to get off work, and that girl Luu Qi should be going to pick her up. The Lamborghini Poison only had two seats, so he drove it back to the villa and switched cars.

He hadn’t been back at the Qingyun Grand Hotel for long when he saw Luu Qi and Xi Yiqian walking out arm in arm. Xia Liang stepped out to greet them. "Hello there, ladies."

A person appearing out of nowhere startled them both, but they sighed in relief when they realized it was Xia Liang.

Luu Qi complained, "Brother, can’t you make some noise when you walk? Don’t you know you can scare people to death?"

Tired of Luu Qi’s nagging, Xia Liang quickly changed the subject. "You just got off work, right? Haven’t eaten? Come on, I’ll take you two somewhere good to eat today."

"Great!"

As expected, Xia Liang’s tactic was a success, and Luu Qi’s attention was instantly diverted. As for Xi Yiqian, just seeing Xia Liang was enough to make her happy, let alone being taken out for a meal. Although Xi Yiqian always felt that eating at home was more enjoyable, she nodded in agreement since both Luu Qi and Xia Liang were keen.

The three of them got into the car. As he drove, Xia Liang asked, "What do you two want to eat?"

Luu Qi just shrugged indifferently. "Anything’s fine."

"What about you, Yiqian?"

"Ah?" Xi Yiqian was clearly startled to be asked. She shifted uncomfortably, at a loss for what to say.

Seeing that she didn’t answer, Xia Liang pressed gently, "So, what do you want to eat?"

Xi Yiqian looked down. "I... I’m fine with anything."

Hearing this, Xia Liang sighed. This girl is still so indecisive.

Helpless, Xia Liang tried to guide her. "Isn’t there anything you’re really craving?"

"Something I’m really craving?" Xi Yiqian looked up and thought for a moment. Suddenly, something came to mind, and she asked timidly, "Does KFC... count?"

"Um..." Xia Liang was clearly not expecting her to say that.

Seeing the surprised looks from both of them, Xi Yiqian quickly waved her hands. "It was just a random thought! Whatever you guys want is fine."

"No..." Xia Liang said calmly, having composed himself. "Let’s go eat at KFC."