Chapter 90: Ruo Xiaoxi’s Birthday Gift
“Happy birthday to you♪” “Happy birthday to you♪”
The lights in the dorm were dimmed, candles flickering on the cake.
Everyone clapped and sang, Xia Zhibai, wearing a paper crown, stood happily in the center, hands clasped together, making a wish.
Listening to the birthday wishes, watching the flickering candlelight, Xia Zhibai felt a surge of emotion.
She was reminded of her childhood birthdays, when her parents would also place a crown on her head, sing her the birthday song, and ask her to make a wish.
Her parents loved her deeply, showering her with warmth and affection. But as they got busier with work, they couldn’t always be there for her birthdays.
They were often away on business trips, unable to spend time with her.
But they provided her with a comfortable life, free from hunger and cold, a home, and aspirations, supporting her pursuit of a brighter future.
I’m lucky to have such loving parents and a supportive family. I must cherish this fortune.
Even if they weren’t present, she had many friends to celebrate with her, banishing loneliness and uncertainty. The little girl in her parents’ hands had grown up and had her own life now.
Perhaps birthdays marked the beginning of a journey, a small boat leaving the harbor and venturing into the vast ocean.
So, if she had to make a wish…
She wished for her parents’ health and happiness, free from illness and worry. She wished to navigate the challenges of youth and adulthood with her friends. And she wished for a memorable first love.
Speaking of first love…
Xia Zhibai opened her eyes and looked at Ruo Xiaoxi, waving two glow sticks enthusiastically, a never-ending source of energy and cheer.
Meeting her had been a joy, a taste of what love could be.
Putting aside everything else, Ruo Xiaoxi was Xia Zhibai’s biggest supporter. Xia Zhibai was capable and had many responsibilities, facing constant challenges.
But whenever she encountered difficulties, Ruo Xiaoxi would always boost her confidence. Her cheerful words were magical, helping her climb back from any low point.
Her love for Ruo Xiaoxi, beyond the youthful infatuation, was also a deep appreciation for her unwavering support.
So, one last wish.
Whether Ruo Xiaoxi became her girlfriend or not, whether they stayed together or parted ways, no matter where she went or who she met, Xia Zhibai wished—
She wished for Ruo Xiaoxi’s eternal youth and beauty, her continued happiness, the preservation of her pure and innocent heart, untainted by the world, forever a radiant little sun.
Alright, enough sentimental thoughts.
If Ruo Xiaoxi misbehaved in the future, playing with other girls’ hearts, she would still discipline her. After all, the little green tea was truly incorrigible, and so very beautiful!
“Blow out the candles! Blow out the candles!” After the wish, everyone gathered around the cake, extinguishing the candles.
Next came the cake-cutting ceremony. Xia Zhibai personally sliced the cake, and Ruo Xiaoxi distributed the pieces to the seniors and her three dormmates.
With so many girls crammed into one dorm, it was a bit crowded. Many took their cake back to their own rooms. Once the crowd thinned, Ruo Xiaoxi prepared to present her gift.
Ahem… I completely forgot about her birthday and didn’t get her anything.
But you can’t go wrong with chocolates. She’d given chocolates to many girls. They carried a hint of ambiguity, a token of friendship or a symbol of love.
“Um, Senior Xia, I have a gift for you.” Ruo Xiaoxi hid the box behind her back, shifting her weight from one foot to the other, tapping the box lightly with her finger.
Xia Zhibai wasn’t picky about gifts. Anything from Ruo Xiaoxi would make her happy.
“What is it?”
“Mmm… why don’t you guess, Senior Xia?” Ruo Xiaoxi swayed her hips playfully, batting her eyelashes.
The seniors in the room chuckled, impressed by her flirtatious gift-giving.
“Is it… a toy? A clay figurine?”
“No, I already gave you one of those, didn’t I?”
Lan Yinuo, elegantly eating her cake with a fork, suddenly perked up. Ruo Xiaoxi had given her a clay figurine too, claiming it was specially made for her.
Xiaonuo treasured it, keeping it in her study where she could see it every day.
Hmph, Xiaoxi lied.
It wasn’t just for me. She gave one to Senior Xia too.
“Then… it’s not a dress, is it?”
“No, no, you have plenty of pretty dresses, Senior Xia. You even bought me one! I had to get you something different.” Ruo Xiaoxi shook her head.
A dress… So the senior bought Xiaoxi a dress too.
Lan Yinuo felt a pang of jealousy. It seemed Xiaoxi and this senior were very close. Giving a girl a dress was a sign of intimacy.
Ugh… the pressure! This senior is so impressive, and her figure… dwarfs mine.
I wonder if Xiaoxi thought my chest was too small that night… I only felt confident after putting on stockings. But Xiaoxi seemed… enthusiastic… right?
Lan Yinuo wondered if she and this senior would become rivals. The senior seemed to like Xiaoxi. Otherwise, why invite her to her birthday celebration?
“Your handmade paper ring?” Xia Zhibai continued guessing. Ruo Xiaoxi was quite skilled at crafts.
“I already gave you one of those too…”
What? Xiaoxi gave Senior Xia a handmade ring too?!
She… she never gave me one.
Lan Yinuo felt a surge of disappointment. She wanted a ring from Xiaoxi too! It would be so meaningful…
“I give up.”
“Senior Xia, you’re so silly! It’s chocolate! The easiest thing to guess!” Ruo Xiaoxi revealed the box, a triumphant smile on her face.
Xia Zhibai, momentarily stunned, chuckled and took the box.
“So it’s chocolate. Thank you, Xiaoxi. It’s the thought that counts.”
“You’re welcome~” Ruo Xiaoxi said sweetly.
Just chocolate… Phew, that was a close one… Lan Yinuo sighed in relief, patting her chest.
All that build-up had made her nervous. Xiaomei and An’an, noticing her unease, guessed she was jealous of Xiaoxi celebrating with the senior.
Ah, the troubles of a girl in love. It’s just a birthday…
Just as Lan Yinuo relaxed, she caught a glimpse of the chocolate box. That one glance made her freeze.
Wait a minute!
Why did that chocolate box look…
So familiar?
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