316: Could He Have Forgotten?

Could He Have Forgotten?

"Let's go." Huo Jinyao stopped moving as he spoke and took off his suit jacket. He then put it on Su Qingsang.1

Before leaving, Huo Jinyao and Su Qingsang went to Old Master Li to inform him of their departure.

After getting into the car, Huo Jinyao switched on the air-conditioning and adjusted the temperature to make it warmer. "Are you cold?"

"No, I'm not cold."

Huo Jinyao nodded and dropped a casual remark. "Your younger brother is a pretty good person."

"Yuxin?" Su Qingsang's mind went blank for a moment before she nodded. "Yes, Yuxin is pretty nice."

I don't think he knows what happened at the banquet? He can't know, can he?

Huo Jinyao fixed his eyes on the road ahead as he pondered Su Yuxin's character. Su Chenghui must have a good strategy for raising his children. Even though Su Peizhen is mediocre, Su Yuxin exudes great potential to be a capable individual. He could be a worthy opponent when he grows up.

"How's your relationship with him?"

"We get along fine." Initially, Su Qingsang and Su Yuxin's relationship was nothing to write home about. After the previous incident, however, they had grown closer.

"That's good."

Su Qingsang gazed thoughtfully at Huo Jinyao and felt that his words seemed to be insinuating at something. At that moment, however, she did not feel like pondering over them. 

"In truth, I guess Yuxin is considered pitiful."

"Pitiful? How so?"

"My father said that boys need to learn through experience and he sent Yuxin to stay in a dormitory once Yuxin was of age to attend middle school. Peizhen and I were only allowed to stay in a dormitory when we were attending university. Even though Yuxin was allowed to return home for weekends, my father assigned him tons of homework during summer and winter breaks."

The homework was naturally related to the workings of the family's businesses. It is apparent that Su Chenghui values his son, but is also extremely strict with him.

Huo Jinyao concentrated on his driving while thinking about what Su Qingsang had said. He seemed to be deep in thought.

...

Xiang Caiping rose early and smiled broadly when she saw Su Qingsang come out of her room. "Qingsang, you're awake?"

"Good morning."

"It's not that early anymore." Xiang Caiping grinned as she walked over to hold Su Qingsang's hand. "Happy birthday, Qingsang."

"Thank you."

"I've cooked a bowl of longevity noodles for you. Have it before you go to work."

"Sure." Su Qingsang accepted the offer. She was heartened by the genuine concern reflected in Xiang Caiping's eyes. "Thank you, Aunt Xiang."

"Silly child, what's there to thank?"

The two women walked to the dining room together and Xiang Caiping brought out the bowl of noodles. "After today, you will be another year older. I wish you good health and peace."

"Thank you, Aunt Xiang."

Su Qingsang was touched as she settled in a chair. Gazing at the steaming hot noodles, she suddenly felt a rush of emotions that evoked the urge to tear up.

On the pretext of eating the noodles, she lowered her head and blinked as she struggled to hold back her urge to cry.

"How's the flavor? I rolled the noodles myself. I'm not sure if you'll be used to the taste."

Xiang Caiping was careful with her words and amidst her cautious attitude, she felt a sense of sorrow. She had not once celebrated her daughter's birthday with her all these years.

In retrospect, Xiang Caiping felt very remorseful but her regret outweighed her remorse.

She regretted her indignance towards Su Chenghui and not taking Su Qingsang along with her when she left him. Even if life would be difficult and tiring for her, at least she would have had her daughter by her side.

Su Qingsang kept her head down. It was the first time she had tasted noodles made by her mother. Most importantly, she would not have to spend her birthday alone this year.

At that moment, Su Qingsang snapped out of her thoughts and lifted her head. "Aunt Xiang, where is Huo Jinyao?"

"I don't know. He left early in the morning."

He left already? The corner of Su Qingsang's lips sagged. That guy, could he have forgotten my birthday?

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