441: Old Master Xi's birthday

Old Master Xi's birthday

The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue across the sky. The city's buildings stood silhouetted against the fading light, their windows beginning to twinkle with the soft glow of interior lights. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of trees, carrying with it the faint scent of flowers in bloom. 

Qin Yan returned to the Moonlight villa after meeting with Qiao Qing. Xi Ting happened to be there when Qin Yan arrived at home. 

Qin Yan moved to the living room, sinking into the plush comfort of the couch. She let herself unwind as Auntie He served her water. 

As she took a sip of water, Qin Yan heard footsteps descending the staircase. She turned her gaze towards the living room's entrance and there he was: Xi Ting, making his way down from his study room. The soft, warm lighting in the living room cast a welcoming glow as he entered, his presence adding to the sense of comfort that enveloped the space.

Xi Ting's eyes met Qin Yan's, and a smile curved on his lips. He sank into the cushioned seat beside her on the couch, a subtle sigh escaping him as he settled in. Their shoulders brushed, and Qin Yan felt a surge of warmth, an unspoken reassurance that he was glad to be by her side.

He held Qin Yan's shoulder gently and hugged her sideways before asking, "How was your day?"

"Nice," Qin Yan replied with a smile, "What about you? You returned early from the office today?"

"Yes, I had finished the work in the office so I decided to come back early and wait for you," Xi Ting tapped Qin Yan's nose playfully.

"How obedient," Qin Yan laughed.

Xi Ting then said to Qin Yan, "By the way, grandfather's birthday banquet is in a few days. We have to go back to attend it."

"Grandfather's birthday?"

"Yes, since it is his 80th birthday, there would be a grand banquet," Xi Ting explained.

"That's great," Qin Yan exclaimed. 

Old Master Xi treated her very well and thus Qin Yan was also excited for his birthday party. 

However, soon Qin Yan's expression turned from excitement to worry.

Xi Ting naturally noticed it and asked her, "What's wrong?"

Qin Yan looked at her moonpie with her pitiful eyes, "I wonder what present should I give him."

"It's alright. I've already instructed someone to buy a present. You can just come with me."

Qin Yan wanted to just agree with him. But Grandfather Xi had always liked her and treated her particularly well. Thus, she felt slightly apologetic about not giving him anything.

But since Xi Ting had spoken, she did not think about giving him another gift. She merely thought that it was best to give him something to express her sincerity and wondered what that would be.

The couple sat on the couch together, the low hum of conversation filling the air as they shared stories from their respective days. The steady rhythm of their dialogue intertwined with the faint sounds of the evening outside, creating a sense of peaceful togetherness.

As the evening progressed, it was time for dinner. Xi Ting helped set the table, while Qin Yan prepared the food. Their movements were synchronized from knowing each other so well. The clinking of cutlery and the soft murmur of conversation echoed through the dining area, a reminder of the comfort that came with companionship.

After dinner, the couple went to bed. Xi Ting settled down with a book while Qin Yan snuggled beside him. After a while, Qin Yan asked Xi Ting beside her, "Is there anything you think Grandfather would like?"

"Something that he likes?" Xi Ting asked, turning away from his book to look at Qin Yan.

Qin Yan nodded vigorously and said, "Yes."

"Are you still thinking about giving Grandfather a gift?"

"Yes. If I can think of something, I can just give it to him anyway. Grandfather treats me so well. I should express my appreciation too, right?"

"Your appreciation is enough. He usually has everything he needs."

"I know that he doesn't need anything. Just tell me what he likes."

"He likes antique paintings," Xi Ting replied.

Qin Yan immediately said dejectedly, "Alright. I knew that I shouldn't have asked. It's really difficult to get something like that, right? And I don't even know what kind Grandfather likes."

"Alright. If you can't think of anything, just stop thinking. Anyway, Grandfather has celebrated his birthday so many times. He has probably received all kinds of presents and doesn't think much of them anymore."

Qin Yan thought about it and agreed. But she was still thinking about expressing her appreciation.

Because nothing came to mind while she was lying on the bed, she fell asleep.

*

The day after classes, Qin Yan made her way to Xi family house in order to help with the preparations for the upcoming banquet. 

As she entered the house, she was greeted by the aroma of spices and the familiar comfort of a home well-lived in. Grandmother Xi came out of the kitchen when she heard the main door opening. 

As Qin Yan's gaze met Grandmother Xi's, the surprise and delight in the older woman's eyes were unmistakable. Grandmother Xi's face lit up with a genuine smile, and she approached Qin Yan with open arms.

"Well, well, look who's here!" Grandmother Xi exclaimed, her voice carrying a mixture of surprise and genuine happiness, "Yan Yan, my dear, it's so wonderful to see you."

Qin Yan returned the smile, her own heart lifting at the warm reception, "Hello, Grandma Xi. I hope you're doing well."

Grandmother Xi enveloped her in a warm hug, the gesture conveying a depth of welcome that words couldn't express, "I'm doing better now that you're here. Thank you for coming, dear."

Qin Yan felt a sense of belonging wash over her as she embraced Grandmother Xi. The connection between them was more than just through Xi Ting; it was a genuine appreciation for each other's presence.

As they pulled away, Grandmother Xi held Qin Yan at arm's length, her eyes filled with affection. "You're like a breath of fresh air, Yan Yan."

Qin Yan's cheeks tinged with a touch of embarrassment; her heart warmed by the sincerity in Grandmother Xi's words, "I'm glad to be here. I wanted to help with the preparations for the banquet."

Qin Yan looked at the invitations and the list of names together with Grandma Xi.

After a while, Grandma Xi was about to go to the front to check on the other aspects of the banquet, so Qin Yan walked around on her own here.

The Xi family home looked just like a manor. Qin Yan found a place to sit down and a maid approached her to ask if she needed something to drink. She asked for fruit juice and took a few mouthfuls.

Throughout the day, as Qin Yan and Grandma Xi worked together. They also took breaks in between. Grandmother Xi's wisdom and warmth were a treasure and this made Qin Yan admire her very much.

By the time their tasks were complete, Grandmother Xi's smile remained constant. 

As Qin Yan prepared to leave, Grandmother Xi held her hands gently, "Yan Yan, the house turns lively when you come and we really like it. So, try to come often. Will you?"

Qin Yan nodded, her heart full, "Sure grandma."

And with that, Qin Yan left the Xi family home. 

After thinking about it on the way home, Qin Yan finally decided that she was definitely going to give Grandfather a present.

When Xi Ting returned, Qin Yan told him about it. He smiled and asked, "You're seriously not going to give up on it?"

Qin Yan said, "Don't put it like that. I just want to try."

"Then what will you give him?" Xi Ting asked, "Have you thought about anything?"

Qin Yan smiled mysteriously, "Yes, I've already thought about it."

Xi Ting looked at Qin Yan suspiciously. He didn't know what she was thinking but he knew that she would definitely not make a fool out of herself at the banquet party. Thus, he was not worried about her.

*

The day of the banquet arrived soon.

Early in the morning, the Moonlight villa was bustling with activity. The top styling team working for the Xi Corporation came to give Qin Yan a makeover.  0

Qin Yan sat peacefully in the chair, closed her eyes, and let the make-up artist work her face while listening to their incessant praise.

"Your skin is superb!"

"Your eyelashes are so long!"

"Your lips are so pink!"

After an hour, when Qin Yan opened her eyes, the person in the mirror had changed her appearance.

The makeup artist and stylist were tsking with amazement.

Qin Yan's skin was already fair and flawless, so there was no need for concealer at all, and the foundation used was also very light. Her eyes were drawn with eyeliner and were outlined, making them even larger.

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