Jiang Yumo might never forget her twentieth birthday.
With her most beloved person present and her closest friends around, all eight of them had come together again after graduating high school. As time went on, their opportunities to gather had become increasingly rare. There was always something or someone occupying their schedules. This time, however, Duan Ye had organized it. Several friends had managed to free up their time and traveled from Ningcheng to Yanjing to celebrate Jiang Yumo’s twentieth birthday.
Duan Ye naturally took the handbag from Jiang Yumo’s hand as he approached and then held her hand.
The eight of them gathered together, and there seemed to be an endless stream of conversations.
Zhao Zheng’s voice was particularly loud, causing the security guards downstairs to frequently glance their way. What was even more amusing was that Zhao Zheng had performed a rather cheesy bow to the security guard.
Duan Ye had reserved a private room well in advance, and the eight of them arrived in two taxis.
Today was Jiang Yumo’s special day, so naturally, the menu was tailored to her preferences. Jiang Yumo and Duan Ye huddled together, heads close as they discussed what dishes to order.
“Brother Duan!”
“Sister Mo!”
Guo Shichao called out to them.
Both of them instinctively looked across, and sure enough, Guo Shichao was holding a small camera, capturing a snapshot of them. He grinned and said, “Truly perfect! Speaking of it, do you both remember Sister Mo’s seventeenth birthday? It’s been three years in the blink of an eye, incredible.”
Seventeen years old.
Jiang Yumo felt a moment of trance. How could she forget that day?
It was on that day she realized she was a supporting character in a novel, and she learned about her future with Duan Ye.
But it was also on that day that she decided that even if they were to face a difficult future, she still wanted to start a relationship with Duan Ye.
Zhou Ji was somewhat dissatisfied. “What a shame, what a shame. Yuyu and I weren’t there for Sister’s seventeenth birthday. Isn’t that regretful?”
Jiang Yumo was accustomed to bantering with him. “Oh, come on! On my seventeenth birthday, I met Zhiyu. Zhiyu, isn’t that right? Do you remember?”
Whenever the Jiang Yumo and Zhou Ji argued, Ning Zhiyu and Duan Ye would stay silent, trying not to get involved in the ‘war.’
Now, though, Ning Zhiyu was being called out by Jiang Yumo. Ning Zhiyu could only muster up the courage and say, “I remember.”
Everything seemed to follow a predetermined path.
If she hadn’t witnessed that fireworks display firsthand, if she hadn’t seen the various interactions between Duan Ye and Yumo, she wasn’t sure if she would have thrown herself into a relationship without hesitation at such a young age.
“It’s so strange, even though three years have passed.” Yan Qing rinsed the dishes and chopsticks, sighing, “It still feels like it happened just yesterday.”
“It’s pretty good. Look, three years have passed, and we can still celebrate Yumo’s birthday.” Sun Mengting supported her chin with one hand and asked the others, “It’s been a while since we last met. Let’s catch up. How have you all been?”
Zhao Zheng waved his hand, “Just so-so. There’s not much to say about mine.”
“Indeed!” Guo Shichao patted Zhao Zheng on the shoulder, “Our Lao Zhao has really changed. He folds the blankets just like tofu blocks now.”
“Not like you, though.” Zhao Zheng pointed at Guo Shichao, “Xiao Guozi here is a resident singer at a bar, making quite a bit of money.”
Guo Shichao hadn’t been idle since the second semester of his freshman year. Perhaps due to boredom and friends not being around, he found a job to pursue his dream. He became a resident singer at a bar and even gained a small group of fans.
“Sir Military Advisor better treat us, then!” Zhou Ji took the opportunity to tease him, “This meal is not counted. It’s arranged by our Lao Duan as his girlfriend’s family member. If we really ask you to foot the bill, you wouldn’t dare. How about this, tomorrow, tomorrow you treat us.”
Guo Shichao said, “Sure, do you even know how much you’ve run up in tabs at my place? Give me the money first, and I’ll immediately treat you. This isn’t a joke.”
Zhou Ji : “…”
Indeed, in these two years, he had arguments with Ning Zhiyu as well, but they were all trivial matters. Every time he would have heart-to-heart talks with Guo Shichao.
“What about you guys?” Zhou Ji forcefully and stiffly shifted the topic, looking at the other two girls.
“Me?” Yan Qing shook her head, “Pretty boring. Let me tell you something really outlandish. My cousin actually wants to introduce me to someone. Can you believe it? I’m only twenty!”
Zhao Zheng, who was initially smiling, restrained his grin upon hearing this.
Guo Shichao glanced at Zhao Zheng and asked Yan Qing, “You’re going on blind dates at twenty? That’s something. Did you agree?”
Yan Qing widened her eyes, “How is that even possible! Both my Dad and Mom flat-out refused. They said I’m still young. But I’ve heard them discussing it in private. They hope I won’t find someone from outside the city. Ideally, after graduating, I should come back to Ningcheng, get a teaching job, and stay by their side for a lifetime. What’s up with parents? Before we turn eighteen, they can’t wait for us to talk less with the opposite sex. After eighteen, bang, they want us to find a perfect partner!”
Not from outside the city.
Zhao Zheng’s expression softened a bit.
“It’s really annoying.” Jiang Yumo nodded too, “Still too early for that. But when I first started classes here, a very enthusiastic student’s parent wanted to introduce a boyfriend to me.”
Zhao Zheng looked at Duan Ye, “No way, Brother Duan didn’t react?”
Seizing the chance to tease, Zhou Ji said, “How is that even possible? I’m telling you, Lao Duan was nearly driven crazy. Those days he was acting like he was possessed, working hard as if his life depended on it.”
Duan Ye casually glanced at Zhou Ji, which could be considered a warning.
Zhou Ji made a gesture, “Alright, Brother, I won’t expose your secrets.”
Jiang Yumo giggled and reached out, scratching the palm of Duan Ye’s hand under the table.
Their expressions remained the same, but no one knew about the scene under the table.
“Speaking of which, in the past twenty years, there haven’t been many people I admire,” Zhao Zheng said, “Brother Duan is definitely the first. Look at this, in such a short time, he’s already bought a house.”
Indeed, Duan Ye had been working relentlessly for the past two years.
Of course, with effort comes reward, especially in the past year. Duan Ye and Zhou Ji had completed several small projects, and at the beginning of the year, they successfully closed a deal. With money in hand, Duan Ye didn’t listen to Zhou Ji’s advice to buy a car. Instead, he spent a long time in Yanjing with Jiang Yumo and finally settled on a house. The house wasn’t large, with only three compact rooms. Over the past two years, Duan Ye had honed his skills in the industry and had a sharper vision than some real estate agents. He spotted this property, and not long ago, he and Jiang Yumo had signed the purchase contract.
After paying the down payment, Duan Ye’s wallet was empty once again.
“I think the property prices here are so high, much higher than in the provincial capital, like two or three times,” Sun Mengting said. “But, Yumo, are you really going to stay here?”
Jiang Yumo shook her head, “It’s hard to say. Two Senior Sisters want me to join them and start a dance class in the future. My parents would prefer me to join a dance troupe, because of the stability it offers. But there’s no rush, we’ll see next year.”
Duan Ye spoke up, “It’s what Uncle and Aunt think. They discussed it with my Mom and feel it’s better to buy a house here.”
Ever since they bought a house in the provincial capital, Mother Jiang had become quite obsessed with buying property. If they had enough money, she would have wanted to buy another one.
When Duan Ye mentioned buying a house, Mother Jiang was extremely enthusiastic. After both kids had found their paths, Mother Jiang and Duan Ye’s mother had even become mahjong buddies. After long discussions, they finally decided to buy a house in Yanjing!
Yan Qing nodded thoughtfully, “It’s probably better to listen to them. But it makes sense. Since Yumo already has a house in the provincial capital, rather than buying there, it’s better to buy here in Yanjing. Even if you don’t live here, you can rent it out. Look, how many out-of-towners are floating around here.”
Zhou Ji listened silently.
He truly wasn’t envious, really.
It was just about finding one’s path…
It seemed that now everyone believed that Duan Ye and Jiang Yumo would definitely take that final step, even their parents thought so.
He really wasn’t envious 🙃
Duan Ye and Zhou Ji started a company together. Of course, the company was currently very small, apart from the two of them, there was only a middle-aged lady in charge of finance. The company’s name was chosen by Jiang Yumo and Ning Zhiyu by drawing lots, each picking a character to form the name.
Jiang Yumo drew ‘Qi,’ while Ning Zhiyu drew ‘Da.’
These two guys, in a very childish manner, had a battle over which character should come first. The result was not suspenseful at all, and they named their company ‘Qi Da1.’
Due to their shallow foundation, up until now, they haven’t been able to secure major projects. Instead, they’ve managed to obtain several abandoned housing complexes at very favorable terms, tagging along with a few bosses who made big profits while they made smaller ones. By the end of this year, one of these properties is set to reopen. Even though plans to relocate a school there are still under discussion, this property has garnered widespread attention.
It’s possible that Zhou Chenglei has been subtly supporting them behind the scenes. Their company is running smoothly, and in the latter half of this year, they’re preparing for a slightly larger project next year.
“Happy birthday, Sister Mo!”
“Happy birthday, Yumo darling!”
Amidst everyone’s well-wishes, Duan Ye turned off the lights in the private room, and the birthday cake had candles shaped like the number 20.
Jiang Yumo clasped her hands together, with Duan Ye by her side. She opened her eyes and looked at him, then quickly closed them.
Her birthday wishes were almost the same every year, but since her seventeenth birthday, she had been a bit greedy, making an extra wish. That is, even in the original plot’s world, everyone from their group was doing well!
After finishing dinner, the eight of them headed to the Jade Garden.
As Zhou Ji swiped his fingerprint to open the door, he complained crazily, “I’ve connected two rooms long ago, bought eight computers, and you guys stood me up for two years. Doesn’t your conscience ache?”
Back then, all eight of them had agreed to come to Yanjing after the college entrance exams. But due to various reasons, it was delayed until this year that they finally gathered to admire Zhou Ji’s luxurious mansion.
Sure enough, Zhou Ji had connected two rooms.
It had almost turned into a small family internet café, with eight cool-looking computers. The girls’ computers had even been customized to have rainbow-colored lights, paired with comfortable computer chairs.
In addition, there was a cabinet in the room dedicated to snacks.
For those addicted to the internet, this was heaven.
The four girls weren’t particularly interested in playing games. After thoroughly exploring Zhou Ji’s mansion, they agreed to go out for a walk and shopping.
Duan Ye and Zhou Ji were both worried and wanted to follow, but they were forcefully stopped by Yan Qing and Sun Mengting.
“We four haven’t chatted in a long time. Come on, Brother Duan, please, can you lend us your Teacher Xiao Jiang for a little while?”
Zhou Ji was speechless, “Haven’t chatted in a long time? I see your chat group has at least a few hundred messages every day!”
Yan Qing rolled her eyes, “Chatting on the phone can’t compare to face-to-face conversations. Seriously, Zhou Ji, be more mature and stop being so clingy.”
Ning Zhiyu gave Zhou Ji a signal.
Zhou Ji could only step aside, reluctantly watching his girlfriend being taken away by those three girls.
Zhao Zheng came out looking for something to drink, and when he saw Zhou Ji and Duan Ye standing at the entrance, he nearly spat out his drink. He raised his voice to call Guo Shichao, “Military Advisor, come out quickly and see, we have two ‘Wife-watching Stones’ here!”
- 启(Qǐ) can be translated to start, begin, or initiate; while 达(Dá) can be translated to achieve, reach, or attain. ↩︎
Zhao Zheng will probably join the “Wife Watching Stone” club lmao