Rebirth from the Ashes - Chapter 653

Chapter 653: She Said She Was Going to Look for Toffeecito

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Li Yuan expressed his thanks before taking a glance at the girl. Soothing her soul with his gentle eyes, he held the umbrella and took off.

Time was on their side. He was grateful enough to be able to celebrate her birthday today. It would be pushing it to get all lovey-dovey in front of Uncle Shen and Aunt Shen.

It was not easy for Aunt Shen and Uncle Shen to go this far for his fair lady. Since they had made concessions, it was only fair that Li Yuan paid back the favor with utmost good faith.

The girl got the point and had been keeping an appropriate distance from him. She did not take too much to his side or it would make Uncle Shen unhappy.

Shen Xi begrudgingly watched his receding figure while snuffling. Since today was her birthday, she would certainly want to be kissed, hugged, and spoiled. Yet, nothing!

Shen Zhangqing was pleased. He was generous enough to leave his daughter in Li Yuan’s hand, but to pull a PDA-stunt in front of him, Li Yuan had better prove himself worthy first.

Nevertheless, Shen Zhangqing returned to the living room after a trip to the loo and found Shen Xi missing. With alarm bells ringing in his head, he asked, “Yuanxi, where’s your sister?”

Yu Yuanxi turned over. “Toffeecito ran off. She went to look for Toffeecito.”

Turning black in the face, Shen Zhangqing gnashed his teeth. “…”

Without another word, he made a beeline to the courtyard.

Yun Jinping stopped him. “Honey.”

It was normal for the couple to want some time alone, especially on Xixi’s birthday. Yun Jinping trusted Lil’ Li not to do anything out of line.

Yun Jinping and her husband were together since their younger days, so they should make an allowance for the children when the time called for it.

Watching as Shen Zhangqing was out for blood, Song Wenye hooked onto Yu Yuanxi’s arm and enviously whispered, “There really is a difference between a daughter and a son.”

Mr. and Mrs. Shen were happy the moment she and Yu Yuanxi announced their relationship. It was a heartwarming moment for Song Wenye when the parents told Yu Yuanxi to take care of her and not take advantage of her.

Yet, Mr. Shen called for strict mandates for Xixi’s relationship. He put Xixi’s safety first despite the boyfriend’s standing and influence in society.

Song Wenye’s parents would never do that. They did not care about whatever she did. Her parents gave no reaction, not even speaking pleasantries about bringing him home when she told them she had a boyfriend.

Frankly speaking, Song Wenye was envious of Xixi. She wished she had parents like Mr. and Mrs. Shen who would mess with Yu Yuanxi a little. It was something she would like to see.

“How is it different?” Yu Yuanxi inquired.

“The son-in-law is the enemy, but the daughter-in-law makes them happy.” Song Wenye’s voice was muffled.

Yu Yuanxi smiled. It was true if he thought about it. Leaning forward, he drew close to her ear. “We’re meeting your grandpa tomorrow. Will he be like my dad?”

Her parents never met her emotional needs and had only provided for her financially. Be it going to school, dropping out of school, or going into showbiz; not one of them cared. She was jealous to see the relationship Xixi had with her parents.

However, she was lucky her grandfather was still around. According to her, her grandpa was a strict old pedant. Song Wenye cautioned Yu Yuanxi to be on his best behavior.

“My grandpa won’t.” Song Wenye grinned. “He’s old now and my parents couldn’t care less about me. My grandpa just wants me to find someone I can rely on. He wants to check out if my boyfriend makes the cut.”

Ever since the day she became an adult, Grandpa had been nagging her to find someone suitable to test-drive the relationship and bring home for him to check out. Grandpa was afraid she would not be cared for or loved by should one day he were to depart.

“Talk to me about Grandpa. What should I do to make him happy?” Yu Yuanxi pulled her close and the pair walked out hand-in-hand. Once at the door, Yu Yuanxi wrapped a scarf around her tightly so that only her eyes and nose were visible.

“The fact that you’re a top student is good enough.” Tilting her head, Song Wenye looked adorable with her smiling eyes. “My grandpa loves those who strive for progress.”

However, Yu Yuanxi did not choose a career that could serve the nation, people, and humankind despite his good grades. Instead, he chose to enter showbiz and become an actor. Grandpa might bemoan that.

Many celebrities and actors in the entertainment line never finished their education. A top student like him was golden dust in the world of entertainment.

Only the talented hosts of China’s TV network were in the same class as him.

“Don’t lie to me.” Yu Yuanxi pulled her along to take strides ahead.

“If that doesn’t work, you can talk to him about your past. My grandpa will be compassionate to your poor plight.” Song Wenye put forth ideas. How was she supposed to know what Grandpa was going to do or say?

Yu Yuanxi fell deep into his thoughts. “It doesn’t seem nice to do so.”

Song Wenye chuckled. “How is it not nice? Sympathy points are still points in your favor.”

With the heavy snow and strong North wind in the background, the pair strolled the courtyard and chatted for a while.

It did not take long before Song Wenye dangled his hand and pointed at the opposite villa with curiosity. “What do you think Xixi and Toffeecito’s Dad are doing now?”

Yu Yuanxi shook his head. “I don’t know.”

Song Wenye suddenly got on her tiptoes and planted a kiss on Yu Yuanxi before swiftly backing away.

Yu Yuanxi clasped the back of her head to stop her from running away. With his clear eyes bearing flames, he closed the gap between them and drew inviting warm breaths through his articulation. His husky voice carried a frisky hint. “What are they doing?”

Clearing her throat, Song Wenye turned flush in the face. It was not known whether she was feeling stuffy from the scarf or that the bashfulness caught up to her. Her breathing was rushed. “You… You… Mr. and Mrs. Shen are here. Keep your hands to yourself.”

Yu Yuanxi seized her by the shoulder and spun her to hide behind a loquat tree. With her back against the tree, he leaned in to seal her lips. The heat rose around them, carrying his sweet murmurs. “They’re doing this.”

They embraced each other while the dancing snow fluffs fell upon them, adding a tantalizing factor in the air.

In the yard next door.

Shen Xi stayed put and held Toffeecito as she watched the man knit a pair of gloves. She held it together for a long time until she could not anymore. Shen Xi bitterly exclaimed, “Have you ever seen anyone who would make and give someone a birthday gift right there and then?”

“I am one.” Li Yuan did the last piece of needlework before taking out the knitting pin. He curled his finger at the girl. “Come and try them out.”

He had been knitting these gloves, but the fingers were on too tight. His fair lady said the gloves were a strain on her fingers, so he redid the needlework to loosen them up.

Sitting on the sofa, Shen Xi rested her chin on Toffecito’s head and refused to move.