Metaphysics was a strange thing—real to those who believed, nonsense to those who didn't. Yet with whispers everywhere and too many coincidences to ignore, no one wanted to risk crossing Song Qi Nian. People greeted her with careful smiles when they passed, leaving her cheeks tired from returning their pleasantries.
Song Qi Nian had expected to continue her work in the planning department, but that afternoon, Shen Chi Yan's WeChat message changed everything:
"Salary doubled. Come to the 18th floor. Now!"
Her heart skipped at "salary doubled," excitement lighting up her face.
When Miao Ziai heard the news, she latched onto Song Qi Nian, eyes brimming with tears. "First Yu Shu leaves, and now you're going to the 18th floor? What am I going to do here by myself?"
Song Qi Nian spent several minutes consoling her friend.
[You can visit me whenever you want. We'll still have lunch together.]
"Promise we'll stay best friends?"
[Always.]
Only then did Miao Ziai release her grip, watching sadly as Song Qi Nian left for the 18th floor.
The doubled salary had Song Qi Nian walking on air. Even Li Nanxun had set up a desk for her right outside Shen Chi Yan's office. The CEO's office kept her just as busy as the planning department had—maybe busier. She spent her days rushing from task to task, barely catching glimpses of Shen Chi Yan.
Before she knew it, May 20th arrived—her birthday, falling on a weekend this year. That morning, her phone buzzed constantly with birthday messages and digital red envelopes. Shen Ke Qin had even splurged on a designer bag for her.
"Dad's been watching me like a hawk lately - won't let me step foot outside. I can't make it to your birthday, but the moment he leaves town, we're going out to celebrate properly!"
Shen Ke Qin's father was a well-known lawyer, often away on business trips.
In his absence, Shen Ke Qin transformed into an unstoppable force of nature. But when he was home, her life turned into an endless series of lectures.
Her father, true to his reputation as a master of rhetoric, wouldn't stop until he'd spent three days and nights hammering his points home.
"By the way, did brother Chi Yan do anything special for your birthday?"
The question sent a familiar ache through Song Qi Nian's heart. Not only had he done nothing - she hadn't even caught a glimpse of him recently.
Three years of marriage, and not once had Shen Chi Yan remembered her birthday. Yet somehow, she still found herself hoping each year would be different.
[He's probably just caught up with work,] she replied.
"Work? Please. It's May 20th - he's probably showering Lin Qiu Tong with roses right now!"
The suspicion had been there in her own mind, but hearing it spoken aloud by Shen Ke Qin made it cut deeper.
Her chest constricted. She drew in a slow breath, willing herself to stay composed.
Of course he was with Lin Qiu Tong - that was normal now. Him remembering her birthday would have been the real shock.
Knock, knock, knock...
The sharp rapping at the door pulled her from her thoughts.
Zhang Qiaoqiao stood in the doorway when she opened it.
"Madam, the Young Master asked me to bring this to you. He said to put it on and go to Ozone Restaurant."
Song Qi Nian stood frozen, her mind struggling to accept this wasn't just another hopeful dream. Joy bloomed in her chest, warm and unexpected.
With trembling fingers, she lifted the lid off the box. Inside lay a dress in soft pink and white, covered in delicate rhinestones that caught the light. It was breathtaking - the kind of piece that stops you in your tracks.
The price tag must have been astronomical.
Song Qi Nian couldn't tear her eyes away, almost afraid to touch something so beautiful.
This was the first gift she'd ever received from Shen Chi Yan.
The dress was meant to be worn, after all. Not wanting to keep him waiting, Song Qi Nian quickly slipped it on and applied a light touch of makeup.
Her heart pounding, she messaged Shen Ke Qin, too happy to keep the news to herself.
Shen Ke Qin bombarded her with excited voice messages in return.
"Oh my god! Sis-in-law, you're absolutely gorgeous!"
[It's just the dress,] Song Qi Nian replied modestly.
"Please - even the prettiest dress needs the right person to wear it. I take back everything bad I've said about my brother. Who knew he had it in him? Ozone is the most exclusive rooftop restaurant in Jinghua City. You can see the Bund's fireworks display from there!"
Song Qi Nian couldn't help but smile, her spirits soaring.
"This is your chance, sis-in-law. If he's celebrating your birthday, it means he's starting to care. Work your magic and make him fall for you completely!"
Nervous energy coursed through her as she reminded herself: it was May 20th - her birthday. Shen Chi Yan choosing to invite her out had to mean something had shifted.
Her earlier doubts melted away. She hurried to catch a taxi to Ozone.
After years of silently loving him, this chance meant everything. She wasn't about to let it slip away.
When she reached the restaurant, Shen Chi Yan hadn't arrived yet. She found her table, pulled out her compact mirror, and checked her appearance one last time.
She wanted to look perfect for him.
Being May 20th, the restaurant was packed with couples.
Everywhere she turned, she saw displays of affection.
Watching them, she felt a mix of envy and hope.
When would she and Shen Chi Yan share moments like that - openly kissing, embracing, lost in their own world?
Time crept by. The clock showed 9:30, and outside, the fireworks had begun.
Meanwhile, Shen Chi Yan was racing to Ozone straight from his flight. Checking his watch, he figured Song Qi Nian must have already arrived.
If his grandmother hadn't kept calling, and if Song Qi Nian hadn't been so well-behaved lately, he wouldn't have bothered with her birthday at all.
Just a birthday, he told himself.
Book a restaurant, have dinner - how complicated could it be?
Yet even as these dismissive thoughts crossed his mind, Shen Chi Yan found himself wondering how Song Qi Nian would look in that pink and white dress.
Whatever else she lacked, her skin was perfect - so pale and delicate that the slightest touch would bring color to it.
Every time he looked at her, he felt compelled to mark that skin.
Seeing his marks on her fair, cool flesh gave him a strange satisfaction.
"Drive faster, Gao Kunlun!"
"Right away, sir!"
Catching Shen Chi Yan's reflection in the rearview mirror, Gao Kunlun had to hide a smile. He'd never seen Fifth Master so eager to meet anyone.
Had the young madam finally gotten under his skin?
Gao Kunlun pressed the accelerator, but when they were just ten kilometers from the restaurant, Shen Chi Yan's phone rang. His expression hardened when he saw it was the hospital.
He answered anyway. "Hello?"
"Mr. Shen, Miss Lin is awake!"
Shen Chi Yan's heart stopped. He snapped at Gao Kunlun, "Pull over!"
Startled, Gao Kunlun slammed the brakes, tires screaming against the road.
"Say that again!"
The doctor could barely contain his excitement. "It's incredible - Miss Lin has woken up after three years in a vegetative state. We're calling it a medical miracle!"
Shen Chi Yan gripped his phone, his face a storm of emotions.
"Fifth Master..."
He squeezed his eyes shut, then opened them with cold resolve. "Turn around. Take me to the hospital."
"But sir - the young madam is waiting!"
"I said turn around!"
In that moment, Shen Chi Yan knew - a thousand Song Qi Nians couldn't measure up to one Lin Qiu Tong.
Though it didn't sit right with him, Gao Kunlun knew better than to argue. He turned the car toward the hospital, his heart heavy.
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