Because I Cannot Hurt You

The next two days passed by in the blink of an eye, and it was already the morning of the twins' birthday.

Xinyi stretched her arms and opened her eyes when Siying suddenly jumped into her hug. "Mama!"

Xinyi widened her eyes and then chuckled. "Siying! You are excited so early in the morning."

Siying blushed and kissed her cheek. "It's because it's Mama's birthday!"

Xinyi blinked her eyes. It seemed to finally dawn on her.

Ahhh!

Siying said, "Why do you look so shocked? Mama, did you forget your birthday!?" He laughed. 

She sheepishly grinned. "I really did."

"That means you forgot Uncle Yunru's birthday too!" He giggled.

"I am pretty sure he must have forgotten about it too. Your Grandpa would be the one to remind him."

"Happy Birthday, Mama!" Siying nervously brought his gift for her. Xinyi beamed and found that it was a drawing he made of her. At the side, it was written, 'Happy Birthday, Mama! My Mama is the best Mama in the whole world! My Mama will live for a hundred years, and I will always take care of my Mama!'

Siying's drawing had certainly improved, and Xinyi's picture actually looked quite realistic. His message touched her. Her eyes teared up, and she hugged him. "Thank you, Siying. I really love your gift! It's so beautiful," she kissed his cheek.

Siying was elated with her praise.

Xinyi was about to step out when she saw a small note at the bedside table. She curiously took it, and it read,

'Roses are red, violets are blue, my dear beautiful wife, a very happy birthday to you.'

Xinyi laughed. It was silly, but it was cute.

'I know you must be laughing now. But this note isn't the end of your smile today. It will grow wider and wider as you see what I have stored for you…'

Her eyes twinkled in delight.

Wait...It means…

She recalled Zhiyuan's suspicious behavior until now, his occasional grinning at himself and avoiding her questions.

Is Zhiyuan planning a surprise for my birthday?

She felt her heart race in excitement. Now, she was sure why he acted so strange for these past few days.

'So don't miss me. I will be back for my birthday wife very soon.'

Xinyi was getting more and more curious about his surprise. She could hardly contain her happiness.

Outside, all the elders wished her too. Han Huizhong hugged her the hardest. Nobody would say that looked frail at that moment. Xinyi almost suffocated.

"My most favorite granddaughter-in-law," he pointed at the mountain of gifts and said, "Which one do you wanna open first?"

Xinyi wanted to faint. "Why so many gifts? Your blessings are enough-"

"Yeah, yeah. Don't be so boring," he snorted.

"..."

"They are not just from me. Your mother-in-law and father-in-law also have a hand in this. After all, it's been years since they celebrated your birthday with you."

Xia Liqin said, "Yes, Xinyi. Don't be shy. Everything is for you."

Han Tian said with displeasure. "That idiot son of mine. We wanted to throw a grand birthday banquet for you. But he said that there will be no party tonight! I don't know what the hell he has planned for you, but he wants you for the whole evening! That's unfair…" he mumbled.

Xinyi slightly coughed in embarrassment. "Don't be so sad. We will definitely have a party."

"I wanted it to be grand…"

Xinyi helplessly chuckled. Xia Liqin cleared her throat and spoke in a dry voice. "The children need this time for themselves. They don't have to think about elders."

Han Tian promptly got quiet after Xia Liqin indirectly scolded him not to make Xinyi feel guilty.

Xinyi was responding to Ah Cy and Liang's messages giving her their wishes when she got an incoming call from Liao Yuan. She excused herself.

"Yuan."

"Happy Birthday, Xinyi."

She smiled. "Thank you so much."

"I hope you don't mind me sending you a bouquet."

She coughed.

Thank God Zhiyuan isn't here…

"Of course not."

"Great. So.. when is the party tonight? I know Zhiyuan hates me, but it's your birthday banquet. So I hope I am invited," he shamelessly said.

She blinked. "Oh. There is no banquet today."

"Ah? Why not? I know you don't like parties that much, but come on. It's your birthday."

"No, no, that's not it. Actually, Zhiyuan wants to take me somewhere in the evening, most probably for a surprise. So there will be no party."

Xinyi hoped he didn't feel uncomfortable. She didn't know if he still felt any love for her, so…

"Oh. That's great. I am happy for you. Guess Zhiyuan has planned a grand surprise for you."

She smiled in embarrassment. But she sighed in relief. "Yeah…"

"Well, he should. You have suffered a lot with him. He should make him up to you. Best if he kowtows in front of you," he chuckled.

He didn't fail to snide a sarcastic comment true to his rivalry.

"Yuan…"

"Alright, alright. I am sorry. I won't make the birthday woman sad today. Please accept my bouquet when it arrives."

"Sure."

As she turned after the call hung up, she almost gasped in shock. "G-Grandpa! You scared me! Why are you standing so sneakily like that?"

Han Huizhong harrumphed. "Forget about me. Were you talking with that Liao boy?"

"Yes."

"For what?"

"...He just called to give his wishes."

"I heard something about a bouquet too."

Her brow twitched. "Well, yes. As a present, he is sending one-"

"Hah! We don't need his gifts! We don't want anything from the Liao family. Throw those flowers away."

"Don't be like that, Grandpa. It's just a bouquet."

Han Huizhong sneered. "Hopefully not scented with his feelings for you in those flowers."

She widened her eyes. "What?"

"I am old, but I am still sharp. Just because you don't tell me doesn't mean I cannot know. Why do you think Zhiyuan becomes so agitated when it comes to him? It's not just business rivalry, dear. That Liaos are nothing but a bunch of headaches! Let that bouquet come. I will show what happens if you eye my granddaughter-in-law!"

"...."