Because I Cannot Hurt You

On the other hand, the morning for the birthday boy wasn't so thrilling. Yunru woke up with a ghostly expression. His handsome face looked haggard and tired.

All because of Feng Xiao. The culprit didn't allow him to have a wink of sleep. Even for the last two days, Zizi didn't stop meeting him. He grimaced.

He got up in a bad mood and stepped out. He sat on a chair at the breakfast table, holding his head with his hands. 

Suddenly, he heard the sound of a cracker and Soo Enlai's cheery voice. "Happy Birthday!"

Yunru raised his head, dumbfounded. The confetti fell on him, and he was speechless. Soo Enlai smacked on his head. "As I had expected! You forgot your birthday!"

Yunru rapidly blinked his eyes. Just as Xinyi, it dawned on him too.

"Oh…"

But his expression didn't change much. "Nice…"

"What's with that flat response?" He whined. "It's Xinyi and your birthday. Show some enthusiasm! Don't act like an old man!"

Yunru pursed his lips. 

Whose fault is it? Princess has been hanging out with Feng Xiao. God knows what she saw in that ugly man…

But then he felt a little hopeful as he looked at his father. "Does Princess about today?"

His mouth twitched.

Soo Enlai didn't know if he should spill it or not. Will Yunru get suspicious of Zizi's plan?

"No. I think she would know. She has been living in Han villa with Xinyi, so she would know your birthday."

Yunru frowned. If Zizi knew about his birthday, then he had imagined that she would be bursting with excitement to wish him. But she wasn't even out of her room yet.

Soo Enlai grinned. "Hoho, are you expecting something from her?"

Yunru coughed and shrugged. "Nothing. It's just a birthday."

"Don't act like a tsundere. It's your first birthday with Zizi. Of course, you would want her to smother all her attention on you."

He snickered.

Attention? Isn't Feng Xiao getting all of that? Am I even in the list now? 

His heart felt sour at that thought. Now, he wondered if she would still head out today to meet him again.

They heard footsteps from the stairs and saw Zizi coming, all dressed up. "Zizi!"

Yunru quickly tugged at his shirt and whispered, "Even if Princess doesn't know about my birthday, don't tell or hint about it."

He coughed.

She already knows…

"Good morning!" Zizi cheerfully exclaimed. "Isn't it such a beautiful day today?"

Soo Enlai nodded. "Yes, yes!"

Yunru stared at her and waited for her to wish him.

But she just stood there.

His mouth twitched.

Then he anxiously asked, "Are you heading out somewhere?"

"Yes!"

He gritted his teeth. "With who?"

"Oh that friend about whom I told you last time."

So it's Feng Xiao again! That cursed bastard!

"...Are you really sure you wanna go out today?"

Zizi blinked. "Is there any problem?"

So Princess doesn't know…

He couldn't help but slightly feel disappointed. Her excitement was not because of his birthday but to meet Feng Xiao. Now, he felt even more bitter as if he was forced to drink some sour medicine. Except that it didn't bring any relief.

Where are my handcuffs!? 

He had an urge to lock her wrists with his handcuffs and force him to stay at home.

"There is no problem. Are you sure you are not forgetting something about today?"

Soo Enlai choked.

You just warned me not to hint anything to her, and now you are acting so suspicious yourself!

Zizi furrowed her brows and touched her chin, thinking hard. "Not really…"

Yunru pursed his lips.

Why did I even hope? Maybe now you remember only Feng Xiao's birthday…

He smiled. "Nothing. You... enjoy with your 'friend.' I will get ready for work."

Yunru turned and left.

Zizi let out a huge sigh of relief. "Phew. I thought he would catch me for sure!"

Soo Enlai gleamed. "No, no! Your acting was perfect. He wasn't suspicious at all."

"Haha he was trying to hint at his birthday, but I acted ignorant," she sighed, "I didn't like his expression...He looked disappointed."

He patted her shoulder. "Just for a few more hours. Once he sees what you have in store for him, he will forget all his grievances as if they never existed."

Her eyes sparkled in delight, and she nodded.

---

Yunru dragged his tired body to the station. But he found nobody inside. He frowned.

At least one or two officers were always present. But not today…

Have everybody taken a holiday together?

He didn't pay much attention and walked to his office, not before kicking Feng Xiao's table with his foot and cursing him to the depths.

Traitor!

He sat in his office and shuffled through the files. He worked for long hours without taking any break and without stepping out of his office. He wanted to completely drown himself in work until he forgot all about Zizi and Feng Xiao.

But he couldn't, and then he would sulk. In between, he had gotten wishes from all the gang, including Shuang.

'Happy Birthday.'

It was short, but Yunru could imagine how hard it must have been for her to send this small message, especially after how they had parted ways.

He smiled and replied. 'Thanks.'

Then he finally got up and stepped out, but he was shocked to see the station empty.

Ah?

He looked at the time, and it was 6.30 PM.

Was I working alone this whole time? How come there isn't a single soul working today? Was there some national holiday today I forgot?

Suddenly, all the officers barged in, and two of them subdued Yunru, locking his wrists at his back. He was so shocked that he couldn't even react.

"Hey! What are you doing?" He was speechless.

"Sorry, buddy. But we are here to kidnap you."

"..."

"Have you all lost it? What kidnap?"

"We have gotten orders."

His mouth twitched. "...Orders?"

"Yes. So come with us very quietly."

"Or?"

"Or we will tape your mouth shut."

"...."