Chapter 114: Birthday

For the past few days, Zeng Jia had been busy accompanying Zhong Zhiying, taking her everywhere. Zhao Weiqing, feeling increasingly forgotten, grew quite displeased. Initially, she hadn't worried about a girl she had just met, assuming her youth made her insignificant, but the developments of the last few days had shattered that naive assumption. Zhong Zhiying’s behavior left her increasingly bewildered, and the scent of jealousy was rising sharply within her.

Huang Ye, a classmate who had been pursuing Zhao Weiqing, noticed their apparent rift and sensed an opportunity. He took her to their usual haunt, a bar funded by the Academy’s Wealth Federation Association, which featured a brand-new interior design and two professional bartenders.

Huang Ye took a slow sip of his cocktail, watching with keen interest as the proud young lady threw darts in frustration. "Xiao Qing, the dartboard didn't do anything to you. Why are you so angry? Did you two have a fight?"

"Who has the time to fight with him? I just get furious whenever I see that little vixen glued to his side all day," Zhao Weiqing replied, flopping onto the sofa and downing her cocktail in one gulp.

Huang Ye watched her beautiful eyes with a smirk. "Do you want to teach her a lesson? Instead of throwing a tantrum here, you should fight for him. But you’re so concerned about your pride that you’re afraid to speak your mind. I can’t guarantee he won’t fall for that little vixen, though."

Zhao Weiqing realized he was calling her out for her pride, but in order to gain his help, she admitted, "You’re right. That guy is arrogant and confident, always playing it cool. I never know what he’s thinking; I just feel like I can’t break into his inner world."

"Actually, there is no heart that cannot be reached, unless the person is unwilling to let you into their world."

"Then how do I get him to open up?" Zhao Weiqing swallowed her anger, her focus shifting entirely to how she could win back the man she had set her sights on.

Huang Ye thought for a moment and began to analyze her problem with a serious expression. After all, a falling-out between them was ideal for him, and based on his investigation, Zeng Jia was not the type to act so ostentatiously. "From what I know, Zeng Jia is a slow-to-warm-up type. You could test him at your birthday party. If he is willing to invite you to dance in front of everyone, it means he has feelings for you. As long as you maintain the right balance, I believe he will open his heart to you. But I need you to cooperate with me—we have to make the performance convincing."

"I understand," Zhao Weiqing said, only half-grasping his meaning. She picked up two beers and toasted, "Cheers."

Soon after, Zeng Jia received an invitation to Zhao Weiqing’s birthday party. He had heard classmates talking about the major movements of Huang Ye from the Wealth Federation, and although he had no interest in birthday parties, he couldn't very well snub Weiqing. After some thought, he decided to bring the quirky and eccentric Zhong Zhiying along.

The banquet was held at the Zhao family estate. People of status arrived in droves to celebrate. As hosts, the Zhao family had decorated the grounds with lights, and a temporary stage had been erected in the center of the lawn. Under the glow of several spotlights, a middle-aged man appeared—Zhao Hongchang, Zhao Weiqing’s father and one of the real estate tycoons of Zhuhai.

Chen Jingfeng had also attended the event alongside Mr. Liang. Although Zeng Yilong had been invited, the busy man had merely sent an assistant with a gift. Chen Jingfeng found it strange that he couldn't spot Zeng Jia anywhere.

"Distinguished guests, welcome. Today is the birthday of my daughter, Xiao Qing. Eighteen years ago today, she entered this world, bringing joy to our family and color to our lives. We gather here today to wish her health and happiness. Now, let my daughter say a few words." Zhao Hongchang stepped off the stage, and the spotlights darted through the dark until they focused on Zhao Weiqing, who appeared in the center of the stage.

Under the gaze of the entire crowd, Zhao Weiqing, dressed in a white evening gown, walked gracefully to the center. Bathed in the spotlight, she appeared noble, mature, and deeply moving.

Many of the men and older gentlemen in attendance were stunned. Naturally, there were plenty of prominent figures present, as most of the guests were either business partners of Zhao Hongchang or individuals with powerful backgrounds, like Mr. Liang.

Zhao Weiqing delivered her rehearsed lines and hurried off the stage, immediately surrounded by chattering classmates. The lights on the lawn flared up, turning night into day. Hundreds of people began to dance to the music. On the far side of the lawn, buffet tables were laden with various foods. Chen Jingfeng, having nothing better to do, stood there eating with gusto, completely unconcerned with his image.

Zhao Weiqing was deeply unhappy that Zeng Jia hadn't arrived after such a long time. Seeing Chen Jingfeng sitting alone by the buffet, she walked over and demanded, "Chen Jingfeng, where is he?"

"Uh, he’s on his way. You know how bad the traffic is at night; try to be understanding!" Chen Jingfeng hesitated before making up a random excuse for Zeng Jia.

Seeing his reaction, she knew he was covering for him. If he hadn't arrived yet, it was surely because that vixen Zhong Zhiying was holding him back. "Forget it. I knew he loved sticking with that Zhong Zhiying."

Chen Jingfeng sensed the heavy scent of jealousy. Both of them were his friends, and he felt caught in the middle. Just then, Huang Ye approached Zhao Weiqing with a small box. Seeing her expression, he knew the result and felt a surge of delight. He gave her a wink and said politely, "Xiao Qing, Happy Birthday. I am honored to have received your sincere invitation."

"Thank you for coming to my party; the honor is mine."

"Xiao Qing, this is my gift for you. I hope you like it." Huang Ye opened the box to reveal a platinum necklace with an exquisite, sparkling diamond set in the center.

An ordinary girl might have shrieked with excitement, but Zhao Weiqing was well-versed in such things and didn't show much shock. A large part of her indifference was due to Zeng Jia’s absence. Since this was a scheme they had planned to stir up his jealousy, she couldn't show her true feelings, so she simply threw him a flirtatious look.

"Thank you." As she accepted the gift, Huang Ye elegantly helped her put the necklace on. The guests nearby watched their intimate interaction and smiled, saying nothing.