When Xu Youyou woke up in the morning, the other side of the bed was already empty and devoid of warmth. Since she had brought going abroad, their relationship seemed to have entered a freezing point. Mo Shenbai was not exactly ignoring her or giving her the cold shoulder. He still did what needed to be done and said what needed to be said, it was just that he was more callous than usual, hurting her feelings. He was also not as affectionate as before.

She checked her phone before getting out of bed and replied to a few messages on WeChat. Xu Jialu had sent her a red packet with 200 yuan on WeChat as usual, and Su Lanxu also sent her a red packet and a message wishing her a happy birthday She also received a voice message from Cheng Ying wishing her a happy birthday and reminded her to come back for lunch.

After replying to the messages, she finally got up to shower. Since she had classes in the morning, she went to the university first.

…

When Xu Youyou was about to leave after class, she was summoned by Kang Mingcheng.

Unsurprisingly, Kang Mingcheng asked if she had given any thought to going abroad.

Xu Youyou looked hesitant as she said, “I, I haven’t made up my mind yet…”

Kang Mingcheng said earnestly, “Time passes very quickly. You have to decide as soon as possible. This is related to your future. Don’t let your emotions get in the way. Otherwise, you’ll regret it in the future.”

Xu Youyou nodded. “I understand, Teacher Kang.”

Kang Mingcheng did not continue to persuade her. Instead, he brought a gift out from the back and handed it to her. “Happy birthday.”

Xu Youyou was stunned. “Teacher Kang, you didn’t have to prepare a gift for me.”

“You’re the student I’m proudest of. I hope that your future will be bright,” Kang Mingcheng said with a bright smile, “When you become famous, don’t forget about your teacher.”

Xu Youyou smiled shyly. “Don’t worry, teacher. I won’t forget you!”

…

When Xu Youyou arrived at the Xu family house, Aunt Pei had already prepared a sumptuous lunch.

This time, Cheng Ying gave her a trendy necklace while Xu Jianshu gave her money as usual.

Xu Youyou refused her father gently. “Dad, I have enough money to spend. You don’t have to give me money all the time.”

“There’s no such thing as having enough money to spend. You should spend as much as you can. Listen to me. I’m giving it to you so just accept it,” Xu Jianshu said seriously as he forced the card into her hand, “I know Mo Shenbai won’t treat you unfairly, but our family is quite well-off. Dad can afford to support you.”

Xu Youyou did not have a job. Xu Jianshu was worried that if she spent Mo Shenbai’s money, she would not be able to stand tall in the Mo family.

“I don’t spend his money. I’m earning money myself,” Xu Youyou explained.

Xu Jianshu patted his daughter’s head and said, “I know you’re very capable, but ultimately, you’re still a student now. You’re already so tired from studying; you don’t have to take on any part-time jobs. When you’re free, you should go out with your friends more. You should balance between study and rest.”

Xu Youyou knew she would not be able to refuse her father so she could only nod. “I understand, Dad.”

Xu Jianshu revealed a gratified smile on his face immediately.

After lunch, when Cheng Ying sent her out, she said, “It’s your birthday today. Did Mo Shenbai say how he’s going to celebrate it with you?”

“He has work during the day so we’ll be celebrating at night,” Xu Youyou said. She did not want her mother to worry so she told a white lie. In fact, Mo Shenbai did not say he would celebrate her birthday at all.

Cheng Ying nodded. “That’s good.”

Before Xu Youyou got into the car, she said to Cheng Ying, “Mom, what do you think about me going abroad to study?”

Cheng Ying’s expression turned anxious immediately. “Go abroad? Where?”

“Paris,” Xu Youyou replied.

Unexpectedly, Cheng Ying did not reject Xu Youyou. Instead, she thought about it for a moment before she said softly, “Parents don’t want their children to be too far away from them, especially when you’re a girl. However…” She paused before she continued to say, “Times are different now. Women are becoming more and more independent. They have their own thoughts and dreams. You should have your own dreams as well. Mom and Dad won’t stop you from pursuing your dreams, and you don’t have to worry about money as well. Mom and Dad will definitely support you with everything that we have.”

Xu Youyou’s eyes brimmed with tears immediately. She took the initiative to hug her mother and said, “Thank you, Mom!”

…

When Xu Youyou returned to Moon Pavilion, Mo Shenbai was not home.

The butler brought the things that Cheng Ying gave Xu Youyou out of the car and asked, “Madam, why are you back so early today?”

“I don’t have classes in the afternoon so I came back after having lunch with my parents,” Xu Youyou said. Then, she could not help but ask, “Did Mr. Bai call home?”

The butler shook his head. “Madam, is there something you need? Do you need me to call Sir?”

Xu Youyou shook her head before she went upstairs to change. She spent the whole afternoon in the room reading about the Paris Academy of Fine Arts. When evening came, she heard a commotion downstairs. She assumed that Mo Shenbai had returned so she rushed downstairs without even locking her iPad.

However, when she arrived downstairs, she only saw Xu Jialu carrying Xie Yumu into the house. Yun Youwei walked next to Xu Jialu. The joy on her face vanished immediately when she saw that Mo Shenbai was nowhere to be found.

“Brother, why are you here?”

“Why didn’t you answer your phone?” Xu Jialu asked as he put Xie Yumu down. He looked up at her and asked, “Old Mo isn’t back yet?”

Xu Youyou shook her head before she invited them in.

Yun Youwei’s face was pale as she held a cake in her hand. “I heard from Xu Jialu that it’s your birthday today. I don’t know what to give you. Mumu picked this cake for you.”

“Thank you,” Xu Youyou said before she asked the butler to bring the cake to the kitchen and asked the maid to prepare tea.

Xu Jialu sat down and asked impatiently, “Old Mo didn’t leave work early to celebrate your birthday with you?”

Although Xu Youyou was disappointed, she did not show it. Instead, she defended Mo Shenbai by saying, “Perhaps, he has important matters to deal with.”

“Bullsh*t!” Xu Jialu said. He was a core executive in the company so he would know if there was anything important or urgent to deal with in the company. He said, “Son of a b*tch! I’m going to call him and scold him to death!”

Xu Jialu called Mo Shenbai, but he discovered Mo Shenbai’s phone was turned off. He frowned as his expression changed slightly. Then, he dialed Pei Chuan’s number. After a few moments, the call finally connected.

“Hello, Mr. Xu. How can I help you?”

“Where’s Mo Shenbai?” Xu Jialu asked directly.

“Chairman Mo has something important to do right now. Mr. Xu, can you call back later?”

After saying that, Pei Chuan did not give Xu Jialu a chance to speak before he quickly ended the call.

“F*ck! What are they up to?” Xu Jialu raised his hands and rubbed his temples. No matter how obtuse he usually was, he could still sense that something was amiss.

“What’s the matter?” Xu Youyou asked worriedly.

Xu Jialu returned to his senses and shook his head.

Yun Youwei waved her hand and called the mischievous Xie Yumu over. She told him to sit down before she said softly, “He’s like delayed due to work. When he’s done, he’ll definitely rush back to celebrate Youyou’s birthday.”

Xu Jialu’s slender fingers toyed with his phone silently, and his phoenix-shaped eyes were slightly narrowed. He looked as though he was lost in his thoughts.

Xu Youyou switched the topic and said, “Since you’re all here, let’s have dinner together. I’ll cook for everyone.”

Yun Youwei declined the invitation politely. “No need. I only accompanied Mumu here to give you the cake.”

Yun Youwei had already given up on marrying Mo Shenbai so there was no reason for her to stay any longer than necessary.

Xu Youyou looked at Xie Yumu and asked, “Mumu, don’t you want to eat the fried chicken I made?”

Xu Youyou was not certain if Mo Shenbai would come back, and she did not want to spend her birthday alone.