It was finally Sunday—my birthday!
We decorated my friend's house, laid out all the food, and waited for everyone to arrive.
Soon, the bell rang. Everyone came in with gifts and snacks.
But Manager Li looked a little awkward when she walked in.
> "What's wrong, Li?" I asked.
She subtly pointed behind her.
> "Xiang is here."
"Ohh…" I said, letting her walk inside.
I stepped out to look, but I didn't see anyone.
Just as I was about to close the door—bam!
Xiang pushed it open, not realizing I was standing right behind it.
I stumbled… and fell right into him.
He blushed.
And to my shock—he was dressed exactly like he looked three years ago.
The only thing missing was his bag.
And his scent… it was different.
Not in a bad way.
There was this strong trace of rose, mixed with his usual cologne.
It was… oddly nice.
Snapping out of my thoughts, I pushed him away and asked,
> "Why are you here?"
> "I'm your boss. I can come and go as I please. Don't block the way," he replied and walked past me like I was a door, not a person.
Then Assistant Gu entered behind him, carrying gifts and a cake.
> "These are from Xiang. Say thanks to him, Miss Ye," he said.
I blinked, stunned.
He was seriously starting to win my heart—bit by bit.
After closing the door with a smile, I went inside and received gifts from my friends and colleagues.
There were two cakes—one from my friends, and one from Xiang.
But on Xiang's cake, something caught my eye.
It was written just like… three years ago:
> "HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ZHOU YE"
(with a tiny smirk drawn in icing)
I looked at Xiang.
Then at my friends.
They looked just as confused.
I didn't know which cake to blow the candle on.
My friends gave me a subtle nod—they knew me too well.
So I blew out the candle on Xiang's cake first, then moved to the one my friends had prepared.
I cut both cakes equally and served everyone with a happy heart.
---
The party went on, filled with laughter and singing.
We each took turns, one by one.
When it was Mr. Gu's turn, he dramatically cleared his throat like some professional singer and gave us a performance that had everyone in stitches.
Then came Xiang's turn.
He chose a love song and sang with a seriousness that made my friends turn to me with wide eyes, all sending me silent signals.
I couldn't help but blush.
On the other side, Gu gave Xiang a big thumbs-up, clearly proud.
---
As the party wound down, I walked my colleagues to the door.
My friends, however, paused outside.
> "We have something to do. We'll come by tomorrow morning. Enjoy your night, girl."
> "Why are you leaving now?" I asked.
One of them glanced at Xiang and whispered,
> "Your so-called crush is waiting to talk to you. It's not really appropriate for us to be here."
I frowned.
> "Where will you stay?"
> "We'll crash at Ling's house tonight," she replied with a mischievous grin.
"Just keep us updated on the progress."
They waved goodbye and left, leaving me alone with him.
---
I sat down and started unwrapping the gifts my friends had given me, when Gu suddenly leaned in and whispered into Xiang's ear:
> "Xiang, my boy… this is your last chance. You'd better confess now, or you might never get a moment like this again."
He patted Xiang's back, then turned to me.
> "Miss Ye, I have to leave early," he said.
Then—he slipped slightly, flashed a guilty thumbs-up, and rushed out like he had just committed a theft.