Chapter Sixty-Seven: Wan Qi Yi’s Grand Birthday Celebration

Early in the morning, Xuan Xuan was being dressed up by her father. She wore a lovely, elegant dress, and her long black hair was carefully arranged.

“Today is Grandpa’s birthday. There will be many guests at home. Xuan Xuan, you must be well-behaved and sensible,” Wan Qi Lianhao reminded her as he helped her wash up.

Xuan Xuan blinked. Was it really Grandpa’s birthday today?

After a moment’s thought, she remembered—her father had indeed told her about it a few days ago.

Wan Qi Yi’s grand birthday was quite an event, even within the Federation.

Especially since today marked Wan Qi Yi’s 360th birthday, a celebration of considerable significance.

No media or outsiders were present; even those who received invitations had filled the main hall of the Wan Qi family’s residence.

As evening approached, the Wan Qi household was bustling with people.

Xuan Xuan nestled in the corner of the sitting room, held in her father's arms, watching the stream of guests pass by.

A faint sentiment rose within her. Everyone smiled so happily, as if her father’s birthday brought them true joy. But how many of them were genuinely happy? Perhaps most secretly wished ill upon her father. In this imperial city, who could truly live without wearing a mask?

Xuan Xuan had no way of knowing what her father was thinking. She simply curled up lazily in his arms. The winter holidays had begun; students were free from school.

It was a rare treat not to have to rise early for a whole month, yet here she was, awakened by her father at dawn.

She held her father tightly. Lately, he had grown even busier, and the time he spent with her was growing scarce.

A warmth welled up in Wan Qi Lianhao’s heart. Xuan Xuan was becoming increasingly dependent on him, and more sensible by the day.

Xuan Xuan picked up a piece of jerky and stuffed it into her mouth. The best thing about birthdays was the abundance of delicious food—especially meat.

Wan Qi Lianhao’s expression darkened. She really shouldn’t be gaining weight like this.

Next year, she must begin physical training. She should have started at school already; all the others, like Wan Qi Weihao, had daily training courses. But since Xuan Xuan’s learning pace differed from the rest and she was still very young, she had only ever been a spectator at these classes.

But feeling her weight in his arms, Wan Qi Lianhao resolved that next year, she must begin her physical training.

Xuan Xuan had no inkling of the grim future awaiting her. Her attention was drawn to a young man nearby—red hair, red clothes, tall, with elegant, slightly upturned eyes and a pointed chin. He seemed familiar.

She studied him. So proud, so unruly, so flamboyant, so arrogant—who else could it be but Kuang Shao?

Carrying Xuan Xuan, Wan Qi Lianhao stepped out of the corner, having noticed Kuang Shao as well. The Kuang family had many collaborations with the Wan Qi family, especially in mecha engineering, though Kuang Shao did not personally involve himself in family business.

Still, Kuang Shao was the family’s sole heir.

Wan Qi Lianhao approached. “Young Master Kuang.”

“Third Young Master,” Kuang Shao responded, reining in his usual arrogance and adopting a more formal demeanor, for Wan Qi Lianhao was of an elder generation.

“No need for such formality. Xuan Xuan, this is Kuang Shao,” Wan Qi Lianhao said with a gentle smile. He paused, recalling that she had addressed Zhan Yu as 'brother' before. Kuang Shao and Zhan Yu had grown up together, so calling him 'Brother Shao' would not be inappropriate. “Call him Brother Shao.”

Xuan Xuan, lying in her father’s arms, turned away and refused. Kuang Shao didn’t deserve to be called brother—in fact, 'sister' would be more fitting.

Kuang Shao was unperturbed. “This little chubby girl is quite cute.”

“You’re the big fatty,” Xuan Xuan retorted, twisting in her father’s embrace and glaring at Kuang Shao, cheeks puffed in annoyance.

She knew he wasn’t a good person—she disliked him.

Kuang Shao just laughed, raising his eyebrows, a sly smile playing on his lips. His elegant eyes sparkled with mischief.

Xuan Xuan huffed softly. This man was even more bewitching in person than on the Star Network—truly a disaster for the nation. If only she had some transformation serum now, she’d love to see him humiliated.

Seeing that Kuang Shao didn’t mind, Wan Qi Lianhao nodded and rapped Xuan Xuan lightly on the head. “Xuan Xuan is still young, please don’t take it to heart, Young Master Kuang.”

Kuang Shao nodded in acknowledgment, then regarded the little girl more closely. No wonder Zhan Yu had denied any connection when Kuang Shao brought her up recently—this chubby little girl was worlds apart from the girl on the Star Network; no one would think to link the two.

Still, her eyes were just as clear and bright as those of the other Xuan Xuan.

Though he didn’t know what the other Xuan Xuan looked like, this child, though a bit plump, was undeniably adorable, her features as delicate as if carved from jade. She would surely grow into a beauty.

Perhaps Zhan Yu wouldn’t mind raising her after all?

Xuan Xuan curled her lip in disdain and looked away.

Wan Qi Lianhao’s expression changed. He glanced around, noticing that Yi Qiong and the others were missing, then recalled he’d sent them off on errands.

He handed Xuan Xuan over to Kuang Shao. “I’ll trouble you to look after Xuan Xuan for a moment, Young Master Kuang.”

Kuang Shao looked a bit awkward, but seeing Wan Qi Lianhao’s earnest expression, he accepted the child.

“Xuan Xuan, listen to Brother Shao. Daddy will be right back.” With that, Wan Qi Lianhao nodded to Kuang Shao and left.

As soon as Wan Qi Lianhao left, Kuang Shao found himself holding Xuan Xuan by the arms, unsure what to do. When Xuan Xuan wriggled, he panicked and held her even tighter.

Xuan Xuan glared at him with her big eyes—did he even know how to hold a child?

Kuang Shao was at a loss; he’d embraced countless beauties, but faced with this little girl, though also female, he had no idea where to put his hands. No matter how he held her, it felt wrong. He worried about hurting her—she looked so fragile. He tried several different holds, but none felt right.

Xuan Xuan grew impatient with all his fumbling. Not only was he holding her awkwardly, but he kept shifting his grip. She gave him a push and, taking advantage of his momentary looseness, jumped down and stomped out of the sitting room in a huff.

The guests were gathered in the main hall, which was on the first floor of the small building where Wan Qi Yi lived. Behind the hall was a large garden, where Tong Wan often planted flowers and herbs. The environment was pleasant, and Xuan Xuan loved it there. She often came to help Tong Wan tend the plants, which was a good way to pass the time. Tong Wan herself was a wood ability user, and in such an environment she felt at ease. Xuan Xuan enjoyed keeping her company, and the garden was rich in wood-element energy.