Chapter 24.2

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Qiao Ziman was touched, patting her on the shoulder. “You’re the best, my sister!”

She stood up, addressing the group. “Everyone, thank you so much for coming tonight. I’ve got something to take care of, so I’m heading out early. Eat and drink as much as you like—don’t be shy, order whatever you want! I’ll make up for it properly next time if I’ve been a bad host.”

With that, she made her exit, her mind already focused on finding Chi Yin.

Qiao Ziman grabbed the bottle from the table, filled her glass, and downed three shots in quick succession.

“Qiao Qiao, you’re the star tonight! If you leave, what are we supposed to do?”

“Yeah, what’s so urgent anyway?”

“What’s the deal? Tonight’s your birthday, so it’s your call! Don’t worry, I’m still here! I’ll drink with everyone—no one’s leaving sober!” Ji Yun raised her glass, then gave Qiao Ziman a gentle push on the back, urging her to go. She exchanged a quick glance with Tang Xiaoxiao, signaling her to cover for Qiao Ziman.

Though a bit confused, Tang Xiaoxiao nodded and jumped in, ready to help.

Qiao Ziman felt a surge of warmth in her heart, silently thanking her two best friends as she dashed out of the private room.

The late-night streets were almost deserted, with only a few scattered pedestrians. The shops had long since turned off their lights. Every now and then, a speeding car would break the stillness of the night.

Her figure cut through the quiet streets as she ran from one end of the street to the other, searching for an open cake shop, but there were none in sight.

As the clock inched closer to midnight, Qiao Ziman had a spark of inspiration and turned into a 24-hour convenience store. Five minutes later, she emerged, clutching a box of strawberry pie.

She sprinted all the way back home, her heart pounding wildly from the exertion. By the time she reached the door, her hands were trembling as she entered the passcode to unlock it.

With a soft “beep,” the door clicked open. Qiao Ziman immediately spotted the figure partially hidden in the shadows. Chi Yin’s long hair and red dress swayed gently in the night breeze, the pale moonlight casting a soft glow on her delicate profile. It was like a melancholic, solitary painting.

A wave of bittersweet emotion washed over Qiao Ziman, and she took a small step forward, calling out softly, “Chi Yin.”

Chi Yin turned her head, and when she saw Qiao Ziman, a smile spread across her face. The dim light in her eyes brightened with flickers of starlight. “You’re back?” Chi Yin swirled the red wine in her glass and asked, “Want to join me for a drink?”

“By the way, why are you back so early? Isn’t it not even midnight yet?”

Qiao Ziman held up the bag in her hand and replied honestly, “Didn’t we say we’d spend tonight together?”

Chi Yin’s eyes flickered with surprise, and her grip on the wine glass tightened ever so slightly. “So, you came back just to be with me?”

Qiao Ziman walked over, gently knocked on her forehead with her knuckle, and smiled. “And what if I did?”

“I promised you I’d be by your side whenever you needed me. I, Qiao Ziman, always keep my word.” She held up the bag. “I couldn’t find a cake, but I got a strawberry pie. The taste might be different, but the meaning is the same.”

Qiao Ziman grabbed two plates, carefully unwrapped two egg custard pies, and placed them neatly on the plates. She then washed a bowl of strawberries, arranged them, and set everything on the table. Once everything was in order, she sat down next to Chi Yin.

Chi Yin glanced at Qiao Ziman’s gentle profile and smiled, teasing, “You gave me strawberry pie last time, and now again today. I have to admit, it’s kind of special.”

“What’s special?” Qiao Ziman asked.

Chi Yin lightly bumped her shoulder. “Your way of cheering people up.”

Unexpectedly, Qiao Ziman didn’t argue back. She checked the time, pulled out the lighter she’d bought from the store, and started counting down. “Three, two, one.”

With a soft “click,” the lighter flickered to life, its flame dancing.

“Chi Yin, close your eyes and make a wish,” Qiao Ziman said as she closed her eyes first, making a heartfelt wish. “I wish that from today onward, Chi Yin will always be happy. You are not a burden, not a weight, and definitely not a problem. You’re my friend, Qiao Ziman’s friend. I hope that for every birthday from now on, we’ll be by each other’s side.”

She gave Chi Yin’s hand a gentle tug and urged, “Come on, make a wish.”

Chi Yin gazed at Qiao Ziman’s closed eyes with a deep, affectionate look, her voice soft as she whispered, “You too.”

Qiao Ziman’s eyes flew open. “What do you mean, ‘you too’? Don’t just copy me. Don’t you have any wishes of your own?”

Chi Yin tilted her chin slightly upward, as if in thought, her lips curving in a gentle smile.

“Actually, I do have one,” Chi Yin murmured, grabbing Qiao Ziman’s wrist and gently pulling her in. Qiao Ziman gasped in surprise as the lighter dropped to the ground with a crisp clatter. The next second, she found herself sitting in Chi Yin’s lap. Warm breath, tinged with the scent of wine, brushed against her ear.

“Let me hold you for a bit,” Chi Yin whispered.

Qiao Ziman turned her head slightly, trying to evade the breath that sent shivers down her spine. Slowly, she placed her hand on Chi Yin’s back, gently stroking it. “Feeling better now?”

“I’m fine, just a little dizzy,” Chi Yin responded.

Qiao Ziman: “???”

Dizzy? Did she drink too much? “How much did you drink?” Qiao Ziman asked.

Chi Yin held up her hand, indicating a tiny amount with her thumb and forefinger.

Qiao Ziman: “…” With that tolerance, it’s a good thing I didn’t let her drink earlier.

Chi Yin leaned in closer, and her warm lips grazed Qiao Ziman’s neck, sending a faint electric current through her.

Qiao Ziman’s voice trembled. “Let me help you get up and into bed.”

Chi Yin suddenly lifted her head, protesting, “No, it’s dirty. I want to take a shower.”

Right, I forgot she’s a clean freak, Qiao Ziman thought with a sigh. “Well, you can’t stay like this. You need to get up first, okay?”

Chi Yin thought for a moment and slowly replied, “I can’t. I can’t move.”

She then added with a mischievous glint in her eyes, “Maybe you could help me?”