“Pig, happy birthday to you!”
Those six words echoed in Ye Qingyi’s ears like a spell, lingering long after the fireworks had faded.
Though she wanted to scold him, her voice came out soft instead: “Why call me a pig?”
She was a little annoyed, but deep down, she loved it—so much so that her complaint sounded more like a coquettish whine.
Su Mo didn’t answer. Instead, he listened to the chatter around them.
“Looks like some prankster friend celebrating their buddy’s birthday. Hahaha, that’s brutal.”
“And they made the pig head so cute! Must be for a girl.”
“Who knows? Some grown men are into this stuff too. Kids these days, I don’t get it…”
Su Mo awkwardly licked his lips and stole a glance at Ye Qingyi. Seeing her smiling, he relaxed.
Complaining with her mouth, loving it in her heart.
Truthfully, any surprise from him would’ve made her happy.
Su Mo himself had never had a proper birthday celebration, so he had no idea what gift to give her. This was the best he could come up with.
Now that he thought about it… it was kinda lame.
And way too basic—what hadn’t a rich young miss like her seen before?
“So, uh…” The more he dwelled on it, the more awkward he felt. “The real gift isn’t actually this.”
Ye Qingyi noticed his embarrassment and inwardly rejoiced. “This is already great! I love it.”
“Really?” Su Mo suspected she was just saving his pride.
“Of course! You’re the first boy to ever take me to see fireworks. It’s so romantic—if other girls found out, they’d be crazy jealous.” Her tone brimmed with pride.
Even if she was just humoring him, Su Mo couldn’t help but feel thrilled.
“By the way, where’s that other gift you mentioned?” Ye Qingyi suddenly leaned in, wiggling her eyebrows mischievously.
Su Mo rolled his eyes. “You’ll get it. Too many eyes here—we’ll do it back at the room.”
“Okay! Then… can you grant me one tiny request first?” She checked the time and pouted. “Never mind, it’s past midnight. Not my birthday anymore.”
Su Mo saw right through her “playing hard to get” act but played along. “As long as it’s not too outrageous, I’ll indulge you. What kind of boyfriend would I be otherwise?”
Ye Qingyi clung to his arm, batting her lashes. “I’m eighteen now… so, will you wear the dress I bought you and take a photo with me?”
Su Mo stared at her sly grin. This was premeditated.
“…Fine. But just this once.”
“Hehe, you’re the best!”
“It’s just clothes and a photo.”
“So you’re not the best?”
“Uh… yes. Yes, I am.”
…..
The next day.
They arrived at a photo studio. The owner’s eyes lit up at the sight of them. “Couple photos?”
Su Mo nodded.
“Standard shoot, or…?” The photographer gestured vaguely, asking if they needed styling services.
“No need—we brought our own outfits.” They’d already packed their clothes beforehand.
After changing separately, Su Mo emerged to find Ye Qingyi waiting.
The photographer froze, then exhaled in awe. “Such beauty belongs in heaven—rarely do mortals grace my humble studio!”
Su Mo’s cheeks warmed as he gazed at his reflection. Even he was stunned by how dashing he looked.
Both wore traditional Hanfu, and their aura was undeniable:
One stood tall and heroic, a jade tree in the wind; the other was radiant, a peerless beauty with skin like snow and eyes that sparkled.
The photographer, ever professional, quickly adjusted.
“Young man, wrap your arm around her waist—like you’d carve out the skies for her. Make it seem like you can conquer the world.”
“Miss, gaze at him with devotion—like you’d grow old with him and never let go.”
“Sir, be firmer, not too gentle. Miss, soften up—be the delicate flower.”
“No laughing! This isn’t new to you. And—hey hey hey, boy, keep those hands to yourself!”
…..
After cycling through countless outfits, they finally left, satisfied.
That afternoon, they flew back to Tianyu City. At the airport exit, a middle-aged man with graying hair waved at them beside an old used car.
“That’s my dad. You’ve seen his photos—he’s easygoing.” Su Mo gave Ye Qingyi an encouraging nudge.
As they approached, Ye Qingyi immediately slipped into character: “Dad, is there room for me in that car?”
Su Wenjun glared. “You’re lucky I’m letting you in the house at all, and you want a seat?”
Su Mo stifled a laugh. Their “father-son” dynamic was surprisingly smooth—thanks to modern messaging apps allowing them to “rehearse” in advance.
But when Su Wenjun turned to Su Mo, his demeanor flipped 180 degrees. “You must be Qingyi! The trip must’ve been exhausting—here, have some warm water.”
Su Mo accepted it with a “Thank you,” and Su Wenjun beamed. “No need for thanks! Get in the car—it’s cold out.”
For the first time, Su Mo experienced being doted on. He remained polite, leaving no room for complaints.
“You two sit in the back. Passenger seat stays empty.”
“Okay, Uncle.”
“There’s snacks—all picked by Xiao Mo’s mom for you. Hungry? Help yourself. There’s milk too. The soda’s for Xiao Mo—that junk’s no good for you.”
Su Mo opened his mouth, then closed it.
Guess I’m not human anymore.
The drive home took over an hour. The entire way, Su Mo endured his father’s blatant favoritism—so extreme it was almost comical.
Beside him, Ye Qingyi was struggling not to burst out laughing.
…..
At the house, Su Mo’s mother waited at the door, a half-grown Chinese rural dog at her feet. His dad had picked up the stray while working out of town and named it “Little Su.”
The moment the dog saw Su Mo and Ye Qingyi, it bared its teeth, growling at the unfamiliar faces.
“Stupid mutt, that’s your brother and future sister-in-law! Stop barking!” Yu Xiaowen smacked its head, and it immediately quieted, wagging its tail as it studied its “brother and sister-in-law.”
Su Mo and Ye Qingyi exchanged glances, remembering the text from days ago:
“Xiao Mo, your dad brought you a little brother when he came home.”
Ye Qingyi had panicked, unsure how to break the news—until a photo arrived:
A dog.
Caption: “Well? Isn’t your little bro adorable?”
Some things never changed.