Four people indeed don’t make a lively crowd.

But who says a birthday must be bustling?

At Yang Qinghua’s level, if she wanted grandeur, it’s no exaggeration to say that having a whole trainload of people celebrate for her would be as easy as pie.

Liveliness is not everyone’s pursuit.

Being on the same wavelength is what matters.

Of course.

Boss Jiang’s position in this group is rather awkward, seeing as the others have decades of friendship, while he is obviously an outsider.

However, there’s a saying that makes sense.

When you’re out and about, your identity is defined by yourself.

Whether it’s awkward or not depends on how you interpret it.

The Cao siblings and Yang Qinghua’s gathering can’t be described as just a private party, calling it a family gathering wouldn’t even be an exaggeration.

But just as the birthday person said before.

His presence is crucial!

Without him, would the atmosphere be this joyful? This harmonious?

"The dishes are ready, please enjoy."

This "little canteen" treats all guests equally, or perhaps Yang Qinghua has been here many times and has never revealed her identity.

It’s said that in the Imperial City, a random brick could knock out a department head, but this place is dozens of miles away from the capital.

If I were the owner of this restaurant, I definitely wouldn’t expect a government official to come to dine here.

Beef hotpot.

Pan-fried white fish.

Braised chicken and pig intestines.

...

No exotic delicacies, just common dishes seen on people’s tables.

"What are these eggs?"

Jiang Chen didn’t consider himself an outsider at all, his eyes were drawn to the possible only distinctive yellow small eggs on the table.

"Why don’t you try it and see for yourself?"

With both her brother and sister present, Princess Cao was quite sensible and didn’t give someone an attitude, on the contrary, she was enthusiastic and initiated the conversation.

Jiang Chen picked up his chopsticks, took one, and popped it into his mouth, chewing slowly, realizing it was quite chewy with a faint creamy flavor, unsure if it was because of the cake he had earlier.

"How does it taste?"

Yang Qinghua asked.

"Can’t really tell."

"Haven’t had turtle eggs before?"

Cao Jinse said.

Jiang Chen naturally understood that she wasn’t being polite; before Teacher Cao’s arrival, she wasn’t like this at all.

Just like him.

Princess Cao was deliberately trying to liven up the atmosphere.

Hmm.

Caught in the middle, it must be quite tricky for her as a sister.

"These are turtle eggs?"

He wasn’t faking it; Jiang Chen had never eaten soft-shelled turtle eggs before.

It seemed a bit coarse.

"If you haven’t eaten them before, eat more. They’re very nutritious," Yang Qinghua teased.

Hmm.

He truly should replenish himself.

Although he managed to walk out of Fujiwara Reiki’s private residence that night, he was utterly drained.

Jiang Chen enthusiastically took two more.

"Professor Cao, care for a drink today?"

Yang Qinghua shifted her gaze to Cao Xiugo.

The seating arrangement was quite subtle.

Someone was sitting across from Princess Cao.

As the birthday celebrant, Yang Qinghua was seated across from Cao Xiugo.

"Today you’re the star, it’s up to you."

Laid-back.

Elegant.

The gentle smile made him seem like a true gentleman.

If Jiang Chen hadn’t heard about their history, he might really believe they were just simple childhood friends.

"Fair enough."

Yang Qinghua happily said, "Let’s have some beer, then."

"I’ll go get it."

Jiang Chen volunteered, getting up and heading out.

While he was grabbing the beer, Yang Qinghua looked at Cao Jinse, "He’s been very polite, let bygones be bygones."

This statement.

It’s not really meant for Cao Jinse.

In fact, it’s more likely directed at Cao Xiugo.

It shows that inviting Jiang Chen today wasn’t truly about using him as a tool; otherwise, how could she possibly speak up for him?

Whether Princess Cao has let it go is another story.

You should know.

The "three-day appointment" was actually set between Cao Xiugo and someone.

But what happened?

The person not only did not respond.

And today is the first time they’ve met since the three-day appointment.

As the elder brother, Cao Xiugo didn’t lose his temper on the spot, not even showing a hint of displeasure, which is rather impressive.

"I didn’t say anything."

Cao Jinse looked innocent, "I should thank him, otherwise, I wouldn’t have been promoted and got a pay raise so quickly."

Sarcastic?

No, not at all.

It’s clearly a veiled attempt to speak well of the guy who went out to get the beer.

Yang Qinghua smiled knowingly and said, "There’s no need to be that thankful. The biggest reason is still your personal capability." 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

"That might not be the case."

Cao Jinse turned her head to her indifferent brother, "My brother is also very capable, yet he still hasn’t been promoted to a full professor. Qinghua, you just called him professor, but that’s not accurate."

Even if it were a double act, Yang Qinghua as a partner couldn’t help but laugh, glancing at the man whose eyes and brows showed helplessness, and mercilessly said, "It’s not the school’s fault that your brother hasn’t been promoted. It’s only because your brother... lacks ambition."

Cao Jinse nodded in agreement, "Indeed. If I were my brother, I might have become a dean by now."

Cao Xiugo finally couldn’t take it anymore, "Enough with the banter. Let’s not go overboard with the bragging either."

"How did I brag?"

"How was it banter?"

The two women spoke simultaneously.

Indeed.

If it weren’t for someone, a male like Cao Xiugo probably wouldn’t have come.

Just then.

Jiang Chen came back in carrying a case of beer.

Such an important person carrying beer himself, indeed, not putting on airs at all.

"Thank you for the hard work."

Yang Qinghua said.

Someone really is indispensable.

Instantly changed the atmosphere in the room.

Jiang Chen smiled indifferently, personally carrying and opening the beer, and the first bottle wasn’t given to today’s birthday celebrant but perhaps out of convenience, was handed to Cao Xiugo, who was nearest to the door.