"Once we have a kid in the future, we can celebrate their birthday like this. That way, they can have three birthdays and eat three birthday cakes a year."
Ning Anmiao's eyes crinkled into slits with a smile. "They can also make three wishes. It's such a good deal!"
She always knew how to count her blessings.
Lu Yan pursed his lips. Without realizing it, he started to envision the scene according to her description.
A family of three, gathered around a table, making wishes in front of a flickering candle.
Their child would be happy to have them as parents, and they would be proud and happy to have such a child.
Suddenly, he seemed to understand the meaning of having a child.
It wasn't just for Miao Miao.
It was also to make his life richer, more complete, and more meaningful.
He had taken the wrong paths before, so he wanted to use his own way to give his child a happy and fulfilling life.
The cake was delicious. Ning Anmiao cut a slice for him and one for herself. The outer coating was crispy, while the cake inside was soft. The overall taste was really good.
She was quite satisfied anyway.
Just as she was eating with her head down, Lu Yan said softly, "Miao Miao, I want to have a child."
"Huh?" Ning Anmiao looked up, eyeing him in confusion.
She was a bit surprised.
Lu Yan lowered his head and stroked the wedding ring on his finger. He said uncertainly, "I want to try being a father. But I'm not sure if I can do it well."
Since he achieved success, there hadn't been many times when he lacked confidence.
Winning Miao Miao back was one of them.
Now, having and raising a child was another.
Hearing this, Ning Anmiao was a bit overjoyed.
Regarding the matter of having a child, Lu Yan was afraid before, but now he was hesitant. At least it was progress.
"Don't put so much pressure on yourself, Lu Yan." Ning Anmiao looked at his solemn expression and couldn't help but be amused. "Normally, it's the women who have prenatal stress. Why are you more anxious than me?"
Lu Yan remained silent.
Knowing what he was worried about, Ning Anmiao dragged a chair and sat beside him. Her voice was soft. "No one asks you to be a perfect person. Whether you're playing the role of a boss, a husband, or an upcoming father, no one asks you to be perfect."
Her voice was gentle, like spring water moistening people's hearts. "Each of us comes to this world for the first time to experience life. Every step we take is a trial and error. And these trials and errors make our lives richer and more substantial. We only live once. There's no absolute right or wrong. As long as we do it seriously, there'll be no regrets."
Her consolation was effective and went straight to his heart.
Lu Yan's eyes flickered slightly as he met her tender eyes.
She was always like this.
Gentle yet powerful.
Time and time again, she pulled him out of the lonely darkness and led him towards the lighthouse full of light.
He couldn't help but lower his head and kiss her lips.
Both of their lips and teeth were filled with the sweetness of the cake, as well as a hint of bitterness lingering on the tip of their taste buds, lingering on and on.
He pressed his lips against hers, gently touching her nose. His voice was deep but full of emotion. "Thank you, Miao Miao."
...
After they finished the cake and took a short rest, seeing that it was almost time, Lu Yan was about to change his clothes and go out.
"Wait. I almost forgot the birthday gift." Ning Anmiao suddenly remembered something important and quickly walked into the bedroom.
When she came out, she was holding a dark blue sweater in her hand.
The style was very simple, just an over - the - head sweater. On closer inspection, there were even a few loose threads. It was a bit rough and didn't seem to be machine - made.
Lu Yan raised his eyebrows. "Custom - made?"
"Yeah, a loving customization." Ning Anmiao walked over and put it on him. Seeing that the size was about right, she nodded in satisfaction. "It fits perfectly."
Lu Yan looked down at the sweater on his body.
Although the stitches weren't tight enough, they were neat. The style was also quite ordinary. There was no novelty, but there was nothing wrong with it either.
He was still stuck on the four words she said. "What do you mean by 'loving customization'?"
"I knitted it for you with my own hands. Do you like it?" There was a smile in her eyes. "This is my first time knitting a sweater. You can't dislike it."
She specifically had a video call with Bai Jiaying and learned how to knit stitch by stitch.
If it weren't for Lu Yan's business trip, she really wouldn't have had the chance.
"First, you made a brooch for Jiang Zhou for the first time, and now you've knitted a sweater for me for the first time. You're really fair - handed."
... How annoying.
He really knew how to bring up the wrong topic. Ning Anmiao's smiling face immediately darkened. "If you don't like it, take it off and give it back to me. I haven't even knitted one for my dad yet."
Saying that, she was about to tug at the clothes on his body.
But the man didn't give her a chance. He immediately took a few steps back and wrapped his coat over the sweater. "Once a gift is given, there's no taking it back, right?"
"You don't like it anyway." Ning Anmiao pouted, feeling a bit sad.
Lu Yan slightly lowered his eyes. Seeing that the little girl was really angry, he changed his tune. "I didn't say I didn't like it."
He was a bit stubborn. If he didn't say he disliked it, it meant he liked it.
Ning Anmiao was too lazy to argue with him. She angrily went to the entrance to put on her shoes.
Lu Yan smiled and slowly followed her. Just as they were about to go out, Ning Anmiao exclaimed, "You're going to dinner wearing this?"
"Is it not good - looking?" He asked in return.
Of course, it wasn't that it wasn't good - looking.
Just looking at Lu Yan's appearance, he was definitely a first - rate good - looking man. Even though Ning Anmiao had met many fashion models, she had to admit that the man who made her heart flutter the most was still him.
It was just that he usually wore high - end custom - made or luxury brand clothes. Now, wearing an ordinary sweater, it somehow made him seem a bit shabby.
Lu Yan didn't care. He waved at her. "The car's here."
-
When they arrived at the restaurant, the others were already there. Ning Anmiao scanned the room and found that they were all familiar faces.
When they saw the two of them arrive, everyone in the room stood up and greeted them with smiles. "Lu Yan, Miao Miao, we've been waiting for you."
... A college reunion?
Ning Anmiao looked up curiously and glanced at the man beside her.
Lu Yan was smiling, as if he wasn't surprised at all. He nodded in acknowledgement to everyone.
She felt that this man had deliberately tricked her into coming.
"Where's Yanyan?" Ning Anmiao lowered her voice, still remembering the conversation in the study. "You weren't lying to me before, were you?"
"When have I ever lied to you?" Lu Yan lowered his head and whispered in her ear. "The business partner is next door. After we stay here for a while, I'll take you there."
The two were very close, looking like they were affectionately whispering to each other.
She had no choice but to compromise.
Facing these familiar - looking classmates, Ning Anmiao showed her usual gentle smile and sat down with Lu Yan.
In such an occasion, there was no shortage of boasting and praise. Especially Lu Yan and Ning Anmiao, they would naturally become the focus of everyone's attention.