Grand Birthday Celebration

In a haze of confusion, her fair body stood out even more vividly against the deep purple sheets. The blue and purple marks scattered across her skin were evidence of last night’s wild passions, the fierce battle waged between them. Her dense lashes fluttered gently, and her slender form traced a graceful arc; a hiss escaped her lips as another wave of pain tore through her lower body. Finally, her beautiful eyes opened, and with a slight furrow of her brows, Rong Qing cursed the beast who had plowed her so relentlessly dozens of times in her mind.

She propped herself up weakly. The bedroom lights were adjusted to the perfect sleep setting, the air conditioning was warm and gentle, as if to guard against any trace of a cold. The chaos and madness of last night had been tidied away, leaving only a note on the bedside table:

Darling:
After you wake, eat some breakfast—the porridge is kept warm in the thermal box, make sure you’re full. I have matters to attend to at the family home for two days. Rest well, don’t overwork yourself, and wait for my return!

Rong Qing read the note with an impassive expression, pressed it under the bottom of her cup, and dragged her exhausted body into the bathroom. Warm water cascaded over her face, as if washing away sorrowful tears. Her ivory cheeks held a hint of melancholy, as though last night’s frenzy had drained the last of her strength.

Standing beneath the shower, through the misty steam, she saw her own cold and bewildered gaze reflected back. Her jet-black hair clung to her shoulders, and for the first time her thoughts were crystal clear.

Ling Tian, tomorrow marks the end of our three-month agreement.

The former head of the Huo family was celebrating his grand birthday, and the newspapers, media, and every noble and powerful family vied desperately for an invitation. This was not only a symbol of recognition by the Huo family, but also a rare opportunity to forge strong connections. Outside the Huo family manor, luxury cars lined up and were subjected to strict security checks. Guests came and went in a lively stream. This year, the Huo family broke their usual low profile, inviting not only the aristocrats and tycoons from the upper capital, but also granting the media coveted tickets for entry and photography—a rare privilege. Rumor had it that the Huo family intended to announce something major this year, hence the media’s unprecedented access.

Huo Ling Tian wore a silver-gray, bespoke suit, the royal blue cuffs gleaming brilliantly. His flawless physique gave the suit a striking presence, and his handsome, resolute features and fathomless eyes shone with even greater allure. His identity, status, and aura marked him as the new leader of the Huo family. Ling Tian appeared at the main entrance, greeting close friends of the Huo clan. The day before, the Huo family had made meticulous preparations, dispatching ample security from Yan Dong’s team to safeguard the manor, and thoroughly vetting suspicious individuals. The latest Huo defense system was fully activated; even a whiff of gunpowder or a gunfight within the estate would trigger an immediate lockdown. The flawless surveillance network highlighted the Huo family's immense wealth and power.

Today, the old master wore a vibrant red suit, a symbol of breaking with tradition, full of vigor as he strolled cheerfully through the manor, catching up with old friends. Back in his day, Huo Zhen was famed for his boldness—he once negotiated with the American imperialists, rifle in hand, and his legendary courage was unparalleled. Ling Tian squinted as he held his wine glass, chatting with friends, his domineering presence barely concealed. When he saw the old Huo leading his friends inside with a big smile, Ling Tian went forward to greet them.

“Old Wu, you’re as robust as ever,” Ling Tian addressed the man with the respect due to elders, yet even in front of Wu Tianxiong, the nearly fifty-year-old head of the Wu family, his commanding aura never faltered.

“Haha… I always said that this Huo lad was extraordinary, he’s certainly surpassed you. Look at how the Huo family has flourished under Ling Tian’s leadership these past few years!” Wu Tianxiong jested at the old Huo, but the envy in his eyes was unmistakable to both grandfather and grandson, seasoned as they were.

“This rascal, if only he could stay out of trouble for a day, he’d be better than me! Back when I snatched arms from the Americans, who knows where this brat even was,” Huo Zhen routinely belittled his grandson, but the pride and arrogance in his tone made Wu Tianxiong, who had once enjoyed his own glory days, flush with envy.

“Yuxin, weren’t you clamoring to come? Aren’t you going to greet your brother Ling Tian?” Unable to contain his jealousy, Old Wu brought his granddaughter forward to bolster his presence. Wu Yuxin, already a rare beauty among noble ladies, looked radiant and exquisite in her elaborate outfit and dazzling peach-pink gown. Standing beside Huo Ling Tian, she was not at all outshone by the young heir of the Huo family.

“Ling Tian,” Wu Yuxin greeted graciously, but the shy, sparkling glance she cast betrayed her heart.

Ling Tian responded only with a faint acknowledgment. Seeing his grandson about to slip away, Huo Zhen stepped in to mediate. “Who would have thought the little girl who used to follow Ling Tian around has grown into such a beauty now. I think she’d make a perfect match for our Ling Tian!”

“Haha, I was thinking the same. A marriage between our families would be splendid!” Wu Tianxiong said with a hearty laugh.

Huo Zhen was well aware of the old fox’s intentions. The Wu family had suffered a decline in talent in recent years; none of his sons amounted to much, and at his advanced age he still had to personally oversee the family’s affairs. The Wu clan had been on a downward slope for years, and unless they could form a powerful alliance, their demise was inevitable. Still, Yuxin was a fine child, and letting the Wu family bask in the Huo family’s glory was no harm.

Unfortunately, the two old men’s schemes were nothing but wishful thinking; the parties involved were unwilling, and their ambitions were futile. “Grandfather, Old Wu, you two enjoy your conversation, I have other matters to attend to,” Huo Ling Tian excused himself and left.

------Author’s note------
Collect, collect, collect, collect, collect, collect, collect