Chapter 63: Tears of Regret from the Former Wife Lin Ran relentlessly flirted with Ye Fanzhi.

Next, Lin Ran quietly watched as his old classmates, one by one, presented Ye Fan Zhi with carefully chosen birthday gifts. The prices ranged from several thousand to tens of thousands.

Lin Ran regarded it with equanimity; in Ye Fan Zhi's social circle, giving birthday gifts worth thousands or even tens of thousands was equivalent to people in ordinary circles gifting items worth a few hundred. It was simply a matter of scale.

After everyone had given their gifts, Chen Bo took out the present he had prepared. "Fan Zhi, happy birthday. This is my gift to you."

"Thank you, Brother Bo!" Ye Fan Zhi took the gift box.

Lin Ran observed Ye Fan Zhi's attitude toward Chen Bo; it was the same as toward Sasa and the others—purely that of old friends. Lin Ran understood that Chen Bo nursed his secret crush with great caution, afraid Ye Fan Zhi might discover it and ruin their friendship.

In front of everyone, Ye Fan Zhi opened the box, revealing an exquisite, antique-style round fan.

Sasa exclaimed, "Wow, it's beautiful! Is this Su embroidery? Brother Bo, you really put your heart into it."

Chen Bo replied, "Fan Zhi likes these ornaments. I commissioned a master of Su embroidery to personally craft this double-sided embroidered fan. Fan Zhi, do you like this gift?"

Ye Fan Zhi was knowledgeable about Su embroidery. Double-sided embroidery was expensive, and the fan's pattern was very complex. On the handle, the name of a renowned Su embroidery master was inscribed. This little fan was worth at least fifty or sixty thousand, making it the most valuable gift received that day.

Lin Ran watched Ye Fan Zhi, curious how she would handle the situation.

"Brother Bo, thank you for this thoughtful gift. I appreciate it," Ye Fan Zhi said with a bright smile, and returned the gift to Chen Bo.

Chen Bo was stunned. "Fan Zhi, don't you like it?"

"I do," Ye Fan Zhi replied. "You're all my good friends, and I like every gift you've given. Among old classmates, small gifts are enough. This one is too expensive. If I accept it, it raises the bar for future reunions—who could afford such gifts then, right everyone?"

She deftly used the excuse of "raising the standard of gifts at class reunions" to politely decline the costly present.

Lin Ran found himself increasingly admiring Ye Fan Zhi; she truly knew how to speak.

Chen Bo protested, "Come on, I thought you didn't like it. Our friendship shouldn't be measured by the value of gifts. Since this fan is meant for your birthday, you must accept it. If you don't, you don't consider me an old classmate."

Sasa teased, "Brother Bo, are you intent on raising the standard for gifts? My birthday is next month, so measure up!"

Chen Bo laughed, "No problem. Whatever you like, I'll get it."

Sasa grinned, "I'll hold you to that—I won't go easy!"

"Fan Zhi, accept it," Chen Bo urged.

"Alright, Brother Bo, if you insist, I'd seem pretentious if I refused. I'll treasure every gift you give," Ye Fan Zhi conceded.

Chen Bo was relieved, then turned to Lin Ran. "Lin Ran, what did you prepare for Fan Zhi?"

Before Lin Ran could answer, Ye Fan Zhi quickly interjected, "Lin Ran just happened to run into us earlier and was invited last minute, so he didn't have time to prepare a gift. But he brought delicious durian for everyone to try."

When Lin Ran arrived, Ye Fan Zhi noticed he only carried the durian; naturally, he hadn't prepared a gift.

She had already helped him out, so Lin Ran glanced at the sky—it wasn't dark yet, not the right time to present his own gift—so he tacitly agreed.

"Thank you all for coming to my birthday party. I prepared return gifts for everyone—ta-dah!" Ye Fan Zhi took out several boxes and handed them out one by one.

"Mom and Dad, these are yours."

"Oh, we get gifts too?"

"Of course!"

"Ha ha ha, wonderful."

Ye Fan Zhi's parents accepted the gifts happily.

Now that Ye Fan Zhi was a principal, she had a salary, and in Shanghai she ran a high-end Hanfu studio, employing designers and managers. She did not seek quantity, only quality, with clients mainly from wealthy circles. She earned sixty to seventy thousand a month on average, sometimes over a hundred thousand for big orders, and this was just as a side business, not her main focus.

The circle determined the average earning level.

Ye Fan Zhi's circle consisted of heiresses and heirs; their business starting point was most people's ultimate career goal.

She handed out the gifts to everyone. The last box was a different color, clearly not from the same batch—it was a last-minute package.

"For you, Xiao Lin," Ye Fan Zhi said with a bright smile, handing it over.

Lin Ran smiled, "I didn't bring a gift, but I get one?"

"Gift or not, it doesn't matter. Just attending my birthday makes me happy," Ye Fan Zhi replied.

"Then I'll accept it," Lin Ran said.

"Open them and see if you like them," Ye Fan Zhi encouraged.

Everyone eagerly opened their little boxes. Inside was a hollowed-out gold bracelet for women.

Lou Shishi gasped, "Feels heavy—about as much as my fifty-gram gold pendant. You really went all out! At today's gold price, that's nearly thirty thousand, not including the processing fee."

Ye Fan Zhi replied, "They're all fifty grams, our latest model, designed by me. Gifts for everyone—please help spread the word!"

Lou Shishi pointed at Ye Fan Zhi with a laugh, "You sly fox, always with an ulterior motive. But never mind, I'll promote it for you later."

A male classmate asked, "Just women's styles? No men's?"

Ye Fan Zhi explained, "Guys usually don't wear gold bracelets, so I gave you the women's versions. You can give them to your future girlfriends."

The male classmate joked, "So to wear a bracelet, I need a girlfriend?"

Ye Fan Zhi laughed, "Time you found one."

He retorted, "What about you? Have you found a boyfriend?"

Ye Fan Zhi answered, "I'm single and not interested in dating yet."

Hearing this, Chen Bo's anxiety eased; it meant Ye Fan Zhi and Lin Ran were just ordinary friends, and his chances were still good.

"Alright, gift-giving is over. Time for barbecue! I spent all afternoon preparing the ingredients—no leftovers allowed, eat it all!" Ye Fan Zhi declared.

She picked up a skewer and handed it to Lin Ran. "Here, Xiao Lin."

"Thank you," Lin Ran replied.

Lou Shishi pouted, "Fan Zhi keeps handing skewers to Lin Ran, but not to us."

Ye Fan Zhi retorted, "Lin Ran is a new friend. You old pals are jealous? Come on, I'll give each of you one."

She warmly greeted her old classmates.

Lin Ran, though cheerful, was not the main character today. The others had endless topics as old classmates. Despite the system saying Ye Fan Zhi was his wife, Lin Ran never took it seriously; it was just a simulated future life. At present, his relationship with Ye Fan Zhi was only that of ordinary friends. So he spoke little, ate barbecue, drank, occasionally chatted with Ye Fan Zhi's parents about Shudu High School, but mostly watched Ye Fan Zhi and her classmates reminisce.

Time slipped by, night fell, and laughter echoed across the grassy lakeside.

When most had eaten their fill, a tall, handsome young man in a suit approached carrying a box. "Excuse me, which one is Mr. Ye?"

Ye's father said, "Here, it's me. Fan Zhi, you said you didn't want cake, but I thought no birthday is complete without one, so I ordered it for you."

Ye Fan Zhi smiled, "Dad, you really love me. This cake must've cost a lot?"

Father Ye replied, "As long as you're happy."

The young man began unpacking the box, explaining as he went. Inside was a black swan cake—the high-end product from Holiland Group, priced at 2,999 yuan.

On top, a small plaque read: "Happy birthday to my daughter."

Lin Ran remarked, "Hey, this cake is quite distinctive."

Chen Bo commented, "It's Holiland's Black Swan. Haven't you tried it?"

"No, but it looks delicious," Lin Ran replied candidly.

He made no pretense. He had never tasted it nor seen it before.

Lin Ran's circle was ordinary people; a birthday cake for three or four hundred was normal. Today was Ye Fan Zhi's birthday, and Lin Ran didn't feel inferior or negate his past just because her circle was full of wealthy heiresses.

A strong mind never feels inferior.

Ye Fan Zhi quite liked Lin Ran's confident character. "Let me tell you, Lin Ran is amazing. Graduated from Zhejiang University, made games and earned a lot during college, now invests in gaming—he's very accomplished."

Lin Ran laughed, "You're too kind. Little birthday star, you're the main character—it's your turn to make a wish."

Chen Bo thought, "A bumpkin who's never tasted Black Swan cake—how accomplished could he be? You can tell by his exposure; he can't make much money." Chen Bo had noticed their Rolex watches, but in their circle, luxury watches were commonplace. Lin Ran clearly bought his for appearances, for business.

He was annoyed at Lin Ran, but wasn't foolish enough to mock him at the birthday party—that would only make him disliked.

Father Ye lit the 22 candles, and Mother Ye placed a birthday hat on Ye Fan Zhi's head.

Lou Shishi cleared her throat, "One, two, three—start! Happy birthday to you…♪"

Ye Fan Zhi pressed her palms together, closed her eyes, and wished for everyone's health.

She opened her eyes and blew out the candles.

"Happy birthday—whoa whoa whoa!" Everyone applauded.

Ye Fan Zhi cut two slices of cake for her parents, then offered the third to Lin Ran. "Try it."

"Thank you," Lin Ran replied, eating the cake. "Yes, it's really good."

Ye Fan Zhi distributed the rest to her classmates, and with one small piece left, she put it on Lin Ran's plate. "Eat more."

Lin Ran smiled, "You keep giving me cake—I've eaten about six or seven hundred yuan's worth."

Ye Fan Zhi muttered, "It's nothing compared to you taking me out for my birthday—a presidential suite at twenty-one thousand, every minute worth several hundred."

Just then, Shishi reminded, "Fan Zhi, Fan Zhi, dog, dog, dog!"

Ye Fan Zhi looked down and saw a Labrador, drawn by the smell, sneaking bites of leftover barbecue.

"You like my barbecue too? Well, it's my birthday—these ribs are all yours," Ye Fan Zhi said, placing the disposable plate of ribs on the ground and preparing to pull the dog off the table.

The dog, thinking Ye Fan Zhi meant to hit it, bolted. Its paw caught the strap of Ye Fan Zhi's phone, and as it ran away, the strap slipped over its paw, dragging the phone along.

"Oh no, my phone! My phone!" Ye Fan Zhi chased after it.

The faster she chased, the faster the dog ran, until it reached the edge of the grass, saw Ye Fan Zhi still pursuing, and leaped into the lake, swimming away.

"Come back! My phone!" Ye Fan Zhi was frantic.

Lin Ran and the others rushed over.

Father Ye said, "Nothing to be done. I'll buy you a new one."

Ye Fan Zhi was anxious. "My phone has a lot of important files for the start of school. I don't know which ones are backed up to my computer."

Father Ye asked, "Do you know where it dropped?"

"I saw where it fell," Ye Fan Zhi replied, removing her shoes, ready to enter the water.

Her parents hurried to stop her. "It's too dangerous to swim at night."

Chen Bo quickly expressed concern. "Right, Fan Zhi. We know your files are important, but safety comes first. I'll call someone to retrieve it. It's so dark and deep—we're good swimmers but wouldn't dare go in. You shouldn't either."

Burp~

Lin Ran finally finished his cake.

Without another word, he took off his shoes, lifted his T-shirt, and tossed it aside.

Ye Fan Zhi turned and was startled to see Lin Ran shirtless.

"Lin Ran, what are you doing?"

"Here, if someone calls, just say yes. I'll fetch your phone," Lin Ran said, handing his phone to Ye Fan Zhi.

"No…" Ye Fan Zhi tried to stop him.

But Lin Ran was already at the shore, holding a waterproof flashlight, and dove in.

Splash~

He plunged straight into the water.

What the—!!!

Chen Bo was the most shocked. He had just said no one would dare go in, and Lin Ran jumped?

Everyone was startled by Lin Ran's actions.

Ye Fan Zhi fibbed, "Xiao Lin, swim back! I have backups on my computer."

Her earlier panic was understandable, but she didn't want someone risking themselves for a file.

"Lin Ran, come back!" Ye Fan Zhi called several times, but the water was calm. Lin Ran had already submerged.

She was beside herself with worry. If anything happened to Lin Ran, she'd be consumed with guilt.

Chen Bo wasn't concerned about Lin Ran's safety, only that Ye Fan Zhi was worried for another man—a sense of crisis he had never felt before.

If Lin Ran retrieved the phone, surely Ye Fan Zhi would be deeply moved.

A wicked thought arose—he hoped Lin Ran wouldn't find the phone.

Lin Ran was an excellent swimmer, a member of the school swim team.

He was not reckless; he'd only attempt retrieval if it was safe.

The spot Ye Fan Zhi had indicated was six or seven meters from shore, five or six meters deep. With his waterproof light, Lin Ran could see everything underwater.

"Lin Ran—" Ye Fan Zhi called out several more times, terrified.

She thought, if he comes back, she'll definitely scold him.

At that moment—

Lin Ran's phone rang. Ye Fan Zhi, too anxious to answer, kept watching the water.

Lou Shishi reminded her, "Fan Zhi, Lin Ran said to answer his calls."

Ye Fan Zhi remembered, and answered, voice choked. "Hello~"

Her gaze never left the water, worry written all over her.

A man's voice came from the other end. "Hello? Is Mr. Lin available?"

"He's not here. He told me to answer any calls," Ye Fan Zhi replied.

"Oh~~~ Are you Miss Ye Fan Zhi?"

"How do you know?"

"Hello, Miss Ye. Did Mr. Lin say anything?"

"He said if someone called, I should answer."

"Alright. Please look straight ahead. Mr. Lin's birthday gift for you is about to begin."

"!!!"

Ye Fan Zhi was confused.

Lin Ran had a gift prepared?

What kind of gift?

"Wow~" People relaxing by the shore began to cheer.

Lou Shishi excitedly shook Ye Fan Zhi's hand. "Fan Zhi, look across!"

Ye Fan Zhi gazed across the wide lake.

Under the night sky, scattered stars glittered. On the opposite shore, thousands of drones took flight, like fireflies rising into the darkness. They arranged themselves and soon formed a giant Kun fish swimming across the night sky, prompting everyone to raise their phones for photos and cheers.

With special sound effects, the Kun let out a low cry, swooped down, and swung its massive body toward the lake's surface. Just as it was about to touch the water, the drones scattered, as if the Kun dissolved into dust, transforming into a sky full of stars falling to earth.

The entire lake was illuminated by the glimmering drones, like a fairyland, captivating all the onlookers.

Ye Fan Zhi, however, couldn't enjoy the spectacle; she kept her eyes fixed on a certain spot in the lake, anxiously waiting for Lin Ran to resurface.

Next moment—

All the lights began to rise and converge, gradually forming a new image: a woman's graceful silhouette appeared above the lake, her reflection mirrored in the water.

Lou Shishi scratched her head. "That silhouette looks familiar—who is it?"

Chen Bo said casually, "Isn't that Fan Zhi?"

Lou Shishi replied, "Yes, it's Fan Zhi."

This!!!

Chen Bo was stunned. The drone show depicted Ye Fan Zhi—someone was making a grand gesture.

Such romance was clearly meant to win Ye Fan Zhi's heart.

Unfair!

"Fan Zhi, Fan Zhi, look—that's you!" Lou Shishi tugged at Ye Fan Zhi.

Ye Fan Zhi raised her head to the moonlit lake, seeing the stunning silhouette.

She was stunned—it was herself.

What was Xiao Lin up to?

Father and Mother Ye, seeing their daughter's silhouette displayed by drones, exchanged glances—was Xiao Lin courting their daughter?

Daring to do this—he must be pursuing her.

"!!!" Chen Bo was dumbfounded. Lin Ran had been silent all night, only to unleash such a surprise?

"Look, it's changing again," a child called from the shore.

Everyone turned their eyes to the night sky. The beauty's silhouette dissolved into drifting starlight, then gathered into another breathtaking image.

Beneath the moon, above the lake, thousands of drones formed a new design: an ethereal Hanfu fairy in flowing white, her stunning face radiant.

The fairy raised her hand, controlling the moon in the night sky.

She gazed at the moon, the moon illuminating her.

Below appeared a line of text—"Happy birthday, Ye Fan Zhi. May you be happy every day—Lin Ran."

Ye Fan Zhi covered her mouth, her beautiful eyes reflecting the moving scene.

She had received many gifts that day, each touching her, but now she realized how practical she'd been. Lin Ran's gift struck her deeply—it was truly moving.

What girl could resist such a heartfelt gesture?

"Mama, mama, it's that sister!" A child excitedly grabbed his mother's hand, recognizing Ye Fan Zhi.

Everyone looked from the Hanfu fairy above the lake to Ye Fan Zhi.

Envy surged.

All the girls felt it.

Lou Shishi declared, "Lin Ran is so, so, so good at this."

Sasa added, "This birthday gift is unforgettable. I'm so jealous!"

A male classmate patted Chen Bo's shoulder, sighing inwardly—Brother Bo, you were too cautious.

Look at Lin Ran's boldness.

He played his trump card.

You deserved to lose!

Chen Bo felt devastated, seeing Ye Fan Zhi so moved.

Then, a drone swept across the lake and stopped before Ye Fan Zhi, carrying a small gift box.

Hundreds of people in the park gathered to watch the drone birthday show, many offering birthday wishes to the young lady.

Father and Mother Ye smiled with pride; their daughter's birthday party had such a display and heartfelt wishes from strangers.

Ye Fan Zhi reached out her slender hand to take the box, opened it, and was once again moved—it was her phone, the one that had fallen into the lake.

Lou Shishi and Sasa exclaimed, "Wow, Lin Ran is pulling out all the stops!"

At this rate, what girl wouldn't want to fall in love?

Ordinary boys spend a long time courting a girl.

But…

A man who is wealthy, understands romance, knows how to win a woman's heart, can create atmosphere and stir emotions—such a man can dramatically shorten the time it takes to pursue a woman.

"Miss Ye~" At that moment, the crowd parted and a man carrying flowers approached. "Miss Ye, happy birthday. Tonight's drone show was arranged by Mr. Lin. This bouquet was pre-ordered by him. Your phone was retrieved by Mr. Lin and placed in the box for you. Please turn it on to check if it's damaged."

"Where is Lin Ran?" Ye Fan Zhi cared only about the man.

"Mr. Lin injured his foot while retrieving your phone and is resting on the shore," the man replied.

Hearing this, Ye Fan Zhi pushed through the crowd, running toward him.

Among those she passed was Chen Bo.

Chen Bo was dazed—Lin Ran hadn't just jumped into the lake, he'd jumped into Ye Fan Zhi's heart.

Ye Fan Zhi's twenty-second birthday gift from Lin Ran would never be surpassed in her lifetime.

Defeat. Chen Bo knew he had lost; ten years of secret affection, never confessed, and tonight he was utterly defeated, with no chance left.

By the lake—

"Ouch, ouch, gently, gently," Lin Ran sat shirtless on the shore as staff tended to his injured foot.

"Lin Ran!"

Suddenly, Ye Fan Zhi called out, breathless.

Lin Ran looked up and smiled, "Fan Zhi, check if your phone still works, and if your files are intact."

Even injured, he cared only about the files on her phone, not his wounds.

She was touched.

"That's not important," Ye Fan Zhi said, kneeling to look at the gash on his foot.

She was angry instead. "It's just files—was it worth it? What if something happened to you?"

"I'm a good swimmer, nothing would happen. Besides, the files matter to you—I had to retrieve it," Lin Ran replied.

She recalled his leap, the fairy's image under the night sky, and now his wounded foot.

"Let me do it," Ye Fan Zhi said, taking the bandage and tending to Lin Ran herself.

A tear slid down her cheek, falling onto the back of her hand.

[First wife's regretful tears achieved, reward: one hundred million!]

Perfect!

The staff said, "Mr. Lin, nothing serious, we'll leave you two alone."

Lin Ran replied, "Alright."

"Don't forget to settle the balance."

"Of course."

The staff hurried off, leaving the two together.

Lin Ran deliberately asked, "Fan Zhi, are you crying?"

"No, just got sand in my eye."

"Want me to blow it out?"

"No need. How much did it cost?"

"Cost?"

"The show."

"A hundred thousand or so."

"A hundred thousand? For ten minutes?"

"Yes."

"Did you get ripped off?"

"Probably not. If you think it's too short, I can have them perform every day for you."

"Oh."

Ye Fan Zhi tightened the bandage. "All done. Let me help you up."

"Hiss—" Lin Ran winced as she helped him. "I can only use one foot, the other is sprained. I'll just sit here. Go entertain your friends. I'll order a car and crawl from the grass to the road."

Ye Fan Zhi burst out laughing, amused by Lin Ran. "You attended my birthday, spent so much, got hurt—how can I leave you?"

She crouched down.

"What are you doing?" Lin Ran asked.

She patted her back. "I'll carry you out."

"No need—how can a girl carry a guy? That's embarrassing."

"Are you getting on or not?"

"I'm not."

Lin Ran firmly refused to let her carry him.

Too humiliating.

Ye Fan Zhi asserted, "I'm from Shu Dao Mountain!"

Lin Ran was startled, "Where did you learn that?"

"From your Shu Du school. Get on! One, two…"

"Alright, I'll let you carry me."

Lin Ran reluctantly climbed onto Ye Fan Zhi's back.

She held his thighs, stood up, shrugged her shoulders, and carried him along the lakeside grass under the night sky.

It was Lin Ran's first time being carried by a girl.

The sensation was strange.

"Fan Zhi, maybe you should put me down. So many people…"

"No way!"