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.............
The sound of the rain outside was a bit loud, as did the joyful hustle of Anran's birthday celebration in the hall not far away. But even in such a cacophony, Xu Enzhen still heard that soft call.
"Mom...?"
The call was hesitant. Soft. Unsure. And... longing.
Her body tensed almost instantly, her eyes widened in disbelief. Tears fell on Jian Xingsui's shoulders – she could hardly control her emotions, so she stepped back a little, trying to subdue her heart. She looked at Jian Xingsui with blurry vision. In her trembling voice, she asked, "I'm sorry, what did you say?"
Jian Xingsui was also a little surprised after murmuring that word.
Why would he say such a thing?
This was clearly Shen Xingchen's mother, he wasn't confused about that.
Was it really because he longed for his family so much in his heart, so he couldn't restrain himself after being treated gently...?
He was so ashamed and annoyed at himself. He didn't want to offend Madam Shen1She's married to the Shen family, so she is sometimes referred to by this title instead., so the youth had no choice but to bow his head embarrassedly, trying his best to lie, "I'm... I didn't say anything, maybe... uh... did you hear me wrong?"
Xu Enzhen herself was confused. Was she really misheard that longing, soft call?
Did she hear it wrong? She missed her youngest child so much, to the point of having hallucinations? This youth might have some similarities to her second son, but that... didn't justify using him as a substitute for her youngest son, right?
Xu Enzhen sighed inwardly. She was still a little bit lost and sad. She heard Jian Xingsui say softly, "However, Auntie, thank you very much for coming to celebrate my birthday with me today."
Jian Xingsui's voice was hoarse and stilted, as if the words were stuck in his throat. Still, he continued, "I, I am very happy."
After finished speaking, he lowered his head, not wanting Xu Enzhen to see his reddened eyes. He didn't want anyone to see his pathetic state.
But Xu Enzhen's heart was still soft and she held Jian Xingsui's hand. In a very gentle tone, she said, "You don't need to thank me, nor thank my son. A birthday celebration is a must for us, you're not making trouble or anything like that. If you don't dislike it, I will come to celebrate your birthday every year in the future, okay? And... and, you can still treat Xingchen as your own brother..."
Her voice was filled with maternal grace.
Soft, patient, kind.
After Jian Xingsui heard this sentence, the last line of defense in his heart seemed to have shattered to pieces. He nodded lightly, and at the same time, hot drops of tears fell from his cheeks.
He's so, so happy.
He never felt this happy before.
This familial warmth he craved for two lifetimes... felt so unreal. Did the happiness actually make him delusional? This must be a dream, produced by his desires that intoxicated his entire being.
But even in his wildest dream, he never dared to imagine his friend's mother treating him this well. After all, if his adopted family of twenty years and his biological family couldn't treat him nicely... why would a stranger do it?
Seeing Jian Xingsui silently crying like that, Ning Ze and Wen Shengge, who was not far away from the cake, brought Jian Xingsui a big slice to cheer him up, "Come on, let's eat the cake!"
Shen Xingchen also walked over slowly and said, "Finally I can eat, I'm really starving to death. Let me taste it first~ Oh, Mhmmm. Fu-ge, where did you buy this cake? It's so delicious! Next time, you can buy me one for my birthday too, hehehehe."
Fu Jinxiao smiled as he said bluntly, "You ordered a birthday present in advance?"
Shen Xingchen almost nodded. But then he realized, and immediately shook his head frantically.
How could this guy be so cunning!
He actually wanted to fool this young master with a birthday cake as his present? Bah, he doesn't want that! Birthday cakes are a given! Separated from gifts!
He knew very well that the Fu family was a real wealthy family, the kind that probably descended from aristocracy from centuries back. Even if Fu Jinxiao casually fooled him with things that are worth hundred thousands yuan every time, he wouldn't easily be fooled! This young master wasn't easy to bully, even if it's by the devil Fu Jinxiao himself!
Accompanied by this noisy group of people made him forget that his birthday party was only attended by a handful of people. It might be so, but that didn't diminish the sense of cheer they brought to him. As they were sharing the birthday cake, more people gradually came over.
Tuya was the first one to come over, and the blonde beauty smiled as she said in a cheerful tone, "Wow, I just guessed that you guys are throwing some kind of party behind my back! Am I not invited? So mean~"
Jian Xingsui looked at the newcomer in surprise, "Instructor Tuya?"
Tuya handed a gift box in her hand to Jian Xingsui, "I heard from the staff that today is your birthday, I hope I wasn't late to the party."
Jian Xingsui took the gift in disbelief. He wasn't expecting to receive even more gifts, so he could only bow and said, "Thank you very much, Instructor!"
The lady smiled and patted his head gently.
She had a good impression of this polite and serious boy. Truthfully, she had a lot of complaints about the different treatment between the two birthday boys by the crew, so she came over immediately after attending Anran's party. Besides, she was actually biased towards Jian Xingsui. Not that she would show it blatantly, though.
What Jian Xingsui didn't expect was that Tuya was just the first person to come from the main party. Slowly, other trainees also came over one after another. They actually heard about this occasion because of a hearsay from the staff.
"Suisui, you didn't tell us it was also your birthday."
"Wow, who cooked these foods? These are so unpalatable..."
"Of course we're coming for your birthday."
Jian Xingsui didn't expect everyone to come. Slowly but surely, the originally sparse classroom was filled by more and more people sneaking into his party to give him birthday blessings. Some even give him gifts. Many trainees chose to attend because they were helped in some way or another during the first or second stage, as Jian Xingsui was kind enough to fine-tune their musical arrangements. Many of them remembered this kindness in their hearts, so they immediately decided to come after asking around the staff about Jian Xingsui.
After the program group finished filming Anran's birthday party, many people chose to come here in a heartbeat. It was now very lively and full of people.
As for Anran, there were quite a lot of people arriving during the filming of the show. But after the filming ended, Anran found out something was wrong, because the previously lively bustle became more quiet. He could only see a handful of people sticking around, mostly people he regarded closer than a colleague. As for everyone else, they seemed to have gathered together in another place.
Anran and his family stood at a corner, and saw a classroom across suspiciously lively, with all kinds of laughter and shouts. Because it was dinner time, the cafeteria reopened, and many trainees who didn't have enough cakes went to the cafeteria to eat together. Because of special permission from the instructors and program crew, the meal was richer than usual.
Anran pointed to the cafeteria and said, "What happened here...?"
Xiao Mi, who had just been given a small piece of cake, came out of the cafeteria. He was a staff member, so Anran dared to grab him and ask.
Xiao Mi answered, "Oh, it's Suisui's birthday. Everyone is here to celebrate him."
Anran actually guessed it, but when the staff said that, he felt a little uncomfortable. It was because the cafeteria was really too lively, and the instructor who had just left early from his birthday also was here. Originally, Anran thought the instructors just had something else to do, and he didn't guess it was to gather around the birthday boy's main seat for dinner. Even the Movie Emperor Fu was there.
The thing is, at his birthday party, several other instructors at least went to show some politeness but Fu Jinxiao didn't show up at all. Everyone thought that Actor Fu was busy with work so he didn't come, but this time, Fu Jinxiao appeared by Jian Xingsui's side. All of the trainees could see it... isn't this equivalent to slapping himself in the face?
Jian Zhi also noticed it, and he was thoughtful, "The program team held two parties?"
Xiao Mi quickly denied, "No, no, the director team didn't arrange it, it was spontaneously done by the trainees."
"..."
Anran and his family fell silent again.
Anran's birthday was celebrated by everyone, as it was arranged by the program team thanks to Jian family's sponsorship. They even made it to a special segment for the show. But Jian Xingsui's birthday party was spontaneously organized by everyone out of their own will. There's no monetary incentive, but they did it anyway.
Doesn't this sound ironic? Doesn't it seem that he is not popular compared to Jian Xingsui?
Seeing that Anran was unhappy, Mr. Jian2Anran's father. It's actually "Father Jian" but that sounds awkward... snorted coldly, "What's spontaneous? Didn't he say that he was not feeling well? In actuality, he celebrated it with such fanfare. If he was well enough for a celebration, why didn't he at least congratulate Ranran?"
Jian He actually had cruller things he wanted to say, but he was aware that he's in public. He has always been a mature entrepreneur in front of other people, so he had an image to maintain.
Xiao Mi secretly overheard this sentence and was really stunned silent by this shameless rhetoric.
If this logic was followed and applied to Anran, then why didn't Anran go to congratulate Suisui? Why did Jian Kuo have the attitude and rhetoric about Suisui and feel sorry for Anran? Did Suisui owe their family?
"..."
It's really weird.
What a bunch of brain-dead family.
.............
After Jian Xingsui's spontaneous birthday celebration was over, most attendees left.
Jian Xingsui personally escorted some of them to the cafeteria's door, waving goodbyes at them. He was left with his roommates, a couple of instructors, and a handful of other trainees. After the lively celebration, it was clear that everyone's energy was exhausted, so they could only talk in a relatively low voice.
Not long after, Jian Xingsui received a notice from the program group.
It seems that... he had a special visitor. The Zhang couple came to visit him and were waiting in the guest hall. He didn't know if it was an illusion, but Jian Xingsui felt that the couple seemed to avoid the program group's activities every time. When he first came here, they felt very wary as they were here, as if they were afraid of being photographed by the camera.
During that time, he didn't think these details were important, so he shelved it.
But now, he could only guess why their behavior was that way.
However, seeing it's still his parents – no matter how estranged they might be – Jian Xingsui still went. At least, he must greet them, even if it's only to escort them out of the vicinity. He was still bound by filial piety, after all.
However, the difference from last time was... this time, he no longer harbored any unrealistic fantasies, nor did he feel that the couple really came to see him and not for Anran. He would be foolish to think otherwise. They definitely came for Anran's birthday, but might as well have greeted Jian Xingsui as they already came here.
"Suisui!"
After entering the guest hall, he heard a familiar call within a few steps.
Jian Xingsui stopped as he saw Mrs. Zhang ran towards him. She rushed to hold Jian Xingsui's hand, but Jian Xingsui gently avoided it out of pure reflex.
Mrs. Zhang froze in place, surprised by such a gesture.
Jian Xingsui, still in polite demeanor, spoke as if he didn't avoid Mrs. Zhang's gesture, "Does something happen at home?"
Zhang Xiangyang didn't see Jian Xingsui for a while, and for some reason, the youth looked much older and mature. He walked up to Jian Xingsui, and looked at the child in an odd look. The older man opened his mouth to speak, but hesitated. In the end, he didn't say anything.
Jian Xingsui asked again patiently, "What's the matter, is something wrong? Or do you need me with something?"
Zhang Xiangyang wanted to say something, but Mrs. Zhang pushed her husband away, and she spoke on his behalf, "There's nothing home, no need to worry. Besides, isn't today your birthday? We came especially to see you, we bought you gifts and a birthday cake."
Jian Xingsui was a little surprised to see that there was really a cake on the table not far away, and there was a neatly wrapped box next to it.
Unexpectedly, this couple actually seemed to be celebrating his birthday...?
No, there must be a hidden reason why.
After learning the previous lesson, Jian Xingsui would not be so easily fooled anymore. He hardened his heart and asked, "Do you need me to call Anran for you?"
Mrs. Zhang was taken aback by this youth's unexpected words. With disbelief in her tone, she asked in return, "Suisui, what do you mean?"
"No need to say anymore, I understand," Jian Xingsui mercilessly exposed them, "Isn't your main purpose to come to see Anran? Today is Anran's birthday, after all."
A guilty conscience flashed across the Zhang couple's eyes. But Mrs. Zhang immediately recovered, quickly smiled and said, "You child, what kind of nonsense are you talking about? How could it be because of this? Anran naturally has his current family to accompany him. Since he has returned to the Jian family, he will celebrate his birthday with his birth family. And as for you, you are our child, you have come to live at our house and celebrate your birthday together from now on."
Zhang Xiangyang also nodded, and the man said in a hoarse voice, "Listen to your mother. Happy birthday, my child."
"..."
The room was silent for a moment.
For a while, Jian Xingsui was a little confused about the true intention of his birth parents. Whether what they said was true or not, or what their true motives were.
Seeing that he was not moving nor talking, Mrs. Zhang quickly went to the sofa behind and took out a kraft paper bag out of the box, put it in front of Jian Xingsui and said, "My child, this is a birthday present for you. Look, it's from a famous brand. We specially bought it for you. I even went to a specialty store to buy it for you, so you won't get a fake one. And it does cost a lot of money."
Jian Xingsui saw Mrs. Zhang took out a set of clothes and shoes from the paper bag. It was a set of sportswear, complete with in-theme shoes. Seeing the distinctive logo displayed on the fabrics, it was definitely from a well-known sports brand.
He wasn't picky with his fashion choice. When he was still living in Jian family's house, he was considered a half-young master. With a fairly affluent family and a deep coffer, he was familiar with various luxury brands of clothes. And this set of sportswear bought by the Zhang couple was familiar to him at first glance. This was definitely considered quite luxurious for a middle-income family. It must cost quite a fortune.
Jian Xingsui suddenly felt a little ironic.
He could smell the stench of overcompensation from miles away.
"Really?" He felt wretched, he kinda hoped they were cheated with a well-made fake brand. He tried to control his tone, hoping it to be as neutral as possible, "You said it was sold in a specialty store?"
Mrs. Zhang thought he believed their words, so she said, "Uhm well, we bought it from a store in a big shopping mall. I'm confident they won't sell fake ones there."
"..."
Jian Xingsui looked at the things Mrs. Zhang was holding, and listening to her exaggerated words. He inexplicably felt that everything was numb, and he could only tune in with one ear open. During his dazed state, he thought of Xu Enzhen again.
This world was really strange. Some people you've met only a few times could treat you with all their heart and soul, give you everything you need with sincerity. While some other people were your biological parents, the ones sharing your blood, but their fake sincerity could be seen even by the blind. They would talk big, as if afraid of their "kindness" being misunderstood.
In the end, Jian Xingsui still had one question–
What exactly was love?
He didn't understand. All of its nature was mysterious, with unclear instructions. Sometimes it was given without any ulterior motives, but sometimes it was purely transactional.
He really... didn't understand.
Seeing him in a daze, Zhang Xiangyang tentatively asked, "Suisui, after this show ends, will you go home with us?"
Jian Xingsui recovered, and he replied: "I have my own plan for my future career. I won't go back there for the time being."
When he said that, Mrs. Zhang became anxious.
"Suisui, you have to go back, okay? Did you... dislike that study room? Yes, yes, Mother understands, don't worry. It is too small, very humid, and without an air conditioner. We already prepared Anra– I mean, another separate room, and you can live there comfortably when you go home," Mrs. Zhang's tone lowered, as if trying to comfort him, "And... if you need anything, just tell me or your father, and we will buy it for you."
Ah, so they actually knew... that living in that cramped study room was really uncomfortable?
At that time, it was very hot and humid. Anran's room was air-conditioned, but they were reluctant to let him live inside that deserted room. So instead, they pretended not to know how miserable it was to live inside that room.
If this was him before his rebirth, Jian Xingsui might have jumped with joy when he heard this. He would gobble up any scrap of kindness that was offered, even if it was laced with poison. But now, all he wanted was to give out a sarcastic smile and sneered at this very suspicious change of heart. However, he couldn't smile, not even moving his lips.
Mrs. Zhang still wanted to talk, but Jian Xingsui blocked her words: "No need."
"Since it wasn't mine in the first place, I don't want it either." Jian Xingsui raised his head and looked at the two people in front of him. Inside his beautiful pair of deep brown eyes, there was only calmness and acceptance. "Don't worry about it, since I came here to participate in the program, after I leave, I have never thought about going back there to live again."
Mrs. Zhang's heart sank, "Suisui, what are you talking about?"
Most of the time, Jian Xingsui was a very talkative child. But once he figured it out, he was able to say such cold-hearted things with a decisive attitude.
He knew he wasn't loved by his biological parents. So he wouldn't crave it anymore.
Might as well cut their relations cleanly.
Jian Xingsui looked at the gift in his hand, "Thank you for remembering my birthday, I appreciate this kindness."
Just when Mrs. Zhang was about to speak, Jian Xingsui changed the subject again.
"But it's also thanks to you guys who reminded me that time was tight and I didn't have time to go through such formalities. Anran's surname and household registration have been changed, but mine haven't." Jian Xingsui said, "I thought that, when the shooting for this program ended, shouldn't we also go through the same formalities?"
Mrs. Zhang smiled, and said, "Is it to do the transfer of the household registry? Then, it's no problem!"
Jian Xingsui shook his head, "Not that, at least for now. Instead, I want to do a paternity test between me and Mr. Zhang. You have done Anran's, but we haven't done it. Since we have to go through the formalities, let's deal with it as soon as possible."
When his voice fell, both Zhang Xiangyang and Mrs. Zhang's pupils shrank. They were both frozen in place.
They were actually frozen by shock and fear.
If... If Jian Xingsui found out that they weren't biologically related, he would definitely try to track down his actual biological parents.
And then... he might have stumbled upon the truth of why such child exchange happened back then.
Wouldn't what they did twenty years ago be made public, then?
If so...
What would happen to them?
The weight of their sins were closing in.