Chapter 83 – Happy Birthday

The moment Shen Fubai’s concert tickets went on pre-sale, they were snatched up within ten seconds. This wasn’t surprising; his popularity had always been evident.

Since that promotional post, his Weibo account hadn’t seen any activity, except for the automated reminders: “The blogger you follow is about to have a birthday. Remember to send your blessings when the time comes.”

On September 30th, the trending topics on the internet were unusually tame, with a surface appearance of tranquility. However, behind the scenes, the programmers at Weibo were bracing themselves for battle, prepared to work overtime to rescue their servers from potential crashes.

Tomorrow was National Day, and while it was unclear how lively the week-long holiday would be, the hashtag #ShenFubaiBirthday alone was enough to cause multiple outages on Weibo.

Netizens were placing bets and speculating on just how long Weibo would crash for Shen Fubai’s birthday. After all, every year, he caused a massive storm, a feat unmatched by any other celebrity.

Shen Fubai’s life seemed to have two extremes. Before the age of sixteen, he was ignored, with only his grandmother and younger brother remembering his birthday. After sixteen, he had millions of fans, receiving countless wishes and gifts each year.

One side in the depths, the other in the clouds.

But Shen Fubai didn’t pay much attention to his birthday. During the age when he craved attention for his birthday, he never received the blessings he deserved. Later, when adulation was easily attainable, he no longer wanted it.

He had grown up.

No longer in need of those flashy things—

September 30th, 10:00 PM.

Shen Fubai showed no signs of anticipation for his upcoming birthday. To him, it was just another ordinary day, one that didn’t bring him as much joy as having Jiang Heng by his side.

The only difference was that on this day, his Weibo would be flooded with mentions, receiving blessings from fans across the country and overseas. This usually resulted in Shen Fubai’s account freezing upon login due to the sheer volume of messages.

So on this day, he typically stayed off Weibo, waiting until the server was fixed before posting a thank-you message.

Shen Fubai had already finished his shower and was preparing for bed when Jiang Heng suddenly nudged him.

“What’s wrong?” Shen Fubai asked, puzzled.

He had moved back to his own home, but Jiang Heng had followed suit. The large house, now with an additional presence, no longer felt cold and lifeless.

However, these days, the two merely slept separately on the same bed. Shen Fubai was exhausted from practicing for the concert during the day, collapsing onto the bed with no energy left for anything else.

“Get dressed,” Jiang Heng said. “I’m taking you somewhere.”

Shen Fubai raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued.

He quickly got dressed and asked, “Where are we going?”

“You’ll see soon enough.” Jiang Heng handed him a black blindfold. “Put this on.”

Shen Fubai chuckled. “Are you trying to surprise me? This cliché has been overused online.” Even so, he eagerly put on the blindfold.

Whatever Heng Heng prepared, he would love it regardless.

Once the blindfold was on, darkness enveloped his vision. Jiang Heng led him out of the room and, by the staircase, swept him up into his arms.

Shen Fubai instinctively wrapped his arms around Jiang Heng’s neck. He lowered his head, his lips red and inviting.

Jiang Heng resisted the urge to kiss him, carrying him to the passenger seat of a Maybach.

They drove for an hour, the scenery outside growing increasingly desolate as they transitioned from bustling streets to sparsely populated outskirts.

Shen Fubai could see nothing, only aware that a significant amount of time had passed. The honking of car horns grew fainter until it seemed as though they were the only vehicle in the world.

“Aren’t you planning to sell me?” Shen Fubai joked.

Jiang Heng gripped the steering wheel. “Yes.”

Shen Fubai feigned fear. “Who are you going to sell me to?”

“The Jiang family,” Jiang Heng said calmly. “To be the bride of their second young master.”

Shen Fubai laughed, throwing his head back against the passenger seat. “Alright, let’s see what you’ve cooked up.”

—

After driving for about ten more minutes, Jiang Heng pulled over by the roadside, walked around to open the passenger door, and led Shen Fubai out. “Follow me.”

With his eyes covered, Shen Fubai couldn’t see anything, but the hand holding his made him feel unafraid.

Jiang Heng led Shen Fubai for several steps, then stood behind him, counting softly: “Ready? Three, two, one.”

The blindfold was gently removed, and Shen Fubai closed his eyes to adjust before opening them again.

He was utterly stunned.

In front of him lay a candy house—

Not a house made of actual food, but one that looked like it was. The roof resembled a sesame seed bread slice, topped with a thin layer of shredded pork floss and seaweed. The walls were pale green, as if painted with matcha ice cream. The windows were biscuit sandwiches, the door was dark chocolate, and the chimney was a lollipop.

A pebble path wound its way to their feet, each stone resembling a colored chocolate bean.

It was like something out of a fairy tale.

Shen Fubai stared at the house in amazement. “…You actually built a candy house?”

“I did,” Jiang Heng replied, pulling his hand. “I originally wanted to use real ingredients, but unfortunately, the weather was too hot for preservation, and it would have been sticky.”

Dizzily, Shen Fubai followed him inside. Jiang Heng turned on the lights—ones that looked strikingly similar to fruit tarts. The interior decor was brightly colored and pastel, filled with childish charm.

Sofas, carpets, and cabinets were piled high with gift boxes of various sizes, tied with exquisite ribbons. Balloons adorned the room, even more than at Ye Lin’s couple restaurant, in a soft pink hue.

Shen Fubai couldn’t help but laugh and cry. “Are you celebrating my birthday or Children’s Day?” He was twenty-three, not three!

“I’ve always regretted meeting you so late. In the first twenty-two years of your life, I wasn’t there for you.” Jiang Heng’s gaze was earnest. “I thought for a long time…what kind of gift I should give you. I wanted to give you everything. So…these are what I’ve prepared for you. I hope to make up for the years I wasn’t by your side.”

Jiang Heng opened a box labeled “Happy 1st Birthday, Fubai,” revealing a pacifier.

“Fubai, you were born, small and adorable. I give you this pacifier. Hold onto it tightly, and don’t blow bubbles.” Jiang Heng handed him the pacifier. “Happy 1st birthday, Fubai.”

Shen Fubai was laughing uncontrollably. “Hahahaha, Heng Heng, what are you doing… I’m a grown man, how can I use a pacifier. And it’s my 23rd birthday, get a grip.”

Jiang Heng smiled faintly, putting the pacifier back in the box, and opened another gift labeled “Happy 2nd Birthday, Fubai,” taking out a longevity lock. “In China, the longevity lock symbolizes a long and safe life. You grew up in America, so probably no one gave you this. Then I’ll give it to you, Fubai. Happy 2nd birthday.”

Shen Fubai chuckled but restrained himself from laughing further.

Jiang Heng moved on to the next box. “This is a rattle drum. Kids love playing with these. Fubai, have fun. Happy 3rd birthday.”

…

“This is a children’s rocking horse. You can rock on it… well, it might be a bit small for someone who’s six feet tall. But you’re only six, so it’s perfect for you. Happy 6th birthday, Fubai.”

…

“You’re ten years old now, taller, and your old clothes no longer fit. I bought you a new outfit. Happy 10th birthday, Fubai.”

…

“You started middle school and met new friends. Maybe you’d enjoy playing basketball with them. So I give you these sneakers. Happy 13th birthday, Fubai.”

…

“You entered the entertainment industry, shining bright, captivating everyone. I’m proud of you. This necklace, a symbol of good luck, is for you. Happy 16th birthday, Fubai.”

…

“You turned eighteen, an adult, you can legally drive now. I give you a car, a red Pagani, may you always drive with the wind at your back, free and unrestrained. Here are the keys. Happy 18th birthday, Fubai.”

…

Gift boxes of all sizes littered the floor, each year’s presents meticulously prepared and presented to Shen Fubai.

Not a single year was overlooked.

Seated on the sofa, surrounded by gifts, Shen Fubai initially couldn’t stop laughing. But as Jiang Heng recounted each year, Shen Fubai gradually sobered, covering his mouth and tilting his head back.

His eyes were slightly red.

“At 22, I met you that year. When we first met, you said you had a row of houses, letting me choose freely. No need, Fubai. It should be me giving to you.” Jiang Heng took a stack of property certificates from the 22nd birthday gift box. “A sea-view apartment, I’ve arranged it. Happy 22nd birthday, Fubai.”

Shen Fubai’s nose twitched, turning away.

“Finally.” Jiang Heng opened the last gift box.

The box was small, smaller even than the one for the pacifier for his first birthday. Shen Fubai couldn’t help but wonder, “What is this?”

It was for his 23rd birthday, his birthday this year.

“Look at the fireworks outside,” Jiang Heng said, not immediately opening it.

Curious, Shen Fubai glanced out the window, watching as dazzling fireworks exploded in the sky, spelling out words.

“Fubai, happy 23rd birthday.”

Here in the wilderness, there was no concern about others seeing. This grand spectacle was for their eyes only.

The clock’s hands pointed exactly to twelve o’clock.

Jiang Heng opened the last gift box.

It was a jewelry box. The understated diamond ring inside wasn’t as extravagant as the pigeon egg on Shen Fubai’s hand, but it was more elegant.

Jiang Heng knelt down on one knee.

“Would you marry me?” Jiang Heng asked gently—

Shen Fubai cried his heart out.

He didn’t know why. Heng Heng proposed to him. Heng Heng surprised him with such a grand gesture, preparing gifts for so many years, and finally proposing on his 23rd birthday. He was, indeed, genuinely happy.

He was indeed happy, laughing for a long time, then losing control, covering his face and sobbing uncontrollably.

He was always like this. When Heng Heng confessed, and when Heng Heng proposed. There was someone who treated him so well, and he was overwhelmed, unable to believe it.

But it was real.

Jiang Heng kissed his brows and eyes. “Darling, don’t cry. Happy 23rd birthday. Birthdays should be happy.”

Shen Fubai embraced him, burying his face in his shoulder. “You always do this. Twice now. Can’t you stop making me cry?”

Jiang Heng chuckled softly. “I want to marry you. Fubai, will you?”

Shen Fubai lowered his head, hesitating for a moment before nodding slightly.

Jiang Heng looked down. “Fubai?”

Shen Fubai whispered, “Willing… to.”

Jiang Heng slipped the ring onto Shen Fubai’s middle finger and took out another one, whispering coaxingly, “Then could you please put this one on for me?”

Shen Fubai sniffled, helping him put on the ring, then suddenly burst into laughter through his tears. “We have a pigeon egg on our index fingers, engagement rings on our middle fingers, and wedding bands on our ring fingers when we get married. Our hands will be full of rings; do we look like nouveau riche?”

Marriage.

Jiang Heng’s lips curved upwards; he liked that word.

The warm atmosphere was interrupted by the ringing of a phone. Shen Fubai checked the caller ID and found it was a call from America.

In America, he had only exchanged contact information with Xavier. What did Xavier want from him at this hour? Besides, Xavier didn’t seem to know about his birthday either.

Shen Fubai answered the call. Before he could speak, a pleasant voice rang out from the other end.

“Happy birthday, brother.”

Shen Fubai was taken aback.

Holy shit, who is this?

The youth on the other end chuckled. “Does Brother not recognize me? I’m Ethan.”

Shen Fubai felt a mix of emotions.

He really hadn’t recognized the voice.

He hadn’t been in touch with his mother’s side for six years. Six years ago, Ethan was only twelve, vastly different from the young man he was now.

“How did you… find my contact information.” After becoming an idol, Shen Fubai changed all his contact details. For years, he had no contact with his family.

“Brother came to America before.” Ethan sounded somewhat aggrieved. “Why didn’t you come back to see us?”

Shen Fubai: “…How did you know?”

“Brother met Xavier, right? He’s my friend.” Ethan spoke gently. “I knew Brother became a big star in China. I don’t understand Chinese, but I’ve tried to catch up with Brother’s footsteps. I’m now a supermodel in the European and American fashion circles.”

Never would Shen Fubai have imagined Ethan becoming a supermodel.

“Brother doesn’t want to come back, are you blaming us?” Ethan sounded saddened by the thought. Many things were incomprehensible in childhood but became clear with maturity, including the harm their trio had inflicted on Shen Fubai.

There was no violence, but emotional neglect and distrust were enough to destroy a young child.

“No. It’s not your fault.” After years without contact, Shen Fubai wasn’t sure what to say. “Mother… are they alright?”

“They’re fine, Mother always talks about you.” Ethan replied.

Shen Fubai was taken aback. “Mm.”

“Oh, right.” Suddenly, Shen Fubai said, “I have a boyfriend now. He proposed to me tonight, and I said yes.”

This display of affection must be shown!

Bang!

The sound of a phone hitting the ground came from the other side, followed by a disconnected call—

Jiang Heng wrapped his arm around him. “Who was it?”

Shen Fubai held the phone tightly. “My younger brother.”

Jiang Heng instantly tensed, remembering that Fubai’s family hadn’t treated him well.

“It’s okay, he wished me a happy birthday.” Shen Fubai managed a smile.

The phone vibrated repeatedly, and Shen Fubai saw that they were all messages of congratulations from friends and relatives.

Xiao Lin: Brother Shen, happy birthday!

Li Man: Wine, happy birthday.

Director Xu: Little Shen, happy 23rd birthday. I saw it online, wishing you great success in the future.

Yang Yingying: Happy birthday

Mu Yao: Happy birthday, little Fubai~

Lu Yunqian: Brother Shen, happy birthday! cake.jpg

Mourning Endless Joy: Brother, happy birthday. You’re quite the talk of the town; being a big star is truly different. I saw ten news items about you for your birthday.

Ye Lin: Brother’s boyfriend, happy birthday!

Ye Ziran: Brother Shen, happy birthday!

Fu Hengcheng: Happy birthday, let’s play games together when you have time

…

Shen Fubai read through the messages, feeling the weight of his phone as if it carried a thousand pounds—

October 1st, midnight.

Weibo crashed, with blessings pouring in from all corners of the internet.

The fireworks in the sky, the phone call from his American relatives.

Gifts from age 1 to 23, Heng Heng’s proposal.

It was truly flashy and ostentatious.

But…

He loved it.