Shen Keqin rolled up her sleeves, ready to go confront Shen Chiyan and Lin Qiutong, but was pulled back by Song Qinian.
Song Qinian's chest ached as if it were bleeding, but she couldn't cry, especially not now.
"Qinqin, don't make me more embarrassed, okay?"
What was the point of rushing over?
She had known for a long time that Shen Chiyan loved Lin Qiutong. Her marriage to Shen Chiyan and being his wife for over three years was all stolen. Once the time was up, even if she didn't want to return it, it would be forcibly taken back.
Shen Keqin felt incredibly guilty and distressed. "Sister-in-law, I'm sorry, it's all my fault..."
What nonsense about playing hard to get. She had thought that when Shen Chiyan woke up and found Song Qinian missing, he would be worried or miss her. She never imagined it would give him and Lin Qiutong an opportunity to be alone together.
Song Qinian smiled and stroked Shen Keqin's head, slowly gesturing, "I know you're doing this for my own good. Let's go. Today, let's pretend we never came here, and we didn't see anything."
Shen Keqin was both angry and anxious. She had meant well, but had inadvertently made things worse.
After the two left, Lin Qiutong curved her lips into a triumphant smile, and slowly tried to open her eyes. "I feel much better..."
Meeting Lin Qiutong's red eyes, Shen Chiyan immediately let go of her. "It's good that you're alright."
He glanced at his watch and saw that Song Qinian and the others should be back soon. He stood up and said indifferently, "It's getting windy, let's go back."
When Shen Chiyan returned to the tent, he still didn't see Song Qinian and Shen Keqin. He learned from an inquiry that they had gone to catch up on sleep.
Shen Chiyan resisted the urge to disturb them, and ended up waiting until dinnertime.
Today was Shen Chiyan and Shen Keqin's birthday, and Gao Kunlun had prepared a bonfire banquet to celebrate.
They could eat, play, and dance all at the same time.
Following local custom, everyone wore traditional attire.
Gong Yuqi arrived before dinner to celebrate Shen Chiyan's birthday. Seeing that Shen Chiyan wasn't wearing Tibetan clothing, he insisted on him changing into it.
"Don't you want to show her a different side of you?"
Gong Yuqi didn't explicitly name anyone, and Shen Chiyan didn't know who he was referring to, but he didn't refuse again.
To outshine everyone and ensure Shen Chiyan's eyes were only on her, Lin Qiutong attended in elaborate attire, with expensive jewelry adorning her head and body.
"Wow, Miss Lin, you look absolutely stunning in that outfit."
Lin Qiutong cast a tender glance at Shen Chiyan and smiled faintly, "Everyone looks beautiful."
Qi Miaomiao asked, "Why aren't Qinqin and Niannian out yet?"
"They're changing, they'll be out soon."
A moment later, Shen Keqin and Song Qinian arrived hand in hand.
Compared to Lin Qiutong's extravagant outfit, their clothing was much simpler. Song Qinian, in particular, wore a blue dress, her long hair braided into a plait, with a crescent moon leaf tassel forehead ornament adorning her brow.
She looked fresh and ethereal, a clear stream amidst the exceptionally luxurious crowd.
However, her expression appeared very melancholic; it was unclear why.
Not only her, but Shen Keqin's complexion was also grim.
In the center was a bonfire, and around it were seats.
Seeing Shen Chiyan and Lin Qiutong sitting together, Shen Keqin shot them a fierce glare before pulling Song Qinian to sit opposite them.
Shen Chiyan looked at them coldly, his handsome brows furrowed.
At this moment, Shao Feibai, acting as the host, walked to the center with a microphone.
"Ladies and gentlemen, today is the birthday of our General Manager Shen and Qinqin. We're here to travel thanks to General Manager Shen's generosity. First, happy birthday to General Manager Shen!"
Everyone raised their glasses. Shen Keqin, still upset, didn't want to raise her glass, but Song Qinian gently nudged her.
Shen Keqin felt indignant on Song Qinian's behalf. Seeing Song Qinian trying to smile despite her obvious sadness, she reluctantly raised her glass.
"Happy birthday, General Manager Shen."
Everyone echoed in unison.
Shen Chiyan's dark eyes were fixed on Song Qinian. She merely raised her glass to him, showing no significant reaction.
She couldn't wish him a happy birthday like the others, and didn't even look at him.
Seeing Shen Chiyan staring at Song Qinian without acknowledging the wishes, Lin Qiutong leaned close to his ear and whispered, "Ayan, everyone is congratulating you."
Only then did Shen Chiyan look away and smile faintly, "Thank you, everyone. I'll drink first."
As he was about to lift his glass, Lin Qiutong grabbed his hand. "You still have a slight fever, don't drink. How about I drink for you?"
"Wow..."
Uproarious cheers erupted from the surroundings. Shen Keqin was so angry her lungs felt like they would explode. Just as she was about to erupt, Song Qinian held her back and shook her head.
Shen Chiyan glanced at Song Qinian again. Damn woman, why wasn't she reacting at all?
He deliberately smiled at Lin Qiutong. "It's fine. But you, you're still too weak, don't drink."
Those who didn't know the truth assumed Shen Chiyan and Lin Qiutong were a couple and egged them on.
Lin Qiutong put on a shy expression.
Seeing Song Qinian still unresponsive, Shen Chiyan's brows furrowed even deeper.
Shen Keqin gritted her teeth, "Sister-in-law, you can tolerate this!"
What else could she do but tolerate it?
Argue with Shen Chiyan?
Shen Chiyan didn't care about her at all. If she made a scene, it would only make him more annoyed.
Moreover, it was their birthday, and she wanted everyone to be happy.
So, she gestured to Shen Keqin, "Be happy. I don't want your birthday to be unhappy because of me."
"Alright, next, let's wish our beautiful Qinqin a happy birthday, eternal youth and happiness."
"Qinqin, happy birthday."
Everyone raised their glasses to Shen Keqin. Shen Keqin let out a deep sigh of relief, picked up her glass, and smiled at everyone. "Thank you, everyone. Let's have fun and drink to our heart's content today. We won't go home until we're drunk."
Saying this, Shen Keqin clinked glasses with Song Qinian.
Song Qinian nodded and downed the entire glass.
For the next while, everyone ate and drank, and the atmosphere was lively.
Song Qinian was in a bad mood, so she drank a few more glasses.
Her alcohol tolerance was low, and after a few drinks, she started to feel dizzy.
Shen Keqin no longer wanted to deal with Shen Chiyan and Lin Qiutong, so she pulled Song Qinian to dance.
Song Qinian had no idea how to dance, but she was drunk and in a bad mood, needing an outlet.
Her limbs were uncoordinated, and she could barely stand steady. Dancing hand in hand with Shen Keqin was quite amusing.
At this moment, the cake was brought out.
It's unclear who started it, but it quickly turned into a cake fight.
Song Qinian had been feeling quite sad, but after getting drunk and starting to play, she completely let loose.
She chased Shen Keqin and a few other girls with the cake, smearing it on anyone she caught.
Shen Chiyan had been ignored by Song Qinian for two days. Seeing her having fun with others and not even looking at him, his anger flared up.