Chapter 278: A Birthday Surprise in the City

Drive to the city district and return the rented SUV to the rental agency.

The past two days of travel convinced Lin Zheng Ran that owning a car for university was a smart move. Though he didn’t need it for himself, it was perfect for taking the little ones out for adventures.

After returning the car, Lin Zheng Ran took Heqing’s hand and headed to a fancy cake shop.

The thoughtful Heqing knew that fresh cakes could be tricky to get, especially this late in the evening.

She spoke up first: “Lin Zheng Ran, for cakes, something simple will do. Even a small one is fine.”

Lin Zheng Ran looked ahead: “That casual?”

Heqing hummed softly, her eyes glancing at their clasped hands, feeling a wave of warmth: “Yeah, tonight with you here is enough. The cake’s just a formality, nothing important.”

Lin Zheng Ran glanced at Heqing: “Is that so? But I’ve already ordered one.”

“Ah?”

He led her into the cake shop, where staff greeted them right away: “Welcome, are you here to pick up a cake or just browse?”

“Picking up a cake. The name’s Lin. I called three days ago.”

The clerk quickly responded: “Mr. Lin, right? Your cake is ready. I’ll grab it for you. Just a moment.”

Heqing was surprised that Lin Zheng Ran had ordered it in advance and took in the shop’s atmosphere.

Soon, the clerk handed a sizable cake to Lin Zheng Ran.

Though she couldn’t see the cake’s details, just the pink packaging and quality ribbon told Heqing it wasn’t cheap.

Lin Zheng Ran thanked them and stepped out of the shop.

Once outside, Heqing quietly asked: “How much was that cake? A few hundred yuan?”

“Three or four thousand yuan.”

“How much?! Three or four thousand yuan?” she exclaimed in surprise. “That’s so expensive!”

“Expensive? You only turn a year older once, and this is your significant eighteenth birthday. Besides, we’re not short on money, so why let it sit unused?”

Heqing knew it made sense, but she still felt the pinch. She wasn’t used to Lin Zheng Ran’s boss status and thought it was a lot for a student to spend:

“That’s true, but it feels like a waste spending that much on me.”

Her last words were barely a whisper, yet sincere: “Maybe you should buy yourself some nice clothes instead.”

Lin Zheng Ran smiled, remembering how Wen Wen was right—Heqing’s thrifty ways would suit managing the household shopping in the future.

“You’re exaggerating. We can afford clothes and cakes. I already showed you how much we have.”

“I saw it, but hmm…” She still felt uneasy about the cost.

They arrived at a hotel in the city district, where Lin Zheng Ran booked a room for them.

The couple’s double bed was clean, neat, and romantic, with red curtains and sheets setting the mood.

Lin Zheng Ran had planned to take Heqing out for dinner, but she wasn’t keen.

She said they’d been playing in Lin Mountain for days and didn’t want to deal with crowds in the city tonight. Ordering takeout in the hotel sounded great.

Lin Zheng Ran agreed and picked two good takeout options for dinner.

The crab roe noodles arrived.

On the hotel sofa, Heqing opened the takeout box and gasped at the golden, fresh crab meat: “This looks amazing! So much crab roe!”

Lin Zheng Ran said: “I’ve tried this place before. The taste is solid. Give it a go.”

“Okay, I’ll try!”

Heqing unpacked the disposable chopsticks but paused, eyeing Lin Zheng Ran.

“The head of the house should eat first.”

Lin Zheng Ran casually took a bite first, then Heqing smiled and picked up her own, savoring it slowly.

The noodles, coated in crab roe, burst with flavor in her mouth.

Heqing, the food lover, seemed surrounded by pink bubbles of delight.

“This is so good! I’ve never had anything like it!”

As Lin Zheng Ran ate his noodles, seeing her enthusiasm, he added extra crab roe to the middle: “If you want more, just say so. We can order this anytime if you like it.”

Heqing laughed shyly: “I can’t eat that much. You have some too, Lin Zheng Ran. It’s really delicious!”

They slurped up the tasty noodles, and after dinner, sat on the sofa to relax.

Heqing rubbed her slightly full belly, content: “I’m so stuffed.”

Her head naturally leaned on Lin Zheng Ran’s shoulder.

They locked eyes, and Heqing shyly smiled at him.

They moved to the bed.

Lin Zheng Ran leaned against the headboard.

Heqing straddled his legs.

Their lips drew closer, and they kissed.

Lin Zheng Ran knew it was best not to get active right after eating, so they waited at least half an hour. After a brief kiss, he asked: “Should we head back tomorrow or the day after?”

Heqing’s cheeks flushed from the simple kiss, and she looked down slightly: “I don’t know. I really don’t want to go home. I want to live with you…”

She stared at him: “Why do we always have to be apart, on and off like this?”

“It’s just ten days or so. We saw each other at university enrollment, right?”

“It’s not just that—it’s a lot of days. Here, not seeing you for a day is okay because I can anytime, but back home, I miss you so much I can’t sleep, and calls don’t help.”

After their fun days, Heqing disliked the idea of separating even more.

Even a short parting.

Made her feel awful.

Heqing’s soft hands fiddled with Lin Zheng Ran’s shirt collar, more like playing than fixing: “Anyway… I don’t really want to go back.”

“In that case, I’ll stay with you one more day and we’ll head home the day after. Your aunt has probably called you a few times lately, right?”

“Yeah, Mom has called a few times. I do miss Mom and Grandma, but… I miss you more.”

Lin Zheng Ran chuckled, making Heqing laugh too, a bit embarrassed.

“Am I acting like a rebellious teen?”

“At your age? No rebellious phase now. By the way, how’s your grandma’s health been these past two years?”

“She’s doing well. Ever since I went back with Mom as a kid, Mom says Grandma’s gotten more energetic, but…”

“But?”

Heqing hugged Lin Zheng Ran, soaking in his warmth.

“It’s nothing much. Grandma’s getting older with a few minor issues, but they won’t go away.”

Lin Zheng Ran thought he could help with some pills: “Tomorrow I’ll make a couple for you to take back—one for your aunt and one for Grandma. They’ll boost health and energy.”

Heqing didn’t quite get it: “Pills? Like health supplements?”

“No, I’ll make them myself. I know medicine, so just follow my instructions once they’re ready.”

Heqing was amazed: “You’re incredible, good at everything. Okay, got it.”

They shared a laugh, then Heqing blushed deeply: “Lin Zheng Ran, I want to sleep with you tonight. I want you to tease me… could you tease me a lot tonight?”