Chapter 49 - Needs a Plan (1/2)

The next morning, Chen Mu prepared a healthy and nutritional meal for Susu. They smiled and greeted each other normally without feeling awkward about the kiss from last night. Chen Mu didn't question their relationship after the kiss because he already decided to take full responsibility for that kiss and officially pursue her. All he needs now is a plan.

After eating breakfast, Susu checked her cell phone and saw a missed call, one new text message and voicemail from her father. Hearing the voicemail about dinner next Friday for Karen and her birthday, Susu could not help but frown slightly.

”What's wrong?” He placed the cup of Passionfruit tea in front of her.

”Nothing. Just a family dinner.” She took the cup in her hands and felt the steam warm up the tip of her nose.

”If you don't want to go, then don't go. No need to force yourself to have dinner with people you don't want to see.” These words were straight to Karen and the stepmother who always mistreated Susu. He's heard many stories and knew about every little thing that Karen did behind Susu's back since childhood. Of course, only Tian Yuo would listen and believe in the blank lies that Karen had told.

”It's an annual birthday celebration for me and Karen...” she told him dispiritedly as she sipped the tea in silence.

”Your birthday is not for another month. Whose birthday is this dinner even for?” He mocked as the idea of having a dinner celebration for two daughters sounded unfair. Karen's birthday was earlier thab Susu's by a month, yet they couldn't have made separate dinner arrangements.

”It's alright. I've long acknowledged that she was the more outgoing and doted one. It's only a dinner. I can deal with it.” Though she forced a smile on her face, he could see the sorrow in her eyes.

'Seriously, which parent would forget their own child's birthday? So one is a precious gem and the other he treats unfairly. No wonder she never talked much about her family.' He thought to himself. Still, seeing her upset in front of her was something unbearable to him.

He stood up and walked over to hug her, ”It's okay. You have Lily and me to make your birthday extra special. Even if nobody remembers your birthday, we will always have that in mind. It's even better, since you will be spending your birthday with those who really cares about you and matter to you.”

Once again, the comfort and warmth of having him around her brightened up her mood greatly. She put down the cup of tea and leaned onto him with her hands touching his. He smiled when he saw that his ultimate hug trick worked on her. Every time she felt lost, confused, upset, stressed, happy, and many other emotions, his arms always welcomed her.

She didn't know when, but she also noticed it herself. The pain that she felt from all the distrust, betrayal, and heartbreaks began to subside because he was there for her. His arms and the little things that he had done for her slowly numbed the pain and made her forget about others who made her sad. She started to not care about Tian Yuo and Karen.

'Since when have I last thought of Tian Yuo that way? Meh, better to not remember so I won't feel disgusted by his actions.' For now, she just wanted to have a moment of peace and relax in Chen Mu's hug.

In a blink of an eye, five days passed and Friday came. Chen Mu had something to do that day, so he had to leave after eating breakfast with her. Before he left, he had handed her a large, light pink box with floral designs on it. She looked at him confusedly, ”What's this?”

”You didn't go shopping for tonight's dinner, so I prepared an outfit for you. Since this is supposedly for your birthday, you should look the prettiest on the table. The accessories, shoes, dress, and sweater should be to your liking.” He said as he retrieved his blazer and smiled at her with a wink.