novelcity
Chapter 611 - 611 612 Moved (4)_1
Chapter 611 - 611 612 Moved (4)_1
?Chapter 611: Chapter 612: Moved (4)_1 Chapter 611: Chapter 612: Moved (4)_1 Liang Chen glanced at Jing Haohao. As if on cue, Jing Haohao lifted her glass with an understanding smile, clinking it lightly with Qian Hua’s.
The trio then emptied their glasses in one gulp.
Afterwards, Liang Chen took the empty glass from Jing Haohao’s hand, placed it together with his on a nearby waiter’s tray, then delved into his pocket and drew out a delicate little gift box, handing it to Qian Hua.
The grip Qian Hua had on her drinking glass tightened slightly. With a smile brilliant as starlight, she asked, “Is this my birthday present? What’s inside?”
“Open it and see.”
Qian Hua giggled again, taking the box. She feigned surprise as she opened it to reveal a gemstone necklace that was astronomically more expensive than the Buddha Beads bracelet on Jing Haohao’s wrist, yet she felt hollow, joy utterly absent.
A gift given without any heart, no matter how priceless, was tantamount to a hollow gesture.
Nevertheless, she forced a smile onto her face, looked at Liang Chen, and ideally said, “Thank you, Brother Chen.”
Liang Chen gave a slight nod, said nothing more. He scanned the room before informing Qian Hua, “I’m going to greet some acquaintances. Enjoy yourself.”
“Mm.” Qian Hua nodded, her smile unchanged as she watched Liang Chen gradually leave with Jing Haohao. Then, the curve of her lips slowly faded, leaving behind a pallid complexion.
…
This was Qian Hua’s most painful birthday party in her life. Just like in every previous birthday party, her gaze was drawn involuntarily to Liang Chen.
But now, by his side where he usually stood alone, stood a clean and beautiful woman.
It was evident he greatly cared for this woman, shielding her from the excessive drinking, fetching her warm water, sitting with her in a quiet corner for a chat.
They shared a conversation which occasionally incited a lovely smile from Jing Haohao, pure as a lily in full bloom. Though Liang Chen did not openly reciprocate with laughter, his eyes were filled with tender warmth.
The sight was flawlessly beautiful, yet it sharply pricked at Qian Hua’s eyes.
At her birthday party, there was a dance.
In previous years, Liang Chen was always Qian Hua’s dance partner. But this year, before she could even invite him, he had already entered the dance floor with Jing Haohao.
Qian Hua sat alone, watching the couple dance gracefully, her gaze unfocused. She slowly bowed her head, grabbed the wineglass on the table, and began to drink one cup after another.
The piece of music lasted only four minutes and thirty-seven seconds, nevertheless, to Qian Hua it felt like it lasted several lifetimes. Eventually, she began chugging straight from the wine bottle and unsteadily stood up, intending to interrupt their dance.
However, standing at the edge of that dance floor, Qian Hua found herself devoid of any courage. In the end, she merely retreated two steps back and directly exited the banquet venue.
…
Jing Haohao had not danced with anyone in a long time; her steps were somewhat rusty. Yet under Liang Chen’s guidance, she felt like she was gracefully fluttering like a butterfly.
Those four minutes and thirty-seven seconds were more like a delightful indulgence.
When the dance ended, Jing Haohao felt a trace of reluctance.
Liang Chen led Jing Haohao back to their quiet corner and handed her a glass of water himself.