Tang Xiaomin brought Yan Jue before Zhang Meiyu and introduced him solemnly.
"His name is Yan Jue, my... boyfriend."
In front of everyone, Tang Xiaomin openly admitted that Yan Jue was her boyfriend.
Although everyone knew it implicitly, being ambiguous was one thing, but introducing him openly was another.
It not only proved her relationship with Yan Jue to others, but also showed respect and affirmation towards Yan Jue.
Originally, Yan Jue didn't have a good impression of Zhang Meiyu.
But at this moment, the three words "my boyfriend" from Tang Xiaomin's mouth made him genuinely happy.
Even Zhang Meiyu seemed more pleasant to his eyes.
For this reason, he even greeted Zhang Meiyu.
"Hello."
After thinking for a moment, he added.
"I came in a hurry today and forgot to bring a gift. I'll have someone send one over another day..."
Upon hearing this, Tang Xiaomin quickly covered Yan Jue's mouth.
"Forget it, your presence is gift enough. No need for a present..."
His gifts were never good.
This scene drew bursts of laughter from everyone.
Zhang Meiyu looked at Yan Jue before her.
Ever since that time on Tang Xiaomin's birthday when Yan Jue rushed out into the street to save Tang Xiaomin.
Zhang Meiyu had no complaints about Yan Jue.
Setting aside his capabilities and financial standing,
The mere fact that he was willing to risk his life was enough for a woman to entrust her life to him.
"Mr. Yan is young and promising. Xiaomin will surely be happy with you."
Just then.
Butler Wang suddenly approached Zhang Meiyu and whispered, "Madam, Mr. Tang has arrived."
As soon as she heard the name Tang Zhongcheng, Zhang Meiyu's expression changed immediately.
Butler Wang said, "Today is your birthday. Driving Mr. Tang away now might not be effective. If he makes a scene, it won't look good. Why not let him come in and take a look, and then ask him to leave? That way, he'll have no reason to pester you further."
While Butler Wang was speaking, Tang Xu had already led Tang Zhongcheng in.
It was too late for any protests.
Tang Xu had his own stance.
His parents had been married for decades, accompanying each other into their twilight years.
His father had made mistakes, but he still hoped his mother would forgive him, and that their family could be as they were before.
Zhang Meiyu glared fiercely at Tang Zhongcheng and Tang Xu.
Considering that many people were watching the banquet, she refrained from shouting.
Tang Zhongcheng held a cake in his hand, and nothing else.
He was penniless now, unable to buy Zhang Meiyu a decent gift.
Tang Zhongcheng approached Zhang Meiyu and said affectionately, "In the past, you always complained that I didn't have time to spend your birthdays with you. Even gifts were just a matter of money, perfunctory."
"This is a birthday cake I made for you myself after learning for a few days at the cake shop."
Tang Zhongcheng said, placing the beautifully packaged cake in his hand on the table before Zhang Meiyu.
In the past, Tang Zhongcheng was genuinely busy.
Zhang Meiyu, as a supportive wife, would complain, but she shouldered everything herself.
This birthday cake was something the former Zhang Meiyu had genuinely wished for many years.
But now, she only felt it was ironic.
One had to admire Zhang Meiyu's resilience.
Despite being furious, she maintained a calm demeanor.
Even her tone of voice was remarkably peaceful.
"Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Tang. I will accept this cake."
"Butler Wang, please get Mr. Tang a return gift."
The implication was that she accepted his gift but would not be indebted to him; she would give him a return gift, and then he should leave.
Zhang Meiyu did not create a scene.
After instructing the butler, she resumed her conversation with the wealthy ladies beside her.
She completely treated Tang Zhongcheng, her ex-husband, as if he were air.
Her composed and calm demeanor, on the other hand, left those who had hoped for a spectacle at a loss for words.
Tang Zhongcheng, so coldly ignored by Zhang Meiyu, not only lost face but was also filled with deep dejection and helplessness.
Butler Wang quickly returned with a gift, but Tang Zhongcheng shook his head and ignored it.
Butler Wang whispered, "Mr. Tang, Madam has accepted your gift. Please leave."
Since Zhang Meiyu had accepted the cake, what reason did he have to stay? It would only make him a laughingstock.
On such an important day, Tang Zhongcheng did not argue or make a scene, and left dejectedly.
He racked his brain, trying to figure out how he could gain Zhang Meiyu's forgiveness.
If he couldn't figure it out, would his life with Zhang Meiyu end in permanent estrangement?
How can one person truly forgive the mistakes of another?
Tang Zhongcheng left the Tang family. After walking a short distance, he turned back to gaze at the Tang family villa with reluctance.
He missed that place so much.
It held the happiest moments of his life, and his dearest family, his children.
He thought of his sleepless nights, tossing and turning, his mind consumed by thoughts of the Tang family.
Tang Zhongcheng stood there, silently gazing at everything he longed for.
Even just looking from afar was better than the quiet rented room.
...
A woman in a wheelchair slowly wheeled herself towards the Tang family villa.
She wore a black hat and elegant gloves, her attire quite presentable.
She voluntarily handed an invitation to the two temporary ushers at the entrance.
Then, she smoothly entered the Tang family banquet.
Many people were attending the banquet today, and with her deliberate efforts to remain inconspicuous, no one noticed her.
At this moment, the birthday banquet reached its climax.
The lights in the venue were deliberately extinguished, plunging the room into darkness.
Tang Ye and Tang Xu, the twin brothers, personally pushed out an exquisitely designed cake from a certain luxury brand.
Fifty-four candles were lit, their fiery glow becoming the only source of light at the banquet.
Tang Ye and Tang Xu sang "Happy Birthday" together to celebrate Zhang Meiyu.
At this moment, Zhang Meiyu was happy, smiling from the bottom of her heart.
Even now, Tang Xiaomin stood beside Zhang Meiyu.
"Make a wish."
Zhang Meiyu nodded, then clasped her hands, closed her eyes.
After a few more seconds, she opened her eyes and blew out the candles.
There were too many candles, and she couldn't blow them all out by herself.
Therefore, Tang Xiaomin helped her blow them out.
With Tang Xiaomin's lung capacity, these candles were no challenge at all.
The only light source in the venue was gone, plunging it into a brief darkness.
"Meiyu!"
"Meiyu!"
...
Tang Zhongcheng's anxious shouts echoed in the darkness.
His hurried footsteps could also be heard, growing closer.
"Meiyu!"
...
Just then, Tang Xiaomin felt a chilling surge of killing intent.
She instinctively pulled Zhang Meiyu.
*Pfft!*
...
The air was suddenly filled with silence.
At this moment, the lights were turned back on, and the banquet was illuminated once more.
A tragic scene unfolded.