Chapter 14

In the evening, I dragged my weary body back to the apartment Ji Ming had bought for me near the school.

As soon as I opened the door, the aroma of food wafted in.

Upon entering, I discovered Ji Ming wearing my pink apron, cooking in the kitchen.

Several dishes were already laid out on the dining table, looking quite decent.

I walked into the kitchen and hugged Ji Ming from behind as he was plating the food, gently nuzzling his neck.

“What’s the occasion today? How come the busy President Ji is here cooking?”

“What occasion?” Ji Ming slightly frowned, glanced at me, “Have you forgotten? It’s your birthday!”

Oh right, eighteen years ago today was the day I joined the Ji Family, so that day became my birthday.

In past years, birthdays were just about receiving some gifts and having Auntie make a bowl of longevity noodles.

But my uncle once told me that my real birthday wasn’t in late winter, but early autumn.

“Oh dear, the start of school was so hectic, I completely forgot, boo hoo hoo.” I feigned a pout, acting spoiled.

“Go wash your hands and eat.”

Ji Ming urged me with a smile, and I reluctantly let go of him, heading to the sink.

I hadn’t seen Ji Ming cook much before, but the dishes were surprisingly good, and each one was something I loved.

“How did you know I like these dishes?” I asked amidst my devouring.

Ji Ming chuckled, “Every time we have a holiday meal, out of all the dishes, you only eat those few. Over time, I remembered.”

His tone was casual, as if it were just an ordinary thing.

I smiled sweetly, “Brother, you’re so nice.”

Ji Ming wiped the sauce from the corner of my mouth, “How does sister plan to repay me?”

I thought for a moment and stuffed the last piece of black pepper beef into my mouth, “I’ll cook a big table of dishes for your birthday.”

“With your cooking skills, better not.”

“Hey, don’t underestimate me!” I retorted, puffing my cheeks.

The meal ended amidst playful banter between siblings.

After dinner, Ji Ming took a cake out of the fridge.

Its design was simple, but the colors and frosting were exquisite, just the type I liked.

He lit the candles, a bright “22” shining in the middle of the cake.

“Make a wish,” he said softly.

I clasped my hands together, closed my eyes, and began to wish.

A fake birthday, the wish probably won’t come true.

Oh well, I’ll just think of something random.

Then, let me join the Legal Department soon and find the evidence quickly.

I opened my eyes and blew out the candles.

“What wish did you make? See if brother can help you achieve it.”

“If I say it, it won’t come true.”

I dodged the question, couldn’t exactly say I wanted to bring down your family.

“How can brother help you if you don’t say it?”

“Alright, I’ll say it.” I gave in and casually made one up, “I want to find my biological parents.”

Anyway, my parents are gone, he can’t make it happen.

A fake birthday with a fake wish, perfect match!

Sure enough, upon hearing this, Ji Ming’s face darkened.

“See, I told you, saying it would make you unhappy.” I pouted.

“Why? Aren’t you happy living in my family, by my side?”

No, which eye of his sees me living well in the Ji Family?

I live in this house walking on thin ice, even the maids can lord over me.

When I’m not with him, I have to watch his mood, facing this big ice block every day.

“No, I just want to know where I come from.” I held back my grievances and explained, “Oh well, people always want what they don’t have.”

“Alright, I understand.”

That night’s unpleasantness was eventually drowned in countless kisses.