Chapter 30

Today is my true twenty-second birthday.

I got off work and headed home, passing by my mom’s flower shop. I saw her arranging a bouquet.

“Mom, it’s so late, do you still have orders?”

She glanced up at me, her expression surprised, “Oh, you’re back so soon! I was planning to surprise you.”

“Ah, ah, ah, I didn’t see anything just now!” I quickly closed my eyes and turned away.

“Well, it’s almost done anyway.”

I turned back around to see my mom smiling as she handed me a bouquet of pink flowers, her eyes soft and gentle.

“Is this for me? Oh my, it’s so beautiful!” I feigned surprise, my eyes curving with delight.

“Keep up the act. Do you like it?”

“I love it, love it! Anything from mom, I love!” I seized the chance to give her a kiss.

She laughed and waved her hand, “Alright, alright, it’s getting late. Your dad’s at home making a feast for you!”

As we reached downstairs, we ran into someone familiar. She walked over with a smile, “Is this the daughter you found? She’s so pretty!”

“This is Aunt Zhang.”

“Hello, Aunt Zhang!” I greeted her with a smile.

“Hey, Uncle Wang’s son next door isn’t married yet, do you want to–”

“Stop, stop, stop, I just found my daughter, don’t get any ideas! I wish she could stay with me forever!”

Mom laughed and scolded, pulling me upstairs with a playful pout.

Back home, I found the table already laden with dishes.

Dad had practically used all his culinary skills.

After a satisfying meal, the three of us sat together.

On the table was a cake, not overly fancy, just a simple fruit cake.

Dad lit the candles, the dim candlelight casting a glow on our faces.

I closed my eyes and made a gentle wish:

I hope that I, Cheng Sijin, will have peace year after year, always happy, always joyful.

And may there be no more human traffickers in the world.