Chapter 97 — Going Shopping With The Boys
Pei Yueran didn't know what to say. She was overwhelmed with emotions. It was less about the gift and more about his thoughtfulness.
The fact that he remembered her birthday and even worked to make it this special for her was what was making her so emotional.
It had been so long since she was made to feel so special, so wanted.
Unknowingly, tears streamed down her face. "Thank you so much." She whispered.
Distressed, Li Chuanmo moved to hold her and patted her back softly. After she calmed down, she looked at him seriously, "I really love them. Thank you."
Li Chuanmo smiled at her, "I'm glad you do. I wish you another 365 days of happiness and cheer. Continue to shine brightly, my Love."
They hugged again, while Li Chuanmo lightly touched the object in his pocket, as if to confirm it was still there.
There was one more surprise remaining, but for this one, he wanted to enlist the help of the boys.
*****
"....So, I need your help." Li Chuanmo finally finished. The three of them were in Li Yuchen's room. Han Yichen had fallen asleep there while playing games with Li Yuchen.
They were woken up by Li Chuanmo's knock. The two of them wanted to go sing the "Happy birthday" song for Pei Yueran in her room, but Li Chuanmo said he had something to tell them.
Li Yuchen was very excited. "Count me in!" Han Yichen also nodded with a smile. His mother would be so happy.
They discussed further and perfected their plans before going out. They headed to the kitchen to bake a small cake first before going to her room.
For once, Pei Yueran was actually awake. Director Zhang had called to wish her a happy birthday and they were talking. She had also sent her a red packet earlier, and Pei Yueran was just thanking her for it when she heard a knock.
It was the boys. They came in singing boisterously, with Li Yuchen holding a cake that had eighteen candles on it.
Han Yichen had asked why Li Yuchen wanted only eighteen candles. His mom was definitely not celebrating eighteen years of age. If it was because thirty four candles would be too much, why not use those candles in the shape of numbers?
His reply: "It's fine this way. My Goddess will always be as young as an eighteen year old in my heart!"
Han Yichen: "...."
Suit yourself then.
Pei Yueran grinned brightly. She closed her eyes and made a wish, before blowing out all the candles. She then gave each of them a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you so much Xiao Chen, Yuchen."
"You're welcome, my Goddess. This is your first gift. Actually, we also want to take you out to shop for the main gift once we return from paragliding today. I tried but I wasn't sure what you would like." Li Yuchen said sheepishly.
"Oh, this is plenty already. I love this.There's no need to get me anything else." Pei Yueran quickly refused.
"No no no, I insist. Pleaseeeeee. I really want to get you something nice. I have money, seriously." Li Yuchen begged.
He really wanted to give her something that was from him alone. Even the cake was mostly baked by Han Yichen, with the help of the kitchen staff.
Besides, he had made plans with his dad. The success of their surprise was hinged on him.
Han Yichen also added in at the side, "It's something he really wants to do for you Mom. Let's go together."
After some more persuasion, Pei Yueran finally agreed. They decided to go immediately they got back.
They set out within the hour for the day's paragliding. They chose a different area this time. The launch spot was not on a mountain, but close to the lakeside.
They also did not fly for long—only about thirty five minutes, but they had fun all the same. The panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding mountains from the air was incredible. They even took pictures and videos airborne, for memories.
Pei Yueran was so glad that she had come. It had been an amazing experience.
They had lunch at a guest lodge they found before heading home. Once there, the boys reminded her of their outing.
Within a few minutes, they were ready to go out again.
Pei Yueran went to Li Chuanmo's room to invite him.
"Chuan, the boys are taking me out to shop for a birthday gift. Would you be going with us?".
"No, enjoy your outing."
A look of surprise crossed Pei Yueran's face. "Really?" She was really not expecting him to decline. She had even taken it for granted that he would drive them.
"Yes. I have some things to do today. I'll see you guys when you get back."
"Alright then." Pei Yueran said, a bit disappointed.
It seemed the boys already had their own plans and had ordered a taxi, because when she stepped out of the house, there was a car parked in front, and Li Yuchen was talking to the driver. They all got into the car and the driver drove off.
The driver was a friendly man who had experience talking with foreigners. Li Yuchen also spoke the language of country F fluently, so he was conversing freely with him.
They soon got to a shopping mall. It was huge and bustling. People were going in and out in droves, and trendy music could be heard in the background.
It was definitely not Han Yichen's favorite place to be, but he endured it. It was all for his mother's happiness. 'Besides, it would soon be over,' he told himself.
The next few hours were torturous. Pei Yueran had not gone gift shopping in a long time, but she was happy she went out today. As she found out, Li Yuchen was the best person to go shopping with.
Both of them went from section to section in the huge mall, just browsing around. Even when Pei Yueran saw something she liked, he would show her other things and ask her to take her time before deciding.
At the clothing section, she took some dresses to try. When she finished changing, she would pose in front of the two boys. "What do you think?"
Han Yichen's answer was always the same. "You look beautiful" or "It looks nice."
Li Yuchen was more enthusiastic. "Wow My Goddess, you look amazing. But don't you think this dress is too long?"
When she changed to a shorter one: "You are such a beauty queen, everything looks good when you wear them. But isn't this design a bit old?"
When she changed to a trendy outfit: "You are stunning. Is there any outfit you can't pull off? But the color of this gown is a bit tacky, or what do you think?
Han Yichen: "..."
Why bother complimenting her when you would still disparage the outfit?
Pei Yueran: "..."
Alright, she was definitely not buying clothes today then. It was too stressful to choose!