Birthday (3)

The car stopped in front of the most famous resort in the city. Lina followed professor Shin to a high class restaurant inside the resort.

"La l'amour" was known as the go to place for higher socialites. It stood out for its extraordinary cuisines made by Michelin star studded chefs and it's ambient environment. Not only the dishes were costly and tasty but also rare to be found accross the province.

Prof. Shin guided her to a private room beside a open garden. The room was designed in traditional Japanese style.

Upon opening the door a floor full of flowers and candles welcomed them. The whole room was decorated beautifully. Smell of fresh flowers made the atmosphere refreshing and relaxing.

The people inside had already started singing in chorus congratulating the professor for his long and better life.

In the middle of the room an elegant lady was clapping excitedly. In front of her, there was a table full of cake and flowers.

Prof. Shin was surprised. Although the lunch was actually his idea but he didn't expect his wife for holding a birthday party for him at this age. He saw his beloved standing there waiting for him. Just like their older days.

Shin XuLing literally ran towards her and hugged her tight. Just like teenage boys run towards their girls after school hours ended.

"Thank You, darling." He whispered in her ear.

"Happy Birthday, honey." Lu Shuhua hide her tears and shifted her head on the nape of his shoulder.

The waiters present there as well as Lina blushed seeing such romantic moment.

They quietly left the room for giving privacy to the couple leaving Lina behind alone. Lina stood there awkwardly trying to hide the infectious smile spreading through her face seeing the warm scenes in front.

Maybe God heard her prayers. Lina noticed two teenagers standing in a corner making videos of the scenes. The girl was instructing the boy to film from every angle.

"It was your beloved nephew's idea. Thank him instead." Mrs. Shin abruptly told breaking the hug.

"And where is he ?" Prof. Shin looked for Yang.

"Ah.. sorry about that hubby. He was here giving instructions for making this successful. But suddenly a call came and he left stating some urgent matters needed to be handled. " Mrs. Shin said. Disappointment was written all over her voice.

"Hmm. I see. This fella..!" Prof. Shin sighed.

The boy and the girl came in front of them singing birthday jingles.

"Happy Birthday dad."

They wished him and gave him flower bouquets. Lina watched the four sharing a warm moment of family hug. She smiled remembering her family. It's been long they all went out together for a dinner. She made a mental note to return back to the house for a family dinner.

The professor blew the candles off and cut the Cake. He fed his wife the first bite. Then the childrean. They all laughed together. The warmth in their voices filled the room.

Suddenly professor Shin noticed Lina standing in the corner like an abandoned stray cat. He shook his head for not paying enough attention. After seeing Shuhua in that state he totally forgot the world.

" Ah.. I totally forgot.. honey.. let me introduce you to someone..." He asked Lina to come closer " This is Lina Park. The jewel of our school I told you about."

Lina blushed by his words.

"Mrs. Shin. It's a pleasure to meet you.I'm Lina." She bowed to her showing respect.

"And once again, Happy birthday sir." She bowed to him.

Mrs. Shin smiled at her sincerity. She asked to come near and hugged making her surprised.

" Thank you for coming Miss Park. I've heard a lot about you." Lu Shuhua turned to her side and made her face the kids. " Here, meet our next generation in line."

The boy and girl laughed hard at their mother's comment and introduced themselves to Lina.

"Hi, jiejie. I'm Shin Kun. This is my sister Kia. Nice to meet you." The boy shook her hand.

"Hello jiejie. I'm Kia. You are so beautiful." The girl hugged her tight.

" Hello. I'm Lina." Lina looked at them awkwardly. The kids reminded her of her own siblings. The girl was about her brother's age. She tried hard to control herself from squeezing the boy's cheeks. Lina used to squeeze her brother's cheeks. She felt warm inside her heart.

Mr. and Mrs. Shin noticed their interactions and felt relieved. They were thinking about how awkward Lina would feel. But seeing her smiling with the kids made them relaxed.

"Thank you for accompanying this old couple today."

Mrs. Shin started conversing with her while Prof. Shin called for the waiter to make order.

Previously Lina was feeling uncomfortable and worried. But the kids made her comfortable like home. Although, she tried to avoid Mrs. Shin's gaze everytime she looked at her. She could only smile and nod her head in answer. It seemed like she only had guard on for the adults.

" Thank you for inviting me. I never expected such opportunity in my whole life. Thank you for making me come." Lina sat between Kia and Lu Shuhua.

"Just call me aunty okay? Mrs. Shin seems so distant you know?" Mrs. Shin grabbed her nervous hands and reassured her.

"Okay Mrs. Shin.. Ayi.... Aunty Shin. xie xie ni . (Thank you.) " She bowed again.

"Ah this girl. No need to do these type of formalities. Aiyo hubby she is so sweet. " She smiled at her husband " Come here child. Now make your orders."

Lina was surprised at their sweet gestures. She couldn't find a reason why they were treating her so well. She remained frozen in her seat.

Mrs. Shin urged her to order her favourites. Lina somehow ordered some dishes. Kia tried her best to make her comfortable around them. She made conversations with her about girly things.

Kia became interested in her. She made her laugh by telling stories about school. Kun too found her interesting. He was surprised to learn about her knowledge in sports and music. In a few minutes Lina made herself the older sister figure they never even thought of having.

The kids were having their moments. The sister their father brought along was not only knowledgeable about things but unlike their big brother she was also really cool. Kia found Lina to be a fan of her favourite boy band. She made her exchange numbers to keep in touch and to guss over the boy band members.

Kun added her to his team of his favourite video game. Suprisingly he found her name among the few finalists of the game. His big brother was the one introduced him to the gaming world. Lu Yang was also one of the finalists. Kun wished his brother could attend the party today. He would definitely be pleased by her style of gaming.

Mrs. Shin started talking to her making the situation ease. And she was really good at that.

Naturally Lina didn't held back herself further and let down her guards. She chatted away merrily with them. The kids made her missing her siblings way too more.

The trio discussed about various topics making the atmosphere homely. The Shin couple was impressed by her table manners and vast interest in various fields including politics,arts, sports and movies, music too.

"Wish he was here today..! You'd be amazed to meet him." Mrs. Shin stated suddenly.

'Who is she talking about? Am I missing something?' Lina thought being puzzled by Mrs. Shin's sudden words.

"Yeah! Big bro missed so much things." Kun explained.

"Our nephew. He is of your age. He is also a medical student. We hoped that he could be here today." Prof. Shin replied sensing her curiosity.

" Oh!"

Lina accompanied them through out the course and thanked for their invitation. She was really happy to witness the bond between the couple and their kids.

The kids were apples of their eyes. Lina grew fond of them.

Mr. and Mrs. Shin dropped her at the University as she left her scotty behind and bid goodbye.