21st Birthday Party

The date is February 14, which is Valentine's Day in the West. A spacious sports bar on the Santa Monica Promenade in California is empty at the moment.Compared with the brisk business of other stores on the street, the place seemed deserted.On closer inspection, there was a sign at the entrance that said "Private party," and several attendants were cleaning inside and outside the bar.

After cleaning the eight long tables on the terrace outside the bar, the waiters put a "Reserved" sign on each table.One by one, guests came into the bar with an invitation.In less than half an hour, the empty bar became crowded.Ten minutes later, at 5 p.m., a young Boy with Chinese face appeared at the door of the bar, wearing a white long-sleeved shirt, a light gray slim jeans, wearing a pair of dark sunglasses, standing at the door.

At this moment, people looked toward the door and when they saw the boy they began to shout enthusiastically, "Zhifeng is here!"Hearing the shouts, the boy laughed happily.Men and women streamed toward the door. Some patted the boy on the shoulder, some gave him a hug, and some gave him a high five. Whatever their expressions, they all said one thing: "Happy 21st birthday, Zhifeng!"

GU Zhifeng clapped shoulders, hugged, high five, happy expression overflowing.He took off his sunglasses and walked through the crowd into the bar.Inside the bar, the original 30 tables were changed to 20 tables, and 10 tables were removed, leaving a large space in the central area of the bar.On one side of the bar is a long bar, on which are 10 super large and ultra hd TVS. At the moment, different sports are on, including baseball, basketball, football and ice hockey.

Inside the bar, an old white man and a young white man were talking and making drinks.Gu Zhifeng stood in front of the bar and greeted the old white man and the white man with familiarity.

"Happy 21st birthday, Zhifeng!"Both of them said to Zhifeng in unison.

"Thank you, Dad. Thank you, brother."Zhifeng said happily.

The white man was Zhifeng's stepfather, Jack Ferono, an Italian-American.The young white man was Felix Ferono, Zhifeng's stepbrother.

"Where's the ring?"Zhifeng asked Felix.

"Yes, of course. Come with me to the accountant's office,"Felix said.

Felix walked to an opening at one end of the bar and walked out into the small room, followed by Zhifeng.

The little room was not big but enough to serve as the pub accountant's tiny office.Felix walked to the desk, opened the locked drawer and took out a small, beautifully wrapped box.Judging by the style and size of the small box, one could tell that what was inside should be a ring.

"Write a piece of iOU for me,"Felix said to Zhifeng with a smile.

"Yes, of course."Zhifeng took a piece of paper that Felix had pulled out of the printer and scribbled a paragraph.

Zhifeng borrowed $12,000 from Felix to buy a Bucherati ring.I plan to repay $2000 on the 14th of each month in 6 months.After signing and dating the slip, Zhifeng handed it to Felix.

Felix said "thank you." Zhifeng said politely, "I'm the one who should say thank you."

Zhifeng opened the ring box, and a beautiful classic bucherati ring came into view.It was really very beautiful. The gold and diamond, through the process of drawing, is absolutely a very expensive ring. Zhifeng was very satisfied with the ring and smiled as he looked.

Felix patted Zhifeng on the shoulder and said, "Good luck."

"Thank you."Zhifeng thanked him.

Zhifeng put the box into his pants pocket and walked out of the small room, followed by Felix, who closed the door and locked the small room.

After another 10 minutes or so, the bar was now full of people, standing and sitting, roughly counting about 35 guests.

"Are we nearly all here?"Felix asked softly as he walked up to Zhifeng as the scheduled start time approached.

"Well, I think we're almost ready to go."

By this time, a drum set had appeared in the empty space, along with a guitar and bass and a microphone standing upright.

In less than 15 minutes after Zhifeng and Felix went to the small room, the bar staff had already set up a simple stage in the open space. Zhifeng was a little surprised by the speed of the movement.

Zhifeng then walks to the center of the stage, picks up the microphone, clears his throat and begins to speak.

"Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, MY name is Zhifeng, and THANK you very much for taking time out of your busy schedule to come to my 21st birthday party.You've all been my buddies and friends along the way. Thank you for coming today. I hope you have a great time!"

When Zhifeng finished, thunderous applause broke out and everyone shouted "Happy 21st birthday, Zhifeng!"

Zhifeng smiled and nodded happily to show his thanks.

Voice down, Zhifeng walked off the stage.Soon, the stage was handed over to the band, and a Chinese band began playing some old soft rock music that Zhifeng loved.The atmosphere began to heat up.

Today's guests have brought presents, which are stacked on a small square table.

All drinks, meals, and entertainment facilities like billiards, darts, and footsball are also free of charge to play today.This had been explained to all guests before they came today, when sending out the invitations.

With laughter, Zhifeng found his girlfriend, LIU Fangming in the crowd who also came to his birthday party. LIU Fangming and GU Zhifeng have been together for three years. Both are students at UCLA.They sat together at the school meeting, and the two of them fell in love at first sight.

Zhifeng went to LIU Fangming, LIU Fangming handed over a beautifully wrapped birthday gift, and said "dear, happy birthday!"

Zhifeng said, "Thank you, dear."

GU Zhifeng took the gift, took her to the door of the small room, took out the key of the small room, opened the door, pulled her into the door.

Shut the door, GU Zhifeng hugged LIU Fangming, kissed her face, a face of indulgence and love appeared on his face, he took out a small box from his pants pocket. In front of LIU Fangming,he opened the box.

Buccelati diamond ring appeared in front of Liu Fangming, Liu Fangming whole body was shocked. This ring is so beautiful, is this not her dream ring?

"Do you like it?GU Zhifeng asked LIU Fangming eagerly, looking forward to her excitement. He had no idea what was in LIU Fangming's mind at the moment. She was wondering where he had got so much money to buy the ring.

GU Zhifeng did not see happiness, excitement from LIU Fangming's face, but he read the inquiry.

"What's wrong?" GU Zhifeng asked.

"Thank you, Zhifeng, for buying me a diamond ring, but where did you get so much money?"

GU Zhifeng understood why LIU Fangming had that expression on her face. For a time, he was extremely disappointed, and did not know how to answer her questions.

But LIU Fangming did not take the diamond ring, did not ask again, just standing there waiting.

The atmosphere became very awkward.