Rona Muir suddenly lost her appetite at the thought of it. "My head hurts. If my dad finds out I found him a Japanese son-in-law, will he kill me?"
Cecilia Gu grinned and said, "I don't know if he'll kill you, but I will definitely be there to watch!"
"Go away!" Rona Muir poked Cecilia Gu's forehead hard. "You heartless thing, taking pleasure in my misery!"
Cecilia Gu laughed even harder.
Outside was a flurry of activity, but inside it was as peaceful as a hidden paradise.
Finally, the birthday arrived.
Early in the morning, Rona Muir and Sophie Mo kept Cecilia Gu company in her room.
The maid first brought some tea to whet her appetite, let Cecilia Gu eat a bit, and then helped her into a peach-pink gown.
The stylist designed a distinctly vintage look to match the gown, adding simple hair accessories. Cecilia looked just like a young lady from the Republic era.
Sophie Mo admired, "Madam Yun studied in Austria when she was young and sparked a craze for Chinese culture there. This gown was custom-made for her eighteenth birthday banquet. Even after all these years, it’s still so beautiful."
Rona Muir couldn't help but say, "Yeah, if I didn't know this was a birthday party, I'd think we were about to film a movie! Cici, your birthday is really something special this year!"
"How could it not be special?" Before Cecilia could answer, Sophie Mo continued, "This is Cici's first time celebrating her birthday with the Yun family. They're making up for all the birthdays she missed over the past twenty-eight years!"
Cecilia Gu sighed and said, "I think this birthday banquet is way too grand, but since it's what my parents want, I'll go along with it. By the way, you two better keep your eyes open today—if you spot any girls suitable for Ethan, let me know!"
"Look at you, acting like a big sister-in-law—if people didn't know better, they'd think you were his real mom!" Rona Muir rolled her eyes. "You haven't even married into their family yet, and you're already worrying about this stuff."
Sophie Mo chimed in, "That's right. You're now the Yin family's young madam—your status is way up there. So many women are dying to catch your eye and marry into the family to be your sister-in-law. These days, Rona and I keep getting gifts from people begging us to put in a good word for them with you. Do you think we should help you find someone?"
Cecilia Gu said, "Why not? If they give you gifts, just accept them. Whether they're good or not has nothing to do with the gifts!"
Sophie Mo shook her head helplessly. "We don't have the time or energy for that!"
Cecilia Gu thought for a moment and said, "True, you two are so lovey-dovey right now, you barely have enough time for each other—how could you possibly have time to worry about my stuff?"
Sophie Mo and Rona Muir both pinched Cecilia Gu at the same time. "Stop talking nonsense! We're gonna pinch you!"
After that, the three of them couldn't help but burst out laughing together.
When the time was right, someone came to invite Cecilia Gu to make her official appearance.
Cecilia Gu immediately took Sophie Mo and Rona Muir by the hand, and the three of them walked out together.
As soon as they stepped outside, Cecilia saw that the entire courtyard was filled with guests.
Looking up, Cecilia saw Charles Yin standing not far away, looking at her with a gentle smile.
Cecilia gave him a big smile before continuing forward, heading toward Mr. Yun and Mrs. Yun.
Mr. Yun, a renowned scholar, delivered a heartfelt speech, his eloquence captivating everyone present.
After the speech, Cecilia turned to the altar, knelt, and paid her respects to the ancestors of the Yun family, then to Mrs. Yun, and finally to Mr. Yun for their nurturing. She also bowed to her aunt, Nora Yun.
Cecilia then had Mrs. Yun and Jane Gu sit together, bowed to each of them, and presented them with embroidered pouches. "I'm luckier than most. I have two mothers who care for me, and both are still alive. Twenty-eight years ago, one gave me life, the other gave me a future. Now that I'm a mother myself, I understand even more what it means. My birthday is a day of hardship for mothers. Twenty-eight years ago today, you risked everything to bring me into the world, and the other mother took on the burden of raising me."
"So, a year ago, I secretly prepared two gifts. I'm not as skilled as my mothers—I can't make beautiful clothes—so I collected all my childhood photos and made a special scrapbook. No matter how many years pass, I'll always be your daughter. I love you both!" Cecilia gazed lovingly at Mrs. Yun and Jane Gu.
The two women seated at the front instantly broke down in tears, unable to speak.
Someone in the crowd started clapping, and soon everyone joined in, applauding enthusiastically.
In an age when etiquette and filial piety are often neglected, the Yun family preserved their traditions perfectly.
Cecilia's words weren't fancy—she's never been one for grand speeches—but she has always been deeply filial.
Cecilia bowed deeply to her two mothers, and both Mrs. Yun and Jane Gu stood up at once, pulling Cecilia into a heartfelt embrace.
Whether her birth mother, Mrs. Yun, or her adoptive mother, Jane Gu, both truly loved this daughter.
Jane Gu had given up her own happiness and health for Cecilia, a debt Cecilia could never fully repay.
But Jane Gu felt content.
Though she never had children of her own, Jane Gu was happy and satisfied.
"Good, good child..." Jane Gu's lips trembled. "I'm so happy you don't mind me!"
"Mom..." Cecilia Gu gently hugged Jane Gu, pressing her cheek to Jane's. "I hope you can spend the rest of your life happily. Mom, look, you have two grandsons now—they're growing so fast! As their grandma, you need to make more clothes for them! Those two little rascals change outfits several times a day!"
Standing nearby, Ethan Yin and Miles Gu knew their grandma was a bit depressed, and their mom was trying to cheer her up, so they quickly chimed in: "Grandma, do you like our clothes? We love the ones you make for us! They're way better than the ones Dad buys! Can you make us clothes every day?"
Dad, to comfort grandma, you just have to take the blame!
Charles Yin instantly accepted it—he'd take the blame!
Hearing Ethan and Miles, Jane Gu broke into a smile through her tears. "Alright, as long as you don't mind, Grandma will make you clothes every year!"
Ethan and Miles shook their heads. "Of course not!"
After the bows, Cecilia wiped her tears and returned to her room to change clothes, then greeted the other guests.
Cecilia took Mr. Yun's arm and followed him to meet the male guests.
Although these guests came for the Yun family's invitation, none of them put on airs—they all greeted Cecilia politely.
When Cecilia approached Charles Yin, he whispered in her ear, "I'll surprise you later."
Before Cecilia could respond, Charles Yin had already stepped back.
Cecilia didn't have time to ask him—another guest had come to greet her, so she had to attend to them first.
Max Mo wore a silver-gray suit, accompanied by a capable woman in a red, low-cut evening gown.
Cecilia saw that Max finally had a woman by his side and smiled with genuine happiness for him.
No matter what, she hoped Max would find happiness and not dwell on past mistakes.
He'd already made mistakes for two lifetimes—she hoped he wouldn't repeat them.
"Cici, happy birthday." Max Mo's voice was low and gentle, filled with deep affection, though he tried to sound casual.
The woman beside him, Yujie, couldn't help but clench her fingers.
So he really could be this gentle.
But his gentleness was reserved for only one woman.
That woman was not Yujie.
"Thank you, Max. I'm really happy you could come. And I love the gift you gave me." Cecilia smiled, her expression clear and pure. "I hope you find happiness."
"I will," Max Mo nodded with a smile, his blue eyes full of tenderness.
Standing nearby, Eric Jiang was as refined and noble as ever.
"Cici, happy birthday," Eric Jiang said with a gentle smile. "I accepted all the flowers you sent. We're family now, so I won't give you money!"
Cecilia burst out laughing. "Cousin, you're so stingy! I wonder if your future wife can handle you!"
Eric Jiang smiled and tapped Cecilia's nose. "Just kidding! I cultivated a beautiful clivia for you—I'll send it to you when you go home."
"Really? Thank you so much! I love this gift!" Cecilia's eyes lit up.
"Hey, if you say that, I'll be sad! For your birthday, Rona cleaned out my stash! And Sophie didn't stop her! Hey, Jiro Hirayama, keep your woman in line!" Jing Rong protested nearby.
Jiro Hirayama looked innocent—he was dressed formally today instead of in sweats, and he did look much more put together.
Rona Muir said, "What? Got a problem? You stole my Sophie and I haven't complained! Taking some of your money is the least you deserve!"
Sophie Mo pretended not to hear any of it.
Of course, when your best friend argues with her husband, you side with your best friend!
Rona Muir handed something to Cecilia. "Shawn Kerr couldn't make it today, so he asked me to give this to you. He said, thank you for everything over the years."