"Allen, you really put your heart into this. Thank you."
Mia Liao glanced at the fireworks a few times, quickly losing interest, then turned to chat with Tyler Tai beside her.
Grace Liu pushed the cake in front of her. Mia Liao blew out the candles, but didn't even plan to eat a slice of the three-tier cake.
"So this is why you insisted I come here, huh?"
Mia Liao looked at Allen Ju, who nodded in response.
Fireworks and cake—just to fulfill that one wish Mia Liao made years ago.
Allen Ju just hadn’t expected Mia Liao to invite so many people, including Tyler Tai and the others—it was all Mia’s private arrangement.
"You really put your heart into it."
Mia Liao nodded to Allen Ju again. "But I’m dieting lately, so you guys eat the cake."
Frank Bi, Calvin Zheng, and a few others stood there, wanting to say something. But after a few hesitations, they glanced at Allen Ju and finally swallowed their words.
"It's your birthday today, and a few of my friends just got back too—why not come along and join us?"
Tyler Tai looked at Mia Liao and spoke up: "They're all the friends we used to hang out with."
Back then, the older kids had their own circle. Mia Liao nodded and didn't refuse.
Seeing this, Allen Ju felt even more down.
"You guys spent a lot of time tonight too. Why not come with me now? We're all just here to have fun."
Tyler Tai encouraged them: "Besides, Mia just got back from abroad—it's all about getting together."
As he spoke, Frank Bi and the others didn't answer right away. Instead, one by one, they looked at Allen Ju, who was standing there.
Mia Liao also looked over at him. After waiting a moment, Allen Ju nodded.
"Alright, let's go."
Tyler Tai finished speaking, took the lead, and headed out the door with Mia Liao.
Tyson Tai and the others followed behind him. Just before heading out, they shot Allen Ju a glance—there was a hint of amusement in their eyes.
"Calvin, I'll talk business with you later—let's all make money together!"
Kyle Liu grinned and waved at Calvin Zheng, but Calvin ignored him and turned to look at Allen Ju instead.
"Are we really going?"
Calvin Zheng asked, "Those older kids used to mess with us a lot. Back then in the courtyard, you know how they bullied us."
"Sure, we've got a bit more clout now, but with Mia there..."
Calvin Zheng trailed off at that point.
If Mia Liao weren't there, this group wouldn't be worried about anything. But with Mia present, there was no doubt they'd end up at a disadvantage.
"Maybe we should just skip it, find somewhere else to hang out, and you can invite Mia out by herself tomorrow?"
Wanwan Sun spoke up at that moment.
Frank Bi nodded in agreement. Grace Liu, however, was a bit indignant, glancing every so often at the untouched three-tier cake.
The cake is small, but the heart behind it is huge.
What does dieting have to do with not eating cake?
Even just helping to cut and share the cake is an expression of care.
Allen treats her so well, but she doesn't seem to care at all.
Grace Liu glared, her little face full of indignation.
Those Tai brothers—Tyson and Tyler—one day I'll help you teach them a lesson.
Leon Lu walked up and patted Allen Ju on the shoulder.
Gloria Rong frowned, staying silent, but looked over at Selina Wu: "Is Gordon not here yet?"
She was looking forward to Gordon showing up. Though Gordon wasn't as strong as Leon, he was rougher.