With Gu Qiuxue's help, Qin Xiaowei finally managed to prepare the best meal she had ever cooked in her life.
Before inviting everyone to eat, she quickly took out her phone and snapped dozens of photos to commemorate the occasion.
Once she was done, everyone finally sat down at the dining table. It was a room full of women, with Lin Jichen being the only man.
Qin Xiaowei sat in the middle with Tang Tang, while Lin Jichen sat opposite them. On either side were Gu Qiuxue and Ren Lan.
Yan Ruyu and Liu Xiazi sensibly took seats nearby.
"Thank you all for coming to celebrate Tang Tang's birthday. Tang Tang, do you have something to say?" Qin Xiaowei poured juice for everyone.
Niu Naitang, being very well-behaved, raised her glass of juice and said in a sweet voice, "First, I want to thank Auntie. Auntie, you've worked hard."
Qin Xiaowei, touched, patted Niu Naitang's cheek and said, "Auntie didn't work hard. Tang Tang, you're a year older now."
"And thank you, Sister Gu, thank you, Brother Lin, thank you..."
Niu Naitang thanked everyone one by one.
Everyone smiled at Niu Naitang, wishing her a happy birthday. Who wouldn't like such an adorable and sensible little girl?
Qin Xiaowei gave her a new backpack, Yan Ruyu took out a doll, Ren Lan gave her a pair of mini boxing gloves, Gu Qiuxue gifted a Sailor Moon model, and Liu Xiazi gave a music box.
Only Lin Jichen didn't take out a gift, but of course, only Niu Naitang knew that Brother Lin's gift was already in her room.
With a gaming pod and so many gifts, Niu Naitang held her presents, smiling like a flower.
After the gifts were given, everyone started to enjoy dinner.
Niu Naitang only ate a few bites before running off to open her presents.
Qin Xiaowei didn't stop her; after all, she was the birthday girl today and could do whatever she wanted.
Besides, there was still cake to come.
At the dining table, the adults chatted.
Out of the six people, five had played "Tale of Immortal," so naturally, the conversation shifted to the game.
"My profession is a Crystal Realm fist cultivator."
"I'm a healer in the Foundation Establishment Realm."
"Uh... you all are amazing. I just started playing and am only a Qi Refining spell cultivator."
"Haha, I'm a streamer, but my realm isn't high. I'm at the mid-stage of Crystal Formation. I was a blade cultivator but switched to sword cultivator."
Listening to their conversation, Qin Xiaowei, who didn't play the game, could only sit there, confused.
"Xiao Lin," Qin Xiaowei called Lin Jichen softly.
"What's up, Sister Xiaowei?" Lin Jichen leaned over and asked.
"Is this game really that fun?" Qin Xiaowei was intrigued.
She had mentioned to Lin Jichen before that she wanted to try the game.
Now, the desire was even stronger.
She felt like an old person, out of touch with the times.
More importantly, she felt it was hard to find common topics to talk about with Lin Jichen if she didn't play "Tale of Immortal."
"Yes, it's really fun. Not only is the gameplay great, but the scenery is also beautiful. Sister Xiaowei, you can go in and relax, even if you don't level up," Lin Jichen recommended.
For his friends, Lin Jichen always encouraged them to play "Tale of Immortal," also for their future benefit.
"Since you say so, I really want to try it. Where can I buy the game? I'll order it now," Qin Xiaowei said, taking out her phone.
Lin Jichen laughed, "No need, Sister Xiaowei. I'll give you one. I ordered it a while ago; it should arrive soon."
"How can I accept that? Let me pay you."
"It's fine, it's not much."
"No, I can't let you spend money. I have money now. Don't worry, I'll transfer the amount to you," Qin Xiaowei insisted.
Seeing her determination, Lin Jichen had no choice but to say, "Alright, then just give me three thousand yuan, the market price."
Lin Jichen actually lied. He had ordered a top-tier gaming pod for Qin Xiaowei, which cost much more than three thousand yuan. Three thousand would only cover a ring.
Unaware, Qin Xiaowei immediately transferred three thousand yuan to Lin Jichen.
She started looking forward to her gaming ring.
"By the way, Sister Xiaowei, I need to tell you something," Lin Jichen took the opportunity to mention.
"Go ahead, no need to be so formal," Qin Xiaowei said.
"I bought Tang Tang a gift, which is also this game. She's very smart and has exceptional talent in the game. I want to cultivate her into a gaming prodigy without affecting her studies. What do you think?" Lin Jichen asked nervously.
He didn't know if Qin Xiaowei would agree. Most parents saw games as a menace and strictly prohibited them.
He didn't know if Qin Xiaowei would do the same.
To his surprise, Qin Xiaowei agreed.
"As long as it doesn't affect her studies, I'm not an old-fashioned parent. Playing games appropriately is fine. But Xiao Lin, isn't it too much to buy Tang Tang a game? Let me transfer another three thousand yuan to you."
Lin Jichen quickly stopped her, "No, it's a gift from me to Tang Tang. Returning the money would be inappropriate. Tang Tang helped me a lot in the game before, earning me a lot of money. This gift is nothing."
"Tang Tang helped you before? You mean she's been playing the game already?" Qin Xiaowei keenly caught this information.
It can be hard to make great work when its stolen from bit.ly/3iBfjkV.
"Uh..." Lin Jichen was momentarily stuck, realizing he had exposed himself. He regretted saying that.
Seeing Lin Jichen's awkward expression, Qin Xiaowei couldn't help but laugh.
"Don't worry, I said I'm not an old-fashioned parent. I won't blame you."
Hearing this, Lin Jichen breathed a sigh of relief and quickly praised, "Sister Xiaowei, you're so open-minded and a model parent!"
Qin Xiaowei smiled, "No need to flatter me. I'm just her aunt. I'm from the post-2010s, you know. I'm quite open-minded in my educational philosophy."
"Yes, yes, I misjudged. I'll punish myself with a piece of braised meat! Cheers!"
Lin Jichen said, picking up a piece of braised meat and eating it, savoring the flavor.
Qin Xiaowei's smile grew brighter. She curiously asked, "You said Tang Tang helped you a lot in the game. If I play this game, can I help you too?"
"Of course! Sister Xiaowei, I believe if you play this game, you'll definitely be a top player. I'll be counting on you to guide me then," Lin Jichen said confidently.
Hearing this, Qin Xiaowei became even more interested in "Tale of Immortal."
Niu Naitang, who had been eavesdropping, saw that Lin Jichen had convinced her aunt and couldn't help but smile, her little white teeth gleaming.
"Brother Lin is really effective. When I asked Auntie to let me play the game, she refused. But when Brother Lin asked, she agreed. If only Brother Lin were my uncle..."
Niu Naitang couldn't help but fantasize. Just thinking about it made her happy.
Proofreader & Editor: Lotas