Chapter 25: Celebrate Her Birthday
"No." Su Ning responded to Lin JinYan whilst lying on the L shaped couch playing on her phone with her head laying on the soft throw pillows. "Su Ning, it's your 15th birthday. Yet you won't let us celebrate your birthday at my villa." Lin JinYan said sullenly. Su Ning sighed and turned her body to the teenage boy crouched across from her; she can see him balancing his body so as not to touch the floor. "Lin JinYan don't you think it's odd for a 16 and 17 year old boy to bring a 15 year old to play in another city?" Su Ning propped her head on her elbow and lightly tapped Lin JinYan's nose with her other hand. "Those are things you should do with your girlfriend. We can celebrate my birthday at home as usual or we can eat out with my family somewhere. It doesn't have to be a big deal." Then without much thought, she turned her attention back to her phone, one of her legs dangling on the side of the couch.
They were currently at a luxury apartment near M Academy purchased by Gu YuChen a few months back. The 4 bedroom apartment was decorated to Su Ning's taste although it was a fact she remained unaware of. Lin JinYan had seen Su Ning buy a book 'Danish Hygge' a while back. Though Su Ning says she likes Old Madam Gu's traditional style mansion, Lin JinYan is aware she prefers the homey and cozy atmosphere of Gu YuChen's apartment. Gu YuChen that sneaky bastard completely stole the idea of buying a place and renovating the interior to give it a rustic scandinavian feel. Before he knew it, Su Ning had been spending more and more time at Gu YuChen's apartment; the latter even gave her a room under the pretext of providing her a quiet place to study at walking distance from school. Truthfully, Lin JinYan disliked the straight-faced Gu YuChen, however both had a tacit understanding to remain close to Su Ning to protect her from any outsiders' unwanted advances.
In the past 3 years, Su Ning has blossomed into a beautiful young woman attracting attention of both sexes wherever she went. However, she remained oblivious to her charm, instead she focused the majority of her time on her studies and in the company of her loved ones. This only serves to increase her allure. '[Sigh.] I really want to take you everywhere with me. To show everyone you are mine so no one will harbor any foolish thoughts for you.' Lin JinYan silently mused. Lin JinYan always felt that Su Ning tries to draw a line between them. She dotes on him and Gu YuChen however she is never possessive of them nor does she ever asks for any favors from them.
Somehow it feels they aren't a necessary existence in her life, that they could leave anytime and Su Ning will continue her life as she normally would. That train of thought pains Lin JinYan and his brows unconsciously furrow. As if noticing his discontent, Su Ning turned her attention to Lin JinYan and patted the area beside her on the sofa. "Come sit over here. It's uncomfortable kneeling over there." Su Ning said placatingly. Lin JinYan gave a soft smile, warmth evident in his eyes as he went over to her, "So you still care about me. But you won't let me make special plans for your birthday. This year is also Gu YuChen's last year of senior high. We don't even know where he plans to attend university." said Lin JinYan softly. He feels no remorse using Gu YuChen as an excuse if it means he can spend Su Ning's 15th birthday memorably.
"Of course, I care for you. You and Gu YuChen are dearest to me. Honestly, I just didn't want to make a big deal about my birthday. I didn't even think about the fact that Gu YuChen is graduating soon. Is this really important to you?" Su Ning asked as she bit her lower lip slightly. "Taking a girl to your summer house should really be done with your significant other though. I feel like I am stealing your future girlfriend's first experience." she continued. Hearing her reasoning, Gu YuChen grinned as he stared down at her face as he lightly grasped her wrist that was holding her phone, his other hand touching the hair strewn about her head on the throw pillow.
"Yes it is very important to me that we celebrate your 15th birthday especially since I also treasure Su Ning the most." he said solemnly as he kissed the strands of her hair. Su Ning didn't pay any mind to his actions and her brows creased in thought. "Hmm. Alright. But I want to ask QingQing and MiaoMiao to come with us." Su Ning conceded. "Okay." answered Lin JinYan. Truthfully, he preferred to go alone with Su Ning but he already had to take Gu YuChen anyway adding two more wouldn't be too much of a nuisance. The goal is to stake the claim on Su Ning publicly without her awareness of course.
"By the way, I noticed you are getting better with physical contact now. I am glad." said Su Ning as Lin JinYan continued to play with her hair. "Mmm." he made a soft sound and did not bother to say more. In fact, Su Ning is the only person outside of his family and close friends Lin JinYan is willing to touch on his own accord but he will not tell her that.