Chapter 213 Dr. Song, Are You Drooling Yet?

Song Jingmo: “?”

Lu Er replied quickly: “Dr. Song, are you drooling yet? [dog face]”

Song Jingmo: “Where did the bells come from?”

Lu Er laughed: “They’re props from the crew. What, do you want them?”

Song Jingmo: “Mm.”

Lu Er: “Even if you want them, no use—they’re from the props department. You have to return them after filming.”

Song Jingmo: “Oh.”

That “oh” sounded full of regret.

Lu Er laughed in the hotel room, hugging his phone as he typed: “Dr. Song, my birthday’s next week. What gift are you getting me?”

Song Jingmo: “Guess.”

Lu Er: “I can’t guess. Are you coming to S City to celebrate with me?”

He had just been there a week ago.

This time, Song Jingmo replied quickly: “Er Er, aren’t you setting your standards a little too low for your boyfriend?”

Lu Er: “?”

Song Jingmo: “This is the first birthday you’re spending with me since we got together. No matter how busy I am, I’ll make time.”

Lu Er stared at that sentence for a long time, then buried his face in the pillow, grinning like a fool.

A week later, it was Lu Er’s birthday.

In previous years, his birthdays were grand events organized by fans. LED screens on city landmarks would be rented to scroll birthday messages.

Offline gatherings organized by fan clubs could attract thousands, with charity donations, live broadcasts, and trending hashtags from morning to night.

This year was quiet.

No massive fan support, no overwhelming publicity—his birthday post on Weibo didn’t even go up until almost midnight.

The picture was simple: just a photo of a cake. Small, but exquisite.

The comment section was still lively, mostly fans’ wishes and a few friends from the industry.

Less clamor than before, more warmth.

Lu Er booked a small private room at a boutique restaurant and invited a few friends.

Ye Qingge arrived first, carrying a delicate gift box: “Happy birthday, birthday star!”

“Thank you.” Lu Er took the gift. “It’s the thought that counts, not the present.”

“No way, there has to be a sense of ceremony,” Ye Qingge leaned in and whispered, “Has Dr. Song arrived?”

“On his way, a little traffic.”

Just then, Yan Huaijin and Gu Jinzhou arrived one after the other.

Gu Jinzhou wore a flashy pink suit and carried a bag that looked expensive.

Seeing Lu Er, he smirked, about to say something, but Yan Huaijin shot him a look.

The words stuck in his throat, and reluctantly, he handed over the gift: “Happy birthday.”

“Thanks.” Lu Er accepted it with a polite smile.

Gu Jinzhou rolled his eyes and sat beside Yan Huaijin.

Ten minutes later, Song Jingmo arrived.

In a simple white shirt, he somehow exuded a noble, elegant vibe, carrying a medium-sized bag.

He nodded politely to everyone in the room.

“Dr. Song is here!”

Ye Qingge waved enthusiastically. “Sit next to Lu Er. We saved you a spot.”

Song Jingmo sat beside Lu Er, naturally resting his hand on the chair’s back.

Lu Er leaned over slightly, whispering: “Traffic?”

“Mm, S City evening rush.”

Song Jingmo took a box from the bag: “Birthday gift.”

Lu Er’s eyes lit up as he took it. Small, but beautifully wrapped.

Just as he was about to open it, Song Jingmo pressed his hand gently, voice a little awkward: “Open it at home.”

“Oh…”

A little disappointed, Lu Er obediently put the box aside.

Everyone had arrived, and the food started coming.

The dishes were delicate; they ate and chatted, the atmosphere light and pleasant.

Ye Qingge raised her glass: “To our birthday star—happy birthday, and may your new drama be a hit!”

“Thanks!” Lu Er clinked glasses, smiling.

Yan Huaijin raised his glass, smiling warmly: “Wishing you an even better year ahead, always shining.”

Seeing that, Gu Jinzhou acted up again: “Lu Da, the top star’s birthday is so humble this year. In previous years, it was a nationwide celebration…”

The words were sharp.

The table instantly fell silent.

Before Lu Er could respond, Yan Huaijin spoke in a low voice: “Jinzhou.”

Just two words, and Gu Jinzhou immediately shut up.

In the end, he could only angrily bow his head and eat, pretending the shrimp in his bowl was Lu Er poking him.

Lu Er smiled: “Grand celebrations every year are boring. Small gatherings with friends are far more precious.”

Song Jingmo leaned close and whispered so only Lu Er could hear: “Seeing Yan Huaijin and Gu Jinzhou like this, I feel completely at ease.”

Lu Er tilted his head: “Hmm?”

“Otherwise, I’d worry,” Song Jingmo’s breath brushed his ear, “that someone might try to steal you away.”

Lu Er’s ears warmed.

Under the table, his white sneaker lightly kicked Song Jingmo’s black leather shoe: “What are you talking about, nonsense as always.”

Song Jingmo used the tip of his shoe to playfully flick Lu Er’s pant leg, sliding up the ankle: “I’m not joking.”

His wife was too beautiful; he had to be careful.

Gu Jinzhou was just a troublemaker, always stirring up chaos. Yan Huaijin was busy putting out fires, so probably not paying attention to Lu Er.

Lu Er giggled, squeezing Song Jingmo’s fingers under the table: “Dr. Song, since when did you start getting jealous?”

“Not jealous,” Song Jingmo said calmly. “Just evaluating the risk reasonably.”

“Stubborn.”

Halfway through the meal, the waiter brought in the cake.

Not an exaggerated multi-tier cake like before, just a simple nine-inch cream cake with “Happy Birthday” written on it.

Everyone sang, Lu Er made a wish, and blew out the candles.

Ye Qingge teased: “What did you wish for?”

“If I say, it won’t come true,” Lu Er laughed.

In fact, his wish was simple:

He hoped every year would have a day like today, every year like this.

He hoped the people around him would always be there, and that Song Jingmo would always stay by his side.

When cutting the cake, Lu Er deliberately gave the strawberry piece to Song Jingmo.

Song Jingmo didn’t like sweets, but since it was from Lu Er, he quickly finished it all.

After dinner, they chatted a little more before gradually leaving.

April’s night wind was gentle, brushing his face like a feather.

Cherry blossoms bloomed along the roadside, petals drifting in the lamplight like pink snow.

Lu Er carried the gift bag, Song Jingmo held his hand.

“Happy today?” Song Jingmo asked.

“Happy,” Lu Er nodded. “Much happier than those noisy birthdays before.”

“Good.”

Back in the hotel room, Lu Er eagerly opened the gifts.

Ye Qingge had sent limited-edition designer sneakers, Yan Huaijin a custom figurine, and Gu Jinzhou a ridiculously expensive perfume—probably bought on a whim.

Finally, Lu Er opened Song Jingmo’s box.

Inside was a smaller velvet box.

Lu Er opened it to find several golden bells on black satin.

Very similar to the ones he wore during filming, but more delicate.

Each bell had fine engraved patterns and the word “love” on it.

Lu Er picked up a bell and shook it gently.

Ding~

The sound was crisp and pleasant, far nicer than the prop bells.

“You…”

Lu Er looked at Song Jingmo: “When did you buy this?”

“Had someone custom-make it.”

Song Jingmo came over, took the bells, and said: “The ones for filming were props; these are yours.”

“I watched the video. The props probably caused a mild allergic reaction. These are pure gold—no allergy.”

He bent down and fastened the bell around Lu Er’s ankle.

The cold metal against his skin made Lu Er shiver slightly.

The filter on the video had hidden the reaction, but here, it was obvious.

Lu Er looked down at the bell on his ankle.

He lifted his foot slightly; the bells jingled, clear in the quiet room.

Song Jingmo swallowed, looking at him: “Er Er, the one on your waist—shall we wear it together?”

“Dr. Song,” Lu Er lifted his head, eyes sparkling, “is this a birthday gift, or…”

“Both.”

Song Jingmo pulled him into his arms: “Birthday gift, and my selfish desire.”

Lu Er laughed, wrapping his arms around him: “Dr. Song, you’ve learned bad habits.”

“Learned from you.”

Song Jingmo kissed his forehead: “Happy birthday, Er Er.”