Chapter 299 The Main Story Concludes

The sunset’s last rays poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the banquet hall in a gentle golden glow over the roses scattered throughout the room.

For the evening part of the celebration, Lu Er had invited a circle of friends.

“Lu Er, happy birthday!”

Jiang Sheng wore casual attire, an air of flamboyance in his eyes.

Following behind was Chu Mian, his striking silver hair catching the light, flashing a bright smile with perfect white teeth.

As soon as Chu Mian entered, he gave Lu Er a bear hug and handed over a delicate box. “Hurry, open it!”

Lu Er opened it, and inside lay a car key.

The silver emblem gleamed under the light—it was a key to a limited-edition supercar.

“Your birthday gift! I picked this car out for you; its performance is amazing. We’ll take it for a spin together someday!”

Then he complained, “You haven’t raced with me in almost two years. Every time I ask, you say you’re busy. Busy with what, I wonder?”

Lu Er instinctively glanced at Song Jingmo, lowering his voice a little. “Well… Jingmo isn’t too fond of me doing dangerous stuff like this.”

Chu Mian paused, his gaze flicking between the two of them, and let out a meaningful “oh.”

“Alright, alright… what a henpecked husband.”

He patted Lu Er’s shoulder with mock sympathy. “Poor thing. I’ll be nicer to you from now on.”

Song Jingmo spoke gently, “If you want to play, go ahead. Just be safe.”

Lu Er’s eyes lit up instantly. “Really?”

Song Jingmo nodded, a smile in his eyes. “It’s fine to relax occasionally. Just don’t overdo it.”

Chu Mian muttered with a sigh, turning to Jiang Sheng, “Song Doctor really keeps a tight leash…”

Jiang Sheng just smiled, saying nothing.

Just then, Ye Qingge and her group arrived.

Gu Jinzhou still carried his usual swagger, while Yan Huaijin remained calm and composed as ever.

“Happy birthday, Lu.”

Ye Qingge pointed to the robot accompanying them. “The latest AI housekeeper—can handle chores and even chat with you.”

Lu Er laughed. “Qingge, you’re very practical.”

Gu Jinzhou stepped forward, handing over a framed scroll. “Here, from me and A-Jin.”

Lu Er took it and unrolled it. It was a piece of calligraphy.

The strokes were vigorous and lively, bearing two lines:

“The blue eucalyptus has met the carefree bird; I love nothing in the world but you.”

The seal at the bottom was unmistakably from the calligraphy master Wei Lao.

Song Sinian, who had been chatting with Lu Chen, glimpsed the scroll out of the corner of his eye, stood up abruptly, and hurried over.

“This… this is Wei Lao’s work?”

He examined it closely, full of awe. “Wei Lao’s words are priceless, and he never writes for just anyone. How did you get this?”

Gu Jinzhou raised his chin, smug. “Wei Lao is my great-aunt’s husband.”

Yan Huaijin interrupted from the side, teasing, “He begged, threw tantrums, and pestered the old man for three whole days until Wei Lao had no choice but to write it.”

Everyone laughed heartily.

Lu Er held the scroll silently for a long time.

Since being with Song Jingmo, he had changed his WeChat nickname to “Carefree Bird.”

He had never told anyone about this little detail.

He never expected Gu Jinzhou to notice.

Even more, he never imagined that this usually uncooperative guy would pester an old master for three days just to get this calligraphy for his birthday.

Lu Er looked up. Gu Jinzhou was standing with arms crossed, wearing an expression that said, “I just casually gave it; don’t be too moved.”

Ye Qingge leaned in, curious. “Is there something special about this calligraphy?”

Gu Jinzhou spoke before Lu Er could, a hint of pride in his tone: “His WeChat name is Carefree Bird. You didn’t know?”

Ye Qingge froze for a moment, then immediately realized.

“Those cufflinks… either the Carefree Bird design or the blue eucalyptus pattern. Hard not to notice.”

“Gu Jinzhou, thank you.”

Lu Er’s face was all smiles. “I really like this gift.”

Gu Jinzhou looked at him seriously, rare for him. “You’re my big boss now. I can’t give you a half-hearted gift. Otherwise, what if you make things difficult for me when renewing the contract?”

Lu Er laughed at that. “Am I that kind of person?”

Gu Jinzhou rubbed his nose.

Lu Er: “…”

Everyone burst into laughter again.

Song Jingmo had quietly come over, standing beside Lu Er and glancing down at the scroll.

He didn’t say a word, only reached out and gently held Lu Er’s hand.

Lu Er turned toward him, meeting Song Jingmo’s gentle gaze, feeling delight swell inside.

He quietly held Jingmo’s hand back, their fingers intertwining.

Jiang Sheng and Chu Mian were pulled away to drink with Leng Keyan, Ye Qingge chatted with Luo Bingbing about skincare, and Gu Jinzhou and Yan Huaijin were pulled into a discussion with Song Sinian about Wei Lao’s calligraphy.

Lu Er held the scroll, looking around at the room full of people, feeling a surge of warmth in his heart.

He suddenly recalled many summers ago, the boy waiting at the alley corner for him after school.

He remembered that awkward morning years ago, when he handed out that card, and the hurt in Song Jingmo’s eyes.

He remembered their reunion at the hospital, that cold remark: “Lie still. We’re just ordinary doctor and patient.”

He remembered the secret visits, late-night messages, and tentative approaches.

He remembered the room full of roses, the one-meter-tall cake, the bouquet larger than Lu Ming.

And Song Jingmo kneeling before him, looking at him with utmost sincerity.

He lowered his gaze, looking at the calligraphy again—

“The blue eucalyptus has met the carefree bird; I love nothing in the world but you.”

After all the twists and turns, they finally found each other.

All the waiting, all the misses, all the reunions, all the perseverance—today, they all had the best answer.

“What are you thinking?”

Song Jingmo asked softly.

Lu Er leaned against him, carefully rolling up the scroll.

“Thinking… I’m really lucky.”

Song Jingmo looked down at him, a small smile on his lips. “Me too.”

Lu Er shook the car key in his hand, smiling. “I really want to try this car.”

Song Jingmo raised an eyebrow. “Want me to come with you?”

“Of course.”

Lu Er said confidently, “You said just be safe, right? With you, I’m even safer.”

Song Jingmo smiled, wrapping an arm around his waist and pressing a kiss to his forehead.

“Alright, I’ll go with you.”

Outside, the sunset was perfect.

Inside, love was overflowing.