Chapter 165 - Don't Overthink
This chapter is dedicated to Zeno98 for being the top 1 fan of the story for the month of June. Thank you so much for the support!
***
The moment Cai Li went back with the tub of ice cream, one for each person, they gladly took it. Ru Shi made a comment the moment Pan An opened his share with a big smile on his face.
"I thought you just had hotpot. You can finish this?
"
"When it comes to desserts, I have another compartment in my stomach.
"
Hearing this, the three of them grinned, already starting to each their ice cream.
"Anyway, what is this help that you want us to do?
" Ru Shi reminded, Pan An, answering her question.
"Oh! You see, Shu Xian's birthday is coming soon, the day after tomorrow. And I'm wondering if you two can help me organize something for her?
"
"Wow…
"
Ru Shi exclaimed, getting a spoonful of ice cream inside her mouth then spoke with her mouth full.
Since she is indeed in her own house surrounded by people she trust, she can act this way comfortably without having to worry her own image.
Heck, she can't be this way even in her own house with Chia Hao!
"You know, I never saw you as a guy who would worry about this because you were in a relationship with a woman before. Why would you think about this with this Shu Xian now?
"
Cai Li was the one who answered her instead. With her getting the attention of the two, she spoke, briefly telling about the background of Shu Xian once more.
"Ru Shi, how could you not do something for her? She has never celebrated her birthday before because of her evil uncle!
"
"Oh, this,
" Ru Shi nodded slowly, understanding why Pan An wants to do something exciting for Shu Xian.
"A big surprise is good, right?
"
"I don't want to overwhelm her,
" Pan An stated, letting out another sigh.
"She told me she only celebrates her birthday with Shi Lian and eats outside. I want something that's not too big, but not too small either.
"
"Hmm…
" Cai Li thought for a while, an opinion coming to mind.
"I guess what I thought first is okay. What if we surprise her with a house celebration instead? We can be there for her and ask for her friends, too!
"
"Hmm… like what kind?
"
"Oh, Pan Aaaaan…
"
When Ru Shi groaned, she rolled her eyes at him as she stabbed her spoon in her ice cream tub.
"You can just throw her a simple party and surprise her! The usual like greet her the moment she opens the door! That is simple and it won't scare her since it's not an extravagant party, either! Why are you worrying about this when you've thrown a big party for Ruo Xi?
"
Pan An narrowed his eyes at his sister.
"You know, this is pretty annoying. You keep comparing Shu Xian and Ruo Xi—both of them are completely different.
"
"Yeah, I don't like her being included in the topic either,
" Cai Li said, Pan An, now slightly irritated by the fact of their mother hating Ruo Xi.
Not wanting them to argue as well, Ru Shi just sighed, shaking her head as she now got her ice cream and started eating.
"Alright, I won't bring her up. Anyway, what you want to exert effort on is the type of gift that Shu Xian would like,
" Ru Shi suggested, making Pan An furrow his brows.
"I don't know much about her. But she doesn't seem to be the type of person who would like clothes and accessories,
" he replied, making Cai Li look at Ru Shi.
"I think it's okay to give her a simple jewelry—like a necklace or bracelet, right?
"
"I agree,
" Ru Shi commented, looking at her little brother.
"Don't overthink—I think something simple like this is appreciated. Maybe her initials engraved on it is good,
" she added, making Pan An nod slowly.
"Besides…
" she started off again, wanting to tease Pan An as well.
"With you thinking about Shu Xian so much, I could see that you're starting to like her?
"
Pan An only narrowed his eyes at his sister. With Cai Li stifling her giggle, Ru Shi continued, wanting to intentionally get on the nerves of her little brother.
It's one thing that she actually likes… pissing off his little brother but since Pan An respected her, he wouldn't dare act mean towards her.
"I want to meet Shu Xian someday! If he's making my brother act like an inexperienced lover boy when he had experienced being in a relationship before, then I could say that she is amazing!
"
A soft blush crept on Pan An's face. With him only eating his ice cream, the girls giggled at him, Pan An mumbling to himself.
"You two just say whatever you want… I genuinely just want to make her birthday worthwhile since she's never celebrated before.
"
"We know, we know,
" Cai Li said, already ceasing from her laughter.
"Now, where do we celebrate her birthday? Should we come to your place earlier to prepare so that when both of you come home, it won't be suspicious if you bring her to someplace else?
"
"Yes, that's good,
" Pan An agreed, smiling.
"Thanks, mother.
"
"Not at all!
" she replied,
"I like Shu Xian girl! She's such a sweet gal!
"
Ru Shi then let out a small sigh. With a smile coming to her face she then chimed in to the conversation, wanting to help his little brother out on this.
"I just got home to spend time with my family… but turns out we're planning for his future girl's birthday~!
"
Pan An playfully rolled his eyes at her.
"Stop teasing me, sis… anyway, I have to go home soon. I can't disturb her late at night. I can't stay here, too, because I'd have to work earlier.
"
"Oh, alright…
" Cai Li said, Pan An, taking a few spoons of ice cream in his mouth.
"You take care! Ask someone to drive you!
"
"En.
"
With that, he bode both of them farewell, already talking to their family driver to take him home.