Translated by Eve

Edited by Kara

Thank you Kofi Supporter for the kofi!

It was Feng Tongs birthday today. Although Song Xuanhe was puzzled over why Feng Tong had decided to celebrate his birthday in China, he admired the other and always wanted to spend more time with him. Therefore, he didnt hesitate to attend upon receiving the invitation.

The restaurant that the celebration was being held at was very close to Song Xuanhes company building. So, after work, he headed straight over. When he had arrived, aside from Zhou Nan, there were also a few unfamiliar people already there.

Song Xuanhe nodded in greeting to those who had looked over at him. He then sat down next to Zhou Nan. Wheres Feng Tong?

Zhou Nan had been playing on his phone. He didnt even look up. Feng Tong went to get his girlfriend. Lin zi seems to be busy, so hell come by later.

Hi. Someone else had then come over with a smile. Tong ge mentioned you before. Ive heard that although youve never had any formal education, your skill is on par with independent designers, who have already set up their brands. Its rare to hear Tong ge have such a high opinion of someone. Thats why Ive always wanted to meet you. Didnt think Id really get to see you.

Song Xuanhe smiled back politely. I also really appreciate his work. At the very least, I cant compare to Feng Tong when it comes to cut and coordination.

The person who had been speaking with him was taken aback by this and hadnt known how to respond for a moment. Song Xuanhe had basically just admitted that he was incredible. Did he really think that it was only with regards to cut and coordination that he couldnt compare to Feng Tong?

The other people who had been paying attention to this side also looked over. Their gazes fell onto Song Xuanhes handsome face. When they saw his calm aura and his polite-but-distant expression, they had all come up with their own verdicts.

Only someone with real ability would be able to have such a composed aura.

Designers naturally had their own way of scrutinizing others. Song Xuanhes suit was professional, but because he had unbuttoned his collar, he was able to add a relaxed, languid air to it. Although the cufflinks on his shirt were small, they were still stylish and noticeable. They went well with the colour of his collar. Every detail of his outfit was just right. There were plenty of small details that caused their eyes to light up once they had noticed them while still being appropriate for the occasion.

Regardless of whether or not he was an outstanding designer, this outfit at least proved that he was well-versed in coordination for fashion and had a very refined aesthetic.

Several people exchanged glances before approaching him as well. Someone else said, Feng Tong says that youve got a godly skill when it comes to colours. I really want to know just how good you are to get him to praise you like that. If you have the time, Id love to discuss it with you some other time.

Of course. Song Xuanhe smiled and clinked glasses with that person.

Seeing how amiable Song Xuanhe was, the others also came on over. Song Xuanhe hadnt chatted with fellow designers in a really long time. By the time Feng Tong had come in, there was a relaxed smile on his face.

Sorry for making you all wait so long.

Feng Tong was holding hands with a short-haired, elegant woman. After apologizing, he introduced her with a smile. This is my girlfriend, Ren Yi.

Ren Yi gave them all an easy-mannered smile. Sorry. I had bumped into a high school classmate, so we ended up arriving late. You guys can all call me Yiyi.

Song Xuanhe looked at Ren Yi before nodding to Feng Tong.

Ren Yi had greeted everyone and then introduced the person next to her. Her expression was gentle and soft, but she didnt sound like she was particularly close to this person. This is my high school classmate. Hes also a designer. Thats why I invited him here. I hope that you guys wont mind.

It was Feng Tongs birthday. Even if someone here had minded the fact that Feng Tongs girlfriend had brought a guest, who also happened to be a designer, they wouldnt have said it out loud. Only Song Xuanhe had raised a brow when he saw who it was. A sliver of intrigue had appeared in his eyes. However, before that person looked over, he looked away.

It is a bit abrupt to add a guest for dinner so suddenly. Im really sorry about this. The man behind Ren Yi walked out. He was pretty and spoke in a sincere tone. Ive always just really admired Feng shixiong. But, Ive never had the chance to bump into him at school. I had only realized how close Feng shixiong was after bumping into Ren Yi. When I had heard that the finest designers in the field would be attending this dinner tonight, I didnt want to miss out on this opportunity. Thats why I had so shamelessly followed along.

The mans words were sincere, and he was even discreetly praising the people here. Because of this, the guests, who had been a bit displeased with this sudden turn of events, didnt bother to haggle over this. Instead, someone from the group smiled and said, Were all in the same profession, how is that shameless? Besides, its Feng Tongs birthday today. As long as hes okay with it, anyone can come.

Its already getting late. Feng Tong interrupted. He pulled a seat out for Ren Yi and then said, Lets take our seats.

Because the private room they were in had been set up for the exact number of people attending, Feng Tong had to ask a waiter to bring in one more chair. Everyone on the sofa stood up. Zhou Nan had also put his phone away. When he had reached his seat, he asked Song Xuanhe, Is Lin zi still not here yet?

Song Xuanhe had yet to respond when he heard Zhou Nan make a sound of surprise. He was looking past Song Xuanhe at the newcomer. He raised a brow, Isnt this the guy who wanted to buy the cufflinks you had won on the cruise? Why is he here?

Zhou Nans voice hadnt been loud, but aside from the sound of chairs moving, there were no other noises. So, when everyone heard him say this, they all looked over at him. Only Feng Tongs shocked gaze was on the newcomer.

Zhou Nan didnt pay attention to everyone elses gaze. He looked at Song Xuanhe, puzzled. Is he not? Or, did you just forget? Or, am I mistaken?

Song Xuanhe had yet to speak when Jiang Deyi spoke up. Zhou shao is right. Im really sorry about what had happened last time. If it werent because of how important those cufflinks are to me, I would have never made such an impolite request. From how protective Song shao was of those cufflinks, I know that Song shaoye must be keeping Master McPhails cufflinks in pristine condition in his collection. I should apologize to you again.

Jiang Deyi stood up and bowed to Song Xuanhe.

Song Xuanhe didnt move. He just raised a brow casually, silently watching Jiang Deyi with a smile that didnt reach his eyes.

Although Jiang Deyi had joined in abruptly, he had sounded very sincere in his speech and apology just now. Everyone else had already gotten over it. Of course, they were still a bit more partial towards Song Xuanhe, who had arrived earlier, as they had already chatted with him and had also started to accept him into their group.

It was just that Jiang Deyis words just now swayed them a bit.

A nobleman did not take what another loved. Song Xuanhe was the one who had won the cufflinks. Even if they were important to Jiang Deyi, there was no reason Song Xuanhe had to give them to him. But, Jiang Deyi had not managed to get the cufflinks and had even solemnly apologized. His apology had sounded really earnest. For Song Xuanhe to not accept his apology made him seem narrow-minded to others.

Most of the people here were designers. Regardless of whether they were fashion designers or jewelry designers, their ultimate goal was to have the people who admired them genuinely love their designs. There were many ways to show that love. Their favourite method was for the person to wear their designs, ideally paired with other designs theyd made.

Before designers had reached a certain level or rather before they planned on retiring, compared to clients who would purchase their designs as part of a collection, they much preferred clients who bought their clothes or jewellery to wear. What was the point in buying it if you werent going to wear it?

Furthermore, if their client wore it well, then it would also end up as free publicity for them.

Everyone here knew that if Song Xuanhe really liked McPhails cufflinks, he would wear them daily rather than hide them away in his collection.

Song Xuanhe didnt pay any attention to the thoughts of the other guests. In contrast, Zhou Nan was really displeased with Jiang Deyis words. He didnt know about the particularities of designers, but he had felt the change in the atmosphere. He knew that Jiang Deyis words had contained some kind of hidden meaning.

Mr. Jiang. Zhou Nan looked at Jiang Deyi, lips curled, Last time, you and Hayden Schroder had missed the auction, because the two of you had something else to attend to. Why isnt he with you now?

Jiang Deyis expression changed slightly. Before he could open his mouth, he heard someone else gasp, Hayden Schroder? The Schroder Familys Hayden Schroder?

Is there another Schroder? Zhou Nan shrugged.

I think Zhou shao has misunderstood something. Mr. Schroder and I had just been planning on attending the auction together. But, I had missed the auction because of a family matter, Jiang Deyi said calmly, I know that your and Song shaos impression of me must not be good because of what had happened last time. If the two of you do not want me here, I can leave.

Everyones gaze shifted towards Song Xuanhe. Jiang Deyi had already said this much. For Song Xuanhe to remain quiet would make him seem unreasonable.

However, once again, before Song Xuanhe could speak, a waiter knocked on the door and brought in the dishes, thereby breaking up the silence.

Feng Tong glanced at Jiang Deyi and then said to the others, Xuanhe was the one to suggest this place. I heard that the food is good. Everyone should give it a try. The matter with the cufflinks has already passed. If Mr. Jiang still has some issues about it, you can speak to Xuanhe after dinner. Okay?

As the birthday star, Feng Tongs words seemed impartial. However, it was obvious who he sided with when listening to how he had addressed the two people.

Jiang Deyi forced a smile. Of course. I have dampened everyones spirits. Sorry.

As soon as he had finished speaking, Xiao Shenglin had walked through the door that the waiter was about to close. He had incidentally heard those last few words. When he had walked in, he saw Song Xuanhe looking in his direction, chin propped up on his hand. On his cuffs were a pair of familiar cufflinks. He couldnt help but smile. Sorry for being late. I just happened to hear that you were talking about cufflinks. Are you guys talking about the McPhail cufflinks Xuanhes wearing today that he had won on the cruise?

The McPhail cufflinks he had won on the cruisethey were currently on Song Xuanhes cuffs?

The atmosphere became a bit strange again. Everyones gaze fell onto Song Xuanhes cufflinks, the look in their eyes strange. If there hadnt been a second pair of McPhail cufflinks on that cruise, then the ones on his cuffs right now should be the ones Jiang Deyi had mentioned.

However, hadnt he said that these cufflinks were very important to him? Why hadnt he noticed them despite the fact that they were right in front of him this whole time?

Eve: My favourite kind of face-slapping is when MC doesnt have to do anything and the idiots dig their own graves.