Yang Zimo stopped, a blush spreading across her beautiful and charming face, indicating she had indeed drunk quite a bit.
However, Teacher Yang's eyes were still clear, a reflection of her personality.
"Taiqing, are you leaving?"
"You've been drinking, I'll have someone escort you!"
Yang Zimo's attitude was like that of a good friend, with a hint of care and intimacy. Yet, it was precisely this attitude that made Han Taiqing subconsciously clench his fists.
Since they met, the woman before him had always treated him this way, even after he confessed his feelings years ago.
She only saw him as a friend. If he wanted to go further, it was impossible. In her words, they were too familiar with each other, completely unsuitable for a romantic relationship.
If he insisted on changing this dynamic, the only outcome would be to lose her!
Han Taiqing clenched his fists, a bitter smile playing on his lips.
Finally, he relaxed, saying with a smile, "No need, someone with me hasn't been drinking."
"As I stood up, I suddenly remembered I haven't given you your birthday present yet."
As he spoke, Han Taiqing took out a small, exquisite box from his pocket.
The box immediately drew the attention of everyone present, including Qin Chuan.
"Oh, a present? Let me see!"
Yang Zimo's face lit up with excitement. She directly reached out and snatched it. Just as she was about to open it, she paused and said to Han Taiqing, "Taiqing, you know my rules, right?"
Han Taiqing's face, which had just shown a hint of a smile, immediately stiffened.
Yang Zimo frowned slightly and handed the box she had been about to open back to him.
Qin Chuan, who had been quietly observing the scene from not far away, couldn't help but ask in a low voice, "Zimo has rules for accepting gifts?"
"Of course. Zimo is very independent in both her personality and her way of doing things," Huang Qi said in a low voice as he watched the scene unfold.
"Between friends, if a gift exceeds ten thousand yuan, Zimo refuses it!"
Qin Chuan clicked his tongue in his mind. That was indeed a unique rule.
Ten thousand yuan might be a lot of money for an ordinary person, but it depended on the circle.
Given the status of the attendees at the birthday party tonight, a gift of ten thousand yuan wasn't much at all.
Then, Qin Chuan suddenly showed a trace of a conflicted expression. His gift also exceeded ten thousand yuan. He wondered if Teacher Yang would accept it...
"Zimo..."
Seeing Yang Zimo push the box back, Han Taiqing's expression was conflicted. Finally, he couldn't help but open the box. Instantly, a pink glow emanated, drawing the attention and exclamations of many.
Inside lay a dazzling pink gemstone, as large as a coin.
This gem clearly looked exceptionally valuable and rare, a true weapon for any woman.
"Zimo, this pink gemstone is called 'the representative of love'. I went to great lengths to obtain it from a merchant in Great Britain, paying a high price," Han Taiqing said.
"I know you've always rejected me, wanting only to be friends, but I couldn't help but want to give you this gem called 'the expression of love', representing my love for you..."
"Taiqing!"
Yang Zimo interrupted Han Taiqing's rambling. A dark expression appeared on her face, as if the former leader was making a comeback.
"Today is my birthday, a day for me and everyone to be happy!"
"If you keep babbling, don't blame me for slapping you like I used to!"
Her words left Han Taiqing's face flushed and pale, filled with unwillingness.
"Hahaha!!!"
Just then, a discordant burst of laughter rang out. A figure emerged from the onlookers, dressed in a white suit, with handsome features and an effeminate air.
"Han Taiqing, you brute with developed limbs, you dared to break Zimo's rules in public when you knew them, it's truly speechless."
"Serves you right for being scolded!"
Su Hengyu stood before Han Taiqing, laughing loudly.
Many people were attending the birthday party tonight, but few dared to openly scold Han Taiqing like this. Su Hengyu was one of them.
As a sworn enemy, he was overjoyed to see Han Taiqing embarrassed. He seized the opportunity to add insult to injury, kicking a man while he was down.
"You dead sissy, my business is none of your concern!"
"Get back to your brothel and go play with your male companions!"
Seeing his rival step forward, Han Taiqing vented his anger on Su Hengyu.
The two sworn enemies immediately began to bicker, like two fighting cocks.
Yang Zimo was getting a headache. She had seen this situation many times before. Whenever these two idiots met, it was always like this.
Either they ignored each other as if they didn't see each other, or if they spoke, it would escalate into a fight.
"I can't be bothered with you, you brute with developed limbs!"
Su Hengyu ignored Han Taiqing's taunts and turned with a brilliant smile to Yang Zimo.
"Zimo, come see the gift I've prepared for you!"
He also took out an exquisite box from his pocket, then opened it, revealing a very beautiful and delicate butterfly-shaped brooch.
"Zimo, this brooch definitely didn't cost me over ten thousand yuan, only 9998."
"It's from Italy's most renowned jewelry family craftsman, handmade, and limited edition worldwide."
Su Hengyu quickly explained the origin of the butterfly brooch, drawing gasps of admiration from everyone.
"The moment I saw it, I felt this brooch perfectly matched your temperament, so I bought it."
"I'm giving it to you now, I hope you like it!"
After speaking, Su Hengyu handed over the gift.
Yang Zimo hesitated for a moment before reaching out to accept it, smiling sweetly, "Thank you, Brother Yu, you're the best!"
"Ah!"
This address of 'Brother Yu' made Su Hengyu feel as if he were floating on clouds, and he kept casting provocative glances at Han Taiqing.
As if to say, "See? This is what a smart person does."
Han Taiqing's face darkened. He then reached into his left pocket and took out another gift box, putting on a fawning smile and handing it over.
"Zimo, don't be angry, I was wrong just now!"
"This is actually the gift I prepared for you."
Yang Zimo took it and opened it in front of everyone.
Inside lay an exquisite bracelet, shimmering with pearls.
Afraid that Yang Zimo would reject him again, Han Taiqing quickly raised his arm and added, "I promise, this bracelet really didn't cost over ten thousand yuan!"
"Ah, that's more like it!"
Yang Zimo's face bloomed into a stunning smile. She reached out and patted Han Taiqing's head, "A good child knows how to correct their mistakes."
"This bracelet is very beautiful, I'll accept it!"
Han Taiqing's face beamed with joy. As long as Yang Zimo accepted his gift, he would be happy.
If he hadn't managed to give any gift tonight and had even been lectured, he would have been extremely embarrassed.
A little over fifteen minutes later, everyone gradually left as it was nearing midnight. The hour was indeed late.
Qin Chuan also followed the crowd out of the villa.
However, as he left, he subtly winked at Teacher Yang when no one was paying attention.
Following the others, he drove out of the villa area. Midway, Qin Chuan turned the steering wheel and headed back.
As expected, he received a message halfway.
Teacher Yang: "Where are you now?"
"Almost there!"
Qin Chuan replied.
When he returned to the villa, a beauty was already waiting in the shadows.