Read Novel Full Chapter 57 – Happy Birthday, Xiao Feng
Chapter 57 – Happy Birthday, Xiao Feng
The trio weren’t the only kids looking forward to Xiao Feng’s birthday cake—after the weekend passed and they returned to kindergarten fully recovered, nearly every kid in the class knew there would be a delicious cream cake for Xiao Feng’s birthday. Whether out of envy or flattery, Xiao Feng suddenly received an outpouring of care and affection. Every day when he came home from school, he had a smile on his face.
One morning, Xia Mian woke up to find the boy giggling in his sleep, showing a few pearly white teeth. When he opened his eyes and saw her, his first words were, “Auntie, how many days until my birthday?”
“Three more days!” Xia Mian smiled as she looked into his eager eyes. That’s exactly how a child should feel about their birthday!
Xiao Feng’s birthday finally arrived amidst all the anticipation. Early that morning, Xia Mian dressed him in a set of brand-new clothes: a thick gray fleece-lined sweatshirt with a pale yellow hood, denim jeans, and little white sneakers. Very cute.
“Baby, happy birthday!” Xia Mian kissed his soft cheek.
Xiao Feng gleefully hugged Xia Mian’s neck and did a little excited stomp with his feet. “Auntie, birthday cake!”
“Don’t worry, Auntie got it!” Xia Mian helped straighten his clothes and set him down from the bed. “In a bit, Auntie’s going to make the cake, and we’ll send some to your kindergarten friends at lunch.”
Mao Huizhu, who had rushed in with full excitement, immediately protested, “Why do we have to share it with them?”
“Aren’t you the ones who’ve been bragging about it nonstop? I heard you even made Fatty Wang cry with envy,” Xia Mian teased as she tugged on Huizhu’s pigtail.
Mao Huizhu huffed disdainfully. “No one else cried—just him! Glutton.”
Xia Mian patted Xiao Feng’s little tuft and said, “Eating Xiao Feng’s birthday cake is like giving him a blessing for coming into this world.”
Chenchen, also dressed in a new outfit, ran in and chimed, “So if I eat a big piece, does that mean I’m giving Xiao Feng a big blessing?”
Xia Mian: “…Yes” ‘Well, that’s one excellent logic indeed.’
Chenchen eagerly reminded her, “Auntie Mian, make it big!”
“Alright, alright! I said you’d eat your fill today!” Xia Mian said with a laugh. Then she told Huizhu, “The ones we’ll send to the kindergarten are little cakes. The big, beautiful birthday cake is for tonight when you come home.”
“Okay then,” Mao Huizhu didn’t argue anymore.
The trio bounced off to kindergarten.
Since Xia Wenyue hadn’t left for her stall yet, she caught Xia Mian and Mao Huilan in the kitchen beating egg whites. She was speechless for a moment as she stared at the two of them. Xia Mian gave an awkward smile and said, “Second Aunt, this is the only way to get a good whip. The fan’s easy to reassemble, really; we won’t break anything.”
“Only because it’s Xiao Feng’s birthday!” Xia Wenyue waved a finger at them. “But if you mess it up, see if I don’t give you both a beating!”
Xia Mian and Mao Huilan stuck out their tongues at each other and went back to work.
Thanks to the trial run, they were much more experienced and didn’t take too long to make the cake and cream. But without proper tools for decoration, progress was quite slow.
The cakes for the kindergarten kids were cut into small pieces. To save time, the decoration was a simple swirl of cream piped on each one. Though the presentation was plain, the flavor was guaranteed.
Even so, making forty to fifty mini cakes took nearly until noon. Once done, Xia Mian and Mao Huilan rushed out to deliver them to the kindergarten.
As soon as they turned into the alley near the kindergarten, they were greeted with loud shouts:
“Xiao Feng Xiao Feng, it’s your aunt!”
“Mao Huizhu, your sister’s here!”
“Huo Yuchen, the cream cake is here!”
When they got closer, they saw a group of tiny kids clinging to the iron fence, eyes practically sparkling with longing—like a bunch of little animals hungry for food.
Principal Liu opened the kindergarten gate to let Xia Mian and Mao Huilan in. “Huizhu and Chenchen told us first thing this morning it’s Xiao Feng’s birthday and you were bringing a cream cake,” the principal said with a resigned smile. “The kids have been waiting all morning.”
Xia Mian and Huilan hurriedly handed over the cakes.
“They were made fresh, so we’re a bit late,” Xia Mian apologized. “Excuse us, Principal, but could you help divide them for lunch? And here are a few larger ones for the teachers—our kids are a handful, thank you for your hard work.”
The principal chuckled. “Then we’ll gladly accept. Your Huizhu talks about your cream cake like it’s the best thing on Earth. Looks like we’re all benefiting from Xiao Feng’s birthday.”
Xiao Feng came running over, a look of pride on his little face as he hugged Xia Mian’s leg and flashed the principal a brilliant smile.
The principal gave his fluffy head a small pat. “Xiao Feng is really happy today.”
Since it was already close to noon, the principal let the kids go home right after the cake was handed out.
Xia Mian and Mao Huilan also took their own trio home for a nap.
“The big cake is for tonight, right?” Mao Huizhu asked anxiously.
“That’s right, you’ll have it in the evening.” Xia Mian teased her, “But don’t just think about cake—have you prepared a birthday present for Xiao Feng?”
“Of course!” Mao Huizhu announced. “You said it should be a surprise, so I’m giving it to him tonight!”
Xia Mian turned to Chenchen next, who proclaimed seriously, “Auntie Mian, you’ll find out when we give it to him tonight!”
Everyone knew about the birthday cake, but the gifts had been well kept under wraps. Xiao Feng was full of anticipation, rolling happily around in bed during nap time, too excited to sleep.
“Auntie, how much longer until evening?”
Xia Mian held him down. “Just take a nap and the time will pass quickly.”
But the afternoon actually passed easily. When Xia Mian went to pick up Xiao Feng later that day, the little guy was even more energetic than he’d been that morning.
Usually the quietest of the three, he was now leading the way, bouncing and skipping ahead, while Mao Huizhu and Chenchen trailed behind him, each carrying a plastic bag in hand.
As soon as Xiao Feng saw Xia Mian, he opened his arms wide and ran over giggling, “Auntie!”
Xia Mian caught him and spun him around twice. “So happy, huh?”
Xiao Feng nodded enthusiastically. “Happy!”
Just then, a passing child called out, “Xiao Feng, happy birthday!”
A group of kids walking together even sang the birthday song to him.
Xiao Feng’s smile grew even wider, his grape-like eyes squinting with joy.
“So this is little Xia Yufeng. Auntie wishes you a happy birthday!” a woman passing by said.
Xiao Feng was a bit shy, but he responded graciously, “Thank you, Auntie!”
“Such a good boy.” The woman smiled at Xia Mian. “Thanks for the birthday cake today—my daughter loved it.”
“My son liked it too,” said another parent, who turned to Xiao Feng. “Happy birthday, Xia Yufeng!”
“Xia Yufeng, happy birthday!”
“Happy birthday!”
More and more parents offered birthday wishes as they passed by with their kids. Xiao Feng beamed, his smile so big it made his feet kick with glee.
“Sister Mian!”
“Auntie Mian!”
Mao Huizhu and Chenchen ran over.
Xia Mian looked down at them. “What are you guys carrying?”
The two said in unison, “Xiao Feng’s birthday presents!”
“Huh?” Xia Mian was a bit surprised.
Chenchen opened his plastic bag to show her. “The teacher taught us a birthday song today, and our classmates all gave Xiao Feng birthday presents.”
Xiao Feng wiggled to get down, so Xia Mian set him on the ground.
He eagerly dug through the plastic bag and showed her the contents. “Auntie! My birthday presents!”
Xia Mian couldn’t help but laugh. Inside were candies, toys, pencils and erasers, glass marbles, colorful drawings—an eclectic mix, but clearly things kids cherished.
“Wow, all from your friends?”
Xiao Feng nodded happily, his eyes glowing. “Yes! So many, many friends gave them to me.”
Xia Mian took the bags from the two children, patted Xiao Feng’s head, and said, “Let’s go home. We’ve got gifts waiting for you too!”
Xiao Feng looked up and gave her a big, joyful smile before running ahead. “Let’s go home!”
Mao Huizhu quickly followed. Chenchen reminded her, “Slow down—you’re not allowed to run ahead of Xiao Feng today.”
Mao Huizhu slowed her pace and followed behind the birthday boy, grinning the whole way.
Xia Mian watched their backs and couldn’t help laughing. ‘What little cuties!’
When they got home, the house was already bustling. A large table was set up in the Xia house, and on it sat a big, two-tier birthday cake. The whole Xia family was there, along with Ning Shaoyun, Ning Shaobai, Aunt Wei—and even Zhu Yuanhai had come.
As soon as Xiao Feng walked in, everyone shouted in unison, “Xiao Feng, happy birthday!”
Xiao Feng beamed, revealing a row of little white teeth. “Thank you!”
He ran over to Zhu Yuanhai and called out happily, “Teacher!”
Zhu Yuanhai gently patted his little disciple’s head and took out a set of paintbrushes. Their lessons had already begun—not focused on technique at this age, just giving Xiao Feng the freedom to doodle and explore. The little guy always enjoyed the time.
“My little disciple, Teacher wishes you a lifetime of joyful painting.” The brush set was a custom-made miniature version designed specifically for children—something you couldn’t find anywhere on the market.
Xiao Feng took the brushes with both hands, his eyes sparkling. “Thank you, Teacher!”
Zhu Yuanhai couldn’t resist ruffling his hair again. “Good boy.”
Ning Shaoyun smiled. “Xiao Feng, this is Auntie’s birthday gift for you.” She handed him a set of paints and drawing paper.
Xiao Feng, now unable to carry everything, stomped his little feet in excitement and looked at Xia Mian. “Auntie!”
Xia Mian burst out laughing and led him to open the side room on the east wing. “This is Auntie’s birthday gift for you. You can put everyone’s presents here!”
The room had been transformed into an art studio. It was similar in layout to Ning Shaoyun’s, but everything from furnitures to the decoration was downsized to suit a child.
Xiao Feng was so happy he didn’t know what to do with himself. He ran a lap around the studio, then turned to Xia Mian. “Mine?”
“Yes, yours,” Xia Mian smiled. “You can put all your birthday presents here.”
Xiao Feng looked down at the brushes in his hand, then solemnly placed them on the drawing table. He put the paints and paper from Ning Shaoyun on the shelf in the corner, his eyes shining as he turned around.
Ning Shaobai brought out a small easel and sketch board and set them up for him.
Xia Wenyue and Mao Huilan had also prepared gifts, and finally, the surprises from Mao Huizhu and Chenchen were revealed. Huizhu gave Xiao Feng her favorite wooden frog that could croak, and Chenchen presented a birthday cake made entirely from Lego bricks—judging from the size, he probably used all the Lego pieces he owned.
Xiao Feng, like a joyful little puppy, waddled around the studio, carefully placing each gift inside. When he was done, he spread his arms and did another happy lap, then launched himself into Xia Mian’s arms. “Auntie!”
“I’m not too late, am I?” came Huo Xuewen’s voice from the doorway.
Everyone paused and turned to look.
After a moment of surprise, Chenchen ran over excitedly. “Dad, you really came!”
‘Ouch, that little remark must be hurt’—Xia Mian thought to herself.
But Huo Xuewen did not seem to mind. He scooped his son into his arms, his eyes full of tenderness. “Of course. From now on, when Dad says he’ll come, he will.”
He walked over, holding a brightly colored watercolor set. “I heard Xiao Feng likes to draw. Uncle wishes you a happy birthday.”
Xiao Feng glanced at Xia Mian, then cheerfully accepted it. “Thank you, Uncle!”
Ning Shaoyun quietly let out a sigh of relief. Since he was able to attend, it meant everything was fine.
Xia Mian snuck a look at Ning Shaobai’s expression. Seeing no displeasure, she wondered what Huo Xuewen had done to make even him accept his closeness to Ning Shaoyun and Chenchen.
“Can we make a wish and eat cake now?” Mao Huizhu asked eagerly.
“Yes!” Xia Mian picked up Xiao Feng and sat him on the birthday chair in the center, placing a crown made from cardboard paper on his head.
Mao Huilan had already lit the candles. “Come on, Xiao Feng, make a wish!”
Xiao Feng looked puzzled. “Make a wish?”
Xia Mian laughed and explained, “Yes, today is Xiao Feng’s birthday—you can make a wish, and someday it’ll come true!” She clasped her hands together as an example. “Wishing over a birthday cake is the most magical!”
Xiao Feng understood. He pressed his small hands together and, in his soft little voice, said to the candles, “I hope Auntie has a birthday too!”
“I hope Auntie Huizhu, Brother Chenchen, Great Aunt, Auntie Ning, Uncle Ning, Teacher… that everyone has a birthday.”
It was the happiest day of his life, and he wanted all the people he loved to feel this happiness too.
The little boy opened his eyes, smiling with pure joy.
Xia Mian looked at his innocent little face, and her eyes went red. Xia Wenyue ruffled his hair and said with a choked voice, “Good boy…”
Zhu Yuanhai, who had recently learned about his past, also let out a long sigh. “What a good kid.”
Ning Shaobai picked up his camera. “Alright, blow out the candles—time for a picture.”
“One, two, three!”
“Happy birthday, Xiao Feng!”
The lens captured the child’s radiant smile. Though he still hadn’t learned how to ask for things, Xia Mian believed that everything he had experienced would eventually dispel the shadows in his heart—so he could be forever joyful and warm.