The next morning—
She woke up and checked the date again.
Tomorrow.
She stared at it for a moment.
Let's take a day off tomorrow.
She made breakfast quickly before heading to work.
The familiar neon sign of the internet café glowed faintly even in daylight.
Inside—
The steady hum of computers.The rapid clicking of keyboards.Soft chatter.The smell of coffee and instant noodles.
She stepped behind the counter.
"Boss," she called gently.
The woman behind the front desk didn't look up immediately, fingers still flying across the keyboard.
"Mm?"
"I'll be taking a day off tomorrow."
Now the Boss looked up.
"A day off? You never take days off."
"…It's Luoli's birthday."
There was a brief pause.
Then the Boss leaned back in her chair.
"How old?"
"Three."
A small smile tugged at the Boss's lips.
"Go. I'll cover your shift."
"…Thank you."
"Don't thank me. Bring cake the day after."
A faint smile appeared on Qinran's face.
"Okay."
After work—
She carried the drowsy boy in her arms.
"Momm… mhm…" he mumbled sleepily.
She patted his back gently.
"Sleep."
"Mhm…"
Later that night—
She placed the sleeping boy on the bed and quietly started decorating.
Simple decorations.
Balloons.A small banner.Nothing extravagant.
But everything was done carefully.
The faint hum of cars outside echoed softly in the quiet apartment.
An hour before midnight—
"Momm~" Luoli yawned.
"Awake?"
"Hmm…"
"Let's get you cleaned up."
Thirty minutes later—
"Yayyyyy!" he giggled, running away naked.
"Luoli, come here and get dressed."
"Nooooooooo… playyyyyy!"
"Oh no~ Prince Luoli is running away! I'll catch you!"
She scooped him up.
"I caught you."
Giggles filled the room.
"Mom noooooo!"
"Okay, okay. Enough fun. Hands up."
He raised his little hands obediently.
"Good boy."
She dressed him and glanced at the clock.
A few minutes left…
She carried him to the dining table.
"Sit here."
She opened the fridge and carefully brought out the cake.
Then slowly walked toward him, singing softly—
"Happy birthday to you…Happy birthday, Luoli…"
"Cakkeeeeeee!"
She placed it down.
"Let's blow the candle."
He puffed his cheeks and blew.
The flame went out.
She smiled.
"Happy 3rd birthday, Luoli."
She fed him a small piece.
Cream smeared on his lips.
He laughed.
A little later—
She walked over holding the tablet.
Luoli's eyes instantly lit up.
"For little Prince Li."
She opened the animal game and placed it in front of him.
"Press this."
He tapped the screen.
Woof!
Luoli screamed in happiness.
"Momm! Dogggyyy!"
She watched him quietly.
His laughter filled the small apartment.
Outside, the city moved on.
Inside, it was warm.
No father.
No past.
Just the two of them.
And that… was enough.