Chapter 201: Wishes

“Happy Birthday!”

The room echoed with the harmonious chorus of the birthday song, lit only by the soft glow of candles flickering around a cake. Applause filled the air, and heartfelt birthday wishes were directed at Ji Lin, who was celebrating his 22nd birthday.

Turning 22 was almost bittersweet for Ji Lin. It was his first real celebration, a stark contrast to even the poorest families who somehow managed to acknowledge their children’s birthdays each year.Fôllôw new stories at no/v(e)lb/in(.)com

Lin Xian joined the applause, observing Ji Lin’s mix of slight embarrassment and genuine happiness. It was clear he was both shy and delighted by the attention.

“Ji Lin, come on, make a wish and blow out the candles! You have to wish for something before you blow them out!” Chu An Qing, buoyed by high spirits alongside a few other girls, encouraged him to make his wish.

Ji Lin paused, unused to this kind of attention. After a moment, he looked at the candlelit cake and said quietly, “Honestly, I’ve never really had any wishes. Apart from not having parents, my life’s been pretty good. I’ve had everything I wanted materially.”

“Ji Lin... you shouldn’t say your wish out loud,” Chu An Qing gently reminded him. “It won’t come true if you do.”

But Lin Xian raised his hand, interrupting her. “Let him say it. It seems like he wants to share.”

Ji Lin had always come across as reserved and reluctant to socialize, often appearing cold and solitary. Over time, Lin Xian had come to understand that Ji Lin’s solitude was more of a shield, a way to protect himself when no other options seemed available.

A simple, childlike birthday party might seem more suitable for a teenager like 19-year-old Chu An Qing or even a young child, but for Ji Lin—a globally recognized bestselling author, Oscar-winning screenwriter, and master of mystery at 22—it felt oddly fitting.

“So, Ji Lin, your wish is to experience failure!” Chu An Qing exclaimed, clapping. “What a unique wish... That’s the difference between a genius like you and ordinary people like us. We find failure difficult and sad, but for you, it’s a valuable experience and material for your work.”

The other girls focused on Gao Yang, their eyes sparkling. “Gao Yang, you’re amazing. You’re so knowledgeable.”

“Where did you learn all this? Do you enjoy reading?” they asked, clearly impressed.

“Wow... The adult world is so complex. Only Gao Yang could understand Ji Lin’s wish,” they murmured among themselves, their admiration for Gao Yang evident after his impressive “explanation.”

“Hahaha, I was just showing off...” Gao Yang laughed, scratching his head. He pulled out his phone and showed them his social media feed. “I learned this from a psychologist’s social media. Look, Dr. Liu is the most famous psychologist in Donghai City. She posted this today, quoting the British writer.”

“I like to read her posts and learn some psychology. It’s quite useful—” Gao Yang then patted Lin Xian’s shoulder. “Lin Xian used to have these weird dreams and was really troubled. I took him to see Dr. Liu.”

“Dr. Liu diagnosed him quickly, and with just a few words, she solved Lin Xian’s problem! Isn’t that right, Lin Xian? Dr. Liu is really good!”

“Stop talking nonsense.” Lin Xian kicked Gao Yang under the table, signaling him to keep quiet.

Across the table, Ji Lin remained silent, his gaze fixed on Lin Xian. “Lin Xian.” It was the first time Lin Xian saw Ji Lin’s eyes fully open, their gaze sharp and intense. “Have you... seen a psychologist?”

This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation