Chapter 496: Chapter 496: Hoping for His Health and Safety
Rong Yan could tell from his demeanor that he hadn’t just seemingly forgotten his own birthday, but had actually forgotten it entirely, which inexplicably made her heart twinge. She was the first to open the car door and get out, calling to him from outside the car, “Li Shengxiao, you get out too. Let’s talk after you do.”

The man, standing at 185cm tall, got out of the car with a poised figure.

As soon as he exited the vehicle, the night breeze from the sea brushed his face, carrying the scent of saltwater and seemingly blowing away much of the day’s fatigue.

While he was gazing out at the sea, suddenly, his left hand was grasped. Rong Yan, with a smile curling her lips, pulled him forward, “Follow me!”

Before she and Gu Ming arrived in Lin City, she had already looked up places nearby.

Eventually, she chose this spot.

Due to Lin City’s location by the sea, this area was frequented mostly by couples and young people.

As the night grew darker, all the streetlights along the beachside road lit up, casting a warm glow over the golden sands. Laughter and chitter-chatter filled the air, with girls and boys frolicking and playfully making noise, mingling with the sea breeze, inviting complete relaxation.

Rong Yan led him through the lively night market by the sea, explaining as they walked, “I don’t know how you’ve celebrated your birthdays in the past, but Duidui Baby and I usually eat a bowl of longevity noodles to celebrate. I wanted to buy some from the mall and prepare them for you, but unfortunately, I couldn’t find any there. So I looked online and found a place that makes long noodles.”

Under the dazzling lights, her eyes were brighter than the stars, with a genuine smile in their depths, as if caressed by a gentle spring breeze.

Li Shengxiao found his attention drawn to her involuntarily, “Longevity noodles?”

“You’ve never had them?” Rong Yan was somewhat surprised that he didn’t even know what longevity noodles were and began explaining to him through gestures, “They are those really long noodles, where a bowl contains just a single strand, called longevity noodles. People typically eat a serving on their birthday, signifying health and peace for the new year. Duidui really loves them—every birthday she could skip any celebration but must have a bowl of longevity noodles!”

Li Shengxiao’s focus was entirely different from hers, his eyes intently watching her smiling face, he said in a husky voice, “So, you want me to be healthy and safe?”

She had specifically brought him to this place just to find a bowl of noodles. A bowl filled with blessings.

Rong Yan looked at him as if asking ‘What else?’, “Of course I want you to be healthy and safe, otherwise why would I bring you here to eat longevity noodles.”

She spoke with some regret, “I wanted to prepare other surprises for you too, but you were too tired today, so the surprises will have to wait until next year.”

Next year… Li Shengxiao caught the words that had slipped out so naturally.

Does that mean she’ll still be by his side next year, not leaving?

He suddenly tightened his hold on Rong Yan’s hand, his mood lifting instantly. Even if he didn’t get to eat the so-called longevity noodles, he didn’t believe a bowl of noodles could guarantee health and safety, yet suddenly, he wanted them, “Having longevity noodles is enough.” The point is, having her is enough!

Rong Yan, on the other hand, hadn’t thought that much into it. She pursed her lips, her bright eyes sparkling as she looked at him, “You said it. Anyway, this year is just this; next year, I’ll definitely prepare a big surprise for you.”

“Sure.”

He looked up to see the longevity noodle shop Rong Yan was talking about. Li Shengxiao, holding the hand of the petite woman beside him, strode forward with long steps, the corners of his lips turning up in pleasure, “Let’s go.”