Chapter 127: Celebrating the Birthday

"Mom, you shouldn't say it like that," Shi Huihui interjected. "Cousin Qingqing is reportedly near the bottom of her class. At this rate, even with the backdoor connections she used, there's a chance she might be expelled from Qingming Academy. It’s only natural for her to be a bit more diligent—you know what they say, the early bird catches the worm, even if it’s a clumsy one."

A ripple of meaningful laughter spread through the group at her words.

Grandma Mei’s gaze toward Shi Qingqing and her mother grew even more disdainful.

Shi Yufen opened her mouth to speak, but finding no words, she looked at her daughter and felt a deep sense of guilt.

Shi Qingqing, however, replied nonchalantly, "That’s right. Cousin Huihui, you’re such a good student. You’re planning to get into Shangjing University, aren't you?"

So what if I’m a poor student? So what if I’m a 'clumsy bird' trying to get a head start?

There’s absolutely nothing shameful about that!

Since you think you’re so impressive, can you actually get into Shangjing University yourself?

Shi Huihui’s expression froze.

Shangjing University—she couldn't get in even if she were skinned alive. Shi Qingqing was clearly slapping her in the face with that question!

Just then, a chubby little boy who had been engrossed in a mobile game looked up.

"Heh, you think Cousin Huihui could get into Shangjing University? Don't even dream about it. Only my brother is capable of getting into Shangjing!"

The boy was only six or seven years old. His name was Shi Pengyu, the biological son of the eldest uncle, Shi Weifang.

Shi Huihui was livid. The ball she kicked didn't hit Shi Qingqing, but it ended up hitting her own face thanks to the little boy.

How detestable.

The brother Shi Pengyu mentioned was Shi Zimo, Shi Weifang’s adopted son.

Shi Weifang and his wife had struggled with infertility for years, eventually adopting a son from an orphanage. Later, when the adopted son was in his teens, the couple had finally conceived Shi Pengyu.

Despite the large age gap, the two brothers were very close, and the little boy admired no one more than his older brother, Shi Zimo.

Shi Zimo was also the only person in the entire Shi family who treated Shi Qingqing well. Influenced by him, little Shi Pengyu didn't treat her with the same hostility as the others.

Whenever they met, he would at least acknowledge her as his cousin, though he wasn't exactly enthusiastic.

"That’s for sure. Zimo is the brightest child in our family. He’s had top grades since he was little, got into Shangjing University, and was even sponsored by the school to study abroad. Everyone gives a thumbs-up whenever the Shi family’s Zimo is mentioned. Brother and Sister-in-law really know how to raise children," Shi Yuzhen said, laying on the flattery.

"And of course, it’s because Mom knows how to raise her grandchildren that we have such an accomplished eldest grandson like Zimo."

At this, the whole family beamed. Compliments for Grandma Mei flowed endlessly.

Shi Huihui glared fiercely at Shi Qingqing, who simply shrugged in response.

Both girls attended the same campus, but when they occasionally crossed paths at school, Shi Huihui would act as if she didn't know her, never once speaking to her. No one else knew they were cousins.

There was no affection to speak of between them.

Soon, the dishes were all served, and once Grandma Mei picked up her chopsticks to take the first bite, the feast finally began.

Shi Qingqing started eating without ceremony.

Everyone else was busy fawning over their grandmother, and since she had nothing to add, she focused on the food.

The spread was lavish and delicious. In previous years, Grandma Mei’s birthday had been celebrated with a home-style banquet at a small or medium-sized restaurant; no one had expected the venue to be such a high-end establishment this year.

After the drinks had been poured three times and half the meal was finished, Shi Weifang stood up with his wife. "Everyone, it’s time to offer our birthday wishes to the guest of honor! Mom, may you have many more years of health and happiness!"

As he spoke, he signaled his wife to produce a jewelry box.