Chapter 460: The Day Finally Arrives

"Um... there's one more thing. Can you come back later tomorrow?"

"Why is this... this matter?"

Although Ling did not realize it at first, after seeing Zhuo's behavior, she immediately reacted and changed her expression. It can be said that she wanted to say something but hesitated, but she accepted it very readily, as if she just remembered this.

Although she didn't have any expectations, she probably didn't take her birthday too seriously. What Ling thought was her own business, and Zhuo had no way of interfering, nor did he intend to force her to do anything.

In any case, this would ensure that there would be time to prepare tomorrow and that no misunderstanding would occur. Zhuo heaved a sigh of relief and stared straight into those eyes - those eyes of Ling that seemed to have nothing to do with him.

"Ah - if possible, please try to stay outside for a little longer so that I can prepare. After all, the preparations may not be that quick, and I want to welcome you when everything is ready. I hope you can understand."

"I understand. But Zhuo... you actually came to ask me for a favor like this."

"I'm going to prepare a birthday surprise, you've probably guessed it. Now that things have come to this, there won't be any surprises even if I want to hide it, so I have to ask you for help. Please give me some time, okay?"

There were a lot of things to do that day and it would definitely be very busy. If Ling was at home or came back early, there would be no way Zhuo would be able to hide all this from her.

Besides, Zhuo had been preparing for this for a whole year, and before welcoming her arrival, Zhuo wanted to make full preparations.

As if she noticed Zhuo's rising enthusiasm, Ling first widened her eyes, then she found it funny and shook her head helplessly, let out a long sigh, and said.

"Then I just need to wait for a day with anticipation, right?"

"Well...it may not satisfy your expectations, so don't expect too much~"

"That's enough."

"I know that, too."

As the person involved, Ling knew how much he loved Zhuo. Zhuo also knew that Ling was satisfied just by being by his side.

However, although this happiness that mainly depends on the existence of "Zhuo" is important, it is, after all, the first formal birthday of Ling in her life, and it is also a special day that Zhuo has been preparing for a year. Preparing a birthday for her that is hard to forget is Zhuo's greatest wish.

However, would it still be wishful thinking for him to do so? For example, Ling didn't like this kind of "surprise" that required a lot of effort to prepare, so maybe a calmer attitude would suit her better?
Even though he had spent a whole year preparing for Zero's birthday wholeheartedly, Zhuo was still not sure he could please Zero.

Zhuo hopes that Ling will be happy about this. Zhuo also wants to show Ling all the preparations he has made so far. These intentions are very straightforward and resolute. The reason why he lacks confidence is because Zhuo does not want to disappoint Ling's expectations.

"...Even if you try to please me like this, I can't give you anything more, Zhuo."

"Ah, this is not a polite remark, because this may really be my wishful thinking, and I don't want to gain anything... Besides, you have already given me everything, right?"

"...I really can't do anything with you." Ling looked into Zhuo's eyes seriously, then avoided his gaze as if retreating, slowly stretched out his hand to the back of Zhuo's head, and pulled him towards himself. Zhuo nodded to indicate that of course, and then followed Ling's invitation and buried his face in her shoulder.

(I will get up tomorrow and go to the kitchen to prepare everything I need, then clean up my room. Hmm, I'd better write a schedule tonight.)
Whether it really goes as planned depends on how hard Zhuo works and how Ling views it.

This is the only chance in a lifetime, so I must give it my all. Zhuo swore in his heart, rubbed his cheek against the fragrant Ling, closed his eyes and took a short rest.

……

Even if we take into account Zhuo's previous life, today's busyness is enough to rank in the top three of his relatively mediocre life.

Zhuo stood in the kitchen early in the morning, putting into practice the skills he had learned in recent special training; Zhuo called for support in the morning, and began to prepare the ingredients with Yurina, Ren, and Kanda; in order not to be too rushed, Zhuo sent a message for help to Su Enxi, and twenty minutes later an extra-large truck pulled up downstairs; the appearance of Su Enxi and Jude Mai surprised Zhuo's friends, and then they each went to their respective posts, Su Enxi helped buy various things, and Zhuo discussed the decoration of the room and the biggest surprise with Jude Mai; considering that Ling was alone outside and was pushing forward the preparations, Zhuo would also keep in touch with her whenever he had the chance.

Various preparations were going on at the same time, and Zhuodu was about to crash.

However, compared to what Ling usually does, this is nothing. No matter how complicated the task is, Ling can always handle it. Zhuo admired him in his heart while sitting up from the sofa again and continued to prepare.

……

Time flies, and after a busy day, the sun has completely set.

Zhuo finally completed a result that satisfied him. He glanced at the clock and saw that it was almost time for dinner. The sunset outside the window had faded, replaced by a blue-purple to reddish-brown color.

Zhuo was originally worried about what to do if he didn't have time to finish the preparations, but fortunately, he managed to finish it at the last minute, which made him feel relieved from the bottom of his heart. Zhuo dialed the number on his cell phone and called back Ling who was wandering outside.

Not long after the call was hung up, the doorbell rang immediately. It seemed that Ling had made sufficient preparations in his own way today. Normally, Ling would open the door himself with his key.

Opening the door a crack, Zhuo quietly observed the expression of Ling who looked up at him after answering the door. Seeing that there was nothing wrong with her, Zhuo quietly breathed a sigh of relief... probably no one had tipped off.

"Sorry for the waitting."

When he opened the door and saw Ling who had returned after not even using the room for five minutes, Zhuo couldn't help but laugh. Ling seemed to understand what Zhuo was laughing at, his face slightly unnatural, his eyes wandering around awkwardly.

However, Zhuo's smile was nothing but pure happiness and relief.

If this celebration was just Zhuo's wishful thinking, he would feel lost and embarrassed about it. Just seeing Ling looking forward to it so much made Zhuo feel very satisfied.

Knowing that Ling was also waiting outside with anticipation, Zhuo didn't know if he could meet her expectations. However, Zhuo was confident that there was no negligence in his preparations.

(End of this chapter)