From Runaway Bride to Global Queen
Chapter 206: Happy Birthday to You

Chapter 206: Chapter 206: Happy Birthday to You

Lin Ke was discharged from the hospital half a month later and posted an ambiguous clarification online. She did not admit to having a relationship with Lu Ming; she only mentioned that she had some private grievances with Qiao Xin and asked netizens not to believe the rumors.

This statement left many people very puzzled. What exactly does it mean? Are you really the third party? And what are these private grievances?

Why does this statement seem like she’s implying Qiao Xin slandered her out of private grievances?

Online speculation had no effect on real life; after being discharged, Lin Ke discreetly moved into the new villa bought for her by Lu Ming.

Although Lu Ming comforted her in every possible way, Lin Ke still felt unsatisfied.

She had had enough of this secretive identity, especially the article she was forced to post online. She too wanted to stand up with dignity like Qiao Xin and blame Qiao Xin for wrecking someone’s relationship!

If she couldn’t rely on Lu Ming, then she would rely on herself!

Qiao Yi had been keeping an eye on Lin Ke’s movements, feeling regretful that Lin Ke had been hidden away by Lu Ming again, missing the opportunity to catch the person behind Lin Ke.

However, Lin Ke was just a small fry in her eyes. As the Qiao Family got busy again after the new year, Qiao Yi didn’t have the energy to waste on Lin Ke anymore.

Knowing that Lu Yanchuan was paying attention to Lin Ke, Qiao Yi did not inquire further.

Lu Ming had reached some sort of agreement with Qiao Xin, and the two of them resumed their discordant marital facade.

However, Qiao Yi speculated that it might not be some agreement between them. More likely, it was because Qiao Xin’s birthday was approaching, and the Qiao Family planned to throw a grand birthday party for her this time.

In previous years, Qiao Benqing and his wife also wanted to celebrate her birthday properly, but Qiao Xin always went out to party with friends and rarely celebrated at home.

This year, for some crazy reason, Qiao Xin actively requested to have her birthday at home.

Qiao Yi was very reluctant to prepare for Qiao Xin’s birthday party, but she had no choice but to accept Zhao Wenjing’s request and grudgingly took on the task.

Following Qiao Xin’s demands, her birthday party had to be at the same hotel as Qiao Yi’s, insisting it must not be inferior to Qiao Yi’s party. The list of various demands was extensive, almost driving Qiao Yi to the brink of abandoning the task.

After reluctantly listening to Qiao Xin’s requests to Zhao Wenjing, Qiao Yi was completely speechless about Qiao Xin and disheartenedly returned to Emperor Garden.

Regardless, since she had taken on the task, Qiao Yi still had to complete it well, as it wasn’t just about whether Qiao Xin’s birthday would be celebrated nicely, but also about the reputation of the Qiao Family and the Lu Family.

Due to recent online public opinion, the stock markets of both the Qiao and Lu Families had been affected. This was a good opportunity to stabilize things again.

If possible, Qiao Yi didn’t even want to attend Qiao Xin’s birthday party.

Seeing Qiao Xin appear glamorous and radiant in front of everyone made Qiao Yi’s teeth hurt.

Forget it, she would endure this frustration for the sake of both families’ businesses!

Qiao Yi stood on the second floor, idly looking down, but her gaze suddenly fell on a waiter.

Unlike the other waiters who left the venue after delivering items, this one had been circling the venue three times with a sneaky look, evidently up to no good.

Qiao Yi was about to have someone stop the waiter and ask questions when she saw the waiter pass by Qiao Xin, swapping Qiao Xin’s glass with one from his tray, then quickly exiting the venue.

Was someone plotting against Qiao Xin?

The thought spun a full circle in Qiao Yi’s mind, and in that brief moment, Qiao Xin had already picked up the swapped drink and brought it to her lips.

"What are you watching?"

"Someone switched Qiao Xin’s drink. I’m keeping an eye on it to save her from embarrassment later."

Although she didn’t know what was wrong with that waiter, just the act of him switching Qiao Xin’s drink was enough to confirm he was up to no good.

Qiao Yi didn’t warn Qiao Xin about her drink possibly being tampered with because firstly, she had no evidence, and secondly, Qiao Xin might not believe her. Making a scene could end up causing more embarrassment.

Lu Yanchuan followed Qiao Yi’s gaze and saw Qiao Xin elegantly weaving through the crowd with a drink in hand, then indifferently withdrew his attention.

"I’ll send someone to watch over it. You go and rest."

"No need, I’d rather keep an eye on it myself. Otherwise, if Qiao Xin causes a scene, there will be no one to handle things, and it’ll be a mess."

Qiao Yi’s worry was unnecessary, because instead of waiting for Qiao Xin to cause a commotion, she ended up waiting for someone who shouldn’t be there.

Lu Ming and Lin Ke walked up to Qiao Xin hand in hand, with Lin Ke holding an exquisitely wrapped box, apparently a birthday gift for Qiao Xin.

Qiao Xin hadn’t expected Lin Ke to dare show up in front of her again; her eyes shot cold daggers, instilling fear in Lin Ke.

Not only was Qiao Xin shocked, but the rest of the party was too.

Who didn’t know that Qiao Xin was Lu Ming’s wife, and yet here Lu Ming was, bringing another woman right before her and even presenting Qiao Xin with a gift?

Among the guests, many had their own public persona, but few would dare to be so brazen as to bring someone directly in front of their lawful wife.

Were they planning to bless Qiao Xin or take her life?

"Xin, happy birthday. Ming and I took a lot of time to prepare this birthday gift just for you. Don’t you want to open it and take a look?"

Innocence was ingrained in Lin Ke’s bones; even though everyone knew exactly who she was, they found it hard to reprimand her when faced with such an innocent act.

Qiao Xin was about to explode with rage; the fact that she hadn’t yet probably meant she was waiting for Lin Ke’s final blow.

"I appreciate the thought, but no thanks to the gift. After all, it’s bought with my family’s money. I’d rather buy something for myself."

Qiao Xin didn’t take the box from Lin Ke’s hand, she didn’t even want to waste a glance on Lu Ming and Lin Ke, turning around to leave.

"Xin! Are you still mad at me? Can you really not forgive me?"

Lin Ke spoke with urgency, rushing over to grab Qiao Xin’s hand, but accidentally caught the fabric of Qiao Xin’s dress instead.

Qiao Xin was wearing a light pink evening gown with straps, and with Lin Ke’s tug, the straps suddenly loosened and the fabric on the back slipped down.

Seeing that Qiao Xin was on the brink of a wardrobe malfunction, Qiao Yi couldn’t stand idly by and watch. She quickly moved down from the upper floor to help Qiao Xin.

The onlookers fixed their gaze on Qiao Xin, ready to revel in the potential misfortune.

However, they were destined to be disappointed. Although the fabric on Qiao Xin’s back had slipped down, it didn’t result in any exposure. Instead, it turned into a continuous shawl that completely covered the loosened straps.