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[Game] Chapter 224: Happy Birthday
🕑 Added 2025-05-15 14:32:53 +0000 UTCOriginally, everyone had thought Ichin was just dabbling in game development—nothing serious. But no one expected he’d be able to achieve this level of success.
Even though his cousin and cousin-in-law didn’t play many single-player games, they still knew enough to realize that selling over a million copies—even for an indie title—meant the quality had to be outstanding.
After checking out the online reviews, both of them decided to buy a copy later to support Ichin and give it a try.
The older relatives were also pleasantly surprised by Ichin’s entrepreneurial success, especially his uncle and uncle-in-law, both of whom had run businesses themselves, although now they were semi-retired and not very involved anymore.
Taking a sip of tea, Ichin’s uncle sighed with emotion, “The younger generation really is surpassing the old. Looks like Ichin has unlimited potential ahead of him.”
Ichin’s mother, sitting nearby, smiled and added, “He really has done an excellent job. But what makes us even happier is that he’s found such a wonderful girlfriend like Utaha. Now we don’t have to worry about his love life anymore. And Utaha herself is really impressive too—her novel’s already been published!”
Here it comes—Ichin had already anticipated this part: the “proud mother showing off her daughter-in-law” segment.
Ichin’s mom waved Utaha over, held her hand affectionately, and said, “This girl is so outstanding—she’s not the least bit inferior to our Ichin. Utaha, the international edition of your novel is coming out soon too, right?”
Utaha nodded a little shyly. “Yes, the translations of the first two volumes are nearly done. By June, both the Chinese and English versions of Volume 1 and 2 should be released.”
She then briefly explained the genre of her novel.
Since it was a romance novel, most of the men weren’t very interested, but Ichin’s cousin (female) and cousin-in-law (female) were quite intrigued. Utaha promised that once the sample copies were ready, she’d send one to each of them.
After some more chatting, the time had finally come—it was time for the New Year’s Eve dinner.
There was a large TV screen in the private room, so while everyone was eating, they turned on the Spring Festival Gala broadcast.
Of course, the Gala wasn’t what it used to be, but it was still a tradition to have it playing—even if no one paid much attention, the sound of it in the background added to the holiday atmosphere.
And tonight wasn’t just New Year’s Eve—it was also Utaha’s birthday. So, after a few rounds of drinks, the birthday cake that Ichin’s mom had ordered was wheeled in by a server.
Even though Utaha already knew there would be a birthday celebration, when she saw the cake and everyone began singing the birthday song for her, she was still deeply moved.
Holding her hand, Ichin led her over to the cake, the candles flickering gently on top. He smiled and said, “Alright, time to make a wish.”
Utaha nodded, clasped her hands together, and closed her eyes. She made a long, heartfelt wish, then blew out all the candles in one breath.
“Ohhh! Time to cut the cake!”
The lights were turned back on. As the birthday girl, Utaha made the first slice, and then Ichin’s mom took over and finished cutting it for everyone.
Once the cake had been distributed and everyone was seated again, Ichin’s dad suddenly spoke up, “Ichin, aren’t you going to give Utaha the gift you prepared?”
Utaha’s eyes went wide with surprise as she turned to Ichin, her voice full of delight, “Ichin, you got me a gift? When did you prepare it?”
“Cough… Well, it is your birthday. Of course I got you something.”
Ichin did indeed bring a gift, though he’d originally planned to give it to her in private. Unfortunately, his dad had found out during a conversation the day before—and now he’d spilled the beans.
With no other choice, Ichin stood up, walked over to the coat rack, and pulled a small square box from the pocket of his jacket.
The moment the box appeared, both his cousin and cousin-in-law instantly perked up with interest.
Noticing their eager expressions, Ichin immediately said, “Don’t overthink it. It’s not that.”
Then, under Utaha’s expectant gaze, he opened the box, revealing a sparkling platinum ring.
“Happy birthday, Utaha. I know it’s not that time yet, but I still think you should have a ring. Your hand deserves something like this.”
Utaha beamed. “Ichin, when did you buy this?”
“I picked it out when I was shopping for your Christmas gift—got it along with the necklace. But I saved the ring to give you on your birthday.”
Without hesitation, Utaha lifted her right hand. “Put it on for me.”
Ichin took out the ring and gently slid it onto her right ring finger.
Looking at the ring on her hand, Utaha couldn’t stop smiling. The joy on her face was unmistakable.
Noticing Ichin’s hands were bare, she asked curiously, “This kind of ring should be a matching set, right? Where’s yours, Ichin?”
“I have mine. I brought it too.”
As he spoke, Ichin pulled out his ring from his pants pocket. Compared to Utaha’s, his looked much more plain and modest.
Just as he was about to put it on himself, Utaha snatched it from him and grabbed his hand. “This is something I should do.”
Before Ichin could react, she had already slid the ring onto his finger.
Click!
That exact moment was captured on camera—by none other than Ichin’s mom, who had whipped out her phone just in time.
Facing the teasing stares from everyone, Ichin said helplessly, “Mom, it’s fine if you take the picture, but don’t post it on your Moments, okay? Your son’s got a shy side, you know.”
“You? Shy?” his mom scoffed, but eventually agreed not to share it. She hadn’t really planned to post it anyway—just wanted it for herself.
Time passed, and as everyone finished dinner, it was time to move to the next part of the evening. Since it was New Year’s Eve, no one was planning to head home right away. They had booked a suite at the hotel next door to keep the celebration going. Some would play mahjong or card games—plenty of ways to enjoy the night.
Naturally, Ichin and Utaha shared a room.
Later that night, after everyone welcomed the new year at midnight, the two of them returned to their room, ready to wash up and rest.
Lying under the blankets, Utaha gently touched the ring on her finger and said with a smile, “Ichin, to be honest, I thought you were going to propose.”
“I wasn’t,” Ichin replied honestly. “When I do propose, it’ll be in a more special setting. Today’s New Year’s Eve—let’s focus on the new year first. There’s no need to rush.”
Utaha nodded in agreement. She reached over and poked Ichin’s chin. “Come to think of it, your birthday’s in February. That’s soon. What kind of gift do you want?”
“A birthday gift, huh... I haven’t really thought about it.”
Ichin paused in thought before continuing, “But honestly, as long as it’s from you, I’ll like it—whatever it is.”
Guys generally aren’t picky about gifts—unless it’s something truly awful, they’re usually happy, especially if it’s from their girlfriend.
Utaha glanced at Ichin thoughtfully, as if she'd made a decision in her heart. Then she reached out, turned off the light, and snuggled up to him, falling asleep in his arms.
...
