Shanzhong Flower Shop.
Mrs. Shanzhong sat at the entrance, gazing at the dusky sky. It was getting late.
Why hasn't she come back yet?
A small crease formed between her brows. Just as she was about to stand, two familiar figures appeared at the end of the street — Ino and her classmate Xia Ji, walking side by side toward the shop.
Mrs. Shanzhong blinked.
Ah, so they came back together.
She stepped outside to greet them.
"Mom, I'm back!" Ino's eyes lit up the moment she saw her.
Mrs. Shanzhong gave her daughter a quick once-over. No injuries, no trouble — relief washed over her face.
"You two walked all the way back? That's nice," she said, though her tone carried a hint of suspicion.
"Well… I was a little tired," Ino admitted, scratching her cheek with a sheepish smile.
Mrs. Shanzhong gave her a knowing look. "Tired? More like you enjoyed yourself too much on the road."
Ino's face flushed and she turned her head away. "...Maybe."
"Thank you for walking her home," Mrs. Shanzhong said, turning to Xia Ji.
"No trouble at all. Ino's been good company."
Hearing that, Ino puffed her cheeks. "See, Mom? Even Xia Ji says so."
Mrs. Shanzhong only chuckled, then added, "Just call him Xia Ji. And wait a moment — I've got something for you. No refusing."
Xia Ji hesitated, but nodded.
Moments later, Mrs. Shanzhong returned with a carefully wrapped carnation.
"This is for you," she said, pressing the flower into his hands. "Consider it a birthday gift for your mother — from Ino and me."
"Uh-huh, Xia Ji, take it," Ino chimed in.
"…Thank you," Xia Ji said quietly. "Then, I'll head back now."
"See you at school tomorrow," Ino waved.
"Mm. See you."
Mrs. Shanzhong watched Xia Ji leave, her expression softening. "What a good child." Then, she smirked faintly at her own wandering thoughts — Ino's classmates weren't exactly children anymore, were they?
She ushered Ino inside, deciding to give her daughter a little lecture later. After all, you shouldn't waste other people's time… even if they don't mind.
That night, when her husband, Yamanaka Inoichi, returned home, she mentioned the day's events.
After listening, Inoichi's brows lifted. "I think I know him. His parents were my classmates. His father passed away before he was born. His mother works at Dingza's family's barbecue restaurant. I've heard she's hardworking and never causes trouble."
Mrs. Shanzhong sighed softly. "No wonder he's so sensible."
"You seem to like that boy," Inoichi teased.
"Of course. Who wouldn't?"
Xia Ji's Home
The small living room was spotless. A cake sat neatly on the table, a candle waiting to be lit.
Xia Ji formed a hand seal.
Shadow Clone Technique.
The clone slipped out to watch for his mother's return.
Not long after, a wave of information flowed into Xia Ji's mind — the clone had seen her approaching and dispersed.
He lit the candle, then closed the curtains, letting the flickering light fill the room with warmth.
Outside, Sinai walked home, thinking about dinner. Special dates didn't occur to her anymore — it had been years since she celebrated her own birthday.
Reaching the gate, she figured Xia Ji might still be out playing. She unlocked the door and stepped in.
Then she froze.
The dim room, the gentle glow of a candle… and a cake she hadn't seen in so many years.
"Happy birthday, Mom."
Xia Ji stood there, smiling, a carnation in his hands.
Sinai stared, unable to speak. She accepted the flower as if in a dream.
"Come make a wish and blow the candle," Xia Ji urged softly.
Instead, she pulled him into a tight embrace. Warm tears fell onto his shoulder.
He didn't fully understand why she was crying so much, but he didn't move — just let her hold him, quietly waiting until her emotions eased.
Inside, Sinai wasn't crying over the cake or the candle. She was crying because, in that moment, she knew all her years of struggling alone had been worth it. She hadn't given up. She hadn't left him behind. And he'd grown into someone so caring, so thoughtful… her son.
Finally, she let go and wiped her eyes.
"The candle's almost burned out," Xia Ji reminded her gently.
Sinai smiled. "I already made a wish. And it's come true."
"Then… how about one more?"
"…Okie."
She closed her eyes, made her silent wish, and blew out the candle.
She hoped her Xia Ji would grow up safe and happy, find a good wife, and maybe… give her a chubby little grandchild someday.