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She brought the hand she had been hiding behind her back around in front of Shen Baili.

"Happy sixteenth birthday to our little Suìsuì."

She gently stroked her daughter's black hair.

"There are plenty of adults in this world already. You can take your time growing up, Suìsuì."

Shen Wan gazed at her daughter, her eyes warm and gentle, brimming with love.

Shen Baili longed to grow up. She hoped that one day she could shelter her seemingly fragile mother under her wing.

After joining the Xie Family, that wish had not faded. If anything, it had grown more urgent.

Shen Wan had sensed it. It was good that her daughter worked hard to improve herself, but she was wound too tight.

"Mom is strong." She copied the way Shen Baili had flexed her arm earlier.

Shen Baili threw her arms around Shen Wan and clung to her like a koala. She nodded hard without speaking, afraid her voice would break if she tried.

"Mm!"

Shen Wan's birthday gift was a beautiful Silver Bangle. Pear blossoms and leaves were carved into it, delicate and elegant, while the words "Peace for Suìsuì" were engraved on the inside near the wrist.

The clasp on Shen Baili's old Silver Bangle often came loose, and it would fall to the ground from time to time. Worried it might disappear for good one day, she had locked it in the safe, thinking she would ask at a silver jewelry shop whether it could be repaired.

Shen Wan had noticed. She had made this Silver Bangle herself, taking part in every step from design to forging. She was good with her hands, and it had taken her just two weeks from start to finish.

Shen Baili could not stop admiring the Silver Bangle. She immediately