Wangji stepped into the opulent confines of Club Maxims, Shanghai’s most exclusive and renowned nightlife destination, looking devilishly handsome in his casual yet stylish attire. His dark wash skinny jeans, fitted to perfection, showcased his toned legs, while his plain white T-shirt, snug across his chest, highlighted his chiseled physique. A black leather jacket, worn with a subtle swagger, added a touch of edginess to his overall look, making him stand out in the sea of designer labels and glamorous outfits. His sleek sneakers, a stylish blend of comfort and fashion, completed his outfit, exuding a sense of confident masculinity that turned heads as he navigated the crowded room.
The air was electric, pulsating with the rhythmic beat of the music that seemed to reverberate through every cell of his body. The decibel level was staggering, making conversation without raised voices a futile endeavor. The club’s interior was a masterclass in extravagance, with gleaming marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and plush velvet sofas that seemed to whisper luxury.
The bar, a majestic sprawl of polished mahogany and glittering glass, stretched like a golden serpent across the room, tempting patrons with its array of premium spirits and expertly crafted cocktails. The prices were as staggering as the atmosphere, with a single drink often costing more than a week’s worth of meals at a modest restaurant. But for Wangji, an average man with a taste for the finer things in life, the cost was a small price to pay for the privilege of being seen in the most coveted spot in town.
As Wangji navigated the crowded room, the collective energy of the patrons enveloped him, a palpable force that seemed to vibrate through every molecule of air. The mood was one of unbridled revelry, a hedonistic celebration of life, liberty, and the pursuit of pleasure. Laughter and music mingled in the air, a heady cocktail that intoxicated the senses and left one breathless and wanting more. Amidst this whirlwind of decadence, Wangji’s confidence and charisma shone bright, making him a magnet for attention and admiration.
Wangji settled into the plush couch, sinking into its luxurious embrace as he waited for Xue Yang’s arrival. The minutes ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity as he scanned the crowded room for a glimpse of his friend’s familiar face. Just as he was starting to grow restless, the lights began to dim, casting a warm, golden glow over the club.
Suddenly, a chorus of voices erupted behind him, singing out in perfect harmony: “Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Wangji, happy birthday to you!”
Wangji’s eyes widened in surprise as he turned to face the singers, his heart swelling with emotion. Zhan, looking adorable in a tiny birthday hat and holding a medium-sized cake, led the procession, a bright smile spreading across his face. Yibo walked beside him, a matching smile on his face, followed by Haoxuan, Jiang Cheng, and a handful of other company staff, all of whom were beaming with joy.
The cake, adorned with colorful candles and a sparkling birthday decoration, seemed to glow in the dim light, its sweet aroma wafting up to tease Wangji’s senses. The chorus reached its crescendo, the voices blending in a beautiful, joyous sound that filled the entire club.
As the song came to an end, the group erupted into cheers and applause, their faces flushed with excitement. Wangji’s eyes prickled with tears, his heart overflowing with gratitude and love for these people who had gone to so much trouble to make his birthday special. He rose to his feet, a smile spreading across his face, and opened his arms to embrace the group, the cake, and the joy that filled the room.
Zhan’s beaming face lit up the room as he placed the cake on a nearby table, his enthusiasm infectious. “Make a wish quickly, Wangji!” he urged, his voice trembling with excitement.
Wangji’s smile grew wider as he closed his eyes, his lips moving silently in a heartfelt wish. With a joyful whoosh, he blew out the candles, and the group erupted into applause and cheers, their whistles and shouts filling the club.
“Thank you all so much!” Wangji exclaimed, his voice filled with gratitude, his eyes shining with happiness. “This is amazing!”
The group echoed his thanks, their voices overlapping in a chorus of warmth and appreciation. “No problem, no problem!” they chimed in unison, waving their hands dismissively. “Zhan was the mastermind behind this surprise,” Yibo added with a grin, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
Zhan’s face flushed a delicate shade of pink, his smile faltering for a moment before he recovered, his excitement still bubbling over. Wangji and Yibo exchanged a knowing glance, both of them noticing the subtle blush.
As they placed orders for drinks and snacks, the conversation flowed easily, with Haoxuan playfully teasing Wangji good-naturedly. But when a new arrival caught his eye, Haoxuan’s attention was diverted, and he excused himself with a sly wink. The surprising twist was that the “new chick” he was interested in was actually a charming young man, who returned Haoxuan’s flirtatious smile with interest.
The group continued to laugh and chat, their merriment filling the club, as they celebrated Wangji’s special night with joy, love, and acceptance. The music pulsed around them, a vibrant soundtrack to their happiness, as they savored the magic of the moment, their bond and friendship shining brighter than the brightest birthday candle.
