My Mother-in-Law and I Became the Internet's Hottest Power Couple-Chapter 87

Jiang Baoguo felt somewhat torn. On one hand, there was nothing to fault about Lu Yicheng’s behavior, but on the other, he couldn’t bring himself to like his future son-in-law.

He wasn’t sure how to handle the situation.

Going home—Lu Yicheng already treated the Jiang family home as his own, moving things around and fetching snacks for Jiang Lan. What could Jiang Baoguo even say?

Yu Wanqiu and Lu Shuangchen left shortly after, their hearts filled with mixed emotions. Their little pig had grown up and learned to dig up someone else’s cabbage. After raising him all these years, they’d never imagined a day would come when Lu Yicheng would happily head off to his future in-laws’ home.

Yu Wanqiu sighed. Just as Lu Shuangchen was about to comfort her, she said, “I wonder how good the food at the Jiangs’ place is—I’ve never even tasted it.”

When would she get the chance to try it?

Lu Shuangchen replied, “Actually, my cooking is pretty good too. I’ve learned a lot of new dishes while you were working. Want to give them a try?”

He could take charge of this year’s New Year’s Eve dinner.

In the airport waiting area, people were reuniting with loved ones and friends, embracing after long separations. Even in such a small space, there were moving displays of affection.

Yu Wanqiu envied that kind of closeness, but if she were to hug Lu Shuangchen, he’d probably be startled. Besides, there were media folks around.

Snapping out of her thoughts, she said, “Let’s go home too.”

Jiang Lan and Yu Wanqiu’s flight arrived at noon. Someone had to stay home to prepare lunch, so Xie Yunzhen remained behind. Though her cooking wasn’t great, these days, a lot of things could be bought ready-made—didn’t Jiang Lan always order takeout anyway?

Jiang Baoguo would pick up a roast chicken on the way back, and that would round out the meal.

When getting into the car, Lu Yicheng hesitated—should he sit in the passenger seat or the back? If both of them took the back seat, it would feel like they were treating Uncle Jiang as a chauffeur. Better to take the front.

The drive back was long, so he could keep Uncle Jiang company, chat, and help keep an eye on the road.

Lu Yicheng settled into the passenger seat. “Ba—Jiang Lan, you take the back. There are snacks and yogurt in the small pocket of my backpack… Oh, Uncle Jiang, is it okay to eat in the car? If not, we can wait till we get home.”

Jiang Baoguo: “...Go ahead, eat.”

Jiang Lan: “...”

She’d eat if she wanted—it was their own car, what was there to worry about? That little jerk, Lu Yicheng.

Lu Yicheng’s backpack was stuffed with food—his own belongings were in the suitcase. Jelly, yogurt, spicy strips, chips… he’d packed a whole bag of Jiang Lan’s favorite snacks. At least he was being thoughtful.

Jiang Lan tore open a bag of chips. “Dad, either of you want some?”

Jiang Baoguo: “You keep that stuff to yourself.”

Lu Yicheng perked up. Normally, he’d dig in, but in front of Jiang Baoguo, eating would be the wrong move. First, it didn’t fit his clean-cut, scholarly college student image. Second, Uncle Jiang might think he was stealing Jiang Lan’s food.

All the snacks were for Jiang Lan—how could he possibly take any?

Lu Yicheng said, “I won’t have any. And don’t eat too much—we’ve got lunch soon.”

Jiang Lan: “...Fine, fine, suit yourself.”

Lu Yicheng turned his head and smiled before focusing on his conversation with Jiang Baoguo.

For the most part, Jiang Baoguo would ask a question, and Lu Yicheng would answer. No matter what Jiang Baoguo brought up, Lu Yicheng could keep up the conversation. He was well-read and had started working internships early.

However, driving required concentration, so they didn’t talk much on the road.

Jiang Baoguo thought Lu Yicheng was quite impressive.

Generally, boys tend to be...

a bit less mature at that age. Lu Yicheng was only a few months older than Jiang Lan, but Jiang Baoguo felt he was far more mature than her.

Jiang Lan was still preoccupied with playing, eating, and even whining over the phone when she called home. Meanwhile, Lu Yicheng was already paying attention to economic trends and national affairs.

He was the kind of young man who could shoulder responsibility.

Though he did act a bit childish around Jiang Lan.

Jiang Baoguo was no spring chicken—he’d seen all kinds of people. Even though the two of them behaved impeccably at the Jiang household, he noticed how Lu Yicheng kept sneaking glances at his daughter, all those little gestures.

Preparing those snacks might seem trivial, but the fact that he thought of it spoke volumes.

They arrived home at half past twelve. Jiang Baoguo handed the braised chicken to Xie Yunzhen.

Xie Yunzhen said, "Go wash your hands. We’ll eat soon."

Lu Yicheng placed the wine and snacks he’d brought in the kitchen. "Professor Xie, do you need any help?"

He had been granted special permission to stay over tonight, and in a couple of days, he’d even be accompanying them back to their hometown. By now, Lu Yicheng had visited the Jiang household enough times to feel at home.

Xie Yunzhen replied, "No need, everything’s ready."

Because Jiang Lan was back and Lu Yicheng had come over, Xie Yunzhen had prepared a feast. Last time, Lu Yicheng mentioned liking boiled fish, so she had even bought a seasoning packet to make a big pot of it.

The rest of the spread included Jiang Lan’s favorites—braised chicken, stir-fried dishes, red-braised pork… and they’d even ordered roast duck for delivery.

Jiang Lan glanced at the table and exclaimed, "Mom! There’s roast duck! And braised pork trotters! And lamb! And prawns and crab!"

She muttered under her breath, "What’s the occasion today? Oh, right—it’s because I’m home."

Xie Yunzhen scolded, "You and your big mouth. Go wash your hands—they’re filthy. Don’t touch the food!"

Jiang Lan swallowed hard. "I’m starving. Mom, you have no idea what we’ve been eating—just work meals." The people from the Marine Animal Protection Association rarely ate seafood, so Jiang Lan and Yu Wanqiu had followed suit, even though there was so much of it around.

Now that she was home, with no one to stop her, she was going to eat her fill.

Lu Yicheng couldn’t stop smiling. He felt like he was receiving the best treatment he’d ever gotten since his first visit to the Jiang household in late September—even if it might not have much to do with him.

But he liked to think at least some of it was because of who he was.

Jiang Lan ate two full bowls of rice. Though he hadn’t watched Xie Yunzhen cook, Lu Yicheng somehow always managed to identify which dishes she had made and helped himself to generous portions.

Finally, Xie Yunzhen couldn’t take it anymore and used serving chopsticks to put roast duck and crab on his plate. "Eat more meat. Make yourself at home—no need to be shy."

This wasn’t just roast duck and crab—it was Professor Xie’s approval.

Lu Yicheng nodded eagerly. "Thank you, Professor Xie."

After dinner, Lu Yicheng and Jiang Lan stayed behind to wash the dishes. Lu Yicheng whispered to Jiang Lan, "I feel like Teacher Xie and Uncle Jiang are liking me more and more."

Jiang Lan replied, "And I'm liking you more and more too—haven’t you noticed?"

Lu Yicheng was taken aback. "Really? I think I can sense it too."

"Of course it’s not true! Hurry up and finish the dishes!" Jiang Lan flicked soap suds at him. "We need to get to bed after this."

Lu Yicheng let out a disappointed sigh. "You’ve changed. You never used to lie before. You’d go to such lengths just to trick me, but you really don’t have to."

Jiang Lan: "..."

Idiot. Who’s lying?

Xie Yunzhen and Jiang Baoguo didn’t go to bed right away. The couple discussed which relatives they’d visit during the New Year.

Since Jiang Lan and Lu Yicheng weren’t married yet, they only needed to see the elders in their family this year and didn’t have to visit other relatives. Every New Year, they had to deliver gifts, but for the other relatives...

Jiang Baoguo could just spend one morning delivering everything at once.

They’d return to their hometown the day after tomorrow, stay at Grandma Jiang’s for two nights, then visit Jiang Lan’s maternal grandmother. That was the plan for the next few days.

They had so little time back home, and soon Jiang Lan would have to leave again. Once she got married, she’d spend even less time with her family. That’s just how children are—you watch them grow up, get married, have kids...

Time really flies.

They went over the gifts for each household and the red envelopes for the relatives’ children.

Xie Yunzhen and Jiang Baoguo also agreed to give Lu Yicheng a red envelope for the New Year. The Lu family certainly wasn’t short on money, but the gesture was about thoughtfulness—just to make him happy.

Jiang Lan’s New Year’s money couldn’t be skimped on either. As long as she wasn’t married, she was still a child in their eyes.

Jiang Baoguo hoped he could keep giving his daughter red envelopes for many more years.

After cleaning up the dishes, Jiang Lan and Lu Yicheng got ready for bed. Lu Yicheng was still staying in the small north room—a cozy twelve-square-meter space with fresh sheets and bedding.

It was warm and charming, but Lu Yicheng needed to change into his pajamas before sleeping.

He placed his suitcase in the corner. No matter who tried to persuade him otherwise tonight, he was determined to stay here.

"You should sleep. I’m heading back to my room," Jiang Lan said. She had only walked him here out of courtesy—it wasn’t like Lu Yicheng didn’t know the way.

Lu Yicheng grabbed her hand. "Wait, don’t go yet. At least let me give a little speech first."

Who wanted to hear his speech?!

Jiang Lan scoffed. "Just go to sleep already. Save your speech for your dreams."

Before they knew it, New Year’s Eve was just around the corner.

Grandma Jiang’s family was still preparing holiday gifts and red envelopes for the younger generation. Every year, Jiang Lan’s envelope was the fattest, and this year, they’d have to prepare an extra one.

"Let’s give Lu Yicheng two thousand yuan. His family isn’t lacking money, but it’s the thought that counts."

Xie Yunzhen had called ahead to say that Jiang Lan’s boyfriend would be joining them for the New Year, so the elderly couple had known for a while.

According ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‍to local tradition, when a younger family member brings their significant other home for the first time, they’re supposed to receive a red envelope.

But Grandpa Jiang wasn’t happy about it.

His face was practically screaming displeasure.

"Returning a red envelope? Feeding him a meal is already more than enough—why should we give him a red envelope?" Grandpa Jiang hadn’t even met Lu Yicheng yet, but just the mention of him made his nose scrunch in disapproval.

Grandma Jiang said, "It’s his first time visiting our home—of course we should prepare a red envelope. With your attitude, who’d want to come back? He’s a fine young man, well-mannered, and a good match for our Lanlan. You better not give him a cold shoulder later."

Now that he was being brought home, could they really turn him away?

Grandpa Jiang sat by the window and huffed, "Hmph, I can’t even be bothered with him. Who cares enough to give him a cold shoulder?"

Despite his words, Grandpa Jiang still went out to buy Jiang Lan’s favorite fish and meat. The New Year’s Eve dinner would be a family gathering, and there’d be plenty of good food at home.

Grandpa Jiang thought his wife had a point—it wouldn’t hurt to feed Lu Yicheng. Otherwise, people might say their family lacked manners.

What worried Grandpa Jiang most was that Lu Yicheng might have a spoiled young master’s temper, making life hard for Jiang Lan if she ever went to the Lu family.

Before marriage, everything seems perfect—it’s only after tying the knot that problems start surfacing.

Grandpa Jiang needed to observe Lu Yicheng carefully.

On New Year’s Eve, Grandpa Jiang went to the streets to buy Jiang Lan’s favorite rice cakes and baked sesame cakes.

The small town was brimming with festive energy. Wu Fang and Xu Qinglan arrived early to prepare lunch and the New Year’s Eve feast, and the four boys came along too.

Jiang Lan’s younger cousin was the first to arrive, eagerly waiting for her to come home so she could take them gaming.

Today, they had to at least make it to King rank…

And then hit the arcade, playing every game machine there—though Jiang Lan was hopeless at claw machines.

Wu Fang and Xu Qinglan had already reminded the kids to be polite since Jiang Lan was bringing her boyfriend home.

The whole family had even changed into new clothes to meet Lu Yicheng.

At almost ten o’clock, the doorbell finally rang. Wu Fang wiped her hands and went to answer it. Outside stood her niece and a tall, handsome young man carrying bags of gifts.

He looked a little stiff—visibly nervous.

Like a student suddenly called on in class to answer a question.

When people get nervous, they instinctively seek reassurance from someone familiar. Lu Yicheng glanced at Jiang Lan for help. He’d seen the Jiang family’s group photo, but things looked different in person.

What was he supposed to call them?

Jiang Lan greeted first, "Happy New Year, Aunt Wu Fang. This is my boyfriend, Lu Yicheng. My parents are still bringing stuff up from downstairs."

Lu Yicheng immediately added, "Happy New Year, Aunt Wu Fang. I’m Lu Yicheng, Jiang Lan’s boyfriend."

Wu Fang nodded. "Come in, it’s freezing outside. Do you need help carrying anything?"

She eyed the mountain of gifts they’d brought—was this a New Year’s visit or a moving truck?

Jiang Lan shook her head. "No need. These are just some things he got for Grandpa, Grandma, and all of you—just don’t mix them up."

Wu Fang wasn’t entirely sure how to handle the situation, so she simply ushered them inside.

Lu Yicheng took in the spotless home, decorated with paper cuttings and "Fu" characters. The cream-colored sofa covers extended even to the water dispenser and fridge.

Potted plants filled the living room and balcony, where a birdcage also hung.

Three children were sitting on the sofa, all members of the Jiang family with good looks. The eldest cousin Jiang Lan had met before wasn’t there. The slightly older one called out “Brother,” while the other two younger ones chimed in with, “Happy New Year!”

Lu Yicheng was pleasantly surprised. “Happy New Year to you too! Here, take these.” He pulled out three red envelopes, but the three cousins hesitated.

The kids instinctively glanced at Jiang Lan, who said, “Go ahead, take them. It’s lucky money for the new year.”

Only then did the cousins accept, saying, “Thank you, Brother!”

As they spoke, Grandpa Jiang and Grandma Jiang emerged from the inner room. Grandpa Jiang cleared his throat, and without Jiang Lan needing to introduce him, Lu Yicheng knew who they were. “Grandma, Grandpa, I’m Lu Yicheng, Jiang Lan’s boyfriend. Wishing you both a happy new year.”

Grandma Jiang smiled and pulled a red envelope from her pocket, pressing it into Lu Yicheng’s hand. “Come, sit down. Was it cold outside? You must be tired from the trip. Have something to eat.”

Lu Yicheng felt the envelope burn in his palm. “Grandma, you really don’t have to give me a red envelope. You should keep it.”

Grandma Jiang insisted, “Take it. It’s not much, and we won’t be giving these for much longer anyway.”

Once the two got married, who would still be handing out red envelopes?

Lu Yicheng looked stunned. “Huh?”

Did that mean they wouldn’t welcome him back in the future?

“You think you can get one every year?” Jiang Lan teased. Then, turning to her grandmother, she said, “Grandma, happy new year! Where’s my red envelope?”

Grandma Jiang pulled out another one. “As if I’d forget yours.”

“Grandpa, happy new year!”

Grandpa Jiang took two red envelopes from his pocket, handing one to Jiang Lan and pausing briefly before giving the other to Lu Yicheng. “Sit down already. Standing there, you’re blocking the way.”

Lu Yicheng murmured a quiet “Thank you” and cautiously took a seat beside Grandpa Jiang.

The elderly man loved tea and liquor, and though he remained silent, Lu Yicheng wasn’t one to stay quiet.

“Grandpa, let me brew the tea for you. I’ve learned a bit—this cup should be my honor to prepare.”

Just then, Jiang Baoguo and Xie Yunzhen arrived with New Year’s gifts and overheard. Jiang Baoguo said, “Dad, let Xiao Lu handle the tea. He’s quite skilled at it.”

Truth be told, Lu Yicheng wasn’t just good at brewing tea—he also played chess, both Chinese and Go. At a time like this, why wait for Grandpa Jiang to discover his hidden talents with a magnifying glass? He might as well showcase them himself.

Lu Yicheng got to work swiftly. “Grandpa, at home, I often make tea for the elders. Seeing you today feels especially familiar. If you enjoy playing chess or Go, I’d be happy to join you.”

Grandpa Jiang raised an eyebrow. “You play?”

Lu Yicheng nodded. “My grandfather always said chess sharpens the mind. At first, I found it boring—not as fun as video games. But over time, I grew accustomed to it and kept at it.”

Every skill he’d ever learned had its use; there was always value in it. Lu Yicheng couldn’t be more grateful he’d picked up these hobbies.

Even if Jiang Lan didn’t care for them, her grandfather certainly did.

Then it hit him—he’d almost forgotten the three gaming-obsessed boys and one gaming-obsessed girl still sitting on the sofa.

He quickly added, “Though, of course, video games can also train the mind. They’re plenty fun too.”

Grandpa Jiang smirked. “Let’s have a match, then.”

The youngest little radish tugged at Jiang Lan's arm and asked, "Sis, is big brother a top student?"

He was really scared—he didn’t like people who were too good at studying.

Jiang Lan was the best student in the Jiang family. Even though there were many teachers in the family, the kids were all playful, and as long as their grades were passable, it was fine.

Jiang Feng, now 26, still hadn’t gotten a girlfriend, and Grandpa Jiang had a lot to say about that.

Jiang Lan replied, "Yes, he’s good at studying—the kind of ‘other people’s child’ your mom always talks about."

Lu Yicheng played three rounds of chess with Grandpa Jiang, and the old man’s expression softened a little.

When you look at someone with prejudice, you’ll always find faults everywhere.

But after spending time with him, Grandpa Jiang realized Lu Yicheng wasn’t so bad. Especially when it came to chess—he was really good. Even though Grandpa Jiang won all three games, he could tell Lu Yicheng had gone easy on him.

"Come on, let me take you out for a walk," Grandpa Jiang said.

He had a whole group of old friends, and he wanted Lu Yicheng to play chess with them.

Grandpa Jiang told Grandma Jiang, "I’m taking Xiao Lu out for a bit. We’ll be back by mealtime."

Lu Yicheng flashed Jiang Lan an "OK" sign, and she waved him off, urging him to hurry up.

At half past twelve, Grandpa Jiang returned, beaming, with Lu Yicheng in tow. "Old lady, when’s lunch?"

Grandma Jiang teased, "A man who can fill up on chess still needs to eat?"

"Of course I need to eat! The kids are hungry too."

Jiang Lan patted Lu Yicheng’s shoulder. "So? Did you win them all?"

Lu Yicheng smiled. "Mission accomplished."

Lunch was a grand spread—fourteen people at the table, with Lu Yicheng seated beside Jiang Lan.

Grandpa Jiang brought out his treasured liquor. Except for the three minors, all the men at the table drank.

Two bottles were emptied.

Grandpa Jiang went to his room to nap, while Jiang Feng, dizzy from the alcohol, prepared to head home soon. His place was close to Grandma Jiang’s.

The Jiang household had three bedrooms, and Lu Yicheng would have to share with Jiang Feng at night.

Grandma Jiang told them to go rest, but Lu Yicheng didn’t want to sleep. He was tired, but he refused to waste the day. "Didn’t we say we’d go to the arcade? I’ll take you guys to grab some plushies."

If he slept now, he’d feel like he was missing out.

"Let’s go have some fun," Lu Yicheng said.

The three kids were eager to go. By two in the afternoon, the five of them were out the door.

Lu Yicheng footed the bill. Even on New Year’s Eve, the arcade was packed—full of kids spending their lucky money.

Jiang Lan was good at single-player games. Lu Yicheng didn’t play much, but he was a pro at claw machines.

And he was sharp with shooting games too.

Outside, there was a ring-toss stall, and Lu Yicheng nailed every throw.

In the end, he even bought airplane models for the two younger ones.

The high school-aged younger brother refused everything—he was too grown-up for toys now. But he had to admit, this future brother-in-law was impressive.

The youngest, Jiang Nian, was just in second grade. He looked at Lu Yicheng with stars in his eyes.

Lu Yicheng was seriously amazing—he could do anything!

Now he had a Doraemon, a Squirtle, and a Superman figure from the ring toss!

Lu Yicheng hadn’t played much with these things as a kid—Lu Xingran was the one who loved them.

Back then, he loved reading books, which was quite amusing.

Lu Yicheng patted Jiang Nian’s little head and asked, "What else do you want to play?"

Jiang Nian replied, "I want to play that shooting game… brother-in-law."

The last two words were whispered so softly it was almost inaudible.

Lu Yicheng held Jiang Nian’s hand as they walked behind the others. Clearing his throat, he said, "Call me that one more time, and I’ll win you a big teddy bear later."

Popping all the balloons would earn them the first prize—a giant teddy bear.

Jiang Nian immediately chimed, "Brother-in-law, brother-in-law, brother-in-law!"

Lu Yicheng chuckled. "Alright, three bears then."

Jiang Nian: "?"

Not missing a beat, Jiang Nian continued, "Brother-in-law, brother-in-law, brother-in-law, brother-in-law, brother-in-law…"

Lu Yicheng laughed outright. "Too many, and the stall owner will kick us out. How about this—I’ll take you to play something else, but this is our little secret. Don’t tell your sister Jiang Lan, okay?"

Jiang Nian solemnly promised to keep it confidential.

Meanwhile, Jiang Lan had already walked several meters ahead of the two. "Hey, what are you two whispering about back there? Hurry up!"

Lu Yicheng called back, "Coming!"

The shooting game stall was crowded with people, but Lu Yicheng confidently paid for three rounds upfront.

He was genuinely skilled at this. Truth be told, his marksmanship surpassed even Yu Wanqiu’s—after all, boys tended to favor these kinds of shooting games.

One shot, one balloon. After clearing the first board, the stall owner handed over a big teddy bear. After the second round, another prize followed.

When Lu Yicheng prepared for a third attempt, the owner hastily refunded him twenty yuan. "We’re just running a small business here. There’s another stall up ahead—why don’t you try your luck there?"

It was their competitor’s stall.

Jiang Nian was already thrilled. Today was his personal highlight reel.

He whispered to Lu Yicheng, "Brother-in-law, this is enough."

But Lu Yicheng insisted they could push their luck a little further.

Tonight, he’d be staying at Jiang Nian’s place—the kid was downright endearing.

Before heading home, they picked up some firecrackers for Jiang Nian and sparklers for Jiang Lan.

Fireworks were banned in the area, but sparklers could be enjoyed discreetly.

By the time they returned, it was past six in the evening.

Jiang Nian remained glued to Lu Yicheng’s side, while Jiang Lan took Jiang Yu and Jiang Lian to play video games.

Dinner wouldn’t be served until eight, just in time for the Spring Festival Gala broadcast.

Lu Yicheng helped wrap dumplings—a task he excelled at. He even whipped up a dipping sauce, sesame paste for dumplings.

Grandma Jiang was impressed. "Xiao Lu, you know how to make dumplings too?"

Lu Yicheng demonstrated by folding them into ingot and wheat-ear shapes. "Just these two styles, nothing fancier."

Wu Fang praised, "They look wonderful!"

Xie Yunzhen added, "This boy cooks better than I do."

Lu Yicheng humbly replied, "Only decent at sour fish and braised pork."

Grandma Jiang grinned. "That’s perfect—Jiang Lan loves those dishes."

Lu Yicheng grinned back. "Yeah, Jiang Lan really does."

With so many mouths to feed, they needed over two hundred dumplings—fifteen per person.

Lu Yicheng would leave tomorrow afternoon, taking Jiang Lan with him.

Xie Yunzhen and Jiang Baoguo would stay a few more days, so Grandma Jiang planned to cook up a storm.

Jiang Lan’s favorite? Pure meat-filled dumplings, with just a hint of scallions.

There were also dumplings with three delicious fillings. Grandma Jiang asked Lu Yicheng what kind he liked, and he replied, "I eat anything, Grandma. I'm not picky."

Grandma Jiang smiled—this kid was quite good.

Dinner wasn’t until eight, and after playing all afternoon, the younger ones were already starving.

Jiang Lan glanced at the Spring Festival Gala program list. "Oh, Lu Xingran is performing!"

Grandma Jiang asked who Lu Xingran was, and Jiang Lan explained, "He’s Lu Yicheng’s cousin, a singer. He’s singing at this year’s Gala."

Grandma Jiang immediately said that was impressive.

But Lu Yicheng just hoped Lu Xingran would dress festively today, skip the dyed hair, and behave properly.

Elderly folks preferred well-behaved kids.

The Gala ran past midnight, and by the end, Jiang Lan was barely keeping her eyes open.

Lu Yicheng had to go sleep at Wu Fang’s place, and he really didn’t want to leave Jiang Lan.

With so many people around, he couldn’t even talk to her properly.

Jiang Lan felt something hard in her pocket. "What’s this?"

She pulled it out—three bank cards, along with slips of paper with the PINs written on them.

Hiding in the room together, Lu Yicheng quickly kissed Jiang Lan. "My salary cards. I’ll give you any new ones I get later. I’m off—see you tomorrow morning."