Luo Zhengzheng and her group visited all the attractions in Dali, then went to Lijiang, where they spent about a week and bought many local specialties before heading home.
Upon arriving home, they learned that Gu Shi had gone abroad on a business trip.
That evening, they took the gifts they bought for the family to the in-laws' place and distributed them to them.
Looking at the pile of things, Liu Hanyue asked, "What did you buy?"
Luo Zhengzheng smiled and explained, "Some local specialties, and some trinkets. They're not valuable, but they're unique."
Liu Hanyue took a silk scarf and wrapped it around her neck. "This scarf is quite pretty. Is the embroidery on it handmade?"
This kind of craftsmanship was very rare nowadays.
Luo Zhengzheng nodded. "I searched many places before finding it. I brought one for each of you."
Although Wang Yaning didn't particularly like things without brands or labels, she accepted the scarf because it was Luo Zhengzheng's thoughtfulness.
Yu Shuang noticed a set of ethnic minority clothing nearby. "What's this?"
Luo Zhengzheng said, "That's for Chenghui. She can wear it if she likes." She handed the clothing to her.
Yu Shuang's eyes widened in surprise and she happily took it. "You even brought a gift for Chenghui?" The clothing was so beautiful that she couldn't resist asking the maid to take Chenghui to change.
Wang Yaning looked over and Luo Zhengzheng said, "I also brought a gift for Chengrui, a bamboo boat."
Wang Yaning smiled, "Chengrui loves boats."
Gu Chengrui did indeed like the boat; he hugged it and went to play with Chengjia.
Chenghui happily changed her clothes and came out, looking at her mommy, "Mommy, like."
Yu Shuang touched the hair accessory in her hair and smiled, "Auntie bought this; say thank you to Auntie."
Chenghui said shyly, "Thank you, Auntie."
Luo Zhengzheng, who had no daughter, adored delicate little girls. Chenghui, well-mannered and sensible, wasn't spoiled, thanks to her mother's upbringing. She smiled and said, "You're welcome."
Liu Hanyue, wearing a silk scarf, took a photo and posted it on her social media account with the caption: "A gift Fourth sister-in-law brought back from her trip—a hand-embroidered silk scarf. The embroidery is exquisite; I love it very much."
Many people saw the photo and commented that she had a wonderful sister-in-law, and they wished they had one too.
Liu Hanyue was pleased. With this photo, who could say they, as sisters-in-law, didn't get along?
Wang Yaning naturally saw Liu Hanyue's photo. She hadn't expected Liu Hanyue to genuinely like the scarf. Given Liu Hanyue's personality, even if she wanted to show harmony between them, she wouldn't casually post a photo on social media if she didn't truly like the scarf.
Ye Li carefully examined the embroidery of her own silk scarf, exclaiming, "This embroidery is practically a work of art! It's perfect!"
Wang Yaning was surprised that mother-in-law also praised the scarf so highly and felt a little self conscious. Was her taste really that bad?
Luo Zhengzheng was unaware of Wang Yaning's thoughts, and even if she did, it wouldn't matter. Giving gifts was just a matter of courtesy; whether she liked it or not, the gift was given.
As for her father-in-law and Chengjia's uncles, the gifts were more casual—each were given a box of tea.
Having not seen their grandson for almost half a month, Gu Boyuan and Ye Li naturally missed him, and couldn't resist but hold him in their arms during meals.
That night, lying in bed, Luo Zhengzheng received a call from Gu Shi. His slightly deep voice came from the other end of the line: "You're back? Why didn't you tell me?"
Luo Zhengzheng felt a little embarrassed. Could she say she forgot to tell him?
Of course not.
So she said, "I wanted to surprise you, but I didn't expect you to be away on a business trip. Hey, why didn't you tell me you were going?"
Not only did she not admit she'd forgotten him, she also turned the tables.
Gu Shi was amused and annoyed. Did she really think he was unaware of her little scheme? He didn't argue with her and said, "I'll be back the day after tomorrow. What do you want? Make a list and I'll bring it back for you."
Luo Zhengzheng's eyes lit up. A woman's wardrobe was never short of something, but she said, "You've already worked so hard, you don't need to bring me anything back. Just your return is enough."
Holding his phone, Gu Shi stood by the window, looking outside. Hearing her words, he smiled, "Such a sweet talker?"
Luo Zhengzheng said, "It's all from the heart."
Gu Shi: "Really?"
Luo Zhengzheng: "Of course."
Gu Shi suddenly asked: "You brought gifts for Mom and sister-in-laws, did you bring one for me?"
Luo Zhengzheng thought to herself, this man is so petty. Luckily, she saw that tie and thought it suited him, so she bought it: "Of course I'll bring you a gift, and it's different from everyone else's."
Gu Shi smiled faintly: "Looking forward to it."
After hanging up, Luo Zhengzheng opened her suitcase, took out the tie, and hung it in his closet so he could see it as soon as he got back, lest he think she wasn't sincere.
The next day, after breakfast, Luo Can went out to look for work.
Luo Zhengzheng asked him: "What kind of job are you planning to look for? Don't get scammed." Her younger brother was still young at this time, with almost no social experience and lacking the shrewdness of later generations. She was somewhat worried about him.
Luo Can waved his hand: "Elder Sister, don't worry, I'll call you if anything happens." Then he ran out.
Luo Zhengzheng caught up with him: "Have the driver take you out; there are no bus stops nearby."
Luo Can: ......
Luo Can disagreed with having the driver take him, waving to Elder Sister, "I'll run out."
A classmate of Luo Can came to the capital and was handing out flyers. He had arranged to meet his classmate last night, planning to go with him to hand out flyers for a few days.
Handling flyers didn't require any skill; one just ran to where there were lots of people. In the sweltering summer heat, Luo Can and his classmate handed out flyers on the bustling streets and were sweating profusely.
His classmate's name was Wang Zehao. Both were handsome; Luo Can's handsomeness was the sunny type, while Wang Zehao's was the reserved type. Luo Can frowned, glancing at the sun overhead, then at the flyer in his hand. He pursed his lips and asked Wang Zehao, "Let's buy some water, our throats are parched."
Wang Zehao nodded. The two found a convenience store, spent three yuan on two bottles of mineral water, each taking a bottle and gulping them down.
After finishing his water, Wang Zehao looked at the white-collar and gold-collar workers in smart uniforms hurrying to and fro in the office building across the street. A profound realization suddenly struck him. He pointed across the street and said, "I want to be like that."
Luo Can looked in the direction he was pointing. He had been to the Ye Group headquarters and spent a day there and his feelings were even more profound than Wang Zehao's. He said, "As a country boy, who wouldn't want to be like that?"
Wang Zehao's grades weren't as good as Luo Can's. He felt he hadn't done very well in the college entrance exam. He said, "I didn't do very well on the exam. I don't know what university I can get into."
Luo Can patted him on the shoulder: "The exam results will be out in a few days. Don't think too much."
Wang Zehao wasn't in a good mood.
Luo Can comforted him: "At worst, you can retake the exam next year."
Wang Zehao shook his head. His family's situation didn't allow him to retake it.
Seeing that he didn't elaborate, Luo Can wisely didn't press him.
At noon, the two each ate a boxed lunch. Afterwards, they continued handing out flyers. As night fell, Luo Can smelled a delicious aroma. He couldn't resist looking over and saw a hot pot restaurant. He tugged at Wang Zehao's arm: "Have you ever eaten hot pot?"
Wang Zehao shook his head: "There are hot pot restaurants in our county, but I've never been."
Luo Can said, "Me neither." He couldn't help but glance at the hot pot restaurant again, swallowing hard. He earned eighty yuan a day handing out flyers; he wondered how much a hot pot meal would cost.
Wang Zehao pulled him away, "Don't look anymore. We worked hard all day to earn this money; let's save it."
Did Wang Zehao not want to eat hot pot? It was just that the money he earned had more important uses.
That evening, Luo Can returned to Elder Sister's house exhausted. He plopped down on the sofa. After standing and running around all day, he didn't want to move at all.
Little Chengjia was already asleep. Luo Zhengzheng washed up and came downstairs. Seeing his disheveled appearance, she said, "I asked Nanny Wang to make you some chicken soup. It's so late, you must be hungry, right?"
Luo Can looked at Elder Sister and said weakly, "Not only hungry, but also thirsty."
He had never known Wang Zehao was so frugal, even saving water. He only drank one bottle of water the whole day. It just so happened that he wouldn't buy any, nor would he let him buy any.
Luo Zhengzheng poured him a glass of water, which he gulped down in a few mouthfuls. Luo Zhengzheng took the cup and asked him, "Want some more?"
Luo Can shook his head. He and Elder Sister always talked about everything: "When I was handing out flyers today, I came across a hot pot restaurant. The aroma was indescribable! Just thinking about it makes my mouth water."
Luo Zhengzheng glanced at him: "Want some hot pot?"
Luo Can chuckled, not shy at all in front of Elder Sister: "Yes."
Luo Zhengzheng chuckled: "It's just hot pot, right? We'll go tomorrow."
She didn't plan to interfere with younger brother's work handing out flyers. But working a summer job to improve himself and wanting hot pot didn't conflict, so she naturally granted his request. Although she didn't know what kind of improvement handing out flyers could provide.
Luo Can then asked, "Elder Sis, can another person join?"
Luo Zhengzheng smiled and said, "Sure."
The next day, around noon, Luo Zhengzheng had the driver take her to the hot pot restaurant Luo Can had mentioned. Considering the strong smell, she didn't bring little Chengjia.
Upon arriving at the hot pot restaurant, she called Luo Can to tell him she was waiting for him in a private room.
After hanging up, Luo Can pulled Wang Zehao towards the restaurant. Wang Zehao looked reluctant: "Your elder sister invited you to a meal, is it appropriate for me to come along?"
His family was poor and they didn't have internet. There was only a secondhand cell phone given to him by his elder maternal cousin. Luo Can never talked about his family at school, so he didn't know who Luo Can's elder sister was, only assuming she worked in the capital. He felt embarrassed to be treated to a meal for no reason.
Luo Can said, "It's okay, my elder sister said to call you. Let's go, don't be shy."
Only then did Wang Zehao obediently follow behind him.
The two found the private room Luo Zhengzheng had told them about. Pushing open the door, they found Luo Zhengzheng already sitting there, cooking vegetables in a pot. She glanced up at them when she saw them and continued cooking: "I've ordered some dishes first. Order whatever you like."
Wang Zehao was stunned. He hadn't expected Luo Can’s elder sister to be so beautiful, and so dazzling.
Luo Can tugged at the dazed Wang Zehao. "What are you standing there for? Sit down and start eating."
The hot pot restaurant had air conditioning, which helped clear his head somewhat from the sweltering heat outside.
Luo Zhengzheng smiled at the two of them, "You've already taken the college entrance exam, you can have some beer, want a couple?"
Wang Zehao's face flushed slightly and he hurriedly said, "No, no need."
However, Luo Can said, "Let's have some, it's not satisfying to eat hot pot without beer."
Wang Zehao looked at him, "Haven't you ever had hot pot before?"
Luo Can chuckled, "I saw it online."
Wang Zehao glanced at Luo Zhengzheng and said, "Then... let's have some."
Finally eating the hot pot they'd been craving, Luo Can and Wang Zehao were both very excited.
Luo Zhengzheng sat beside them, cooking beef, watching them eat and drink beer. Halfway through, her phone rang. She picked it up and saw it was Gu Shi calling. She answered and said hello.
On the phone, Gu Shi asked, "Where are you?"
Luo Zhengzheng put the cooked beef into her bowl, "Eating out."
Wang Zehao glanced at Luo Zhengzheng and continued eating. Gu Shi asked again, "Where are you eating?"
Luo Zhengzheng said, "The hot pot restaurant next to Financial Street."
Gu Shi's indifferent voice came, "I haven't eaten."
Luo Zhengzheng abruptly asked, "Where are you?"
Gu Shi loosened his tie, "At home. It seems you don't remember me coming home today."
"No, I thought you'll come back this afternoon." Luo Zhengzheng wasn't suffering from amnesia; she tentatively asked, "How about you come over for hot pot too?"
Gu Shi carefully assessed the truthfulness of her words and said, "I don't want hot pot."
Luo Zhengzheng asked him, "Then what do you want to eat?"
Gu Shi said, "Want to eat your cooking. Is that alright?"
Luo Zhengzheng didn't want to cook, and besides, she hadn't had hot pot in a long time. Right now, all she wanted was hot pot. She said, "Why don't you ask Nanny Wang to make you something to eat? I'll cook tonight."
Gu Shi hadn't seen Luo Zhengzheng for half a month and just wanted to see her. He hadn't expected her to be such a carefree woman. He said slowly, "I bought you a lot of things—clothes, shoes, jewelry… Since you don't like them, I won't bring them next time."
A wise person knows when to yield. Luo Zhengzheng immediately said, "Actually, I'm already about 70-80% full, that's about enough. Eating too much will make me fat. I'll come back and cook for you right away."
After hanging up the phone, Luo Zhengzheng handed Luo Can a card, telling him to swipe it after the meal, and instructed, "Order whatever you want." Then she went out, got into her car, and drove away.
Luo Can, holding the card, said to Wang Zehao, "My elder brother-in-law is back from a business trip abroad. Never mind her, we'll eat."
Wang Zehao paused the chopsticks in his hand. "Your elder sister is married?"
Yun Chuman thought to herself, what a coincidence! If the filming location for the next episode of the variety show was in City Z, she could find a way to bring her entry directly there and register on-site.
However, if she remembered correctly, according to the information she received, the original owner of this body hadn't left the city for the next episode of the variety show.
After watching the preview, the original owner immediately chose Yun Xinxin, but Yun Xinxin didn't choose her. So, she had to draw lots to team up with other guests and ended up with a childless couple.
During filming, the original owner discovered Yun Xinxin was nearby. To get closer, she simply abandoned her child with the childless couple.
However, the couple had no idea how to care for children or interact with them. Not only was the live stream silent and boring, the child was also nearly injured.
Viewers were extremely dissatisfied, feeling the original owner was irresponsible and the childless couple lacked compassion. They were collectively criticized and trended on social media.
Now, the production team informed her that she needed to leave the city and go to Z city.
Although the information she received didn't mention which guest had previously filmed in Z city, she was certain that her choice had changed the original storyline!
Yun Chuman breathed a sigh of relief. A change was a good thing; it proved she was no longer controlled by the plot and meant her life with her two children would definitely get better.
At this time, Yun Juan and Yun Shu woke up and came out of the bedroom.
While she was deep in thought, the two children had already gotten up.
Yun Juan, rubbing his eyes and not fully awake, said to Yun Chuman, "Mom, are you going to cook?
Younger Sister and I will help you."
Behind him, Yun Shu, still with her eyes closed, gave a heavy "Mmm," saying, "Mom, don't cook alone."
Yun Chuman: ...
She wasn't going to blow up the kitchen! Why were these two children so wary of her cooking alone?!
But she couldn't blame them. Yun Chuman didn't believe she could cook anything decent on her own.
Ever since she'd tasted the scrambled eggs with tomatoes that Yun Juan and Yun Shu had made together, she had accepted the fact that the two children were more talented at cooking than she was.
She had already decided that from now on, she would involve Yun Juan and Yun Shu in cooking, not for any other reason than to learn from them up close!
That's right! She was going to learn from the two children! Then hone her culinary skills and secretly amaze everyone!
Yun Chuman, Yun Juan, and Yun Shu did some morning exercises before going into the kitchen to make breakfast.
Yun Chuman carefully washed the fresh spinach with clean water.
Wearing a new hippo apron and holding a newly bought children's knife, Yun Juan deftly chopped the romaine lettuce into sections and minced the garlic.
Yun Shu, standing on a small stool and wearing a new yellow duck apron, prepared the dressing for the cold spinach salad.
Finally, the three of them worked together to successfully make a cold spinach salad, a stir-fried romaine lettuce dish, and a pot of slightly bubbling white rice porridge.
However, although it was called a collaboration, Yun Chuman was only responsible for mechanically flipping the spatula according to instructions. The seasoning was left to Yun Juan and Yun Shu.
After enjoying a refreshing breakfast, Yun Chuman told the two children that they had to leave early.
"Mommy, are we going by plane?" Yun Shu asked expectantly and excitedly. Sitting in her chair, her two short legs swung back and forth.
"Yes..."
Yun Chuman hesitated for a moment after speaking. Then it came to her, "Oh yeah! We're going to take a plane!"
Flying into the sky was humanity's most romantic dream, but unfortunately, she was too weak in her past life to experience it. Now, thinking about how she was about to take to the skies, she couldn't help but feel excited.
Yun Shu held her hand and asked curiously, "Mommy, is flying scary? Can we touch the clouds?"
This was her first time flying. Before, mommy and elder brother never took her with them when they went to work, always leaving an unfamiliar aunt to take care of her.
Yun Chuman smiled, "Of course it's not scary! Are you excited, littleShu? Are you happy?"
Yun Shu nodded vigorously.
One big and one small held hands, facing each other and grinning foolishly.
Sitting at the side, Yun Juan frowned and asked seriously, "Mommy, will the crew members take us on the plane?"
Yun Chuman paused for a moment, "Probably not."
During the live broadcast, the crew automatically becomes invisible.
Yun Juan's expression instantly became very serious: "This is younger sister's first time flying. Why don't we teach her what to do once she's inside the airport?"
Upon hearing this, Yun Chuman calmed down at once, unable to help but admire Yun Juan's maturity and composure at times.
She had indeed heard before that the boarding process was complicated. Thankfully Yun Juan had mentioned it; otherwise, she would have made a fool of herself if she didn't know how to board the plane.
Yun Chuman coughed lightly twice and said seriously, "That's right, we should learn beforehand; knowing what to do will save time."
After searching for the boarding process online, she drew it out bit by bit in her notebook and diligently studied it with the two children.
It looked complicated, but it was actually only three steps: checking in and dropping off luggage, then going through security, and finally boarding.
Yun Chuman stroked her chin. Wasn't it simple!
She tossed the notebook aside, confident that she would perform like an experienced person at the airport two days later!
During the two days of waiting for departure, besides learning to cook with Yun Juan and Yun Shu, Yun Chuman would also take them for walks downstairs every day.
This led to her getting along better and better with the residents of the community, and Yun Shu and Yang Qingshu became increasingly close. On the day she left, she even went next door to knock on his door to say goodbye.
Wearing a white cotton short-sleeved shirt, Yang Qingshu came out of the house and asked in confusion, "Little Shu, why are you looking for me so early?"
"Qingqing, I've come to say goodbye," Yun Shu said with a worried look.
Yang Qingshu's face paled. His first thought was, was his newly acquainted friend leaving?
"Are you... moving?"
Yun Shu blinked in confusion. "Moving? Why moving?"
"What's that?" Yang Qingshu pointed to Yun Juan, who was wearing a baseball cap askew and had a huge suitcase next to him.
"That's what I came to tell you. We're going to City Z to film a variety show called 'Every Family Has Its Own Affairs.' We won't be back for a week."
Yun Shu sighed and raised her fist, as big as a red bean bun. "If Da Pang bullies you during this time, remember it. I'll settle the score with him when I get back!"
Yang Qingshu breathed a sigh of relief and obediently nodded. "Okay."
"Qingqing, I'll miss you during this time." Yun Shu's eyebrows drooped, her lips trembled, and tears welled up.
Yang Qingshu felt a pang of sadness seeing this. He was handsome, but thinner than his peers, and usually expressionless. Now, with his brows furrowed slightly, he looked incredibly pitiful.
Yun Shu quickly wiped away her non-existent tears with her chubby little hands, comforting him, "Qingqing, don't be sad, I'll bring you a present."
Standing nearby, Yun Juan watched the two about to burst into tears and let out a heavy snort, which was caught by Yun Chuman, who had just finished checking the water and electricity and came out of the house.
She closed the door, followed Yun Juan's gaze to Yun Shu, squatted down, pinched his puffed-up cheeks, and said with suppressed laughter, "What's wrong with little Juan? Your mouth is so sullen, are you jealous?"
"I'm not."
Yun Juan awkwardly pursed his lips into a straight line. Why would he be jealous? Little Shu would always be his little sister.
He just couldn't stand that brat Yang Qingshu, always acting like a big bad wolf in front of Little Shu!
Yun Chuman laughed. The little tsundere was so stubborn, he was practically turning into a lemon spirit.
But Yun Shu really was a little angel; even a child like Yang Qingshu was infected by her warmth.
These past few days, she'd heard a lot from Aunt Sun and the others about Yang Qingshu's family. The little boy had suffered a lot at such a young age, gradually becoming introverted and unapproachable. Who would have thought Yun Shu would become his friend so quickly?
Yun Chuman thought Yun Shu was definitely a hidden social butterfly; Yun Juan would probably be green with envy from now on.
Seeing that it was almost time, she smiled and called out, "Little Shu, we're leaving."
Then she said to Yang Qingshu, "Qingqing, take good care of yourself. See you again in a week."
Yang Qingshu always became awkward and shy when he saw her. He nodded and whispered, "Goodbye. I hope Auntie and Yun Juan and Yun Shu have a pleasant trip."
Yun Chuman said thank you, thinking to herself that Yang Qingshu was indeed a teacher's pet. Look at the words he said.
Her own two children were about the same age as him. Should she also arrange their academic studies?
Thinking it over, she led Yun Juan and Yun Shu straight to the airport. Just as they got out of the taxi, they spotted the crew of the TV program "Every Family Has Its Own Affairs" at the airport entrance; their long lenses and microphones made them stand out in the crowd.
The accompanying director, Xiao Xi, stood at the front of the group, dressed in a black tracksuit, her ponytail tied high, looking very capable.
Upon seeing Yun Chuman's family, she waved vigorously: "Over here!"
Yun Juan was happy to see familiar faces, but because of his inhibitions, he smiled and waved restrainedly.
Yun Shu was much more lively than before, jumping and waving her hands vigorously. Her eyes curved and she revealed her cute little tiger teeth.
Yun Chuman led them over, greeting the production crew with a smile. Noticing the camera indicator light flashing, she exclaimed in surprise, "Started filming already?"
Xiao Xi patted the two children's heads and chuckled, "Yes, the pilot episode was so good! The audience is eager to see the first live broadcast, and Director Li likes to fulfill their wishes, so we're starting filming with you two."
"Given the special circumstances, our production team can answer questions for the guests if necessary," she pointed to the camera and said to Yun Chuman, "Say hello to the audience; they've been waiting for almost half an hour."
Yun Chuman curiously leaned closer to the camera, and the live stream was once again bombarded with a beauty attack.
Before they could recover, two more little bundles of joy appeared below. Three pairs of identical puppy eyes stared intently at them through the camera.
—My heart is breaking! They're so cute!
—Oh my god, who can resist this!
—What are you standing there for? Take a screenshot!"
—Waaaah, I finally see my little ones again! I'm so happy!"
Yun Chuman, Yun Juan, and Yun Shu didn't see anything. They waved listlessly at the camera and walked towards the airport terminal with the production crew.
Xiao Xi followed behind them, saying, "The other group of guests has also departed. You'll probably see them when you get to the recording location."
Yun Shu asked softly, "Elder Sister Xiao Xi, who exactly is the other group of guests?"
Yun Juan also looked at her curiously.
Xiao Xi almost surrendered to their gazes and blurted out everything she knew.
She quickly shook her head to clear her mind. No wonder Yun Chuman could never resist the two little ones; they were just too hard to refuse.
Seeing that she didn't answer, the two children lowered their eyes and eyebrows in disappointment, looking pitiful.
Xiao Xi felt a strange sense of guilt. She gritted her teeth and said, "Although I can't say who the other group of guests is, I can tell little Juan and little Shu that you're very popular! Many older brothers and sisters chose you."
Yunjuan and Yunshu's eyes immediately lit up.
Yun Chuman also leaned in: "Really?"
Xiao Xi used one hand to push her face away ruthlessly: "Stop trying to trick me! I can't say any more! If I keep going, I'll lose my job!"
Yun Chuman chuckled and nodded repeatedly, "Okay, okay, I won't ask anymore."
Yun Juan and Yun Shu also tilted their heads back at the same time, making a gesture as if they were zipping up their mouths.
The cameraman, understanding the situation, gave a close-up, and the viewers in the live stream immediately screamed with delight.
Yun Chuman, who had just been joking with the production team, was dumbfounded as soon as she stepped into the airport with her two children.
It was much bigger than she had imagined, bustling with people, and announcements were constantly ringing out.
She gripped her ticket tightly, forcing herself to calm down, and muttered to herself, "First, find the counter for our flight to check in and drop off my luggage."
She looked around and immediately panicked again. It was just a check-in counter, why was it so complicated, and even divided into sections!
Yun Chuman wiped her sweat, finally figuring out that the counter was at lane "N".
She walked towards the prominent sign hanging above, but the further she walked, the more something seemed wrong; why was she getting even further away?
Time ticked by, and she started sweating with anxiety. She wanted to ask an airport staff member for directions, but couldn't find the information desk.
Yun Chuman suddenly realized something: was she... completely directionally challenged? The kind who couldn't find her way without a phone's GPS?
Yun Shu was almost the same; she couldn't even remember the places she had just been.
Realizing they were lost at the airport, the two placed their last hope on the production crew.
Xiao Xi and the others reluctantly turned away from their pitiful looks. Missing their flight because they were lost at the airport—what a hilarious spectacle!
Although Yun Chuman was in a terrible state, for the sake of ratings, they couldn't let it go!
Yun Juan internally sighed. He knew it would turn out like this. When his mother took him on work trips before, if no one was accompanying them, they would definitely miss the flight because they couldn't find their way.
He took Yun Chuman and Yun Shu's hands: "Come with me, I know how to get there."
"Really?" Yun Chuman was about to give up struggling. She was already thinking about how to bargain with the production team to get them to buy new tickets.
Yun Juan nodded seriously.
Yun Chuman and Yun Shu almost burst into tears, looking at him as if he were their savior.Their gazes so eager that Yun Juan squirmed a little.
He turned around, took their hands, and with his short legs, walked forward step by step with great determination, finally leading them to the check-in counter.
"Really, we’re really here!" Yun Chuman exclaimed in surprise, looking at the large flight name behind the counter. "Little Juan, you're amazing!"
"Elder Brother is the best!" Yun Shu clapped her hands excitedly.
Yun Juan proudly put his hands on his hips and puffed out his little belly.
He hadn't expected that Little Shu, like mommy, didn't know the way. It seemed he would have to pay more attention in the future, making sure they didn't get separated from him. Thanks to Yun Juan, Yun Chuman was able to get the two children through security just in time.
The live stream audience burst into laughter at this scene.
—Haha, still the same familiar taste after a few days.
—I didn't expect even little Shu to be unreliable this time.
—Yun Juan: So tiring, I'm the only one in the family who knows the way.
—Haha, my son is bearing pressure he shouldn't have to at his age.
After boarding the plane, the production team couldn't broadcast live, so they could only record it with a camera. If there were any funny clips, they would make them into bonus features later.
The adult and the two children sat on the chairs, all tilting their heads, staring unblinkingly at the clouds outside the window.
Yun Chuman finally managed to squeeze out a sentence: "Looks delicious."
Yun Juan and Yun Shu nodded in agreement.
The production team almost laughed out loud at their pure foodie antics and unanimously decided to make this part into bonus features.
It was already afternoon when the plane arrived in City Z, but the sun was still blazing and waves of heat hit them as soon as they stepped out of the airport.
This time, Yun Chuman didn't act on her own. She handed the address to Yun Juan and humbly asked, "Little Juan, can you tell us how to get there?"
Yun Juan stared at her in disbelief.
Yun Chuman scratched her head. What was wrong? Was there a problem?
Yun Shu was also puzzled. She urged, "Elder Brother, quickly say!"
Yun Juan sighed, "Mom, have you forgotten I can't read?"
Yun Chuman: ...
She really should start arranging academic lessons as soon as possible!
Finally, the family of three hailed a taxi and headed straight for their destination.
The production crew had prepared a two-story villa with a small garden.
It wasn't far from the airport, and Yun Chuman, Yun Juan, and Yun Shu arrived quickly. Since cameras were already set up inside, they followed the production crew to the adjacent villa to rest temporarily.
Yun Chuman put her luggage in the living room and took the two children for a walk. They discovered there was even a swimming pool behind the villa.
"Is this a castle?" Yun Shu exclaimed in surprise.
"Maybe," Yun Juan nodded seriously.
They exchanged a glance and said in unison, "Let's go on an adventure!"
They then walked hand in hand towards a secluded corner of the villa area.
"Little Juan, Little Shu, be careful. Don't go near the swimming pool. I'll go unpack. Call me if anything happens!"
Yun Chuman watched their backs, wanting to laugh. After giving them a few words of advice, she headed towards the villa, thinking about checking the oil paintings later and hoping nothing went wrong.
Compared to the two children, she wasn't interested in the place. In her previous life, her family had a similar house, even larger.
The villa had two bedrooms, one on the first floor and one on the second. Yun Chuman hesitated, dragging her luggage, wondering which room the guest filming this episode would prefer.
Finally, she took out her phone and directly dialed Xiao Xi's number.
The call was answered quickly. Xiao Xi said, annoyed, "Elder Sister, the live stream! Don't call me randomly, our crew can't appear on camera!"
"Just this once, won't do it again."
Yun Chuman said softly, "I just wanted to ask when the other group of guests will arrive, and whether they prefer the upstairs or downstairs bedroom, so I can unpack my luggage."
Her question didn't exceed the program's rules, and she was very polite to the other group of guests. Plus, her tone was kind, so Xiao Xi had no reason to refuse to answer.
So she thought for a moment and said, "I'll ask for you, and let you know in a bit."
Yun Chuman thanked her and sat on the sofa patiently waiting for news.
Looking through the French windows at the clouds chasing each other, she suddenly had a thought: if only her parents and elder brother could see the two children, they would be so happy.
Just as she was lost in thought, Xiao Xi called: "Um... the other group of guests ran into some trouble on the way and might not arrive until tomorrow. You and the two kids should go to the second-floor bedroom; the other group might be better off on the first floor."
"Did Mr. Mo bring all his furry companions?" Yun Chuman asked with a smile.
Xiao Xi was silent for a long time before suddenly raising her voice: "I don't know! I don't know anything!"
Afterward, she pressed the hang-up button with great force.
Yun Chuman chuckled softly and carried her luggage upstairs.
Although the production team tried their best to conceal it, they still gave too much information.
This villa only has two bedrooms, indicating that the other group of guests was definitely not a large family like the director and Yun Xinxin.
The DINK couple (Double Income No Kids) and the sweet young actress don't necessarily need to stay on the first floor.
That leaves only the movie star Mo Rongwen, who had three dogs, five cats, and two chinchillas at home and wasn't very mobile.
The production team didn't let her draw lots, which meant their group had a two-way selection process.
Yun Chuman pushed her luggage to the second-floor bedroom, wiped the sweat from her face, and thought to herself that little Juan and little Shu would be so happy to know the movie star was coming. The two kids had always looked forward to playing with their furry companions.
However, in reality, Mo Rongwen's choice of Yun Juan and Yun Shu was a reluctant one. As a socially awkward person, he simply couldn't get along with the boisterous DINK couple, nor could he face Yun Xinxin and the director's large family.
Furthermore, he was afraid of snakes, insects, and rodents. Eliminating those options, he ultimately had to choose the non pet-friendly children group.
Mo Rongwen spent several days mentally preparing himself before reluctantly accepting this result.
On the day of departure and wanting to bring all his furry companions along, he drove towards City Z early in the morning, but a fight broke out almost immediately after leaving the city.
He was used to it by now, but today his husky had gone completely mad, helping the five cats fight the other two dogs, making the two chinchillas excitedly run around the car.
Mo Rongwen tried to break up the fight, but the husky headbutted him, sending him crashing into the car door. He felt like his whole body was falling apart, so he had to go home, rest for the night, and set off again tomorrow.
"What a bad start!"
Mo Rongwen laid on the bed like a salted fish, looking at the furry creatures surrounding him and feeling utterly helpless.
He sighed heavily. He had no expectations for this episode; he simply regretted participating in the show.
The viewers, who learned from Yun Chuman that the other group was the movie star, saw this scene when they entered the live stream.
—It really is Movie Star Mo! Yun Chuman guessed right; did she peek at the script?
—Why does the Movie Star's face look so utterly hopeless?
—My husband is going to record a show with my son and daughter! Double fan frenzy! —Furry creatures and human babies, ahhh, I can't wait! It's sure to be so heartwarming!
—Healing? I think it'll be more depressing. It's a battle between furry kids and mischievous kids, it's bound to end in chaos!
—That makes it even more exciting, hahaha! I've got my snacks ready, Movie Emperor, hurry up and meet up with Little Juan and Little Shu!
Author's Note:
【Yun Family Diary】
Yun Juan: Mom and younger sister anti-lost manual, to be arranged!
Yun Shu: My first time on an airplane was so much fun~ I really want to pick some little clouds to feed Mom.
Yun Chuman: The two little ones' academic lessons, to be arranged!
"Didn't I say I had a guest?" Huang Hui frowned slightly.
“President Huang, I’ve come up with a solution, that’s why I rushed over to find you.” The tall, thin man appeared to be a designer at the company. “We can modify it like this.”
“Not needed for now,” Huang Hui said. Since she had chosen to trust Tang Yao, she didn’t intend to pursue Plan Two. Besides, she had a feeling Tang Yao would give her a big surprise.
“President Huang, can you introduce this designer?” The man’s eyes held a hint of arrogance.
Huang Hui frowned slightly, but before she could speak, Tang Yao stood up. "Hello, I'm not a famous designer, just an ordinary guesthouse owner."
A hint of disdain flashed in the man's eyes. "President Huang, are you grasping at straws? Shouldn't only a famous designer be able to solve this problem? What can a guesthouse owner do?"
Huang Hui's frown deepened. "Why do I need to explain to you? I know you're young, ambitious, and capable, but you should also learn to respect people. After all these years in society, haven't you understood that there is always someone more capable?"
The man pursed his lips. Expressionless, he opened the door to leave.
"I'm sorry," Huang Hui said apologetically to Tang Yao. "They are indeed very capable, but most of them are a bit arrogant because of their skills."
"It's alright, I understand," Tang Yao said.
After becoming the most skilled embroiderer in Xia Kingdom, she had faced no shortage of targets. There were even assassins. This verbal attack was nothing to her. Knowing that Tang Yao could repair the finale dress, Huang Hui gave Tang Yao the partitioned room to use as a workshop.
Everything Tang Yao needed was moved to the workshop and Huang Hui even put aside her own work to help.
Tang Yao began her work that day. She first removed the thin tulle from the dress, and then, taking advantage of the workshop being empty, retrieved another piece of tulle from her own space.
When Huang Hui returned, she was so stunned by the exquisite, ethereal, cloud-like tulle that she instinctively slowed her pace.
It was far more beautiful than the fabric she had acquired at a high price.
“This…what is this?”
“Cloud gauze, legend says it’s woven by the Weaver Girl from clouds, as thin as a cicada’s wing and as light as nothing,” Looking up, Tang Yao replied.
This cloud gauze was something she had brought back from an ancient world. At the time, it was worth a fortune and could only be enjoyed by members of the royal family.
Because it was so beautiful, she had secretly stockpiled quite a bit. Now, such cloud-like gauze was practically extinct.
"It's so beautiful," Huang Hui remarked, reaching out and stroking it lightly in the air. Her eyes filled with admiration for the gauze. She hadn't expected Tang Yao to give her such a wonderful surprise.
Tang Yao attached the gauze to the skirt, then picked up a needle and thread and began embroidering the gauze at the hem.
Her movements were swift and her fingers almost dancing in afterimages.
Once, in the ancient world, she had made a floral dress for the Empress, but due to jealousy from her colleagues, the dress was damaged. She spent two days working tirelessly to remake it, stunning everyone at the celebration and gaining immense fame.
Seeing this, Huang Hui carefully opened the door and left, instructing the others not to disturb her.
While Tang Yao was immersed in her own little world, rumors began circulating in the company that Huang Hui had brought in a nepotism hire who lacked real talent and that Huang Hui had even entrusted the most important show's closing dress to this person to mess around with.
These words were clearly intended to incite emotions internally.
However, everyone wasn't stupid. Having worked at the company for so long, they knew what kind of person Huang Hui was.
A small group of people were swayed, feeling resentful. After all, they had worked day and night for so long, all for that show.
This minor disturbance within the company didn't attract Huang Hui's attention.
For the past three days, Lu Bei tried sending messages to Tang Yao, but received no reply.
Lu Nan looked at his younger brother, who was staring at his phone and radiating a gloomy aura, and shook his head helplessly.
This was clearly a one-sided love affair, unrequited. His younger brother was probably planning to take her out to have a good time in the capital, perhaps even had arrangements made, but now the other party hadn't even replied to a message.
Lu Nan also knew that the show at Huang Hui's company was indeed very important.
It seemed that not replying was understandable.
Lu Nan shook his head, glanced at his younger brother who seemed oblivious to his own reverie, and waved the car keys in his hand: "Want to go pick her up from the airport?"
"No," Lu Bei said. Lu Nan, who had originally intended to cheer him up, turned and left.
The car drove towards the airport and stopped in a corner of the parking lot.
A considerable number of people were standing at the arrival gate, including reporters and fans, all eagerly awaiting the arrival.
A banner read, "Welcome back, Movie Empress."
Soon, a large crowd poured out of the airport. Everyone looked left and right, but they didn't see the figure they expected.
Not far from the arrival gate, in the parking lot, a girl wearing a hat, mask, and sunglasses stealthily slipped away from the crowd and got into Lu Nan's car.
"Elder Brother Lu Nan," the girl said, removing her mask to reveal a bright and beautiful face.
She looked more composed than she had three years ago.
"You've grown up and are even more beautiful," Lu Nan complimented, his eyes filled with gentle light.
Cheng An smiled, subconsciously brushing her now-long hair aside.
Then, Cheng An's gaze fell on the back seat: "Didn't Lu Bei come?"
Lu Nan shook his head and started the car: "No. I'll take you home first. Shall we invite your parents over for dinner tonight?"
"Okay," Cheng An nodded.
The journey was mostly dominated by Lu Nan’s chatter, with Cheng An occasionally responding.
Lu Nan glanced at her sideways. Cheng An's eyes were lowered and a faint smile playing on her lips. She really was different from before.
The car quickly arrived at the villa halfway up the mountain. Lu Nan dropped Cheng An off and watched her leave.
Cheng An stood in front of the house, turned, and waved to Lu Nan before entering the house.
When Lu Nan returned home, Lu Bei was just about to leave.
"Where are you going? Tonight, we’re having dinner with Uncle Cheng and Aunt Cheng."
"I'm not going." Lu Bei said, putting on his sunglasses and hat before heading out.
Lu Nan raised an eyebrow. It seemed the girl had responded. Now, Cheng An was likely to be disappointed.
Lu Nan's mind conjured up that fair and beautiful face.
Lu Bei hurried to Huang Hui's company building, just in time to run into Tang Yao coming out.
She looked quite tired and was stretching.
Seeing Lu Bei, Tang Yao was a little surprised: "What brings you here?"
"Oh, I was running some errands nearby. Seeing you replied to my message, I came to check on you," Lu Bei said. "Have you eaten?"
"Not yet. Just planning to wander around and grab something to eat." Tang Yao stretched her wrists. She'd been at the studio for the past two days and finally only had some finishing touches left.
Huang Hui couldn't bear to watch any longer and pulled her out, letting her get some rest for the night.
Originally, Huang Hui wanted to arrange for someone to take her home, but Tang Yao refused. She'd been here for a few days and hadn't even had a proper chance to explore.
"Really? Perfect, I haven't eaten either. Let's go together."
Tang Yao was slightly taken aback and then said, "Okay, but aren't you afraid of being recognized? There are quite a few people around here."
"It's fine." Lu Bei shook his sunglasses and hat, indicating that he was fully equipped.
The two chatted as they walked out.
The evening in the capital was bustling. Not far from the building was an old alley and outside the alley was a food street.
There were century-old roast duck restaurants, noodle shops, and all sorts of snacks.
Tang Yao was already hungry. Huang Hui had sent her some food earlier, but she had been engrossed in her work and hadn't eaten much.
The enticing aromas of delicious food wafted into their nostrils, and their stomachs began to rumble.
Queues had already formed outside some of the more appealing shops. Tang Yao looked at this one, then that one, wanting to try them all.
“Go buy that one, I’ll hold the queue for you at this shop,” Lu Bei said, resolving her predicament at the crucial moment.
Tang Yao didn’t stand on ceremony and headed straight for another shop.
Lu Bei was tall and had long legs and with his face well-covered, he inevitably attracted attention from passersby.
A young girl even secretly took a picture of him and shared it with her friends.
Lu Bei pulled his hat down low. With Tang Yao not around, he reverted to his aloof demeanor, making others hesitant to approach him.
Ultimately, through their combined efforts, they bought quite a few snacks.
To avoid being recognized, the two found a small park, sat on an empty lakeside bench, and began to share their food.
The sesame seed cakes were crispy and delicious, while the skewered dumplings were cloyingly sweet and sticky. The roast duck was fragrant, while the fermented bean juice made Tang Yao feel nauseous.
At the end, Tang Yao realized that the food she had eaten and didn't like had all ended up in Lu Bei's stomach.
She immediately felt a little embarrassed.
"It's okay, I have a big appetite. Better not to waste food," Lu Bei said.
Finally, the two of them each had a cup of milk tea, ending their dinner.
Tang Yao rubbed her full stomach, feeling very satisfied.
A gentle night breeze blew and Lu Bei felt better than ever. Listening to the soft voice beside him and looking at her beautiful profile, a sudden thought arose in his mind: he wanted to take her back and hide her away, perhaps in the castle he had bought in Europe…
"…Lu Bei?"
Tang Yao's voice brought him back to reality. Lu Bei turned and smiled at her: "What's wrong?"
"Leave? It's getting crowded here."
Lu Bei looked around. Sure enough, people who had finished eating and were strolling around had arrived.
Lu Bei nodded: "Let's go. I'll take you back to your hotel first."
"Thank you for having dinner with me today. I'll treat you to dinner again when I'm done with my work," Tang Yao said to Lu Bei.
"Okay, see you another day."
After Lu Nan took Cheng An's family home, he found his younger brother cooking instant noodles in the kitchen.
"What? Didn't see her?" Lu Nan raised an eyebrow.
"I saw." Lu Bei's mood was clearly much better than before he left.
"Then why are you eating instant noodles?"
"Girls have small stomachs. It's normal." Lu Bei's expression remained unchanged, but Lu Nan still sensed something was different.
After breakfast, Gu Shi prepared to go to the company. Glancing at Luo Can, who was sitting obediently eating breakfast next to Luo Zhengzheng, he asked him meaningfully, "Are you still coming to the company with me today?"
Luo Can was about to speak when Luo Zhengzheng finished her milk and said, "He finally finished the college entrance exam, let him rest for a few days and take him out to play." Even if he had to go out for a summer job, there was no need to rush.
Luo Can looked at Elder Sister, then at Elder Brother-in-law, and lowered his head to eat. He was at Elder Brother-in-law's house now and could only follow Elder Sister's arrangements.
Gu Shi breathed a barely perceptible sigh of relief. Younger Brother-in-law should stay with his elder sister.
Luo Zhengzheng added, "We're planning a trip to Yunnan."
Luo Can had read Jin Yong's novels; Duan Yu came from Dali, a place he longed to visit. When Elder Sister asked where he wanted to go, Dali in Yunnan was the first place that came to his mind. Since it was rare for younger brother to make a request, Luo Zhengzheng naturally granted his wish and booked the plane tickets this morning.
"..." Gu Shi lowered his eyes. After a few seconds said, "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
He could have arranged his work to accompany them.
Luo Zhengzheng waved her hand: "You're busy with work, so I won't keep you any longer. Nanny Wang, Uncle Wang, and Xiao Zhang have worked hard for over a year. Let them come along and have some fun too."
Gu Shi's eyes darkened: "So I’m the only one left at home?"
Sensing his tone was off, Luo Zhengzheng finally looked up, wiping her hands with a tissue: "You...don't need anyone to keep you company, right?"
The implication was: You're an adult, still afraid of being home alone?
Gu Shi glanced at her expressionlessly: "Have fun." Then he strode away.
Luo Can watched Elder Brother-in-law's departing figure and gently tugged at her arm: "Elder Sis, is Elder Brother-in-law angry?"
Luo Zhengzheng cracked an egg and peeled it: "You're overthinking it. Your elder brother-in-law always has that expression."
Luo Can nodded knowingly. So Elder Brother-in-law's usual expression was...no expression.
Upon arriving in Dali, they naturally went to the Gu Family's hotel. Gu Shi had given her a VIP card, allowing her to check into a top-tier suite without prior reservation. After a short rest at the hotel, Luo Can excitedly tugged at her, wanting to go out and play. Luo Zhengzheng placed Xiao Jiajia in his arms, saying, "Uncle, hold me."
Luo Can let him ride on his shoulders. The little guy giggled and hugged his head. His maternal uncle loved playing games with him, and these past few days, his favorite was his maternal uncle: "Uncle, run! Uncle, run!"
Luo Can carefully carried him, smiling, "You can't run here. We'll run when we get outside."
The little guy pointed outside: "Outside! Outside!"
The hotel had a car and the group first went to Dali Old Town. Luo Can carried his little nephew on his back, then in his arms, then let him walk on the ground, while Luo Zhengzheng took many photos of them from behind.
Xiao Zhang carried the things behind, while Uncle Wang and Nanny Wang took in the scenery while keeping an eye on little Chengjia.
Before her rebirth, Ye Li was older and Chengjia was still a student. After Luo Can graduated from university, Ye Li offered him a job at the Ye Corporation. Without much hesitation, he resolutely gave up his dreams to help out at the Ye Corporation, working tirelessly day and night, without even time to find a girlfriend. Meanwhile, she not only had to care for the elderly and ailing parents, but also mother-in-law and son. If it weren't for her younger brother's support, she feared she wouldn't have been able to cope.
Although she was a wealthy wife, she didn't have much time to go out and enjoy life. Walking on the streets of the ancient city, she felt relaxed. A smile involuntarily played on her lips. In this life, Gu Shi absolutely couldn't get into trouble, and Luo Can could finally do what he wanted.
Little Chengjia was being held by Uncle Wang. The camera was in Luo Can's hands. He aimed at Elder Sister's smile and quickly pressed the shutter.
That evening, the group returned to the hotel, exhausted. After dinner, back in their room, Uncle Wang and Nanny Wang took little Chengjia to bathe. After washing up, Luo Zhengzheng exported the photos. Remembering Gu Shi's somewhat strange expression before leaving for work that morning, she sent him some beautiful landscape photos and a group photo, adding, "Even though you weren't here, seeing these photos is a feast for the eyes, as if you were here."
On the top floor of Ye's headquarters, Guo Yao kept checking his watch. He hadn't thought he'd have to work overtime tonight; he and his girlfriend had planned to go to the movies. However, President Gu, who usually took his work home, was still not leaving even at almost eight o'clock. As the president's secretary, he had no choice but to keep him company. It seemed he'd have to apologize to his girlfriend. Resigned, he went to the president's office and asked, "President Gu, would you like to order some food?" This was the third time he'd asked President Gu.
Gu Shi looked up and glanced at him. "Order if you're hungry."
Guo Yao nodded. As Gu Shi's secretary, he knew Gu Shi's eating habits better than Gu Shi himself. He went out to order.
Watching Guo Yao leave, a message popped up on his QQ. He opened it and saw it was from Luo Zhengzheng. He looked at each photo, then went back and saved them to his computer. He glanced at her message; she knew how to save face. He didn't reply, closed the chat window, and continued working.
Luo Zhengzheng waited for a long time but got no reply. She decided to give up. Traveling was tiring; she just wanted to lie in bed and sleep. She went to the next room to check on little Chengjia, who was sleeping next to Nanny Wang with a rosy face. She touched his little cheek, went back to her room, and sent Gu Shi a few more solo photos of herself before going to sleep.
Gu Shi ate the dinner Guo Yao had ordered and leisurely opened Luo Zhengzheng's chat window. He saw she had sent several more photos, and seeing the smile on her lips in them, he couldn't help but smile too. Then, thinking of how she had abandoned him without a second thought, taking their son and younger brother on a trip, his smile faded. His carefully cherished wife had so easily flown off. He saved the photos one by one, then dialed Guo Yao's number and asked him to come to his office.
Guo Yao entered the office, and Gu Shi said, "Order a car around a million yuan, for a young man around twenty years old. He should like SUVs."
Luo Can was still young. He didn't plan to give him a very expensive car.
Guo Yao was surprised, but his good manners prevented him from showing it. He calmly replied, "Okay, when do you expect it?"
He wondered who this car was for. He knew all the cars in President Gu's garage; even the cheapest one was worth several million. Who was this car for? Thinking of Luo Can who had come to the office yesterday, he knew the answer.
Gu Shi thought for a moment and said, "About twenty days."
After Guo Yao left, Gu Shi opened the photo Luo Zhengzheng had sent him again, looked at it once more, and still didn't reply. He shut down his computer and walked out, passing Guo Yao's office. "You should go home too," he said.
Guo Yao breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, it was time to go home.
Back home, he opened the door. The living room was pitch black. He turned on the light. The usually bustling living room was now empty, quiet, and cold. He loosened his tie and went upstairs to wash up without lingering. After washing up, he picked up his phone, thought for a moment, took a picture, and sent it to Luo Zhengzheng. He also wrote in the message: "The quilt is cold, the pillow is cold, the night is long. Can't sleep."
After sending the message, he laid in bed, picked up a business magazine, and slowly flipped through it, waiting for her message. The clock struck twelve, but there was still no reply on his phone. He took off his glasses, tossed the book onto the bedside table, and turned off the light. Despite the tossing and turning, he was unable to sleep.
Luo Zhengzheng slept soundly, without a single dream. After getting up, she went to the bathroom, brushing her teeth while scrolling through her phone. She came across a message from Gu Shi, and with a puff, toothpaste foam sprayed out. She put her phone on the sink, wiped the mirror clean with a tissue, quickly brushed her teeth, washed her face, and applied lotion before casually replying to Gu Shi: "Me too."
After sending the message, without waiting for his reply, she went next door. Because Nanny Wang was taking care of Chengjia, Uncle Wang had taken another room. Little Chengjia was already awake and playing with Granny Wang on the bed. Luo Zhengzheng asked, "Aren't Luo Can, Uncle Wang, and Xiao Zhang up yet?"
Nanny Wang smiled: "Your Uncle Wang got up early. He finds it too stuffy staying indoors, so he went out for a walk. Luo Can and Xiao Zhang haven't gotten up yet."
Luo Zhengzheng nodded, picked up her son, and said, "Let's go downstairs for breakfast first, we won't wait for them."
Gu Shi hadn't slept much all night, only waking up around nine o'clock. He checked his phone and found that Luo Zhengzheng had finally replied to his text message. After reading it, he couldn't help but scoff, not believing her words at all, and coldly replied, "Self-evident."
Luo Zhengzheng heard her phone ring. She opened it and saw Gu Shi's reply, speechless. She thought to herself, "This man is so annoying. He doesn't even believe her, and still says self-evident." She tossed her phone on the table, not intending to reply.
Seeing her displeased expression, Nanny Wang casually asked, "Whose message is it?"
Luo Zhengzheng fed little Jiajia a spoonful of egg custard and said, "A spam text message."
Oblivious, Nanny Wang replied, "There are so many spam text messages these days."
After finishing breakfast, Gu Shi, still without seeing Luo Zhengzheng's reply, became unusually calm and his face expressionless. He put on his shirt, did not even bother with a tie, and strode to the company.
In the morning, the group went to the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, a place Luo Can had longed to visit. Luo Zhengzheng bought incense and burned it. Before her rebirth, Luo Zhengzheng didn't burn incense or pray to Buddha, but now she felt it necessary to do so. If Buddha truly existed, perhaps, seeing her sincere prayers, he would grant her wish.
Nanny Wang said to Luo Can, "You just finished your college entrance exam, you should really pray to Manjushri Bodhisattva to bless you with good results."
Luo Can thought it was better to trust himself than to believe in such things, but under Nanny Wang's gaze, he still devoutly prayed.
It was already past working hours and Luo Zhengzheng still hadn't messaged him. Gu Shi's face was frighteningly calm. Guo Yao was hesitant to bother him. He'd stood up his girlfriend yesterday, and it seemed he'd have to do it again today. If this continued, would he ever get married?
Luo Zhengzheng had been praying in the morning and going to Erhai Lake in the afternoon. Having a great time, she forgot about him. It wasn't until she returned to her hotel that evening that she remembered him. As usual, she sent him many photos and asked what he'd eaten.
Seeing that she'd finally remembered to message him, Gu Shi's expression softened slightly. After looking at the photos, he saved them and replied, "Haven't eaten yet."
Luo Zhengzheng immediately said, "Then you should go eat quickly. Not eating on time can easily cause stomach problems."
Gu Shi's eyes warmed. He replied with an "En," and then asked Guo Yao to order.
Seeing Gu Shi's expression brighten, Guo Yao secretly thought that it seemed he could leave work a little earlier than yesterday.
Yun Juan blinked in surprise. How come he didn't know? Thinking back to yesterday, it was possible he didn't hear it…
He continued, “What have they been doing these past few years?”
Da Pang's small eyes darted around, and he lowered his voice, saying, “My grandma said it's because his mommy is sick and hospitalized in a mental hospital. She goes crazy and hits people! That kind of illness is contagious, that's why I said he's sick, but Yun Shu doesn't believe me!”
Yun Juan gave him a helpless look: “Da Pang, read more books.”
“I love reading,” Big Fatty earnestly counted on his fingers, “I can recite last week's comics by heart.”
Yun Chuman was quite far away and once the children lowered their voices, she couldn't hear anything. Seeing that it was almost two o'clock and soon to be the hottest part of the day, she decided to take the two children home.
She walked into the playground and she cheerfully called out, "Little Juan, little Shu, it's time to go home."
The two children immediately ran towards her with their short legs, beaming, "Mommy!"
With Yun Shu’s abrupt departure, the support behind Yang Qingshu vanished. He instantly felt a pang of sadness, staring blankly ahead. He saw a beautiful woman crouch down, extending her arms. Yun Shu and a little boy who looked very much like her simultaneously rushed into the woman's embrace.
Yun Chuman pulled out a tissue and wiped the sweat from their brows. "Look how hot you both are. How about Mommy taking you to get some ice cream?"
The two children obediently tilted their heads back, letting her wipe their sweat, and smiled sweetly, "Okay!"
Standing to the side, Da Pang bit his finger. Was Yun Juan and Yun Shu's mommy always this gentle?
He turned and saw his mommy and ran over, shouting, "Mommy, I'm hot! I want ice cream!"
The mommy's voice was as loud as her son's and boomed in the neighborhood: "Eat what Ice cream? You look more like ice cream!"
Hearing this, Yun Juan and Yun Shu simultaneously covered their mouths and giggled and their eyes curved with amusement.
Yun Chuman gently tapped their foreheads with her fingers.
Yun Shu stuck out her tongue shyly.
Yun Juan removed his hand from her mouth, pursing his lips and regaining his serious expression.
Yun Chuman held their hands and said, "Let's go to the supermarket and pick out the ice cream you want."
The two children cheered.
Yun Shu took a step forward but stopped, turning back to point at Yang Qingshu, who was still sitting on the swing, "Mommy, that's my new friend. Can he come with us?"
Yun Chuman turned her head and met the little boy's envious gaze.
Caught red-handed, Yang Qingshu hurriedly lowered his eyelashes, concealing the emotions in his eyes.
Yun Chuman smiled. This little boy wasn't in her existing information, but she was happy to accept Yun Juan and Yun Shu's friend: "Sure, what's little Shu's friend's name?"
"Yang Qingshu, Qingqing!"
Yun Shu said happily, running towards the little boy and extending her hand to him with a beaming smile, "Qingqing, let's go get ice cream together!"
Yang Qingshu wanted to refuse the name. He opened his mouth as if to speak, but when he looked up and met Yun Shu's bright smile, he couldn't utter a single word.
He placed his hand in hers and gave a rather dejected "En."
Yun Shu squeezed his hand in return.
Seeing the two children run back, Yun Chuman greeted them with a smile, "Hello, Qingqing."
Yang Qingshu paused for a moment. His ears turned slightly red as he looked down. "Hello, Auntie."
Yun Juan raised an eyebrow. The child didn't seem to have any aggression towards little Shu and mommy, so leave it for now.
Yun Chuman took the three children to the supermarket in the neighborhood.
The four of them each bought an ice cream, ate it under the shade of a tree, and then went home.
When Yun Chuman took Yang Qingshu home, she discovered that he actually lived next door.
Yang Qingshu was very polite, thanking her sincerely before leaving and saying he would return the favor with a gift later.
Yun Chuman smiled and agreed.
After returning home, Yun Juan and Yun Shu soon fell asleep. Probably because they had been so active earlier and the hot weather made them sleepy.
Yun Chuman took her art supplies and the package and went alone to the small balcony in the living room.
The room wasn't large, but the layout was excellent. In addition to the necessary rooms, there was a protruding balcony.
Looking out from the floor-to-ceiling windows, one could see the small park next door, lush and green—a beautiful view.
Yun Chuman opened a package and took out a small lamp, about the size of an adult's palm.
She then took out some soft wire and colorful twine from another package.
Head down, she pondered about how to design her entry for an art competition while modifying the small lamp in her hand.
She was so engrossed in her work that she didn't notice the passage of time until she heard footsteps behind her.
Two children walked out of the bedroom hand in hand.
Yun Juan's little head was turning around rapidly, clearly looking for her.
Yun Shu, still half asleep, clutched her small blanket as her little head bobbed up and down.
So cute!
Yun Chuman mentally assessed them and smilingly waved to them, "Little Juan, little Shu, I'm here."
The two children perked up, toddled over, and sat down on either side of her, leaning against her.
Yun Shu, clutching her blanket in one hand and rubbing her eyes with the other, asked softly while her voice still slightly nasal, "What is Mommy doing?"
Yun Juan took in the art supplies scattered on the floor, tugged at Yun Chuman's sleeve with shining eyes, and whispered, "Is Mommy going to start painting?"
Yun Chuman nodded, patted Yun Shu's head, and asked, "Little Shu, can you help Mommy with something?"
Yun Shu agreed without hesitation. With her eyes half-closed, she nodded and said, "Sure~ What does Mommy want Little Shu to do?"
Yun Chuman smiled and said, "I want Little Shu to be my model."
She looked up in confusion. Was it the kind of model she knew?
But…
"Little Shu isn’t pretty. My arms and legs are short. Also, I’m chubby.”
The little girl said dejectedly, shaking her limbs and puffing out her cheeks.
Seeing how cute she was, Yun Chuman couldn’t resist pinching her chubby little arms.
She hugged Yun Shu and laughed, “Nonsense! Our little Shu is the cutest little girl in the world! If you agree to be my model, my painting will definitely win an award!”
“Really?” Yun Shu asked uncertainly. There was a hint of expectation in her eyes.
“Of course! Don’t you believe Mommy?”
“I believe…”
Yun Shu lowered her head. Her two thumbs pressed together hesitantly for a long time before finally asking, “When do we start?”
“Can we start after dinner?” Yun Chuman said.
Yun Shu glanced at elder brother, Yun Juan, who immediately gave her a thumbs up.
She took a deep breath, clenched her fists, and resolutely said, "We can!"
To save energy, Yun Chuman ordered takeout for dinner. While waiting, she found a supermarket membership card and applied a layer of white glue to the oil painting paper.
Yun Juan stayed close by her side, eagerly asking, "Mommy, what are you doing?"
"Modifying the oil painting paper, otherwise it absorbs too much paint."
Yun Chuman patiently explained, "After dinner, the white glue on the paper should be dry. Then I can sand it smooth and then start painting."
"I see." Yun Juan watched her actions intently. His little head constantly recalling what she had just said, absorbing the new knowledge.
Yun Chuman glanced at him. Seeing that he didn't look sad, she breathed a slight sigh of relief.
She had originally wanted Yun Juan and Yun Shu to be models together, but to cheer Yun Shu up, she changed her plans at the last minute.
Although Yun Juan himself agreed not to be a model, she was still worried that the child was forcing himself. However, it seemed that Yun Juan was more interested in painting than modeling.
Yun Shu wasn't as enthusiastic about these things. She sat absentmindedly on a small stool, her hands supporting her cheeks, gazing wistfully out the window.
Yun Chuman couldn't help but laugh every time she caught a glimpse of her small, curled-up back.
By the time they officially started painting, it was already getting dark outside, and Yun Shu became even more nervous.
"Mommy, what should I do?" she asked. Her little hands were unsure of what to do and her face scrunched up as she looked.
"Relax," Yun Chuman said, taking her hand. "I'll take you to change your clothes first."
She turned to talk to Yun Juan, but saw the little boy squatting motionless beside the canvas.
Yun Chuman scratched her head and said, "Little Juan, can you help me sand the rest of the oil painting paper? Did you see how I did it?"
Yun Juan immediately looked at her with sparkling eyes. He unusually raised his voice and said, "I saw! Don't worry, Mom, I'll definitely finish the task."
"Okay, then I'll leave it to you."
Yun Chuman smiled. Sure enough, Yun Juan was very interested in painting and learned quickly.
She led Yun Shu into the bedroom and found a carefully preserved children's Tang suit in the wardrobe. It looked very new and probably hadn't been worn much.
The dress was mainly smoky blue, with occasional touches of white and light pink. The sleeves of the top were made of white gauze, making it look light and cute.
Yun Shu saw the dress and happily clenched her little fists: "Mommy, can I wear this dress?"
"Yes."
Yun Chuman patiently helped her change the clothes. The little girl obediently followed her instructions, raising her arms and stretching her short legs.
She had originally wanted to style Yun Shu's hair again, but the child's hair was too fine and soft to style, so in the end she could only tie it into two simple little buns, revealing her entire face.
When Yun Chuman led Yun Shu outside, Yun Juan had just finished working on the canvas and was wiping away sweat. He turned around, saw the two of them, paused for a moment, and then smiled sincerely, "Little sister is so pretty!"
Yun Chuman smiled and led her to the white wall beside the small balcony, turned on the small lamp she had modified that afternoon, and handed it to her, saying, "Little Shu, just hold it with both hands and stand still."
Yun Shu took the lamp and obediently stood against the wall, "Like this?"
Yun Chuman frowned, feeling that it wasn't quite what she had imagined. Something seemed to be missing.
She thought for a moment and changed her words, "Little Shu, you don't have to do it my way. Just act however you want, and eventually stick to one pose. If you get tired, just tell me, and we can rest."
After speaking to Yun Shu, she patted Yun Juan's little head and said, "Little Juan, go turn off the living room lights. Just leave one drawing lamp on."
Yun Juan toddled to the door and snapped off the living room light, leaving only the drawing lamp beside Yun Chuman and the small lamp in Yun Shu's hand still lit.
He moved a small stool next to Yun Chuman and quietly sat beside her in front of the easel, watching Yun Shu standing alone on the balcony.
The little girl stood there anxiously and confusedly, instinctively looking at her mommy and brother, her eyes pleading for help.
"Little Shu, look at the lamp in your hand. What does it remind you of?” Yun Chuman said softly. “Don’t be nervous. It’s just me and elder brother here. You can do whatever you want.”
Yun Shu’s nervousness was soothed. She lowered her head and carefully examined the prop in her hand. The orange-yellow sphere seemed familiar…
She glanced out the window. Her eyes suddenly lit and her confusion vanished.
She moved to the window, holding the lamp up to her nose, just covering her lips, and then, under the gaze of Yun Chuman and Yun Juan, slowly closed her eyes.
Yun Chuman frowned in confusion, but quickly realized Yun Shu’s intention. A hint of amazement flashed in her eyes. Yun Shu’s expressiveness exceeded her expectations!
Inspiration flowed freely. She mentally sketched the image on the canvas while skillfully brushing the canvas with linseed oil, and then found all the necessary paints.
With all preparations complete, Yun Chuman began to paint, her expression focused and serious.
Yun Juan sat quietly beside her. His gaze fixed on Yun Chuman's hands as the painting gradually took shape and his eyes grew increasingly intense.
The painting wasn't large and with Yun Chuman's focused attention and exceptionally good condition, she finished it quickly.
Even so, it was late at night. Her shoulders ached and her body felt completely drained.
Yun Chuman put down her paint palette and breathed a sigh of relief. She instinctively stretched, but halfway through, she suddenly remembered that neither of the children had asked for a break.
She panicked immediately: "Little Juan, little Shu?"
Yun Shu heard her voice. Her long eyelashes fluttered and she peeked open her eyes a crack, whispering, "Mommy, what's wrong?"
Yun Juan, sitting beside her, was wide awake and excitedly asked, "Mommy, are you finished?"
"Finished, finished! Little Shu, move around a bit!"
Yun Chuman anxiously rushed towards Yun Shu. Her heart ached terribly. The little girl had maintained one position for so long without a single rest.
Yun Juan realized how much her younger sister had suffered and ran over as well.
Yun Shu, with her puppy-like eyes brimming with tears, sniffled and said softly, "Mommy, I can't move..."
Yun Chuman was startled. Her first thought was that she had ruined the child due to painting and she had to get to the hospital immediately!
Before she could even reach out to pick up the little girl, Yun Juan pinched Yun Shu's arm, frowning with concern, and asked, "Is it numb?"
Yun Shu nodded pitifully, managing a weak "En."
Seeing that she was alright, Yun Chuman breathed a sigh of relief, but her legs gave way and she sat down on the ground.
She carefully cradled Yun Shu in her arms and together with Yun Juan, massaged her arm.
The little girl's flesh was almost stiff. It took a while of massaging to gradually soften it.
Like a kitten, Yun Shu comfortably squinted her eyes. She looked up, nervously and expectantly, and asked, "Mommy, can I see the painting?"
"Of course you can," Yun Chuman tapped her little nose.
"Little sister, you'd better be prepared. Don't get scared in a bit," Yun Juan said.
"Huh?" Yun Shu asked tentatively, "Is it ugly?"
Yun Juan deliberately didn't answer.
Yun Shu's eyebrows furrowed and she looked at Yun Chuman for help.
"Elder Brother is just teasing you!"
Yun Chuman took her hand and led her to the painting. Yun Juan followed behind, chuckling to himself.
Despite mommy's comforting words, Yun Shu still dared not look and instinctively squinted. The moment she saw the painting clearly, her eyes snapped open and her mouth agape in disbelief.
"Is this me?" she cried.
The little girl in the painting wore a flowing, ethereal dress, holding a green flower stem that held a miniature sun atop it. The twilight light illuminated the red cloud-like mark on her nose and her long eyelashes. Behind her hung a crescent moon, like a silver hook in the sky.
The entire composition resembled a sunset and moonrise, with the little girl appearing as if she were the embodiment of the red cloud holding the sun.
The unique brushstrokes of the oil painting and the ethereal little girl created a striking and unusual beauty.
Yun Chuman was a skilled painter. Every stroke and every color was perfectly placed. She dared to say this was her most satisfying work to date.
"Our little cloud fairy, do you like this painting?" Yun Chuman asked, patting Yun Shu's head.
Yun Shu nodded vigorously, her gaze lingering on the painting. After a long while, she asked, "Is this really me?"
"Isn't it you? How can you forget what you look like?" Yun Juan said seriously.
Yun Shu wrinkled her nose at him.
"Of course it is! But if you ask me, our little Shu is a hundred times cuter in real life than in the painting!" Yun Chuman said.
Yun Shu blushed instantly.
Yun Chuman met her gaze and said earnestly, "Little Shu, promise Mommy you'll have confidence in yourself from now on, okay?"
She touched the red mark on the little girl's face: "Elder brother and I will never lie to you. Your red mark is proof that we love you. It's your unique feature."
"It's something others would love to have. It's unique. Don't let a few words from others make you doubt yourself, okay?"
Yun Shu's eyes gradually brightened. She looked at Yun Chuman and then at herself in the painting. The little girl in the painting was truly beautiful.
She nodded vigorously: "En!"
Finally, she believed that mommy and elder brother weren't just comforting her. She would never again be saddened by other people's words!
Yun Chuman patted her little head: "Once the painting dries, I'll send it to the competition. With little Shu as the model, it's sure to win an award."
"Are you sending it away?" Yun Shu asked in surprise.
Yun Juan said reluctantly, "Should we take a picture with our phones?"
Yun Chuman couldn't help but laugh: "It'll be returned after the competition."
The two children breathed a sigh of relief.
"Alright, it's time to sleep. Kids won't grow tall if they stay up late."
Yun Chuman pulled them to the bathroom. While washing up, she glanced at the two children, whose eyelids were already drooping, and thought to herself that today had yielded an unexpected bonus.
Both Yun Juan's enthusiasm for painting and Yun Shu's expressiveness far exceeded her expectations.
After washing up, the two children squeezed into a small bed and quickly fell asleep.
The next day, even Yun Chuman couldn't get up early. In the end, she was woken up by the ringing of the phone.
"Hello? Who is this?" Yun Chuman asked indistinctly, holding the phone without opening her eyes.
Yun Juan and Yun Shu beside her both rolled over and fell back into a deep sleep.
The person on the other end of the phone was speechless for a moment before saying, "Elder Sister, you're still not awake?"
Yun Chuman heard a familiar voice and glanced at her phone—it was Xiao Xi, the director in charge of their group for "Every Family Has Its Own Affairs."
She slowly sat up, glanced at the two children, tucked them in, and tiptoed out. She yawned before saying, "I slept too late last night."
"I stayed up all night for you and you are sleeping! Next time you have to take me with you!" Xiao Xi wailed.
Yun Chuman poured a glass of water and smiled, "No problem, we don't have much else, but we have plenty of empty beds."
Xiao Xi coughed, "Let's get down to business. The guest you'll be filming with next episode has been decided.”
"Who is it?" Yun Chuman asked expectantly, wondering if it was the person she and Yun Juan and Yun Shu had chosen.
"It's a secret," Xiao Xi chuckled. "Also, the filming location for the next episode is a temporary venue rented by the production team, not in your city, so you and the two kids need to leave early."
Yun Chuman subconsciously glanced at the oil painting she finished last night. Leaving early would be a bit troublesome…
She frowned and asked, "Approximately when do we leave? Where is the destination?"
"Two days later," Xiao Xi said, "I've sent the flight information the production team booked for you to your phone. See you then!"
She hung up the phone after speaking.
Yun Chuman opened the flight information. The destination was Z City. She was stunned. Wasn't that the city hosting the new artist competition?