My Mother-in-Law and I Became the Internet’s Hottest Power Couple
Author: NovelFire
Chapter 88
Lu Yicheng's hand was already on the doorknob when he turned back to hug Jiang Lan once more. He kissed her forehead and said, "I'm really leaving now. Go to bed early, and we'll see each other tomorrow morning."
Lu Yicheng hadnât had much time to talk to Jiang Lan today. He had woken up at five in the morning to pack and then drove over. With Jiang Baoguo and Xie Yunzhen around, there had been no chance for kisses or cuddles these past few days.
After arriving at Grandma Jiangâs house, he first played chess with Grandpa Jiang. Then, after lunch, he spent the afternoon playing with the kids. By six in the evening, he was back to making dumplings. Once that was done, they all gathered to watch the Spring Festival Gala, with Jiang Lan surrounded by three younger cousins.
Meanwhile, Lu Yicheng sat beside Grandpa Jiang.
He didnât even dare glance at Jiang Lan too much.
The day had passed so quicklyâwithout even a nap, yet it felt like it was over in a blink.
Jiang Lan tucked the bank card into a red envelope. "Let me walk you out."
Even if he gave it to her, she wouldnât spend it, so she might as well leave it here for now. Still, the feeling of holding her boyfriendâs salary card was undeniably nice.
Wu Fangâs house was just a fifteen-minute walk from Grandma Jiangâs place. Jiang Nian had grown particularly clingy to Lu Yicheng, insisting on holding his hand the whole way. Jiang Feng, meanwhile, was practically begging the heavens, "Please, sleep with your Yicheng-gege tonight. Tomorrow, you can even leave with him!"
Jiang Nian blinked. "Really? Can I?"
Jiang Feng: "..."
He was tempted to send this little troublemaker away tonight.
Once they arrived, Lu Yicheng was given his own roomâhospitality dictated that a guest shouldnât have to squeeze in with a child. Besides, Jiang Nian was excitable and wouldnât sleep if he got too worked up. Wu Fang worried heâd disturb Lu Yicheng.
Lu Yicheng was a little tired after the dayâs events. He sent Jiang Lan a message, along with New Yearâs greetings to his friends.
Earlier, he had called his family. A couple of days ago, he had also visited Jiang Lanâs maternal grandparents. Without sounding too conceited, Lu Yicheng could tell they liked him.
He took a photo of the view outside his window and posted it on his social media with the caption: Happy New YearâI love this little town.
The moment it went up, likes poured in, some even from Jiang Lanâs relatives.
Many asked if this was his "meet-the-parents" visit. Lu Yicheng calmly ignored the questions.
In a short video update, he had only said one thing: The day is getting closer.
New Yearâs Eve was one of Chinaâs most traditional holidays, a time for family reunions. Across the country, people gathered for lavish dinners and the Spring Festival Gala.
This yearâs gala featured many familiar celebrities, with the same hosts as last year. The opening performance was by Shen Xingyao, alongside two other well-known stars.
Shen Xingyao wore a striking red dress, her smile radiant. This was her first public appearance since Mother-in-Law Is Coming II wrapped up.
Over the past six months, fans had seen little of her. Paparazzi shots were limited to set leaksâno variety shows, no endorsements, just pure dedication to acting and honing her craft.
Though some were disappointed, the knowledge that she was improving outweighed any minor grievances.
Fans would rather see her grow than chase fleeting fame.
Even viewers who didnât watch idol dramas recognized her. Many aunties and grandmothers pointed at the screen and said, "Hey, isnât that Shen Xingyao from Mother-in-Law Is Coming?"
The gala was packed with skits, crosstalk, magic acts, and song-and-dance performances.
Lu Xingran performed a soloâhis career was on the rise, partly thanks to Yu Wanqiuâs influence, but he had come to terms with it.
Family should support each other, after all. Besides, he still needed Jiang Lanâs help.
Xie Zheng also took the stage, reuniting with his former boy band members for a nostalgic performance.
The lineup was full of young actors and singers, and this yearâs gala was particularly enjoyable, with comedy sketches that had everyone laughing. Chu Lingnan and Liang Yun teamed up for one such act.
[Heâs seriously hilariousâtotal flashbacks to his "male mom" role.]
[Ahem, just an actorâs dedication to the craft.]
[So many celebs posted updates⦠still waiting for my queen.]
[I wish I could see her at the gala. Another day missing my wife.]
[No idea if our two queens are back yet. Are they still filming?]
[They shouldâve returned by now. Even busy people come home for New Yearâs.]
[Speaking of which, is Old Six spending it at Jiang Lanâs place this year?]
[If youâre serious about marriage, you bring the boyfriend home for inspectionâaka the ultimate test.]
[Anyone live nearby? Dying to know if LYC went with her. Feels like Iâm sending my daughter off.]
[Jiang Lanâs life is just smooth sailingâloving family, top grades at Qinghua University, a great boyfriend, future mother-in-law turned bestie, career taking off. All sheâs missing is marriage and kids. Oh, and sheâs a gaming pro. Literally living the dream.]
[Me! Iâm from T Cityâpretty sure I spotted Lu Yicheng! [Photo]]
The photo captured a small-town street lined with stalls selling Spring Festival couplets and blessings. Red lanterns hung from lampposts, and carnival games like ring toss and balloon darts drew crowds of excited kids.
Even the city inspectors turned a blind eye todayâletting the festivities run wild.
The person suspected to be Lu Yicheng was holding a gun, one eye slightly narrowed, his expression somewhat stern. Beside him stood a child who only reached his waist, hugging a stuffed doll larger than himself, eyes gleaming with excitement.
In front, only the side profile of a girl wearing a knitted hat was captured, flanked by two boys, both taller than her.
It had to be Lu Yicheng and Jiang Lan!
They really went back to her hometown together!
[Iâm not happy.]
[Iâm genuinely both happy and angry right nowâwhatâs wrong with me? Am I sick?]
[Same here, Iâm experiencing this too.]
[Iâm happy for Lu Yicheng, but also upset that heâs "stealing our cabbage." So frustrating! Look how happy he is!]
[To describe it with a line of poetry: "Spring breeze proud, swift horse gallops."]
[I swear Iâm having a personality breakdown, wuwu.]
[Are the boys next to them Jiang Lanâs younger brothers? Such cute and handsome lads.]
[Pretty people really do attract other pretty people around them.]
[Irreplaceable CP fans are overjoyed!]
[They even have a CP fanbase? Iâm still firmly shipping "Lanzhou Noodles." By the way, Teacher Yu just posted on Weibo.]
Yu Wanqiu had posted a Weibo wishing everyone a Happy New Year. Her account had been inactive for so long it was practically gathering dust. Xia Jing had advised that occasional updates help maintain fan engagement, and Yu Wanqiu had indeed benefited from the CP fan hype. Besides, posting a few updates wasnât really "fan service"âher relationship with Jiang Lan was genuinely good.
The accompanying photo showed her and Jiang Lan posing with a sea turtle in Haicheng. The turtle had since been released back into the ocean, and they hoped it would have a good New Year too.
In the photo, both were smiling brightly, flashing peace signs at the camera. The pose was a bit old-fashioned, but the image radiated pure joy.
[Wow, I didnât even know when they came back! These paparazzi are slacking.]
[Seriously? Only one photo? You canât be serious.]
[Theyâve tanned, but still look gorgeous!]
[Happy New Year, wifey!]
[Can we get a livestream? I really love you and Jiang Lan.]
[Did Lu Yicheng go to Jiang Lanâs family home? Does that mean Jiang Lan will visit the Lu family too? So is this a "meet the boyfriendâs family" or a "visit the bestieâs family" situation?]
[Lu Yicheng: ?]
The official Weibo account of Mother-in-Law Is Coming also extended New Yearâs greetings, along with updates from the showâs cast. Zhang Lin, who rarely posted, shared a new update brimming with festive spirit.
On New Yearâs Eve, those who werenât tired after watching the Spring Festival Gala stayed up late.
The latter half of the year had been a delight for fansâgreat movies, dramas, and variety shows.
Because of Jiang Lan and Lu Yicheng, they diligently checked in under Qinghua Universityâs official posts, studying and memorizing vocabulary. Because of Du Wanzhou, they stuck to yoga and workouts, indulging in holiday feasts without gaining a single pound. Because of Yu Wanqiu, Zhang Lin, and Shen Xingyao, they learned the value of perseverance⦠and grew into better versions of themselves.
It felt like theyâd gained so much in the past six months. But shouldnât they be urging the production team to hurry up with Season 3?
Why wasnât Zhang Tian the least bit anxious?
Zhang Tian had no reason to rushâthe earnings from Season 2 alone ensured heâd live comfortably for years. Slow and steady wins the race.
Winter breakâs talent shows and parenting-themed variety shows were all the rage, with students on holiday and plenty of viewers tuning in.
Shen Xingyao and Zhang Linâs new drama was set to air by summer. This winterâs hottest limited series was a xianxia romance with a heartbreaking love story. The lead CP was popular, but their fanbase still couldnât rival "Lanzhou Noodles."
The "Lanzhou Noodles" supertopic had already amassed 6.66 million fansâan auspicious number.
For the New Year, the "Lanzhou Noodles" fandom wished for Yu Wanqiu and Jiang Lanâs popularity to grow, for their CP to stay strong, for Jiang Lan to graduate smoothly and land a good job, and for Yu Wanqiu to deliver more stellar works.
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, many families ate dumplings. In T City, it was tradition to have them from the first to the fifth day.
Lu Yicheng had gone early to Grandma Jiangâs to help make dumplings. Grandma Jiang genuinely liked himâhe was polite, clean-cut, and carried himself well. Not at all what sheâd imagined when she first heard Jiang Lan was dating.
For a young man his age, he was remarkably mature. Even Jiang Feng, five years older than Lu Yicheng, could be a bit unreliable at times.
They kept breakfast simple, with just Grandma Jiang and Lu Yicheng preparing the dumplings.
Lu Yicheng said, "Grandma, I plan to propose to Jiang Lan first. Once she agrees, Iâll come to formally ask for her hand. Please donât tease her about it laterâsheâs shy."
Grandma Jiang gave him a surprised look. Under the light, Lu Yicheng kept his head down, expression earnest.
Lu Yicheng continued, "Sheâs only turning 22 this year, still in university. Itâs too early to pressure her. If she gets teased and decides not to marry me, Iâd be at a huge loss."
Heâd also warned the Lu familyâno joking about this, no asking when theyâd get engaged or married. This visit was just for fun, nothing more.
Lu Yicheng wanted to take Jiang Lan around B City, revisiting old memories.
Grandma Jiang nodded. "Well, Jiang Lanâs the only girl in our family. Sheâs got three younger cousins, but they all treat her like their little sister."
Even little Jiang Nian had saved money to buy candy for her sister Jiang Lan.
The Lu family was wealthy, but Grandma Jiang didnât want Jiang Lan to suffer any grievances in the future.
It was good that Lu Yicheng could consider Jiang Lanâs feelings.
Lu Yicheng said, "There are mostly boys in my family, but my mom gets along best with Jiang Lan. Grandma, donât worryâI wonât let anyone bully her."
...
Grandma Jiangâs nose tingled with emotion. "Mm, letâs make dumplings now."
The sky was still dark, and Jiang Nian, sitting on the sofa, kept yawning from exhaustion. By six in the morning, Jiang Nian went to wake Jiang Lan. "Sis, time to eat. Itâs eight oâclock."
Jiang Lan wore the same drowsy expression as her brotherâshe was utterly exhausted.
Lu Yicheng quietly approached and whispered, "Want me to step outside for a bit and come back to help wake you up?"
A little chill would snap her out of it.
Jiang Lan retorted, "Donât think I wonât hit you just because weâre at my place."
She was truly exhausted. The night before, she had stayed up chatting with friends for New Yearâs greetings and also talked with Yu Wanqiu. She had to bring gifts when visiting the Lu family, and she had already prepared them days agoâhealth supplements and wine for the elders, as well as presents for Lu Yichengâs uncles and their families.
Honestly, Jiang Lan was quite nervous.
After all, this was her first formal visit. These kinds of worries could only be shared with friendsâif she told Lu Yicheng, heâd just say, "Donât be nervous, look how well I behaved at your place."
So she could only confide in friends. Jiang Lan complained to Yu Wanqiu, "Teacher Yu, you have no idea how Lu Yicheng acts at my house⦠he treats it like his own home! He waters my grandmaâs flowers and feeds millet to my grandpaâs birds!"
Who knew Lu Yicheng even knew how to tend to birds and flowers?
Yu Wanqiu burst into laughter. "Because I used to be busy filming, and Lu Shuangchen was always occupied with work, Lu Yicheng spent his school breaks at his grandparentsâ place."
He didnât learn any special skillsâhe just followed his grandparents around.
Lu Yicheng could write calligraphy and play chess.
During the school year, he couldnât visit often, but every break, he stayed with his grandparents. The Yu family lived nearby too, so he picked up things like chess during those times.
Jiang Lan: "But I donât know how to play chess. At most, I can keep cut flowers alive, and I definitely canât charm birds."
Yu Wanqiu felt that the reason she enjoyed spending time with Jiang Lan had nothing to do with what Jiang Lan could or couldnât do.
Just being around her was enough to make her happy.
Finally, Yu Wanqiu said, "Just treat it like coming to my place to hang out. Forget about Lu Yicheng. His grandparents have nothing to do with you. When youâre with me, do you ever think of me as Lu Yichengâs mom? You donât see me as that old, do you?"
"Of course not! Iâd never think thatâdonât accuse me!"
Now, Jiang Lan also saw Yu Wanqiu as a friend.
Respect the elders, but forget theyâre Lu Yichengâs family.
That could work.
She had only slept four hours, having gone to bed past two and woken up at six.
For breakfast, Jiang Lan only managed six sesame-paste dumplings.
By mid-morning, Grandma Jiang was already packing things for Jiang Lan to take with her.
Jiang Baoguo and Xie Yunzhen would stay in their hometown, while Lu Yicheng drove the car back.
On the fifth day of the New Year, Xie Yunzhen and Jiang Baoguo would return by high-speed rail.
Grandma Jiang packed braised meat, homemade cured sausages, and bacon for Jiang Lan, along with some for the Lu familyâthough she wasnât sure if theyâd like it.
She quietly told Jiang Lan, "If the Lu family doesnât eat it, just bring it back."
Lu Yicheng hadnât expected to receive gifts on the way back. "Really? For me? I love this stuff."
Before they left, Grandma Jiang patted Lu Yichengâs shoulder. "Drive safely on the way back. Take it slowâdonât rush. If youâre tired, let Lanlan take over. Come visit often."
She couldnât bear to see Jiang Lan go and packed her favorite snacks. "Just staying two days⦠why not longer?"
Lu Yicheng said, "Grandma, weâll come back next break and stay much longer. Iâll miss you so much."
Grandpa Jiang couldnât take it anymore. "Alright, leave early so you arrive early. Call us when you get there."
Jiang Lan still had to stop by her parentsâ place to water the plants and grab her suitcase.
The gifts for the Lu family were all at home.
By four in the afternoon, the two had returned from T City to B City, first stopping home to water the plants and collect the luggage.
With just the two of them at home, Lu Yicheng cautiously waved Jiang Lan over. "Baby, guess how much red envelope money I got. I counted for ages last night."
He pulled out all the red packets. "Teacher Xie and Uncle Jiang each gave me oneâ4,000 yuan total. Grandma and Grandpaâs two envelopes were another 4,000. The aunts from my unclesâ side gave 2,000. Maternal grandparents, another 4,000. The elder aunts combined gave 3,000. Iâm rich."
The 17,000 yuan was the ceremonial gift money Lu Yicheng receivedâall crisp new bills in sequential order.
He placed it all in Jiang Lanâs hands. "Itâs all yours. How much did Teacher Xie and the others give you for New Yearâs?"
He was just curiousâwould it be much more than what he got?
The amount could reflect how much Grandma Jiangâs family liked him.
Jiang Lan smirked. "Hah, definitely more than yours."
She showed him her red envelopes.
Jiang Baoguo and Xie Yunzhen each gave her 500, Grandma Jiang and Grandpa Jiang 200 each, and Wu Fang and Xu Qinglan also 200 each.
Here, giving New Year's money is just to make the children happy. If a family has one child, each person gives two hundred; if there are two children, each gives one hundred. That's all for the New Year's money here.
Lu Yicheng couldn't hide his delight. "Hey, yours is quite a lot too, hehehe."
Jiang Lan: "You should be secretly celebrating."
Lu Yicheng: "No, you should be the one celebrating. Whatever you give me will eventually end up with you anyway. Here, take it."
There was no way Jiang Lan would accept it. "Just keep what's given to you. It's not like you'll get it many more times anyway."
Lu Yicheng had already handed his salary card to Jiang Lan, so why would he need to keep money? He pulled out two bills. "Alright, this is enough for now. You hold onto the rest."
He hadnât expected to receive more than Jiang Lan. "So, shall we head home now?"
It would take over an hour to drive to the Lu familyâs ancestral home. Jiang Lan was behind the wheel, while Lu Yicheng sat beside her, giving directions faster than the GPS.
"Turn now⦠Thereâs a car behind youâyour driving is way too recklessâ¦" Lu Yicheng couldnât help but fret watching her drive.
Jiang Lan kept her eyes on the road. "Either get out of the car or take the wheel yourself. Stop nagging. Iâm watching the roadâeven my dad doesnât complain this much when heâs in the passenger seat. No more talking."
Lu Yicheng obediently fell silent.
By the time they arrived at Grandma Luâs place, it was already dark.
Two red lanterns hung at the entrance of the courtyard, flanked by a pair of stone lions. The courtyard was steeped in traditionâthis siheyuan (quadrangular residence) was valued at over a hundred million, and many of the furnishings inside were antiques, their worth beyond mere monetary measure.
Having stayed quiet the entire ride, Lu Yicheng finally spoke up after getting out of the car. "Can I talk now?"
Jiang Lan: "Go ahead."
Lu Yicheng: "Even though itâs not really my place to protect you here, Iâll still stand in front of you. Donât be nervous. Want a kiss? Or an encouraging hug?"
Jiang Lan refused outright. She had already steeled herselfâand besides, Yu Wanqiu was here. If men couldnât be relied on, at least a good friend could.
"Stay away from me."
Lu Yicheng muttered, "Fine, no kiss. No need to be so harsh."
He took Jiang Lanâs hand and led her inside the brightly lit courtyard.
The Lu family was busy preparing dinner.
Lu Shuangchen and Yu Wanqiu used to hire help for cooking, but Grandma Lu and Grandpa Lu always preferred to make meals themselves.
Lu Yicheng had two uncles. His eldest uncleâs daughter was studying abroad and hadnât returned this year. His youngest uncleâs son was in his first year of middle schoolâa top student.
Lu Xingran was the son of Lu Yichengâs second uncle. He also had a younger brother, but he was the type to dive headfirst into the entertainment industry without hesitation.
Though he was a bit of a troublemaker, he felt a little guilty about dragging his brother into it.
Yu Wanqiuâs relationship with her mother-in-law and sisters-in-law was neither close nor distant. She was usually too busy with work to visit often.
At the entrance, Lu Yicheng called out, "Grandma! Mom, look who I brought home!"
Lu Xingran was the first to rush out. "Finally! We thought you two got lost on the wayâ¦"
Grandma Lu, dressed in a red tang suit and wearing reading glasses, hurried over with her hair neatly combed. "Youâre back! Where is she?"
Jiang Lan raised her hand slightly. "Grandma, Iâm right here."
Grandma Luâs eyesight wasnât what it used to be. "Lanlan?"
"Grandma, âââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââhello! Iâm Jiang LanâLu Yichengâs girlfriend and also a friend of Teacher Yu." She smiled warmly. "Happy New Year."
Grandma Lu beamed. "Happy New Year! Was the trip cold? Tiring from driving? Your hands feel a bit chilly."
Lu Yicheng interjected, "Grandma, Iâm standing right here. Canât you see me?"
Grandma Lu was a little nervousâthis was her first time meeting Jiang Lan, and Lu Yicheng was the first among the younger generation to bring a partner home.
She really hadnât noticed him earlier.
"Come inside, both of you. Donât just stand at the door." Grandma Lu took Jiang Lanâs hand. "Lu Yichengâs mom is in the side room. Oh, I almost forgotâhereâs a red envelope from Grandma."
The envelope was thick, and Jiang Lan accepted it without protest.
Lu Yicheng asked, "Whereâs mine?"
Grandma Lu replied, "Giving it to Lanlan is the same as giving it to you."
Jiang Lan thought Grandma Lu seemed even more nervous than she was. "Iâll split it with Lu Yicheng."
Grandma Lu waved her off. "Boys donât need to spend money. Keep it all for yourself."
The gifts theyâd brought were placed by the door. Yu Wanqiu emerged from the side room. "Youâre here."
Jiang Lan gave her an "OK" signâeverything was going smoothly.
Grandpa Lu, a spirited former soldier with a stern demeanor, also handed Jiang Lan a red envelope. "Make yourself at home. No need to be shy. Yu Wanqiu, show Jiang Lan around."
Lu Yichengâs uncles and aunts came out one by one, each presenting Jiang Lan with a red envelope.
Tonight, everyone would have dinner together, and tomorrow, theyâd accompany their wives back to their maternal homes.
Lu Xingranâs mother, who had two sons, adored Jiang Lan. "Ah, when will Lu Xingran ever bring home a daughter-in-law? Iâm so envious of Yu Wanqiu."
Jiang Lan asked, "Have you watched the variety show Mother-in-Law Is Coming?"
"Who hasnât? Itâs just a shame Lu Xingran isnât as promising."
Lu Xingran looked exasperated. "Mom, could you talk a little less? Are we eating or not? I'm starving to death here."
"All you ever do is eat. What else are you good for?"
Lu Xingran had just performed on the Spring Festival Galaâhow could she say he wasnât good for anything? "Mom⦠could you at least save me some face?"
The corner of Lu Xingranâs motherâs mouth twitched. "Hurry up and eat. Today weâre lucky to have Jiang Lan hereâweâve never had Yu Wanqiu cook for us before."
Yu Wanqiu was preparing dinner with them, and Jiang Lan felt a little awkward. Yu Wanqiu encouraged her to eat more. "Just bring half of your usual appetite."
"Teacher Yu, donât expose me like that." Jiang Lan was indeed a bit hungry. "Guess Iâm in for a treat today."
Dinner conversations were inevitably filled with questions, but the Lu family was warm and kind, much like the atmosphere when Yu Wanqiu first appeared on the show.
They were all well-educated, polite, and tactfulânone of their questions made anyone uncomfortable. The dishes were all Jiang Lanâs favorites, though she sometimes spoke without thinking.
Jiang Lan ended up having two bowls of rice.
If she had eaten any less, Yu Wanqiu would probably have commented.
After dinner, Yu Wanqiu said, "Jiang Lan can stay with me tonight, so she wonât feel out of place."
Grandma Lu had no objections. "Of course. Let us know if you need anything. Just treat this as your own home."
Lu Yicheng hadnât had much time to talk to Jiang Lan today. He had woken up at five in the morning to pack and then drove over. With Jiang Baoguo and Xie Yunzhen around, there had been no chance for kisses or cuddles these past few days.
After arriving at Grandma Jiangâs house, he first played chess with Grandpa Jiang. Then, after lunch, he spent the afternoon playing with the kids. By six in the evening, he was back to making dumplings. Once that was done, they all gathered to watch the Spring Festival Gala, with Jiang Lan surrounded by three younger cousins.
Meanwhile, Lu Yicheng sat beside Grandpa Jiang.
He didnât even dare glance at Jiang Lan too much.
The day had passed so quicklyâwithout even a nap, yet it felt like it was over in a blink.
Jiang Lan tucked the bank card into a red envelope. "Let me walk you out."
Even if he gave it to her, she wouldnât spend it, so she might as well leave it here for now. Still, the feeling of holding her boyfriendâs salary card was undeniably nice.
Wu Fangâs house was just a fifteen-minute walk from Grandma Jiangâs place. Jiang Nian had grown particularly clingy to Lu Yicheng, insisting on holding his hand the whole way. Jiang Feng, meanwhile, was practically begging the heavens, "Please, sleep with your Yicheng-gege tonight. Tomorrow, you can even leave with him!"
Jiang Nian blinked. "Really? Can I?"
Jiang Feng: "..."
He was tempted to send this little troublemaker away tonight.
Once they arrived, Lu Yicheng was given his own roomâhospitality dictated that a guest shouldnât have to squeeze in with a child. Besides, Jiang Nian was excitable and wouldnât sleep if he got too worked up. Wu Fang worried heâd disturb Lu Yicheng.
Lu Yicheng was a little tired after the dayâs events. He sent Jiang Lan a message, along with New Yearâs greetings to his friends.
Earlier, he had called his family. A couple of days ago, he had also visited Jiang Lanâs maternal grandparents. Without sounding too conceited, Lu Yicheng could tell they liked him.
He took a photo of the view outside his window and posted it on his social media with the caption: Happy New YearâI love this little town.
The moment it went up, likes poured in, some even from Jiang Lanâs relatives.
Many asked if this was his "meet-the-parents" visit. Lu Yicheng calmly ignored the questions.
In a short video update, he had only said one thing: The day is getting closer.
New Yearâs Eve was one of Chinaâs most traditional holidays, a time for family reunions. Across the country, people gathered for lavish dinners and the Spring Festival Gala.
This yearâs gala featured many familiar celebrities, with the same hosts as last year. The opening performance was by Shen Xingyao, alongside two other well-known stars.
Shen Xingyao wore a striking red dress, her smile radiant. This was her first public appearance since Mother-in-Law Is Coming II wrapped up.
Over the past six months, fans had seen little of her. Paparazzi shots were limited to set leaksâno variety shows, no endorsements, just pure dedication to acting and honing her craft.
Though some were disappointed, the knowledge that she was improving outweighed any minor grievances.
Fans would rather see her grow than chase fleeting fame.
Even viewers who didnât watch idol dramas recognized her. Many aunties and grandmothers pointed at the screen and said, "Hey, isnât that Shen Xingyao from Mother-in-Law Is Coming?"
The gala was packed with skits, crosstalk, magic acts, and song-and-dance performances.
Lu Xingran performed a soloâhis career was on the rise, partly thanks to Yu Wanqiuâs influence, but he had come to terms with it.
Family should support each other, after all. Besides, he still needed Jiang Lanâs help.
Xie Zheng also took the stage, reuniting with his former boy band members for a nostalgic performance.
The lineup was full of young actors and singers, and this yearâs gala was particularly enjoyable, with comedy sketches that had everyone laughing. Chu Lingnan and Liang Yun teamed up for one such act.
[Heâs seriously hilariousâtotal flashbacks to his "male mom" role.]
[Ahem, just an actorâs dedication to the craft.]
[So many celebs posted updates⦠still waiting for my queen.]
[I wish I could see her at the gala. Another day missing my wife.]
[No idea if our two queens are back yet. Are they still filming?]
[They shouldâve returned by now. Even busy people come home for New Yearâs.]
[Speaking of which, is Old Six spending it at Jiang Lanâs place this year?]
[If youâre serious about marriage, you bring the boyfriend home for inspectionâaka the ultimate test.]
[Anyone live nearby? Dying to know if LYC went with her. Feels like Iâm sending my daughter off.]
[Jiang Lanâs life is just smooth sailingâloving family, top grades at Qinghua University, a great boyfriend, future mother-in-law turned bestie, career taking off. All sheâs missing is marriage and kids. Oh, and sheâs a gaming pro. Literally living the dream.]
[Me! Iâm from T Cityâpretty sure I spotted Lu Yicheng! [Photo]]
The photo captured a small-town street lined with stalls selling Spring Festival couplets and blessings. Red lanterns hung from lampposts, and carnival games like ring toss and balloon darts drew crowds of excited kids.
Even the city inspectors turned a blind eye todayâletting the festivities run wild.
The person suspected to be Lu Yicheng was holding a gun, one eye slightly narrowed, his expression somewhat stern. Beside him stood a child who only reached his waist, hugging a stuffed doll larger than himself, eyes gleaming with excitement.
In front, only the side profile of a girl wearing a knitted hat was captured, flanked by two boys, both taller than her.
It had to be Lu Yicheng and Jiang Lan!
They really went back to her hometown together!
[Iâm not happy.]
[Iâm genuinely both happy and angry right nowâwhatâs wrong with me? Am I sick?]
[Same here, Iâm experiencing this too.]
[Iâm happy for Lu Yicheng, but also upset that heâs "stealing our cabbage." So frustrating! Look how happy he is!]
[To describe it with a line of poetry: "Spring breeze proud, swift horse gallops."]
[I swear Iâm having a personality breakdown, wuwu.]
[Are the boys next to them Jiang Lanâs younger brothers? Such cute and handsome lads.]
[Pretty people really do attract other pretty people around them.]
[Irreplaceable CP fans are overjoyed!]
[They even have a CP fanbase? Iâm still firmly shipping "Lanzhou Noodles." By the way, Teacher Yu just posted on Weibo.]
Yu Wanqiu had posted a Weibo wishing everyone a Happy New Year. Her account had been inactive for so long it was practically gathering dust. Xia Jing had advised that occasional updates help maintain fan engagement, and Yu Wanqiu had indeed benefited from the CP fan hype. Besides, posting a few updates wasnât really "fan service"âher relationship with Jiang Lan was genuinely good.
The accompanying photo showed her and Jiang Lan posing with a sea turtle in Haicheng. The turtle had since been released back into the ocean, and they hoped it would have a good New Year too.
In the photo, both were smiling brightly, flashing peace signs at the camera. The pose was a bit old-fashioned, but the image radiated pure joy.
[Wow, I didnât even know when they came back! These paparazzi are slacking.]
[Seriously? Only one photo? You canât be serious.]
[Theyâve tanned, but still look gorgeous!]
[Happy New Year, wifey!]
[Can we get a livestream? I really love you and Jiang Lan.]
[Did Lu Yicheng go to Jiang Lanâs family home? Does that mean Jiang Lan will visit the Lu family too? So is this a "meet the boyfriendâs family" or a "visit the bestieâs family" situation?]
[Lu Yicheng: ?]
The official Weibo account of Mother-in-Law Is Coming also extended New Yearâs greetings, along with updates from the showâs cast. Zhang Lin, who rarely posted, shared a new update brimming with festive spirit.
On New Yearâs Eve, those who werenât tired after watching the Spring Festival Gala stayed up late.
The latter half of the year had been a delight for fansâgreat movies, dramas, and variety shows.
Because of Jiang Lan and Lu Yicheng, they diligently checked in under Qinghua Universityâs official posts, studying and memorizing vocabulary. Because of Du Wanzhou, they stuck to yoga and workouts, indulging in holiday feasts without gaining a single pound. Because of Yu Wanqiu, Zhang Lin, and Shen Xingyao, they learned the value of perseverance⦠and grew into better versions of themselves.
It felt like theyâd gained so much in the past six months. But shouldnât they be urging the production team to hurry up with Season 3?
Why wasnât Zhang Tian the least bit anxious?
Zhang Tian had no reason to rushâthe earnings from Season 2 alone ensured heâd live comfortably for years. Slow and steady wins the race.
Winter breakâs talent shows and parenting-themed variety shows were all the rage, with students on holiday and plenty of viewers tuning in.
Shen Xingyao and Zhang Linâs new drama was set to air by summer. This winterâs hottest limited series was a xianxia romance with a heartbreaking love story. The lead CP was popular, but their fanbase still couldnât rival "Lanzhou Noodles."
The "Lanzhou Noodles" supertopic had already amassed 6.66 million fansâan auspicious number.
For the New Year, the "Lanzhou Noodles" fandom wished for Yu Wanqiu and Jiang Lanâs popularity to grow, for their CP to stay strong, for Jiang Lan to graduate smoothly and land a good job, and for Yu Wanqiu to deliver more stellar works.
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, many families ate dumplings. In T City, it was tradition to have them from the first to the fifth day.
Lu Yicheng had gone early to Grandma Jiangâs to help make dumplings. Grandma Jiang genuinely liked himâhe was polite, clean-cut, and carried himself well. Not at all what sheâd imagined when she first heard Jiang Lan was dating.
For a young man his age, he was remarkably mature. Even Jiang Feng, five years older than Lu Yicheng, could be a bit unreliable at times.
They kept breakfast simple, with just Grandma Jiang and Lu Yicheng preparing the dumplings.
Lu Yicheng said, "Grandma, I plan to propose to Jiang Lan first. Once she agrees, Iâll come to formally ask for her hand. Please donât tease her about it laterâsheâs shy."
Grandma Jiang gave him a surprised look. Under the light, Lu Yicheng kept his head down, expression earnest.
Lu Yicheng continued, "Sheâs only turning 22 this year, still in university. Itâs too early to pressure her. If she gets teased and decides not to marry me, Iâd be at a huge loss."
Heâd also warned the Lu familyâno joking about this, no asking when theyâd get engaged or married. This visit was just for fun, nothing more.
Lu Yicheng wanted to take Jiang Lan around B City, revisiting old memories.
Grandma Jiang nodded. "Well, Jiang Lanâs the only girl in our family. Sheâs got three younger cousins, but they all treat her like their little sister."
Even little Jiang Nian had saved money to buy candy for her sister Jiang Lan.
The Lu family was wealthy, but Grandma Jiang didnât want Jiang Lan to suffer any grievances in the future.
It was good that Lu Yicheng could consider Jiang Lanâs feelings.
Lu Yicheng said, "There are mostly boys in my family, but my mom gets along best with Jiang Lan. Grandma, donât worryâI wonât let anyone bully her."
...
Grandma Jiangâs nose tingled with emotion. "Mm, letâs make dumplings now."
The sky was still dark, and Jiang Nian, sitting on the sofa, kept yawning from exhaustion. By six in the morning, Jiang Nian went to wake Jiang Lan. "Sis, time to eat. Itâs eight oâclock."
Jiang Lan wore the same drowsy expression as her brotherâshe was utterly exhausted.
Lu Yicheng quietly approached and whispered, "Want me to step outside for a bit and come back to help wake you up?"
A little chill would snap her out of it.
Jiang Lan retorted, "Donât think I wonât hit you just because weâre at my place."
She was truly exhausted. The night before, she had stayed up chatting with friends for New Yearâs greetings and also talked with Yu Wanqiu. She had to bring gifts when visiting the Lu family, and she had already prepared them days agoâhealth supplements and wine for the elders, as well as presents for Lu Yichengâs uncles and their families.
Honestly, Jiang Lan was quite nervous.
After all, this was her first formal visit. These kinds of worries could only be shared with friendsâif she told Lu Yicheng, heâd just say, "Donât be nervous, look how well I behaved at your place."
So she could only confide in friends. Jiang Lan complained to Yu Wanqiu, "Teacher Yu, you have no idea how Lu Yicheng acts at my house⦠he treats it like his own home! He waters my grandmaâs flowers and feeds millet to my grandpaâs birds!"
Who knew Lu Yicheng even knew how to tend to birds and flowers?
Yu Wanqiu burst into laughter. "Because I used to be busy filming, and Lu Shuangchen was always occupied with work, Lu Yicheng spent his school breaks at his grandparentsâ place."
He didnât learn any special skillsâhe just followed his grandparents around.
Lu Yicheng could write calligraphy and play chess.
During the school year, he couldnât visit often, but every break, he stayed with his grandparents. The Yu family lived nearby too, so he picked up things like chess during those times.
Jiang Lan: "But I donât know how to play chess. At most, I can keep cut flowers alive, and I definitely canât charm birds."
Yu Wanqiu felt that the reason she enjoyed spending time with Jiang Lan had nothing to do with what Jiang Lan could or couldnât do.
Just being around her was enough to make her happy.
Finally, Yu Wanqiu said, "Just treat it like coming to my place to hang out. Forget about Lu Yicheng. His grandparents have nothing to do with you. When youâre with me, do you ever think of me as Lu Yichengâs mom? You donât see me as that old, do you?"
"Of course not! Iâd never think thatâdonât accuse me!"
Now, Jiang Lan also saw Yu Wanqiu as a friend.
Respect the elders, but forget theyâre Lu Yichengâs family.
That could work.
She had only slept four hours, having gone to bed past two and woken up at six.
For breakfast, Jiang Lan only managed six sesame-paste dumplings.
By mid-morning, Grandma Jiang was already packing things for Jiang Lan to take with her.
Jiang Baoguo and Xie Yunzhen would stay in their hometown, while Lu Yicheng drove the car back.
On the fifth day of the New Year, Xie Yunzhen and Jiang Baoguo would return by high-speed rail.
Grandma Jiang packed braised meat, homemade cured sausages, and bacon for Jiang Lan, along with some for the Lu familyâthough she wasnât sure if theyâd like it.
She quietly told Jiang Lan, "If the Lu family doesnât eat it, just bring it back."
Lu Yicheng hadnât expected to receive gifts on the way back. "Really? For me? I love this stuff."
Before they left, Grandma Jiang patted Lu Yichengâs shoulder. "Drive safely on the way back. Take it slowâdonât rush. If youâre tired, let Lanlan take over. Come visit often."
She couldnât bear to see Jiang Lan go and packed her favorite snacks. "Just staying two days⦠why not longer?"
Lu Yicheng said, "Grandma, weâll come back next break and stay much longer. Iâll miss you so much."
Grandpa Jiang couldnât take it anymore. "Alright, leave early so you arrive early. Call us when you get there."
Jiang Lan still had to stop by her parentsâ place to water the plants and grab her suitcase.
The gifts for the Lu family were all at home.
By four in the afternoon, the two had returned from T City to B City, first stopping home to water the plants and collect the luggage.
With just the two of them at home, Lu Yicheng cautiously waved Jiang Lan over. "Baby, guess how much red envelope money I got. I counted for ages last night."
He pulled out all the red packets. "Teacher Xie and Uncle Jiang each gave me oneâ4,000 yuan total. Grandma and Grandpaâs two envelopes were another 4,000. The aunts from my unclesâ side gave 2,000. Maternal grandparents, another 4,000. The elder aunts combined gave 3,000. Iâm rich."
The 17,000 yuan was the ceremonial gift money Lu Yicheng receivedâall crisp new bills in sequential order.
He placed it all in Jiang Lanâs hands. "Itâs all yours. How much did Teacher Xie and the others give you for New Yearâs?"
He was just curiousâwould it be much more than what he got?
The amount could reflect how much Grandma Jiangâs family liked him.
Jiang Lan smirked. "Hah, definitely more than yours."
She showed him her red envelopes.
Jiang Baoguo and Xie Yunzhen each gave her 500, Grandma Jiang and Grandpa Jiang 200 each, and Wu Fang and Xu Qinglan also 200 each.
Here, giving New Year's money is just to make the children happy. If a family has one child, each person gives two hundred; if there are two children, each gives one hundred. That's all for the New Year's money here.
Lu Yicheng couldn't hide his delight. "Hey, yours is quite a lot too, hehehe."
Jiang Lan: "You should be secretly celebrating."
Lu Yicheng: "No, you should be the one celebrating. Whatever you give me will eventually end up with you anyway. Here, take it."
There was no way Jiang Lan would accept it. "Just keep what's given to you. It's not like you'll get it many more times anyway."
Lu Yicheng had already handed his salary card to Jiang Lan, so why would he need to keep money? He pulled out two bills. "Alright, this is enough for now. You hold onto the rest."
He hadnât expected to receive more than Jiang Lan. "So, shall we head home now?"
It would take over an hour to drive to the Lu familyâs ancestral home. Jiang Lan was behind the wheel, while Lu Yicheng sat beside her, giving directions faster than the GPS.
"Turn now⦠Thereâs a car behind youâyour driving is way too recklessâ¦" Lu Yicheng couldnât help but fret watching her drive.
Jiang Lan kept her eyes on the road. "Either get out of the car or take the wheel yourself. Stop nagging. Iâm watching the roadâeven my dad doesnât complain this much when heâs in the passenger seat. No more talking."
Lu Yicheng obediently fell silent.
By the time they arrived at Grandma Luâs place, it was already dark.
Two red lanterns hung at the entrance of the courtyard, flanked by a pair of stone lions. The courtyard was steeped in traditionâthis siheyuan (quadrangular residence) was valued at over a hundred million, and many of the furnishings inside were antiques, their worth beyond mere monetary measure.
Having stayed quiet the entire ride, Lu Yicheng finally spoke up after getting out of the car. "Can I talk now?"
Jiang Lan: "Go ahead."
Lu Yicheng: "Even though itâs not really my place to protect you here, Iâll still stand in front of you. Donât be nervous. Want a kiss? Or an encouraging hug?"
Jiang Lan refused outright. She had already steeled herselfâand besides, Yu Wanqiu was here. If men couldnât be relied on, at least a good friend could.
"Stay away from me."
Lu Yicheng muttered, "Fine, no kiss. No need to be so harsh."
He took Jiang Lanâs hand and led her inside the brightly lit courtyard.
The Lu family was busy preparing dinner.
Lu Shuangchen and Yu Wanqiu used to hire help for cooking, but Grandma Lu and Grandpa Lu always preferred to make meals themselves.
Lu Yicheng had two uncles. His eldest uncleâs daughter was studying abroad and hadnât returned this year. His youngest uncleâs son was in his first year of middle schoolâa top student.
Lu Xingran was the son of Lu Yichengâs second uncle. He also had a younger brother, but he was the type to dive headfirst into the entertainment industry without hesitation.
Though he was a bit of a troublemaker, he felt a little guilty about dragging his brother into it.
Yu Wanqiuâs relationship with her mother-in-law and sisters-in-law was neither close nor distant. She was usually too busy with work to visit often.
At the entrance, Lu Yicheng called out, "Grandma! Mom, look who I brought home!"
Lu Xingran was the first to rush out. "Finally! We thought you two got lost on the wayâ¦"
Grandma Lu, dressed in a red tang suit and wearing reading glasses, hurried over with her hair neatly combed. "Youâre back! Where is she?"
Jiang Lan raised her hand slightly. "Grandma, Iâm right here."
Grandma Luâs eyesight wasnât what it used to be. "Lanlan?"
"Grandma, âââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââhello! Iâm Jiang LanâLu Yichengâs girlfriend and also a friend of Teacher Yu." She smiled warmly. "Happy New Year."
Grandma Lu beamed. "Happy New Year! Was the trip cold? Tiring from driving? Your hands feel a bit chilly."
Lu Yicheng interjected, "Grandma, Iâm standing right here. Canât you see me?"
Grandma Lu was a little nervousâthis was her first time meeting Jiang Lan, and Lu Yicheng was the first among the younger generation to bring a partner home.
She really hadnât noticed him earlier.
"Come inside, both of you. Donât just stand at the door." Grandma Lu took Jiang Lanâs hand. "Lu Yichengâs mom is in the side room. Oh, I almost forgotâhereâs a red envelope from Grandma."
The envelope was thick, and Jiang Lan accepted it without protest.
Lu Yicheng asked, "Whereâs mine?"
Grandma Lu replied, "Giving it to Lanlan is the same as giving it to you."
Jiang Lan thought Grandma Lu seemed even more nervous than she was. "Iâll split it with Lu Yicheng."
Grandma Lu waved her off. "Boys donât need to spend money. Keep it all for yourself."
The gifts theyâd brought were placed by the door. Yu Wanqiu emerged from the side room. "Youâre here."
Jiang Lan gave her an "OK" signâeverything was going smoothly.
Grandpa Lu, a spirited former soldier with a stern demeanor, also handed Jiang Lan a red envelope. "Make yourself at home. No need to be shy. Yu Wanqiu, show Jiang Lan around."
Lu Yichengâs uncles and aunts came out one by one, each presenting Jiang Lan with a red envelope.
Tonight, everyone would have dinner together, and tomorrow, theyâd accompany their wives back to their maternal homes.
Lu Xingranâs mother, who had two sons, adored Jiang Lan. "Ah, when will Lu Xingran ever bring home a daughter-in-law? Iâm so envious of Yu Wanqiu."
Jiang Lan asked, "Have you watched the variety show Mother-in-Law Is Coming?"
"Who hasnât? Itâs just a shame Lu Xingran isnât as promising."
Lu Xingran looked exasperated. "Mom, could you talk a little less? Are we eating or not? I'm starving to death here."
"All you ever do is eat. What else are you good for?"
Lu Xingran had just performed on the Spring Festival Galaâhow could she say he wasnât good for anything? "Mom⦠could you at least save me some face?"
The corner of Lu Xingranâs motherâs mouth twitched. "Hurry up and eat. Today weâre lucky to have Jiang Lan hereâweâve never had Yu Wanqiu cook for us before."
Yu Wanqiu was preparing dinner with them, and Jiang Lan felt a little awkward. Yu Wanqiu encouraged her to eat more. "Just bring half of your usual appetite."
"Teacher Yu, donât expose me like that." Jiang Lan was indeed a bit hungry. "Guess Iâm in for a treat today."
Dinner conversations were inevitably filled with questions, but the Lu family was warm and kind, much like the atmosphere when Yu Wanqiu first appeared on the show.
They were all well-educated, polite, and tactfulânone of their questions made anyone uncomfortable. The dishes were all Jiang Lanâs favorites, though she sometimes spoke without thinking.
Jiang Lan ended up having two bowls of rice.
If she had eaten any less, Yu Wanqiu would probably have commented.
After dinner, Yu Wanqiu said, "Jiang Lan can stay with me tonight, so she wonât feel out of place."
Grandma Lu had no objections. "Of course. Let us know if you need anything. Just treat this as your own home."