My Mother-in-Law and I Became the Internet’s Hottest Power Couple

Lu Yicheng let out a sigh of relief. "Coming back tomorrow? Why? I thought you were having a great time."
Beside him, Yu Wanqiu snorted. They had been enjoying themselves—until Lu Yicheng had to go and send that message.
Jiang Lan explained, "Teacher Yu has to go back to dub for Salute. It’s really impressive—Salute is set to release during National Day. I can’t wait to see her new movie! The dubbing will take a few days, and it’d be boring staying here alone, so I figured I’d just come back with her. Lu Yicheng, I’ll bring you a homemade lunchbox when I return!"
Lu Yicheng listened quietly, a hint of amusement in his voice. "You’re bringing me a lunchbox? Is whatever you make even edible?"
Jiang Lan huffed. Of course it was edible!
She noticed through the video call that Lu Yicheng was walking down some unfamiliar path, with trees and red lantern-shaped streetlights receding behind him. The scenery didn’t look like B City at all.
Since when did B City have lantern-shaped streetlights?
Though the sky wasn’t completely dark yet, the streetlights were already lit. Jiang Lan asked, "Did you just get off work? It’s almost dark here too."
Lu Yicheng replied, "I’ve been off for a while. Tell me—does the moon above me look the same as the one above you?"
He raised his phone to show her the moon, faintly veiled by wisps of clouds. The crescent hung in the dusky sky, accompanied by a single bright, shimmering star.
Jiang Lan tilted her head up. The same crescent moon and star greeted her. Weren’t all moons the same? What did he mean by "look the same"?
Above her, the pale crescent floated against a backdrop of deep twilight hues.
"It’s the same, Lu Yicheng. We’re looking at the same moon—are you being silly?" She waved her hand playfully.
On the screen, Lu Yicheng chuckled helplessly. "Same moon, but not the same sky. Sweetheart, the sky in B City isn’t the same as the one where you are. Right now, we’re finally seeing the same sky."
Before Jiang Lan could process his words, Lu Yicheng added, "Hold on a second—I need to ask for directions."
He paused, scanning the paths ahead uncertainly, then approached a group of elderly women sitting outside their homes, peeling water chestnuts.
"Aunties, could you tell me how to get to Yun Chuan Inn? I’m here to meet someone."
Lu Yicheng had a refined handsomeness—clean-cut, with even his eyebrows neatly shaped. At first glance, he exuded an air of elegance and politeness, the kind that endeared him to older folks.
The women blinked at him in surprise before pointing. "It’s that way—just follow this road until you see the big tree, then take a left at the path in front of it."
Lu Yicheng thanked them and resumed his call with Jiang Lan. "Alright, I’m back. If nothing goes wrong, you’ll see me in five minutes."
Yun Chuan Inn was where Jiang Lan and Yu Wanqiu were staying. Jiang Lan clapped a hand over her mouth. "You’re here?"
She turned to Yu Wanqiu. "Teacher Yu, did you know Lu Yicheng was coming?"
Yu Wanqiu had only found out that morning. Around six a.m., after their conversation, Lu Yicheng had bombarded her with messages:
[Two days is enough.]
[Give Jiang Lan back to me for a few days.]
[Don’t make me beg.]
[Go keep my dad company—he’s lonely.]
He’d even attached a photo of Lu Shuangchen sitting at the dining table, reading One Hundred Years of Solitude.
Yu Wanqiu feigned ignorance. "No idea. He must be here to see you."
Jiang Lan kept glancing toward the road, excitement bubbling. "You’re in G City? When did you get here? Weren’t you working?"
Lu Yicheng replied, "Lu Yuan won’t collapse without me. Why can’t I take a break? I wanted to come spend a few days with you."
...
Unlike Lu Shuangchen, Lu Yicheng wasn’t obsessed with work. He much preferred being with Jiang Lan. To him, working was just a means to build a better life with her.
Jiang Lan glanced at Yu Wanqiu again, who said, "Now that Lu Yicheng’s here, I can relax."
Yu Wanqiu had no intention of monopolizing Jiang Lan’s time. Friendship and love were two different things, and she understood that.
"Since I’ll be dubbing for Salute this week, you two enjoy yourselves. Go check out Lotus Garden—I’ve heard it’s lovely."
Yu Wanqiu did have dubbing scheduled, but it wouldn’t take a full week. Originally, she’d planned to leave Thursday and return Friday. This arrangement worked out fine—she could go back and keep that "lonely old man" company.
Ah, youth. Lu Shuangchen had never once visited her on set after filming.
Yu Wanqiu added, "No need to check out of the inn. Lu Shuangchen’s coming to pick me up soon. You two have fun."
She called Lu Shuangchen, whose voice carried the sound of wind through the receiver.
Had it not been for Lu Yicheng, Lu Shuangchen would never have made the trip.
Barely containing her excitement, Jiang Lan said, "Then I’ll get going!"
Yu Wanqiu waited at the intersection, and soon, Lu Shuangchen’s figure appeared.
Dressed in a trench coat, he held a cigarette between his fingers, its tip glowing faintly. When he spotted Yu Wanqiu, he stubbed it out and tossed it into a trash bin.
Yu Wanqiu, in her sporty attire, looked refreshingly youthful.
Lu Shuangchen smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling. "The scenery here is nice."
Yu Wanqiu thought he was just making small talk. "Mm, it’s alright."
Lu Shuangchen asked, "Did you have a good time? When’s the dubbing?"
"Wednesday and Thursday."
It was only Sunday.
Lu Shuangchen suggested, "Why not stay a couple more days? Where have you been? Did you visit Yun Chuan Pavilion? I hear the views are stunning."
"Are you an idiot?" Yu Wanqiu snapped. "I just told Jiang Lan I’m leaving because of the dubbing. If we run into them, how am I supposed to explain? Every lie I’ve ever told has been because of your son."
Lu Shuangchen took the scolding in stride. "Then we won’t stay in G City. We can go anywhere else—where would you like to go?"
Domestic or international, it didn’t matter. He had a private jet.
Yu Wanqiu sighed. "I don’t know. Let’s just go home first. I need to review the script—it’s been so long, I’ve probably forgotten it."
Lu Shuangchen walked beside her as they headed back to collect her luggage.
This little town was perfect for retirement—strolling along the river at night, watching the reflections of fishing boats and lanterns on the water, was incredibly soothing.
Lu Shuangchen offered, "I’ll help you rehearse. I can read the other characters’ lines."
He had zero acting experience, yet here he was, volunteering to read lines with her. As if she wouldn’t burst out laughing.
Still, at least he was making an effort.
Yu Wanqiu asked, "Did you just get off work?"
Lu Shuangchen nodded. He and Lu Yicheng had taken the high-speed rail, then driven the rest of the way. Unlike most working professionals, Lu Shuangchen rarely took time off.
It was only last year that he’d started allowing himself breaks.
Now, things were better. If Lu Yicheng suggested a trip, he’d go.
Lu Yicheng wasn’t wrong—times had changed. Lu Yuan could function without him.
"Work can wait. I’ll be home tomorrow. What would you like to eat? I can cook."
Lu Shuangchen missed the days when Yu Wanqiu was preparing for her college entrance exams. Back then, he’d sometimes skip work—mornings or afternoons—just to tutor her.
Now that the exams were over, his role as her teacher had become obsolete.
Yu Wanqiu felt a little better. "Mm. I’m craving barbecue and hot pot. Let’s have hot pot when we get back tonight."
The fastest they could get to City B would be past eleven at night. Even at this late hour, Lu Shuangchen was still thinking about whether to eat or...
Eat.
"Alright, whatever we have at home is fine. Do you want anything else? I can make whatever you'd like," Lu Shuangchen's gaze was tender.
Yu Wanqiu didn’t want him to go through the trouble so late. "Never mind, let’s just eat here. There are plenty of good places in the city. We can stay overnight and head back tomorrow morning."
Yu Wanqiu wasn’t one to easily pity men, but making Lu Shuangchen drive all afternoon just to turn around and go back, then cook for her late at night—she couldn’t bring herself to do something like that.
She didn’t care what they ate. As long as it was with him, anything would do.
Lu Shuangchen took Yu Wanqiu’s hand. "Alright, then we’ll go into the city. I’ll have my assistant book a hotel. Do you want to go shopping? Anything you’d like to buy?"
Despite the peaceful atmosphere of the small town, G City was an international metropolis with everything one could want.
Lu Shuangchen was the type who couldn’t stand not spending money.
Yu Wanqiu rolled her eyes at him. "We’ll see when we get there. Give me the car keys—I’ll drive. After sitting in the car all afternoon, I’d be afraid you’d drive us into a ditch at this hour."
Lu Shuangchen knew all too well that Yu Wanqiu had a sharp tongue but a soft heart. "Then I’ll ride shotgun."
Yu Wanqiu warned, "Just sit there quietly. If you start backseat driving, I’ll kick you out of the car."
Lu Shuangchen hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement.
Meanwhile, after finishing her conversation with Yu Wanqiu, Jiang Lan went to meet up with Lu Yicheng.
She didn’t have to walk far before spotting him. He stood at the intersection, having just hung up the phone and stuffed it into his pocket, arms open wide for her.
Jiang Lan hesitated, glancing around to make sure no one was watching, then dashed toward him. She couldn’t stop in time and crashed straight into his chest.
Lu Yicheng caught her effortlessly, lifting her off the ground and spinning her around several times. Jiang Lan felt like she was flying, as if riding a pirate ship. When she couldn’t take it anymore, she cried, "Lu Yicheng, put me down!"
Only then did he stop. "Fun, isn’t it? I feel like you’re happier to see me this time than before."
Of course she was happy. Who wouldn’t be happy to see their boyfriend? Ever since they finished filming the show during winter break, they’d spent months together.
Even after graduation, though Lu Yicheng worked while she stayed home, they still had meals together every day. It had only been two days since they last saw each other, but she missed him. "I’m just as happy as always! I just didn’t expect you to come."
She was overjoyed. She hadn’t had enough fun yet, and now Lu Yicheng was here. She didn’t have to go back to City B—she could spend a few more days with him. How could she not be happy?
"You could never guess what I’m thinking. You were probably too busy having fun with Teacher Yu during the day," Lu Yicheng teased, a hint of jealousy in his tone.
Jiang Lan stayed silent, knowing she was at fault. Lu Yicheng continued, "Let’s find a place to stay in town first. I drove here."
Jiang Lan asked, "You didn’t drive all the way from City B, did you? That’s so far. Don’t bother looking—our room hasn’t been checked out yet. We were supposed to go back with Teacher Yu tomorrow."
Lu Yicheng replied, "I took the high-speed rail to G City and rented a car there. Fine, let’s drop our stuff off first."
Lu Yuan had a branch office in G City, so arranging a car was easy. Lu Shuangchen had his assistant with him. Lu Yicheng glanced at his phone. "My dad found your Teacher Yu."
"How many days off do you have?" Jiang Lan was more concerned about that.
Lu Yicheng grinned. "As many as I want. I brought my laptop. I’ll stay until you’ve had your fill of fun, then take you back when my mom’s done with work."
He could work remotely and spend five whole days with her. Tomorrow was Monday, and by Friday, Yu Wanqiu would be finished. He might return to City B for a bit, handle some work, then come back to pick her up.
If they didn’t feel like going out, they could just stay in the hotel. They could do whatever they wanted.
Jiang Lan cheered, "Yay! Where are we going tomorrow?"
Lu Yicheng said, "We’ve been to G City once before. There’s a famous temple here with a legendary love tree inside."
He continued, "Let’s go see it tomorrow."
The temple was on a mountain, where an ancient peach tree stood. Every April and May, it bloomed with pink flowers, its branches draped with red ribbons. Wooden plaques hung from the tree, each bearing the names of couples.
Lu Yicheng and Jiang Lan had visited two years ago. By now, the tree must have accumulated countless more ribbons.
Maybe the names on their plaque had faded.
Lu Yicheng still remembered which branch it was on. If the names had worn away, they could just hang a new one.
Jiang Lan remembered too—her old Q.Q space was full of photos, including one of them standing beneath the love tree. Right now, she was more excited about seeing the tree again than the Lotus Garden. "Do we have to hike? Let’s go to the supermarket tonight and buy snacks for tomorrow!"
Lu Yicheng held her hand. "Speaking of snacks, I actually brought some. Would you prefer this orange-flavored lollipop or this grape-flavored jelly? Or maybe something spicy? I’ve got spicy beef jerky too."
He rummaged through his pockets, pulling out small packaged treats—his pockets could only hold so many.
Jiang Lan gasped. "Lu Yicheng, are you Doraemon or something?"
He chuckled. "For you, I’ll be whatever you want."
Jiang Lan unwrapped a lollipop—sweet orange with a hint of tartness.
Lu Yicheng watched her with a smile as she savored the candy. Clearing her throat, she suddenly asked in a serious tone, "Lu Yicheng, do you know what an orange-flavored kiss tastes like?"
They were almost at the car, parked at the edge of the village.
The question caught him off guard.
Night had fallen, and Jiang Lan’s face was barely visible in the dim light. Lu Yicheng’s heart raced, his throat suddenly dry, as if he’d been wandering the desert for days without water.
He shook his head honestly.
Jiang Lan grinned. "An orange-flavored kiss tastes like oranges, of course."
A cool breeze swept past. Lu Yicheng sighed. "If you’re not going to kiss me, don’t say things like that. Seriously..."
Orange-flavored?
His excitement deflated.
Jiang Lan laughed. Lu Yicheng was such a blockhead. If she were him, she would’ve just kissed him right then and said, "So this is what an orange-flavored kiss tastes like."
But not Lu Yicheng.
What a dummy.
And she loved teasing him for it.
Jiang Lan tilted her head. "Did I say I wouldn’t?"
She stepped closer, standing on her tiptoes to bridge the height difference between them.
A soft kiss—whether it tasted like oranges or not, who could say?
Once in the car, Lu Yicheng stayed silent for a long while, occasionally pressing his lips together. Finally, he turned the key in the ignition and opened the glove compartment. "Milk candies, strawberry, lime, peach-flavored jelly… There’s more. Eat up."
A spicy kiss would’ve been fine too, but Lu Yicheng preferred the sweet ones.
Jiang Lan blinked in surprise. "You brought all this?"
Lu Yicheng nodded, "Sure, pick whichever one you like. I'm fine with anything."
Jiang Lan suddenly caught on. She slammed the cabinet shut—
"Just drive your car!"
It was almost eight by the time they reached the hotel in town. Lu Yicheng had booked a homestay with a lovely atmosphere. After dropping off their luggage and backpacks, they headed out for dinner.
Lu Yicheng asked Jiang Lan whether she wanted to eat out or bring food back.
Jiang Lan said, "Let's take it back. That way, we can order more."
When she ate with Yu Wanqiu, the two of them could never finish too much—Yu Wanqiu had a small appetite, and Jiang Lan couldn’t keep up with Lu Yicheng, so they always ended up ordering fewer dishes.
But traveling with Lu Yicheng was different. He could polish off whatever she couldn’t finish.
"I want cake, braised meat, fried rice, stir-fried instant noodles, and fried chicken!" Now that she had her phone, Jiang Lan was no longer broke. "Lu Yicheng, what do you want?"
Lu Yicheng thought for a moment. He knew Jiang Lan would never let him have what he really wanted. "Orange-flavored cake. Orange-flavored ice cream."
Orange-flavored my foot.
"Fine, fine, you can have your orange flavors. I’ll take the peach cake."
The town’s bakery was beautifully decorated, offering both Western-style cakes and traditional Chinese pastries. The owner kept pushing the wife cakes, and Lu Yicheng thought the name sounded auspicious, so he bought two.
After the cake, they picked up braised meat and fried rice.
The fried rice had crispy scrambled eggs, diced ham, dried scallops, shrimp, radish, and corn kernels. The golden dish came with two spoonfuls of chili oil in a separate bag. Since the rice was enough for two, stir-fried noodles would’ve been too much—they’d just end up clumping together.
Finally, they ordered fried chicken for delivery. Scrolling through the options made Jiang Lan’s head spin, and she impulsively added two burgers to the cart.
If they couldn’t finish it all, they could have the leftovers for breakfast.
The table was covered with food—a small table by the window, which was enormous, with two potted plants on the sill and a bright crescent moon outside.
The spread smelled incredible, making their mouths water.
"We have so much food! I’ll definitely make it to the mountaintop tomorrow in one go."
Lu Yicheng teased, "What if you can’t?"
"Then I’ll make it in two goes." What else could she do? It wasn’t like she could ask Lu Yicheng to carry her up.
Sure, Jiang Lan only weighed a hundred pounds, and Lu Yicheng could lift her, but climbing a mountain was a different story.
Even if he could manage it, she’d never let him.
Lu Yicheng laughed. "Don’t worry. If you can’t make it, I’ll carry you. I work out every day—I’m in great shape."
Though he looked lean, Lu Yicheng had plenty of muscle where it counted.
Guys cared about these things—height and physique were his top priorities.
Carrying Jiang Lan would be a breeze.
Why were they suddenly talking about how fit he was? Jiang Lan coughed. "Stop changing the subject. If food can’t shut you up, what can? Hurry up and eat."
After the fried rice and chicken, Jiang Lan was full, only taking a couple of bites of the burger and cake. She showered first, then put on a face mask, changed into clean pajamas, and collapsed onto the soft bed, feeling like her soul was ascending to heaven.
The bed was only five feet wide, with Lu Yicheng’s bag and clothes on the other side.
As he showered, the sound of water echoed from the bathroom.
This time, Jiang Lan was a little bolder, her gaze drifting toward the bathroom door.
The frosted glass revealed a blurry silhouette. Watching Lu Yicheng wasn’t the same as watching handsome guys in videos.
Those were just for appreciation.
She’d giggle at the guys in clips, but with Lu Yicheng, she felt shy—even though he was her rightful boyfriend.
About ten minutes later, Lu Yicheng stepped out, his pajama top damp and clinging, his pants slightly wet too.
A perfect wet-shirt scene.
He hadn’t expected Jiang Lan to be staring right at him when he opened the door. Her gaze was so blatant that he glanced down at himself. "What’s wrong?"
Jiang Lan quickly shook her head. "Nothing!"
Lu Yicheng was baffled. "Hungry?"
"Are you a pig? Always thinking about food!" Jiang Lan paused, then realized she actually was a little hungry. "...Fine, I’m the pig. I didn’t eat enough earlier. I’ll have some more."
She peeled off her face mask, washed up, did her skincare routine, and went back to eating.
Lu Yicheng smiled. No one understood Jiang Lan better than he did—not even herself.
She finished the remaining half of her peach cake, then flopped onto the bed, groaning. "Lu Yicheng, I overate. My stomach hurts."
He grabbed his phone. "I’ll get you some digestive pills."
Jiang Lan whined, "Can’t you just rub my stomach?"
He could, but he wasn’t sure he could control himself. She was the girl he loved, staring at him with those big, watery eyes—how could he resist?
"Fine, I’ll rub it."
Jiang Lan ordered him to turn on the TV and play a fluffy romance drama.
So Lu Yicheng massaged her stomach while watching the show with her.
Jiang Lan curled up like a contented cat.
By 10:30, her stomach felt better. "When we traveled before, did we always book twin rooms? This bed’s so small—I could roll right off. Lu Yicheng, can we get a king-size next time?"
Lu Yicheng stiffened. "...If we book a king, I’m not sleeping on the couch. It’s too short for me."
He’d agree to anything she asked, but what if she didn’t let him share the bed?
Jiang Lan huffed, "I never said you had to sleep on the couch. Now move, I’m going to bed."
Lu ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‍Yicheng chuckled. "Wow, kicking me aside after I helped you. Smooth."
Once he climbed into the other bed, Jiang Lan closed her eyes. Two minutes later, she opened them again. "Lu Yicheng… can I sleep hugging you?"
There were no stuffed animals here—just Lu Yicheng, her personal Doraemon, who could fulfill any request.
But he countered, "What if you say, 'Lu Yicheng, you’re so uncomfortable to hug,' and kick me off later?"
Mimicking her tone, he sounded especially punchable.
Jiang Lan pouted. "I wouldn’t! If I do, I’ll just move to your bed."
Only then did Lu Yicheng relent. The five-foot bed was barely enough for two. He lay stiffly on his back while Jiang Lan clung to his arm.
His whole arm felt like it was burning up.
He knew he’d react, but he couldn’t resist the temptation. Rolling over, he pulled her into his arms. "Close your eyes. Sleep."
Jiang Lan murmured, "Do I get a goodnight kiss and a bedtime story?"
Lu Yicheng couldn’t help thinking—if they were married, she’d forget all about bedtime stories.
He kissed Jiang Lan's forehead gently. "This is a goodnight kiss, and there's also a bedtime story... Once upon a time, there was a mountain, and on the mountain stood a temple. In the temple lived an old monk and a young monk. The old monk told the young monk a story... What story did he tell?"
Jiang Lan listened with great interest.
"Once upon a time, there was a mountain, and on the mountain stood a temple. In the temple lived an old monk and a young monk. The old monk told the little turtle a story... What story did he tell?"
Huh?
Jiang Lan: "Who are you calling a little turtle? I’m not listening anymore! Time to sleep, time to sleep."
Jiang Lan had spent the whole day hiking and was already exhausted. She could fall asleep like this, but Lu Yicheng couldn’t. Besides, he hadn’t recorded today’s proposal video yet.
Lu Yicheng waited for Jiang Lan to fall asleep, listening until her breathing steadied before slowly pulling his arm out from her embrace.
But the moment he moved, Jiang Lan’s breathing changed. Afraid she might wake up, Lu Yicheng had to wait. It took nearly twenty minutes before he finally regained his freedom.
The room was warm, and the sound of Jiang Lan’s steady breathing filled the air. Lu Yicheng couldn’t help but think how wonderful it would be if they were already married.
"Little pig, little pig, little pig—just a little pig," Lu Yicheng muttered three times before feeling satisfied. "How can you sleep like a pig?"
He pinched Jiang Lan’s cheek lightly. In her sleep, she swatted at his hand, and Lu Yicheng froze again.
"Always scaring me on purpose."
After a while, when Jiang Lan was fully asleep, Lu Yicheng took out his phone.
In the video, Jiang Lan made a brief appearance.
"We took the high-speed train this morning, then drove to this little town in G City. I wanted to see the same sky as you—otherwise, just hearing you talk about how beautiful it is wouldn’t have been enough." Lu Yicheng glanced back at Jiang Lan, her sleeping face serene. "Not a little pig—more like a sleeping beauty."
"I’ve been recording for so many days now. Part of me wants you to know, and part of me doesn’t."
Lu Yicheng felt conflicted. Sometimes, he was tempted to just drop to one knee and propose, to see Jiang Lan’s reaction, to know if she’d say yes.
"I’ve waited so long, but it’s only a few more days. I can be patient." He even managed to joke, "See? Persistence pays off. Soon, I’ll be promoted to the king-size bed."
Lu Yicheng grinned foolishly at the camera. "Today was really happy. I feel like you love me more and more, and I love you more too. Yesterday, I thought that was the day I loved you the most, but today, I realize I love you even more now. Goodnight, baby. You’re the only one asleep here, and I’m the only one recording."
He was about to go to sleep—tomorrow, they’d hike up to see the legendary love tree at the temple, which was said to be miraculous. Maybe Jiang Lan would remember everything then.
Lu Yicheng’s heart swelled with joy. "I’m rambling a bit today... Goodnight, baby."
Beside him, Jiang Lan stirred, awakened by Lu Yicheng’s murmurs. She rubbed her eyes drowsily. "Lu Yicheng, who are you talking to on the phone?"
Lu Yicheng nearly dropped his phone in shock.
Jiang Lan was still half-asleep, her mind foggy. She’d heard Lu Yicheng speaking and seen him holding his phone, as if he were on a call. "What are you doing? Shouldn’t you be sleeping?"
Lu Yicheng stayed silent. He couldn’t tell Jiang Lan about the proposal video—absolutely not. He couldn’t let over two hundred days of effort go to waste.
What should he do?
"I was just watching a funny video and couldn’t help talking to myself," Lu Yicheng said quickly. "Go back to sleep, baby."
He leaned down and kissed Jiang Lan softly. "Sleep well, baby."