My Mother-in-Law and I Became the Internet’s Hottest Power Couple
Author: NovelFire
Chapter 110
Yu Wanqiu needed to ask Jiang Lan and Liu Liangting for their opinions.
Jiang Lan usually arrived home after 6 p.m., while Lu Yicheng got back a little earlierâalways at 5:50 sharp. After picking up Liu Liangting, he would watch over the child while waiting for Jiang Lan to return.
Once Jiang Lan was home, the two would prepare dinner together, though sometimes they would eat upstairs instead.
Going upstairs was convenient, especially since Lu Shuangchen was a skilled cook. Occasionally, Yu Wanqiu would also cook, though less frequently.
Yu Wanqiu called Jiang Lan directly and said, "Come straight upstairs for dinner when you get back. Thereâs something I want to discuss with you. Zhang Tian just called meâhe asked if weâd be interested in joining the variety show Family Treasures."
Zhang Tian had attended both Jiang Lanâs wedding and Liu Liangtingâs full-month and first-year celebrations. Since he didnât have a daughter of his own, he often joked about "stealing" Liu Liangting away.
Zhang Tian adored children and had been working on a new variety show for the past two years.
Mother-in-Law Is Coming Season 2 had set the standard for mother-in-law and daughter-in-law reality shows in Chinaâno subsequent show in the genre had matched its popularity.
Jiang Lan replied, "Letâs talk about it when I get home⦠Iâm almost there."
Before leaving in the morning, Jiang Lan had promised Liu Liangting a small cake.
Liu Liangting had a sweet tooth, especially for candy and cake, but to protect her teeth, Jiang Lan only indulged her once a week.
She had initially assumed Lu Shuangchen and Lu Yicheng would spoil the child, but both men were firmâonce they said no, they meant it. Lu Yicheng worried about cavities, while Lu Shuangchen disapproved of snacks in general.
Jiang Lan couldnât bear to see her daughter cry, so she had promised her a small piece that morning.
As soon as she hung up, Lu Yicheng calledâthis time via video. The screen filled with Lu Lingnuanâs big, eager eyes as she pressed close to the phone.
It was June, and the weather was hot. Her daughter was still wearing the purple dress Jiang Lan had picked out that morning, though her pigtails were now lopsided.
"Mommy, when will you be home?"
Jiang Lan had just stepped out of the bakery. "Fifteen more minutes, sweetheart. Look at the clock on the wallâwhen the long hand moves three more ticks, Iâll be there."
Lu Lingnuan pouted. "Thatâs so long⦠Can I stay on the phone while I wait for you?"
Before Jiang Lan could answer, Lu Yichengâs voice cut in. "Lu Lingnuan, Mommy needs to focus on driving. Step back from the phoneâIâm counting to three!"
Lu Lingnuan lifted her chin and whispered, "Daddyâs being mean⦠Mommy, hurry home. Heâs going to spank me. And fix my hairâGrandpaâs braids are so uglyâ¦"
Jiang Lan glanced again at the uneven pigtails. "Alright, Iâll redo your braids when I get back. I also brought the cake you love. Hang up now, okay? Iâll be home soon."
Lu Lingnuan hesitated. "You hang up first."
Jianglan blew her a kiss. "See you in a bit."
After the call ended, Lu Lingnuan plopped onto the sofa, cupping her cheeks in her hands like a little mushroom. The clockâs long hand had already moved so many ticks, and Mommy still wasnât home.
Lu Yicheng washed some fruit. "Lu Lingnuan, put the phone down."
She huffed and tossed it into the couch cushions, then dragged a stool to the door to wait.
Just for Jiang Lan.
Lu Yichengâs heart softened. "Liu Liang, come have some fruit."
Lu Lingnuan shook her head. "No. I want Mommy to feed me."
Watching her, Lu Yicheng was reminded of a cat video Jiang Lan had once shown himâa kitten waiting by the door all day for its owner to return.
Liu Liang was just like that kitten.
"Iâll feed you," he offered.
Lu Lingnuan shook her lopsided pigtails again. "No."
Daddy wasnât gentle. When Mommy fed her, sheâd praise her endlessly even if she ate something she disliked.
But Daddy? Heâd shove the next piece in before sheâd even finished the first.
Her cheeks would puff up like a hamsterâsâno thanks.
"Daddy, use the strawberry fork. The toothpickâs ugly," Lu Lingnuan instructed. "When Mommy comes home, sheâll use the fork. She says toothpicks might poke me."
Since when did a little kid have so many demands?
Lu Yicheng just wanted to ease Jiang Lanâs loadâif their daughter was already fed, she wouldnât have to do it later.
"Lu Lingnuan, youâll have to learn to eat on your own soon. What will you do in kindergarten?"
At four, sheâd be old enough to attend, freeing Lu Shuangchen from daytime childcare. Lu Yicheng could pick her up after work.
He couldnât wait for her to grow up.
Their daughter took after Jiang Lanâshe loved meat but was picky about vegetables and fruit. The clinginess, though? That was from him. Since both he and Jiang Lan worked weekdays, leaving her with Grandpa, Lu Lingnuan latched onto Jiang Lan the moment she returned.
With Lu Shuangchen, she could dress and feed herself. But as soon as Jiang Lan walked in? Mommy do it!
Like a little shadow.
Jiang Lan had endless patience, often bringing small gifts home from work. She played the violin, told the best storiesâin Lu Lingnuanâs eyes, she was the perfect mother.
Meanwhile, he was the evil stepfather.
As the clockâs minute hand finally ticked three times, Lu Lingnuan perked up at the sound of the elevator outside.
"Dad, Mom's back!" Lu Lingnuan was practically plastered against the door, her tiny frame barely over a meter tall, as if she wanted to squeeze right through it.
In the past, Lu Lingnuan would fling the door open at the slightest sound, but sometimes it wasnât Jiang Lan returning. The building had four households, and while it was fine if it was just a neighbor, the consequences could be dire if it turned out to be someone dangerous.
Even though the neighborhood had good security, they couldnât afford to be careless, so Lu Lingnuan was strictly forbidden from opening the door herself.
Lu Lingnuan: "Dad, listen! Itâs Mom! Momâs back!"
"My little cake is back too!" Lu Lingnuanâs eyes sparkled as she shrieked, "Mom! Mom!"
She chattered like a little sparrow, her voice bright and incessant.
Lu Yicheng chuckled. "Got it, got it. My wifeâs back. Step back a little, or Mom might knock you over when she opens the door."
Lu Lingnuan shuffled back a few steps.
Lu Yicheng held her hand as they stood by the entryway. The lock turned, the security door swung open, and Lu Lingnuan dashed forward to cling to Jiang Lanâs leg. "Mom, youâre finally home!"
Jiang Lan set her bag on the shoe cabinet and scooped her daughter up with a grunt. "Did you miss me?"
She turned to Lu Yicheng. "No need to cookâweâre eating upstairs."
Lu Lingnuan: "At Grandpaâs placeâ¦?"
"You donât sound thrilled," Jiang Lan teased, setting her daughter down after a momentâthe kid weighed a solid thirty pounds, after all. She then wrapped her arms around Lu Yicheng. "Welcome home, hubby. Youâve worked hard."
Lu Yicheng didnât feel it was much of a hardship. No matter how tired he was, seeing his daughter and waiting for Jiang Lan made it all worth it.
"Iâm fine. Iâll massage your fingers for you tonight."
Jiang Lan slipped off her shoes and headed for the living room, Lu Lingnuan trotting after her. "Iâm so tired of Grandpaâs cooking!"
Lu Yicheng sighed. "Look how picky she is. She should be grateful thereâs food at all."
Jiang Lan laughed. "Take her to eat half of her cake firstâsave the rest for later. Thereâs one for you too, less sweet. Donât overdo it. Iâll wash up and fix her hair. Look at those braidsâhow could you just leave them like that?"
Lu âââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââYicheng had tried, but he was hopeless at braiding. Every morning, he dressed her up nicely, but after her nap, the hairstyle had to come undone. By evening, it was a mess.
Lu Shuangchen wasnât any betterâno matter how long he spent with the kid, he just couldnât master braiding.
...
Lu Lingnuan watched eagerly as Jiang Lan headed for the bathroom. "Mom, I wanna wash my hands too!"
And so, Jiang Lan gained a little purple shadow.
After washing up, mother and daughter settled on the sofa to share half a cake. Eating cake was when Lu Lingnuan was at her best behaviorâshe licked the fork clean, chattering between bites. "I had stewed ribs for lunch, two whole pieces! Grandpa made me eat so much greens⦠yuck."
She was a little chatterbox.
By the time they finished and dawdled a bit more, it was almost seven.
Finally, they headed upstairs for dinner.
Jiang Lan held her daughterâs hand as they climbed the stairs. Lu Lingnuan piped up, "Mom, can you and Dad swing me?"
She wanted them to each grab one of her arms and lift her up like a swing.
Jiang Lan: "Let Dad carry you up. Mom canât swing you anymore."
Lu Yicheng crouched down, letting Lu Lingnuan climb onto his back. She nestled against him obediently. "Can we read lots and lots of stories tonight?"
Jiang Lan couldnât fathom how such a tiny head could hold so many random thoughts.
She feigned ignorance. "Whoâs 'Duoduo'?"
Lu Lingnuan: "Not 'Duoduo' storiesâlots and lots of stories!"
Lu Yicheng watched the two of them, eyes brimming with amusement. "Lots and lots," he echoed.
Lu Lingnuan kept talking. "Mom, sleep with me tonight! Tell me stories, rub my feet, hold me⦠you smell so nice⦠I wanna sleep with Grandma too, not Dad. Dad can sleep with Grandpaâ"
Lu Yicheng: "Youâre sleeping alone."
The short flight of stairs ended before Lu Lingnuan could finish her rambling. Lu Yicheng set her down, and when the doorbell rang, she immediately hid behind Jiang Lan.
Jiang Lan sighed. "â¦Did you cause trouble again today?"
"Nuh-uh! I just stuck shiny stickers on Grandpaâs forehead⦠but he didnât scold me!" Lu Lingnuan clutched Jiang Lanâs clothes tightly, then lunged at Yu Wanqiu the moment the door opened. "Grandma! Teacher Yu! I missed you so much!"
She called her "Teacher Yu" after Jiang Lanâkids didnât understand family titles, and Yu Wanqiu didnât mind.
Yu Wanqiu lifted Lu Lingnuan effortlesslyâshe kept up with her fitness, her arms strong.
Lu Shuangchen emerged from inside, giving Lu Lingnuan a resigned look. "Youâre here. Dinnerâs almost ready."
Lu Yicheng went in to help, while Jiang Lan said, "Dad, let me help too. Teacher Yu, can you watch Liu Liangting for a bit? Sheâs been playing with those stickers all dayâjust tossing them around."
Yu Wanqiu smiled, nuzzling her granddaughterâs cheek. "Donât throw them away yet. Your dad doesnât know how to play with her properly."
Yu Wanqiu couldnât figure out why, despite having so many toys at homeâBarbie dolls, puzzles, all kinds of stuffed animalsâLu Lingnuan never showed any interest in them. Instead, she was obsessed with the remote controls and Yu Wanqiu and Jiang Lanâs makeup.
Who on earth did she take after?
After dinner, Lu Yicheng took Liu Liangting to wash her hands while Yu Wanqiu and Jiang Lan discussed the variety show.
After much consideration, they decided it was the best option. Yu Wanqiu was a public figure, Lu Yuanâs business was growing, and Jiang Lan often performed. Liu Liangting had already been photographed many times.
Some of the photos had been bought by Yu Wanqiuâs studio, while others had leaked online.
Fans were highly curious about their family, especially Liu Liangting. Since they couldnât prevent exposure, they might as well embrace it by joining a show.
Given their careers, it was impossible for Liu Liangting to stay out of the public eye forever.
Yu Wanqiu said, "Zhang Tianâs shows are very down-to-earth, with minimal game segments. Cameras will be installed at home, and weâll just live as usual while filming."
...
It would be similar to the old show Mother-in-Law Is Coming.
Jiang Lan nodded. "Then letâs do it. Weâll explain it properly to Liu Liangting. Though itâll be hard on Dad, taking care of her every day."
Liu Liangting had practically been raised by Lu Shuangchen. Filming would also let Jiang Lan see how the two interacted when she wasnât around.
Lu Shuangchen had no objections, and neither did Lu Yicheng. As the child grew older, a variety show would just mean an extra camera in their lives.
As for online comments, theyâd dealt with plenty of haters over the years. Critics would always find a way to nitpick, so Lu Shuangchen just needed to focus on taking care of the child.
Though young, Lu Lingnuan was always included in decisions about her.
Jiang Lan crouched down to ask her. Lu Lingnuan stretched out her hand, asking Jiang Lan to rub lotion on it. "Will lots of people watch me?"
Jiang Lan nodded. "Some will like you, but others might not. Weâll move to a big villa for filming, and you can make new friends."
"Will it just be me and Grandpa?" Lu Lingnuan clung to Jiang Lanâs arm. "I want Mommy!"
Jiang Lan reassured her, "Daddy, Grandma, and I will all be there."
Only then did Liu Liangting agree. "Can I have ice cream and White-Bearded Grandpa?" (Note: Likely referring to KFC or a similar fast-food mascot.)
Jiang Lan sighed. "If youâd mentioned that earlier, maybe we couldâve gotten some. But now that youâve already agreed..."
Kids werenât supposed to eat too much fried food or ice cream, but Liu Liangting loved themâsheâd probably sleep at White-Bearded Grandpaâs if she could. Lu Shuangchen never indulged her, and neither did her father. Only Jiang Lan and Yu Wanqiu occasionally gave in.
Liu Liangting let out a disappointed "Oh," but quickly perked up again. "Itâs okay! Iâm full tonight. Mommy, feel my tummyâis it round?"
Jiang Lan patted her belly and held her little hands, spending some time upstairs before heading home.
By nine, it was bedtime for Lu Lingnuan, who insisted on Jiang Lan telling her a story. According to her, "Mommyâs voice is so soft, I fall asleep right away."
"Daddy and Grandpaâs stories are boring."
Only after lulling Liu Liangting to sleep did Jiang Lan finally shower. The day had been long and exhausting, and even coming home didnât bring rest.
But hearing her daughterâs sweet, sleepy voice made it all feel lighter.
Lu Yicheng was just as tired, with no break since returning. Tomorrow was the weekend, but he still had contracts to sign. Filming would start next week. Among the guests was Shen Xingyaoâs three-year-old son, two months younger than Lu Lingnuan.
Two other families were joining: Zheng Qiuâs four-year-old granddaughter, Yuanyuan, and the three-and-a-half-year-old son of another celebrity, nicknamed Putao.
The show required filming at a designated villa, with each family occupying one floor.
The Lu family was assigned the fourth floor, with four rooms: one for Lu Shuangchen and Yu Wanqiu, one for Jiang Lan and Lu Yicheng, and Liu Liangting would sleep with her parents for now, given her age.
The other guests came by to greet them. Lu Shuangchen helped Liu Liangting unpack, mostly her toys and dolls.
He kept everything neatly organizedâuntil playtime, when chaos inevitably took over.
Lu Lingnuan was fascinated by the cameras, peering at them from all angles. "Can Mommy see me here?"
It was Monday, a workday. Jiang Lan was at the office, Yu Wanqiu at school, and Lu Yicheng wouldnât be back until 5:30 PM.
Jiang Lan returned a little after six.
Every time Lu Shuangchen saw Liu Liangting asking for her mother, his heart ached.
But heâd never ask Jiang Lan to quit her job. The child belonged to both of themâwhy should Jiang Lan have to give up her career?
At least Liu Liangting was luckier than Lu Yicheng had been, with both parents and grandparents around.
Lu Shuangchen knelt beside her. "Yes, Mommy can see you here."
Lu Lingnuan hugged the camera. "Mommy, Iâve been good! Can you bring me a chocolate cake tonight?"
All she ever thought about was cake.
Lu Shuangchen gently redirected her. "...Liu Liangting, letâs play with blocks, okay? Grandpa will help you build a castle."
Lu Lingnuan stared at the camera a moment longer, waiting in vain for her motherâs voice, before finally agreeing. "Okay."
Children forget quickly, and soon Lu Lingnuan was playing with building blocks alongside Lu Shuangchenâthough it was mostly her stacking them while he watched.
No matter how she arranged them, Lu Shuangchen would clap and say, "Liu Liangting is so amazing, so clever!"
If Lu Yuanâs employees saw this, theyâd be stunned.
The old Lu Shuangchen was stern and unsmiling. During meetings, a single sharp glance from him could make a room full of grown men break into a cold sweat. Now, his voice had softened without him even realizing itâslower, gentler, almost tender.
Lu Lingnuan beamed at him. "Grandpa, look! You can do it like this!"
Lu Shuangchen patted her head. Even though sheâd only added one more block, he acted as if sheâd built an entire house. "Ah, now the house is even taller!"
They played with the blocks until ten, when Lu Shuangchen took Liu Liangting downstairs to play.
Lu Lingnuan usually woke at seven-thirty, ate breakfast, and then, after Jiang Lan and Lu Yicheng left for work around eight, sheâd play for a while before heading out at ten.
Theyâd return by eleven to cook and eat lunch.
The villa complex had a small park, and at this time, Liu Liangting would normally go out to play. Children shouldnât stay cooped up at homeâplaying with other kids in the neighborhood helped build confidence.
But since they were with the production crew, cameras followed them outside.
Lu Lingnuan waved at the camera. "Mom, Iâm going out to play! Grandpa says there are lots of kids at the new place. Can you see me?"
As Lu Shuangchen took her out, Du Wanzhou was also preparing to leave with her grandson.
Once, Du Wanzhou had dreamed of having a grandson. Now that she had one, she was starting to regret itâboys never sat still, as if they were monkeys in a past life.
Shen Xingyaoâs son, Chenchen, was given strict instructions: "Donât bully other kids, donât scare people with bugs, and protect Liu Liangting, understand?"
Chenchen, who took after his mother, spent most of his time with Du Wanzhou while Shen Xingyao was busy filming.
He stared at Liu Liangting with wide eyes. "The little sister is so pretty, like a princess!"
Lu Lingnuan was dressed in an outfit Jiang Lan had picked out that morningâa pale yellow dress, her hair in twin braids tied together with a strawberry-patterned hairband.
Her shoes were pink and round-toed, her cheeks rosy with baby fat, a few wispy strands of hair framing her forehead. She looked unbearably adorable.
If Lu Shuangchen had dressed her, sheâd never have ended up like this.
Du Wanzhou thought so tooâshe looked like a little princess, while her own grandson was a handful.
"Donât talk nonsense, thatâs your older sister. Be polite."
Chenchen stubbornly thought of her as a little sister. "I wouldnât scare her with bugs!"
Du Wanzhou took her grandson to play with Lu Lingnuan. Chenchen was unusually well-behaved today, pushing her on the swing and even letting her play with his toy airplane.
Du Wanzhou found it fascinatingânot only did Chenchen adore Liu Liangting, but she herself couldnât help but adore the little girl too. But with Lu Shuangchenâs intimidating presence, Du Wanzhou didnât dare strike up a conversation.
By eleven, Lu Shuangchen took Liu Liangting back home. He handled lunch, cooking while she played nearby.
"Liu Liangting, what do you want for lunch?" he asked.
"I want the white-bearded grandpa!"
Lu Shuangchen knew she meant KFCâshe only remembered the mascot, not the name.
Her own grandpa ran a huge company, yet she was still such a little fool.
"Besides the white-bearded grandpa?"
"Then⦠chocolate cake! And the white-bearded grandpa!" Lu Lingnuan really, really wanted it. She missed her mom again.
Lu Shuangchen offered alternatives. "Braised pork ribs or cola wingsâwhich do you want?"
Instantly, KFC was forgotten. "Cola wings!"
Cola was delicious, after all.
Lu Shuangchen pressed further. "Garlic broccoli or glass noodles with baby bok choyâwhich one?"
Liu Liangting didnât want either. "I want cake."
She was getting older, harder to fool.
Lu Shuangchen sighed. "Liu Liangting, you have to pick one."
She tugged at his hand. "No, I donât!"
"Yes, you do."
"No, I donât!" Lu Lingnuan said firmly. "I wonât eat broccoli or bok choy. No!"
Before Lu Shuangchen could argue, she stopped walking. "Grandpa, my feet hurt. I canât walk anymore. Carry me."
They were already halfway back from the park to the villa. Sheâd been well-behaved all morning, but even if she hadnât, Lu Shuangchen couldnât resist when she reached up to be held.
For him, carrying a child was effortless.
He crouched down and lifted her, speaking patiently. "Eating veggies helps you grow tall. Donât you want to be tall? You canât just eat meat or cake. If you eat your greens, your mom will be so happy when she comes back."
Lu Lingnuan wrapped her arms around his neck. "Grandpa, stop talking. If it makes Mom happy, Iâll eat them tonight."
That way, Mom could see her eating and be even happier.
Lu Shuangchen: "...Eating them now would make her happy too."
Lu Lingnuan: "Liar! Mom canât even see me right nowâotherwise, why isnât she talking to me?"
In a child's world, mom and dad are everything. In Lu Lingnuan's mind, her mother left her with Grandpa because she had to work to earn money for little cakes. She believed her mother would take her back once work was over.
During the nearly ten-hour days, Lu Lingnuan spent most of her time missing her mother.
Lu Shuangchen admitted that the camera couldnât immediately let Jiang Lan and Yu Wanqiu see Liu Liangting, but the videosâwhether edited or rawâwere sent over every day. Jiang Lan would definitely watch them.
Holding Liu Liangting in his arms, Lu Shuangchen reassured, "She will watch them. You miss your parents, and they miss you too."
Lu Lingnuan pouted. "Grandpa, did Mom abandon me? Just like Grandma left you, dumping us both here. Mom goes out to have fun with Dad and Grandma after work at night..."
Lu Shuangchen knew all too wellâwhen it came to good things, Lu Lingnuan never spared a thought for him.
Jiang Lan usually arrived home after 6 p.m., while Lu Yicheng got back a little earlierâalways at 5:50 sharp. After picking up Liu Liangting, he would watch over the child while waiting for Jiang Lan to return.
Once Jiang Lan was home, the two would prepare dinner together, though sometimes they would eat upstairs instead.
Going upstairs was convenient, especially since Lu Shuangchen was a skilled cook. Occasionally, Yu Wanqiu would also cook, though less frequently.
Yu Wanqiu called Jiang Lan directly and said, "Come straight upstairs for dinner when you get back. Thereâs something I want to discuss with you. Zhang Tian just called meâhe asked if weâd be interested in joining the variety show Family Treasures."
Zhang Tian had attended both Jiang Lanâs wedding and Liu Liangtingâs full-month and first-year celebrations. Since he didnât have a daughter of his own, he often joked about "stealing" Liu Liangting away.
Zhang Tian adored children and had been working on a new variety show for the past two years.
Mother-in-Law Is Coming Season 2 had set the standard for mother-in-law and daughter-in-law reality shows in Chinaâno subsequent show in the genre had matched its popularity.
Jiang Lan replied, "Letâs talk about it when I get home⦠Iâm almost there."
Before leaving in the morning, Jiang Lan had promised Liu Liangting a small cake.
Liu Liangting had a sweet tooth, especially for candy and cake, but to protect her teeth, Jiang Lan only indulged her once a week.
She had initially assumed Lu Shuangchen and Lu Yicheng would spoil the child, but both men were firmâonce they said no, they meant it. Lu Yicheng worried about cavities, while Lu Shuangchen disapproved of snacks in general.
Jiang Lan couldnât bear to see her daughter cry, so she had promised her a small piece that morning.
As soon as she hung up, Lu Yicheng calledâthis time via video. The screen filled with Lu Lingnuanâs big, eager eyes as she pressed close to the phone.
It was June, and the weather was hot. Her daughter was still wearing the purple dress Jiang Lan had picked out that morning, though her pigtails were now lopsided.
"Mommy, when will you be home?"
Jiang Lan had just stepped out of the bakery. "Fifteen more minutes, sweetheart. Look at the clock on the wallâwhen the long hand moves three more ticks, Iâll be there."
Lu Lingnuan pouted. "Thatâs so long⦠Can I stay on the phone while I wait for you?"
Before Jiang Lan could answer, Lu Yichengâs voice cut in. "Lu Lingnuan, Mommy needs to focus on driving. Step back from the phoneâIâm counting to three!"
Lu Lingnuan lifted her chin and whispered, "Daddyâs being mean⦠Mommy, hurry home. Heâs going to spank me. And fix my hairâGrandpaâs braids are so uglyâ¦"
Jiang Lan glanced again at the uneven pigtails. "Alright, Iâll redo your braids when I get back. I also brought the cake you love. Hang up now, okay? Iâll be home soon."
Lu Lingnuan hesitated. "You hang up first."
Jianglan blew her a kiss. "See you in a bit."
After the call ended, Lu Lingnuan plopped onto the sofa, cupping her cheeks in her hands like a little mushroom. The clockâs long hand had already moved so many ticks, and Mommy still wasnât home.
Lu Yicheng washed some fruit. "Lu Lingnuan, put the phone down."
She huffed and tossed it into the couch cushions, then dragged a stool to the door to wait.
Just for Jiang Lan.
Lu Yichengâs heart softened. "Liu Liang, come have some fruit."
Lu Lingnuan shook her head. "No. I want Mommy to feed me."
Watching her, Lu Yicheng was reminded of a cat video Jiang Lan had once shown himâa kitten waiting by the door all day for its owner to return.
Liu Liang was just like that kitten.
"Iâll feed you," he offered.
Lu Lingnuan shook her lopsided pigtails again. "No."
Daddy wasnât gentle. When Mommy fed her, sheâd praise her endlessly even if she ate something she disliked.
But Daddy? Heâd shove the next piece in before sheâd even finished the first.
Her cheeks would puff up like a hamsterâsâno thanks.
"Daddy, use the strawberry fork. The toothpickâs ugly," Lu Lingnuan instructed. "When Mommy comes home, sheâll use the fork. She says toothpicks might poke me."
Since when did a little kid have so many demands?
Lu Yicheng just wanted to ease Jiang Lanâs loadâif their daughter was already fed, she wouldnât have to do it later.
"Lu Lingnuan, youâll have to learn to eat on your own soon. What will you do in kindergarten?"
At four, sheâd be old enough to attend, freeing Lu Shuangchen from daytime childcare. Lu Yicheng could pick her up after work.
He couldnât wait for her to grow up.
Their daughter took after Jiang Lanâshe loved meat but was picky about vegetables and fruit. The clinginess, though? That was from him. Since both he and Jiang Lan worked weekdays, leaving her with Grandpa, Lu Lingnuan latched onto Jiang Lan the moment she returned.
With Lu Shuangchen, she could dress and feed herself. But as soon as Jiang Lan walked in? Mommy do it!
Like a little shadow.
Jiang Lan had endless patience, often bringing small gifts home from work. She played the violin, told the best storiesâin Lu Lingnuanâs eyes, she was the perfect mother.
Meanwhile, he was the evil stepfather.
As the clockâs minute hand finally ticked three times, Lu Lingnuan perked up at the sound of the elevator outside.
"Dad, Mom's back!" Lu Lingnuan was practically plastered against the door, her tiny frame barely over a meter tall, as if she wanted to squeeze right through it.
In the past, Lu Lingnuan would fling the door open at the slightest sound, but sometimes it wasnât Jiang Lan returning. The building had four households, and while it was fine if it was just a neighbor, the consequences could be dire if it turned out to be someone dangerous.
Even though the neighborhood had good security, they couldnât afford to be careless, so Lu Lingnuan was strictly forbidden from opening the door herself.
Lu Lingnuan: "Dad, listen! Itâs Mom! Momâs back!"
"My little cake is back too!" Lu Lingnuanâs eyes sparkled as she shrieked, "Mom! Mom!"
She chattered like a little sparrow, her voice bright and incessant.
Lu Yicheng chuckled. "Got it, got it. My wifeâs back. Step back a little, or Mom might knock you over when she opens the door."
Lu Lingnuan shuffled back a few steps.
Lu Yicheng held her hand as they stood by the entryway. The lock turned, the security door swung open, and Lu Lingnuan dashed forward to cling to Jiang Lanâs leg. "Mom, youâre finally home!"
Jiang Lan set her bag on the shoe cabinet and scooped her daughter up with a grunt. "Did you miss me?"
She turned to Lu Yicheng. "No need to cookâweâre eating upstairs."
Lu Lingnuan: "At Grandpaâs placeâ¦?"
"You donât sound thrilled," Jiang Lan teased, setting her daughter down after a momentâthe kid weighed a solid thirty pounds, after all. She then wrapped her arms around Lu Yicheng. "Welcome home, hubby. Youâve worked hard."
Lu Yicheng didnât feel it was much of a hardship. No matter how tired he was, seeing his daughter and waiting for Jiang Lan made it all worth it.
"Iâm fine. Iâll massage your fingers for you tonight."
Jiang Lan slipped off her shoes and headed for the living room, Lu Lingnuan trotting after her. "Iâm so tired of Grandpaâs cooking!"
Lu Yicheng sighed. "Look how picky she is. She should be grateful thereâs food at all."
Jiang Lan laughed. "Take her to eat half of her cake firstâsave the rest for later. Thereâs one for you too, less sweet. Donât overdo it. Iâll wash up and fix her hair. Look at those braidsâhow could you just leave them like that?"
Lu âââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââYicheng had tried, but he was hopeless at braiding. Every morning, he dressed her up nicely, but after her nap, the hairstyle had to come undone. By evening, it was a mess.
Lu Shuangchen wasnât any betterâno matter how long he spent with the kid, he just couldnât master braiding.
...
Lu Lingnuan watched eagerly as Jiang Lan headed for the bathroom. "Mom, I wanna wash my hands too!"
And so, Jiang Lan gained a little purple shadow.
After washing up, mother and daughter settled on the sofa to share half a cake. Eating cake was when Lu Lingnuan was at her best behaviorâshe licked the fork clean, chattering between bites. "I had stewed ribs for lunch, two whole pieces! Grandpa made me eat so much greens⦠yuck."
She was a little chatterbox.
By the time they finished and dawdled a bit more, it was almost seven.
Finally, they headed upstairs for dinner.
Jiang Lan held her daughterâs hand as they climbed the stairs. Lu Lingnuan piped up, "Mom, can you and Dad swing me?"
She wanted them to each grab one of her arms and lift her up like a swing.
Jiang Lan: "Let Dad carry you up. Mom canât swing you anymore."
Lu Yicheng crouched down, letting Lu Lingnuan climb onto his back. She nestled against him obediently. "Can we read lots and lots of stories tonight?"
Jiang Lan couldnât fathom how such a tiny head could hold so many random thoughts.
She feigned ignorance. "Whoâs 'Duoduo'?"
Lu Lingnuan: "Not 'Duoduo' storiesâlots and lots of stories!"
Lu Yicheng watched the two of them, eyes brimming with amusement. "Lots and lots," he echoed.
Lu Lingnuan kept talking. "Mom, sleep with me tonight! Tell me stories, rub my feet, hold me⦠you smell so nice⦠I wanna sleep with Grandma too, not Dad. Dad can sleep with Grandpaâ"
Lu Yicheng: "Youâre sleeping alone."
The short flight of stairs ended before Lu Lingnuan could finish her rambling. Lu Yicheng set her down, and when the doorbell rang, she immediately hid behind Jiang Lan.
Jiang Lan sighed. "â¦Did you cause trouble again today?"
"Nuh-uh! I just stuck shiny stickers on Grandpaâs forehead⦠but he didnât scold me!" Lu Lingnuan clutched Jiang Lanâs clothes tightly, then lunged at Yu Wanqiu the moment the door opened. "Grandma! Teacher Yu! I missed you so much!"
She called her "Teacher Yu" after Jiang Lanâkids didnât understand family titles, and Yu Wanqiu didnât mind.
Yu Wanqiu lifted Lu Lingnuan effortlesslyâshe kept up with her fitness, her arms strong.
Lu Shuangchen emerged from inside, giving Lu Lingnuan a resigned look. "Youâre here. Dinnerâs almost ready."
Lu Yicheng went in to help, while Jiang Lan said, "Dad, let me help too. Teacher Yu, can you watch Liu Liangting for a bit? Sheâs been playing with those stickers all dayâjust tossing them around."
Yu Wanqiu smiled, nuzzling her granddaughterâs cheek. "Donât throw them away yet. Your dad doesnât know how to play with her properly."
Yu Wanqiu couldnât figure out why, despite having so many toys at homeâBarbie dolls, puzzles, all kinds of stuffed animalsâLu Lingnuan never showed any interest in them. Instead, she was obsessed with the remote controls and Yu Wanqiu and Jiang Lanâs makeup.
Who on earth did she take after?
After dinner, Lu Yicheng took Liu Liangting to wash her hands while Yu Wanqiu and Jiang Lan discussed the variety show.
After much consideration, they decided it was the best option. Yu Wanqiu was a public figure, Lu Yuanâs business was growing, and Jiang Lan often performed. Liu Liangting had already been photographed many times.
Some of the photos had been bought by Yu Wanqiuâs studio, while others had leaked online.
Fans were highly curious about their family, especially Liu Liangting. Since they couldnât prevent exposure, they might as well embrace it by joining a show.
Given their careers, it was impossible for Liu Liangting to stay out of the public eye forever.
Yu Wanqiu said, "Zhang Tianâs shows are very down-to-earth, with minimal game segments. Cameras will be installed at home, and weâll just live as usual while filming."
...
It would be similar to the old show Mother-in-Law Is Coming.
Jiang Lan nodded. "Then letâs do it. Weâll explain it properly to Liu Liangting. Though itâll be hard on Dad, taking care of her every day."
Liu Liangting had practically been raised by Lu Shuangchen. Filming would also let Jiang Lan see how the two interacted when she wasnât around.
Lu Shuangchen had no objections, and neither did Lu Yicheng. As the child grew older, a variety show would just mean an extra camera in their lives.
As for online comments, theyâd dealt with plenty of haters over the years. Critics would always find a way to nitpick, so Lu Shuangchen just needed to focus on taking care of the child.
Though young, Lu Lingnuan was always included in decisions about her.
Jiang Lan crouched down to ask her. Lu Lingnuan stretched out her hand, asking Jiang Lan to rub lotion on it. "Will lots of people watch me?"
Jiang Lan nodded. "Some will like you, but others might not. Weâll move to a big villa for filming, and you can make new friends."
"Will it just be me and Grandpa?" Lu Lingnuan clung to Jiang Lanâs arm. "I want Mommy!"
Jiang Lan reassured her, "Daddy, Grandma, and I will all be there."
Only then did Liu Liangting agree. "Can I have ice cream and White-Bearded Grandpa?" (Note: Likely referring to KFC or a similar fast-food mascot.)
Jiang Lan sighed. "If youâd mentioned that earlier, maybe we couldâve gotten some. But now that youâve already agreed..."
Kids werenât supposed to eat too much fried food or ice cream, but Liu Liangting loved themâsheâd probably sleep at White-Bearded Grandpaâs if she could. Lu Shuangchen never indulged her, and neither did her father. Only Jiang Lan and Yu Wanqiu occasionally gave in.
Liu Liangting let out a disappointed "Oh," but quickly perked up again. "Itâs okay! Iâm full tonight. Mommy, feel my tummyâis it round?"
Jiang Lan patted her belly and held her little hands, spending some time upstairs before heading home.
By nine, it was bedtime for Lu Lingnuan, who insisted on Jiang Lan telling her a story. According to her, "Mommyâs voice is so soft, I fall asleep right away."
"Daddy and Grandpaâs stories are boring."
Only after lulling Liu Liangting to sleep did Jiang Lan finally shower. The day had been long and exhausting, and even coming home didnât bring rest.
But hearing her daughterâs sweet, sleepy voice made it all feel lighter.
Lu Yicheng was just as tired, with no break since returning. Tomorrow was the weekend, but he still had contracts to sign. Filming would start next week. Among the guests was Shen Xingyaoâs three-year-old son, two months younger than Lu Lingnuan.
Two other families were joining: Zheng Qiuâs four-year-old granddaughter, Yuanyuan, and the three-and-a-half-year-old son of another celebrity, nicknamed Putao.
The show required filming at a designated villa, with each family occupying one floor.
The Lu family was assigned the fourth floor, with four rooms: one for Lu Shuangchen and Yu Wanqiu, one for Jiang Lan and Lu Yicheng, and Liu Liangting would sleep with her parents for now, given her age.
The other guests came by to greet them. Lu Shuangchen helped Liu Liangting unpack, mostly her toys and dolls.
He kept everything neatly organizedâuntil playtime, when chaos inevitably took over.
Lu Lingnuan was fascinated by the cameras, peering at them from all angles. "Can Mommy see me here?"
It was Monday, a workday. Jiang Lan was at the office, Yu Wanqiu at school, and Lu Yicheng wouldnât be back until 5:30 PM.
Jiang Lan returned a little after six.
Every time Lu Shuangchen saw Liu Liangting asking for her mother, his heart ached.
But heâd never ask Jiang Lan to quit her job. The child belonged to both of themâwhy should Jiang Lan have to give up her career?
At least Liu Liangting was luckier than Lu Yicheng had been, with both parents and grandparents around.
Lu Shuangchen knelt beside her. "Yes, Mommy can see you here."
Lu Lingnuan hugged the camera. "Mommy, Iâve been good! Can you bring me a chocolate cake tonight?"
All she ever thought about was cake.
Lu Shuangchen gently redirected her. "...Liu Liangting, letâs play with blocks, okay? Grandpa will help you build a castle."
Lu Lingnuan stared at the camera a moment longer, waiting in vain for her motherâs voice, before finally agreeing. "Okay."
Children forget quickly, and soon Lu Lingnuan was playing with building blocks alongside Lu Shuangchenâthough it was mostly her stacking them while he watched.
No matter how she arranged them, Lu Shuangchen would clap and say, "Liu Liangting is so amazing, so clever!"
If Lu Yuanâs employees saw this, theyâd be stunned.
The old Lu Shuangchen was stern and unsmiling. During meetings, a single sharp glance from him could make a room full of grown men break into a cold sweat. Now, his voice had softened without him even realizing itâslower, gentler, almost tender.
Lu Lingnuan beamed at him. "Grandpa, look! You can do it like this!"
Lu Shuangchen patted her head. Even though sheâd only added one more block, he acted as if sheâd built an entire house. "Ah, now the house is even taller!"
They played with the blocks until ten, when Lu Shuangchen took Liu Liangting downstairs to play.
Lu Lingnuan usually woke at seven-thirty, ate breakfast, and then, after Jiang Lan and Lu Yicheng left for work around eight, sheâd play for a while before heading out at ten.
Theyâd return by eleven to cook and eat lunch.
The villa complex had a small park, and at this time, Liu Liangting would normally go out to play. Children shouldnât stay cooped up at homeâplaying with other kids in the neighborhood helped build confidence.
But since they were with the production crew, cameras followed them outside.
Lu Lingnuan waved at the camera. "Mom, Iâm going out to play! Grandpa says there are lots of kids at the new place. Can you see me?"
As Lu Shuangchen took her out, Du Wanzhou was also preparing to leave with her grandson.
Once, Du Wanzhou had dreamed of having a grandson. Now that she had one, she was starting to regret itâboys never sat still, as if they were monkeys in a past life.
Shen Xingyaoâs son, Chenchen, was given strict instructions: "Donât bully other kids, donât scare people with bugs, and protect Liu Liangting, understand?"
Chenchen, who took after his mother, spent most of his time with Du Wanzhou while Shen Xingyao was busy filming.
He stared at Liu Liangting with wide eyes. "The little sister is so pretty, like a princess!"
Lu Lingnuan was dressed in an outfit Jiang Lan had picked out that morningâa pale yellow dress, her hair in twin braids tied together with a strawberry-patterned hairband.
Her shoes were pink and round-toed, her cheeks rosy with baby fat, a few wispy strands of hair framing her forehead. She looked unbearably adorable.
If Lu Shuangchen had dressed her, sheâd never have ended up like this.
Du Wanzhou thought so tooâshe looked like a little princess, while her own grandson was a handful.
"Donât talk nonsense, thatâs your older sister. Be polite."
Chenchen stubbornly thought of her as a little sister. "I wouldnât scare her with bugs!"
Du Wanzhou took her grandson to play with Lu Lingnuan. Chenchen was unusually well-behaved today, pushing her on the swing and even letting her play with his toy airplane.
Du Wanzhou found it fascinatingânot only did Chenchen adore Liu Liangting, but she herself couldnât help but adore the little girl too. But with Lu Shuangchenâs intimidating presence, Du Wanzhou didnât dare strike up a conversation.
By eleven, Lu Shuangchen took Liu Liangting back home. He handled lunch, cooking while she played nearby.
"Liu Liangting, what do you want for lunch?" he asked.
"I want the white-bearded grandpa!"
Lu Shuangchen knew she meant KFCâshe only remembered the mascot, not the name.
Her own grandpa ran a huge company, yet she was still such a little fool.
"Besides the white-bearded grandpa?"
"Then⦠chocolate cake! And the white-bearded grandpa!" Lu Lingnuan really, really wanted it. She missed her mom again.
Lu Shuangchen offered alternatives. "Braised pork ribs or cola wingsâwhich do you want?"
Instantly, KFC was forgotten. "Cola wings!"
Cola was delicious, after all.
Lu Shuangchen pressed further. "Garlic broccoli or glass noodles with baby bok choyâwhich one?"
Liu Liangting didnât want either. "I want cake."
She was getting older, harder to fool.
Lu Shuangchen sighed. "Liu Liangting, you have to pick one."
She tugged at his hand. "No, I donât!"
"Yes, you do."
"No, I donât!" Lu Lingnuan said firmly. "I wonât eat broccoli or bok choy. No!"
Before Lu Shuangchen could argue, she stopped walking. "Grandpa, my feet hurt. I canât walk anymore. Carry me."
They were already halfway back from the park to the villa. Sheâd been well-behaved all morning, but even if she hadnât, Lu Shuangchen couldnât resist when she reached up to be held.
For him, carrying a child was effortless.
He crouched down and lifted her, speaking patiently. "Eating veggies helps you grow tall. Donât you want to be tall? You canât just eat meat or cake. If you eat your greens, your mom will be so happy when she comes back."
Lu Lingnuan wrapped her arms around his neck. "Grandpa, stop talking. If it makes Mom happy, Iâll eat them tonight."
That way, Mom could see her eating and be even happier.
Lu Shuangchen: "...Eating them now would make her happy too."
Lu Lingnuan: "Liar! Mom canât even see me right nowâotherwise, why isnât she talking to me?"
In a child's world, mom and dad are everything. In Lu Lingnuan's mind, her mother left her with Grandpa because she had to work to earn money for little cakes. She believed her mother would take her back once work was over.
During the nearly ten-hour days, Lu Lingnuan spent most of her time missing her mother.
Lu Shuangchen admitted that the camera couldnât immediately let Jiang Lan and Yu Wanqiu see Liu Liangting, but the videosâwhether edited or rawâwere sent over every day. Jiang Lan would definitely watch them.
Holding Liu Liangting in his arms, Lu Shuangchen reassured, "She will watch them. You miss your parents, and they miss you too."
Lu Lingnuan pouted. "Grandpa, did Mom abandon me? Just like Grandma left you, dumping us both here. Mom goes out to have fun with Dad and Grandma after work at night..."
Lu Shuangchen knew all too wellâwhen it came to good things, Lu Lingnuan never spared a thought for him.