My Mother-in-Law and I Became the Internet’s Hottest Power Couple
Author: NovelFire
Chapter 114
In the summer of 1995, Lu Shuangchen returned from studying abroad, and his family broached the topic of marriage with him.
The Lu family still lived in their traditional courtyard home in City B. Lu Shuangchenâs father, retired from the military, spent his days fishing and playing with birds, occasionally helping his elder sons with their children for a few months each yearâa leisurely life indeed.
Lu Shuangchenâs older brothers and sisters were already married. As the youngest, he was lagging behindâhis second brotherâs youngest son, Lu Yiran, had just been born, while the eldest was already nine years old. Yet, Lu Shuangchenâs own marriage prospects remained uncertain.
The elder Lus were growing anxious, unsure of what their son was thinking.
While others struggled to find partners due to poor conditions or unattractive looks, Lu Shuangchen was hardly in that category.
Lu Zhenyuan wasnât exaggerating when he said that among his three sons, the youngest was the most handsome. Lu Shuangchen held a Ph.D. from MITâhis credentials were impeccable. So why, at his age, was he still single?
Times had changed. Unlike the older generationâs rigid mindset, society had progressed, advocating for free-spirited romance.
The Lus had even considered that if Lu Shuangchen had found someone abroad, they would respectfully withdraw from the arranged marriage and apologize to the Yu family.
Still, the elder Lus had a soft spot for Yu Wanqiu. They had watched her grow up, blossoming like a magnolia flower.
But when asked, Lu Shuangchen admitted he had been wholly absorbed in research overseasâso much so that he hadnât even made many female acquaintances, let alone pursued a relationship.
"I was focused on my studies and experiments. When would I have had time for romance?" Lu Shuangchen said. "Besides, Iâve always known about the arranged marriage. It wouldnât have been right to pursue anything else."
Though it was only a verbal agreement made in their childhood, Lu Shuangchen had met Yu Wanqiu a few times years ago. His memories were hazy, but in his heart, he had always regarded her as his future wife.
His mother huffed, "Good thing you didnât, or Iâd have broken your legs!"
Lu Shuangchen fell silent, at a loss for words.
His mother then handed him a photograph. "This is Yu Wanqiu, your neighbor Uncle Yuâs daughter. Sheâs 25 now, an actress. And donât you dare look down on her professionâacting is a respectable career. Youâre much older than her, so be patient and accommodating."
The photo landed in Lu Shuangchenâs hands. Unlike the women heâd seen on the streets, this image alone was enough to captivate.
The young woman in the picture had voluminous curls, delicate arched brows, and pearl earrings adorning her ears.
It wasnât a studio portraitâthe backdrop was a famous landmark in City B. Yu Wanqiu wore a short black-and-white checkered wool coat (though Lu Shuangchen didnât know the exact name of the pattern, he found it inexplicably striking).
She stood gracefully, a skirt falling to her calves and brown leather shoes completing the ensemble. Her lips were painted a bold red, a silk scarf draped around her neckâher beauty was both radiant and refined.
Slowly, the image overlapped with the girl from his memories.
Lu Shuangchen tightened his grip on the photo. On the back was a string of numbersâlikely Yu Wanqiuâs phone number. The handwriting was elegant, almost ethereal.
His family often called him a bookworm, someone who only knew how to study. In high school, they never worried about him dating too early. But once he entered university, their concern shifted to whether heâd ever find a partner at all.
Lu Shuangchen didnât see it that way. He had an arranged marriage waitingâhe would marry eventually. When he was in college, Yu Wanqiu was still in middle school. By the time he graduated and went abroad, she had only just entered high school.
Romancing someone so much younger seemed impractical, so he simply waited.
As for the possibility of Yu Wanqiu falling for someone else⦠that was a scenario he hadnât considered.
Seated on the sandalwood sofa, Lu Shuangchen studied the photo for a long time. His mother added, "Wanqiu is brilliant. She scored over 700 on the college entrance exam but chose acting over university. Donât let that fool youâsheâs exceptional at her craft. You can see her on TV. True talent always shines."
Lu Shuangchen adjusted his glasses. "I understand."
His mother scoffed. "What do you understand? When meeting a girl, you need to make an effort. Dress neatly. Donât ramble about telecommunicationsâtalk about things sheâs interested in. And since sheâs an actress, watch her films. Find common ground."
She sighed. "Your brothers never gave me this trouble. But you? At your age, still unmarried, buried in work. If not for this arrangement, youâd be hopeless. When you take her out, choose somewhere sophisticated. Be polite."
After a few more admonishments, she feigned a headache and shooed him away.
Lu Shuangchen nodded and left.
The Yu residence wasnât farâjust a street away. Lu Shuangchen dialed the number on the photo, only to learn Yu Wanqiu was filming. Their meeting was postponed for half a month.
They settled on a teahouse in City B at 9 a.m.
The location was Yu Wanqiuâs choice. Lu Shuangchen had initially suggested a café or Western restaurant, but she preferred teaâa taste befitting a local girl.
On the day of their meeting, Lu Shuangchen donned a tailored brown suit, freshly pressed and crisp.
It was late April, the season of blooming grass and singing birds. City B was warm, the streets bustling.
As one of Chinaâs earliest pioneers in the internet industry, Lu Shuangchenâs world was far removed from Yu Wanqiuâs. Still, he had researched the domestic film scene beforehand. While Hong Kong and Taiwan dominated the industry, mainland actors often faced challenges.
Yet Yu Wanqiu had carved out a name for herselfâa stunning actress whose performances resonated deeply. Lu Shuangchen had watched all her films, noting how her skills had only sharpened over time.
He arrived at the teahouse by 8:30. Yu Wanqiu appeared precisely at nine.
Her cascading curls framed her face, a black fitted sweater hugging her figure, paired with flared blue jeans. A trench coat draped over her armâher style was vibrant and sophisticated.
She stood out effortlessly.
The moment she stepped into the teahouse, Lu Shuangchen noticed.
Yu Wanqiu hung her coat on the chair. "Sorry, just got here."
Lu Shuangchen stood. "I havenât been waiting long."
He pulled out her chair before resuming his seat.
Tea had already been poured. He filled her cup.
Yu Wanqiu studied the man before her, wondering why she, so young, was already sitting through a matchmaking meeting.
Her âââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââfamily had pressured her, though she could have refused. Still, she thought she might as well give it a try.
Once married, her mother would finally stop nagging.
After a sip of tea, Yu Wanqiu initiated the conversation. "Hello, Iâm Yu Wanqiu, 25, an actress. I assume your mother has filled you in on me. Youâre 31, a returnee from abroad. I only finished high schoolâno university. We probably donât have much in common. Given your Western education, you must have progressive views. Can you really accept an arranged marriage? If youâre against it, Iâm fine with calling it off."
She would never cling to a man who didnât want her.
There were plenty of men in the worldâYu Wanqiu wasnât worried about finding a husband.
Though, admittedly, Lu Shuangchen was quite handsome. She did feel a flicker of attraction.
Yu Wanqiu had been acting for several years and had collaborated with many male actors... She had seen plenty of handsome men. It could be said that Lu Shuangchen was the most handsome man she had ever met. At 31, he might sound a bit old, but it wasnât something you could tell just by looking at him.
He wore a brown suit with a white shirt underneath. The cufflinks on his suit were made of turquoise, and his legs were quite long, giving off an air of scholarly refinement. His silver-rimmed glasses, though worn for nearsightedness, made him look incredibly dashing. Through the lenses, one could see that Lu Shuangchenâs eyes were sharp and full of vitality.
His eyes were captivating, and coupled with the aura of a Ph.D., Yu Wanqiu was fairly satisfied with his external qualities.
She was well aware of the prejudice outsiders held against her profession, especially in a family like the Lu household, where someone like Lu Shuangchenâeducated abroad, highly accomplished, and progressive in his thinkingâmight judge her.
Lu Shuangchen seemed momentarily taken aback by her words. Yu Wanqiu took a sip of the tea on the table, wondering if she hadnât made herself clear enough. Did she need to repeat herself?
Lu Shuangchen stood up and refilled her teacup. "I donât think what you said is entirely accurate. Let me explain why. First, I believe shared interests arenât solely based on academic background. After all, Iâm looking for a wife, not a business partner. Youâre an actress, and I know a thing or two about the film industryâitâs not like we have nothing in common. Second, while I studied abroad, what I learned were advanced knowledge and techniques. If by âprogressive thinkingâ you mean gender equality, then yes, my views are quite progressive. But as for other things, I didnât pick them up."
If Yu Wanqiu thought he was the type to fool around, she was mistaken. Lu Shuangchen spent most of his time in the research lab.
Yu Wanqiu looked surprised.
Who would seriously explain themselves like that, listing reasons one by one? Was this how everyone who studied abroad behaved?
Lu Shuangchen wasnât finished. "Iâm not uncomfortable with the idea of an arranged marriage. If I were, I wouldnât have kept you waiting this long."
Nor would he have waited until now to bring it up.
Yu Wanqiu felt a twinge of guilt. After all, she was still young, in the prime of her youth, while Lu Shuangchen was already past thirty. If anyone was being held back, it was him, not her.
Lu Shuangchen adjusted his glasses. "If you think Iâm too oldâwell, thatâs a fact, and thereâs no changing it."
Yu Wanqiu couldnât help but feel his unspoken words were: Itâs not like you didnât know Iâm six years older than you from the start. Using that as an excuse to refuse doesnât hold up.
Strangely enough, Yu Wanqiu found the way he adjusted his glasses incredibly attractive.
She had to admit that even after meeting all sorts of dazzling male celebrities, each with their own charm, Lu Shuangchen still stood out as the most handsome.
Both of them were intelligent, and Yu Wanqiu understood perfectly well what Lu Shuangchen was implying.
This meeting was, after all, a setup for a blind date. Judging by his words, Lu Shuangchen seemed quite satisfied with her.
Lu Shuangchen continued, "Iâm 185 cm tall, weigh 72 kg, and am currently the head of Luyuan Network Information Co., Ltd. I rarely drink or smoke and have no other bad habits. My left eye is nearsighted at 350 degrees, and my right eye at 300 degrees. After marriage, Iâll hand over my salary and wonât hide any private savings. Miss Yu Wanqiu, will you marry me?"
Yu Wanqiu hadnât expected the proposal to come so soon.
Just last night, she had thought Lu Shuangchen was unwilling. She had come today prepared to call off the engagement.
But it turned out he was willing.
Yu Wanqiu replied, "I have no objections to marriage, but I wonât leave the entertainment industry after weâre married, nor will I give up my career to become a housewife."
That was her only condition. She loved acting.
Lu Shuangchen nodded. "Donât worry, I wouldnât ask that of you."
Yu Wanqiu gave a small nod. "Then I have nothing else to say. Pick a day to propose formally."
Lu Shuangchenâs expression remained neutral, showing neither joy nor excitement at her acceptance.
Yu Wanqiuâs demeanor was equally calm. She sipped tea with him and later joined him for lunch at the Western restaurant he had reserved before heading home.
Lu Shuangchen acted swiftly. Just three days after their meeting, he arrived at the Yu family home to propose formally.
Lu Shuangchen, Lu Zhenyuan, Lu Shuangchenâs mother, his older brother, sister-in-law, and even their newborn nephew all came along.
Yu Wanqiu was startled by the entourage.
The two families lived just two streets apart, yet the Lu family had arrived by car.
At a little past eight in the morning, before Yu Wanqiu had even woken up properly, she heard commotion outside.
After changing her clothes and stepping out, she saw Lu Shuangchen carrying in a case of wine labeled "Jiannanchun."
He set it down in the courtyard and greeted her.
"Just woke up?"
Yu Wanqiu smoothed her hair. "Yeah. Why so early? Let me go wash up and put on some makeup first."
She was completely bare-faced, her hair unbrushed and her face unwashed.
Lu Shuangchen said, "You look beautiful as you are... Thereâs still more to bring in. Iâll go finish unloading and see you in a bit."
The Yu household was bustling with activity. Yu Wanqiu had no idea how many trips Lu Shuangchen had already made, but his forehead was glistening with sweat. Despite the late April heat, he was still dressed in a full suitâdidnât he find it stuffy?
The Lu family still lived in their traditional courtyard home in City B. Lu Shuangchenâs father, retired from the military, spent his days fishing and playing with birds, occasionally helping his elder sons with their children for a few months each yearâa leisurely life indeed.
Lu Shuangchenâs older brothers and sisters were already married. As the youngest, he was lagging behindâhis second brotherâs youngest son, Lu Yiran, had just been born, while the eldest was already nine years old. Yet, Lu Shuangchenâs own marriage prospects remained uncertain.
The elder Lus were growing anxious, unsure of what their son was thinking.
While others struggled to find partners due to poor conditions or unattractive looks, Lu Shuangchen was hardly in that category.
Lu Zhenyuan wasnât exaggerating when he said that among his three sons, the youngest was the most handsome. Lu Shuangchen held a Ph.D. from MITâhis credentials were impeccable. So why, at his age, was he still single?
Times had changed. Unlike the older generationâs rigid mindset, society had progressed, advocating for free-spirited romance.
The Lus had even considered that if Lu Shuangchen had found someone abroad, they would respectfully withdraw from the arranged marriage and apologize to the Yu family.
Still, the elder Lus had a soft spot for Yu Wanqiu. They had watched her grow up, blossoming like a magnolia flower.
But when asked, Lu Shuangchen admitted he had been wholly absorbed in research overseasâso much so that he hadnât even made many female acquaintances, let alone pursued a relationship.
"I was focused on my studies and experiments. When would I have had time for romance?" Lu Shuangchen said. "Besides, Iâve always known about the arranged marriage. It wouldnât have been right to pursue anything else."
Though it was only a verbal agreement made in their childhood, Lu Shuangchen had met Yu Wanqiu a few times years ago. His memories were hazy, but in his heart, he had always regarded her as his future wife.
His mother huffed, "Good thing you didnât, or Iâd have broken your legs!"
Lu Shuangchen fell silent, at a loss for words.
His mother then handed him a photograph. "This is Yu Wanqiu, your neighbor Uncle Yuâs daughter. Sheâs 25 now, an actress. And donât you dare look down on her professionâacting is a respectable career. Youâre much older than her, so be patient and accommodating."
The photo landed in Lu Shuangchenâs hands. Unlike the women heâd seen on the streets, this image alone was enough to captivate.
The young woman in the picture had voluminous curls, delicate arched brows, and pearl earrings adorning her ears.
It wasnât a studio portraitâthe backdrop was a famous landmark in City B. Yu Wanqiu wore a short black-and-white checkered wool coat (though Lu Shuangchen didnât know the exact name of the pattern, he found it inexplicably striking).
She stood gracefully, a skirt falling to her calves and brown leather shoes completing the ensemble. Her lips were painted a bold red, a silk scarf draped around her neckâher beauty was both radiant and refined.
Slowly, the image overlapped with the girl from his memories.
Lu Shuangchen tightened his grip on the photo. On the back was a string of numbersâlikely Yu Wanqiuâs phone number. The handwriting was elegant, almost ethereal.
His family often called him a bookworm, someone who only knew how to study. In high school, they never worried about him dating too early. But once he entered university, their concern shifted to whether heâd ever find a partner at all.
Lu Shuangchen didnât see it that way. He had an arranged marriage waitingâhe would marry eventually. When he was in college, Yu Wanqiu was still in middle school. By the time he graduated and went abroad, she had only just entered high school.
Romancing someone so much younger seemed impractical, so he simply waited.
As for the possibility of Yu Wanqiu falling for someone else⦠that was a scenario he hadnât considered.
Seated on the sandalwood sofa, Lu Shuangchen studied the photo for a long time. His mother added, "Wanqiu is brilliant. She scored over 700 on the college entrance exam but chose acting over university. Donât let that fool youâsheâs exceptional at her craft. You can see her on TV. True talent always shines."
Lu Shuangchen adjusted his glasses. "I understand."
His mother scoffed. "What do you understand? When meeting a girl, you need to make an effort. Dress neatly. Donât ramble about telecommunicationsâtalk about things sheâs interested in. And since sheâs an actress, watch her films. Find common ground."
She sighed. "Your brothers never gave me this trouble. But you? At your age, still unmarried, buried in work. If not for this arrangement, youâd be hopeless. When you take her out, choose somewhere sophisticated. Be polite."
After a few more admonishments, she feigned a headache and shooed him away.
Lu Shuangchen nodded and left.
The Yu residence wasnât farâjust a street away. Lu Shuangchen dialed the number on the photo, only to learn Yu Wanqiu was filming. Their meeting was postponed for half a month.
They settled on a teahouse in City B at 9 a.m.
The location was Yu Wanqiuâs choice. Lu Shuangchen had initially suggested a café or Western restaurant, but she preferred teaâa taste befitting a local girl.
On the day of their meeting, Lu Shuangchen donned a tailored brown suit, freshly pressed and crisp.
It was late April, the season of blooming grass and singing birds. City B was warm, the streets bustling.
As one of Chinaâs earliest pioneers in the internet industry, Lu Shuangchenâs world was far removed from Yu Wanqiuâs. Still, he had researched the domestic film scene beforehand. While Hong Kong and Taiwan dominated the industry, mainland actors often faced challenges.
Yet Yu Wanqiu had carved out a name for herselfâa stunning actress whose performances resonated deeply. Lu Shuangchen had watched all her films, noting how her skills had only sharpened over time.
He arrived at the teahouse by 8:30. Yu Wanqiu appeared precisely at nine.
Her cascading curls framed her face, a black fitted sweater hugging her figure, paired with flared blue jeans. A trench coat draped over her armâher style was vibrant and sophisticated.
She stood out effortlessly.
The moment she stepped into the teahouse, Lu Shuangchen noticed.
Yu Wanqiu hung her coat on the chair. "Sorry, just got here."
Lu Shuangchen stood. "I havenât been waiting long."
He pulled out her chair before resuming his seat.
Tea had already been poured. He filled her cup.
Yu Wanqiu studied the man before her, wondering why she, so young, was already sitting through a matchmaking meeting.
Her âââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââfamily had pressured her, though she could have refused. Still, she thought she might as well give it a try.
Once married, her mother would finally stop nagging.
After a sip of tea, Yu Wanqiu initiated the conversation. "Hello, Iâm Yu Wanqiu, 25, an actress. I assume your mother has filled you in on me. Youâre 31, a returnee from abroad. I only finished high schoolâno university. We probably donât have much in common. Given your Western education, you must have progressive views. Can you really accept an arranged marriage? If youâre against it, Iâm fine with calling it off."
She would never cling to a man who didnât want her.
There were plenty of men in the worldâYu Wanqiu wasnât worried about finding a husband.
Though, admittedly, Lu Shuangchen was quite handsome. She did feel a flicker of attraction.
Yu Wanqiu had been acting for several years and had collaborated with many male actors... She had seen plenty of handsome men. It could be said that Lu Shuangchen was the most handsome man she had ever met. At 31, he might sound a bit old, but it wasnât something you could tell just by looking at him.
He wore a brown suit with a white shirt underneath. The cufflinks on his suit were made of turquoise, and his legs were quite long, giving off an air of scholarly refinement. His silver-rimmed glasses, though worn for nearsightedness, made him look incredibly dashing. Through the lenses, one could see that Lu Shuangchenâs eyes were sharp and full of vitality.
His eyes were captivating, and coupled with the aura of a Ph.D., Yu Wanqiu was fairly satisfied with his external qualities.
She was well aware of the prejudice outsiders held against her profession, especially in a family like the Lu household, where someone like Lu Shuangchenâeducated abroad, highly accomplished, and progressive in his thinkingâmight judge her.
Lu Shuangchen seemed momentarily taken aback by her words. Yu Wanqiu took a sip of the tea on the table, wondering if she hadnât made herself clear enough. Did she need to repeat herself?
Lu Shuangchen stood up and refilled her teacup. "I donât think what you said is entirely accurate. Let me explain why. First, I believe shared interests arenât solely based on academic background. After all, Iâm looking for a wife, not a business partner. Youâre an actress, and I know a thing or two about the film industryâitâs not like we have nothing in common. Second, while I studied abroad, what I learned were advanced knowledge and techniques. If by âprogressive thinkingâ you mean gender equality, then yes, my views are quite progressive. But as for other things, I didnât pick them up."
If Yu Wanqiu thought he was the type to fool around, she was mistaken. Lu Shuangchen spent most of his time in the research lab.
Yu Wanqiu looked surprised.
Who would seriously explain themselves like that, listing reasons one by one? Was this how everyone who studied abroad behaved?
Lu Shuangchen wasnât finished. "Iâm not uncomfortable with the idea of an arranged marriage. If I were, I wouldnât have kept you waiting this long."
Nor would he have waited until now to bring it up.
Yu Wanqiu felt a twinge of guilt. After all, she was still young, in the prime of her youth, while Lu Shuangchen was already past thirty. If anyone was being held back, it was him, not her.
Lu Shuangchen adjusted his glasses. "If you think Iâm too oldâwell, thatâs a fact, and thereâs no changing it."
Yu Wanqiu couldnât help but feel his unspoken words were: Itâs not like you didnât know Iâm six years older than you from the start. Using that as an excuse to refuse doesnât hold up.
Strangely enough, Yu Wanqiu found the way he adjusted his glasses incredibly attractive.
She had to admit that even after meeting all sorts of dazzling male celebrities, each with their own charm, Lu Shuangchen still stood out as the most handsome.
Both of them were intelligent, and Yu Wanqiu understood perfectly well what Lu Shuangchen was implying.
This meeting was, after all, a setup for a blind date. Judging by his words, Lu Shuangchen seemed quite satisfied with her.
Lu Shuangchen continued, "Iâm 185 cm tall, weigh 72 kg, and am currently the head of Luyuan Network Information Co., Ltd. I rarely drink or smoke and have no other bad habits. My left eye is nearsighted at 350 degrees, and my right eye at 300 degrees. After marriage, Iâll hand over my salary and wonât hide any private savings. Miss Yu Wanqiu, will you marry me?"
Yu Wanqiu hadnât expected the proposal to come so soon.
Just last night, she had thought Lu Shuangchen was unwilling. She had come today prepared to call off the engagement.
But it turned out he was willing.
Yu Wanqiu replied, "I have no objections to marriage, but I wonât leave the entertainment industry after weâre married, nor will I give up my career to become a housewife."
That was her only condition. She loved acting.
Lu Shuangchen nodded. "Donât worry, I wouldnât ask that of you."
Yu Wanqiu gave a small nod. "Then I have nothing else to say. Pick a day to propose formally."
Lu Shuangchenâs expression remained neutral, showing neither joy nor excitement at her acceptance.
Yu Wanqiuâs demeanor was equally calm. She sipped tea with him and later joined him for lunch at the Western restaurant he had reserved before heading home.
Lu Shuangchen acted swiftly. Just three days after their meeting, he arrived at the Yu family home to propose formally.
Lu Shuangchen, Lu Zhenyuan, Lu Shuangchenâs mother, his older brother, sister-in-law, and even their newborn nephew all came along.
Yu Wanqiu was startled by the entourage.
The two families lived just two streets apart, yet the Lu family had arrived by car.
At a little past eight in the morning, before Yu Wanqiu had even woken up properly, she heard commotion outside.
After changing her clothes and stepping out, she saw Lu Shuangchen carrying in a case of wine labeled "Jiannanchun."
He set it down in the courtyard and greeted her.
"Just woke up?"
Yu Wanqiu smoothed her hair. "Yeah. Why so early? Let me go wash up and put on some makeup first."
She was completely bare-faced, her hair unbrushed and her face unwashed.
Lu Shuangchen said, "You look beautiful as you are... Thereâs still more to bring in. Iâll go finish unloading and see you in a bit."
The Yu household was bustling with activity. Yu Wanqiu had no idea how many trips Lu Shuangchen had already made, but his forehead was glistening with sweat. Despite the late April heat, he was still dressed in a full suitâdidnât he find it stuffy?