My Mother-in-Law and I Became the Internet's Hottest Power Couple-Chapter 96

Documenting life while traveling.

Jiang Lan first waved at the camera, "This is a small town in G Province’s G City. The lady beside me is Ms. Yu Wanqiu. Today is the second day of our graduation trip. We just arrived in this town last night."

Yu Wanqiu greeted the camera as well, "I’ve been to G City before for filming, but never had the chance to explore. This time, I’ll take a proper look around. Let’s go grab breakfast first."

Tourist spots like this often attract influencers, all carrying recording equipment. At a roadside stall, someone sat eating while filming.

The town was tranquil in the early morning, veiled in a light mist. The morning market was already bustling, with locals shopping for groceries to prepare breakfast.

Food stalls and breakfast shops filled the air with steam—selling steamed buns, shaomai, dumplings, along with savory tea, rice noodle rolls, and more. The streets were rich with mouthwatering aromas.

The slow pace of life was unmistakable.

The two had arrived in town the night before and ventured out early in the morning. The streets were lively, with small outdoor tables packed with people.

Jiang Lan was already starving.

Yu Wanqiu was also tempted. "Let’s eat first."

They chose a crowded stall and settled in a corner. The menu on the wall offered a wide variety of dishes. Jiang Lan and Yu Wanqiu each ordered a bowl of savory tea.

The owner asked if they wanted chili or cilantro. Jiang Lan replied, "One with extra chili, no cilantro. The other with less chili and cilantro."

The savory tea was topped with crumbled fried dough twists and a generous spoonful of chili oil—Yu Wanqiu’s had just a little spice. After finishing, they were still hungry, so Jiang Lan ordered rice noodle rolls next.

The translucent rice sheets were wrapped around eggs and shrimp, incredibly fresh.

Small towns like this were perfect—plenty of delicious, affordable snacks.

Breakfast cost them only twenty yuan in total.

For this trip, Jiang Lan and Yu Wanqiu had planned meticulously, especially regarding their budget.

They ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‍aimed to spend wisely—splurging where necessary but not wasting a single penny.

After breakfast, with full stomachs, they strolled leisurely through the town.

The town was crisscrossed with waterways, and many locals commuted by small boats. The most important part of the day was eating. Tourism drove the economy, and the locals spoke in a soft, melodic dialect. "Hey there, want a boat ride?"

Dozens of wooden boats waited by the bridge. For ten yuan, they could tour most of the town by water.

Extra charges applied if they wanted snacks like loquats or lotus seeds.

Yu Wanqiu said, "Let’s take one. We can note any interesting spots along the way and return in the afternoon."

The water shimmered under the sunlight. After a morning on the boat, noon arrived quickly.

A vendor’s voice rang out from the street, "Zeng cake for sale! Rose zeng cake, osmanthus zeng cake—delicious zeng cake here!"

The air was sweet with the fragrance of rose jam and osmanthus honey. Jiang Lan had never tried zeng cake before, but it sounded irresistible.

Mimicking the vendor’s tone, she said, "Ms. Yu, let’s have some zeng cake."

It was a local specialty—how could they leave without trying it? Budgets aside, neither of them was short on money. They each bought a piece, choosing different flavors to share.

Zeng cake alone couldn’t satisfy their growling stomachs. It was already noon—time for a proper lunch. The cake could serve as a pre-meal snack.

But deciding where to eat proved tricky.

Yu Wanqiu suggested, "Places with lots of customers must be good."

They found a small restaurant—modest but clean and reasonably priced. They ordered three dishes: stir-fried wild greens with eggs, pickled fish, and braised eel strips, along with two bowls of soy sauce rice. The total came to 106 yuan.

Including the boat ride, zeng cake, and breakfast, they’d only spent 146 yuan for the day.

Jiang Lan grabbed two bottles of cola from the fridge. Just 150 yuan for half a day.

Though Yu Wanqiu and Lu Shuangchen had a habit of indulging in luxuries, they never wasted money on meals. Even Lu Yicheng was the same.

The soy sauce rice was incredibly fragrant—Jiang Lan could easily eat two bowls of just rice. The pickled fish was better than Lu Yicheng’s version—thinly sliced, tender, paired with spicy chopped peppers and tangy pickled greens. The fish broth was rich and flavorful, perfect for pouring over rice.

The braised eel strips were a local specialty. With so much water around, the seafood was always fresh.

Even the simple stir-fried wild greens had a natural sweetness.

As they ate, Yu Wanqiu chatted with the owner. "Boss, what are some fun spots around here? We’re making travel videos and prefer places that aren’t too crowded."

The owner didn’t recognize them but found them familiar. "There’s a lotus garden up ahead—about five kilometers away. You can take a boat, pick lotus flowers, and even enjoy a lotus-themed meal. The lotuses there are huge and beautiful. The next town over has a mountain called Misty Cloud Mountain. Outsiders might not know it, but it’s got a unique grassland landscape—different from regular mountains. Great for flying kites. For two people, you could also explore the local shops. They sell all kinds of interesting souvenirs."

The owner, charmed by their looks, added, "But I’d most recommend Misty Cloud Mountain. The sunrise there is breathtaking. Some call it the ‘City in the Sky.’"

"Castle in the Sky" is a very famous animated film with high ratings, and the scenery in it is absolutely stunning. It wasn’t included in Jiang Lan’s travel guide, but with a name like "Castle in the Sky," it must be breathtaking.

"Boss, how much is the admission ticket?"

"Fifteen per person. Though, we locals think it’s great, but outsiders might not like it as much," the boss chuckled. "Do you make money from your videos? There are a lot of content creators here filming short clips."

Many of them have huge followings and earn quite a bit from it—way more than what they’d make from setting up stalls.

Jiang Lan replied, "The earnings are just enough to cover my travels."

The boss burst out laughing. "Well, if you ask me, you should go to Yunwu Mountain. Places like Yunshui Pavilion and Fengtuo Mountain are overdone—boring. Yunwu Mountain is the most beautiful, though it’s a bit far, in the next town over. But transportation is convenient now; it only takes an hour and a half by bus."

The local scenery here is far more stunning than the famous Tuofeng Mountain in the city.

"Sunrise at Yunwu Mountain is spectacular too. Everyone loves watching the sunrise over the sea, but here, it’s a sea of clouds. The mountain winds are strong, but the slopes are gentle—perfect for flying kites or having a picnic. We locals go there several times a year."

If they wanted to catch the sunrise, they’d have to wake up early the next morning. Since they were already here, it’d be a shame to miss it.

Jiang Lan checked the weather forecast—clear skies for the next few days, with rain only expected next Tuesday.

"Professor Yu, let’s go to Yunwu Mountain. We’ll book the ride first, then head to the supermarket in the afternoon for food and drinks."

Planning the trip down to the details—what to eat, which transport to take—gave her a sense of accomplishment.

Yu Wanqiu asked, "Should we buy a kite? The ones on the mountain might be expensive."

They could buy one if they came across it, or just get it on the mountain, but things in tourist spots were always overpriced.

...

Better to bring everything they needed.

After lunch, Jiang Lan and Yu Wanqiu returned to the hotel for a nap. In the afternoon, they changed into qipaos and stepped out under parasols.

The qipaos were newly made for their trip to G City—one for each of them, a graduation gift from Jiang Lan to Yu Wanqiu.

Yu Wanqiu’s qipao was wine-red, adorned with dark brown maple leaf patterns. The high collar and side slits reached her thighs, accentuating her figure flawlessly. Holding a folding fan, she looked like a beauty straight out of a painting.

Yu Wanqiu was stunning in a qipao. Her hair now reached her shoulders, curled into soft waves. A diamond necklace graced her neck, and her wrist was adorned with a string of green beads. In black high heels, every step she took was graceful, as if she were walking through a photoshoot.

In contrast, Jiang Lan’s qipao exuded a fresh, youthful charm. Hers was cyan-green, embroidered with emerald bamboo patterns—simple yet lovely.

She wore a pair of cream-colored round-toe heels with a modest five-centimeter heel, instantly boosting her height to 170 cm.

Seeing Jiang Lan in the qipao, Yu Wanqiu felt a surge of pride—like watching her own daughter blossom into a beautiful young woman. And now, this lovely girl was going to end up with Lu Yicheng…

"Professor Yu, look how tall I’ve gotten!" Jiang Lan had indeed grown a little taller, thanks to all the milk and yogurt she drank.

Lu Yicheng always brought snacks and yogurt when he visited, and the Lu household was never short of milk. As the brand ambassador for Yuexiang, Yu Wanqiu often received crates of it as gifts.

Milk was a constant in the Lu family, and since Lu Yicheng frequently visited Jiang Lan’s home, the Jiang household was never without it either.

Xie Yunzhen felt terribly awkward about accepting gifts from the Lu family, but Jiang Lan didn’t mind—after all, it wasn’t like they were strangers. She often brought roast chicken for Yu Wanqiu too.

Yu Wanqiu teased, "That’s just the heels. But you do look beautiful—like a fairy."

Jiang Lan grinned. "Stand by the bridge. I’ll take your picture."

There was no better backdrop for qipaos than this quaint little town.

By afternoon, Jiang Lan had discovered another gem—an embroidery workshop. It was one of the handicraft shops the boss had mentioned, but this one had a plaque declaring it a heritage site.

The embroiderer was an elderly woman, her walls adorned with exquisite pieces—each worth thousands.

As a heritage inheritor, she sold her work right there. For those who couldn’t afford large pieces, there were smaller items like sachets, pouches, and coin purses, priced between a hundred or two. The embroidery was delicate and vibrant.

For a cheaper option, visitors could buy embroidery kits at half the price, with the old lady offering guidance.

But of course, self-made embroidery could never match the craftsmanship of a professional.

There were countless patterns to choose from. Yu Wanqiu was particularly taken with the idea—nothing too elaborate, just a little rabbit or dog would do. With Jiang Lan, she didn’t need to stand on ceremony.

"I’d love one embroidered by you—a sachet, maybe? We can hang it on us tomorrow while hiking to ward off insects."

How could Jiang Lan refuse? She’d agree to anything the stunning woman asked. "Sure, but don’t complain if it turns out ugly."

Jiang Lan also wanted to make one for Lu Yicheng. If she couldn’t finish it today, she’d take a kit home.

The elderly woman at the embroidery frame adjusted her glasses. "You two sisters have such a lovely bond, traveling together like this."

The elderly lady had poor eyesight, and coupled with Yu Wanqiu's well-maintained appearance—she looked no older than her twenties—both women were dressed in qipaos. To the old lady, they might as well have been sisters.

Yu Wanqiu was overjoyed by the remark and laughed heartily. "Oh my, I'm two zodiac cycles older than her! I'm her boyfriend's mother. Come visit us during the holidays."

"Ma'am, do you take custom embroidery orders here? I'd like one with a 'Dragon and Phoenix in Harmony' design—something auspicious. How long would it take to complete?"

It was quite unusual for a girlfriend to be out shopping with her boyfriend's mother.

The shopkeeper already had a backlog of orders; finishing one would take until next year, and with another half a year of embroidery, it wouldn't be ready until next winter.

Jiang Lan tugged at Yu Wanqiu's hand. "Teacher Yu, what are you doing?"

"Dragon and Phoenix in Harmony"—was this what she thought it was?

Yu Wanqiu replied matter-of-factly, "Buying a decorative piece for the house, of course."

Jiang Lan sighed in relief. As long as it wasn’t for her, it was fine. A large piece like that would cost tens of thousands, and she couldn’t bear to spend that much.

After listening to the elderly lady’s embroidery lecture, Jiang Lan began contemplating how to start stitching her own rabbit design. Sitting quietly on a small embroidery stool, she focused intently.

Yu Wanqiu stepped inside to discuss the custom order with the elderly lady, their conversation inaudible from outside.

Yu Wanqiu said, "Can you also tailor clothes here? I need about four sets in total—for both men and women. I’m in a bit of a hurry, so I’d appreciate it if you could expedite the process. Of course, I won’t let you work for free."

She was willing to pay extra.

Even as a craftswoman, one still had to make a living. Extra income was always welcome.

The elderly lady adjusted her glasses. "What kind of clothes? I don’t usually make garments, but there’s a tailor next door—old-school craftsmanship. Between the two of us, we might be able to manage."

"I want a wedding dress. The young lady outside is getting married, and I’d like to prepare a traditional bridal gown for her, along with a reception dress," Yu Wanqiu explained. "We’ll need matching attire for the groom too. I can provide the measurements."

She already knew Jiang Lan’s measurements, and Lu Yicheng’s could be easily obtained.

Wedding attire should have been prepared by the couple themselves. If Lu Yicheng planned to propose, he couldn’t just leave Jiang Lan with nothing after she said yes.

Most people rented wedding dresses, but Yu Wanqiu wouldn’t settle for that. The Lu family wasn’t short on money, and since marriage was a once-in-a-lifetime event, only the best would do.

A wedding gown, a traditional bridal dress, and reception attire—all had to be prepared.

Lu Yicheng might seem mature, but he was still naive in many ways, overlooking important details. As his mother, she had to step in.

Yu Wanqiu had noticed Lu Yicheng’s intention to propose months ago—it was obvious, just like when she’d first realized he was dating. His eyes had sparkled as he showed her the engagement ring he’d designed.

She really shouldn’t have trusted the taste of the Lu men—that ring had been hideous.

Sentiment was one thing, but professional matters should be left to professionals. The design of the bridal gown, the number of pearls and gemstones to be used, the style of the phoenix crown—all required expertise.

On top of that, there would also be a Western-style wedding dress. Yu Wanqiu planned to have it custom-made—tiara, gown, veil, bridal shoes, and two reception dresses (one Eastern, one Western).

Even the outfits for the bride’s return visit and Lu Yicheng’s attire would be matching, ensuring everyone recognized them as the newlyweds. Bridesmaid dresses could wait—Jiang Lan’s bridesmaid would likely be Xu Xiang, and those could be bought later.

As someone who’d been through it all, Yu Wanqiu knew the ropes. Lu Yicheng was lucky to have a mother like her.

Young people these days knew nothing—just fooling around.

The elderly lady wore a complicated expression, thinking to herself, How odd—a future mother-in-law shopping with her daughter-in-law-to-be, preparing wedding dresses and reception gowns.

Yu Wanqiu listed her requirements: "The bridal gown can be embroidered with gold and silver threads, pearls, and the like—but no gemstones. Those would look tacky. Can you make a phoenix crown here? Do you know any artisans who could craft one? I already have the pearls—just make sure it’s beautifully done."

The elderly lady: "...I do know someone."

How much would this wedding even cost? Gemstones were considered tacky, though she had to admit, embedding them in a bridal gown would look gaudy. This woman had taste.

Then again, Yu Wanqiu had acted in countless period dramas and worn countless costumes—she knew what worked.

"For the reception dress, a qipao would do. Pair it with red shoes—not too high, she’s not good in towering heels." Yu Wanqiu finally felt the thrill of dressing up a daughter. "The bridal shoes should be embroidered slippers—those can be adorned with pearls and gemstones. Every piece, down to the smallest detail, must be perfect."

When Lu Yicheng saw Jiang Lan in all this, his eyes would pop.

The elderly lady’s throat felt dry. It was clear—this woman had money to spare.

"Any other requirements?"

Yu Wanqiu thought for a moment. "Not really. Just make sure everything looks stunning."

The elderly lady nodded. "I can handle this. Let’s pick out the fabrics."

As a inheritor of intangible cultural heritage, the elderly lady had many exquisite fabrics tucked away—silk brocade, Shu embroidery, sheer gauze. After carefully selecting each material and thread, Yu Wanqiu generously paid the deposit.

The deposit alone was no small sum. In a couple of days—two at most—her assistant Xiao Xu would deliver the pearls and gemstones.

Yu Wanqiu spent over an hour chatting with the elderly lady, while Jiang Lan was nearly done embroidering her little rabbit.

The thread shimmered with a pearly sheen, and the rabbit looked adorably clumsy. Though her embroidery skills couldn’t compare to the local artisans, it was still quite lovely.

"Teacher Yu, you finished talking so quickly," Jiang Lan remarked.

Yu Wanqiu replied, "It’s already been over an hour."

Jiang Lan checked her phone and was startled—so much time had passed. "What do you think of the rabbit? I think it turned out pretty well."

It was pretty. Yu Wanqiu liked it very much.

After removing the fabric from the embroidery hoop, sewing it into a sachet was simple. They just needed to fill it with mosquito-repelling herbs.

Once they paid, Jiang Lan didn’t ask about Yu Wanqiu’s custom order. The two then enjoyed a fish hotpot in the town—slices of fish cooked in piping-hot broth, fresh and fragrant, utterly delicious.

After dinner, they took in the town’s night scenery.

The streetlamps were shaped like lanterns, glowing red like persimmons hanging from trees. A string of lanterns lined the riverbank, their reflections shimmering on the water.

The orange-red glow swayed gently, and in the distance, boats with black canopies drifted along the river.

The sky was dotted with stars, and the moonlight melted into the water—truly a beautiful sight.

Wearing a qipao at night felt a bit chilly. Jiang Lan rubbed her arms. "Teacher Yu, let’s head back."

Yu Wanqiu held the sachet. "Alright. Do you want to grab a bite first? I think I smell barbecue."

So, they ended up buying skewers—grilled river shrimp, small fish, lamb, and beef—chatting as they ate.

When girlfriends talk, the topics usually revolve around pretty clothes or complaining about their boyfriends or husbands being idiots.

Yu Wanqiu cleared her throat. "Can I ask you something…?"

Jiang Lan tensed. "What is it?"

Yu Wanqiu said, "Have you ever thought about marrying Lu Yicheng?"

When a relationship reaches its natural progression, the next step is marriage. If Lu Yicheng proposed, what if Jiang Lan refused?

Jiang Lan’s heart raced, her face instantly flushing. Her throat felt dry. "...Yeah, I have."

Why bring this up so suddenly?

It was the truth. It wasn’t just because she’d graduated and found a job—though those were milestones, they weren’t the reason.

When she thought of marriage… the only person she could picture was Lu Yicheng.

Sure, she sometimes called him a dog or an idiot, but… love was love. It couldn’t be hidden.

As for why she loved him, she couldn’t quite explain. But whenever something new happened, she wanted to share it with him. Talking to him made her feel silly—and made her realize she was silly too.

"People online always say not to marry too young, but… if you love someone and everything fits, why wait?"

Marry early, enjoy early. Jiang Lan added, "Teacher Yu, do you think Lu Yicheng would be shocked if I proposed to him?"

Yu Wanqiu: "...How would I know? I’m not him. And let me tell you, a girl shouldn’t propose to a guy."

Jiang Lan sighed. "It’s just… any proposal Lu Yicheng comes up with probably won’t be very romantic."

Now Yu Wanqiu understood—Jiang Lan liked romance.

If Lu Yicheng was planning to propose, he couldn’t let Jiang Lan beat him to it.

Yu Wanqiu said, "You’re still young. There’s no rush."

As Lu Yicheng’s mother and Jiang Lan’s friend, Yu Wanqiu hoped they’d stay together forever.

They’d come a long way. After the proposal, the families could formally meet.

Since they planned to watch the sunrise at Yunwu Mountain the next morning, they soon fell asleep.

At 5 a.m., the sky just beginning to lighten, Jiang Lan and Yu Wanqiu boarded the bus to Yunwu Mountain.

Tickets cost 10 yuan per person. Breakfast was store-bought bread.

Each carried a backpack with snacks and water—never buy drinks at tourist spots.

The morning air was crisp. Jiang Lan and Yu Wanqiu didn’t know if Yunwu Mountain would be worth the trip.

By 5:30 a.m., they arrived at the foot of the mountain in the neighboring town. Finally, Jiang Lan understood what "grassland scenery" truly meant.

It felt like stepping into an anime world.

Before them stretched wildly growing green grass, just the right height—reaching mid-calf, swaying in the wind like the earth’s own hair, or as if someone had laid down a fuzzy carpet.

The rolling peaks were all covered in this grass. Halfway up, mist swirled in thick patches. Standing at the base, it almost felt like the sea of clouds was calling to them.

Yu Wanqiu was speechless with awe. Once, during their honeymoon, Lu Shuangchen had invited her to hike. She’d refused—she hated climbing. But now she realized: watching the sunrise from a mountain was incredibly romantic.

The sun hadn’t risen yet. The mountain air was damp and cold.

The summit seemed to touch the sky, while the base stayed grounded. Looking up, the peaks appeared to grow straight out of the clouds—no wonder it was called the "City in the Sky."

A narrow path wound up the mountain, as if someone had split it open. The two walked through the slender gap.

Grass grew wildly on both sides, untamed and full of life. Jiang Lan tugged Yu Wanqiu’s sleeve. "Teacher Yu, look—the wind blows in different directions here."

The way the grass bent revealed the wind’s path, and each patch swayed differently.

Yesterday, the two of them had also bought a kite. Yu Wanqiu didn’t know where to find one, but flying a kite here would surely be a beautiful sight.

A little past six in the morning, they crossed the sea of clouds in the middle and finally reached the mountaintop. Since it wasn’t a holiday, there weren’t many people—just a few scattered photography enthusiasts setting up their cameras to capture the sunrise.

Jiang Lan, exhausted from the climb, sat on the stone steps at the summit. Most people were using tripods for their photos, so she and Yu Wanqiu, who were just filming with their phones, didn’t stand out.

The mountain lay beneath their feet, while clouds drifted among its peaks. The sun hadn’t risen yet, and Jiang Lan took a couple of gulps from her water bottle.

The kite seller was halfway up the mountain. Each kite cost fifty, the kind that was exceptionally well-made...

They settled for a paper kite, and water was twenty-one a bottle. Fortunately, they had brought their own, or they’d have had to spend extra.

Sitting at the summit felt a bit like watching the sunrise by the sea.

At six-thirty, the sun emerged from the clouds, rising above the sea of mist and painting the sky in gold. The mountain breeze was refreshing, and the dew on the grass sparkled under the sunlight.

Jiang Lan was mesmerized. Beside her, Yu Wanqiu snapped a photo of her and casually sent it to Lu Yicheng.

Lu Yicheng stared at it for a long time.

He didn’t understand the so-called "seven-year itch." In all his life, Jiang Lan was the only one who had ever made his heart race.

He had held back his feelings throughout high school, but eventually, he couldn’t resist confessing—and Jiang Lan became his girlfriend.

Once they were together, he couldn’t help but want to stay that way forever. Just over a year into their relationship, Lu Yicheng had already thought about marriage, even though he wasn’t even twenty yet.

Lu Yicheng missed Jiang Lan terribly. He sent Yu Wanqiu a message:

[A few days of fun is enough, don’t you think? Dad’s lonely—you should come back and keep him company.]

Yu Wanqiu put her phone away. If only Lu Shuangchen could be half as proactive as his son, she wouldn’t have anything to complain about.

She turned her gaze back to the sunrise.

The sun transformed from a crimson dot to a golden yolk, then half a sphere, until finally, it rose completely.

The clouds encircling the midsection of the mountain never dissipated.

Sunlight spilled over the drifting mist, like a moving castle, while the grass thrived under its glow.

It felt like something out of an animated film—unreal in its beauty.

Jiang Lan sighed. "Those fifteen yuan were so worth it. Too bad I’ve already graduated, or I could’ve gotten a student discount."

She and Yu Wanqiu took countless photos. Once the sun had fully risen, the morning chill faded, replaced by warmth.

When the sunlight grew comfortably warm, they headed back down to the mountainside to fly their kite. The terrain here was flat, making it effortless—just a few steps, and the kite soared into the sky.

As the kite danced among the clouds, Yu Wanqiu mused, "I wonder how Lu Yicheng and the others are doing. Ah, never mind—let’s just enjoy ourselves."

Jiang Lan found herself missing Lu Yicheng. They had watched sunrises together before—back in school, waking up early to jog around the track as the sun climbed above the horizon.

They had never flown a kite together, though. Lu Yicheng was tall—he’d probably be great at it.

The kite weaved through the sea of clouds, giving the illusion of traveling through time.

They couldn’t get enough. It wasn’t until past four in the afternoon that they finally descended the mountain. The mist still lingered—visible but untouchable, slipping through their fingers.

Seeing how much fun Jiang Lan was having, Yu Wanqiu didn’t mention that Lu Yicheng was planning to come.

Instead, she made a call in front of Jiang Lan. "Xia Jing? What’s up?"

Whatever was said on the other end made Yu Wanqiu frown. "Voice acting? Right now? Where... B City? I’m actually not in B City at the moment. I’ll head back tomorrow."

After hanging up, she turned to Jiang Lan apologetically. "I’m sorry, but I have to go. It’s for Tribute—I need to do the voice work."

"Then I’ll go back with you," Jiang Lan said, checking her phone. Lu Yicheng was busy with work, and staying here alone wouldn’t be fun anyway. She could always come back later.

Yu Wanqiu nodded in agreement. Though disappointed, Jiang Lan understood—when duty called, it took priority.

Yu Wanqiu smiled but said nothing more.

By dinnertime around six, Jiang Lan’s phone rang.

It was Lu Yicheng.

She answered immediately, waving at the screen. "Good evening, Lu Yicheng! Did you just get off work?"

"Yeah, just finished," he replied. "Called to ask—did you miss me?"

Jiang Lan nodded honestly. "Lu Yicheng, you’ll see me soon. I’m coming back tomorrow."

Lu Yicheng’s expression shifted—just before she added, "I’ll be back tomorrow."