The video of Chu Lai and Cen Wei running off on their wedding day stayed on the trending list even by the following evening, partly because some companies were fanning the flames. No one expected the boss to still be thinking about his career right after getting married. The marketing department, which had been worried about how to boost brand recognition and whether to hire a celebrity spokesperson, finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Several bloggers took this opportunity to educate people about umbrella-making, and some content creators even made videos about the development history of Lianxin, a century-old umbrella company.

After sleeping for an entire day, Chu Lai scrolled through a lot of news on the way back. Liu Yuan had sent him several messages, probably feeling strange that Chu Lai hadn’t replied all day. By the time Chu Lai responded, Liu Yuan sent back several laughing emojis.

[Liu Yuan]: “You finally replied! So, how does it feel to run away from your own wedding? I think Shen Quanzhang really lacked vision—aren’t you romantic?”

[Liu Yuan]: “Looks like the right person really does spark chemistry.”

Chu Lai thought, how does he know this so fast? It’s not like I haven’t been in relationships before. Why does Liu Yuan have so much experience?

He thought for a moment, then asked back: “How is running away romantic? And this wasn’t even running away.”

Liu Yuan replied instantly: “Running off from your wedding in front of everyone, with that heavy snow, those umbrellas, and your outfits—people would believe it was a TV drama! I’m so jealous!”

His way of expressing jealousy was through lots of exclamation marks, which hurt Chu Lai’s eyes.

[Liu Yuan]: “You don’t even know—those umbrellas from your wedding gift bags are now being sold online for ridiculous prices in the second-hand market, enough to cover my monthly salary!”

Liu Yuan was chatty, and his messages came in like a barrage. The handmade wooden umbrellas were indeed expensive. Even though the ones given as wedding favors weren’t the most premium products in the Cen family’s production line, Cen Wei’s international luxury umbrella brand already gave those who received the gifts a sense of prestige.

Liu Yuan posted several WeChat Moments expressing his thoughts about Chu Lai’s marriage. The beautifully carved umbrella handles and heads made Liu Yuan think of the gift Chu Lai had given him, and he couldn’t help but ask on WeChat: “Our Lai Lai isn’t bad either. Mr. Cen even asked me for high-definition pictures of the gift. I think it’s not just my imagination—he seems a bit jealous of me, haha.”

It wasn’t just a little jealousy. It was so obvious that even Chu Lai found it funny, but after laughing, he felt a warmth in his heart.

As they got out of the car and walked toward the house, Cen Wei finished a phone call and asked Chu Lai, “Who are you chatting with? You seem really happy.”

“Liu Yuan,” Chu Lai replied.

“Oh,” Cen Wei responded casually. Chu Lai looked up to study his expression, but when their eyes met, Cen Wei asked curiously, “What’s wrong?”

Chu Lai said, “He told me you seem a bit jealous of him.”

Cen Wei coughed, trying to cover up, and quickly sped up his pace. Chu Lai thought to himself, He acts all serious, but deep down, he’s totally a jealous king.

Chu Lai chatted with Liu Yuan for a bit longer and then scrolled through his WeChat. Yu Ruimei, after attending the wedding, had already left. She had sent Chu Lai a long message, and despite breaking it up into smaller voice notes, her choked emotions could still be heard.

It was nothing but blessings, hoping he’d be happy in the future. She mentioned how his little brother loved the wedding favor umbrella and that his classmates at school were all talking about it. The final voice note was short and quiet, asking: “Lai Lai, do you like your current job?”

The last thing she sent was a picture—a letter Chu Lai had written to her many years ago. At that time, Yu Ruimei had to travel for business, and a week felt like an eternity to a child.

Chu Lai’s father had encouraged him to write to his mom, saying that if you miss someone, you should express it. Chu Lai, with his messy handwriting, had painstakingly written out a simple account of the week. The letter had turned into a kind of homework assignment, listing the things he and his dad had done that week.

As a child, Chu Lai still liked to express what he enjoyed, and the letter ended with a sentence that read, “Mom, I really like wood carving. When I grow up, I want to be a master woodcarver.”

That was so long ago, and now Chu Lai felt nothing but embarrassment when he saw his wobbly handwriting.

At the entrance of the house, Cen Wei was waiting for him. Da Cai, the dog, excitedly ran over, but before he could jump on Chu Lai, he was scooped up by Cen Wei, who expertly held him in his arms, even covering the dog’s mouth and saying softly, “Don’t bite the pant legs.”

The way he handled the dog so naturally showed no trace of the fear he used to have. He had even thoughtfully prepared slippers for Chu Lai, a gesture that left the housekeeper at a loss for words.

Grandma Hong, sitting on the sofa, chuckled, “He’s getting even more attentive after the wedding. Looks like their relationship is really strong.”

“Unlike some people, who don’t even bring me flowers after we got married,” she teased.

Grandpa Cen, who was watching TV with her, quickly defended himself.

The old man looked much healthier now. His illness had never been a secret, but at the wedding yesterday, he had looked energetic, healthier than some other old men. His loud and clear toast had surprised many, leading to rumors that the wedding was some kind of traditional method to prolong life.

Grandpa Cen retorted, “I even washed your feet myself, don’t you remember?”

Grandma Hong scoffed, “What’s so special about that? You can’t even wash feet properly.”

The two elderly folks continued their playful bickering. Meanwhile, Cen Wei noticed the enlarged photo on Chu Lai’s phone screen. He caught sight of the words “master woodcarver,” and though the childish handwriting gave him a clue, he asked, “Master woodcarver?”

Chu Lai had just finished changing his shoes, and as usual, Da Cai nipped at his pant leg. Not paying attention, Chu Lai nearly stumbled, but Cen Wei quickly steadied him, naturally pulling him into his arms.

Just then, Xuan Rongqing walked out of the kitchen, exclaiming, “Ah, newlyweds really are different, aren’t they?”

The teasing from the elders was open and direct, something Chu Lai had never experienced in a typical family.

But he hadn’t married into a typical family. He gently pushed away from Cen Wei, only for the latter to grab his hand again. “Can the master woodcarver teach me?”

The housekeeper came in, carrying the toolbox, and Grandpa Cen asked, “What’s that?”

“It’s Lai Lai’s dad’s toolbox,” said Cen Wei.

Before Chu Lai could say anything, Cen Wei had already started introducing it to the family, even showing off one of Chu Lai’s childhood woodcarvings of a rabbit.

“Wow, Lai Lai’s so talented! That’s pure genius!” Grandpa Cen exclaimed.

Grandma Hong gushed, “This little wooden cat is just adorable. Oh my, it’s melting my heart!”

Xuan Rongqing picked up the failed carving that Cen Wei had made earlier in the day. “Did you make this, Cen Wei? Didn’t you learn from Grandpa? How did it turn out like this?”

The family continued to gently poke fun at Cen Wei, and even during dinner, they kept talking about it.

Despite being a prominent family, the Cen household didn’t follow strict traditions like staying silent during meals. Since the family wasn’t large, they liked to keep things lively, chatting even while the TV played in the background.

Grandpa Cen asked, “I heard you went to Lai Lai’s old house? Is that neighborhood being torn down? I wish I could still travel. I’d love to go see it.”

Every day, the family doctor checked on Grandpa Cen. Despite the hospital’s earlier prognosis that he didn’t have much time left, his health seemed to be improving.

Chu Lai thought, He’s louder than me—he could probably crack five walnuts with one punch.

“It hasn’t been demolished yet,” said Cen Wei. “It’s filled with Lai Lai’s memories. I’d rather leave it as it is.”

Chu Lai, sitting next to him, bluntly interjected, “But the compensation for demolition would be pretty high.”

Grandpa Cen burst out laughing. “Cen Wei, I think Lai Lai is the smart one here.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” said Cen Wei. “Lai Lai is amazing, and I’m just too clumsy.”

Chu Lai had never received so much praise in his life. Xuan Rongqing kept adding food to his plate, and no one brought up the fact that they had run off during the wedding.

Grandpa Cen said, “You have no idea—Old Wang even called me to say the new project you’re developing is great, something tied to traditional culture. He said if you ever want to open a workshop, he’ll support you.”

This wasn’t something Cen Wei had considered yet, so he discussed business with Grandpa Cen for a bit. Meanwhile, Grandma Hong sat next to Chu Lai, playing on her phone. Chu Lai glanced over and saw that she was watching videos of muscular men.

Sensing his gaze, Grandma Hong shushed him. “Don’t let your grandpa see—he’s very petty.”

Chu Lai nodded in agreement, and she even tilted her phone toward him, introducing him to the young content creators she followed.

The short videos looped, featuring explosive effects, bulging muscles, and aggressive tattoos. With a smile, she asked, “Lai Lai, what do you think?”

Chu Lai wasn’t a fan of muscle-bound men, but he politely nodded. Just then, Grandpa Cen went to the restroom, and as their conversation ended, Cen Wei turned his attention to them.

He saw the muscular man flexing on Grandma Hong’s screen and was silent for a few seconds before glancing at Chu Lai.

Grandma Hong chimed in, “Lai Lai and I have the same taste. Isn’t that great?”

At a loss for words, Cen Wei felt compelled to ask Chu Lai, “Do you like this type too?”

Standing tall with just the right amount of muscle, Cen Wei was more of a model type than a bodybuilder. His disappointment was obvious in his voice, but Chu Lai, recalling how much he had said he liked him during their intimate moments, shook his head. “No, I like someone like you.”

Grandma Hong laughed, “Oh Lai Lai, you’re just appreciating the aesthetics! Cen Wei, why are you as petty as your grandpa?”

“I’m going to tell Grandpa,” said Cen Wei.

Grandma Hong huffed, “He looks at pretty women, but I like looking too!”

Xuan Rongqing urged them to keep eating and, with a smile, asked Chu Lai, “Is Cen Wei very clingy?”

Chu Lai hesitated for a few seconds before nodding, “I didn’t expect it.”

Xuan Rongqing recalled when Cen Wei was little, “He was like that as a child too. He was actually very shy. On his first day of kindergarten, he cried so much that the teacher had a headache. I was in the car, and he chased after me, so much so that people thought I was abandoning him.”

This was an embarrassing story, and since Cen Wei had little memory of it, he called out, “Mom, was that really necessary to share? I was just a few years old.”

Xuan Rongqing continued, “But Lai Lai was different as a child. Ruimei told me he could walk to kindergarten on his own, unlike someone who needed to be driven and then cried with snot everywhere.”

Cen Wei: …

Chu Lai pictured the scene and pressed his lips together, trying not to laugh, hoping to give Cen Wei some dignity.

Cen Wei sighed, “Go ahead and laugh. We’re at home, there’s no need to hold back.”

Chu Lai said softly, “It’s kind of cute.”

Given how mature and dependable Cen Wei seemed now, it was hard to imagine such an ordinary childhood.

Grandma Hong went back to watching her videos, where a row of muscular men were dancing provocatively. Chu Lai couldn’t bear to watch any longer, and Cen Wei leaned over to whisper in his ear, “If you like it, I can learn.”

Chu Lai silenced him by stuffing a potato into his mouth. “That kind of thing really tests your waist strength.”

The comment sounded ambiguous, almost as if he was implying Cen Wei didn’t have a strong enough waist, a jab most men couldn’t handle.

When Grandpa Cen returned from the restroom and noticed the two of them were gone, he saw Da Cai dressed in new clothes, struggling with the hoodie.

“Where’d they go? I wanted to talk to Lai Lai some more. Cen Wei mentioned he still has dreams of becoming a master woodcarver. Isn’t that something?” Grandpa asked.

Grandma Hong, having finished her videos, sighed and reminisced, “Ah, young people have so much passion. What do you know about it?”

The old man, a bit puzzled by the sudden scolding, looked to Xuan Rongqing for help. She covered her mouth, laughing, “Cen Wei and Lai Lai are getting along so well, they went upstairs to have a private conversation.”

But it wasn’t just a conversation. No one talks while sitting face-to-face like that.

Chu Lai hadn’t expected that when Cen Wei suggested “changing positions,” it would be in such a form. Now, his expensive gaming chair, bought with a hefty price tag, was dirtied.

Back when they were at the underground bar, when someone had accused Cen Wei of being frigid, Shen Ke clearly had no idea. Frigid? More like completely wild!

Chu Lai nearly slipped off Cen Wei’s lap, and as he reached out to grab the armrest, Cen Wei interlocked their fingers tightly.

Some people, on the surface, seem calm and reserved, as if they’re cold and indifferent, but in reality, they’re like ravenous wolves. It was clear that Cen Wei’s competitive and jealous streak was strong.

Eyes closed, Chu Lai tried to say, “No more,” but before he could get the words out, Cen Wei leaned in close to his ear and asked, “How’s this?”

His voice was naturally deep and seductive, easily beating out the voices of those foreign leather-clad streamers that Chu Lai had often listened to.

At this moment, even if someone opened the door, it wouldn’t have looked suspicious—just like they were cuddling. But in reality, Chu Lai’s whole body had gone soft. Still, he stubbornly replied, “You could totally make your own short videos now.”

CEO of a famous company doing provocative moves, even at 30 years old, still so competitive. Must be genetic.

Chu Lai thought, Next time I read comics, I’ll have to hide from him.

Cen Wei asked, “Make them just for you?”

By this point, Chu Lai’s reactions were slowing. He didn’t like exerting himself, so Cen Wei always accommodated him.

Always lazy in all aspects, Chu Lai’s face was flushed, and he shook his head in refusal. “Too explicit. I don’t like that.”

Cen Wei, however, couldn’t resist the way Chu Lai’s body responded despite his verbal refusal. Holding him close, he whispered, “You’re saying one thing, but your body is saying something else. You clearly love it.”