The tea room exuded a tranquil and elegant ambiance, with hanging curtains shielding unrelated gazes.

The aroma of tea was rich, and wisps of steam lingered in the air.

Without calling for a tea master, Shen Yuming personally prepared the tea, handing the first cup to Jiang Mo.

Months ago, he had anticipated this day and was mentally prepared.

Jiang Mo murmured a soft thanks, her tone hesitant. “What has Ah Chen been busy with lately?”

“Madam, it’s just some work-related matters, nothing major,” Shen Yuming replied with a light smile.

Jiang Mo’s hand slowly tightened around her teacup, unable to keep her composure. “How’s your mother doing recently?”

“She’s doing well. Recently, Can Can started school, so she’s been busy handling things for him.”

Through Jiang Mo’s expression and micro-reactions, Shen Yuming could see that she was nervous and unsure of how to broach the topic.

Jiang Mo had initially started a business with Yu Lin, working alongside him for decades. Though she appeared gentle and soft-spoken, her actions were firm and decisive. Many described her as soft on the outside but strong on the inside.

In the early days of Chaoxing establishing itself in the capital, the company faced one challenge after another, and Jiang Mo personally resolved many of them. It was only now, with her son able to stand on his own, that she started to take a step back, mostly handling public relations and charity matters concerning the company’s reputation.

For someone so rational and composed to appear so restrained and almost lose her calm, it could only be because of her son, the one she had lost and regained.

Seeing the elder struggle to speak, Shen Yuming didn’t want to make it harder for her. Partly because the Yu family had always treated him well, and partly because of Yu Yan.

“Madam, I understand why you sought me out. If there’s anything you’d like to ask, please feel free to speak openly,” Shen Yuming said humbly.

Jiang Mo parted her lips slightly. “You and Yan Yan… when did this start?”

Shen Yuming pondered for a moment before giving a vague reply. “It’s been a while.”

In Yu Yan’s heart, Jiang Mo was far more important than he was. Thus, Shen Yuming had to choose his words carefully—not only to gain Jiang Mo’s approval but also to avoid hurting her feelings.

The tea room returned to silence, broken only by the faint clinking of teacups.

The meeting place was Jiang Mo’s choice. She had invested in this tea room, which offered a serene environment perfect for conversations.

Shen Yuming didn’t rush her, knowing that Jiang Mo was perhaps facing one of the most challenging decisions of her life—more difficult than any business predicament she’d encountered.

If Yu Yan had grown up by her side with a strong bond, she might not have chosen to speak with Shen Yuming here but would have gone directly to Yu Yan. However, she was dealing with a son she had lost and only recently reconnected with—a relationship that had just thawed over the past year.

In her interactions with Yu Yan, Jiang Mo carefully nurtured their bond, ensuring he felt no discomfort.

Jiang Mo let out a soft sigh. “I should’ve noticed it earlier. He’s such a lazy person, content to stay home for half a month without stepping outside. How could he suddenly go out drinking with you in the middle of the night or stay at your place all the time without wanting to come home?”

She had observed Yu Yan’s changes recently—not just superficial happiness but genuine growth from within.

In the past, Yu Yan lived cautiously at home. Whatever he had, Yu Chen had to have too. He was mindful of everyone’s feelings, unwilling to let his family give too much for his sake.

Thinking of this brought Jiang Mo a deep, indescribable pain. No parent wants their child to constantly calculate how to reciprocate affection in their interactions. She wanted Yu Yan to enjoy her love and care without hesitation.

Things were much better now. When she offered to invest in Yu Yan’s film, not only did he accept, but he even asked Yu Lin to book a theater for their employees and had Yu Chen arrange the screening schedule in advance.

This seamless family dynamic, free of barriers, was what she had always hoped for.

But precisely because of this, Jiang Mo dared not discuss this matter with Yu Yan, fearing she might push him away again.

Shen Yuming lowered his gaze. “I’ll take good care of him.”

Jiang Mo didn’t express an opinion, but instead spoke on her own, “Yan Yan may seem carefree and casual, but he’s actually very thoughtful. Previously, when his father and I were planning to take him abroad, he found out his brother couldn’t go and made up an excuse not to go himself. Later, when we went to Rongcheng for a charity event, he kept chatting with his brother, trying to make him feel involved and prevent any sense of division within the family.”

“I also heard that during those days, when he couldn’t accompany the artists to film, he specifically arranged for bodyguards and a driver to go instead. That’s just how kind he is… so… I always thought he would fall for someone like Xiao He—sunny, cheerful, and simple-minded. I didn’t expect…”

Her words trailed off. Shen Yuming set down his teacup, his thumb unconsciously brushing against its rim.

The phone on the table chimed several times, displaying messages from Yu Yan. Shen Yuming glanced at the screen but didn’t reply.

“Are those messages from Yan Yan?” Jiang Mo asked hesitantly, her expression stiff.

Shen Yuming nodded. “Auntie, I understand what you’re worried about. Please rest assured, I’m sincere toward Yan Yan and would never let him down. I’ve already had a lawyer draft a contract. I plan to transfer all my shares, funds, and properties to Yan Yan’s name. Here’s the contract I prepared—I’ve already signed it.”

The transfer contract had been prepared by his lawyer on short notice yesterday. Once Yu Yan signed it and it was notarized, all of Shen Yuming’s assets would be transferred to Yu Yan’s name.

This was a decision he had made long ago. Originally, he intended to give the contract directly to Yu Yan, but since Jiang Mo had asked to meet, he brought it along to show his resolve.

Jiang Mo’s expression grew complicated as she flipped through the stack of contracts. They didn’t just include domestic properties but also foreign wineries and luxury homes. If Yu Yan signed the contract, Shen Yuming would be left with nothing.

After a long silence, Jiang Mo pulled out two sheets from the pile. “These are fine. The rest won’t be necessary—Yan Yan wouldn’t want them.”

Shen Yuming glanced down and saw that the document detailed the establishment of a charity foundation in Yu Yan’s name to support underprivileged children.

He didn’t immediately agree. “I’ll discuss the rest with Yan Yan.”

“Auntie, I didn’t bring these documents to pressure you into agreeing. I only wanted to show you that I love him deeply, enough to give up everything for him.”

Shen Yuming, normally reserved, especially around elders, had never spoken with such humility before.

Jiang Mo had no intention of forcibly intervening in their relationship. After a long silence, she hesitated and finally asked, “Yan Yan… he’s doing this willingly, right?”

Unlike Yu Yan, Jiang Mo had watched Shen Yuming grow up. She knew that beneath his polished and graceful exterior lay a darker, more calculating side. At times, he wasn’t above using underhanded methods to achieve his goals.

However, she was also certain that Shen Yuming wouldn’t use such tactics on family or friends. That’s why she hadn’t objected when Yu Yan started working at Minghua.

The tea room fell into an eerie silence, with only the faint aroma of tea lingering in the air.

A sudden, urgent ringtone shattered the stillness.

When Shen Yuming saw the caller ID, the tension in his furrowed brows eased. He answered the call, put it on speaker, and placed the phone on the table.

Yu Yan’s lively voice came through the speaker. “Brother Shen, am I interrupting you?”

Shen Yuming glanced at Jiang Mo and then at the phone. “No.”

“You canceled dinner last night. Are you coming home for dinner tonight?”

In the background, the sound of a shopping cart and promotional broadcasts from a supermarket could be heard. Yu Yan was evidently out shopping.

The dinner cancellation referred to the meeting Jiang Mo had arranged at the tea room for the afternoon. Shen Yuming had canceled their plans, intending to meet Yu Yan after their conversation.

“Yes, I’ll come home. Are you at the supermarket?”

“I’m buying groceries. I’ll wait for you at home later. They’ve got tiger prawns on sale—I’ll get two pounds. Oh, and my brother’s out on a business trip. I’ll tell my mom I’m not coming back, so she and my dad can enjoy some alone time.”

Jiang Mo opened her mouth slightly as if to speak but ultimately closed it without saying anything.

“Alright, I’ll be home later,” Shen Yuming replied.

“Then, on your way back, buy some snacks. We’re out at home.”

After the call ended, Jiang Mo remained silent for a long time.

Shen Yuming didn’t need to answer Jiang Mo’s earlier question because Yu Yan had already provided the best answer.

“Madam, do you still have any concerns? I need to head back and cook for Yan Yan.”

Jiang Mo was stunned for a few seconds before subconsciously saying, “Yan Yan likes spicy food.”

“I can handle that too,” Shen Yuming replied, his gaze slightly intense.

Jiang Mo sighed softly. “I understand your intentions, but I don’t want you to sacrifice or give up anything for Yan Yan. The table can have both spicy and non-spicy dishes—everyone can live their lives differently. Who they like and what they choose is entirely up to them. If you both have truly thought this through, then I wish you happiness and hope that you can walk this path together for a long time.”

“Thank you, Madam. Another day, Yan Yan and I will visit you together.”

“Also… you should tell him about the name issue yourself.”

Jiang Mo waved her hand to signal him to leave. She then sat alone in the tea room for a long time.

Yu Yan, who had the door code to Shen Yuming’s house, came straight in after buying groceries.

He lay on the carpet, playing games for nearly an hour, waiting for Shen Yuming to return home.

“So fast?”

Yu Yan sat cross-legged on the carpet and reached out to take the snacks Shen Yuming brought, but he was suddenly pushed down onto the carpet. The back of his head was protected and didn’t hit anything.

The carpet was thick and soft, making it entirely comfortable to lie on.

The next second, Shen Yuming leaned over and sealed Yu Yan’s unspoken words with a kiss, the faint scent of tea filling Yu Yan’s nose.

Yu Yan froze for two seconds, then wrapped his arms around Shen Yuming’s waist, actively responding.

When he was almost out of breath, the kiss naturally trailed downward to his neck, lightly sucking.

Yu Yan winced in pain, letting out a muffled groan.

“Okay… that’s enough, don’t kiss for too long.”

Shen Yuming responded with a low hum but didn’t stop. It wasn’t until Yu Yan protested a second time that he finally let go.

Yu Yan leaned against the sofa, catching his breath, straightened his clothes, and instinctively grabbed a throw pillow from the couch to hold in his arms.

Shen Yuming’s gaze lingered on the throw pillow for a moment, seemingly understanding something but not exposing it. Instead, he gently ruffled Yu Yan’s hair twice. “I’ll go cook.”

“Need my help?” Yu Yan asked curiously.

“No.” Shen Yuming changed his shoes at the entrance and headed for the kitchen.

Even though Shen Yuming had said no, Yu Yan couldn’t sit still in the living room and eventually followed him into the kitchen, wanting to stay by his side.

The two of them divided the tasks neatly. With Yu Yan helping to prepare ingredients, dinner was quickly ready.

Yu Yan took out his phone. “Let me tell my mom I’m not going home for dinner.”

Shen Yuming casually dropped a bombshell. “She already knows.”

“W-what? The elder you said you were meeting… was my mom?” Yu Yan caught the implication in his words, his tone changing with shock.

“Mm.” Shen Yuming nodded, calmly peeling shrimp for him.

Yu Yan swallowed hard twice. “And my mom… what did she say?”

“She said she wishes us happiness.” Shen Yuming handed the peeled shrimp directly to Yu Yan’s mouth.

Yu Yan instinctively chewed twice. “My mom really said that? You’re not lying to me?”

“Mm.” Shen Yuming nodded.

“My mom is that accepting? Truly someone who has seen the world,” Yu Yan sighed, attributing it to his patient approach over time, like slowly boiling a frog in warm water.

Shen Yuming handed another shrimp to Yu Yan and then cupped his small face, giving him a kiss. “Before, I didn’t know how your mom would react, so I didn’t dare confess to you. After all, this path is a difficult one, and I couldn’t recklessly drag you into it.”

Yu Yan knew what he was about to say and felt a little nervous.

“Now, I feel the time is right. Yu Yan, I love you, and I want to spend my life with you. Will you give me a chance?” Shen Yuming slowed his movements, his gaze burning as he looked at him.

Before Shen Yuming said those words, Yu Yan had imagined countless scenarios. He wondered if Shen Yuming would follow Yu Chen’s 10-plus pages of A4-sized romantic advice, confessing on a hot air balloon or at a special time, like Valentine’s Day or someone’s birthday.

But compared to those romantic gestures, hearing these words on an ordinary day—after buying groceries, cooking, and eating together—felt far more precious to him.

What Yu Yan had always wanted wasn’t some grand, earth-shattering romantic gesture. What he wanted was a warm and simple home. He wanted a home with Shen Yuming.

—And Shen Yuming wanted the same.

Yu Yan sniffled, suppressing the emotion rising in his chest, and replied with feigned ease, “Alright, boyfriend.”

Shen Yuming smiled and leaned over to kiss him again. “Boyfriend, stay over tonight.”

Clatter—The chopsticks in Yu Yan’s hand fell onto the table. He lowered his head and stammered, “That… that’s too fast, isn’t it? Even though we’ve kissed so many times before, we only just made things official today. It’s… it’s not appropriate, right?”