The next morning, Cen Wei couldn’t stop smiling as he went out with his grandpa for a walk, which made Cen Jiansun ask, “What are you so happy about?”

The person who spent the night on the couch didn’t seem to have any issues, and before leaving, he glanced at Chu Lai, who was still buried in the bed.

Chu Lai slept with his head almost entirely covered, curled up like a ball. Cen Wei wasn’t unfamiliar with Chu Lai’s sleeping habits, having shared a bed with him before—he slept curled up like a shrimp.

The strange thing was, they adapted to sleeping together pretty quickly, but being apart felt uncomfortable.

Cen Wei hadn’t been sleeping well for several days, but since he was good at pulling all-nighters, it wasn’t obvious. At that moment, he nodded naturally, “I was thinking about Lai Lai.”

Cen Jiansun, who had been annoyed by Cen Wei’s reluctance to date, now looked at him experiencing a flash marriage, as though he was going through a delayed teenage phase. It made the old man both pleased and irritated.

The old man snorted, “Are you upset you can’t sleep with your lover because you’re accompanying an old man for a walk?”

The word “lover” softened Cen Wei’s heart, and he couldn’t stop smiling, shaking his head, “Of course not.”

Cen Jiansun said, “You’ll have plenty of chances in the future. My chances, on the other hand, are running out.”

He spoke casually, and Cen Wei sighed, “Grandpa…”

Cen Wei continued, “Are you really not going to give it another try? There are doctors abroad…”

Sitting in his wheelchair, the old man shook his head, “I don’t want to suffer anymore. Leaving with dignity is a good thing.”

“The doctors said my condition has improved recently because I’ve been in a good mood.”

He laughed, “Seeing you and Lai Lai getting along makes me feel at ease.”

The morning sun was just rising, and Cen Wei was holding Da Cai’s leash as the butler pushed Cen Jiansun’s wheelchair.

The old man, seeing the cheerful little dog, felt happy too, “Having a dog at home isn’t bad. Everyone thought it would bother you, but it turns out you’re the one who cured your fear of dogs after getting a boyfriend.”

The butler teased, “Yeah, no wonder they say love changes people.”

Cen Jiansun chimed in, “And now you even join me for walks, that’s new.”

Cen Wei replied, “Didn’t I always walk with you before?”

Cen Jiansun sighed, “If I weren’t sick, I doubt you’d have come back to China.”

He let out a long sigh, “Don’t work too hard, take care of yourself. Look at Lai Lai; his attitude is much better. Do you know what he told me while we were playing chess yesterday?”

“He said as long as he has food, drink, sleep, and some fun, he’s satisfied.”

That sounded exactly like something Chu Lai would say. Cen Wei smiled, “If I said that, you wouldn’t praise me.”

Cen Jiansun said, “You wouldn’t say that, would you?”

Then, he pulled out a foldable cane from the side of his wheelchair and lightly tapped Cen Wei with it, “Stop acting so miserable all the time. Someone who doesn’t know better might think the company is going bankrupt.”

Though it was cold outside, the weather was nice. Cen Jiansun said, “Don’t overthink it. Life isn’t all about your career.”

The family business was the result of generations’ efforts, but as the one who pushed it forward, Cen Jiansun didn’t have grand expectations, “Just do your best.”

“Personal happiness is important too. Don’t get stuck in a rut.”

Cen Wei responded with an “Mm” and Jiansun glanced at him, noticing that his gaze was still fixed on the dog.

Ever since the accident, Cen Wei had become less talkative, and no one really knew what was on his mind. Despite regular visits to a psychologist, there was no breakthrough.

Cen Jiansun feared it was a physical issue, but Cen Wei assured him it wasn’t.

Years passed, and while other kids his age were dating and bringing people home, even the most reserved ones eventually found someone. Yet, Cen Wei was still abroad, alone.

He was developing new products, breaking into luxury markets, following some high-end path that gave Jiansun a headache. Work was work, but even when Cen Wei managed to return home, he was still focused on work.

Outsiders might think the family was pressuring him, but in reality, Cen Wei was carrying on the wishes of the older generations on his own accord. He had cut himself off from emotional attachments after his father’s death, pouring everything into his career.

To the elders, this was unhealthy. Cen Wei seemed too lonely, which wasn’t what they wanted for him.

Cen Jiansun asked, “Have the wedding invitations been sent out on our side? What about Lai Lai’s side?”

Cen Wei shook his head, “I’ll send a car to pick up his mom. She’ll come the day before the wedding.”

“Is his mom coming alone?” Jiansun asked.

Cen Wei had added Yu Ruimei on WeChat, not knowing that she had looked him up multiple times on a business search platform. He replied, “She’s coming alone.”

The old man sighed, “How did that child grow up all by himself?”

Then he gave Cen Wei another tap with the cane, “Treat him well!”

Cen Wei was always careful not to show too much emotion around Chu Lai, knowing that Chu Lai was insecure and stubbornly believed that good things were fleeting.

He wanted to take things slowly but had no idea where to start. Among their acquaintances, only Yuan Chen was married.

Those two were way too brazen, and Cen Wei didn’t want to ask them for advice. Eventually, he turned to the latest trend—artificial intelligence.

But AI wasn’t much help when it came to real emotional situations.

Cen Wei frowned and muttered a soft “Mm.”

Cen Jiansun said, “Stop walking around with such a stern face. It’s scary.”

Dodging another playful tap, Cen Wei couldn’t help but retort, “Grandma used to say I looked like you when you were young.”

By then, they had reached the house, and Cen Wei took the dog inside first.

Jiansun turned to the butler, “Does he?”

The butler replied honestly, “The young master looks more handsome.”

Jiansun said, “I’m almost dead, and you can’t even throw me a compliment.”

The butler chuckled, “But didn’t Madam choose you at first sight?”

The old man coughed, “So love at first sight runs in the family too, huh?”

It was Saturday, and Chu Lai didn’t wake up until almost noon.

The mattress at the Cen family house was too soft, and he practically sank into it. He was always lazy on weekends, and it took him a while to remember he wasn’t at home. Since no one rushed him, Hong Ma, who was knitting nearby, had the maid prepare some food for him and chatted with Chu Lai for a bit.

Noticing that Chu Lai was glancing around, she said, “Ah Wei took Da Cai out to get groomed.”

That’s when Chu Lai finally remembered his own schedule reminder; it was also his dog’s bath and grooming day at home.

“Oh,” he replied, and Hong Ma asked, “What does Lai Lai usually do on weekends?”

Chu Lai answered honestly, “If I’m not working overtime, I play on my phone or play games.”

Grandma’s eyes were full of warmth as she nodded, “That’s how young people are these days. I want to play too, but my eyesight isn’t great.”

Chu Lai glanced at her reading glasses and said, “Isn’t knitting bad for your eyes too?”

Hong Ma sighed, “That’s why I only knit for an hour a day.”

With nothing else to do, and being a homebody anyway, Chu Lai settled down in the sun and started knitting. When Cen Wei returned, he found Chu Lai knitting under the sunlight, with Grandma sitting beside him, giving instructions.

The freshly bathed and groomed little dog came over, and Hong Ma picked it up and petted it for a while. Chu Lai set down his knitting, picked up the dog, and kissed it, saying, “My baby smells so good.”

Then he snuggled over to the dog again.

Cen Wei found himself feeling jealous of the dog, turning his head away, only to meet Grandma’s knowing eyes. He coughed awkwardly.

Since he had slept on the couch with just a blanket last night, Chu Lai felt a bit guilty. Now, hearing him cough, he thought maybe Cen Wei had caught a cold and asked, “Are you feeling sick?”

Cen Wei shook his head.

In the sunlight, the young man was holding the dog, dressed in clothes that Xuan Rongqing had someone deliver, all tailored to Chu Lai’s preferences. He looked lazy and relaxed, as if his whole being was soaked in the warmth of the sun, making him feel almost within reach.

Chu Lai pulled him over, and Cen Wei, caught off guard, nearly stumbled into him. Chu Lai whispered, “Tonight, you can sleep in the bed, and I’ll take the couch.”

Knowing Grandma’s hearing wasn’t great, he dared to whisper such a conspiracy nearby.

Grandma watched them like children whispering secrets and smiled.

Cen Wei said, “It’s fine.”

Chu Lai insisted, “I’m streaming tonight.”

Feeling a bit awkward, he added, “I promised my fans before. I only passed one level in the game, so I can play a bit longer over the weekend.”

His breath brushed against Cen Wei’s face, making his thoughts all jumbled. He mumbled a vague “Mm,” and by the time he snapped back to reality, Chu Lai had already left the knitting behind to play with the dog on the lawn.

Grandma asked, “What were you whispering about?”

Cen Wei replied, “Nothing much.”

Grandma teased, “That blush on your face says otherwise. Is Ah Wei really so shy?”

Cen Wei picked up the half-knitted scarf Chu Lai had left behind, touching his face. It felt hot, but was it really that red?

Grandma sighed, “Seeing you two so happy together puts me at ease.”

“Lai Lai’s a good kid. He’s told me a lot about his grandmother.”

Cen Wei didn’t know how to knit, only how to roll yarn. Now that Chu Lai had gone off, Grandma decided to teach him.

In the past, his days were filled with nothing but work—there was no difference between night and day, no weekends. He was like a spinning top that never stopped, using endless work to numb himself from the looming shadow of death he would see when resting.

Now that he had slowed down, it didn’t seem so scary after all.

Instead of a blood-soaked path, there was a young man playing with a dog in the sunlight, smiling so brightly at the dog.

He’s never smiled at me like that.

Not long after, Xuan Rongqing took them to try on their wedding suits.

Grandma picked up the scarf both of them had knitted and continued to finish the remaining section. The maid standing beside her said, “You can even knit words?”

Hong Ma replied, “I knit a similar one for Old Sun and me, but he’s far behind Lai Lai—he learned way faster.”

The old woman’s hands were a bit frail, and knitting the character for “double happiness” would take a while, but it would be done in time for Cen Wei’s wedding day.

That evening, after dinner and another game of chess with Cen Jiansun, Chu Lai headed straight to the study.

Xuan Rongqing asked, “Is he still working tonight?”

Cen Wei put a harness on the dog and said, “He’s going to stream.”

Xuan Rongqing exclaimed, “He’s a streamer? I didn’t expect Lai Lai to be so introverted; can he chat with strangers?”

Thinking of Chu Lai’s cold demeanor during his streams, Cen Wei replied, “He doesn’t talk much and can be quite stern.”

Xuan Rongqing asked, “What kind of stream is it?”

“Gaming, no facecam,” Cen Wei answered.

Xuan Rongqing lost interest, “You young people are really trendy.”

Chu Lai had been playing through a game called “Paper Umbrella Town” for over a week and still hadn’t cleared it. Compared to other speedrunners, his streams were more immersive, closer to the experience of an ordinary player.

His voice was pleasant, and his personality cold, which created a strong contrast. His top three donators acted like rivals, adding to the attraction for viewers waiting for his next stream.

At 7:30 p.m., Chu Lai went live.

As soon as he started, the chat exploded with messages.

[UP, why didn’t you stream last night? You totally ghosted us; I waited so long!]

[Yeah, exactly!]

Chu Lai replied, “Had some things to do.”

[I saw a company employee’s post on Weibo saying the boss is getting married. Were you busy with wedding preparations?]

[That’s understandable, then…]

[What company?]

[They sell umbrellas.]

[You make it sound like it’s a street vendor! It’s a century-old brand, with a luxurious international sub-brand!]

[Those handmade umbrellas are super high-end. I couldn’t afford one even if I sold myself. They’re even sold to royal families!]

[The boss is so handsome. I’m curious what UP looks like.]

Chu Lai glanced at the chat and said, “I stream games, not romance.”

He continued to work on clearing the game, and the red mole on his hand was quite striking when he moved the mouse.

The stream attracted more and more viewers.

Meanwhile, Cen Wei had been out walking the dog and dealing with some wedding venue issues. When he got home, he realized Chu Lai was still streaming, even though it was almost 11 p.m.

He saw the study door was slightly open and asked, “Not done yet?”

The sudden sound of a deep male voice caught the chat’s attention.

[Is that the umbrella boss?? His voice is amazing. I saw those photos circulating online—he’s the rumored CEO, right?]

[What CEO? He’s an entrepreneur.]

[Why didn’t C-zong donate today? Busy?]

[Yeah, what’s up with that?]

Chu Lai finished his water and knocked on his glass, glancing at Cen Wei.

Cen Wei came over, and the camera briefly caught the corner of his clothes. Chu Lai said, “Could you refill my water?”

Cen Wei teased, “Nope.”

He joked as he turned to get the water.

The camera caught a glimpse of his back, and even though he was in casual clothes, it was obvious he had an impressive figure, fitting the description of “top-tier.”

[Wait, did you move again, UP?]

[So what if he did? They’re rich.]

[Isn’t this the marriage house?]

Chu Lai had had enough of the chat’s wild speculation and clarified, “I’m living with my parents.”

[Oh, so it’s back to the in-laws.]

Chu Lai: …

When Cen Wei came back with the water, he just so happened to see that comment and chuckled, “You could say that.”

Chu Lai immediately told him, “Stop butting in.”

Cen Wei replied with an “Mm.”

Chu Lai then noticed the camera was also capturing the couch and warned, “Go sleep in the bed.”

[Are they fighting? Why are they sleeping apart?]

[Hahaha, your focus is so weird!]

Feeling it wasn’t quite right, Cen Wei turned back to Chu Lai. Though the camera was aimed down and couldn’t capture him, it was clear they were making eye contact.

Chu Lai said, “Go, and close the door.”

His tone was like coaxing a puppy, and Cen Wei chuckled, “Alright.”

As he walked away, he asked, “What about you?”

Chu Lai was annoyed, “Don’t worry about me.”

“But we haven’t hugged today,” Cen Wei said.

Chu Lai stubbornly replied, “I don’t need it today.”

Cen Wei nodded, “Really?”

Of course, it wasn’t true.

[What am I watching? Why am I grinning like an idiot at this little window in the corner?]

[This non-face-cam married couple is more fun to watch than some romance streams!]

[Wow, do people really hug every day?]

[What’s with ‘I don’t need it today’? That sounds so weird.]

Chu Lai muttered, “Alright, let’s do it now.”

As Cen Wei walked over, Chu Lai, worried the camera might catch something, immediately turned it off.

The last thing the viewers saw was Chu Lai’s hand releasing the mouse, a large hand resting on the desk’s edge, and the sound of a chair being pushed away…

[Is it a hug or a kiss?]

[Wow, the contrast between their hands is striking.]

At that moment, Shen Quanzhang, watching the stream with drunken, jealous eyes, accidentally sent a massive gift.

[UP @Laic received an invincible rocket x1 from @Zhangyu Quanzhang.]

[Wow, third place on the leaderboard is actually a shipper??]

Shen Quanzhang cursed under his breath, thinking, Who the hell is a shipper?!