[Zhang Cancan: Brother-in-law, are you okay?]

[Zhang Cancan: How was last night? Was the teaching material helpful? I also have an animated version. Do you want it?]

[Zhang Cancan: [Shared link][Shared link][Shared link]]

Seven or eight links came crashing in one after another, jolting Yu Yan wide awake.

[Yu Yan: No, stop sending. If you send any more inappropriate stuff, I’ll tell Auntie.]

[Zhang Cancan: Ehh~ Why are you more old-fashioned than my brother? Sharing joy between like-minded people, that’s all. Don’t think so dirty. Make sure to watch, okay? I’m handing over my phone now.]

[Zhang Cancan: If you enjoy it, maybe tell my brother to plead with my mom to let me keep my phone.]

[Yu Yan: I’ll just ask him to tell Auntie to buy you a kids’ smartwatch.]

[Zhang Cancan: Ehh~ My brother’s friends never lie. Anyone who gets close to my brother always ends up with a dirty mind.]

Yu Yan didn’t reply and stared at the links for a while.

Just one look. He’d just take a glance to see what kind of stuff it was.

When he clicked on them, he found they were anime links, but judging by the covers, they were definitely not normal anime.

Just as he was about to exit, another message popped up at the top of his screen.

[Zhang Cancan: Weren’t you not interested? Hehe.]

Wait, does this thing notify the other party when you click on it?!

Pretending to play dead, Yu Yan didn’t reply and casually scrolled down a bit.

At that moment, Shen Yuchen pushed the door open. Startled like a guilty thief, Yu Yan instinctively locked his phone screen and tossed it under the blanket.

“Morning, brother.”

“Good morning. Why’s your face so red? Did you catch a cold?” Shen Yuchen reached out to check. Luckily, Yu Yan’s cheeks were just flushed, and he didn’t have a fever.

Yu Yan shook his head. “No, it’s just too hot under the blanket.”

“Is that so?”

Shen Yuchen’s gaze shifted to the blanket—coincidentally, right where Yu Yan had hidden his phone.

In a panic, Yu Yan shifted the blanket to cover the phone better. “Brother Chen, what’s up?”

“Zhang Cancan messaged me.”

“What did she say?” Yu Yan asked instinctively.

“The same thing she sent you. I was going to tell you not to check your phone,” Shen Yuchen said with a faint smirk, pausing for a moment. “But it seems you’ve already looked.”

Yu Yan: “…”

“Am I right?”

Shen Yuchen chuckled softly. “She grew up abroad, so her mindset is more open. You don’t have to pay attention to her. If you ignore her, she’ll lose interest on her own.”

Yu Yan let out an “oh” but couldn’t resist adding, “Or maybe we should just give her a kids’ smartwatch? I’ll cover the cost.”

“Alright, I’ll send it to her in a couple of days,” Shen Yuchen said, laughing even louder.

…

Half a month later, all the reshoots for Star Source were completed, and Welcoming Spring entered its final stages of production. The promotion work was handed over entirely to the production team, while Yu Yan focused his energy on the new film.

The new film was a crime investigation story, using a case committed by an orphan as the main thread. As the story unfolds layer by layer, it reveals the orphan’s upbringing, with a highly emotional second half.

The script hadn’t been finalized yet—this was just a rough outline discussed by Yu Yan, Yang Chao, Zheng Zhuo, and Sun Lei.

But they had already mapped out a storyline, and today, everyone had gathered to brainstorm about it.

Except for Cao Yuanye and Chen Qingyu, who were still reshooting their scenes, everyone else was present.

The new film was titled Shadow, and its protagonist was an orphan abandoned shortly after birth, who lived a difficult life without an identity or documentation.

After Yang Chao explained the main plotline, He Zhiyu slapped the table. “This protagonist was practically tailor-made for me! I’m investing in this project!”

He Zhiyu, clad in designer logos and wearing a gold watch that gleamed under the light, gave off a completely carefree “second-generation rich kid” vibe.

His image was the complete opposite of the protagonist, and this role wasn’t written for him. However, Yang Chao didn’t know how to refuse him and could only turn to Yu Yan for help.

Yu Yan’s eye twitched slightly. “If you play the protagonist, then who could possibly take on the role of this young master character?”

“That’s simple—let Xiao Ranran do it,” He Zhiyu said nonchalantly.

Jian Ran immediately caught on. “He Ge, a rich and sophisticated character like that? No one but you could bring it to life.”

He Zhiyu hesitated, torn between agreeing with Jian Ran’s flattery and his reluctance to let go of the lead role.

Yu Yan upped the stakes. “This character commands a crew of dozens of subordinates. Without you, there’s no way anyone could control them.”

Song Yunjing nodded in agreement. “A whole gang of people calling you ‘boss’? That’s gotta feel amazing. Or maybe we could change it so I can play the part instead?”

“No way! The roles are already decided—how could we change them? I’ll take it!” He Zhiyu agreed immediately.

After a whole afternoon of discussion, the roles were finalized.

Gu Yingying initially thought she’d be playing the protagonist’s mother, but as the story progressed, she realized that the mother didn’t even appear in the script. She couldn’t help but ask, “Aren’t I playing the protagonist’s mother?”

Yang Chao flipped to the beginning of the script. “Sister Gu, we’ve arranged for you to play the team leader. The storyline isn’t fully fleshed out yet, but if you have any issues, we can adjust it.”

“Team leader?” Gu Yingying was surprised.

The team leader was a powerful and resourceful character who played a central role in the story—she not only discovered the key clues to solve the case but also found a way to relocate a large group of rescued children.

It was a fantastic role, one that could shine and draw in many fans. She had thought this role was written specifically to boost Song Yunjing’s career, but she was shocked it had been given to her.

“Is there a problem?”

“No… no problem. I’m just surprised. I didn’t expect to be cast in such a significant role after coming back to the industry.” Having acted for decades, Gu Yingying was well aware of how important this role was.

Song Yunjing understood her hesitation and said, “Sister Gu, if you don’t take this role, no one else could pull it off.”

Gu Yingying, who had faced nothing but setbacks in her return to the entertainment industry, felt a renewed sense of confidence from those words.

After some playful banter, the roles were officially set, along with the main storyline and key subplots.

That evening, the group had dinner at Fang Chi’s restaurant. Upon learning about it, Fang Chi insisted on waiving Yu Yan’s bill, saying it was his way of supporting Yu Yan’s independent venture and encouraging him to free himself from Shen Yuchen.

After dinner, Yu Yan received a message saying Shen Yuchen had come to pick him up.

He thought Shen Yuchen would be waiting in the car as usual, but shortly after stepping out of the private room, he saw Shen Yuchen standing at the front desk, holding a bouquet of eustomas.

Shen Yuchen’s clothes were pressed without a single crease, and his black shirt was accessorized with a golden rhombus-shaped collar pin, perfectly placed beneath his Adam’s apple.

The sharp facial contours and slightly narrowed, elongated eyes revealed a rare smile.

When Yu Yan first met Shen Yuchen, he was always busy. Forget about going out for a meal; even if Yu Yan went to his office ten times, eight of those times he’d find it empty.

But at some point, Shen Yuchen began dedicating almost all of his post-work hours to him. The expression on his face, once as calm and unchanging as a reflection on a still lake, had also become more lively over time.

Standing beside Shen Yuchen was Fang Chi, who was watching the scene with a mischievous grin.

Behind them came bursts of laughter, and Yu Yan suddenly felt a bit embarrassed.

“Oh, President Shen, long time no see. Who are you here to pick up?” He Zhiyu, always bold, asked while casually placing his right hand on Yu Yan’s shoulder.

Before Yu Yan could respond, he was abruptly pulled away by Shen Yuchen. He Zhiyu stumbled back a few steps and almost fell, but Fang Chi quickly steadied him.

“So petty!” He Zhiyu muttered indignantly.

Song Yunjing chuckled, “Congratulations, I didn’t expect you two to get together so quickly.”

The group quickly chimed in, “Congrats, congrats!”

Yu Yan hurriedly explained, “No, don’t jump to conclusions.”

“Hm, we’re not together yet.” Shen Yuchen naturally took Yu Yan’s hand and said, “I haven’t won him over, but thank you for your good wishes. End-of-year bonuses will double.”

“Wow, thank you, President Shen!”

“So generous, President Shen! You and Yu Yan make a perfect match!”

Amid the teasing, Yu Yan accepted the flowers and pushed Shen Yuchen out of the restaurant. It wasn’t until they got in the car that his heart began to settle.

“Why didn’t you… say something earlier?”

Receiving this bouquet of lisianthus felt different from the last time he’d been given roses. Back then, Yu Yan had felt more confused and unsure. Now, his emotions were filled with joy and anticipation.

He found himself looking forward to this relationship and thinking about how to give back to it.

Shen Yuchen fastened his seatbelt for him. “Would it still be a surprise if I had?”

Yu Yan stared at the bouquet, smiling foolishly. Amid his joy, a small worry crept in. “Fang Chi won’t go snitching to my brother, will he?”

“He wouldn’t dare.”

Yu Yan felt relieved and teased, “Chen-ge, weren’t you supposed to be a lifelong bachelor?”

“Not anymore,” Shen Yuchen chuckled softly.

“A Schrödinger’s bachelor, huh?”

Yu Yan couldn’t stop grinning. As he examined the bouquet, he noticed a small box hidden among the flowers. To retrieve it, he had to carefully pull aside a few blooms.

Inside the box was a brooch. It was understated yet luxurious, with a striking ruby in the center—a piece that was clearly worth a fortune.

Yu Yan was captivated at first sight. “How romantic!”

“It’s a gift to celebrate in advance when your new film wins an award,” Shen Yuchen nodded.

“The film hasn’t even started shooting yet. Jumping the gun, aren’t we? What if I don’t win?” Yu Yan carefully placed the brooch back into the box.

Shen Yuchen was unwavering. “You will.”

Yu Yan grinned from ear to ear. “Where did you learn to be so ceremonial? It’s surprisingly on point.”

Shen Yuchen’s smile deepened. “Your brother.”

Yu Yan looked incredulous. “You’re using the tricks my brother taught you to woo me?”

“He told me to find a partner and passed along a lot of advice—about ten pages of A4 paper. He said if I used them all, I’d definitely win over the person I like.”

Yu Yan froze for a moment. “I’m not that easy to win over, you know.”

“I know. I’ll keep working hard,” Shen Yuchen said with a soft laugh.

Yu Yan could almost imagine the moment his brother found out the truth—it would probably feel like the sky was falling.

Before picking him up, Shen Yuchen had already eaten, so the flowers were the main event. His primary purpose was to send Yu Yan home. Besides, Yu Yan didn’t dare bring the bouquet back with him.

Yu Chen and Xi Yuan had returned to the country, and his brother was currently waiting for him at home. As they approached the house, Yu Yan reluctantly set the bouquet down.

“When you get home, put the flowers in a vase and send me a picture,” he instructed.

“Okay.” Shen Yuchen smiled indulgently.

As they entered the neighborhood, Shen Yuchen continued driving toward Yu Yan’s house. Yu Yan immediately called out, “Stop! My brother is home.”

“It’s fine.” Shen Yuchen parked the car right at the villa’s entrance.

Before Yu Yan could say a word, the door opened from the inside. Yu Chen stood there with his arms crossed, leisurely watching the two of them.

Yu Yan quickly hid the bouquet under the car mat. “Brother, did you have fun?”

Yu Chen didn’t answer, merely raising an eyebrow as a signal for him to step aside.

Shen Yuchen carried a bunch of supplements and gifts from the back seat, so many that he couldn’t manage them all with two hands. Yu Yan immediately stepped forward to help, taking a few bags.

In a low voice, Yu Yan asked, “What’s going on?”

He’d heard that when a new son-in-law visited for the first time, he was supposed to bring gifts and formally request approval. But how could Shen Yuchen show up without discussing this with him first?

And wasn’t such a visit typically done in the morning? Who goes to the in-laws’ house late at night? Isn’t that considered unlucky?

But now that they were already at the door, it wasn’t like he could just send him away. He could only take it one step at a time.

Yu Yan silently calculated in his mind what to do if things got heated inside. How would Shen Yuchen handle it?

His parents had gentle tempers, so it shouldn’t escalate to the point of violence. But his brother was a different story. At that moment, Yu Yan decided his role would be to hold his brother back and give Shen Yuchen a chance to escape.

He had already mapped out an entire escape route for Shen Yuchen in his head, completely forgetting that they weren’t even officially together yet.

“Ah Chen—” Jiang Mo’s gaze lingered briefly on the gifts Shen Yuchen was holding. She paused, a rare occurrence, and her tone turned curious. “Why…did you suddenly bring so many gifts with you?”

Shen Yuchen set the items down on the floor. “My mom visited the south a few days ago. These are local specialties she specifically asked me to bring for you.”

“Shu Jun is so thoughtful. She didn’t need to go through so much trouble, especially making you come all this way late at night,” Jiang Mo said with a smile.

“It’s no trouble at all. Besides, I was just dropping Xiao Yan off on the way,” Shen Yuchen replied naturally, without revealing anything.

Yu Yan breathed a sigh of relief. It wasn’t about formally asking for approval after all. He hadn’t even figured out how to explain everything to his family yet.

“The gifts have been delivered, so I’ll take my leave now,” Shen Yuchen said, excusing himself without even sitting down.

Jiang Mo tried to be polite. “It’s getting late. Why don’t you stay the night? You can head to work with Xiao Yan tomorrow morning.”

“No need.”

“Absolutely not!”

“Absolutely not!”

All three of them spoke almost at the same time. The one who said “No need” was Shen Yuchen, while Yu Chen and Yu Yan simultaneously said, “Absolutely not.”

Yu Chen quickly found an excuse. “The guest room hasn’t been tidied up yet. It’d be too much trouble.”

“How much trouble could it be to tidy up a guest room? At most, you’d just change the bedding,” Jiang Mo replied nonchalantly.

The Yu family had been living in this small villa for over twenty years without moving. The villa didn’t have many rooms, just two small guest rooms, which were mainly used for storage. Since they rarely had visitors, they hadn’t bothered to keep the guest rooms ready.

Yu Lin took off his glasses. “Why not let him stay in Xiao Yan’s room for the night? His bed is big enough.”

Although Yu Yan had slept on the same bed as Shen Yuchen before, no one in the family, not even Yu Chen, had ever visited Shen Yuchen’s small apartment. Naturally, they assumed Yu Yan stayed in the guest room during those visits.

If they suddenly slept in the same bed now, it would definitely raise suspicions, especially with Yu Chen around.

Yu Chen’s furrowed brows suddenly relaxed. “Or he could share a bed with me for the night? It’s not like we haven’t done it before back when we were in school.”

Shen Yuchen shot him a sidelong glance. “No need, but thank you. Uncle, Aunt, I still have a video conference to attend when I get back.”

With the matter settled, no one insisted further.