At home, the rhythmic thud of chopping echoed from the kitchen—swift and precise, a testament to the chef’s exceptional knife skills.
Shi Qin finished dicing the fresh vegetables, arranging the colorful ingredients neatly into bowls and plates as he completed the prep work for dinner. He casually picked up a long ladle and stirred the bone broth simmering in an earthen pot, adding a few chunks of white radish and letting them bubble away softly.
“Do we really need that many dishes?” Chu Lan appeared at the kitchen doorway, crossing her arms as she leaned against the wall. Her eyes swept over the array of prepared ingredients, and she remarked with sarcasm, “Looks like we’re trying to win him over or something.”
“Weren’t you the one who told me to put more effort into dinner?” Shi Qin shot her a glance and muttered under his breath, “You’re saying it’s too much only after I’ve finished prepping everything.”
“Well, I just didn’t want us to come off as impolite. He came all this way—it’d be rude if we gave him the cold shoulder.”
Chu Lan frowned as she stepped into the kitchen, casually pushing two dishes aside. “Don’t cook these two. My daughter suffered so much injustice on that show, and now we’re preparing all these dishes for him? It feels like we’re making too big a deal out of it.”
Chu Duxiu had briefly explained Xie Shenci’s identity to her parents earlier—first introducing him as the friend who guided her into stand-up comedy, then mentioning his role as one of the producers of the show “The King of Stand-Up” and a senior executive at Shanle Culture, the production company. He had flown all the way to Wencheng out of guilt over the finale incident.
This left Chu Lan with mixed feelings toward Xie Shenci. On one hand, she couldn’t entirely blame him, especially since he had a good relationship with her daughter. On the other hand, the more she thought about the show, the angrier she became, and it was hard not to feel somewhat resentful.
“Let’s cook them. Why not?” Shi Qin brought the two dishes back and persuaded her earnestly, “If Xiuxiu really plans to pursue this career, she’ll have to work with him at the company in the future. If you insist on making a point now, what will she do later?”
“But we can’t make it too easy for him either.” Chu Lan opened the cabinet and rummaged around. “Hey, didn’t Meifang gift us a bottle of fine wine during the New Year?”
“You’re so unpredictable—one moment you want to remove dishes, the next you change your mind.” Shi Qin sighed. “Weren’t you the one who said we shouldn’t make it too grand, as if we’re trying to curry favor? Why are you looking for fine wine now?”
Chu Lan took out the wine box, weighed it in her hand, and smiled meaningfully. “You’re right. She’ll still have to work with him at the company. We should entertain him properly and let him experience the warmth and hospitality of Wencheng people.”
At the entrance of the neighborhood, Chu Duxiu received a message from Xie Shenci and stepped out early to wait. From a distance, she saw him approaching, laden with numerous bags. She hurried over and asked in surprise, “Where did you get all these from?”
She had assumed Xie Shenci would only freshen up a bit, never expecting he’d find time to buy gifts. His efficiency was truly astounding.
Xie Shenci’s dark hair was neatly styled, and his face looked refreshed. Gone was the weariness from his journey; he now appeared completely revitalized. Instead of formal attire, he wore casual everyday clothes, which softened his usual air of aloofness. He looked less like a high-ranking company executive and more like a recent graduate, with a touch of approachability.
Xie Shenci lowered his gaze and sighed helplessly. “I was worried it might be a hellish difficulty, with your family resenting the show incident.”
He didn’t understand why every time he had to give gifts, it ended up being so rushed. Her birthday gift had been prepared in a hurry, and now this visit to her home was no different—there was never enough time, as if fate enjoyed toying with him.
Chu Duxiu said, “But this is way too much…”
“It’s better to err on the side of generosity. At least I won’t be kicked out.” Xie Shenci pressed his lips together, a hint of anxiety showing as he asked, “So, is your family easy to get along with?”
“They should be… fairly easygoing…” Chu Duxiu hesitated. “You’ve met my sister. My mom can be strict at home, but she’s usually fine with guests. My dad has always been easygoing.”
She looked at Xie Shenci, his hands full of gifts, and felt a sense of absurdity. She couldn’t quite predict the atmosphere at dinner. She had thought it would be a simple visit from a friend, but with him bringing so many gifts, it felt more like a son-in-law visiting during Lunar New Year to pay respects to the elders.
…Was it because she lacked life experience?
Or was Mr. Xie just exceptionally thoughtful, always bringing lavish gifts even when visiting a friend’s home?
Chu Duxiu offered to help Xie Shenci carry some of the gifts, but he insisted they weren’t heavy and didn’t let her lend a hand. She glanced briefly at the gift boxes and noticed items like tea and dried mushrooms—the more she looked, the more it resembled a Lunar New Year visit, leaving her with a strangely unsettled feeling.
Before long, the two arrived at her doorstep via the elevator. Without even needing to knock, they were greeted by the sight of her family waiting for them.
The door was slightly ajar, with Chu Lan and Shi Qin already stationed there, and Chu Shuangyou peeking out from behind them. They had clearly received advance notice and had gathered to welcome their guest from afar.
The three of them crowded the entryway, creating an impressively grand atmosphere.
Even Chu Duxiu was taken aback by her family’s enthusiastic reception. It felt almost too formal, so she quickly made introductions: “Dad, Mom, this is Mr. Xie… President of Shanle Culture, and he’s also one of the show’s producers.”
Xie Shenci greeted them politely. “Hello. I’m Xie Shenci.”
The two sides finally met, and instantly, the atmosphere warmed with laughter and cheerful exchanges.
“Oh my, you’re too kind! Why bring so many gifts?” Chu Lan beamed, dressed in vibrant clothing that made her glow like the morning sun. She shot a glance at Shi Qin, who immediately understood her cue.
Shi Qin smiled and nodded warmly at Xie Shenci as he accepted the stack of gifts, his demeanor gentle and reserved.
Noticing this, Xie Shenci quickly bowed slightly in return, adopting the respectful posture of a junior.
“You there—couldn’t you have helped him carry some of these? No sense of awareness at all,” Chu Lan chided lightly, giving Chu Duxiu a gentle pat before extending her hand to shake Xie Shenci’s. With hearty enthusiasm, she added, “Thank you for always looking after Duxiu. She can be so unreliable at times—she must have caused you quite a bit of trouble!”
Xie Shenci hurriedly replied, “Not at all, not at all.”
“Mr. Xie looks remarkably young,” Shi Qin remarked, studying him closely before letting out an impressed sigh. “What a talented and promising young man!”
When Chu Duxiu had mentioned her company’s boss, Shi Qin and the others had assumed he would be older. To their surprise, he appeared to be around the same age as their daughter, probably not even thirty—nothing like the elite figure they had imagined. He didn’t even carry the imposing aura that Chu Shuangyou did.
Yet here he was, bowing repeatedly upon meeting them, without a trace of a superior’s airs.
Xie Shenci replied modestly, “You flatter me. Please, just call me by my name.”
“Exactly, no need for formal titles like ‘Mr. Xie’—why so distant?” Chu Lan said with a warm smile, her tone brimming with sincerity. “We truly understand that you traveling all this way shows how much you value Duxiu as a genuine friend. You were worried the finale incident might cause a rift, but some things are just unexpected and can’t be blamed on you, right?”
Her words were both heartfelt and enthusiastic, showcasing the finesse of a seasoned businessperson—neither overly formal nor ingratiating.
She declared brightly, “So today, let’s set aside any company troubles! We’ll just enjoy a warm, happy gathering to welcome Xiao Xie and give him a proper Wencheng reception!”
Xie Shenci was both surprised and touched. “…Thank you.”
By now, Chu Duxiu had already slipped over to her sister’s side. Watching her parents behave so affectionately, she whispered in confusion, “What’s up with Mom today?”
Although Chu Lan had always been straightforward and cheerful, hearing her speak so eloquently right from the start was still unexpected.
“She’s revving up,” Chu Shuangyou murmured, seeing right through her mother’s tactics. She knew Chu Lan was building up to something big—first, she had to lower Xie Shenci’s guard.
The group welcomed Xie Shenci inside, and soon the parents retreated to the kitchen to busy themselves with meal preparations, leaving only the younger generation to chat.
No sooner had one wave settled than another rose. Seated on the sofa, Chu Duxiu watched as her sister and Mr. Xie conversed across the coffee table, once again sensing that familiar undercurrent of tension—it felt just like being back at the “Typoon Transit” club.
Facing Chu Shuangyou, Xie Shenci was less effusive in his courtesy, but he still engaged politely, exchanging the usual formalities.
Chu Shuangyou smiled lightly. “Mr. Xie, it’s been a while. I hear your company has been doing quite well lately, generating quite a buzz online.”
At these words, Chu Duxiu’s heart sank. She couldn’t tell whether her sister was complimenting or subtly criticizing him—after all, given the backlash from the finale, online buzz wasn’t necessarily a good thing.
Chu Shuangyou continued with apparent admiration, “Many people around me have started paying attention to stand-up comedy after watching the show. Shanle truly lives up to its reputation as an industry leader—it’s no doubt thanks to your vision and insight.”
There was definitely a hint of sarcasm lurking beneath those words.
“Not at all. The attention the show received is all thanks to your sister,” Xie Shenci replied, pretending not to catch any implied meaning, his tone neither humble nor arrogant. “The company’s progress has been fairly standard—nothing compared to Liansheng Group, which truly sets the industry benchmark. I believe they were even in the news recently?”
Not long ago, a high-level executive at Liansheng Group had been arrested for internal corruption—a significant scandal that had caused quite a stir.
Chu Shuangyou paused slightly at his deliberate mention of her company’s embarrassment.
Fortunately, she had always been composed. She casually shifted the topic, “Stand-up comedy seems to be having a moment right now. Do you and Shanle have any plans for the future?”
“The company hopes to attract more top-tier performers in the industry,” Xie Shenci answered. “After all, stand-up comedy is fundamentally content-driven. Ultimately, it relies on sustained creative output—otherwise, once the trend passes, nothing really changes.”
Chu Shuangyou pressed shrewdly, “How are your performers compensated currently?”
“Compensation varies naturally by tier and experience,” Xie Shenci explained, glancing at Chu Duxiu, who was snacking on sunflower seeds. “As for your sister’s situation, it depends on her personal preferences—what kind of role she wants, what compensation she expects. We’re open to discussing all of it.”
Chu Duxiu lowered her head, focused on shelling sunflower seeds, and found the exchange between the two utterly exhausting. She lazily interjected, “I want to be the legal representative of the company.”
Chu Shuangyou and Xie Shenci: “?”
Chu Shuangyou hadn’t expected her sister to be so audacious as to make such a bold claim in front of her boss. She hesitated before saying, “The legal representative bears legal responsibilities. If something goes wrong, you could end up in jail.”
Chu Duxiu clicked her tongue. “Fine, then I’ll take 51% of the shares instead. Let Mr. Xie take the fall for any trouble.”
“???”
Chu Shuangyou and Xie Shenci exchanged bewildered glances. What had started as a serious conversation had been completely derailed by Chu Duxiu!
After a long silence, Chu Shuangyou sighed deeply and conceded, “Never mind. Shanle’s corporate culture suits her. Most other companies wouldn’t be able to handle her anyway.”
After all, what other company would tolerate such jokes at the boss’s expense? It really wouldn’t be easy for her to find another place that fit.
Not long after, the group moved to the dining room, setting aside any talk of company matters as they gathered to enjoy a lavish dinner. In the end, Shi Qin had ignored Chu Lan’s suggestion and cooked all the dishes anyway, covering the table with a feast that made everyone’s mouths water.
Under the warm glow of the lights, delicious delicacies and reunited companions filled the room.
Steaming home-cooked dishes adorned the table: beef cubes accented with red peppers, a milky-white radish and bone broth simmered to perfection, vibrant soy-braised prawns, tender and savory steamed pork ribs… There was no shortage of hearty main courses, complemented by an array of seasonal vegetables. The spread was a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate alike.
Chu Lan brought out a bottle of liquor and small cups, carefully filling one and sliding it toward Xie Shenci at the table. “Xiao Xie, try some of Wencheng’s local liquor. Let me propose a toast to you first!”
Chu Duxiu, noticing her mother bringing her business entertaining habits home, quickly explained, “Mom, he can’t drink…”
If Xie Shenci got drunk on champagne, something stronger like this would likely knock him out after just one cup.
“Oh, really? But this is excellent liquor—very famous locally. It doesn’t give you a headache,” Chu Lan said in surprise. “Don’t you drink a little during business negotiations? Don’t you socialize for work?”
Xie Shenci reached for the small cup and hurriedly replied, “I can have a little.”
Chu Lan happily patted her leg. “See, I knew it!”
Chu Duxiu frowned and interjected, “Hold on, hold on. You really shouldn’t drink it.”
Chu Lan pretended to pinch her, exasperated. “If he wants to drink, let him! Why are you being so stingy? Can’t even share the slightly more expensive liquor!”
Chu Duxiu: “?”
Xie Shenci politely clinked glasses with Chu Lan, deliberately lowering his cup slightly as a sign of respect. He watched her down her drink in one go before slowly finishing his own.
Chu Duxiu could do nothing to stop him. She felt utterly helpless, thinking that Mr. Xie had overestimated his alcohol tolerance. Daring to compete in drinking with her mother was like volunteering to become the main ingredient in a drunken crab dish.
“Let’s have some liquor too,” Shi Qin said, carrying a large bottle of Sprite. “Youyou, Xiuxiu, where are your cups?”
Chu Shuangyou handed her cup over and received it back filled to the brim with the soft drink.
After pouring Sprite for everyone else, Shi Qin prepared to return to the kitchen, showing no intention of taking a break.
Xie Shenci raised a hand to stop him. “Sir, please don’t trouble yourself any further. Join us for the meal—there’s already more than enough food.”
Shi Qin had been busy running back and forth without taking a single bite, fully focused on attending to everyone.
“It’s fine, that’s just how we are in Wencheng,” Shi Qin said with a warm chuckle. “The men here don’t usually sit at the table to eat.”
“…”
With that, Shi Qin turned and walked away, leaving only his retreating figure behind.
Xie Shenci watched as the other man retreated into the kitchen, never expecting that the most sharp-tongued person in the room would turn out to be the gentle-tempered Shi Qin.
Sitting at the table, he was at a loss for words, fully immersed in the unique atmosphere of a comedian’s household. Chu Lan charged in like a whirlwind, while Shi Qin delivered unexpected, piercing remarks—like a knife sliding smoothly in and out, all while wearing a kind smile.
This wasn’t just hiding needles in silk—it was concealing blades in cotton.
As Chu Lan clinked glasses with Xie Shenci, she casually probed into his background—asking why he started the company, what his zodiac sign was, where he went to university—jumping from one topic to another, as if trying to uncover every detail about Xie Shenci’s ancestors going back eighteen generations.
After hearing the name of his university, Chu Lan remarked admiringly, “Oh—just from the sound of it, that must be a foreign university.”
Chu Shuangyou chimed in, “Yes, it ranks quite well globally—higher than our school.”
Xie Shenci responded modestly, “Not at all, that’s just reputation. When it comes to finding jobs domestically, your daughter’s qualifications hold much more weight.”
Chu Duxiu looked slightly uneasy. “Mom, are you conducting a census? Why are we even talking about universities?”
Her mother was far too comfortable taking charge—not only did she excel at managing up, but she also had a knack for bandit-style socializing.
“What’s wrong with asking and chatting?” Chu Lan laughed heartily, trying to reassure her. “Don’t worry—the least educated person at this table is me. You won’t be outshined!”
“…”
After a while, even Xie Shenci’s family background had been thoroughly probed. He confessed that he lived alone in Haicheng, but his parents and grandfather were in Yancheng, and his other elders had already passed away. He occasionally visited his family in Yancheng, but having become independent early during his studies abroad, he usually only returned for holidays or business trips.
This was something even Chu Duxiu hadn’t known—no wonder she often saw him at Typoon Transit. It must have been convenient for him to stay in Yancheng.
The liquor Chu Lan brought out was of excellent quality, but its alcohol content was also quite high. After just two or three cups, Xie Shenci began to feel lightheaded. From his neck to the roots of his ears, he turned flushed red, like a thoroughly boiled prawn. Even his speech slowed, and his eyes took on a hazy, glistening softness—clearly, he was no match for the liquor and was beginning to drift.
Chu Lan noticed his unusual state and set down the bottle in surprise. “He really can’t hold his liquor? For someone so tall, that shouldn’t be the case.”
Chu Duxiu exclaimed urgently, “I told you he couldn’t drink!”
Being tall didn’t help—at his core, he was still a big cat.
Who in their right mind gives alcohol to a cat?!
“It’s alright, have some dishes and some soup,” Shi Qin advised soothingly. “This liquor isn’t harsh on the body—it actually improves circulation. He’ll feel better after sleeping it off tomorrow, and he won’t have a headache.”
After the meal, Xie Shenci was completely out of it, his reactions sluggish and delayed, which left Chu Lan feeling rather apologetic.
Chu Lan instructed Chu Duxiu to escort him back to his hotel. As the two headed out the door, Xie Shenci could only follow silently, his movements noticeably slowed.
Worried, Chu Lan asked, “Is he alright? He only had two or three glasses. We have hangover medicine at home—should I get some for him?”
“Thank you, but it’s not necessary,” Xie Shenci replied. “I’m not drunk, just a bit dizzy.”
Chu Duxiu nodded. “Great, he’s starting to say the kind of nonsense he always does when he’s drunk.”
Chu Lan urged, “Make sure you take him all the way to the hotel entrance. Don’t let him stumble on the way in the dark.”
“Got it.”
Chu Duxiu didn’t have the heart to explain that a drunk Mr. Xie wouldn’t just stumble—he might very well embark on a thousand-mile journey on foot, heading straight back to a Shanle-affiliated hotel. He might even skip the flight he came on and attempt to walk all the way from Wencheng to Haicheng.
After saying goodbye to the family, the two took the elevator down to the quiet residential compound.
The night was hushed, with tree branches swaying gently in the breeze. Stars and the moon blinked in the dark curtain of the sky, and the cool evening air brushed against their faces, soothing the warm haze of alcohol within.
Chu Duxiu led him through the neighborhood, chiding as they walked, “If you can’t handle alcohol, why did you push yourself? What were you trying to prove?”
Chu Lan had a decent alcohol tolerance and occasionally enjoyed a drink or two with dinner. Xie Shenci was no match for her and had naturally ended up completely overwhelmed.
After drinking, Xie Shenci’s voice was huskier than usual, carrying a magnetic quality as he murmured, “I was afraid of leaving a bad impression.”
Chu Duxiu’s heart fluttered slightly, as if struck by his words.
Hearing this, the corners of her lips lifted. Even without drinking, her face felt a little warm as she muttered, “Well, you didn’t leave a bad impression—just a silly one.”
Chu Lan didn’t dislike him anymore—she just thought the young man was tall and handsome but seemed a bit lacking in smarts. Especially without his suit, dressed in casual and relaxed clothing, he felt worlds away from his corporate image. The usual aloofness was gone, replaced by an approachable, boy-next-door vibe.
This version of him suited Chu Lan’s preferences much better. Though Chu Shuangyou was logical and poised, Chu Lan had to admit she found such types exhausting. She was afraid of appearing clumsy in front of business elites and preferred people like Shi Qin, whom she could easily manage.
Hearing her laugh at him, Xie Shenci was about to shoot her a resentful glance when—out of nowhere—a low-hanging branch swept across his head. With a soft rustle, tender leaves brushed against his hair.
“How are you actually this silly…” Chu Duxiu couldn’t hold back a laugh. Noticing fragments of leaves caught in his hair, she reached out instinctively to brush them away.
Under the night sky, dappled shadows from the trees fell around them, with moonlight streaming through the gaps, illuminating his handsome features—half-hidden, half-revealed in the dimness.
Her heart raced at the sight, and she suddenly became aware of the inappropriateness of the moment. Her fingers paused mid-air, and she hesitated to proceed further.
Noticing her hand suspended uncertainly, Xie Shenci glanced sideways and misunderstood her hesitation. Thinking she couldn’t reach, he lowered his head slightly, brushing his hair against her fingers and moving into a position where she could easily touch him.
The soft young leaves, his fine strands of hair, his slightly reddened earlobes—perhaps it was the enchanting moonlight that stirred ripples across a once-calm spring lake.
Chu Duxiu finally plucked off that leaf. A tipsy warmth spread through her, and her ears grew as hot as his. Pressing her lips together, she murmured softly, “Good boy.”
