Chapter 189

Chapter 189

The Dunhuang attire was modeled after the celestial dancers murals, featuring vibrant hues and a light, flowing design. The female celestial dancers had elaborate updos with vivid ribbons, their skirts billowing as if caught by the wind, while the male celestial dancers were bare-chested, striking dynamic poses, with only the lower half of their garments fluttering gracefully.

Tian Ruan changed into the outfit in front of Yu Jingmo, covering his little love marks and asking skeptically, "Do I really look good like this?"

Yu Jingmo sat on a chair by the bedroom window and gestured with his hand, "Turn around for me."

Tian Ruan raised his arms and twirled. Under the golden lamplight, his fair skin seemed coated with honey, glowing with a honeyed sheen.

"Do you know any dances?"

"No," Tian Ruan replied, waving his arms as the ribbons fluttered like clouds.

Yu Jingmo said, "It's fine, just dance however you like."

Tian Ruan started doing radio calisthenics.

"..."

"...And two, and three, and four, five, six, seven, eight. Three, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight. Four, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight... Section eight..." Tian Ruan counted aloud as he moved.

Yu Jingmo simply watched him complete an entire set of vigorous radio calisthenics in the celestial dancers attire before beckoning with a finger.

After finishing the exercises, Tian Ruan was flushed with energy and bounced over eagerly. "Did I look good?"

"Very good," Yu Jingmo replied, taking the young man's hand and pulling him onto his lap, where he landed softly and sweetly. "You’re beautiful no matter what."

Though Tian Ruan was warm, the cool breeze in the room kept him from sweating, leaving only his breath slightly quickened. "Really?"

Yu Jingmo kissed his eyelids. "Mm."

Tian Ruan leaned against him and said, "I just took a shower, and now I'm dirty again."

"You're not dirty." Yu Jingmo's palm rested on his slender waist, fingers tracing his spine up to his graceful swan-like neck.

Before Tian Ruan could say more, Yu Jingmo sealed his soft lips with a kiss.

Tian Ruan went pliant, allowing Yu Jingmo to do whatever he pleased.

The celestial dancers outfit was already minimal, barely clinging to Tian Ruan's body. With a tug of Yu Jingmo's fingers, it was gone. The yellow-and-green ribbons fell at Yu Jingmo's feet but didn't quite drop, draped over the bed as Tian Ruan was lifted into his arms.

The bright red silk pants and ribbons dangled together, followed by the soft thud of slippers hitting the floor.

Then came the squeaking of the bed.

Tian Ruan sang a song only for Yu Jingmo to hear, his whimpers like a kitten's mewls.

As Yu Jingmo pounded into him relentlessly, Tian Ruan's sounds shifted to gasps and moans.

They didn’t stop until dawn.

The next day, Yu Jingmo left for work, and Tian Ruan walked him out.

Tian Ruan was no longer afraid of his skin darkening. As long as Yu Jingmo didn't mind, he didn't either. If he avoided the sun deliberately, he'd surely regain his fair complexion by the end of summer.

"I'll come have lunch with you at noon," Tian Ruan said obediently.

Yu Jingmo hummed in reply and got into the Maybach.

Tian Ruan waved his hand.

Watching the maneki-neko-like young man, Yu Jingmo didn’t look away until the car had passed through the estate gates.

As soon as the Maybach was out of sight, Tian Ruan bolted back inside—as long as he ran fast enough, the blazing sun couldn’t touch him.

Half an hour later, Tian Ruan felt incredibly bored.

His stepson had also gone to work. As the heir of a wealthy family, free time became rare after turning eighteen. Right after returning from summer camp, he had been busy handling family business matters, disappearing all day. Only upon asking did Tian Ruan learn he had flown to the capital.

Tian Ruan recalled the next plot point. In the original novel, this summer mainly featured three key events: the summer camp, Zhu Jueshou’s birthday, and the main couple’s date.

There was still over a month until the next plot point.

With such a long stretch of time, Tian Ruan naturally wouldn’t just wait idly. Aside from working on his skincare, he also planned to visit Madam Du in the U.S. for a vacation. It’d be great if he could get his driver’s license while he was there.

Though Tian Ruan technically had a "driver’s license," it was something this world had assigned to him—he didn’t actually know how to drive at all.

Would it be possible to get a license in the U.S.? He’d heard some American kids got theirs as early as thirteen or fourteen.

Tian Ruan immediately called Madam Du. It took a while before the call was answered, and Dew answered: "Young Master, is something the matter? Madam is resting."

Tian Ruan: "...Sorry, I forgot it’s nighttime over there."

Dew: "No worries. Is it urgent?"

Tian Ruan, feeling embarrassed: "Not urgent. I just wanted to ask—after I arrive in the U.S., could I learn to drive?"

Dew: "Of course. As long as you have your passport and proof of residence, you can schedule an appointment through the DMV website, submit the required materials, pay the fee, and fill out the driver’s license application form. Then, you’ll take an eye exam and have your photo taken before taking the written exam. Once you get your learner’s permit, you can practice driving and take the road test to obtain a temporary license. The official one will be mailed to your registered address a few weeks later."

Tian Ruan nodded. "Then I’ll learn to drive there."

Dew: "Madam is very much looking forward to your visit and hopes you’ll stay for a while."

"Alright."

After hanging up, Tian Ruan headed to the Macchiato International Garden Hotel to hang out with Lu Qiuyan.

He made sure to bring a sun umbrella this time—he’d looked it up online. While sunscreen was effective, physical barriers work better. He regretted leaving his sun umbrella behind in the ancient town; otherwise, he wouldn’t have needed to work on lightening his tan.

When the Ferrari pulled up at the hotel entrance, the doorman hurried over, only to spot the driver inside. Though his smile faltered, he still asked, "Sir, need valet parking?"

His son, who was driving, replied, "No need, I’ll park it myself."

Tian Ruan stepped out, opened his umbrella, and spotted Lu Qiuyan leaning lazily against a pillar in the shade, eyes half-closed like a guardian statue.

"Lu Qiuyan," Tian Ruan called.

Lu Qiuyan opened his eyes. His delicate monolid eyes were clear and bright, and his pale complexion—without using sunscreen these days—hadn’t tanned at all, remaining flawless and glowing.

Tian Ruan: "...I envy you."

Lu Qiuyan: "?"

Truly the protagonist favored by fate—no matter how much sun he got, he never darkened.

Lu Qiuyan looked Tian Ruan up and down and remarked, "Pampered."

Tian Ruan spun his umbrella. "Do I look different to you?"

"What changed? Nothing."

"That’s so half-assed."

"I'm not your boyfriend. How could I possibly know every little change about you?"

That was fair, Tian Ruan said, "I got a bit tanner. Can't you tell?"

Lu Qiuyan studied him carefully. "A little. I think it looks good on you, fits your vibe."

"What character?" Tian Ruan was puzzled.

Lu Qiuyan: "A weirdo."

"..." Tian Ruan protested, "What’s weird about me?"

Lu Qiuyan took a beat before answering, tone light: "At Deyin, most people stay the hell away from me, but you keep clinging to me, not even scared I’d deck you."

Tian Ruan: "You’re not the type to hit people randomly. Why should I be scared?"

Lu Qiuyan spread his hands. "Just this morning, some guy started shit with me, so I laid him out."

"You said it yourself—they provoked you. I’m not provoking you."

After shooting the breeze for a bit, the lobby clock boomed nine slow, heavy chimes.

Tian Ruan squeezed out some hand lotion and said, "I’m heading to the States in a few days. Might stay for a month."

Lu Qiuyan: "Oh. Cool, have fun."

"Actually, I’d like you to come with me. Mom’s dying to see her godson."

Lu Qiuyan wasn’t fooled. "Tell her I said hi. I’ve got shifts."

Tian Ruan persisted: "I’m gonna learn to drive while I’m there. Come with me."

"I already have my license."

"Seriously?" Tian Ruan’s jaw dropped. "Did you get it last year?"

"Yeah."

"Sweet, you can be my teacher."

"Who in your damn family doesn’t drive? Why do you need me?"

Tian Ruan thought for a moment. "Yu Shang probably still can’t drive."

He’d just turned eighteen, always gets chauffeured around, and never stayed abroad long enough to learn.

Lu Qiuyan asked, "Is Yu Shang going to the U.S. too?"

Tian Ruan lied through his teeth, "Yeah."

"Oh."

"Just come with." Tian Ruan was dead set on roping the whole crew into this—hell, the Yus even got businesses over there. "Besides, you can work there. Free room and board, fat paycheck. No takers?"

Lu Qiuyan: "You sound like a damn trafficker luring people into sweatshops."

"..." Tian Ruan protested, "My feelings for you are real."

The doorman shot them a suspicious glance.

Lu Qiuyan shot him a cold glance and said, "I’ll consider it."

Tian Ruan: "You have to go, or I'll feel like a pathetic loser, giving my all and getting nothing back."

"...Piss off."

Tian Ruan bought Lu Qiuyan a Häagen-Dazs before they left for Holly Group to have lunch with Yu Jingmo.

The next evening, Yu Shang returned by flight.

Tian Ruan went out with an umbrella to greet him: "Hey son, welcome home~"

Liu Ma wondered, "Mrs. Yu has been carrying an umbrella these past few days, but it hasn't even rained."

The butler: "That's a sun umbrella."

Yu Shang had been jetting around for work, mechanical, all business. But the moment he got home, he suddenly felt the warmth of family, which puzzled him.

His father was as cold and elegant as ever, and the servants went about their tasks, only occasionally chatting and laughing. The liveliest presence was undoubtedly his scatterbrained stepdad—bouncing off the walls, stirring up trouble, as if nothing in the world could trouble him.

Yu Shang gave Tian Ruan a strange look. He didn’t want to admit it, but it was this stepdad’s antics that made him feel at home.

Tian Ruan brought over a vibrant green parfait and said, "This is Liu Ma’s latest creation—matcha parfait. Try it."

Yu Shang looked at the large cup of ice cream, filled with green grapes, matcha pudding, matcha ice cream, chocolate, sprinkled with sweet red beans and cereal rings—crisp, sweet, and perfectly balanced.

"Dig in."

Yu Shang wasn’t big on desserts, but he sat down and ate the ice cream.

After finishing, Tian Ruan beamed and said, "Son, there’s something I want to discuss with you—we’re flying to the U.S. the day after tomorrow. You’re coming too, right? The whole family’s tagging along, and Lu Qiuyan’s joining us."

Yu Shang asked, "Vacation?"

"Mm-hmm." Tian Ruan nodded.

Yu Shang glanced at Yu Jingmo in confusion. "Dad, you’re going too?"

Yu Jingmo: "Mm."

"Then I’ll stay in the country. It’ll be easier to handle the company business."

Tian Ruan played his trump card. "Lu Qiuyan’s going too. Don’t you want him to teach you how to drive?"

Yu Shang froze. "Drive?"

"Yeah, yeah, *driving* in every sense."

"..." Yu Shang’s face went blank. "I’ve known how to drive since I was fifteen. No need for lessons."

Tian Ruan was shocked. "Fifteen? You *taught* yourself?!"

"Mm."

Tian Ruan couldn't help feeling disappointed. As the perfect protagonist of this world, it was impossible for Yu Shang to not know how to drive—literally—by the age of eighteen.

As for the other kind of driving, that would have to wait until he was twenty-three or twenty-four.

Dinner was about to begin, and the staff were setting out the dishes. Yu Jingmo put down his newspaper and stood up, saying, "Yu Shang, this is the last leisurely summer vacation of your student years. Make the most of it."

Yu Shang thought for a moment and replied, "Alright."

...

Before they knew it, the "family of four" arrived at the airport. Lu Qiuyan still had the least luggage—just a backpack for everything. In contrast, Yu Jingmo and Tian Ruan brought a whopping four large suitcases.

Without Assistant Xu and the bodyguards, they would have had to make Lu Qiuyan carry the extra bags.

Yu Shang also packed light, bringing only a 20-inch suitcase.

Tian Ruan was mortified. Who would have thought that out of five suitcases, four contained his belongings?

"One of them is local specialties—I’m bringing them for Mom and Dad," Tian Ruan explained proactively, trying to soften his high-maintenance image.

Lu Qiuyan: "Face it, those local specialties will still end up in your stomach once we’re in the U.S."

Tian Ruan: "..."

On the plane, Tian Ruan watched a movie in the comfortable first-class cabin, napped, studied some English, ate, and before long they'd arrived.

It was morning in the U.S. when they landed, and Dew stood holding a sign to greet them.

"Where’s my mom?" Tian Ruan asked as he got into the car.

Dew, who was driving, replied, "Madam slept in this morning and couldn’t get up."

"..." How typical.

Sitting in the limousine, Tian Ruan couldn’t hold it any longer and said, "I need to use the restroom."

Dew pulled right over at a gas station. Over a dozen tall, imposing armed bodyguards piled out in sync from the two escort vehicles behind them, giving the gas station attendants a scare.

"May we borrow your restroom?" Dew asked politely in English. "And we'll take a fill-up, 91 octane, please."

Yu Jingmo accompanied Tian Ruan to the restroom.

Tian Ruan, trying to act cool, raised his hand—*bang*—

Gas station staff: "Whoa, easy!"

Tian Ruan opened his umbrella, "?"

Gas station: "Uh, sorry, I thought it was a gunshot."

Tian Ruan: "Sorry for scaring you. Just my umbrella—a mini portable one."

Who would dare fire a gun at a gas station? That'd be suicide.

The gas station restroom was disgusting. Yu Jingmo took one step inside and immediately retreated, asking, "You really gotta go that bad?"

Tian Ruan: "...Maybe I should just hold it."

Dew said, "We've still got over an hour of driving ahead. There are indeed spots where you could pull over along the way."

As a result, he ended up just showing off without even using the bathroom, and the group took off in a rush. Tian Ruan thought to himself that the gas station staff probably thought he was a dumbass.

But there was no helping it—the grass isn’t always greener abroad, especially when it came to hygiene. Tian Ruan ended up acting like a barbarian for once, pissing on a big roadside rock as his "I was here" tag.

Yu Jingmo stood a meter away, blocking the wind for him, and remarked, "You’ve got piss-poor aim—your stance is unstable."

Tian Ruan: "...Oh, and yours is so stable, pissing like a firehose."

Yu Jingmo raised an eyebrow slightly. "I’ll take that as a compliment."

The Du family was rooted in California, a state in the U.S. so filthy rich it could rival nations, with top-notch economic and technological standards, a warm climate, and abundant educational resources, including several world-class universities.

Tian Ruan was most interested in these universities and wanted to check them out if given the chance.

The car drove along a smooth road that eventually snaked into a forest. After several turns, a whole new view opened up before them, and the distant sound of waves seemed to reach their ears.

"Is this place near the sea?" Tian Ruan asked.

Dew replied, "Yes, it’s by the sea—a rural area. Sorry it’s kinda podunk, Young Master."

Tian Ruan shook his head. "Not at all. My mother’s health isn’t great, so the middle of nowhere is just what she needs."

Half an hour later, Tian Ruan stood gobsmacked before the so-called "rural estate."

In his imagination, Madam Du’s residence would be like the villa in Suzhou—filled with flowers and exquisite architecture. But what met his eyes was a damn palace, nestled against mountains and facing the sea, sprawling over 30 fucking square kilometers, with a building area of 15,000 square meters.

The front courtyard was a lawn the size of a golf course with three large fountains. Just walking from the gate to the main house would take ten minutes.

Of course, as the master of the house, one could drive in.

Forty or fifty servants, all dressed in uniform maid outfits, greeted him in Chinese: "Welcome home, Young Master Ruan."

Tian Ruan felt an overwhelming sense of main-character-energy high and couldn’t help but gape, his jaw hitting the floor.

Yu Jingmo raised his hand and snapped his mouth shut with two fingers. "If you like this kind of thing, I can build one for you too."

Tian Ruan asked in disbelief, "Mr. Yu, is my family actually richer than yours?"

Yu Jingmo: "What do you mean 'your family'? Isn’t my family your family?"

"I mean, is the Du family richer than the Yu family?"

"Naturally. The Yu family has never dealt in guns. Besides, I’m a socialist, while the Du family is capitalist."

"...Fair point," Tian Ruan said. "Socialism is still better."

"Why?"

"You’re very kind. My eldest brother isn’t as generous when it comes to donating to orphans."

Yu Jingmo chuckled. "You can tell him that."

"No way. He’d dock my allowance if he heard it." Currently, Tian Ruan’s monthly allowance was directly transferred by Du Henbie—a measly 10,000 yuan.

After giving the staff a nod, Tian Ruan got back into the car and rolled up to the main house.

The main house was astonishingly large, roughly twice the size of the Yu family’s residence. Dew introduced, "The estate has 250 rooms in total, 100 of which are guest rooms. The rooms prepared for Young Master and Son-in-Law are already set up. Young Master Yu and Young Master Lu can choose their own."

Lu Qiuyan, hands in his pockets, said, "Thanks. Are there any places to pick up some cash nearby?"

dew: "They're hiring lifeguards at the beach."

Lu Qiuyan nodded, "I'll look into it."

The grand hall was resplendent, and it would take a few minutes just to walk here from the master bedroom. So they waited a moment before Madam Du, now dressed up and glowing, descended the stairs with a rosy complexion.

Out of breath after just a few steps, she truly embodied the fragile beauty of a sickly noble lady. "Oh my, this house is just too big. I still prefer Suzhou—cozy and charming."

Tian Ruan immediately stepped forward to support her. "Mom."

Madam Du leaned on his arm as they walked downstairs. "You don’t blame me for not picking you up, do you?"

Tian Ruan: "Of course not. I love sleeping in too."

Madam Du feigned offense, "Dew, how could you tell him I was sleeping in?"

dew chuckled, "The young master deserves to know."

Madam Du smiled warmly and gestured for everyone to sit. "Please, make yourselves comfortable. Jing Mo, it’s been months—you’ve gotten even more handsome."

Yu Jingmo smiled faintly. "You’ve also become more beautiful, Mom."

"Oh, such a sweet talker, just like Xiao Ruan. You two are really looking like a married pair now." Madam Du settled onto the spacious white European-style sofa. Despite the warm temperature, she draped a thin shawl over her shoulders, her makeup flawless, radiating upper-class elegance.

Yu Shang and Lu Qiuyan each greeted her politely.

Madam Du nodded. "Sweetheart, now that you’ve taken over the family business, are you tired?"

Yu Shang: "...Not at all."

"Xiao Lu, since you’re here this time, why not stay with me a little longer, just like Xiao Ruan?"

Lu Qiuyan nodded. "Sure, as long as I can find a side gig."

Madam Du burst into laughter. "Oh, you, thinking about work even on a trip. Are you strapped for cash?"

Lu Qiuyan didn’t answer. His family matters were his own to resolve.

Madam Du tactfully didn’t press further. In this world, there's no such thing as a free favor—if the Du family helped the Lu family, they would inevitably expect something in return. Even if they asked for nothing, Lu Qiuyan’s pride would compel him to repay the debt, just making things harder on himself.

Madam Du had heard from Du Henbie about this—even the allowance Lu Qiuyan always tried to pay back.

Tian Ruan jumped in, "I’ve never had a part-time job before. If possible, I’d like to experience it with Lu Qiuyan." If it came to jobs, the only "work" Tian Ruan had done in school was helping classmates with homework—ten bucks a pop.

Unlike typical Chinese parents, Madam Du didn’t restrict her children. "Of course! Life is all about experiences—you should try a bit of everything, good and bad. And if you ever feel wronged, don’t just take it. Tell me."

"Mm."

"Everyone must be hungry by now. Let’s eat."

Tian Ruan had expected hamburgers or steak, but to his surprise, the meal was homestyle Suzhou dishes. The Du family chef had got the flavors about 80% right—though a bit too oily, it was almost as good as Liu Ma’s.

After dinner, Madam Du showed them around the property. Pointing to a guest room with a balcony, study, and walk-in closet, she said to Tian Ruan, "This one is yours."

Tian Ruan nodded. "Thank you, Mom."

"What’s there to thank? This is your own home. Make yourself at home." As she spoke, Madam Du began to tire and excused herself to the tea lounge for a short rest.

Tian Ruan busied himself helping Lu Qiuyan and Yu Shang pick rooms—not too far away, with plenty of sunlight, and close enough to each other. After some back-and-forth, he settled on a suite about twenty meters away.

"This is for you. There are two bedrooms, perfect for one each," Tian Ruan offered eagerly.

Lu Qiuyan: "Sounds good to me."

Yu Shang thought for a moment, "Alright."

Tian Ruan glanced at the single bathroom in the suite and chuckled.

Lu Qiuyan set down his luggage and got right to it: "I’ll head to the beach to see if there are any odd jobs available. You in?"

Tian Ruan nodded, "Yeah."

Yu Shang frowned slightly, "If Xiao-Dad leaves, who’ll keep Madam Du company?"

Yu Jingmo said calmly, "You’re her favorite grandson, so of course it’s you."

Tian Ruan: "Right, Yu Shang, you should hang out with your grandma."

Yu Shang: "..."

Yu Shang had experience accompanying Elder Yu, but calling a young-at-heart woman "grandma" was something he couldn’t bring himself to do. Once he did, he’d be a whole generation below Lu Qiuyan.

Tian Ruan tugged Lu Qiuyan downstairs, "Heck yeah, let’s hustle!"

Lu Qiuyan pulled his hand free, "This place is new to us. Don’t go running around. I’ll find the job—just stay behind me."

Tian Ruan retorted, "You don’t know this place either. We’re in the same boat."

Yu Jingmo couldn’t accompany Tian Ruan all the time either, as he still had to mind his manners and chat with Madam Du. He instructed the bodyguards to follow them and took Yu Shang to see Madam Du.

Dew, knowing Lu Qiuyan could drive, provided him with a jeep. Lu Qiuyan drove off, smoothly taking Tian Ruan to the beach.

—only to get robbed the moment they arrived.

Tian Ruan: "..."

Lu Qiuyan: "..."