As the New Year approached, the students were feeling a bit restless.
Li Tao lay sprawled over his desk reading a book. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of the new watch on Yu Shulin's wrist and narrowed his eyes. "That's a nice watch."
Yu Shulin was taken aback for a moment. He lifted his left wrist and gave it a little shake, smiling. "Thanks. My neighbor brother gave it to me. He said it was an early New Year's gift."
"Your brother is quite generous then." The latest model from Gérald Genta, a watch worth nearly 100,000 RMB, given away just like that. He certainly was generous.
"Is it expensive?" Yu Shulin asked, puzzled. "But my brother said it was very cheap."
Thinking of the watches worth over a million at his own home, Li Tao pondered for a moment before laying his head back down on his book. "Well, it's not that expensive, I suppose. For a student, it's a relatively pricey item."
For a student? Remembering the thousand-RMB watch he used to wear, Yu Shulin touched the new watch on his wrist and nodded in agreement. "A watch costing over ten thousand is indeed quite expensive."
"..." Over ten thousand? Li Tao glanced at his wrist and lowered his eyes.
Yu Shulin came first in his class again in the final exams. As a reward, Liang Zhou personally cooked him a meal. As for how it tasted... it's the thought that counts, the thought. Don't pay too much attention to the details.
Just as he was about to finish his winter vacation homework, the New Year finally arrived.
On New Year's Eve, Yu Shulin, carrying New Year gifts and brimming with joy, followed Liang Zhou to the Zhou family's old house for the reunion dinner.
"Very happy?" Liang Zhou glanced at him, took the gifts from his hands to place them in the back seat, and helped him fasten his seatbelt.
Yu Shulin felt a little embarrassed. He really was looking forward to having the reunion dinner at the Zhou house. The feeling of a whole family gathering together to chat and laugh was too enchanting. He adjusted his scarf, hiding his upturned lips, and said evasively, "There are red envelopes to get, after all."
Liang Zhou chuckled, reaching over to ruffle his hair. "Silly."
The courtyard house was a scene of bustling festivity. Zhou He wasn't playing with firecrackers this year; instead, he was dutifully helping Zhou Qi put up the Spring Festival couplets. The elders had set up a table in the yard. Uncle Zhou Qingren, the two aunts, and an unfamiliar man were playing mahjong. Uncle Zhou Qinghe and the old master were playing chess. The old madam was holding Zhou Shi's hand, chatting warmly about something. The atmosphere was utterly cozy.
Seeing Liang Zhou and Yu Shulin walking over together, Zhou He cheered. He stopped holding the ladder for Zhou Qi and ran straight over, calling out loudly, "Happy New Year, cousin! Wishing you all the best, good health and peace." After saying this, he made a slight bow with his hands clasped, then stretched out his hand with a grin. "Red envelope, red envelope, hand it over."
"Always so impatient, the same words every year, can't you change it up a bit?" Liang Zhou said, handing him the prepared red envelope, a hint of laughter in his eyes.
"New Year's greetings are all like that, don't be picky." With the red envelope secured, Zhou He grew bolder. He ignored Liang Zhou and turned to Yu Shulin. "Shulin, I got a new computer, it runs games super fast. You should buy one too, we can play the same game, I'll carry you!"
"Okay," Yu Shulin replied with a smile. He bent his head to rummage through the things he was carrying, pulled out a box, and handed it to him. "Here, a New Year's gift."
"Huh? You got me a gift?" This was an unexpected delight. Zhou He grinned a silly grin, took the box and opened it, then cheered, "Shulin, you're the best! I've wanted this model kit for ages, I love you, woohoo!"
Yu Shulin laughed and dodged his bear hug, squinting his eyes happily. In truth, after receiving the year-end bonus from Rong Guang, he had started planning New Year gifts for the Zhou family. He always wanted to repay, within his means, the kindness others showed him.
Zhou Qi, having finished pasting the horizontal scroll, came down from the ladder and scolded jokingly, "You brat, you just leave your cousin to his fate and run off to get red envelopes. I'm not giving you lucky money this year."
"Hmph, if you don't give it, I'll just take it," Zhou He said triumphantly.
"Alright, don't just stand outside. Everyone's waiting in the courtyard." Zhou Qi greeted Liang Zhou and Yu Shulin, moved the ladder aside, and led them inside, lowering his voice. "Xiao Shi brought her boyfriend back. Uncle and the others are keeping him company."
Liang Zhou nodded to show he understood.
Once inside the courtyard, another round of greetings was unavoidable. After receiving red envelopes from everyone, Yu Shulin brought out the gifts he had prepared and somewhat shyly distributed them.
For the old master, it was tea leaves. For the old madam, three exquisitely embroidered handkerchiefs. For Uncle Zhou Qinghe and Uncle Zhou Qingren, it was tie clips. For the two aunts, cashmere scarves. For Zhou Qi, a fountain pen. Zhou Shi was young and pretty and liked platinum jewelry, so he gave her a bracelet.
Regardless of the monetary value of the gifts, the thought alone was precious. The Zhou family members were all momentarily stunned upon receiving the gifts, and their gazes toward Yu Shulin grew even warmer. This child had prepared a different gift for each person, showing he had put real thought into it... He was a good kid.
Liang Zhou accompanied him the whole time. Sensing the gentle shift in his family's attitude toward Yu Shulin, a clear smile appeared on his face.
The old madam loved embroidered things. Those three handkerchiefs were so delicate, she took a liking to them immediately. She turned them over and over in her hands, praising, "Shulin is so thoughtful. These gifts are prepared with such care. Zhouzhou, you bring the same things every year, too perfunctory. Grandma might stop liking you."
Liang Zhou tilted his head to look at Yu Shulin and said with a smile, "I'll prepare properly next year, and strive to make Grandma like me again."
Everyone laughed heartily.
Everyone gathered together to chat; the mahjong and chess games had long since ended. Even the sternest, Old Master Zhou, came over. He asked Yu Shulin about his grades, and upon learning he was ranked first in his year, he praised him mildly with a "Not bad," then sternly lectured Zhou He for a while.
Having received a gift he loved, Zhou He was completely unfazed by the scolding. He listened while fiddling with his model kit, winking and making faces at Yu Shulin, mouthing "thank you."
Zhou Shi put the bracelet on directly. She pulled over the unfamiliar man who had been listening to everyone talk with a smile, waved Yu Shulin over, and said with a smile, "Shulin, thank you for the gift, I love it. This is my boyfriend, Li Zhong. You can call him Brother Li. Li Zhong, this is my cousin, Yu Shulin. You'd better give him a big red envelope."
"Naturally," Li Zhong said with a nod and a smile. He took a red envelope from his pocket, handed it to Yu Shulin, and said warmly, "Shulin, from now on we're all family. You'll have to put in a good word for me with your sister. She hasn't agreed to my proposal yet."
"Don't say such things in front of a child!" Zhou Shi laughed and gave him a light punch, snatching the red envelope from his hand and stuffing it into Yu Shulin's. "He loves to talk nonsense, don't mind him."
"Thank you, Brother Li," Yu Shulin said with a smile. Seeing Zhou Shi and Li Zhong so sweet together made him very happy. Li Zhong had a gentle and handsome appearance, and standing next to the elegant and graceful Zhou Shi, they made a perfect match.
After the lively greetings, everyone sat in the main room, chatting while waiting for the feast to begin.
The Zhou family subtly probed and got a clear picture of Li Zhong's family background. Upon learning he was from the Li family, a well-known medical family, Old Master Zhou's expression shifted slightly, and he glanced at Zhou Shi.
Zhou Shi smiled and blinked, full of coquettishness and slyness.
Auntie directly pinched Zhou Shi, giving her a reproachful look. This child, if she's in a relationship, why keep her partner's family background a secret? Now they were caught off guard and almost slighted him.
Although the Li family, like the Zhou family, is a family with some heritage, the Zhou family has few members and doesn't care much for scheming for power. They've always lived a very down-to-earth and low-key life. By Zhou Qinghe's generation, only the youngest son, Zhou Qingren, is still in the political arena. The eldest son, Zhou Qinghe, went into business early and has been thriving in the commercial world.
For the grandchildren's generation, Zhou Qi is to inherit Zhou Qinghe's business. Zhou He is a bit of a free spirit and probably won't enter politics in the future. Zhou Shi is a girl, so she should just enjoy life. The grandson, Liang Zhou, is also in business. By this generation, the Zhou family has completely withdrawn from the political arena.
The Li family is different. Due to the nature of their family business, many of them are still involved in politics, showing a trend of doing better and better.
Yu Shulin listened in a daze, scrutinizing the gently smiling Li Zhong several times, still unable to believe he was actually a forensic doctor. Wasn't it said his family runs a hospital? How did he end up as a forensic doctor?
"This is the Li family's way of training their children, just like how Father made me go into acting," Liang Zhou explained quietly, patting his head. "Shulin, don't worry about these things. You can do whatever you want in the future. I'll support you."
"Mhm." Yu Shulin nodded, but felt lost inside. What did he want to do in the future? He really hadn't thought about it. His biggest wish right now was to get into university. But after that, what major should he study?
Having understood the situation well enough, Uncle Zhou Qinghe changed the subject and said to Zhou Qi, "Your younger sister has already brought someone home. You, as the eldest son, are still single. Is that acceptable?"
Knew this was coming... Zhou Qi sighed helplessly, saying, "I'm busy."
"Busy with what? Is the branch company I handed over to you that difficult to manage? No explanations. I'll arrange some blind dates for you after the New Year." Zhou Qinghe put on a stern face.
Seeing her brother's pained expression, Zhou Shi laughed. "Dad, don't make Brother go on blind dates, or the girl he's currently pursuing might really run away."
Hearing this, Auntie's eyes lit up, and she asked eagerly, "Shi Shi, is that true? Your brother likes a girl? Which family is she from? What's her personality like? What does she do? Qi, you too, why didn't you tell Mom if you like a girl? Mom isn't some feudal parent who would stop you from dating. As long as the girl has a good personality, family background isn't important."
Betrayed by his sister, Zhou Qi hurriedly said, "Mom, it's not settled at all yet. Why ask so many questions?" He originally wanted to wait until he successfully pursued her and their relationship was stable before telling his family, but now... miscalculation.
With her own love life going well, Zhou Shi was happy to watch Zhou Qi's embarrassment and spilled the beans: "Brother likes my classmate, from the Wen family, named Wen Qi. She studies law, and her personality... is quite lively."
Auntie was taken aback. "The Wen family? Which Wen family?"
"The one that runs the antique business."
Runs an antique business? Auntie finally understood and smiled even more happily. "Well then, Qi, you better step up your pursuit. The Wen family is a scholarly family; the younger generation are all very gentle and well-mannered. Good, good."
Grandpa Zhou and Zhou Qinghe's expressions also softened, quite satisfied with the partners Zhou Shi and Zhou Qi had chosen. Grandma directly pulled Zhou Shi aside to ask in detail about the girl and even planned when to invite her over to their home.
Listening to their discussion, Zhou Qi rubbed his temples and sighed. With Wen Qi's fiery and straightforward personality, she had nothing to do with being gentle and well-mannered. His mother was bound to be disappointed.
In a good mood, Zhou Qinghe's gaze swept over to Liang Zhou, who was talking quietly with Yu Shulin, and suddenly said, "Since Zhou Qi has a girl he likes, then Zhou Zhou can go on blind dates. You're not young anymore; you should start considering these things."
Upon hearing this, both Liang Zhou and Yu Shulin were stunned. How did the topic get here?
Grandma was also taken aback but then nodded. "That's right, Zhou Zhou is already twenty-four and has been busy with work all the time, with no time to arrange these things. You uncles should help arrange more for him."
"Don't worry, Mom, we remember," Zhou Qingren said, frowning in thought before suggesting, "The eldest daughter of the Zhou family seems to be twenty-two. I heard her personality is good, and her family situation is simple. We could try."
"But that Mrs. Zhou is particularly snobbish. Not good," Auntie (the younger uncle's wife) frowned, not very satisfied with her husband's choice.
"What about the Cao family's daughter? The second one, twenty-three this year, studying abroad. I heard her temperament is quite good," Auntie (the elder uncle's wife) chimed in.
Zhou Qinghe shook his head. "Not good. Everyone knows the two Cao brothers don't get along, not to mention their messy bunch of relatives. No, no."
"What about the Wu family..."
Everyone's enthusiasm was stirred, and they immediately started discussing, each offering their opinion. Even Li Zhong said a few words, making the atmosphere lively again.
Yu Shulin listened to their discussion, feeling troubled. Brother doesn't like girls. What should we do? The family hurdle won't be easy to get over...
Liang Zhou patted him reassuringly and said calmly, "I'll find my own partner."
Silence fell. Everyone stopped discussing and looked at him. Liang Zhou placed the peeled almonds into Yu Shulin's hand, looked up, and scanned the room. "Don't bring up blind dates. I won't go. I'll find my own love."
Is it okay to speak to elders like this? Yu Shulin grew anxious and tugged his hand.
Grandma was the first to look away, nodding. "Alright then, we'll listen to Zhou Zhou. The kitchen should be almost ready. Let's eat."
Hearing this, everyone stood up and walked towards the set round table, as if the topic of blind dates had never come up.
What's going on?
Yu Shulin was stunned. They were let off so easily... It's not logical. The TV dramas he watched with Auntie Liu weren't like this!
"Don't overthink it," Liang Zhou tapped his forehead amusedly and pulled him up to walk towards the round table. "In the future, if Auntie Liu asks you to watch TV with her, you can watch, but don't believe it."
"..."
Seeing him lower his head and scratch his cheek without speaking, knowing he was embarrassed, Liang Zhou paused and didn't continue the TV drama topic. He explained, "Grandma and the others are very open-minded. They won't force me to do what I don't like."
"Then..." He carefully glanced at the people in front and behind, leaned over, and whispered, "What about when you come out later? Grandma and they..."
"If we work on it persistently, they'll accept it," Liang Zhou said with certainty. Once Yu Shulin is a bit older, he would confess to his family. But the most important thing was to successfully pursue him first.
Yu Shulin was still worried, frowning and muttering, "If only it were that simple."
"Don't overthink it," Liang Zhou looked at him, patted his head, his eyes full of tenderness.
After gaining the family's approval, the engagement date for Zhou Shi and Li Zhong was quickly set.
On the Lantern Festival, Yu Shulin had already taken leave from school in advance and went to the hotel with Liang Zhou.
Originally, both families had planned to hold a traditional engagement banquet, but Zhou Shi and Li Zhong didn't want the hassle. They simplified the procedures and chose the hotel as the venue for the engagement.
Yu Shulin tugged somewhat uncomfortably at his bow tie as he followed Liang Zhou out of the car. He rarely wore formal attire and wasn't quite used to it yet.
"Don't tug, you'll mess it up," Liang Zhou stopped him, straightened his bow tie, and gave him a careful look. Satisfied that everything was in order, he led him into the hotel and up to the fifth-floor hall where the banquet was being held.
There were many guests in attendance. Liang Zhou first took Yu Shulin to greet the elders of the Zhou family, then introduced him to some family friends and elders they were more familiar with. Afterward, they avoided the people coming over to exchange pleasantries, found a spot to sit down, and waited for the engagement ceremony to begin.
It was only at this moment that Yu Shulin deeply realized that the Zhou and Li families were probably not just wealthy... the people attending all seemed very impressive. He turned his head to look at Liang Zhou beside him, who looked exceptionally handsome and capable in his suit, and felt a bit dazed.
That such an outstanding person had become his older brother... fate was truly mysterious.
Although the engagement ceremony was simplified, going through the entire process still took nearly two hours. After the ceremony, Liang Zhou was hurriedly pulled away by Zhou Qi. Yu Shulin, with nothing to do on his own and surrounded by strangers, found his way to one of the lounge rooms, planning to wait for Liang Zhou to finish his business so they could go home together.
There were several such semi-open lounges next to the banquet hall. He chose one in the corner, walked in, collapsed onto the sofa, and began to space out. As he sat there, his mind, muddled by the few sips of alcohol he had drunk, grew increasingly hazy until finally, his head tilted to the side and he fell asleep.
He was awakened by the sound of talking. The voices sounded familiar, like Liang Zhou's and Ling Chun's.
At the entrance of the lounge, Zhou Qi patted Liang Zhou's shoulder with a headache, advising, "Don't be angry. I don't know why that family came looking either. It's very strange. They clearly didn't know of your existence. After that incident years ago, their family never came back."
The Ling family ran a law firm and had some business dealings with both the Zhou and Li families. For this union of the two families, Ling Chun was also invited to attend.
"Could it be because of that new movie you filmed? That movie was also broadcast in Europe and America," Ling Chun frowned, speculating. "The Yan family's business focus is overseas. They might have seen it. I've heard Liang Zhou looks very much like Yan Wei."
"Now that you mention it, it's very possible," Zhou Qi frowned, feeling a sense of foreboding. "Given the Yan family's way of doing things, if they truly believe Zhou Zhou is one of their own, then..."
Liang Zhou's face was like still water, dark emotions churning in his eyes before he forcibly suppressed them, saying coldly, "Never mind them. Let them do whatever they want. My surname is Liang."
Ling Chun, however, wasn't as worried as Zhou Qi and said leisurely, "Zhou Qi, relax. The Yan family might not necessarily be here to cause trouble for Liang Zhou. Didn't you see how low their attitude and posture were just now? I've heard the current head of the Yan family has few children, only a daughter under his knee, and that vicious, shrewish wife of his has already passed away... Now, out of the blue, he has an outstanding son like Liang Zhou. He's probably laughing in his dreams and will undoubtedly try every means to get Liang Zhou to acknowledge his roots."
"Over my dead body!" Zhou Qi's face turned cold. When the incident happened years ago, he was already eight years old. He hadn't forgotten a single detail of the Yan family's demeanor. Although it was Yan Wei's wife who did the bad deed, Yan Wei's attitude of whitewashing and covering up back then was enough for the Zhou family to hate him for a lifetime!
Yu Shulin, his head still heavy and muddled, was thoroughly jolted awake by Zhou Qi's loud shout. He got up with a headache, mumbling, "Brother, what are you talking about? It sounds like you're arguing..."
Liang Zhou raised a hand, stopping Zhou Qi from saying more. He walked over, patted Yu Shulin's head, and said gently, "Did we wake you? Get up and wash your face to refresh yourself. We'll go home and sleep there."
Yu Shulin was still draped in Liang Zhou's suit jacket. Hearing this, he covered his mouth with a yawn, took off the jacket, and handed it back to him. Heading towards the washroom in the lounge, he said vaguely, "Then wait a moment, Brother. I'll go wash my face."
"Go ahead."
After making sure the washroom door was closed, Liang Zhou put on his suit jacket and said to Zhou Qi, "Let's not mention the Yan family's matter again. Regardless of their purpose for seeking us out, we just won't pay them any attention."
Zhou Qi felt somewhat helpless. "You're thinking too simply."
"No, Liang Zhou is right. Ignoring them is the best approach. It's good to maintain a higher stance," Ling Chun interjected. "As long as we adamantly refuse to acknowledge any relationship between Liang Zhou and Yan Wei, and don't give them any opportunity to pester Liang Zhou, the Yan family won't be able to cause a fuss. Right now, they want something from Liang Zhou. They wouldn't dare to act forcefully."
Zhou Qi turned Ling Chun's words over in his mind but was still worried, frowning. "Call me timid, but what if the Yan family tries forceful tactics when soft persuasion fails..."
"You're too concerned, that's all. Don't overthink it," Liang Zhou reassured him.
Ling Chun also advised, "Liang Zhou is a grown man now. He can protect himself. Set your mind at ease."
"But... they returned to the country this time under the guise of investment. What if they use that as an excuse to come pestering..." Zhou Qi's anxious heart didn't settle at all. He felt danger lurking for Liang Zhou everywhere.
"Then cooperate with them," Liang Zhou said calmly, his expression composed. "Why push away money someone delivers to your doorstep? Uncle's business foundation is very solid now. There's nothing wrong with using the Yan family's influence to expand overseas a bit. Just handle it as business, and remember to keep a backup plan."
With the conversation reaching this point, the mood among the three wasn't great. Zhou Qi's gaze drifted to the delicate pastries on the small table, and he changed the subject. "Zhou Zhou, I've never seen anyone dote on their younger brother like you do. You ran around the entire banquet hall in a panic when you couldn't find him. Once you found him, you worried he might be hungry and hurried to prepare snacks. Having everything ready still wasn't enough; you insisted on waiting here for him to wake up. Aren't you afraid of spoiling him rotten?"
Speaking of Yu Shulin, Liang Zhou's expression softened, a hint of a smile appearing on his face. "Shulin is very well-behaved. He won't be spoiled."
Ling Chun curled his lips, drawing out his tone, his eyes full of teasing. "This is how one dotes on a wife. Liang Zhou's future partner is going to be very fortunate."
Zhou Qi nodded in agreement, smiling. "Exactly, I never realized before that Zhou Zhou had such a careful and considerate side. But Shulin really is a good kid. This New Year, he specially prepared a gift for each family member. He's much more well-behaved than that little Zhou He, who only knows how to ask for red envelopes."
Ling Chun raised an eyebrow. It seemed the Zhou family had a good impression of little Yu... I wonder if they'll still praise little Yu like this after the truth comes out.
