My Mother-in-Law and I Became the Internet’s Hottest Power Couple

【Is the surname Lu really that annoying to you all?】

【At least Lu Yicheng has a name, but when it comes to Lu Shuangchen, he’s just referred to as "a certain Lu Corporation CEO."】

【LYC at least got a farewell meal after wrapping up, but LSC ended up with prison food.】

【Be careful not to get reported.】

When Lu Shuangchen is mentioned, one can’t help but think of the female celebrities in the entertainment industry who tried to latch onto his fame.

He was only a name—reclusive, with almost no photos of him online.

It wasn’t until a certain actress hinted in an interview that she had a close relationship with Lu Shuangchen that his Baidu profile was updated.

Two words were added: "Married."

The rumors vanished within ten minutes, the actress was blacklisted, and no one dared to associate themselves with Lu Shuangchen again.

The news of Yu Wanqiu and Lu Shuangchen’s marriage surfaced in July this year.

A wealthy tycoon and an award-winning actress—it sounded like a perfect match.

As for Lu Shuangchen’s appearance—whether he was tall or short, fat or thin—no one knew. But setting aside his looks, he was an exceptionally accomplished man.

His career flourished, his wife was a celebrated actress, his son was a top student, and thanks to Yu Wanqiu, Lu Yuan’s stocks kept rising.

Fans brought it up without malice—if this CEO didn’t have the surname Lu, they might have really received a lawyer’s letter. So what if he went to prison? So what if he was a ruthless figure? At least his wife was still his.

Looking back now, there were clues. For instance, Yu Wanqiu acted in romantic dramas but was never involved in any scandals.

Another example: at the end of her Baidu profile, there were also two words—"Married."

【Stop bumping this thread, it won’t end well if it gets taken down.】

【We’re already in the wrong for liking the wives of both father and son.】

【How are you any different from Cao Cao?】

【Heh, I, Zhang Mingyue, just have a thing for other people’s beautiful wives.】

Zhang Tian finally got a good night’s sleep.

The next day, he had his assistant remind Yu Wanqiu and Jiang Lan that they still owed two hours of livestreaming for the week—if they didn’t complete it, they’d have extra hours added.

Yu Wanqiu called Xia Jing to ask if Zhengrong and the others could still play games today.

Xia Jing replied, “I was just about to mention that. There’s a pro match tomorrow night, so the players are training extra hard today. They probably won’t be able to join. Have you two decided on your livestream content?”

Yu Wanqiu hadn’t thought of anything. She wasn’t the type to seek out fun.

Xia Jing suggested, “Why not invite Lu Yicheng? The three of you could play together.”

Yu Wanqiu’s expression turned complicated. “…Let’s not. I’ll ask Jiang Lan.”

Jiang Lan thought for a moment. “Yu Laoshi, how about we go out instead?”

Staying in the villa all day was boring. Her period was almost over, so she was perfectly fine with going out.

Yu Wanqiu paused. “Where to?”

Over the years, apart from filming, Yu Wanqiu had mostly stayed home reading or resting. A single project took so much out of her that she had no energy for anything else.

Besides, filming took her to various locations—she considered it a work-funded trip.

Jiang Lan said, “I’ll plan it out and see what fun places there are.”

Before their last trip to the snack street, Jiang Lan had done research. Even if Lu Yicheng hadn’t shown up, she could’ve found every delicious stall with precision.

Planning had its perks—cheap hotels and restaurants, discount coupons, student discounts for attractions, saving on tickets.

Mapping out routes meant no getting lost, plus knowing where the best souvenirs, snacks, and photo spots were.

Wasn’t that what girls did when they went out—take pictures, eat, and enjoy themselves?

Yu Wanqiu had never made plans before. She remembered her honeymoon with Lu Shuangchen over twenty years ago—abroad, unfamiliar, asking for directions on the spot.

Jiang Lan looked up a few places, all in City B. The first was a lavender garden, a popular photo spot, but the surrounding area was lackluster—too isolated—so she skipped it.

Another was the ruins of Yaocheng Ancient Town, filled with historical sites and stalls run by skilled craftsmen. Visitors could try handicrafts or buy snacks.

Next to the ruins was an exotic-themed street with…

Bars, food stalls—online reviews were decent.

“Yu Laoshi, we can go to the ancient town first, then West Street. There’s a fireworks show there at night. If it’s too late, we can stay over.” Jiang Lan asked if that worked for her.

Yu Wanqiu said she was fine with anything.

Jiang Lan: “How can you just say ‘anything’? If you don’t help plan, you’re just leaving everything to me—no sense of involvement at all.”

Yu Wanqiu smiled helplessly. “I’ve never really ‘played’ before. When I visit places, I just look around and leave. How about this—you plan this time, and I’ll watch. Next time, I’ll join in.”

Jiang Lan nodded. “Ancient town tickets are 80, half-price with a student ID. Yours is full price, so 120 total. The fireworks are free. There’s a good restaurant with a group deal—110 per person. Food on West Street is pay-as-you-go, budget 150. As for the hotel…”

Yu Wanqiu said, “Anywhere is fine for me.”

She didn’t insist on five-star hotels—she’d even stayed in rural farmhouses before.

Jiang Lan chose a safer option, "How about we share a standard room? It’s cheaper, and we won’t feel scared."

Jiang Lan added, "Since we’re traveling together, we should split the costs. I’ll pay first, and you can transfer your share to me later."

Yu Wanqiu didn’t argue. It probably wouldn’t cost much, and Jiang Lan had her own principles.

Jiang Lan rarely spent Yu Wanqiu’s money—even the hospital check-up fee had been paid back. If Jiang Lan was willing to spend, it meant she had the means. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have agreed to the trip in the first place.

But did this also mean Jiang Lan was keeping her at arm’s length, unwilling to accept even small financial gestures?

The thought struck Yu Wanqiu like a sudden buzz in her head.

Jiang Lan noted the itinerary in her memo. "We don’t have to livestream the whole trip. We can just broadcast the fireworks show tonight and chat a bit. Come on, Yu Wanqiu, pack your things—we’re leaving soon."

Without an assistant, Yu Wanqiu wasn’t sure what to bring. Jiang Lan reminded her, "Makeup remover, skincare, clothes—just pack what you’ll use."

From planning to packing, it took less than half an hour. By the time they left, it was only nine in the morning.

Little Xu drove them to the ancient town. As a public figure, Yu Wanqiu preferred the privacy of a personal driver.

They arrived at the ancient town by 10:30 a.m., the sun blazing overhead. The moment they stepped out of the car, Jiang Lan opened a parasol, casting a cool shadow beneath it.

"Wait here, Yu Wanqiu. I’ll get the tickets." Jiang Lan handed her a small portable fan.

They followed the itinerary closely, starting with a shop selling non-heritage handmade woven rattan hats.

The display shelves were lined with hats adorned with intricate patterns—not dyed, but woven with colorful ribbons.

They could buy a finished hat or try making one themselves, which was cheaper but required some skill.

Yu Wanqiu wanted one but didn’t say so outright. It seemed complicated. Then it occurred to her—was that pink water bottle Lu Yicheng used also made by Jiang Lan?

She sent Lu Yicheng a message: [That pink water bottle of yours—did Jiang Lan give it to you?]

[Lu Yicheng: Yeah, we went to a pottery studio once. She designed it, glazed it, and fired it herself. Gave it to me as a Valentine’s Day gift.]

"……"

Had she asked for that much detail?

Yu Wanqiu put her phone away and remarked, "These hats are lovely."

Jiang Lan agreed. "They really are. Yu Wanqiu, let’s make one! It’d look even better on you."

A ready-made hat cost over 300 yuan—nothing to Yu Wanqiu, but for Jiang Lan, it would only deepen her financial struggles.

Making one themselves, however, only required 50 yuan for materials, well within her budget.

It was time-consuming, but after Yu Wanqiu had made her ginger tea, Jiang Lan couldn’t refuse.

Yu Wanqiu hesitated. "Isn’t this a bit difficult? And it’ll take a while."

"We’re already here—let’s do it. We’ll eat afterward." Jiang Lan was enthusiastic. "Pick a color, Yu Wanqiu."

The ribbon choices varied. Yu Wanqiu selected a purple one, while the rattan strips were a deep, slender brown.

The shop owner, an elderly master, chuckled. "You two sisters get along well. Most people just buy the hats—few bother making them."

Step by step, the master guided them through the process. He’d been weaving for decades, a craft once on the verge of fading until it was recognized as intangible cultural heritage. Still, few came to learn—most just admired the finished products.

After over an hour, the hat was finally complete, resting atop Yu Wanqiu’s head. The purple ribbons formed lavender-like embroidery. She had Jiang Lan snap a few photos.

"You look stunning. Let’s go eat—I’m starving," Jiang Lan groaned.

The compliment pleased Yu Wanqiu. "Your stamina needs work. When we get back, add an extra hour of yoga in the evenings. It’s good for you."

Jiang Lan had a love-hate relationship with yoga.

She now weighed 102 pounds, down by one—barely noticeable on the scale, but her legs had slimmed significantly, the muscle lines more defined.

Playing the violin often left her neck stiff from craning over the instrument.

But lately, it had improved.

Yu Wanqiu was hungry too. "What’s in the group-buy meal? Will it be enough, or should we order more?"

Food in tourist spots was pricey. Yu Wanqiu considered paying extra for a better meal.

Jiang Lan assured her it would suffice.

The group deal was for a hearty Northeastern-style stew: pork ribs with radish, cabbage and pork with glass noodles, and a large plate of braised eggplant.

Plenty for two.

The fireworks display was at night. After exploring the ancient town in the afternoon, they checked into the hotel.

By evening, West Street grew crowded. At seven, as darkness fell, the streets buzzed with energy. Jiang Lan turned on the livestream. "Hey everyone, we’re out today. Yu Wanqiu’s with me—please don’t send gifts or reveal our location. Thanks!"

Yu Wanqiu wore a mask. Around them, other influencers livestreamed with selfie sticks.

They didn’t stand out at all.

"Hello everyone, the scenery here is quite nice, with lots of fun places to explore."

【Wifey finally went live!】

【Where's Lu Yicheng?】

【That hat looks amazing on you, wifey! Is it the handmade rattan hat from Yaocheng?】

【Where is this? It's so crowded—stay safe, ladies!】

"Yes, this hat was a gift from Jiang Lan. We made it together, though she did most of the work—it took her just over an hour." Yu Wanqiu adjusted the hat toward the camera. Her face was mostly hidden behind a mask, leaving only her eyes visible, but the hat stood out brightly.

It was a lovely hat—perfect for shading from the sun during the day and adding a stylish touch at night. Yu Wanqiu wore a dark floral maxi dress, and as the summer breeze swept past, she looked absolutely radiant.

In the frame, Jiang Lan’s smiling eyes gleamed.

"There’s a fireworks show here—it starts at 7:30." Jiang Lan glanced at her phone. "Yu-laoshi, it’s almost time."