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

Dian Province's hospitals are quite skilled at handling mushroom poisoning cases.

But aside from her muddled consciousness, Jiang Lan showed no other symptoms.

The doctor put her on an IV, and Jiang Lan drifted into a heavy sleep. She remembered seeing an exceptionally beautiful mermaid swimming gracefully in the water—until the mermaid suddenly transformed into a pile of exam papers.

They were filled with mathematical formulas, curve equations, chemical formulas, and gravitational acceleration calculations. The scribbled notes on the scratch paper looked ancient, and Jiang Lan couldn’t make sense of any of it.

Amid the equations, she also saw the golden-orange sunset outside the office every evening. And then, she saw her mother.

Teacher Xie, Xie Yunzhen, had a gentle-sounding name but was an extremely stern woman.

A teacher who wasn’t strict couldn’t command respect in the classroom.

She always wore her hair in a ponytail, dressed plainly, and rarely wore makeup. Her hands were often dusted with chalk, and her most frequent line was, "I’m supervising evening study hall today—ask your dad to make dinner for you."

Jiang Lan would secretly watch TV instead. Her father doted on her and never scolded her for it.

That was why Jiang Lan was so afraid of Xie Yunzhen. But sometimes, Teacher Xie could be unexpectedly tender.

Despite her busy schedule, she occasionally brought back treats from outside the school—fried skewers, pork-stuffed flatbreads, oden—all kinds of delicious snacks.

Once, when Xie Yunzhen came to deliver food, Jiang Lan had just stepped out of the office after a "tutoring session." For some reason, her heart started pounding wildly.

She hadn’t seen Lu Yicheng, but behind her was a door—the same door to the office where Lu Yicheng was also being tutored.

Though she didn’t witness it, Jiang Lan knew that after she left, Lu Yicheng would pack up and follow her out. Sometimes, when she glanced back, she’d see him trailing behind her at a distance.

Xie Yunzhen had a sharp eye for spotting early romances—she’d cracked down on enough of them. If she ever saw Jiang Lan studying with Lu Yicheng, she’d never allow it.

With so many teachers at her disposal, Xie Yunzhen could easily assign any of them to tutor Jiang Lan instead.

Jiang Lan quickly took the lamb skewers from her mother. Xie Yunzhen grilled her for about five minutes—how was her revision going? Was she keeping up with her studies?

Behind her, the office door remained tightly shut.

Lu Yicheng never came out.

Even if he had, they could’ve pretended not to know each other. If Lu Yicheng had greeted her, she could’ve just said they were studying together—nothing inappropriate about that.

But since he didn’t emerge, Jiang Lan breathed a sigh of relief.

Her dream was fragmented, but that was the part she remembered most clearly.

She woke up a little past seven, her dizziness gone. Someone was slumped over beside her bed—Lu Yicheng.

Yu Wanqiu was also there. "He flew in and arrived around five. He dozed off after sitting here for a while. Oh, and I told your mom about your hospitalization. The doctor said it was mild poisoning—once you woke up, you’d be fine."

Yu Wanqiu didn’t dare hide something this serious. Xie Yunzhen had brushed it off, saying Jiang Lan must’ve eaten something odd, but as long as she was okay, it didn’t matter. Since they were in City B, she’d wait until Jiang Lan returned from Dian Province to visit.

Jiang Lan blinked. "Huh?"

Yu Wanqiu explained, "The cameras caught everything. Who knows if Director Zhang will include it in the final edit, but if he does, your mom would’ve found out eventually. Better to confess early."

The lingering authority of Teacher Xie in her dream still intimidated Jiang Lan. She lowered her head, watching Lu Yicheng sleep, and sighed softly. "But why did Lu Yicheng come all the way here?"

Yu Wanqiu shrugged. "I mentioned it, and he just booked a flight. Once the IV finishes, we’ll have the doctor check you again. If everything’s clear, we’ll head back."

Lu Yicheng slept a little longer before waking up, looking somewhat exasperated. He didn’t know what to say, so he just asked, "Was it good?"

Jiang Lan grinned. "Heh, it was delicious." Her stomach was already growling. She’d always thought mushroom poisoning was just an internet joke—until it happened to her. But honestly? Totally worth it.

So. Freaking. Good.

"Yu-laoshi, it probably wasn’t the mushrooms’ fault. You ate them too, and you’re fine." The elderly vendor must’ve been terrified.

Yu Wanqiu nodded. "Still, better not risk it again. You might be allergic."

Jiang ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌‍Lan pouted. "Fine, I won’t. But Lu Yicheng, you should try them. Seriously, they’re amazing."

Yu Wanqiu had zero reaction to the mushrooms. That evening, when they returned, the old lady who’d sold them came by to check on Jiang Lan, even cooking her a comforting bowl of shredded pork noodles with a poached egg.

Lu Yicheng and Yu Wanqiu had mushroom noodles instead. Jiang Lan wasn’t exaggerating—they were incredible.

Lu Yicheng had two bowls.

About fifteen minutes later, he blinked drowsily and asked, "Baby… why are you floating in the sky?"

Yu Wanqiu: "…………"

Jiang Lan also wanted to know why she was in the sky.

Back to the hospital they went.

By the time they returned, it was past midnight. Jiang Lan stayed with Lu Yicheng during his IV drip, while Yu Wanqiu went back earlier. The streets were alive with fireflies. After getting out of the car, they lingered outside the inn for a while, strolling under the glowing night.

Lu Yicheng held Jiang Lan’s hand and murmured, "Well, at least we’re sharing hardships together now."

Jiang Lan rolled her eyes. "Who wants to share this kind of hardship with you? One bowl would’ve been fine, but you just had to have two."

Lu Yicheng grinned. "I was eating the second one for you, since you couldn’t."

"Yeah, yeah, and then you landed yourself in the hospital. Flew all the way here just to visit the hospital twice in one day." Jiang Lan couldn’t believe him.

Lu Yicheng shook his head. "No, I also got to see the fireflies. I kept watching them on the livestream yesterday, wishing I could see them in person. Now I have—with you."

Her heart softened. She couldn’t resist telling him about her dream. "When I was in the hospital earlier, I remembered something from the past. Not sure if it was real or just a dream, though."

Lu Yicheng’s eyes lit up. "What was it?"

Jiang Lan hesitated. "I remember leaving an office and running into my mom. She brought me lamb skewers and asked me a bunch of questions—how my studies were going, if I was keeping up, whether I got along with my classmates, if anyone was bullying me…"

Lu Yicheng finished for her, "And if anyone had written you love letters, warned you not to date too early, told you to avoid junk food, and reminded you to eat on time."

Jiang Lan froze. How did he remember those exact words?

Lu Yicheng smiled faintly. "I was behind the office door that day."

He hadn’t meant to eavesdrop—he just didn’t dare come out.

Jiang Lan hadn’t felt anything for him back then, but he’d already started nursing feelings he shouldn’t have. If Xie Yunzhen had seen them together, she would’ve seen right through him.

So he stayed hidden, waiting for mother and daughter to leave.

Jiang Lan had just returned from out of town then. Even with her short hair, she’d been voted the new school beauty. Boys from other classes would linger outside Classroom 7 between periods just to catch a glimpse of her. Xie Yunzhen was worried it would affect her studies—hence the interrogation.

Hearing Jiang Lan say "no" to the love letters had made Lu Yicheng happy at first. But that happiness quickly soured into endless disappointment.

Because it meant she didn’t like anyone.

Jiang Lan fell silent. As much as she loved boasting about how Lu Yicheng had liked her first, pursued her, and confessed, she knew the ache of unrequited feelings.

She’d been terrified he might step out of that office, but Lu Yicheng, standing behind the door, must’ve agonized even more.

What had he been thinking in those moments?

She crooked a finger at him. "Hey, bend down a little. I have something to tell you."

Lu Yicheng smirked. "I can hear you just fine like this."

"Why do you talk so much nonsense?" Jiang Lan said impatiently, "Just lower your head when I tell you to. Why so many words?"

He had only said one sentence.

Lu Yicheng obediently lowered his head. The moment he leaned down, Jiang Lan stood on her tiptoes...

and kissed him.

It was a fleeting kiss, like a firefly accidentally brushing against his cheek before quickly flitting away.

Jiang Lan pulled back instantly. She might have done something like this before, but now, it was her first time.

Lu Yicheng hadn’t even processed what happened. He remained frozen in that position, staring at Jiang Lan. She blinked and said, "I think I like you a little. That’s why I kissed you. Let’s go, time to head back."

Lu Yicheng replied, "Then I like you too—way more than you like me right now."

Following Jiang Lan’s logic, wouldn’t that mean...

Jiang Lan cut him off, "If you dare kiss me, I’ll get mad."

Lu Yicheng was terrified of making her angry, but the fact that Jiang Lan had kissed him, even just a little, made him so happy that he felt the hospital trip was worth it. "Have you remembered anything else? Like things we did together, places we went..."

Jiang Lan shook her head honestly. "I’ll remember eventually."

Lu Yicheng was disappointed, but today, he was content. Ever since Jiang Lan and Yu Wanqiu joined the show, his expectations had been lowering, bit by bit.

"What did that Lu Xingran even ask you? You talked to him for so long."

Such pettiness.

Jiang Lan explained, "It’s about your brother’s new song. It’s a classical-style piece with a violin interlude, but he thinks it lacks depth, so he wants to switch to a cello. But I don’t think the cello works either—maybe another instrument would be better."

Lu Yicheng muttered, "Oh."

Jiang Lan smiled. "Let’s go back. It’s late—Teacher Yu must be asleep by now."

Lu Yicheng suggested, "How about we stay a little longer? The fireflies are beautiful."

The scattered glow of the fireflies along the street, the endless stars above, and the person beside him—everything was beautiful. Lu Yicheng took out his phone. "Let’s take a picture."

Jiang Lan agreed, but instantly regretted it. Lu Yicheng’s chosen angle was disastrous. Plus, since he was taller, it made her look like a stubby little goose.

Click—the photo was taken. Thankfully, Jiang Lan was naturally pretty, and with the fireflies around, the angle didn’t make her look outright ugly.

Lu Yicheng tapped his phone a few times and set the photo as his wallpaper.

His previous wallpaper had been a picture of Jiang Lan in a green fairy-like dress.

Jiang Lan couldn’t take it anymore. "Do you have any taste at all? Can’t you tell which one looks better?"

"This one’s the best."

The next day, Jiang Lan returned to City B with souvenirs and local specialties from Yunnan Province—mushrooms, flower cakes, and a set of ethnic costumes, matching sister-outfits she’d bought with Yu Wanqiu.

After just two days, it was time to leave. Jiang Lan felt a little reluctant but silently bid farewell in her heart.

She’d come back when she had the chance.

By the time they arrived in City B, it was already afternoon. Lu Yicheng went straight back to his apartment, while Jiang Lan had plans to go out that evening, so she returned to the show’s set to drop off her things.

Shen Xingyao had thoroughly enjoyed herself. She and Du Wanzhou had also eaten mushrooms but were perfectly fine. They were surprised to hear Jiang Lan and Lu Yicheng had ended up in the hospital, though relieved it wasn’t serious.

Director Zhang was startled too and came to check on Jiang Lan. "Lu Yicheng was hospitalized too?"

Jiang Lan reassured him, "It was just a bit of dizziness—nothing major. We were fine after the IV. Still, it’s better to eat less of it, and make sure it’s fully cooked. We brought back a lot of wild mushrooms, though."

Delicious as they were, the hospital trip was proof enough of the risks.

Director Zhang took just a small packet—he’d try a little and leave it at that.

Yu Wanqiu sorted through the things they’d brought back, sending gifts for her family home with her assistant.

That evening, Xia Jing arrived.

As Yu Wanqiu’s agent, Xia Jing only visited the set for work-related matters. This time, though, she was beaming. "Good news—the Yunnan provincial government reached out. They want you and Jiang Lan to be tourism ambassadors for Yunnan."

Yunnan, located in southern China, was known for its picturesque landscapes and year-round spring-like climate, with tourism as its primary economic driver.

Famous spots like Lijiang, snow-capped mountains, Erhai Lake, and Buddhist temples were already well-known, but there were also lesser-known gems like the firefly forest in the small town Jiang Lan and Yu Wanqiu had visited.

Having them as ambassadors would undoubtedly boost Yunnan’s GDP. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement—enhancing Yu Wanqiu’s national recognition while strengthening ties with the government, far more valuable than any endorsement.

Xia Jing was all for it. The government wanted a 30-minute promotional video showcasing not just the scenery but also local cuisine and ethnic attire. Jiang Lan and Yu Wanqiu’s images fit perfectly.

Considering their current filming schedule, the officials agreed to wait until the show wrapped. Besides a generous fee, they also offered a role in Salute, a patriotic film set for release during next year’s National Day holiday.

Salute had been in pre-production for a long time. Landing a part required both seniority and connections—something Xia Jing had planned to fight for. This opportunity made things much easier.

With Yu Wanqiu’s acting skills, it was practically a done deal.

Besides, this wasn’t about money. Many actors participated for free, with all proceeds going to rural hope schools—a meaningful cause.

The Lu family was in business, and Lu Shuangchen never interfered in Yu Wanqiu’s career. An opportunity like this was rare.

Yu Wanqiu hesitated. "Jiang Lan’s about to start school. Where would she find the time?"

Xia Jing countered, "They said they’ll work around your schedules. There are weekends, holidays—National Day, Mid-Autumn Festival, winter break. My advice is to take it."

Yu Wanqiu was known for her strong work ethic, insisting on perfection in her films.

But she rarely took endorsements, avoided variety shows, and skipped magazine shoots.

Aside from acting, her life revolved around books and fitness.

Others were snatching up deals left and right.

Yu Wanqiu said, "I’ll have to ask Jiang Lan. She’s out meeting her mom now—I’ll pick her up later."

Xia Jing decided to wait. There was a saying online: you could tell if a relationship was right by whether both people grew together. Seeing Yu Wanqiu’s steady career rise, Jiang Lan’s new opportunities, and Lu Yicheng’s smooth internship, this family was clearly a perfect match.

Jiang Lan met Xie Yunzhen at a hotpot restaurant. Since going home would’ve taken over an hour by subway, they settled on a midway spot.

Jiang Lan was nervous.

Her mother rarely initiated conversations, usually just asking if she was adjusting to the show. Xie Yunzhen didn’t know about the memory loss, and Jiang Lan wasn’t sure if her mother even knew about Lu Yicheng.

Even if she hadn’t before, she certainly did now.

Xie Yunzhen was punctual. The moment Jiang Lan saw her mother, she felt a rush of warmth—but the second Xie Yunzhen’s sharp gaze landed on her, she froze.

"Did the doctor say anything about dietary restrictions?" Xie Yunzhen asked.

Jiang Lan shook her head. "I’m fully recovered. I can eat anything."

"Then we’ll order a mild broth."

Jiang Lan quickly agreed. Xie Yunzhen looked much like she had in Jiang Lan’s dreams—plainly dressed, with sharp eyes. "Let’s get a plain broth pot. Or better yet, I’ll treat you to this meal."

Xie Yunzhen ordered a few dishes Jiang Lan could eat, then handed the menu to the server. Once they were alone in the private room, she cut straight to the point: "I’m not Yu Wanqiu. I won’t fall for your little tricks. I have questions for you."

Jiang Lan sat up even straighter.

Xie Yunzhen said, "No need to be so tense."

Jiang Lan only grew more nervous. At times like this, the only way to ease the pressure was to curse her boyfriend in her head.

Xie Yunzhen asked, "Why did you suddenly decide to join this show? Instead of doing an internship in your third year, you chose a variety program. Do you want to break into the entertainment industry?"

Jiang Lan replied, "I already secured an internship—at Chen Ninglei’s studio."

"I asked why you joined this show. Don’t dodge the question." Xie Yunzhen’s tone remained calm, yet it carried an undeniable weight.

Jiang Lan said, "Yu Wanqiu approached me. The pay was twenty million after filming, so I agreed."

Xie Yunzhen pressed a hand to her forehead. "Do you even have a brain?"

Had she considered the backlash from netizens? If their relationship hadn’t turned out the way it did, Jiang Lan could have faced severe online harassment. "Did Lu Yicheng know about this? Is this how he handles things?"

Jiang Lan answered truthfully, "He didn’t know at first. I thought it was his idea, so I planned to break up with him after filming and collecting the payment. That’s why I blocked him. By the time he found out, two episodes had already been recorded."

The story was complicated, but if she hadn’t lost her memory, things might have turned out differently.

Xie Yunzhen said, "Is this how you treat relationships? Jumping to conclusions without even asking for clarification?"

"Are you my mom or his? Shouldn’t you be on my side? Seriously." Jiang Lan lowered her head, feeling wronged.

Xie Yunzhen was exasperated. If she weren’t Jiang Lan’s mother, she wouldn’t have stayed up night after night reading those comments, too afraid to ask and add to her daughter’s stress. "I’m just telling you—think through the consequences before making decisions. Don’t act recklessly. His family may be wealthy, but we’re not lacking in anything either."

She had only one daughter. What did money matter?

Teachers were principled, and Xie Yunzhen was no exception. She didn’t want to press further. Thankfully, Yu Wanqiu turned out to be a decent person.

"Let’s eat."

The plain broth lacked soul. Jiang Lan said, "Mom, I want something spicy."

Xie Yunzhen shot back, "You’re stuck with this."