My Mother-in-Law and I Became the Internet's Hottest Power Couple-Chapter 104

Yu Wanqiu said, "If you're tired, why not schedule a full-body massage to relax your shoulders and spine? You can even doze off during the session. You’ve been practicing the violin nonstop—it must be exhausting. I’ve been inconsiderate."

She quickly sent a WeChat message to her regular spa salon to book an appointment. "How about tomorrow? After the massage, we can hit the sauna. A good soak is great for women. Sound good? We’ll do some beauty treatments, maybe go shopping if you’re up for it. Lu Yicheng’s swamped with work these days, so while he’s busy, I’ll keep you company."

Before Jiang Lan could even protest, Yu Wanqiu had already arranged the whole spa package—massage, facial, sauna, the works. If Jiang Lan wanted to nap, she could do so right at the salon. And if she dared say no, Yu Wanqiu would probably summon the beauticians to her home instead.

"Sleep all you want while they work their magic. You’ll be out like a light in seconds."

Such was the efficiency of a wealthy woman.

But what caught Jiang Lan’s attention was something else Yu Wanqiu mentioned. "...Yu, is Lu Yicheng really that busy? He didn’t tell me, but he’s coming to my performance tonight."

Everyone’s busy these days. Her parents were no exception. Her mother had a class to teach tonight, and her father, who usually had a light workload, was unexpectedly tied up at the office.

Ugh.

Yu Wanqiu had nearly forgotten. She cleared her throat. "Well, Lu Yicheng has a board meeting coming up. You know how it is in the tech industry—they’re always burning the midnight oil. I don’t fully understand their work, but the board members are all balding middle-aged men. Probably from all the late nights."

She paused. "He really didn’t tell you?"

Exactly.

Jiang Lan shook her head. "No, I thought he was on break, so I didn’t ask."

It was the weekend, after all. She hadn’t thought to check.

Yu Wanqiu waved a hand dismissively. "A boyfriend isn’t a necessity. Let’s focus on pampering ourselves—get some beauty treatments, buy new dresses. Summer’s here; time for a wardrobe refresh."

Jiang Lan was currently wearing her performance outfit—a black velvet gown chosen by the orchestra, paired with black heels. Her usually wavy hair had been straightened for the occasion, falling sleekly over her shoulders, giving her a more mature look.

The dress was stunning.

But she had a closet full of unworn clothes from last year.

"Yu, I barely wore any of last year’s dresses."

Yu Wanqiu scoffed. "Do you know why brands release new collections every year? Because last season’s styles are outdated. A dress shouldn’t be worn two years in a row. It’s settled—this weekend, we’re doing spa day, shopping, and then a little getaway."

Jiang Lan clutched her phone and nodded.

Yu Wanqiu glanced at her calendar. "The fifth of next month is your four-year anniversary with Lu Yicheng, right? We’ll make sure you’re back by then. He should be done with work by that point."

At this point, Jiang Lan had nothing left to say. If Lu Yicheng was busy, she couldn’t drag him out. Still, she couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed.

She had everything prepared—the route, the stops, even handmade lottery cards.

If Lu Yicheng isn’t here, who am I supposed to propose to?

That jerk. Maybe he shouldn’t even bother coming to the performance.

Yu Wanqiu pulled her into a hug. "Break a leg tonight, sweetheart. You look absolutely gorgeous in that outfit. I can’t wait to see you on stage."

With that, Yu Wanqiu slipped out of the backstage area.

Jiang Lan’s confidence grew a little. "See you after the show."

Alone again, she reviewed the music one last time. The concertmaster came over to exchange a few words, and the other musicians offered encouraging glances.

This wasn’t just any orchestra performance—it was Jiang Lan’s debut. A milestone.

After less than a week of practice, the orchestra had been worried.

The conductor reassured her, "Don’t overthink it. Just play like you always do."

The performance would last seventy minutes. The first piece was La Forza del Destino, followed by Waltz of the Flowers, and a few others. Once it was over, Jiang Lan’s part would be done.

From backstage, she couldn’t see the audience, but the theater was packed as usual.

Yu Wanqiu and Lu Yicheng had already taken their seats.

Lu Yicheng had dressed unusually formal—one might even think he was planning to propose.

A black dress shirt, tailored trousers, new cufflinks, freshly styled hair, and even a pair of non-prescription glasses.

He looked impeccably polished, more composed than he’d ever been in college.

Yu Wanqiu matched his elegance in an emerald-green gown, her makeup shimmering with highlighter and eyeshadow.

Wearing a hat and gloves, she leaned toward Lu Yicheng and whispered, "I won’t pretend to understand the music. I just think she looks breathtaking up there."

And not just on stage. Lu Yicheng could watch Jiang Lan for hours.

Yu Wanqiu wasn’t much better. Her musical ear only recognized whether a piece was pleasant—nothing deeper.

Like mother, like son.

The theater glowed in warm amber light. Their VIP seats were near the front, and unlike a movie theater, the audience was hushed, waiting in reverent silence for the performance to begin.

On stage stood a grand piano and several stools.

The conductor’s score rested at the front, its back to the audience.

As the musicians took their places, the first notes of La Forza del Destino filled the air—a symphony of piano, cello, violin, flute, and viola, cascading like a river of stars.

The music was so smooth it could only be compared to the finest chocolate.

Lu Yicheng held his breath.

His eyes found Jiang Lan instantly. Standing among the violinists, her hair draped over her shoulders, she looked softer than usual, though her lips were painted a deeper shade than normal. Head slightly bowed, her focus was entirely on the conductor, her arms moving in perfect harmony. She glowed.

This was a side of her he’d never seen before.

His chest tightened, and a smile tugged at his lips. He burned with the urge to gush to someone—anyone—but when he turned to Yu Wanqiu, she was even more entranced.

Among the sea of identically dressed musicians, Yu Wanqiu’s gaze never strayed from Jiang Lan.

It wasn’t that Jiang Lan outshone the others—it was that Yu Wanqiu’s eyes were drawn to her like a magnet.

She’d heard Jiang Lan play the violin countless times, but always solo. Now, as part of an ensemble, she flowed like a mountain spring, binding the orchestra’s sound together.

The orchestra’s camaraderie was palpable. Jiang Lan’s successful debut owed much to their support—though her first-place auditions proved she was no mere figurehead.

Yu Wanqiu might not understand the music, but she could read the audience’s relaxed expressions. Jiang Lan was doing brilliantly.

Lu Yicheng clenched his fists. A pang of regret hit him—if only he’d stuck with piano lessons as a child, he could’ve shared the stage with her.

That was his girlfriend up there.

And everyone knew it.

Yu Wanqiu and Lu Yicheng had come for Jiang Lan, while the others were there for the orchestra or a particular musician they admired.

The injured musician, Chen Xuran, was highly skilled, and after learning of her injury, fans had worried whether her replacement could "fill her shoes." Fortunately, Jiang Lan's performance turned out to be unexpectedly good.

During ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​​‍a brief pause between pieces, Jiang Lan glanced at the audience. Lu Yicheng's eyes lit up, but he restrained himself from waving or making any obvious gestures. Yu Wanqiu smiled at Jiang Lan, who nodded in acknowledgment before immersing herself fully in the second piece.

Seventy minutes flew by, and after the performance concluded, the conductor and musicians took their bows.

As the house lights dimmed, Lu Yicheng went to retrieve a bouquet of flowers.

Yu Wanqiu said, "I’m going to get my flowers too—Little Xu helped arrange them."

Lu Yicheng replied, "Yours are yours, mine are mine. Let’s keep that clear."

Yu Wanqiu smirked. "Oh, now you’re being particular? Lu Yicheng, don’t say I never help you. Jiang Lan originally wasn’t planning to go—she wanted to rest at home. But seeing how pitiful you looked, I convinced her otherwise. Sunday. Don’t forget. If she asks, just say you’ve been swamped with work these past two days. And don’t you dare slip up."

Yu Wanqiu had told very few lies in her life, and most of them had been for Jiang Lan’s sake. Whether it was a "white lie" or not, a lie was still a lie.

Lu Yicheng said politely, "Thanks, Mom."

Yu Wanqiu waved it off. "Oh, don’t mention it. Have Teacher Xie and Jiang Lan’s dad arrived yet?"

They were taking the train that evening to the island for a short vacation. Neither had been abroad before, and if they suddenly canceled, Jiang Lan might grow suspicious. So, Lu Yicheng had arranged for them to go two days early.

Originally, the plan had been for them to leave tomorrow, but Jiang Lan wanted to rest, and Yu Wanqiu was taking her for a massage instead.

Lu Yicheng intended to leave first thing in the morning. "They’ve already arrived. Someone’s there to receive them, and Xu Xiang is with them too." He hoped Teacher Xie and Uncle Jiang could keep quiet—tonight, Yu Wanqiu would bring Jiang Lan to Zijin Huafu.

Xu Xiang had better not mess this up. Lu Yicheng had suffered enough setbacks because of her—this was his only request now.

Xie Yunzhen and Jiang Baoguo couldn’t attend the concert, but they would witness their daughter’s proposal, which was just as good.

Xie Yunzhen had taken two days off from work. Though she wasn’t entirely thrilled, she knew her daughter had been with Lu Yicheng for four years—they’d known each other for nearly six. It was about time they got married.

Even if she was reluctant, Xie Yunzhen understood that her daughter would eventually leave home.

Lu Yicheng had proven himself more than worthy. What Xie Yunzhen appreciated most was his thoughtfulness—nothing mattered more than that.

Planning a proposal like this for so long wasn’t easy.

The island was beautiful, with fresh air and an abundance of delicious food. Xie Yunzhen and Jiang Baoguo were enjoying themselves.

Xu Xiang was especially excited—not just because her best friend was about to be proposed to, but also because she had never seen such a stunning private island before.

Being rich was great. Lu Yicheng was really something.

Hurry up and get married already!

Xu Xiang had watched their relationship from the start. Though Lu Yicheng had been a bit of a clueless guy at first, he’d changed over time.

And let’s be honest—being wealthy and handsome didn’t hurt.

How many people could own an island like this?

The island offered seafood—king crab, lobster, scallops, and barbecue—and Xu Xiang ate to her heart’s content.

Xie Yunzhen had initially been too reserved to indulge, but Xu Xiang’s presence put her at ease, and soon she was chatting comfortably.

With Xu Xiang around, the couple’s melancholy faded.

Xu Xiang said, "This is just the proposal! The wedding’s still a ways off. A proposal is a happy occasion—let’s celebrate!"

Xie Yunzhen nodded. Jiang Lan’s grandmother was too old for long trips, so only she and her husband had come.

One more day of waiting, and they’d see their daughter the day after.

As long as Jiang Lan was happy, that was all that mattered to them.

After the performance, Jiang Lan walked out with her instrument and spotted Lu Yicheng and Yu Wanqiu in the backstage hallway.

A few girls from the orchestra gave her knowing smiles before discreetly slipping away.

Jiang Lan cleared her throat. "Yu Wanqiu, what are you doing here?"

Yu Wanqiu said, "Waiting to take you home."

She held a bouquet of hydrangeas but didn’t hand it over just yet. Meanwhile, Lu Yicheng stepped forward and presented Jiang Lan with a large bouquet of pink roses.

"Congratulations on a successful performance," he said.

Maybe it was because she’d been thinking about the proposal too much lately, but for a second, Jiang Lan thought he was about to propose. Thankfully, it was just flowers.

She handed her instrument to Lu Yicheng and accepted the bouquet. "Thanks."

Yu Wanqiu added, "Yes, congratulations."

Jiang Lan smiled. "I was so nervous at first, but once I started playing, I forgot all about it."

Muscle memory and years of experience made it nearly impossible to mess up. Now that the performance was over, she could relax.

Except for that jerk Lu Yicheng—always dropping the ball at the worst times.

Lu Yicheng, oblivious, said, "Let’s go eat. You must be hungry—I reserved a table."

Jiang Lan sighed. "I wish I didn’t have work tomorrow."

Lu Yicheng said, "Just this week—I’m in the middle of a job transition. I really can’t get out of it. Sorry I can’t be with you."

Yu Wanqiu teased, "Why does it have to be Lu Yicheng? Can’t I take you instead? Lu Yicheng is already better than his father. You have no idea how much of a workaholic Lu Shuangchen used to be."

Lu Yicheng cut in, "You two are both workaholics—don’t throw stones. Let’s just go eat."

Jiang Lan’s elegant outfit would have been perfect for a fancy dinner, but she was craving hot pot. Yu Wanqiu wasn’t fond of Western food either, and Lu Yicheng always ate whatever Jiang Lan wanted.

At the hot pot restaurant, they ordered a spicy and a tomato broth. Lu Yicheng stepped out to grab fried chicken and milk tea.

Jiang Lan’s mood remained subdued throughout the meal. Though her stomach was full, her heart still felt a little hollow.

After dinner, exhaustion hit her hard, and she slumped in her seat, unwilling to move.

Yu Wanqiu suggested, "Let’s just go straight to Zijin Huafu. You can take a bath and relax. Tomorrow, we’ll hit the spa. Send a message to Xie Yunzhen."

Jiang Lan didn’t feel like going home either. She texted Xie Yunzhen, who scolded her lightly in reply—something about being too wild to even come home.

[Go supervise your evening study session. You didn’t even come to my concert. Hmph.]

[Department Head Xie: How was the performance?]

[Amazing. Anyone who missed it will regret it.]

Far away on the island, Xie Yunzhen sighed as she read the message.

Jiang Lan set her phone down, feeling listless. "Yu Wanqiu, let’s just go back."

Lu Yicheng drove while Jiang Lan gazed out at the city lights from the backseat. After wearing makeup all day, her face felt unbearable. Lu Yicheng’s focus remained fixed on the road.

Jerk.

It would’ve been so much better if they could go out together tomorrow.

Back at Zijin Huafu, Jiang Lan immediately went to wash her face. She stayed here often now, and more of her belongings had accumulated over time.

Lu Yicheng wanted to chase after her, but Jiang Lan shooed him away.

The next day, Lu Yicheng left early for "work," while Jiang Lan and Yu Wanqiu lazed around until half past ten before leisurely heading to the beauty salon. After getting her hair done and a shoulder and back massage, Jiang Lan felt completely relaxed.

Post-massage, Jiang Lan was even more reluctant to move, so Yu Wanqiu had Little Xu and Chen deliver the dresses directly to Zijin Huafu. The two were already well-practiced at this—dresses of every shade, from deep red to pearl white, in all kinds of fabrics, were laid out in a row.

Jiang Lan gasped. The sheer number of beautiful dresses was a visual feast—so gorgeous!

Yu Wanqiu remarked, "You don’t wear white dresses much, do you? Why not try this one?"

It was true; Jiang Lan rarely wore white. Her usual choices were green, deep red, purple, or yellow.

The little white dress was stunning—a gleaming pearl-white princess gown. Most of Jiang Lan’s dresses fell below the knee, either to the calf or ankle, but this one stopped just above the knee. The asymmetrical tulle was studded with tiny diamonds, with a slightly open back and a sweetheart neckline. The sleeves were puffed, and the straps were adorned with delicate pearl strings.

It looked ethereal.

Yu Wanqiu smiled. "What do you think? Go try it on."

This dress had actually been picked by Lu Yicheng. At first, Yu Wanqiu thought white might be too plain, but among all the dresses, this one had immediately caught her eye. It was pristine, with a unique charm, and Jiang Lan’s fair complexion would make it shine.

When Jiang Lan emerged in the dress, Yu Wanqiu’s eyes lit up. "It’s perfect! Your legs look great in this—it really shows off their shape. Try a few more, and for shoes, flats would suit best. Maybe in a light green or apricot shade."

"Your hair… let’s put it up. It’s grown so much since last year."

Last year, Jiang Lan’s hair had barely reached her shoulders, but now it cascaded down in soft waves.

Jiang Lan stared at her reflection. The dress seemed to cast a glow on her, as if she’d been brushed with highlighter.

She had been diligently practicing yoga, and the strain on her neck and shoulders from playing the violin had gradually eased.

Turning around, she saw Yu Wanqiu smiling at her.

"Yu Laoshi, I’ll take this one," Jiang Lan declared.

"Not trying any others?"

Jiang Lan nodded firmly. "No need. This is the one."

New clothes and a fresh look truly revitalized the spirit. Yu Wanqiu booked their tickets, and they flew straight to Ceylon.

As the plane cut through the clouds, they arrived at sunset.

The sunlight was golden, the sky dotted with clouds like cotton candy—orange ones tasting of citrus, red ones like peaches.

But after landing in Ceylon, they still had to take a train and then a ferry to reach the island. Jiang Lan had initially been reluctant to come, but the breathtaking sunset made the trip worthwhile.

Yu Wanqiu said, "The scenery here is lovely, isn’t it? A little getaway is good for the soul. The coastal train is famous—it’s like stepping into a fairy tale."

Today, Jiang Lan was the princess.

With the train departing in ten minutes, Jiang Lan grinned. "Yu Laoshi, let’s head to the platform."

The dying sunlight melted into the sea as the train’s whistle sounded, slowly pulling out of the station.

This was an old-fashioned locomotive, nothing like the high-speed rail. The carriages were sparsely filled, mostly with tourists.

Yu Wanqiu had learned about this country through its gems—they were renowned here.

Outside the window stretched the ocean, now painted red by the sunset. To Jiang Lan, it looked like a sea of pink.

In the distance, seagulls cried. Jiang Lan wished Lu Yicheng could see this.

Even though they were headed to his family’s private island, he might never have witnessed a sunset this stunning.

Jiang Lan recorded a short video and sent it to Lu Yicheng.

Normally, she’d have called, but he was at work, and she didn’t want to disturb him.

[Look at this sunset—it’s so beautiful!]

[Video attached]

[Lu Yicheng, you’re missing out big time!]

The carriage was nearly empty. Jiang Lan crossed to the opposite side to take photos. Waves lapped against the train, scattering gold foil across the water.

She didn’t expect an immediate reply, but—

[Pig raised by a fairy: It’s gorgeous! Like liquid gold. And the clouds really do look like cotton candy. Do you think the orange ones taste like oranges?]

Jiang Lan laughed—they’d had the same thought.

[I was just thinking that too!]

Yu Wanqiu suggested, "Jiang Lan, want to explore the other carriages? There’s hardly anyone here. A little walk won’t hurt."

Enclosed in the carriage, the thrill and romance of riding over the ocean made Jiang Lan forget all her worries.

The sky was radiant. Though late June was warm, the train was cool, and Jiang Lan could even catch whiffs of flowers in the air.

"Sure, Yu Laoshi, come with me." Jiang Lan had never been anywhere like this—it was as if an anime had sprung to life. The train moved leisurely, and the next carriage was just as serene.

The train stretched endlessly ahead. Jiang Lan walked through carriage after carriage until, suddenly, she spotted a single pink rose peeking out from a doorway.

Just as she turned to point it out to Yu Wanqiu, she realized her companion was no longer beside her.

"Yu Laoshi?" No answer.

The door to the next carriage swung open.

The rose had fallen to the floor.

Jiang Lan glanced at her phone, then picked up the flower.

Its stem had no thorns.

When she looked up, the entire carriage was filled with blossoms—roses of every color, lining the seats, leaving only a narrow path for her to walk.

Some stems strayed into the aisle, and Jiang Lan gently nudged them aside.

If she didn’t understand what was happening now, she’d have lived in vain.

The flowers were here—but where was Lu Yicheng?

Unless Yu Wanqiu had arranged this alone, hoping to lift her spirits with a carriage of blooms.

But if it was Lu Yicheng… what was he planning? A proposal?

Jiang Lan both hoped for it and feared it.

Because…

The roses were mostly pink and champagne, each bloom lush and vibrant.

She thought she’d find Lu Yicheng after passing through, but the next carriage was just more flowers—roses and baby’s breath, packed tightly together.

Jiang Lan had never imagined a train carriage could feel this long, or that it could be transformed into a path of flowers she’d never dreamed of.

Lu Yicheng replied.

[Pig raised by a fairy: The sky is beautiful today.]

The sky was beautiful today.

Jiang Lan took a few more steps and pushed open the door to the final carriage.

It swung wide.

Their eyes met.

Outside, the pink ocean crashed against the train; inside, a sea of red roses surrounded them. Jiang Lan couldn’t decide which was more breathtaking.

Lu Yicheng stood holding a bouquet of red roses. He was dressed in a white suit—immaculate, the first time Jiang Lan had ever seen him in white.

He smiled at her, then dropped to one knee.

He was overjoyed, but not because he wouldn’t have to film another proposal video. No, what truly filled him with happiness was the very act of proposing to Jiang Lan itself.