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During the Lunar New Year, the Lu family was especially festive.
Chen Fei'er's unexpected visit brought endless joy to the household, especially with Lu Xue clinging to her idol's side, refusing to let go no matter how much Fang Yun scolded her.
The dinner was warm and lively, with Fang Yun constantly serving Chen Fei'er, doting on her with meticulous care.
Lu Chen and the others almost felt jealous.
Chen Fei'er felt a bit embarrassed and couldn't refuse the kindness; her bowl piled higher and higher with food.
Lu Chen, fiercely protective of his "flower," quietly helped eat quite a bit of it, only to be sharply scolded by Fang Yun.
Lu Chen was helpless, while Chen Fei'er just smiled shyly.
After dinner, Chen Fei'er wanted to help clear the table, but Fang Yun firmly stopped her. Lu Xue kept pestering Chen Fei'er with endless questions. Chen Fei'er liked the girl and showed her affection, even pulling out a gift for her.
Lu Xue's eyes lit up as she unwrapped a beautifully packaged box, inside which lay a sparkling diamond-encrusted princess tiara, shining brilliantly.
She was so delighted she nearly fainted. "Thank you, Fei'er jiejie!"
Of course, Chen Fei'er didn't come empty-handed, she also gave Lu Xi a set of branded cosmetics and presented Fang Yun with a mink fur coat.
Fang Yun grumbled, "I'm already happy you came, why did you have to bring such expensive gifts?"
She was no fool, the mink coat was worth tens of thousands at least.
Chen Fei'er replied obediently, "It's just a little token, not very expensive."
The more Fang Yun looked at Chen Fei'er, the more pleased she became. Not only was she beautiful and elegant, but her personality was kind and well-mannered, truly a proper young lady. Fang Yun even began to worry her own son wasn't good enough for Chen Fei'er.
After some thought, Fang Yun went upstairs to her own room. She quickly returned, holding Chen Fei'er's hand and slipped a bright emerald bracelet onto her wrist.
"Fei'er," Fang Yun said, "This is my first time meeting you, and I don't have much to give, but this bracelet was passed down from Lu Chen's grandmother to me. Now, I'm passing it on to you. I hope you'll like it."
Though not a multi-million-dollar top-tier jewel, the emerald bracelet was an antique from the late Qing dynasty, an heirloom traditionally passed to daughters-in-law in the Lu family, reserved for Lu Chen's future wife.
Even when the Lu family was at its most difficult, Fang Yun never considered selling it.
Giving this emerald bracelet to Chen Fei'er was a formal acknowledgment of acceptance.
Chen Fei'er clearly understood the significance. Her cheeks blushed softly as she whispered, "Thank you, Auntie."
With her own wealth, she could easily afford much pricier emeralds, but none would be more precious than this one in her hand now. Seeing Chen Fei'er accept the bracelet made Fang Yun even happier.
Holding Chen Fei'er's hand, she began to ask about Chen Fei'er's family background.
Chen Fei'er's hometown was Xiamen Island. Her parents divorced when she was very young and started new families. Her mother emigrated to Canada years ago, while her father currently taught at a university in the capital city. She was raised by her grandmother.
Her parents had two younger brothers and two younger sisters, but they rarely kept in touch. Fang Yun sighed deeply, given Chen Fei'er's complicated family situation, her current success was truly hard-earned.
As they talked, they seemed like the closest of mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law.
Meanwhile, Lu Chen, Lu Xue, and the others were left somewhat neglected.
Chen Fei'er had initially worried whether Lu Chen's mother would be easy to get along with. For Chinese people, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship is always complicated.
But it turned out her worries were completely unnecessary. Fang Yun was strong but warmhearted, and her fondness for Chen Fei'er came sincerely from the heart. Their interaction was unexpectedly harmonious, even feeling like old friends reunited after a long time.
Time flew, and soon it was almost ten o'clock.
Reluctantly ending their "chat," Fang Yun instructed Lu Xi, "Little Xi, tidy up the guest room upstairs."
She then told Chen Fei'er, "It's late, you should stay here and get some rest."
Chen Fei'er hadn't planned to stay overnight, but with things having reached this point, she couldn't refuse Fang Yun's kindness and agreed shyly.
Chen Fei'er followed Lu Xi to the guest room, with Lu Xue naturally tagging along.
Lu Chen tried to follow but was stopped by Fang Yun.
"You're unbelievable! You didn't even tell me your girlfriend was coming; I wasn't prepared at all," Fang Yun complained.
Lu Chen rubbed his nose and smiled wryly, "I didn't know either!"
"Enough of that," Fang Yun said. "Fei'er is really a good girl. You must cherish her."
"The most important thing in a relationship is tolerance and understanding. As a man, you have to take on more responsibility and stop being so reckless."
Lu Chen nodded seriously, "I understand."
Fang Yun said, "When you were little, your grandmother had your fortune read at Baiyun Temple. She said you would be surrounded by romantic entanglements when you grew u--"
"I don't believe in fortune-telling--" Lu Chen scratched his head,
"--but now that you have a girlfriend and are working in the entertainment industry, you will definitely meet many girls. Remember to control yourself and not hurt Fei'er."
Lu Chen nodded again, "I know."
Fang Yun rolled her eyes and added, "And don't make the girls who like you cry."
Lu Chen was left speechless.
He felt like his mom was a top-tier NPC in a game who just gave him a legendary-level quest, impossible to avoid and absolutely must be completed.
Fang Yun was shooing him off: "Go ahead, you should get some rest too."
But Lu Chen wasn't sleepy at all. After sitting in his room for over half an hour, unable to shake the thoughts in his mind, he quietly slipped out and went to the guest room.
He gently knocked on the door.
After a moment, the door quietly opened, revealing the beauty smiling sweetly, clearly having expected him. Lu Chen's heart warmed as he slipped inside, closing the door behind him and pulling Chen Fei'er into his arms.
Chen Fei'er had just taken a shower, dressed in long-sleeved pajamas. The room was warm with the air conditioner on, and she smelled so good that Lu Chen felt a wild impulse rising within him, his eyes even reddened.
He bent down and kissed her tender lips fiercely.
In this aspect, Chen Fei'er was quite conservative.
Lu Chen forced himself to resist, reluctantly letting her go and pulling her to sit on the bed.
"This is a gift for you."
Chen Fei'er took a small silver-white box out from under the pillow and handed it to Lu Chen.
Surprised, Lu Chen asked, "I get one too?"
He eagerly opened the box and found a silver metal pendant inside, tastefully designed and well-crafted but definitely not expensive.
Chen Fei'er explained, "It's a lucky charm. They say wearing it brings good luck."
Lu Chen smiled, "My luck's already amazing!"
He meant it sincerely. He was grateful to fate for granting him an incredible miracle when he was at his lowest. Also grateful to fate for allowing him to meet this graceful, talented woman and fall in love with her.
Still, he put the lucky charm on himself.
Seeing Lu Chen wear the charm, Chen Fei'er tilted her head and asked, "Do you know what day is coming up in a few days?"
"In a few days?"
Lu Chen paused but quickly realized, "Valentine's Day?"
Chen Fei'er smiled, "Yes. I have a brand endorsement then, so I came early to celebrate with you."
That made sense!
Lu Chen suddenly realized today was already February 10th, and Valentine's Day was just a few days away. Chen Fei'er must have an important work engagement and came early to Binhai to celebrate with him.
So the lucky charm was an early Valentine's gift!
Lu Chen felt annoyed, "And you didn't remind me? I haven't even prepared a gift for you!"
Chen Fei'er laughed, "I'll accept it later. It's not too late."
Lu Chen's eyes gleamed as he suddenly pounced, knocking her down on the bed. He leaned close to her jade-like ear and chuckled, "How about I give myself to you as a gift right now? A vow of devotion, what do you say?"
Chen Fei'er's pretty face flushed again, her eyes shimmering with charm and allure, truly breathtaking.
The next morning, almost officially Lu family's future daughter-in-law, Chen Fei'er said goodbye to Lu Chen and the family and returned to Beijing.
On February 12th, the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, Lu Chen and Lu Xi also returned to Capital City. When leaving, Lu Chen left his Mercedes-Benz to his mother for her convenience commuting to work.
Fang Yun didn't want it at first, thinking the flashy SUV was too conspicuous, but after persuasion from Lu Chen and Lu Xi, she reluctantly accepted it.
Actually, in Binhai, luxury cars were everywhere, sports cars were common on the streets, so the Mercedes SUV wasn't a big deal. More importantly, it was very safe, which gave them peace of mind.
Before leaving, Lu Xi reminded Lu Xue not to tell anyone about Chen Fei'er.
Their relationship had to remain a secret for now. Lu Xue finally showed some sense, swearing to keep her mouth shut and never reveal the secret.
Lu Chen doubted that.
But other things couldn't wait. After returning to Capital City, he was immediately overwhelmed with work.
Coincidentally, Lu Chen also had an important endorsement event on Valentine's Day.
As soon as he got back, people from all sides came knocking, industry peers, entertainment agencies, record and film companies, TV stations, and magazine reporters.
On top of that, Lu Chen received an invitation.
The 72-Hour Grassland Music Festival.
(End of chapter)