TFEDLAM 4

“Alright, let’s get down to business.”

As soon as Xia Shi spoke up, Yao Weiwei dropped the fangirl act. Sure, she had a girlish heart and loved idols, but when it came to work, she was completely professional. She took out the documents from her folder and began discussing everything fluently while occasionally checking in with Xia Shi to confirm details.

Not that Xia Shi was difficult to work with to begin with—especially since the event organizers had already arranged for her to be the final red carpet appearance and seated her center front row inside the venue. Their level of respect couldn’t be clearer, and Xia Shi had no objections at all. The conversation went smoothly, and within thirty minutes, every detail and part of the process was nailed down.

Once the meeting was over, Yao Weiwei couldn’t resist asking, “I hope it’s okay to ask, but… all these years, you’ve won so many national and international music awards—how come you’ve never accepted any of them in person? Especially the Grammys. I mean, that’s the Grammys! The Oscars of music. So many artists dream of even a nomination, and you didn’t go at all? And the Oscars—you scored a nomination for your first film score. What made you decide to try composing for film?”

Classic fangirl curiosity—her eyes sparkled with excitement, practically glowing with questions.

Before Xia Shi could say anything, Lu Tingchuan jumped in, “Wait, didn’t you said earlier you were my fan?”

Yao Weiwei blinked in surprise. She might be young, but she’d already made a name for herself in her field and was considered very promising. Who would have thought such a rising star would instantly transform into a starstruck little fangirl in front of her idols?

She quickly waved her hands, panicking to explain. “I swear I wasn’t lying! I really am your fan, Lu-ge! But I’m also TIME’s fan—I mean, Xia Shi-jie’s fan! 100% genuine, I promise!”

Lu Tingchuan raised a brow. “If you’re really my fan, how come you didn’t know the Grammys fell on my birthday—February 15th?”

Yao Weiwei looked totally dumbfounded.

So… this wasn’t him doubting her loyalty—he was jealous?

And what was with that smug smile on his face? That “she had to spend my birthday with me” tone, like it was the most natural thing in the world, dripping with honey-sweet possessiveness?

Lu-ge, you do realize your image is supposed to be cool, composed, the gentleman of every girl’s dreams? This whole clingy-husband energy—you’re blowing your cover, man!

Even Xia Shi smiled back with the exact same look.

Yao Weiwei, single and emotionally unprepared, felt like she’d just taken a critical hit straight to the heart.

I need to look away. Now.

After getting his fill of smugness, Lu Tingchuan still thanked her politely.

“The awards are tomorrow night, and I know everything’s probably been finalized already. Sorry to trouble your team by squeezing in two more attendees.”

Trouble?! This was TIME and Lu Tingchuan we were talking about! Even if it was a last-minute nightmare—it had to happen. No question.

Yao Weiwei immediately responded with enthusiasm, “No trouble at all! It’s our honor to have Xia Shi-jie and Lu-ge join us. It’s a dream come true. Seating and red carpet adjustments are easy—don’t worry about a thing!”

Xia Shi turned to him, a little puzzled.

“Two people?”

Lu Tingchuan looked completely justified.

“Of course. You and me.”

“You’re going too? But you’re not a musician—why are you even going?”

“Who says non-musicians can’t attend music awards? They invite celebrity guests all the time. Besides, you’re the one who matters here—I’m just your plus-one. It says so on the invitation!” He winked at her.

Xia Shi facepalmed.

Lu Tingchuan’s expression suddenly shifted into one of dramatic hurt.

“Don’t tell me… you weren’t planning on taking me with you? Who was it just last night saying I should stand proudly at your side?”

He sounded so wounded…Was this man seriously acting wronged right now?

Yao Weiwei shivered. She could barely keep from covering her face.

Lu-ge, your image is collapsing in real time.

Xia Shi sighed helplessly. “If we both go, what about Xuanxuan?”

“We have Auntie Wu, don’t we?”

Spoken like a man with no hesitation, no guilt, and maybe even a hint of glee.

Was this really his biological child?

Seeing her still a bit hesitant, Lu Tingchuan leaned closer and whispered in her ear, “A queen’s word is law. You can’t just go back on it. Or… was my performance last night not convincing enough?”

His familiar breath brushed her ear, the whisper soft as silk and just as dangerous.

Xia Shi froze.

She didn’t doubt for a second—if she refused, he’d “convince” her again tonight even harder.

As if on cue, he slid his hand onto her small back with voice low and teasing, “Xuanxuan’s little hands aren’t strong enough… How about I give your waist a massage?”

Xia Shi nearly jumped in alarm. She turned just in time to see Yao Weiwei blushing furiously, trying to sink into the floor. She shot Lu Tingchuan a sharp pinch.

Sure, no one could hear them—but the tension in the air was palpable.

This man was doing it on purpose!

Xia Shi gritted her teeth. “…Fine.”

Lu Tingchuan, triumphant, cast a glance toward Yao Weiwei.

Yao Weiwei instantly got the message. Though her soul had taken another direct hit, she still managed to stammer, “Don’t worry, Lu-ge. I’ll make sure everything’s handled perfectly.”

Lu Tingchuan smiled gently, his entire expression softened with obvious affection.

Yu Shuo and Sophie couldn’t take it anymore. They got up, dragging Yao Weiwei with them.

“We’re going. I can’t take this anymore.”

Xia Shi blinked.

“You’re leaving already? Didn’t you come to talk about something?”

Sophie rolled her eyes. “We already did—while you were still in bed.”

Realizing what she just asked, Xia Shi wanted to sink into the floor. She cleared her throat awkwardly. “Um… it’s after three already. Want to stay for afternoon tea?”

Sophie let out a dry laugh, while Yu Shuo pointed at Lu Tingchuan.

“Didn’t you see that ‘Guests Not Welcome’ sign plastered across his face?”

Lu Tingchuan didn’t even deny it. “At least someone gets it.”

Xia Shi glared at him, then turned back to Yao Weiwei. Before she could speak, Yao Weiwei quickly said, “Thank you, Xia Shi-jie, but I have to rush back to work. I really appreciate the offer.”

Once everyone was gone, Lu Xuan came down from the second floor. He must have overheard somd part of the conversation because he ran over and clung to Xia Shi’s leg.

“Mommy, you and Daddy are going out tomorrow night?”

Xia Shi crouched down, “That’s right. So can you stay home with Auntie Wu like a good boy? Mommy promises to come back early.”

Lu Xuan pouted. “But we just came back to China. Everything’s new and different. I might get scared.”

A very well-crafted excuse.

Xia Shi had considered this possibility herself. But honestly, Lu Xuan had adjusted better than most kids. Though they lived abroad, they returned to China several times over the years—albeit briefly—and Lu Tingchuan often flew over to be with them.

So it wasn’t like Lu Xuan was unfamiliar with the house. He was adaptable—he settled in just fine yesterday, even without Auntie Wu.

Lu Tingchuan wasn’t buying it. He saw the softening look in Xia Shi’s eyes and immediately stepped in before she could offer to stay.

He scooped Lu Xuan into his arms. “Are you really scared?”

Lu Xuan was about to nod when Lu Tingchuan added, “You know Daddy doesn’t like it when people lie.”

Lu Xuan pressed his lips together and looked away, sulking.

Lu Tingchuan suppressed a grin. “Daddy and Mommy are going to work. Didn’t you promise me before—when Mommy’s working, no tantrums, no bothering her?”

Back in the U.S., when Xia Shi had to compose, Lu Xuan had promised to behave—and he had.

Seeing him fall quiet, Lu Tingchuan pushed further. “If you don’t want to stay with Auntie Wu, I could always take you to Grandpa’s.”

Lu Xuan jumped. “No! I don’t want to go to Grandpa’s! I’ll be good and stay with Auntie Wu!”

Grandpa Lu Jingshan was a traditionalist. Rumor had it, he taught Lu Tingchuan the Three Character Classic when he was barely talking. Now he wanted Lu Xuan to follow suit.

Lu Xuan had just memorized most of it to pass a “test” yesterday. No way he was signing up for round two.

Especially not after Grandpa gave him new homework: three pages of calligraphy daily. He even gifted him a full set of brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. Said he’d be checking the “homework” next time.

It had only been one day. Lu Xuan hadn’t even started that homework.

Lu Tingchuan fought hard not to laugh. “Alright. You can stay home with Auntie Wu. Daddy promises—this week, you get half an ice cream every day.”

Lu Xuan’s head, which had been drooping a second ago, snapped up with his eyes sparkling.

“Vanilla, mango, strawberry, chocolate…”

He rattled off a list. Lu Tingchuan quickly nodded. “All of them, all of them!”

Xia Shi, watching from the side, looked up at the ceiling.

Seriously? My silly son got bribed that easily by his scheming dad?