Luo Feng turned to look. His face, equally chiseled, bore some resemblance to Luo Xiao but radiated a completely different aura.
Seeing Luo Xiao sit down, Luo Feng asked steadily: “Why are you the only one here?”
He glanced over him: “Planning to get married and still dressed so casually?”
Luo Xiao leaned back: “Habit. You’re used to it anyway. At least this outfit is acceptable; I bought it for a date with Wen Ran.”
“Wen Ran is painting,” he explained why he hadn’t brought him along. “You messaged me while I was out, he was home painting.”
“Business trip?”
The brothers had a close relationship. Luo Xiao often shared things with Luo Feng that he wouldn’t tell anyone else.
Luo Feng, protective as ever, had looked after Luo Xiao like a big brother. They were three years apart, played with Lego together, and later basketball and skiing. But their personalities diverged—Luo Feng studious and methodical, Luo Xiao adventurous and free-spirited.
“Came just to see me because I’m getting married?” Luo Xiao asked.
“Of course, you’re getting married; I want to see for myself.”
Luo Feng remained composed: “Did he propose?”
“Why?”
Luo Feng found it hard to believe—Luo Xiao didn’t seem like the type. “You barely know him and you’re marrying—doesn’t that feel rushed?”
“I thought you’d value freedom, not jump into marriage, unless with a like-minded partner.”
“He’s a painter, artistic… I never imagined you’d have a connection with someone like him.”
Luo Xiao smiled. The more serious Luo Feng became, the less serious he wanted to be.
He didn’t respond directly, just looked at Luo Feng: “Why the lecture? CEO mask on too long, can’t take it off?”
They locked eyes, then both cracked smiles, relaxing.
“Really like him?”
Finally, Luo Feng stopped the questions: “You like him so much that you agreed to marry? Aren’t you worried he’s after your money?”
“You know, from childhood, there’ve always been people like that around us.”
Luo Xiao remained calm: “Wen Ran doesn’t know about my background. He’s only just met me. He likes me—playful, imaginative. Definitely not here for money. He’s well-off himself; he has house and car if we marry.”
Luo Feng was both surprised and relieved. As an older brother, he feared only one thing: Luo Xiao being deceived in love.
Scamming him was hardly a concern—the Wen family had more money than they could ever spend. A con artist’s tricks were trivial in comparison.
“What’s he like?” Luo Feng asked, curiosity piqued.
Feeling reassured, Luo Xiao began describing Wen Ran. “I saw your social media. No clear face shots, but he looks good.”
“Very attractive,” he added.
Luo Xiao pulled out his phone, scrolling to show a few pictures. “He’s different from ordinary people… actually, a bit like me.”
“Hmm?”
Luo Feng looked at the photos. Wen Ran was indeed strikingly handsome. He handed the phone back, asking, “Like you?”
“He doesn’t have a regular job either—he travels, paints, and sells some work to galleries. In the days we’ve spent together, I realized he has a free-spirited soul.”
“We get along really well. He knows I only work temporarily at the repair shop and spend a lot of time outdoors. He’s the first person I’ve met who didn’t question why I don’t have a conventional job.”
“He thinks my sunburned face and wind-chapped hands from outdoor work are cool,” Luo Xiao said, smiling slightly as he spoke.
Luo Feng listened, a mix of surprise and relief crossing his face. People like this were rare. Was it because he was an artist that he had this mindset?
“Alright,” Luo Feng said. “I understand. You want to get married, and I came over not to stop you, just to check.”
“You’ve always known what you want. I’m not interfering—just caring.”
…
Later, Luo Xiao left, and Luo Feng returned to his hotel room. In the elevator, he sent a message to the company’s AI product, “Xiao Shu”: How do I get into a relationship?
Xiao Shu replied instantly: Give up, it’s you.
Luo Feng: ??
He tried again: How do I meet good-looking men?
Xiao Shu: Dream faster.
Luo Feng walked out of the elevator, exasperated, and called his assistant: “Get the AI development team lead to call me back in five minutes.”
Back at the villa, Wen Ran sat cross-legged on the carpet, still painting. His cartoon-patterned rug was covered in paint.
Luo Xiao stepped quietly into the bedroom, crouched behind him, and watched.
Wen Ran’s current painting was a self-portrait—mostly white and pale tones, front-facing, eyes closed. It wasn’t nude; a large bouquet of soft-colored flowers obscured the body. He delicately added touches with a brush.
Luo Xiao didn’t interrupt. Just observed, then leaned close when Wen Ran noticed him.
“You’re back,” Wen Ran said.
“Keep painting.”
“Almost done,” Wen Ran replied, continuing to add details. “Where did you go?”
“I went to the repair shop dorm, packed my things, and saw my brother.”
“Your brother came?”
“Yeah,” Luo Xiao nodded.
“Did he come specifically about our marriage?”
“Mostly,” Luo Xiao said. “He had work here anyway.”
“What time is it?” Wen Ran glanced at the bedside table. “Since he’s here, should I meet him?”
“You can. He mentioned me?”
“Probably wants to meet you,” Luo Xiao said, pressing his cheek to Wen Ran’s. “I wanted you to meet him first.”
“Finished painting?”
“Not yet. Keep going. Once done, if you want, we can have dinner with him tonight.”
“Sure,” Wen Ran said, putting down his brush. “Painting isn’t urgent.” He kissed Luo Xiao, then ran to shower and change.
Luo Xiao stayed, taking photos of the unfinished painting.
That evening, at the hotel’s Chinese restaurant, Luo Xiao and Wen Ran arrived hand-in-hand.
“Wen Ran, this is my brother, Luo Feng,” Luo Xiao introduced.
“Brother,” Wen Ran greeted warmly.
Luo Feng looked at Wen Ran, thinking: Why does fate favor Luo Xiao so much? A woman this stunning should be anyone’s prize.
Wen Ran immediately made a great impression—striking looks, stylish, confident, poised. Even more impressive in person than in photos.
Luo Feng thought: How can two sons from the same family be so different?
Wen Ran, never shy, chatted confidently, taking the lead in ordering. She asked both brothers about their preferences, inquired with the server about specialties, and even suggested wine—showing experience, ease, and financial comfort.
“So, you’re a painter?” Luo Feng opened small talk.
“Just casual painting,” Wen Ran said humbly. “Some work is sold through galleries, but I haven’t sold much.”
“What medium?”
“Mostly oils.”
Wen Ran relaxed, chatting naturally. Luo Feng quickly realized she came from a well-off background. These people were easy to read—they knew who was after money, who wasn’t.
Wen Ran had also noticed Luo Feng’s wealth—his watch, his posture, his aura—and smiled internally. Not because she cared about money, but because the contrast between Luo Xiao and Luo Feng was fascinating: same family, yet so different.
She kept up a lively, engaging conversation, discussing her art, the art market, Luo Feng’s tech company, their AI Xiao Shu, and even Luo Xiao’s favorite hiking routes. Her goal was clear: leave an excellent impression.
“After marriage, planning to settle in C City?” Luo Feng asked, glancing between them.
“Originally, I planned to go to Xinjiang in autumn,” Luo Xiao replied.
“Even after marriage?”
“Depends,” Luo Xiao looked at Wen Ran.
“Why ‘depends’? Go ahead,” Wen Ran said brightly. “If it’s planned, why change?”
“Marriage is important,” Luo Xiao said.
“Then go,” Wen Ran encouraged. “I can come too, if you haven’t asked someone else.”
“If you can keep up, you can come with me,” she added cheerfully.
“I might get tired on the long route,” Luo Xiao noted.
“We can stop and go as we please,” Wen Ran said with a smile.
“I’ll bring paper and brushes then, so I can paint the cattle and sheep on the grasslands.”
…
Luo Feng looked at them and finally understood why Luo Xiao chose Wen Ran—and why he agreed to a quick marriage.
Luo Xiao was right: Wen Ran shared a similar free-spirited soul, untethered and independent. And on top of that, he was beautiful and had an excellent personality. It made perfect sense that Luo Xiao would fall for him.
Luo Feng let out a quiet sigh: the ancestral hall back home—he had paid for its reconstruction, so why did it feel like only Luo Xiao’s name was remembered?
During dinner, a WeChat notification popped up in the family group. Ju Yaxin wrote: “Sons, my flight to C City is tomorrow morning @everyone.”
Both Luo Xiao and Luo Feng saw it. The topic naturally shifted to conversation at the table, and Wen Ran learned that Luo Xiao’s mother would arrive the next day.
Wen Ran checked his phone. “Should we meet tomorrow?”
“I want to inform my mom first,” Luo Xiao said, then messaged Ju Yaxin: “Mom, should the parents meet tomorrow?”
Ju Yaxin replied: “Your dad’s flight isn’t until the day after tomorrow, the journey is long, so it might be best for the parents to meet formally then. But I could meet Wen Ran privately for lunch first to get acquainted and build some rapport.”
Luo Xiao shared this with Wen Ran. “Ah!” Wen Ran exclaimed. “I don’t think I ever mentioned—I don’t have a father, only a mom. My dad passed away when I was little.”
“Sorry,” Luo Feng instinctively said.
Luo Xiao leaned closer to Wen Ran. “Maybe you can ask Aunt Ju if my mom can have an informal lunch with you first?”
“Sure, I’ll ask.” Wen Ran checked his phone, and soon, they confirmed that after Ju Yaxin’s flight arrived, the following noon, both mothers would have lunch together. Luo Feng could join too.
Wen Pingping messaged Wen Ran: “This day came so suddenly, I’m not used to it. I’ll book a facial tomorrow morning and get my hair done. Ask about their preferences and dietary restrictions so I can choose the right restaurant.”
Ju Yaxin also expressed nervousness: “First time meeting a future daughter-in-law and the other parent. Make sure to pick your outfit carefully. Don’t show up like a homeless person; you have to look good.”
Luo Xiao smiled at the message.
“What’s so funny?” Wen Ran asked.
“My mom,” Luo Xiao said, showing him the phone.
Across the table, Luo Feng felt slightly redundant—they were a couple. Yet Ju Yaxin privately messaged him: “You too! Don’t bring out the CEO pose tomorrow. I want you looking good at this lunch too.”
…
That evening, after dinner, on the way back to the villa, Wen Ran was excited. “I need to sort through my clothes. What’s your mom like? What style does she like for younger people?”
Luo Xiao drove with his left hand on the wheel and his right holding Wen Ran’s hand, smiling widely.
Back at the villa, after showers, Wen Ran helped Luo Xiao pick out fitted short-sleeved pajamas, had him lie on the bed covered with plush toys, then retrieved a packet of high-end facial masks. He applied the mask carefully to Luo Xiao’s sculpted face, even extending to the neck, shoulders, and arms.
Luo Xiao laughed, shivering—it was his first time doing something like this. Wen Ran then applied a mask to himself and lay back next to Luo Xiao. They lay together amidst the plush toys, faces and necks covered in masks. Wen Ran rested his leg over Luo Xiao, sighing in contentment.
Luo Xiao stretched his arm and took a selfie of the two of them. He didn’t send it to the family group, just to Luo Feng.
Luo Feng replied a few minutes later:
“Got it, you have a wife. Got it. Send more and I’ll… [cut off]”
The next day, they met downstairs to head to the airport to pick up Ju Yaxin.
Wen Ran was stylish as usual. Luo Xiao, however, had upgraded from his usual casual attire and worn hiking shoes. Today he wore black casual pants, a fitted black top with a semi-high collar, and a deep brown belt with a metallic logo. The fabric clung to his muscular inverted-triangle frame, revealing broad shoulders, a defined chest, and strong arms. His carefully styled hair completed the polished, fashionable look.
Luo Feng almost couldn’t believe his eyes. That was Luo Xiao?
…
C City was a first-tier city, where Luo Feng’s company had offices. He occasionally stayed in a hotel suite with a car and driver. They drove to the airport: Luo Feng in his Maybach, Luo Xiao and Wen Ran in Wen Ran’s black Porsche.
Wen Ran looked at the Maybach and asked Luo Xiao: “Is all your family’s money earned by your older brother?”
“Not exactly,” Luo Xiao said. “My parents’ finances are solid. They have several companies and invest in many ventures. Our group has diverse businesses.”
Luo Xiao continued: “After university, Luo Feng returned to work at our family company. He’s talented—he turned a small, mediocre tech company into a profitable one.”
Wen Ran nodded, smiling. “Then we can just freeload a little. I can sell my paintings, you can work at the shop, we can rely a bit on your family and mine, and enjoy our hobbies together. Sounds great.”
Luo Xiao noticed Wen Ran wasn’t concerned with family wealth. Even if told, he wouldn’t care much.
“But just so you know,” Luo Xiao said, “my family’s situation is probably better than you think.”
Wen Ran, busy picking clothes online for Luo Xiao, didn’t seem fazed. “I know. Your brother stays at Kempinski, has a driver and a Maybach. You’re obviously well off. I was prepared to spend my own money if needed.”
Luo Xiao added: “My mom isn’t even flying commercial.”
Wen Ran’s eyes widened.
“Private plane,” Luo Xiao confirmed.
“Wow, that rich?” Wen Ran asked, blinking. “Do you have… ten billion?”
“Not exactly,” Luo Xiao said, denying it.
“Then how much?” Wen Ran pressed.
“More than that,” Luo Xiao said. “My mom, Mrs. Ju, loves shopping. She can easily spend a billion a year.”
“……?”
“How much?”
Wen Ran didn’t even look at his phone anymore.
“One billion?!”
“In cash?”
Wen Ran was shocked.
Luo Xiao clarified: “Could be in US dollars too.”
Wen Ran: “…………”
Wait, wait… he—
“Your family’s group…”
Right, the group—Luo Xiao had mentioned it earlier. “Is it big?”
Wen Ran clearly had little concept of it.
“It’s pretty large,” Luo Xiao explained. “Lots of businesses, spread globally.”
Wen Ran digested that, then looked back down at his phone, continuing to shop for clothes for Luo Xiao. Well, rich—more so than his own family—good enough.
Seeing Wen Ran focused and unbothered, Luo Xiao didn’t press further. It was clear Wen Ran neither understood nor cared much about money. That was fine.
Luo Xiao smiled. As he had told Luo Feng, Wen Ran simply liked him—purely liked him—without concern for wealth. Wen Ran’s indifference wasn’t naivety; he just didn’t measure people by money.
After Wen Ran selected a few outfits and completed the purchase, he messaged Wen Pingping:
“Mom, we’re on our way to pick up Luo Xiao’s mom. He told me a bit about his family—they’re really well-off, apparently even richer than us.”
Wen Pingping, at a spa getting a full-body treatment, replied:
“Richer than us? You clearly don’t understand me. Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. I’ll make sure to host them properly. I’m doing a facial now, can’t chat.”
Soon, they approached the airport. Following the Maybach ahead, Wen Ran noticed they didn’t head to the terminal but drove straight onto the tarmac. From there, the control tower and planes were visible.
So this is how private planes are picked up… Wen Ran marveled.
Not long after, guided by a yellow lead car, the Maybach and black Porsche stopped beside a slightly smaller private plane. Near the stairs stood a stylish, beautiful woman, accompanied by two uniformed flight attendants handling luggage.
“That’s your mom?” Wen Ran asked, unbuckling his seatbelt immediately.
“Yes,” Luo Xiao said, doing the same.
At the Maybach, Luo Feng had already stepped out to greet Ju Yaxin with a brief hug.
Ju Yaxin, after embracing Luo Feng, noticed a tall, striking young man stepping out of the Porsche’s passenger seat. Her eyes lit up.
Wow! So handsome!
Then she noticed the driver circumnavigate the car hood—Luo Xiao? He didn’t look like a wandering vagabond today.
Ju Yaxin was thrilled. Clearly, having a boyfriend made all the difference.
“Hello, Auntie,” Wen Ran said politely.
“BB,” Ju Yaxin greeted warmly, opening her arms. They hugged, then parted. Wen Ran smiled sweetly: “Auntie, you look so young—not like a mom, more like a sister.”
Ju Yaxin laughed, eyes crinkling, and replied in Mandarin: “You’re so beautiful, no wonder Luo Xiao likes you so much.”
“Mom,” Luo Xiao hugged Ju Yaxin as well. She returned it, immediately noticing: “Did Ran Ran pick out your clothes?”
“Of course, some things need two people.” She continued, glancing him over approvingly: “You’re finally dressing nicely instead of giving me a heart attack every time I see you. Good job, son.”
Wen Ran’s attention drifted to the sparkle of Ju Yaxin’s necklace and earrings. He wasn’t thinking about value, only about how bright the stones were—perfect reference for his future paintings.
“Let’s get in the car,” Luo Feng suggested, signaling his driver to collect the flight attendants’ luggage. He asked Ju Yaxin which car she preferred.
She linked her arm with Wen Ran’s: “We’ll go together.”
So they got into the back of the Porsche. Ju Yaxin chatted with Wen Ran: “How long have you two known each other?”
…
As the car left the airport, she added: “It’s my first time meeting your mom. I don’t know what she likes yet.”
“I bought a jewelry set I think is okay. Hope your mom won’t mind,” Wen Ran said.
Most ordinary kids would have felt immense pressure, but Wen Ran didn’t. Growing up in his mother’s affluent social circle, he was used to these situations.
He even asked Ju Yaxin: “Auntie, why does the fire of this necklace look different from others?”
“Oh, this?” She looked down, touching it. “I got it at an auction. Luo Xiao’s dad gave it to me for our wedding anniversary last year. Old gem, hundreds of years old, that’s why it looks different.”
Only then did Wen Ran realize Luo Xiao’s family was more than just wealthy—they were exceptional.
But he didn’t care. His goal was simple: successfully marry Luo Xiao and make him his legal partner.
He engaged Ju Yaxin in conversation, working to leave a good impression, just as he had with Luo Feng the night before.
He even sent Wen Pingping a WeChat update:
“Mom, we’ve picked up Luo Xiao’s mom. She bought jewelry as a gift for tomorrow’s meeting.”
Wen Pingping replied:
“Don’t worry, your mom won’t embarrass you. I’ll make sure to play host properly.”
?
Luo Xiao didn’t quite understand. “If you go, what difference does it make?”
“This is catching someone cheating!”
Wen Ran leaned in and lowered his voice, barely containing his excitement. “A once-in-a-lifetime chance! Miss it and it’s gone!”
“I’ve never caught anyone cheating in my whole life. How fun is that?”
?
Luo Xiao looked at Wen Ran and suddenly laughed.
“You want to go?”
he asked.
“Yeah, of course I do.”
Wen Ran’s eyes were practically sparkling, then he hesitated. “But we still have to host your mom. If that comes first, I won’t be able to go.”
He paused, clearly thinking about something, and looked at Luo Xiao.
After a few seconds, Wen Ran spoke again. “Have you guys ever caught someone cheating? Ever seen something like that live?”
What?
Luo Xiao looked at him.
Wen Ran’s eyes lit up again, and he proposed eagerly, “Why don’t we go together? It’s really exciting, I swear!”
Ten minutes later, in the hotel hallway, Wen Ran was holding his phone, sending a voice message to Shang Ge to ask for the exact location. Behind him walked Ju Yaxin, Luo Feng, and Luo Xiao.
Ju Yaxin had deliberately changed out of her dress and into her usual jogging outfit.
She was also visibly excited and said, “I’ve never caught anyone cheating before.”
Luo Feng’s gaze passed over Ju Yaxin in the middle and landed on Luo Xiao: catching… cheating? There’s a step like that too?
Luo Xiao shot him a look: If you don’t want to come, you can go back.
I’m going.
Luo Feng had never caught anyone cheating either and found it novel.
He also wanted to see what Wen Ran and Luo Xiao actually did together in private—what kind of relationship could heat up so fast it led straight to a shotgun wedding.
So forty minutes later, Wen Ran led Luo Xiao and the others to the hotel Shang Ge had shared via WeChat.
As soon as they arrived and met Shang Ge in the lobby downstairs, Shang Ge saw Luo Xiao, then Luo Feng in a suit and tie, and then the woman in athletic wear with a curious, eager expression. Realizing they were Luo Xiao’s brother and mother—and that Wen Ran had originally been hosting Luo Xiao’s family that day—Shang Ge: “……………”
Inside, Shang Ge was cursing Wen Ran bloody:
Bro!!!
You should’ve said you were entertaining your boyfriend’s family!!!
If you’d said that, who would’ve called you?
No one would’ve called you!!!
Who the hell brings their boyfriend and their boyfriend’s family—people they’re meeting for the first time—to catch someone cheating?!?!
We’re both abstract, but aren’t you taking this way, way too far?!
But clearly, there was no “most absurd,” only “even more absurd”—
Besides Wen Ran, Shang Ge had also called a whole group of friends from their circle.
By coincidence, these friends had been in the middle of a “who can dress the most disgusting” contest before coming.
So when the two sides met, a bunch of bizarrely dressed young men and women popped up behind Shang Ge. Several of the girls, trying hard to win, had worn bright red or leopard-print underwear on the outside. One guy was wearing stockings, and the crotch bulged out ridiculously, as if something enormous were stuffed in there.
Luo Xiao and the others: “………”
Shang Ge rubbed his forehead. He couldn’t even look.
Wen Ran felt his temples start to throb.
It’s over. I’m exposed.