At the TV station entrance.
Inside the car, Qiao Hailou held the baby and turned to Shen Yuan, who was about to get out: “You go ahead. Call me when you finish filming, and the baby and I will come pick you up. I’m taking Little Peanut to see my big brother first.”
Shen Yuan nodded: “Alright, you go ahead. I’ll call you later.”
Just as he was about to leave, Qiao Hailou stopped him, playfully teasing: “A kiss first, come on, one kiss before you go.”
Shen Yuan blushed, glanced at the driver in the front seat who had already raised the partition, and quickly pecked Qiao Hailou on the lips: “Alright, you old rascal! You’ve been waiting for a chance to act mischievous again, haven’t you? You really enjoy this, huh?”
Qiao Hailou raised the baby: “The baby gets a kiss too.”
Hailou’s strong, solid arms adjusted naturally to the baby’s movements, acting as a comfortable cradle. Little Peanut slept soundly. At just over three months old, his bones were still soft, so no baby carrier could be used—he could only be held like this.
Shen Yuan leaned in and kissed the baby’s cheek. The little face was as smooth as a peeled egg, soft and fragrant. “The baby smells so nice, not stinky like you,” he teased.
Qiao Hailou laughed: “Nonsense, I’m not stinky! I smell like milk powder and talcum powder, very fragrant—fragrant to those who get close.”
Shen Yuan: “Alright, alright, stop joking. I have only twenty minutes to coordinate with the TV staff, I need to hurry.”
Reluctantly, Shen Yuan got out of the car. After taking a few steps, he turned to see Qiao Hailou roll down the window and wave goodbye.
Even as an ordinary person, Shen Yuan felt a bit intimidated by television. Although he’d participated in competitions covered by media before, a prime-time TV show was different—it was nerve-wracking. He comforted himself: he had been through many challenges in life, even appearing in news at six years old. Who else could have that kind of experience?
Following the staff’s instructions, Shen Yuan found the lounge assigned to him. Others were already there—men and women—probably also invited for the “industry elites” feature. Because of the different circles, Shen Yuan didn’t know anyone.
The room was warm from the air conditioning. He took off his down jacket, revealing a new suit Hailou had specially tailored for him at the original Scabal store. His Italian-made shoes, watch, tie pin, and accessories all complemented the outfit, presenting him as a refined young gentleman. People in the room glanced at him in admiration.
Shen Yuan felt slightly shy. He worried they might notice he was still wearing a postpartum belly binder, but his layered vest, shirt, and waistcoat concealed it. After months of rehabilitation, he had slimmed down and mostly regained his pre-pregnancy figure—presentable enough.
A man approached, greeting him: “Hello.”
Shen Yuan looked up to see a slender man around twenty-five or twenty-six, single-lidded eyes, delicate features, and a strikingly polished appearance. His extravagant makeup and fur coat gave him an unmistakably affluent, stylish air.
He handed Shen Yuan a business card: “I’m Zhang Meng, Deputy Editor of KLLK Magazine, China edition.”
The man spoke naturally, clearly belonging to the same circle.
Shen Yuan, who was also gay, wasn’t surprised. In this arts capital, at least two out of ten men on the street would likely be gay.
Shen Yuan accepted the card, slightly embarrassed: “I’m Shen Yuan. I’m still studying and don’t have a business card. I’m a jewelry designer… still learning, so only semi-professional, I guess.”
Zhang Meng complimented him generously: “No need to be modest, very promising at such a young age.”
Shen Yuan touched his nose. Zhang Meng noticed his wedding ring and commented: “Wow! So young and already married? Handsome guys really get claimed early.”
He showed his own ring—a huge sparkling diamond on his left hand—then slipped it back into his fur coat, saying: “I’m married too. I love jewelry—let’s add each other as friends.”
Shen Yuan, impressed by his openness, agreed. He browsed Zhang Meng’s profile, finding unrestrained displays of his life and husband, entirely public. Shen Yuan admired his fearless attitude, especially in China.
Shen Yuan brought his jewelry and designs for the show. Though he had a minor segment, during filming, the host and director kept cueing him. Knowing his limited experience, he didn’t try to steal attention, but ended up repeatedly speaking about the drama and promoting the jewelry industry. Other participants were sidelined, almost like background for Shen Yuan’s solo spotlight.
When filming ended, Shen Yuan noticed subtle disapproval from some, making him feel awkward.
Zhang Meng asked: “What’s wrong?” noticing the unfriendly glances.
Shen Yuan, unfamiliar with the industry, explained: “It’s my first time on TV… did I overshadow someone? I didn’t mean to…”
Zhang Meng reassured him: “Entertainment and fashion are like this—competitive and harsh. Don’t worry about them. I have high hopes for you; you’ll succeed. I’m usually accurate in judging people.”
Shen Yuan nodded, grateful despite their recent meeting.
Meanwhile, Qiao Hailou went to show his baby to his big brother, smiling: “Big brother, isn’t my baby adorable?”
Qiao Hailou’s eldest brother nearly had a heart attack. From afar, he saw Hailou holding something and wondered if it was a kitten or puppy gift.
Approaching closer, he saw a pale, chubby baby!
Pointing at his usually unpredictable younger brother, he exclaimed: “Where did this come from?? You just married Shen Yuan, and now you have a child? You brought him for me to raise?”
Hailou quickly protected the baby: “Didn’t you see my social media? I’ve already shared him. Don’t assume things—this is my child, my and Shen Yuan’s baby. Shen Yuan gave birth.”
Qiao Haixuan was bewildered—Shen Yuan was male, so how did they have a child?
Hailou calmly explained everything to his brother.
Even then, Haixuan found it incredible. His carefree younger brother had suddenly married, then suddenly had a child. No wonder he disappeared for a whole year and refused to explain—he was busy taking care of his spouse giving birth.
At the start of the year, Hailou hadn’t consulted him. By the time Haixuan realized, Hailou had already handed over the company. When contacted, Hailou gave vague excuses, leaving Haixuan puzzled, unaware it was all for Shen Yuan.
Seeing Hailou hold the baby so skillfully, Haixuan gasped: “So you’re just staying home to raise the child and ignoring the company??”
Hailou, unflustered, said confidently: “Yes. The other parent has school and homework, so I have to take care of the baby.”
Haixuan was momentarily speechless. Hailou’s natural attitude made him question his own logic.
Before he could comment further, Haixuan’s wife returned, excited: “Xiao Hai? Are you still here? I heard you brought a little one! Boy or girl?”
Hailou: “A boy.”
She rushed over, pushing Haixuan aside, delighted: “Oh, how cute! I knew if you were adorable as a kid, your baby would be too.”
Hailou smiled: “I think he looks more like my spouse.”
They ignored Haixuan and focused on the baby. His wife praised Hailou: “Your hands are great at handling the baby. Did you study this?”
Hailou proudly replied: “Yes, I even got a baby care certificate.”
She was amazed: “Can’t tell at all. Married life with a child really changes a person—much more responsible than before. You’ve outdone your older brother in childcare dedication.”
Haixuan frowned: “How long are you staying home to raise the child? No work at all?”
Hailou: “Three to four years. Once the child starts school, I’ll return to work.”
Haixuan scoffed: “Three to four years? That’s too long. Don’t be complacent. And Shen Yuan, is he really letting you do this? Does he think money is endless?”
Hailou straightened up, dropping his playful tone: “Thanks for your concern. Shen Yuan advised me too, but I insisted. I have my own reasons.”
His sister-in-law added: “Xiao Hai always has strong opinions. It’s good he’s focused on family. I didn’t expect you’d settle everything at once, especially after seeing Xiao Jun’s child—thought you wouldn’t start a family so quickly.”
Just then, his phone vibrated. A message from Shen Yuan reminded him to pick someone up.
Hailou said goodbye to his brother and sister-in-law: “Time to go pick up my spouse.”
Without further words, he left with the baby in tow.