Thus, Shen Yuan became famous in the jewelry design circle—not for his own designs, but because he sued someone.
The whole affair was convoluted and extraordinary, entwining mother-and-son sentiment. With Qiao Haixuan’s help purchasing ad space, multiple newspapers and media outlets reported the story.
Shen Yuan hadn’t even officially debuted in the design world, yet effortlessly appeared on front pages.
He sued Leonard; the original sketches were submitted for handwriting verification, compared with his mother’s previous works, and the authoritative institution confirmed them as genuine.
The industry was in an uproar. Leonard, as a supposed partner, had stolen the deceased designer’s works, shamelessly profiting from them. His own career had only one praised series—the rest mediocre—distinct from this style, clearly reflecting Ye’s design.
Further investigation revealed Leonard’s credentials were falsified. Even if he stubbornly denied it, the facts were undeniable.
With solid evidence, Qiao Haixuan engaged a high-powered legal team to represent Shen Yuan. The outcome was clear: Leonard’s reputation would be ruined, and he’d have to compensate Shen Yuan for the earnings.
The news went viral online. The public discussed Ye Xueyao’s life and Shen Yuan’s fight for justice, accompanied by photos of Shen Yuan from outside the courthouse—stern, black hair like ebony, pale face, wearing a British-style dark coat, holding an umbrella in the rain, exuding the proud aura of an aristocrat.
The story even hit domestic trending searches.
Qiao Haixuan asked if Shen Yuan wanted to manage public relations. Shen Yuan didn’t hesitate. He had grown thicker-skinned and bolder, no longer shy. While being the focus of attention was uncomfortable, he understood the importance of media in the modern era. If criticism was inevitable, he might as well leverage it.
Many believed that pursuing justice should be free of monetary gain; once money was involved, it disqualified moral righteousness.
Shen Yuan disagreed. Why not both—justice and reward?
By nature, he thrived against challenges. Now he balanced school, family, and legal affairs, while also achieving top marks, gaining professors’ recommendations, and entering the annual jewelry design competition.
Shen Yuan’s social media following surged, initially managed by himself but later handed entirely to Qiao Haixuan, who was adept at it. His video channels had more followers than Shen Yuan’s, particularly in parenting and childcare content. Under the ID “Xiaohuasheng’s Dad,” he became an online influencer.
He ran fan pages for both himself and “Xiaohuasheng.” The little boy’s cuteness—an exact mini-version of Shen Yuan—attracted massive attention, with thousands of reposts daily. Qiao showcased both the adorable and the cranky sides of his child, demonstrating the trials of fatherhood.
Though Xiaohuasheng was relatively easygoing, daily tantrums were inevitable—children often cry without reason. His growing resemblance to Shen Yuan made him all the more endearing, capturing hearts online.
Qiao, meanwhile, expanded from months of baby product reviews, acquiring small companies to launch his own brand: “Peanut Baby.” Shen Yuan fully supported him, grateful to have Qiao happy, despite Qiao having been a top jewelry executive who now stayed home and ran baby product ventures.
With over two million followers, production completed, quality tests passed, and distribution channels ready, the only thing left was timing.
Qiao released a new video, professionally produced, though he occasionally filmed vlogs himself for authenticity. The compilation traced Xiaohuasheng’s growth—from immobile infant to crawling, sitting, mischief-making toddler, and first steps with a walker—showing laughter, tantrums, and fatherly interactions.
Finally, Xiaohuasheng stood shakily; Qiao picked him up, seated him on his lap, and faced the camera:
“One month from now, Xiaohuasheng will turn one. Before becoming a father, I never imagined being a good dad. I just try to be a competent one. I’ve witnessed a little miracle being born. For his first birthday, I want to give him a gift—”
“I’ve created the brand ‘Peanut Baby’ in his name, inspired by the nickname my husband gave him. We’ll launch various baby products online on his birthday, with an opening promotion of 12% off for the first three days.”
Xiaohuasheng bounced on Qiao’s lap, grinning with his tiny ivory teeth.
The video went viral instantly. Qiao spent money on giveaways and promotions, and the move stirred controversy. While many parents aspired to emulate parenting influencers, some criticized the high cost and commercial nature, doubting the products’ quality or necessity.
Comments flooded in, both supportive and critical:
- “What are they selling? Might be worse than the products he reviews, haha.”
- “Buying influencer products is just paying a tax on IQ.”
- “All influencers end up the same—opening online stores is their ultimate goal.”
- “Thought he had money and leisure—turns out all fake, opening a shop, so low.”
- “How could he use his kid to make money? Is he really a father?”
- “I’ll wait until the launch to judge quality. If good, I’ll support it.”
- “This is meaningful as a birthday gift for the baby—even if I can’t afford 1551.”
- “I’m a loyal fan, will support Xiao Huasheng no matter what.”
Qiao Haixuan, seasoned in handling controversies, welcomed the attention. The more the online debates, the higher the traffic.
For the next month, he released daily promotional posts featuring Xiaohuasheng as the model, including product info, quality certifications, and patents from top university research teams. Comments were a mix of anticipation and criticism, fueling heated discussion.
Among critics, one user regularly mocked him as a “poor man pretending to be rich, selling his child,” garnering high engagement. Qiao left the comment up.
Shen Yuan, exasperated, asked, “Why don’t you block him? He’s insane.”
Qiao grinned. “He’s useful.”
The day before the store’s launch, the same commenter posted again; Qiao reshared it, attaching his Forbes ranking screenshot.
The traffic exploded once more.
What do online spectators love most?
Twists, comeuppance, and exposes.
Qiao Haixuan’s story hit all three notes. His tweet revealing his Forbes ranking went viral, smashing previous sharing records under the gaze of countless onlookers.
He didn’t need to do anything further—people dug into him themselves. His shares in several companies, private jet, yacht, and even casual glimpses of expensive items in his videos were scrutinized. A small company investment of thirty million was nothing to him; for others, he could be lying—but a billionaire CEO claiming it was a birthday gift for his son? That was probably true.
Still, doubters persisted:
- “That’s last year’s Forbes list, right? Show this year’s. Quitting his post to stay home with the kid—who believes that? Sounds like he lost a power struggle and got ousted, haha.”
- “I don’t believe a real CEO would resign to stay home. Too unmanly.”
- “Maybe his wife is richer… who could that even be?”
- “Being on last year’s Forbes doesn’t mean he can’t be bankrupt now—maybe he is.”
On the flagship store’s opening day, Qiao posted a birthday wish for his son. He rallied friends for reposts, industry leaders enthusiastically shared it, and even the so-called company bosses who supposedly ousted him called him “boss,” instantly debunking bankruptcy rumors.
In the high-stakes, image-conscious business world, no one treats a failure with such courtesy. Yet the curious thing remained—Qiao Haixuan, a prominent CEO, was truly staying home to raise his child? It seemed almost surreal.
Qiao prepped press releases days in advance, posting across portals and interviews, boosting exposure. The store had a strong opening day, modest for his wealth, but enough to get him moving and rekindle old feelings.
Brazen as ever, Qiao even appeared on talk shows with his son, declaring proudly:
“Everyone thinks I’m faking. I’m not. I resigned to care for my wife and child. After my wife became pregnant, I started the resignation process and even earned qualifications in childcare and as a maternity nurse.”
Showing his certificates drew astonished reactions.
Qiao positioned himself as a modern ideal man:
“Money I can earn again. But my wife having a child, my son growing up—if I miss it, it’s gone forever. That’s why I chose to resign and stay home with them.”
His image as a “good father” and “good husband” boosted brand sales. Initially driven by fans, sales stabilized through repeat customers and word-of-mouth.
Originally, he wanted a big birthday celebration for Xiaohuasheng, but Shen Yuan vetoed it.
“Why not celebrate?” Qiao asked.
“Not that I don’t want to. I just want it to be private on the baby’s first birthday,” Shen Yuan said. “Just the three of us. No uncles, no extended family—just us.”
Qiao softened immediately. “Okay.”
It was their home—their life together.
When Shen Yuan later took Xiaohuasheng to school, other international students recognized him. Xiaohuasheng’s fame had spread, even to those outside parenting circles. Some initially thought the online photos of his son were stolen.
“Your kid looks just like him… same name… could Xiaohuasheng be your son?” a classmate asked.
Shen Yuan smiled. “Yes, that’s my son.”
Word spread: Shen Yuan was married to a man—Qiao Haixuan—but his husband was a top figure in the jewelry industry, much older. The revelation surprised many; some looked at Shen Yuan differently, assuming his husband stayed home while he worked.
As a young jewelry designer married to a CEO, Shen Yuan’s situation seemed extraordinary. Some classmates became more attentive, while others quietly envied him.
Rumors began circulating online—claiming Qiao Haixuan’s spouse was a younger male designer, suggesting possible improprieties. Qiao noticed and asked if Shen Yuan wanted to address it.
“Let them dig,” Shen Yuan said casually. “Our relationship is legitimate. Even if they uncover everything, so what?”
Shen Yuan added teasingly, “They’ll find out you’re my stepfather’s friend, a shameless older man, always boasting about being a modern ideal husband. Tsk.”
Qiao laughed. “And you think you’re innocent? Who pursued whom first? People will still say you married up.”
Shen Yuan, unabashed, said:
“If marrying someone wealthier counts as marrying up, then yes, I married up. So what? Marrying up is great—especially since you, the rich one, wanted me. Nothing to be ashamed of, hmph.”
Seeing Shen Yuan so confident, Qiao just stared. Shen Yuan raised his chin: “What? Not convinced?”
Xiaohuasheng kicked happily in Shen Yuan’s arms, babbling, “Daddy!”
Shen Yuan laughed, speaking to his son: “Xiaohuasheng, you agree, right?”
Qiao chuckled, both amused and exasperated.
It was perfect. This was his lover and their child.
On Shen Qiaosheng’s first birthday, the internet buzzed, but the family remained unaffected. They had already decided how to spend the day.
Shen Yuan reflected:
“When I was little, no one celebrated my birthday. My grandfather made me noodles. Later, my uncle bought a cake, prepared dishes, gave gifts. But that wasn’t truly home. Now, I finally have a real family. Every year I wished only for this: my own mom and dad. Uncle Qiao, what about you?”
Qiao’s heart ached, smiling faintly: “When I was little? My father never celebrated me. My older brother and sister-in-law did, but when I was three or four, I’d confuse them for my parents. Now it’s just us two celebrating Xiaohuasheng’s birthday.”
Shen Yuan, looking at his son exploring in a walker, said warmly:
“Xiaohuasheng, you’re so lucky—two dads who love you! You really hit the jackpot.”
The baby, oblivious to the words, blew a tiny saliva bubble at his dad.
Shen Yuan sighed fondly. “…
“Hahaha.” Qiao Haixuan lifted Shen Yuan from behind, hugging him. “I think I’m lucky too.”
Shen Yuan looked back, confused. Qiao kissed him lightly. “How fortunate am I to trick such an adorable guy into marrying me.”
Shen Yuan turned fully, hugging him back, cheeks flushed, and said awkwardly, “You old trickster, and here I am—tricked into giving you a lifetime at such a young age.”
The two dads, wanting to fulfill their childhood dreams and make up for past regrets, didn’t hire a chef. They bought ingredients themselves, followed an online recipe, and made a somewhat ugly cake along with a table of homemade dishes.
They then placed Xiaohuasheng in his high chair. The little boy waved his hands excitedly, smiling like a tiny sunflower—absolutely adorable.
Qiao Haixuan and Shen Yuan felt completely content. Using a tripod, they took multiple family photos of the three of them, then began eating.
Xiaohuasheng patted his little bowl. Shen Yuan mixed some soup and rice with bits of egg and minced meat for him.
It was such a warm, intimate moment. Shen Yuan felt that at this moment, his home was truly established—not just a place, but an abstract sense of belonging. There was no greater contentment in his life than right then.
Then, Xiaohuasheng spat out a spoonful he had just fed himself: “Pfft.”
Shen Yuan: “…”
Qiao Haixuan: “…”
The boy threw the spoon aside.
Shen Yuan looked at Qiao nervously. “Do you think he doesn’t like our cooking?”
Honestly, even Shen Yuan admitted it wasn’t that tasty—he couldn’t lie about it.
Qiao awkwardly muttered, “Looks like… this little brat…”
Lately, their little family had become notorious online, yet the adults didn’t care, and the child was too young to notice. They ate, slept, and earned money peacefully.
Still, Shen Yuan worried about Xiaohuasheng being recognized at school. With their wealth now public, he limited school outings and adjusted childcare duties with Qiao. They agreed that any school trips should include a bodyguard.
So Qiao hired one, chosen by Shen Yuan: a man named John, in his early thirties, a retired special forces operative, six years younger than Qiao, though appearing older due to a weathered gaze. His brown hair streaked with gray and gray-blue eyes hinted at his former handsomeness.
John’s job was to protect Shen Qiaosheng. Shen Yuan made this explicitly clear.
John was quiet and professional, never intruding on the family. Even living in their home, he avoided family gatherings, staying in his room. At school, he maintained a distance, observing discreetly, preserving Shen Yuan’s privacy.
After a two-week trial, Shen Yuan confirmed John. Eventually, when Xiaohuasheng started school, they’d need a long-term bodyguard anyway. John also matched the boy’s temperament; during interviews, Xiaohuasheng personally chose him. A bodyguard the child disliked would be pointless.
With John’s help, Shen Yuan felt much more at ease. Previously, juggling classes and childcare was stressful, but now John immediately soothed any fuss. Sometimes Shen Yuan would leave class to see the imposing figure in a black suit holding their soft little boy. The baby would smile, tug at John’s collar, smearing drool. Even John’s poker face cracked slightly—a surreal, endearing sight.
Now, aside from their two dads, John was Xiaohuasheng’s closest person.
One month later, the shortlist for an international jewelry design competition in Country E came out—Shen Yuan’s work made it to the finals.
This was his first international-level contest. Domestic awards held some value but the industry hadn’t matured, and contests were often inconsistent. Shen Yuan wanted a prestigious award before finishing grad school, giving him confidence to start his own studio and brand.
Even being shortlisted thrilled him. He told Aunt Hui, who rejoiced: “Great! When I walk red carpets at film festivals, I’ll borrow your jewelry. Give me a discount!”
Shen Yuan laughed. “Of course.”
He also took the chance to ask something delicately: “Aunt Hui… how are you and Uncle now? Any plans to marry?”
Time had shifted unexpectedly. When Uncle and Aunt Hui began dating, Shen Yuan and Qiao weren’t yet together. Now Xiaohuasheng was over a year old, yet they hadn’t married. Meanwhile, Qiao Jun had registered, planning a wedding in Bali next month.
Aunt Hui answered frankly: “Your uncle’s family matters aren’t resolved. I’m busy with work. We can’t live together yet.”
Shen Yuan hesitated. “Family matters?”
Aunt Hui, slightly embarrassed, said: “It’s… about Xiaolin. He’s very rebellious now, often fighting with his father. At my age, I’m not in a rush to marry. With the current situation, I can’t bring it up.”
She hadn’t mentioned that Xiaolin was upset over the concealment of Shen Yuan and Qiao’s marriage and child, which made their relationship strained. Being the second stepmother, she felt Xiaolin had many grievances.
After witnessing Shen Yuan and Qiao’s romance, she even questioned if she should settle for a marriage of convenience. Though Li Chen was perfect in many ways, there was no love—just companionship. Seeing Shen Yuan and Qiao’s mismatched yet lively relationship stirred envy.
On the award ceremony day, they entrusted the child to John and attended the gala together—Shen Yuan and Qiao’s first public appearance as a couple.
As the car approached, Qiao said: “Finally, after hiding you in my ‘golden chamber,’ you’re taking me out to be seen. Now I have a proper status.”
Shen Yuan laughed. “Just remember—follow me, stay proper, mind your manners.”
Qiao: “Yes, my young master. If you say east, I dare not go west.”
Shen Yuan caressed his face and kissed him: “Good boy. You’ll get your reward later.”
Once they stepped out, they adopted formal composure.
Shen Yuan noticed how well-groomed Qiao appeared—subtle makeup, poised under the lights, radiating confidence earned from years in high positions. Shen Yuan felt a bit green in comparison.
Hand in hand, they walked the red carpet. Shen Yuan felt reassured with Qiao by his side. If he won, he could boast; if he lost, he could vent. Either way, Qiao had his back.
At the awards, the room fell silent. Shen Yuan, sweating from nerves, whispered: “First time, inexperienced, foreign—probably won’t win. Just making the finals is enough.”
Qiao, knowing his tendency, teased: “Right, just making it is fine. Don’t expect to win.”
Shen Yuan protested: “Why can’t you say that! Jinx! If I lose, it’s your fault!”
Qiao laughed: “Fine, fine. If you lose, blame me. If you win, it’s all your skill.”
They whispered a few playful words before the host announced: “Best Pearl Jewelry Award—Yuan Shen.”
The foreign announcer mispronounced his name. Shen Yuan took a moment to register, but Qiao nudged him: “Baby, that’s your name.”
Shen Yuan couldn’t believe it, heart racing. He hugged Qiao tightly.
Qiao smiled: “Alright, go claim your prize.”
Shen Yuan’s piece—a Baroque pearl with Chinese elements in gold—sparkled under the lights. Qiao observed him, still slightly youthful, but already shining like a newly polished gem. More time would enhance his brilliance.
After receiving the award and attending the gala, Shen Yuan happily returned home hand-in-hand with Qiao.
“No humility today,” Shen Yuan boasted. “I’m younger than my mom was when she won. I’m the youngest among Chinese winners.”
Qiao quickly praised him: “Good, my little genius.”
“Not enough—say it properly!” Shen Yuan demanded.
Qiao pondered how to praise him sincerely, but before speaking, Shen Yuan’s phone rang. Thinking it was Aunt Hui congratulating him, he cheerfully answered: “Hello, Aunt Hui?”
Her tone was serious. “Your uncle didn’t want me to tell you, but it’s urgent. Xiaolin ran away from home and withdrew from school… we can’t persuade him. Maybe you have a way.”