In March in Beishi, the snow and ice had long since melted, yet a lingering chill from late winter still hung in the air.
The skyscrapers standing in the city center glittered with prosperity, while inside, it was warm as spring.
The soft, warm lighting outside the restaurant poured down like a gentle veil, draping over a slender, tall figure.
[Mom, I just finished meeting the 5th blind date this week. Any more?][You need to keep up with the supply—don’t hold me back.]
After sending the two messages, Lin Yunxu lowered his head and waited leisurely for a reply.
His phone quickly vibrated. A message from Ms. Yu Yiling popped up—
[Mom: Get lost.]
A hint of amusement flashed in Lin Yunxu’s eyes. As if anticipating his reaction, another message followed immediately:
[Mom: Still laughing? Your dad’s already drafting a lawsuit against you!]
[Lin Yunxu: Tell Lawyer Lin to go easy on me.]
[Mom: Like hell. Just you wait.]
This time, Lin Yunxu couldn’t hold back and laughed out loud. Just as he was about to put his phone away, a trending notification popped up at the top of the screen.
Seeing a familiar name, he tapped on it.
—Congratulations to Chinese actress Yu Yiling for winning Best Actress at an international film festival for the third time.
In the video, the actress looked elegant and mature, standing on stage holding her trophy, radiant and confident. Her features were strikingly beautiful, almost sharp.
Only when she spoke of her family’s support did a trace of softness appear.
“So many years later, Teacher Yu’s achievements are still unmatched.”
A voice with a hint of laughter sounded beside him. A tall figure appeared at Lin Yunxu’s side, glancing at the video in his hand.
Lin Yunxu looked up, revealing a face somewhat similar to the actress on his screen.
He put his phone away and smiled. “If that gets out, my mom will make a lot of enemies.” After the joke, he asked, “Finished signing autographs?”
“Mm.” Chu Zheng responded, then added, “Sorry for holding you up.”
They had just finished dinner and stepped out of the restaurant when he was recognized by fans and stayed behind to sign a few autographs.
“It’s fine.”
In truth, Lin Yunxu hadn’t even known who his blind date was before heading out tonight.
Ms. Yu Yiling had been mysteriously secretive, only giving him the restaurant location and private room number, saying she wanted to keep some surprise.
To be honest, when he saw the person, it wasn’t exactly a pleasant surprise—more like mild shock.
His mom had set him up with a film emperor.
Still, it wasn’t too strange. After all, Yu Yiling debuted at 20 and had been a top star for over 30 years, winning numerous prestigious awards both domestically and internationally.
Her influence in the industry was extraordinary—having connections like this was only natural.
After all, she was his mother; the people she introduced would naturally be outstanding.
Chu Zheng had worked with his mother before, and they had maintained a good relationship over the years—they knew each other well enough.
After a full dinner, just as his mother had said, he was gentle and humble—a good person.
But in the end, he would still have to disappoint Yu Yiling’s good intentions.
“The girls over there are looking at you—they probably recognized you.”
Chu Zheng’s voice interrupted his thoughts. Lin Yunxu turned toward the restaurant entrance and saw a few phones pointed in their direction.
When they noticed him looking, the girls waved shyly yet excitedly.
Lin Yunxu smiled and waved back.
As the child of a Best Actress winner, he had been in the spotlight since birth. Being recognized was nothing unusual—especially with Yu Yiling currently at the height of her popularity.
After exchanging brief greetings, the two of them left together.
Chu Zheng pressed the elevator button and chatted casually, “I’m not a traffic star, and I’m at this age already. If we get photographed, it won’t matter much for me—but will it cause trouble for you?”
“It’s fine. Gossip accounts might just say…” Lin Yunxu dragged out his words, as if thinking, “That I couldn’t make it abroad anymore, so my mom introduced me to industry connections to pave my way into entertainment.”
Chu Zheng hadn’t expected that answer and couldn’t help but laugh.
Lin Yunxu smiled too, adding casually, “Besides, isn’t it allowed for friends to have dinner together?”
Chu Zheng paused, and the smile at his lips gradually faded.
Friends having dinner—that was how the other party defined tonight.
He turned to look at Lin Yunxu.
The young man had dark hair and pale skin, his gaze lowered quietly. Yet the corners of his eyes naturally lifted slightly, making him seem gentle even when he wasn’t smiling.
Refined and elegant, without a trace of vulgarity—like a Jiangnan landscape painting, carrying the clean, scholarly aura of a cultured family.
He resembled his mother more, possessing top-tier looks and bone structure—naturally suited for the big screen.
Which was why, when he was still young, reporters often asked Yu Yiling whether she would let her son enter the entertainment industry.
Or perhaps he would follow his father and become a lawyer, or take after his maternal family and pursue medicine.
But the result was obvious—Lin Yunxu had done none of those, instead entering a field no one had expected.
As the chief translator and simultaneous interpretation consultant at a top international translation firm, he spent most of his time abroad, appearing at major global conferences.
Handling both translation and consulting work, he was someone with strong independence.
And because he often dealt with important figures across industries, his emotional intelligence and perception were top-tier—nothing he said was ever careless or without thought.
Chu Zheng thought: there was no need to doubt it. That sentence not only answered his question, but also gave the result of tonight’s blind date.
Lin Yunxu stood outside the elevator, quietly watching the red numbers tick down.
Since he had no intention of continuing, there was no need to waste each other’s time.
Among adults, some things didn’t need to be said too bluntly. He believed Chu Zheng understood.
The faint mechanical hum of the elevator sounded—it was arriving.
“About tonight…”
Chu Zheng’s voice blended into the drifting piano music. Lin Yunxu tilted his head slightly, his tone lifting in inquiry. “Mm?”
With a soft ding, the elevator doors slid open. At the same time, Chu Zheng spoke:
“Actually, I was the one who asked Teacher Yu for this opportunity. I wanted to meet you.”
Lin Yunxu’s steps halted abruptly as he met the gaze of the man inside the elevator.
The man wore a black suit, a long coat casually draped over his right arm.
Tall and straight, with an imposing and austere presence.
The transparent sightseeing elevator hung high above, revealing the dazzling city lights behind him—like the end of a decadent night banquet.
He cast a brief, disinterested glance, then indifferently looked away and returned to his phone.
Lin Yunxu: “……”
He hadn’t expected Chu Zheng to speak so directly, even after his subtle rejection—especially in a place where others might overhear.
For ordinary people it wouldn’t matter, but given Chu Zheng’s fame, even the slightest rumor could attract attention.
Lin Yunxu had no desire to end up trending because of a romantic scandal.
Fortunately, whether because he didn’t recognize Chu Zheng or simply didn’t care, the man in the elevator showed no interest in prying into others’ affairs.
All these thoughts passed through Lin Yunxu’s mind in an instant. His expression remained unchanged as he stepped inside.
Chu Zheng followed. He didn’t mind being overheard, but the man’s presence was too strong—he instinctively fell silent.
The enclosed space grew quiet as the elevator descended, bringing a slight sense of weightlessness.
Lin Yunxu looked out through the glass at the city below. Neon lights streamed into the elevator, shifting across the glass and metal surfaces.
The blurred colors felt almost unreal, like falling into a futuristic world.
Suddenly, a sharp glare flashed into his eyes.
The slight discomfort made him blink instinctively.
When he opened his eyes again, it was as if a camera had refocused—the background blurred, and his gaze settled on the glass window.
It clearly reflected two overlapping figures: himself and the unfamiliar man behind him.
The next moment, the man’s arm moved slightly. The reflection of his watch shifted across the glass.
—He switched the coat to his left arm, covering the watch.
The bright glare disappeared instantly.
Lin Yunxu’s lashes trembled as his gaze slowly traced upward—before he could reach the man’s face, a voice beside him pulled his attention back.
“Let me drive you home.”
Lin Yunxu turned to Chu Zheng and smiled. “No need, I drove here myself.”
Though his demeanor was gentle, his refusal left no room for negotiation. Chu Zheng could only drop the idea.
Moments later, the elevator reached the underground parking lot.
It was quiet and empty, their footsteps echoing clearly.
They chatted idly until Lin Yunxu got into the driver’s seat. Seeing a nearby car pull away, he softly called, “Chu Zheng.”
Chu Zheng rested a hand on the car and leaned slightly closer. “What is it?”
“I recently saw a very interesting photography exhibition. I heard from my mom that you like exhibitions,” Lin Yunxu said, handing him a few invitation tickets. “If you have time, you can go with friends. Thanks for dinner tonight.”
Looking at something he liked, Chu Zheng felt no joy.
—Lin Yunxu had already answered him at the elevator.
Chu Zheng lowered his gaze. The young man’s pale, slender fingers held the black-and-gold invitations.
Following his wrist upward, his face was half-hidden in light and shadow.
He looked gentle, smiling faintly, watching him patiently—like soft spring water flowing through a mountain stream.
Only when you reached out to touch it would you realize—it had no warmth.
Interactions between people are often an exchange.
The exhibition tickets, something he liked, served as a proper return for dinner—neither too casual nor overly formal. A clean break.
The phrasing “I’ve seen it” and “with friends” also cut off any chance for a counter-invitation.
Smart, tactful, and graceful.
After three attempts, continuing would only make him seem tactless.
Chu Zheng didn’t take the tickets. He straightened and stepped back politely. “Thank you, but unfortunately I’ll be joining a production next week. Let’s just consider tonight as my thanks to Teacher Yu. No need to think too much of it.”
Lin Yunxu didn’t insist. He smiled, withdrew his hand, and nodded politely. “Alright, I’ll head off then. Drive safely.”
After receiving a response, he started the car and drove away.
At this hour, Beishi traffic was heavy.
Lin Yunxu wasn’t in a hurry, letting the car crawl forward as he considered whether to return to his own place or his parents’ home.
Though Yu Yiling said she didn’t want to see him, if he really didn’t go back, she’d probably be even angrier.
A trace of amusement flashed in his eyes.
After more than 40 minutes, he finally arrived home.
The residential area where Yu Yiling and Lin Zhang lived was located in one of Beishi’s top natural resource zones, lush with vegetation.
Even at the end of winter, it showed no signs of bleakness—carefully maintained and visually pleasing.
Under the night sky, the three-story villa glowed with warm light.
Lin Yunxu pushed the door open. Passing the foyer, he saw Yu Yiling and Lin Zhang sitting on the sofa, watching TV.
Aunt Wu noticed him first and was about to speak, but Lin Yunxu quickly placed a finger to his lips.
She smiled silently and returned to the kitchen.
He approached quietly and heard Lin Zhang reading aloud:
“Ran into the goddess and her husband shopping. Lawyer Lin was carrying her bags—such a perfect couple, like a fairy-tale romance!”
“How do they take care of themselves? They look like they’re in their thirties! Going out with their son, wouldn’t people mistake them for siblings?”
“Lawyer Lin is so charming—Dad, Dad, let me call you daddy first!”
Clearly amused, Lin Zhang burst into hearty laughter. “Hahaha!”
Lin Yunxu: “……”
Standing behind the sofa, he leaned down slightly. “The goddess is so beautiful—aren’t you tempted to ditch Lawyer Lin for a younger guy?” he asked innocently. “Huh? Dad, why’d you skip that one?”
Lin Zhang: “……” He turned and saw his son grinning. “Don’t make me hit you!”
Lin Yunxu laughed, glancing at the woman sitting with her arms crossed.
Her expression was indifferent. Aside from the initial glance when she heard his voice, she gave him no further attention.
He circled around and sat beside her, complaining, “Mom, look at Dad—that wasn’t even my comment.”
Yu Yiling took a sip of tea before replying slowly, “You deserve a good beating. Saves me the trouble.”
At least she was talking—Lin Yunxu felt relieved.
He leaned his head on her shoulder. “Mom, I don’t feel well.”
Her composure broke instantly as she reached out to check his temperature. “What’s wrong? Does your wound hurt?”
Lin Zhang also became tense.
Regretting scaring them, Lin Yunxu quickly explained, “No, no—just a little tired. I’ll be fine after resting.”
Though he had always been in excellent health, he had recently suffered an accident and sustained injuries.
The stitches had been removed, but he still needed time to recover.
Lin Zhang crouched beside him and lifted his shirt to check.
Most minor wounds had already faded, but the worst was an eight-centimeter scar from his lower abdomen to his side—now a purplish-red line.
“It’s healed,” Lin Yunxu reassured. “If you’re worried, I’ll go for another check-up.”
Yu Yiling warned, “It may look healed, but you’re far from fully recovered. Rest properly. If I catch you staying up late working—just try me.”
“Yes, yes,” he soothed.
Only then did she relax and ask about his blind date.
Lin Yunxu took the fish soup Aunt Wu brought him, the aroma rising gently.
“Too mature,” he said.
Yu Yiling: “……” She took a deep breath. “Are you provoking me?”
“How would I dare?” he replied seriously. “Chu Zheng wants a peaceful, stable life now. But I’m busy—half my month is spent traveling, and I mostly live in Geneva or London. Even a warm heart would cool down.”
“He’s a good person, but we’re at different stages in life. Our lifestyles are too different—it wouldn’t work.”
Yu Yiling had nothing to say.
Her son spoke gently and reasonably—too reasonably.
Even if some of it was just an excuse, she couldn’t refute it.
Frustrated, she sighed.
Lin Yunxu suggested with a smile, “How about finding me someone mature but still ambitious in their career?”
“Get lost,” she flicked his forehead. “So many blind dates, all failures—do you still want your reputation? People will think I’m driving you away.”
Finally, she gave up. “Fine. I won’t interfere anymore. Go explain yourself to your grandparents.”
Lin Yunxu smiled. “Alright, I’ll go charm them in a couple of days.”
He hugged them lightly. “I’m heading to my room.”
Yu Yiling waved him off weakly.
As spring arrived, Beishi gradually warmed.
Since his injury, Lin Yunxu had been on leave, living a carefully managed and healthy routine.
Though he couldn’t exercise intensely, he could take light walks.
After a morning stroll, he returned home—only to hear a familiar voice.
There was a guest.
In the living room, beside Yu Yiling, sat a woman who brightened upon seeing him.
“Ah, just seeing Yunxu lifts my mood!” Tang Lilan said warmly.
“Long time no see, Aunt Lan,” he replied politely.
She waved him off. “I’m here to visit your mom. Make yourself at home.”
He nodded and went to the kitchen island.
Her gaze lingered on his back.
Dressed in a white athletic outfit, sleeves casually rolled up, he poured himself water.
Sunlight streamed in, illuminating flowers on the counter.
His figure was tall and composed, every movement refined.
No elder could dislike such a child.
“How did you raise him?” Tang Lilan sighed. “Why is mine such trouble?”
Yu Yiling smiled without answering.
“Are you arranging blind dates for him?” Tang Lilan asked.
“Yes?”
“Does he have someone he likes? If not, I know someone perfect for him!”
Yu Yiling thought: even perfect won’t work.
Still, she asked, “Whose child?”
“Grandson of Master Ji Ping—the architectural legend.”
“Ji Zhanming.”