After A Secret Marriage With The Trending Queen - Chapter 20

Chapter 20

That night, neon lights shimmered across the city. People hurried on their way home. Ye Qin, with long, wavy hair, sunglasses, a simple yet capable trench coat paired with black leggings, and black heels, appeared at City A’s airport, dragging an 18-inch carry-on suitcase, walking with a brisk, windy pace.

She left the airport and hailed a cab. She knew Shen Lu’s home address, and though she had never been there, she accurately gave the specific location to the driver.

Just as she settled into the car, Wang Lin called from City H.

“You are truly too headstrong! You just left without a word!”

Ye Qin held the phone close to the car window. In the darkness, her long hair obscured half her face, concealing her identity even from the driver.

“Sister Wang, I had to come back myself to handle this. I don’t trust leaving it to her.”

Wang Lin sighed helplessly. “Fine, then. Once you make up your mind, no one can stop you. Be careful not to get photographed. I’ll take care of your leave from the set here.”

“Mhm. Thank you, Sister Wang. I’m on the road. I’ll hang up now.” With that, Ye Qin lowered the phone and ended the call.

…

Shen Family Visit

“My daughter is so promising, marrying a big celebrity! It’s just a shame,” Mama Shen said, holding her bowl with one hand and her chopsticks with the other, a look of worry on her face.

“A shame about what?” Shen Lu was curious.

At that moment, Papa Shen revealed his wife’s annoyance. “Your mom is just itching to show off to the neighbors. Ignore her.” He followed it up with a hearty laugh.

“You can’t say that, husband! Which mother wouldn’t want to show off when her daughter finds a good partner? Only you are so aloof and above the mundane!”

Shen Lu lowered her head and ate, a faint smile on her face. Her parents truly were a pair of jokesters.

“Knock, knock, knock. Knock, knock, knock—”

The sudden knocking at the door brought instant silence to the family eating dinner. Everyone froze in their seats. Who could be visiting at this hour?

Shen Lu nudged Shen Jing. “You’re closer to the door. Go see who it is.”

Shen Jing clutched his chair tightly, guarding his territory staunchly. “I am not going!”

…Shen Lu glared at him, reluctantly put down her bowl and chopsticks, stood up, and headed toward the entrance.

Mama Shen craned her neck to look. “Who could it be, so late?”

Papa Shen took a sip of liquor. “I don’t know.”

Shen Lu reached the door and pulled it open, almost dropping her jaw when she saw the person standing there. For a moment, she couldn’t remember how long she stood there dumbfounded. In short… it was truly unbelievable, incredible.

After a long pause, Shen Lu finally managed to move her lips. “Why are you here?”

Ye Qin ran her fingers through her long hair, tucking stray strands behind her ear. She stood straight at the doorway. “I was worried you couldn’t handle it alone, so I came.”

For some reason, hearing that made Shen Lu feel oddly touched, and a smile involuntarily bloomed on her face.

Perhaps they had stood still at the door for too long, as Mama Shen couldn’t help but shout, “Lu Lu, who is it?”

No sooner had she spoken than Shen Jing darted over to join the excitement. Seeing the big celebrity Ye Qin visiting, he nearly jumped out of his skin. “Mom… Oh my God… Mom and Dad, come quickly!”

Shen Lu scratched the back of her head awkwardly and rushed to whisper to Ye Qin, “You, hurry inside.”

Ye Qin shrugged and muttered something so quietly only Shen Lu could hear: “Looks like you actually handled it.”

Shen Jing was the most excited one, running faster than anyone else, rushing back to the dinner table. “Mom and Dad, look who’s here!”

Startled by his antics, Papa and Mama Shen also put down their bowls and chopsticks, their curiosity piqued to the maximum.

Then, Ye Qin appeared before the two elders, dragging her suitcase. Shen Lu clearly noticed her mother’s eyes lighting up. Ye Qin first greeted everyone, “Hello, Uncle and Auntie. I’m Ye Qin.”

Mama Shen immediately pouted. “Why are you still calling us Uncle and Auntie? You should change that name! Lu Lu told us everything about you two this afternoon.” As she spoke, she unconsciously swayed over to Shen Lu and Ye Qin, very naturally hooking her arm through Ye Qin’s. “Child, have you eaten? Come sit down and eat with us.”

Ye Qin seemed a little constrained. Clearly, she hadn’t encountered this kind of situation before. Perhaps she was so used to her usual cold exterior that she couldn’t immediately adapt to such warmth. Shen Lu had to rescue her, freeing her arm from her mother’s clutches, and quickly explained, “Aiya, Mom, she doesn’t eat at night. She’s an artist; she has to control her figure.”

“Not eating at night? How can that be? No matter how tired you are from work, you shouldn’t neglect your health!” Her mother refused to listen and even commanded, “Lu Lu, quickly go to the kitchen and get another bowl and set of chopsticks.”

Shen Lu looked at Ye Qin, embarrassed, using her eyes to apologize and ask for help. Her mother was naturally hospitable, and coupled with the new discovery that she had a celebrity daughter…

Ye Qin nodded to her, her entire expression softening. “Then I’ll respectfully accept the offer.”

Shen Lu was surprised but complied, heading into the kitchen. She knew clearly that Ye Qin was forcing herself. She felt so bad for her! After all, under normal circumstances, even if Sister Wang urged her to eat something, she wouldn’t touch a bite after dark.

By the time she returned with the bowl and chopsticks, Ye Qin had already been pulled to the dinner table by her mother. Shen Lu quietly handed the utensils to Ye Qin, bit her lip, and returned to her seat, cautiously observing the scene.

Mama Shen, without a word, put a piece of braised pork belly into Ye Qin’s bowl. Ye Qin’s eyes visibly widened in shock. Since her debut, it had been years since she had eaten anything like this—fatty meat equals the root of all evil.

Who knew that in the next second, Mama Shen would raise her hand and pat Ye Qin’s slender back. “Child, you are too thin! It hurts my heart to see you so skinny. Eat a little; it’s fine. Auntie’s braised pork is delicious. If you feel uncomfortable, you don’t have to change the way you address us yet. Calling us Uncle and Auntie is fine, too.”

It was rare for her mother to be so generous! Shen Lu silently took a bite of her rice, quietly watching Ye Qin’s reaction.

When they discussed the secret marriage contract, they only thought about how to deal with Ye Qin’s grandmother, completely overlooking Shen Lu’s large family. Ye Qin must be regretting everything now, right?

Would Ye Qin really eat that piece of oily braised pork? Of course, to her, it was just that. Shen Lu, on the other hand, loved her mother’s braised pork—it was probably one reason why she had maintained her slightly plump figure over the years.

Braised pork was the secret culprit!

Under her mother’s constant urging, Ye Qin picked up her chopsticks, took the piece of braised pork from her bowl, and with an expression of resignation, put it into her mouth. Shen Lu was so nervous she held her breath. In the three years she had been with Ye Qin, this was the first time she had truly seen her eat meat, let alone fatty meat.

Ye Qin slowly chewed a couple of times and found that it was not only not as bad as she had imagined but was even a little delicious. It was soft, tender, and not greasy at all. It had a taste of home.

“How is it? Does it suit your taste?” Mama Shen asked.

Ye Qin nodded and smiled. “It’s very delicious.”

Hearing this, the knot in Shen Lu’s stomach loosened. Ye Qin was really going out of her way to please her family.

Following that, her mother began chatting with Ye Qin, completely ignoring Papa Shen, Shen Jing, and Shen Lu, who were also at the dinner table.

“When I first learned about this this afternoon, I couldn’t believe it. Even now, it feels like a dream. You must have suffered a lot being with our Lu Lu, right?”

Ye Qin pursed her lips and smiled. “No, we’re doing well.” She looked at Shen Lu. “Right, Lu Lu?”

Shen Lu looked exasperated… and… she even called her Lu Lu!

That night, conservatively estimating, under her mother’s persuasion, Ye Qin ate quite a lot—far more than she would typically eat in an entire day.

After dinner, Ye Qin prepared to leave, intending to find a hotel for the night. However, her mother stopped her, and at that moment, Shen Lu had a bad feeling.

“Why stay outside? We have rooms and beds here at home! Lu Lu’s bed is big. You two can sleep together tonight.” Mama Shen’s lips curled into a mischievous smile. “Now that you’re married, you two shouldn’t mind, right?”

Shen Lu blurted out “I mind!” without thinking.

She was immediately glared at by her mother. “Don’t be childish.”

Changing her tone, Mama Shen affectionately took Ye Qin’s arm, her voice gentle. “I know people in your profession make a lot of money, but no matter how much you spend staying in a hotel, it’s not the same as staying at home. Can you understand what Auntie means?”

Ye Qin nodded awkwardly. “I… I understand…”

Shen Lu stood behind them, hitting her head several times. The development of events was quickly spiraling out of control. What should she do?

Shen Jing poked her arm from the side, a gloating expression on his face. “Hey, Sis, looks like Mom really likes my new sister-in-law.”

Shen Lu was startled and looked at Shen Jing. “What new sister-in-law!” You brat.

“It’s good that you understand. Now, Auntie will show you the room.” Mama Shen said, turning back to instruct. “Lu Lu, quick, bring Qinqin’s suitcase in.”

Qinqin? Shen Lu’s mouth twitched. Mom, you’re changing too fast! Your daughter can’t keep up with your pace.

“Dad, why aren’t you going with them? Look how happy Mom is.” Shen Jing said.

Papa Shen sat in the living room, calmly drinking tea. “Your mom is enough for two of me. I won’t go join the fun.”

When Ye Qin entered Shen Lu’s room, her first reaction was a slight surprise. She hadn’t expected this—Shen Lu actually had such a girly side! The entire room was filled with pink furniture and decorations. When Shen Lu saw the meaningful smile on Ye Qin’s face, she knew what she was thinking and wished she could dig a hole and jump into it.

“So, will you stay here tonight?” Mama Shen asked kindly.

Ye Qin stood by the bed, looked around, nodded, and smiled. “Thank you, Auntie.”

“What about me? Where do I sleep!” Seeing her mother ready to leave her mess behind, Shen Lu called out anxiously.

“Where else? You two sleep together tonight!”

As the words fell, her mother’s agile figure had already slipped out.