Can't Hide My Love for You - Chapter 40

After hanging up the phone, the couple looked at each other in dismay before turning their gaze toward Chi Yi.

Assistant Wu had already reported the incident at the hotel entrance from the previous day to Chi Yi. Hearing about the phone call now, it was obvious that the two families did not get along. This sudden visit was clearly a case of “the drunkard’s intent not being in the wine”—they had ulterior motives.

After a moment of deliberation, Father Cheng said, “Chi Yi, I actually have some things to attend to. Some relatives are coming over, so let’s forget about today’s plans. It works out anyway, since you have to go to work.”

“The company’s work has been arranged in advance; it’s no trouble,” Chi Yi paused briefly. “Besides, Uncle, since you and Auntie need to entertain relatives, you’ll need a guide who is familiar with this area even more.”

Mother Cheng added, “I suppose we can’t go to the Botanical Garden anymore? With so many people, someone will surely complain about being tired after just a few steps.”

“It’s no matter, we won’t have to walk then,” Chi Yi smiled. “It’s livelier with more people. You’ve both been quite tired since arriving; why not take today to relax? I know a club that has mahjong, KTV, and even beauty spas for the ladies. You can spend a whole day there without feeling bored.”

Once the entertainment was decided, the Maybach turned around and headed toward the Jade Hotel to meet the Cheng family.

On the way, Chi Yi inquired about the general situation. Aside from the younger cousin’s family, the group included an older female cousin, a younger female cousin’s family, and the newlywed couple from yesterday—totaling about twenty people.

“I’m surprised they could all fit in their cars,” Mother Cheng said, amused. Aside from the younger cousin and the newlyweds who were developing their careers in Jingning, the other relatives mostly lived back in their hometown. If not for the wedding, they wouldn’t have gathered like this.

“They probably took taxis,” Father Cheng said. He was already feeling a twinge of pain in his wallet thinking about today’s expenses. For twenty people, how many tables of hotpot would he have to sell to make that money back? If he had known, he wouldn’t have bragged and agreed to it yesterday.

One traffic light later, the entrance of the Jade Hotel came into view.

Father Cheng rolled down the window and saw a row of black business vans lined up like a wedding procession, waiting in the parking spots in front of the hotel. The dozen or so relatives standing at the entrance were very conspicuous; they glanced at the vans and then stepped back slightly.

“Third Brother, didn’t you say they were staying at this hotel? Why is it taking them so long to come down? It’s so hot,” the older cousin said, fanning herself with her hat, her forehead drenched in sweat. “Back home we’re already wearing long sleeves, but it’s still so hot in Jingning.”

“Maybe they aren’t even staying here,” Third Brother’s wife smirked. “Eldest Sister, did you see that car that dropped them off yesterday? It was so grand. The driver said the company sent it for Yixin, but I don’t think it looked like a company car.”

Eldest Sister, being a straight-shooter, replied directly, “Well, it’s not like they’d rent a car and hire a driver just to brag to us, right? He’s not that foolish—spending money just for the sake of ‘face.'”

“People nowadays… you never know,” Third Brother’s wife said suggestively.

The newlyweds nearby overheard this, and Cheng Yixin’s younger cousin chimed in to help: “Auntie, celebrities make a lot of money these days. It’s very common for agencies to provide cars and drivers. Some even have bodyguards at the airport. Bigger stars live in huge villas. It’s normal for an artist of my sister’s caliber to have a driver; it would be weird if she didn’t.”

Third Brother’s wife remained silent.

As they spoke, they didn’t notice the Maybach pulling up to the curb. It wasn’t until a sharp-eyed relative saw the Cheng couple getting out of the car that they noticed.

“Brother, weren’t you staying upstairs? Why are you coming from outside?” Third Brother Cheng asked. Seeing a young woman following them, he added, “Who is that? Is Yixin busy again today? Our whole family came all this way, and we can’t even catch a glimpse of the big star?”

“We were going to stay upstairs, but Yixin felt the hotel environment here wasn’t good enough, so she had me stay at her place,” Father Cheng explained. He looked back at Chi Yi, and once she caught up, he introduced her: “Yixin is indeed busy today, so she asked Chi Yi to take us around. Your call came just as we were heading out.”

Third Brother swept a glance over Chi Yi, seeing only a “wet-behind-the-ears” young girl. He picked a bone, saying, “Really? Her own parents finally visit and she’s still ‘busy’? Entrusting their care to an outsider… how improper.”

His words were barbed. Chi Yi found it hard to interject; after all, among this nest of Chengs, she was indeed an “outsider.”

“Who says she’s an outsider?” Mother Cheng pulled Chi Yi to her side. “She’s my goddaughter. I’ll pick an auspicious day later to hold the formal ceremony.”

“Oh, I see~” Eldest Cousin Sister saw the awkward atmosphere and stepped in to smooth things over. “A goddaughter is basically family then.”

Mother Cheng took the opportunity to introduce everyone to Chi Yi in order of seniority: “Our branch is the second in the family line. This is the Eldest Aunt’s family, this is the Third Uncle’s family, the Fourth Aunt… and here are Qiqi and her husband Afeng from yesterday’s wedding.”

In such situations, most people would just nod politely and forget names immediately. But Chi Yi met everyone’s eyes as they were introduced, showing no sign of stage fright before the large group of relatives.

“I have booked a club. You all have traveled far to reach Jingning; it’s time to relax your bodies and relieve your fatigue.”

“A club? No, no,” Fourth Aunt waved her hand dismissively. To the older generation, “clubs” weren’t always seen as respectable places.

“Auntie,” Chi Yi explained patiently. “It is a leisure club. Inside, you can get massages, spas, and wellness treatments. There are also movies, mahjong, and karaoke. It’s very suitable for a family, and all the pricing is transparent, so there’s no need to worry about hidden issues.”

“Is it very expensive?” Eldest Aunt blurted out. Although Third Brother had said Father Cheng would cover today’s expenses, they assumed it would just be a meal. A leisure club was a different story in terms of price. They couldn’t shamelessly let someone treat the whole family to something so extravagant for free.

“It is expensive, but as the host, it is only right to show respect to my elders. Therefore, today’s expenses are on me. Just enjoy yourselves,” Chi Yi said, gesturing toward the row of black business vans parked at the curb.

“The journey is a bit far, so I’ve arranged private transport. Once we are finished, they will take you directly back to the hotel. If you brought your own cars, you may also choose to drive yourselves.”

“Sister Chi Yi,” Qiqi raised her hand. “We drove here. What’s the name of the club? If it’s far, we’ll just take the van.”

“Century Leisure Club,” Chi Yi replied. Most people living and working in Jingning had heard the name. It was a chain under the Century Hotel brand, located in a bustling central district.

“Holy crap!” Qiqi tugged at her husband’s sleeve and whispered, “That club is incredibly expensive! My company went there once for a team-building event—the minimum spend per person is at least four digits!”

A four-digit spend per person was unthinkable for an average family. As the relatives boarded the vans, their faces carried a mix of awe and trepidation.

“Third Uncle, Third Aunt,” Chi Yi called out to the couple as they headed for a van. “Would you like to ride in our car?”

She wore a standard, polite smile for honored guests. “Uncle told me that he and Third Uncle are very close brothers. This car is a bit larger than the vans and more comfortable to sit in.”

Since she put it that way, a refusal would have been impolite. Third Brother’s son watched his parents get into the Maybach, suddenly feeling as if they were headed to a “Hongmen Banquet” (a trap).

Inside the Maybach, Chi Yi rotated the two middle-row aviation seats so that the cabin formed a face-to-face layout, with a round table in the middle for drinks. She drew the curtains and turned on the lights, giving it the feel of a high-level business meeting.

As the car started, Father Cheng happily showed off the features. “Brother, these seats are comfortable, right? They even have a massage function. Just press that button on the armrest.”

Not wanting to look like “country bumpkins,” the couple pressed the buttons without looking, accidentally triggering the vibration mode. Third Brother’s wife cried out in a reflex.

“It’s okay, it’s okay,” Mother Cheng reached over to adjust it to a normal massage mode. Father Cheng then took drinks out of the car fridge. “Thirsty? Have some water.”

After showing off the fridge, he lowered the car screen to play TV, letting them experience the surround sound. These features aren’t common in ordinary cars. Father Cheng’s behavior bordered on showing off—something he usually wouldn’t do. However, he knew Third Brother was the type who couldn’t stand seeing others do well. To keep Third Brother from causing trouble, he had to show him the reality of their “gap” in status.

Eventually, even Third Brother had to admit, “Brother, this car really is something. I almost want to buy one myself. Yixin really is successful to have such a car provided for her.”

At the club, the manager personally came out to greet them. The younger relatives were fine, but the older ones couldn’t stop recording videos for their social media.

Chi Yi arranged for the women to go for spa treatments while she accompanied them. The men formed their own groups. Later, Chi Yi was pulled in to fill a seat at a mahjong table—coincidentally, the same table as Third Brother.

“What are the stakes?” Chi Yi asked politely.

“20,” an uncle replied. “We usually play for 20 yuan.” (In mahjong, stakes of 20 can lead to losses of thousands if luck is bad).

Chi Yi didn’t actually know how to play; she had only looked up the rules online recently after learning Father Cheng played. She lost the first two rounds as “tuition.”

“Looks like your luck isn’t great today,” Third Brother mocked.

“Perhaps,” Chi Yi smiled.

After her “tuition,” Chi Yi caught on quickly. She started winning but then strategically “threw” games to the others, while specifically making things difficult for Third Brother. The other uncles were beaming as they won money, while Third Brother hadn’t won a single hand and was becoming visibly frustrated.

When the women finished their treatments, Mother Cheng came over to watch Chi Yi play, offering “advice.”

“Discard the Eight of Myriads!” Mother Cheng said. Her skills were terrible, yet she acted like a pro. “Then you’ll win for sure!”

Despite the card being a losing move, Chi Yi followed the advice. Third Brother immediately slammed his tiles down. “Haha! I win! I was waiting for that Eight of Myriads!”

“If you listen to her, you’ll definitely lose,” Fourth Aunt joked. “Sister-in-law has never won a game in her life!”

“It’s fine, I can afford to lose,” Chi Yi smiled. She eventually let Mother Cheng take her seat. “If you lose, it’s on me; if you win, it’s yours.”

Everyone’s eyes filled with envy at such a goddaughter.

Dinner was held at a high-end restaurant in a large private room. Chi Yi ordered over twenty dishes, including local specialties and bird’s nest soup for the ladies. When the relatives saw the prices—one dish costing 688 yuan—they were too intimidated to order anything else.

“I’ve ordered bird’s nest with silver ear fungus for the ladies; it’s good for the skin,” Chi Yi said. She then turned to Father Cheng. “Uncle, I assume you’ll want to drink. The selection here is limited, so I’ve already sent a waiter to buy some.”

“Chi Yi is such a thoughtful girl. I wish I had a daughter like you!” Eldest Aunt praised her.

During the meal, the restaurant manager entered with three bottles of Maotai. Looking at Father Cheng, he asked, “You look familiar. Are you Teacher Cheng Yixin’s father?”

“Ah? Yes,” Father Cheng replied.

“Teacher Cheng Yixin is a VIP and a close partner of ours. Your presence honors our establishment!” The manager announced, “As a courtesy to Teacher Cheng, today’s meal is on the house. Please, order whatever you like!”

The relatives were stunned. “Wow… Yixin has so much ‘face’ (influence).” Even without being there, Cheng Yixin became the star of the conversation as the “successful child.”

On the way back, Father Cheng was fast asleep from the wine, but Mother Cheng looked serious.

“Chi Yi, you arranged that ‘complimentary’ meal tonight, didn’t you?”

Chi Yi hesitated but admitted it.

“It’s not right to have you spend so much money and effort,” Mother Cheng said. “Tonight’s dinner should be on your uncle. Let me transfer the money to you.”

“It wasn’t expensive, Auntie.”

Chi Yi eventually showed Mother Cheng her phone. It was a transfer record—from Cheng Yixin.

“I actually have shares in this restaurant,” Chi Yi explained. “Yixin transferred me this money, and I had the staff buy ingredients to bring to the kitchen. I also had them modify the menu prices to look several times more expensive than they actually are.”

Mother Cheng was stunned. City life was truly full of “tricks.”

After Father Cheng and Mother Cheng returned home, Chi Yi went back to work. Progress on the “Seed Project” was slow. The charity auction was set for the end of the month. She hoped Cheng Yixin could attend, but Yixin’s schedule was packed.

“If you asked her, she’d insist on going,” the manager, Li Wenjing, said. “But from a professional standpoint, I’d rather she didn’t. Her current work is more important. It’s better if she just donates an item for the auction and promotes it on social media.”

“Understood,” Chi Yi nodded.

On the 8th, it was the Future City Thanksgiving Day event. Cheng Yixin slipped out during a break to buy a down jacket before the mall opened. She was shocked to see massive queues already forming.

“People are here this early?” Yixin gasped.

“Weren’t you also here early?” Chi Yi teased.

“That’s different, I can use the back door.”

Inside the empty mall, Yixin felt a sense of wonder. They took a photo together in front of the railings. Chi Yi proactively put an arm around her waist, her smile much more natural than before.

“Your smile is much more natural now,” Yixin teased. She then remembered the rumors online that the mall’s anniversary was linked to her own debut anniversary. “My fan club sent me a message today for my fifth anniversary. What a coincidence that the mall is having an event today too.”

“It’s not a coincidence,” Chi Yi said calmly. “It is specifically to celebrate your fifth anniversary, to thank your fans for supporting you since the beginning.”

A nearby shop assistant’s eyes widened, her heart screaming: I ship it!

That morning, Chi Yi posted a photo of the two of them at Future City on Weibo with no caption. It immediately caused a stir. Some fans were thrilled, while “anti-fans” accused Chi Yi of using Yixin’s fame to advertise her mall. The comments were a battlefield.

But then, something happened at the mall.

“Look at the screen!” someone shouted.

The giant outdoor LED screen at Future City, which usually just showed the weather, was playing a high-definition tribute video of Cheng Yixin.

“Holy crap! How much does it cost to put a video there?!”

“Future City’s screen can’t be bought with just money! They’ve rejected major brands before!”

The news trended at #1. It wasn’t just a “coincidence” or “freshness”—as Chi Yi later told a surprised Yixin over the phone:

“It’s not about being fresh. It’s about favoritism.”