Although Cheng spoke with finality, he still imparted his experiential advice, suggesting that Shi Guanghua should talk less and do more, playing to his strengths. Shi Guanghua was never one for eloquent speech, so it might be better to take an honest and reliable approach, which would likely not incur the elders' displeasure.
After offering his strategic advice, Cheng suddenly remembered something and quickly added, "Talking less doesn't mean not talking at all. Don't go back to being mute."
Cheng was worried that Shi Guanghua might overcompensate and repeat the mistakes from the first season of "Heart-Fluttering Promise."
Shi Guanghua listened to the advice and pondered it for a long time, finally reaching the day of the meeting.
During the Spring Festival, the streets were decorated with lanterns and festive ornaments, with even the entrance to the residential complex adorned with bright red lanterns. Shi Guanghua drove into the underground parking lot, and after Chu Yueyi jumped out of the passenger seat, he opened the trunk and began unloading things.
Chu Yueyi held a gift box in her hands and looked at the fully packed trunk with surprise, her eyes widening. "How is there still so much?"
Chu Yueyi had been busy with movie promotions recently. When she heard that Shi Guanghua wanted to prepare gifts, she briefly mentioned her parents' preferences, indicating that a simple gesture would suffice. She saw the abundance of gifts when she got in the car and thought he was making too big a deal of it, but she had no idea he'd go as far as filling up the entire trunk.
She had noticed his habit before: whenever he wanted to give someone something, he would offer what he considered the best, giving without expecting anything in return, not minding even if there was no reciprocation. When he wanted to be good to someone, he would be particularly direct.
If anyone were to be tricked out of money or taken advantage of in a relationship, it would probably be a naive sweetheart like Shi Guanghua.
Before even going upstairs, Shi Guanghua was already panicking. After unloading the gifts, he muttered, "I hope uncle and auntie don't kick me out."
He truly couldn't gauge the elders' preferences, so he naturally prepared an abundance of gifts. He figured if he filled the answer sheet completely, he'd surely get some points for effort.
Seeing him lower his head tensely, Chu Yueyi hugged him, both amused and exasperated, trying to ease his rigid state. She comforted him, "It's okay, they won't. If I like you, they'll like you too."
Shi Guanghua wasn't reassured. He calmly refuted, "No, you didn't like me when you first met me, and you called me a big mute."
Chu Yueyi: "..." Why bring up old accounts?
In the elevator, Shi Guanghua's soul seemed to have drifted elsewhere, his face expressionless the entire time, looking particularly serious.
Chu Yueyi held his hand, sighing softly. Some people appear cold and aloof on the surface, but who could have guessed that at this moment, his palm was ice-cold with nervousness, his paper tiger facade imperceptible to anyone.
Chu Yueyi asked amusedly, "Were you this dramatic before recording the show too?"
Shi Guanghua currently wore a cold, expressionless mask, but in reality, his face was purely frozen with fear, too scared to move a muscle.
If Chu Yueyi didn't know he had been busy preparing gifts, she might have mistakenly thought he didn't want to come home with her. Why else would he put on such a sour face during the New Year?
Shi Guanghua: "No."
Chu Yueyi pondered, "Oh, so it seems my parents are more important than me."
Shi Guanghua glanced at her and frankly admitted, "The situation was worse then. At least I can speak now." Back then, he couldn't even speak in the car.
Chu Yueyi burst into laughter at his words.
She found Shi Guanghua's thought process truly interesting. When he was wild online, he didn't care about others' opinions at all. In daily life, he often said things that stumped others. Yet now, he was so nervous his heart was about to burst, on the verge of fainting at any moment, completely different from the public image of "Brother J."
As soon as the door opened, Chu Wenyue came out to greet them. He extended his hand to Shi Guanghua and said kindly, "Guanghua, you're here."
"...Hello, Uncle." Shi Guanghua had met Chu Wenyue before, but his status was different now. He hurriedly responded, even bowing to wish him a happy new year, his opening words both flustered and restrained.
Seeing Shi Guanghua's formal greeting, Chu Yueyi's eyebrows twitched. "It's not necessary, really not necessary."
Chu Wenyue: "You're not as polite as Guanghua. Look, he even brought gifts."
Chu Yueyi was about to say that she brought gifts too, but knowing Shi Guanghua's confused state of mind, she didn't argue with her father at this time, to avoid making her "girlfriend" who came home with her more anxious and uneasy.
Mother Zhang Han also came out to greet Shi Guanghua. It was their first time meeting, and both sides were still very unfamiliar with each other.
Shi Guanghua felt somewhat constrained, sitting on pins and needles at the dining table, his expression becoming stiff as well.
Zhang Han noticed his expression and carefully asked, "Guanghua, are you too tired from driving? I feel like you're so exhausted you don't want to talk?"
Shi Guanghua was startled: "Ah..."
Shi Guanghua wanted to respond immediately, but only "aba aba" came out of his mouth.
Just as Chu Yueyi was about to explain, Chu Wenyue stepped in first: "It's okay, he's just nervous."
Zhang Han carefully examined Shi Guanghua's serious expression, unsure of his emotions, and hesitantly said, "Is this nervousness?"
Chu Wenyue nodded: "Yes, he even walked with his arms and legs in sync when he entered. Don't ask anymore, or he'll be even more scared."
Chu Wenyue didn't find Shi Guanghua impolite. In his eyes, the other party was too simple; last time they met, he confessed everything with just one question, and this time at dinner, he was even more uptight.
Zhang Han nodded understandingly and comforted him, "It's okay, we don't eat people."
Shi Guanghua hadn't realized he had walked with his arms and legs in sync when entering. He lowered his head a bit embarrassed, responding in a barely audible voice, thinking to himself that Cheng was right – she indeed had a profound family background.
Both Chu Wenyue and Zhang Han were easy-going elders. Chu Yueyi didn't even need to explain for him; they took the initiative to offer a way out.
Shi Guanghua gradually relaxed and dared to express some opinions. With Chu Wenyue throwing out topics, the atmosphere during the meal was quite pleasant.
Shi Guanghua had always admired Chu Wenyue. Not being good at praising others, he sincerely said, "Uncle is very impressive."
Chu Wenyue was amiable and witty, with an elegant demeanor of the old school.
Chu Yueyi clicked her tongue and muttered softly, "Indeed, a smiling tiger specializes in deceiving this type..."
Chu Wenyue was skilled at brewing chicken soup (giving motivational speeches) and being a mentor, occasionally pointing out the way for others, most easily controlling those with pure thoughts.
Shi Guanghua had a hard exterior but was quite simple inside. He could be easily seen through by Chu Yueyi, let alone escape Chu Wenyue's eyes; his thoughts were transparent.
Chu Yueyi was usually tired of hearing Chu Wenyue's ramblings, but Shi Guanghua found it fresh as he hadn't heard it before. She didn't want to disturb the warm atmosphere of the chat, so she forcibly held back from criticizing her father's endless chatter.
Zhang Han: "Is your dad going through menopause? He really talks a lot."
Chu Yueyi: "I think so."
Shi Guanghua wasn't good with words, but he could listen, so he got along well with Chu Wenyue.
However, Chu Yueyi and Zhang Han weren't interested in this. They had already planned to go to the cinema. After getting out of the car, they went to find a place first, leaving Shi Guanghua and Chu Wenyue to find a parking spot.
Chu Wenyue asked bewilderedly: "You're leaving just like that?"
Zhang Han: "You two can chat first, we'll buy some things."
Chu Yueyi played an important role in the movie, and she had booked the entire theater for her parents to watch together, with no other audience in the screening room. The mother and daughter planned to buy some snacks, as having the whole theater to themselves wouldn't bother anyone else.
"That's not proper," Chu Wenyue watched them leave, "It's fine usually, but today you're here."
Chu Wenyue felt they were exposing their family status. How could they just leave them and act independently?
Shi Guanghua honestly said: "It's fine."
Shi Guanghua didn't have any objections to this, mainly because he was used to being bullied, so naturally, he didn't feel upset.
After finding a parking spot, Shi Guanghua and Chu Wenyue were stuck at the parking lot exit. They needed to scan a code to enter the cinema, but Chu Wenyue's mini-program had expired and needed facial recognition again, which took quite some time to sort out.
Shi Guanghua patiently helped Chu Wenyue set it up, finally managing to get him through and successfully entering the cinema.
Chu Wenyue: "Getting old is really inconvenient, I can't handle these things smoothly at all. You're quite patient."
Shi Guanghua was clumsy with words and didn't know how to respond.
Chu Wenyue smiled and said: "You're a good kid, don't be so nervous all the time."
In Chu Wenyue's view, Shi Guanghua's reticence was also a virtue. He wouldn't complain casually or demand returns for his efforts.
Some people are nice to others but actually expect something in return. If their goals aren't met, they blame their partner, believing their sincere feelings have been betrayed, and harbor resentment towards the other person for many years. These people may seem perfect at the beginning of a relationship, but in fact, they're constantly accumulating dissatisfaction, just waiting for the day to explode completely.
Shi Guanghua was straightforward and uncalculating, which reduced potential future problems. Even though he wasn't good at expressing himself, he also didn't try to hide anything.
Shi Guanghua was taken aback. He felt a warmth from Chu Wenyue similar to hers, and his tension finally eased. He said softly, "...Thank you."
Chu Wenyue patted him amiably, "Alright, let's go in. We've delayed long enough."
In the theater, Chu Yueyi saw the two enter and raised an eyebrow, muttering, "So slow."
Chu Wenyue ignored her. He looked around the empty theater and remarked, "Tsk tsk, female celebrities are different indeed. Even watching a movie requires booking the whole place."
Chu Yueyi stared intently at her father, her lips pressed tightly together, her face showing a "want to fight?" expression.
Fortunately, Shi Guanghua followed them in. Both father and daughter, mindful of maintaining their image, refrained from snarky comments at this moment, jointly creating a pleasant movie-watching atmosphere.
Chu Wenyue and Zhang Han sat on one side, while Chu Yueyi and Shi Guanghua sat on the other, not disturbing each other.
Chu Yueyi sensed Shi Guanghua's change in mood and asked curiously, "You seem to be in a good mood?"
He had been panicking on the way here, but now he seemed to have relaxed, no longer as hard as stone.
Shi Guanghua couldn't explain well. In the dim theater, he secretly hooked his pinky with hers, only able to express the small excitement in his heart this way.
This was a sequel to a high-grossing IP movie for the New Year season. The presale box office was quite impressive, and the reviews after the preview screenings were good. Chu Yueyi played an important role in the new season, with screen time no less than the main characters of the entire season, and she was even set to take on a major role in next year's finale.
The family happily enjoyed the movie and discussed the female star's acting skills on the way back. However, this movie-watching pleasure only lasted until they got home.
At home, Chu Yueyi casually scrolled through Weibo after returning and immediately jumped up from the sofa in shock, causing Shi Guanghua beside her to look puzzled.
Chu Yueyi completely exposed her true face. Looking at the photos from inside the Moonlight Science Club, she called out loudly, "Dad-- Dad--"
"Why are you yelling like that? Have you gone mad?" Chu Wenyue frowned as he walked over, completely unaware of the reason for her sudden change in demeanor.
Chu Yueyi turned her phone around, showing the photo to her father, and angrily said, "You actually didn't wear a mask in public!"
And he and Shi Guanghua were even caught on camera by passersby. No wonder they were so slow, it was simply outrageous!
Shi Guanghua had obediently worn his mask, but his figure was very recognizable. Combined with Chu Wenyue showing his face, it was all too easy to expose them. Chu Wenyue was stunned. He saw the photo on the screen and retorted without mercy, "Did I not want to wear it? It was that troublesome program that wouldn't let me wear it. Don't pick on the easy target. If you have the guts, go after the Capital Health Pass!"
Chu Yueyi was both angry and amused, "Where did they tell you not to wear a mask!?"
Chu Wenyue: "Making the verification so difficult is as good as not wanting me to wear it!"
Shi Guanghua: "..."
Shi Guanghua watched as the image of the graceful uncle collapsed. His current mood was quite peculiar, yet he also had a feeling of expectation, like seeing Chu Yueyi take off her public persona mask.
The father and daughter, fearing they might scare Shi Guanghua, had maintained their composure today and tried to get along peacefully. However, they ended up quarreling because of the photo.
Shi Guanghua could only hold Chu Yueyi back, pulling her back to the sofa when she jumped up.
Zhang Han stood in front of Chu Wenyue, placing fruit on the tea table and saying matter-of-factly, "Alright, alright, have some fruit. Guanghua, you eat too..."
Shi Guanghua: "...Thank you."
Shi Guanghua finally understood Chu Yueyi's occasional childish mode. It turned out that at home, she would engage in childish banter with her father. Her elementary school chicken behavior also had family roots.
Chu Yueyi had always intentionally kept the Moonlight Science Club on a sugar diet, who would have thought that Chu Wenyue would sabotage her efforts in one go, giving his own daughter a backstab during the New Year, and the man himself showed no signs of remorse.
Shi Guanghua and Chu Wenyue had spent too long fiddling with the mini-program, naturally getting caught by other passersby.
Chu Wenyue had only appeared once before, so not many people actually remembered his face. However, Shi Guanghua's tall figure was particularly eye-catching. He had obediently worn his mask, but unfortunately, Chu Wenyue hadn't hidden well, exposing both of them in one go.
Countless Moonlight scientists' New Year's wish was to see Chu Yueyi and Shi Guanghua show some affection.
They had been waiting eagerly, and finally got a fresh photo of them together, but it was Shi Guanghua and Chu Yueyi's dad!?
Shocked for the whole year: ??? The tall one really looks like Teacher Shi?
South Train: Ah... The wish and the actual item seem to have some discrepancies, yet somehow it's not entirely wrong?
Loloa: The tall one is definitely Shi, but I don't remember the uncle's face.
Huacai: No need to remember, Shi is rarely so meek, the other person must be an elder.
Sailboat: Oh my, I can't believe it. We wished for Shi and Chu to show affection, who would have thought it'd be this Chu!?
The child lives again: This Chu is even more impressive than that Chu, right? Let's ship them all! The real power couple!
Xiaolu: During this famine period, don't ask about the Moonlight CP's substitute food anymore. Isn't this the substitute food right here? KSWL!
Jinjin drinks milk tea: Uncle: It's my duty to show affection on behalf of my daughter.
Xixi Ha: No wonder he hasn't been dancing wildly lately. Turns out his target has changed!!
Little Butterfly: Congratulations, congratulations, great joy for all. The CP I ship is feeding us. Teacher Shi and uncle are locked in (?)!