After the second season of "Summer Romance" aired, it unsurprisingly became the hit reality show of the season, surpassing all previous romance shows in terms of views.
Apart from the genuine and sweet interactions between Bai Yin and Chen Huaixiao on the show, the success can also be attributed to the "plot twist" that Lu Shen and Yun Moli staged in the final episode, titled "Night of Confessions."
Previously, many fans of Lu Shen had speculated about his sudden marriage announcement during the peak of his career, especially since the bride was Yun Moli, who came from a powerful and influential family.
There were hardly any photos of Lu Shen and Yun Moli together before the marriage announcement.
Could this have been due to some kind of capital coercion?
However, there was ultimately no evidence, so the speculation had to be dismissed.
During the Night of Confessions, Lu Shen surprised everyone by announcing his divorce, causing a frenzy among his fans.
Countless speculations and theories emerged.
Yun Moli's emotions spiraled out of control, and she started posting malicious comments on Weibo, accusing Bai Yin of seducing Lu Shen and claiming that he was deceived by her, leading to the divorce.
But the audience wasn't blind; everyone could see how sweet Bai Yin and Chen Huaixiao's daily interactions were.
Accusing Bai Yin of seducing Lu Shen made no sense and was illogical.
Lu Shen hadn't initially planned to reveal the truth about being coerced into the marriage years ago. He didn't want to confront the Yun family, but because of Yun Moli's crazy words on Weibo, he felt guilty towards Bai Yin and decided to write a long clarification post.
In the post, he revealed how the Yun family had used their influence to force him into the marriage and expressed his readiness to leave the entertainment industry.
If the Yun family wanted to blacklist or sanction him, he would accept it.
The divorce was final.
Lu Shen was already a massively popular idol, and once he posted that long statement, his fans went into a frenzy, flooding Weibo with criticism against Yun Moli.
Yun Moli, feeling enraged, staged a series of events, including claiming depression and even livestreaming a suicide attempt.
However, netizens noticed that the photo she posted of her wrist with cuts was nothing more than a shallow scratch, not even comparable to the marks left by a cat's scratch.
Throughout this series of events, Bai Yin didn't pay much attention.
After the incident, Lu Shen signed with Mu Yan Media and underwent rebranding and promotion, receiving excellent resources.
It turned out that Chen Huaixiao's judgment was indeed spot on.
After signing with Mu Yan Media, Lu Shen experienced a rebirth of sorts and starred in several highly successful dramas, becoming the highest-earning artist under Mu Yan Media.
He and Bai Yin won numerous film and television awards. At the year-end award ceremonies, they became the center of attention as the Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively.
Mu Yan Media entered an unprecedented period of prosperity, and Chen Huaixiao himself joined the ranks of China's top billionaires, becoming the youngest billionaire on the list.
No matter how busy he was, Chen Huaixiao attended every year-end award ceremony to applaud Bai Yin whenever she took the stage.
As Chen Huaixiao gazed at the dazzling stage bathed in starlight, he couldn't help but recall the image of Bai Yin in her youth.
Back then, the young girl wore a loose white dance gown and tied her hair into a long braid as she gracefully danced by the well, resembling a butterfly fluttering in the sunlight.
He couldn't pinpoint when exactly that slender figure, akin to a delicate blade of grass, gradually ascended to the pinnacle of stardom and took root deep within his heart.
Whenever Bai Yin stepped onto the stage to receive an award, the camera would inevitably turn to capture Chen Huaixiao's face.
Each time, they managed to capture the unmistakable pride in his applause, a pride he couldn't conceal.
The fans, still intoxicated by the romance between the CEO couple in "Enchanted Summer," would always find themselves indulging in an abundance of sweet moments during every awards ceremony.
"The CEO's lips, struggling to suppress a smile, can't hold back!" they exclaimed.
"Chen Huaixiao: She truly deserves to be my woman. [Proud]"
"Could the camera please give us a little more of that!"
...
After the awards ceremony, as reporters flocked to interview Chen Huaixiao about Bai Yin's victory, the typically modest Chen Huaixiao couldn't hide his pride in his eyes and said, "It's well-deserved."
Amidst the crowd's adoration, Bai Yin caught sight of Chen Huaixiao's father, who appeared inconspicuous. Accompanied by two bodyguards, he discreetly left the venue without alerting anyone.
Bai Yin was surprised and about to follow, but she was immediately approached by numerous reporters seeking an interview. When she turned back, Chen Huaixiao's father had vanished.
Several days later, on a sunny weekend, Bai Yin arrived at the lakeside villa dressed in a simple white qipao, her face devoid of makeup.
The butler, Mu Yan, guided her inside, and by the lakeshore, she saw Chen Huaixiao's father.
He was peacefully fishing by the glistening lake, and even when Mu Yan informed him of Bai Yin's arrival, he didn't turn his head.
Bai Yin brought over a small chair and sat beside him, deftly preparing the bait for him after he caught a fish.
The two of them sat together in silence, the old man and the young woman, without uttering a word.
Finally, as the sun began to set, the old man reeled in his fishing line and spoke slowly, "You two seemed to have a great time on the variety show."
"As long as it brings you joy, Grandfather, it's worth appearing on TV."
"Joy, huh? Well, I take antihypertensive pills every day. Can you guess why?"
Bai Yin fought the urge to laugh and managed to hold it in.
"I never imagined that my youngest son would go to such lengths for a woman. If I had known, I would never have let him meet you."
"I've resented you before because I believed you had ulterior motives in all the training you provided me. But there's one thing for which I will forever be grateful, and that is giving me my brother. Even now, I appreciate you for that."
"Gratitude is one thing, but obedience is another, isn't it? You won't follow the path I've set for your life."
Bai Yin nodded.
"Your stubbornness hasn't changed since you were a child."
"Grandfather once said, 'Hold onto the green mountains and never let go. The roots are firmly planted in the broken rocks. As long as I hold on tightly, even if I grow in the stone, I can still bloom.'"
"Since you want to hold onto the green mountains, what did you come here for this time?"
"I have something to tell Grandfather."
"What is it?"
"It's probably something that will make Grandfather happy."
A few minutes later, the steward Mu Yan walked over and respectfully said to him, "Young Master San has arrived."
Old Master Chen was in a good mood and glanced at Bai Yin, smiling faintly, "You two are really of one heart. Either neither of you comes, or you come together."
Bai Yin stood up and said, "Does Grandfather want me to leave since he doesn't know I'm here?"
"Go down first, I'll see what he has to say."
Mu Yan led Bai Yin to the backyard, and through the garden fence, Bai Yin could see Chen Huaixiao in a suit walking to the old master's side.
He had a tall and straight figure, steady steps, and always maintained a business-like style and temperament in front of the old master, but there was no trace of the closeness that should exist between grandfather and grandson.
Perhaps this was due to the strict family education imposed on him by the old master.
Among all the grandchildren, only Chen Huaixiao was the one he placed high hopes on.
The old master looked at Chen Huaixiao, and after many years, he had become even more mature, entering the prime of his life.
"Grandfather, how have you been these days?"
"I thought you had forgotten about having me as your grandfather."
"How could I? You will always be my grandfather."
When Chen Huaixiao said these words, his face still remained expressionless. It could be seen that he still harbored resentment towards the old master.
Old Master Chen asked in a displeased tone, "What are you here for again?"
"I have brought an agreement for Grandfather to review."
After speaking, Chen Huaixiao took out a document from a wooden-colored file bag and handed it to Old Master Chen.
Old Master Chen glanced at it and placed the document on the garden table, grunting heavily.
On the table was an agreement to voluntarily give up the inheritance rights.
"I said that I won't give you anything. Why are you writing such an agreement?" The old master's voice clearly carried anger.
But Chen Huaixiao calmly said, "I want to make Bai Yin give up once and for all."
"Why? Did she force you?"
"She believes that because of her existence, I lost something that should have been mine, so she blames herself..." Chen Huaixiao paused and changed his words, "I hope that our marriage will always remain pure. By signing this, she might be able to completely let go."
"This woman is always planning and scheming for you." A hint of absurdity appeared in Old Master Chen's eyes. "This coincides with the original intention I had when I raised her."
"I don't need her to plan and scheme for me." Chen Huaixiao stubbornly said, "Grandfather, it's still the same as before: I will earn and fight for what I want on my own. I don't need others to bestow it upon me, and I won't let my woman compromise herself to earn it for me."
The old master's face turned red with anger, and he started coughing severely. "Chen Huaixiao, your character of preferring to shatter jade rather than preserve pottery is just like your mother!"
As soon as the words were spoken, Bai Yin hurriedly stepped forward and served Grandpa Chen a cup of tea. "Chen Huaixiao, Grandpa is already in his old age. Please don't say things that will make him angry."
Chen Huaixiao looked at Bai Yin, feeling slightly surprised.
But he could also guess that Bai Yin's purpose for coming this time should be completely opposite to his.
"Bai Yin, without my permission, you are not allowed to come here anymore."
Grandpa Chen angrily struck him with his cane. "You...you won't let my daughter-in-law come to see me!"
"Grandpa, you know why she came to see you. Since it's like this..."
Bai Yin interrupted him, saying, "Enough, Chen Huaixiao. Don't say any more. Look at how you've made Grandpa look."
Seeing that Bai Yin and Grandpa Chen seemed to have reconciled, Chen Huaixiao had a faint sense of unease.
Perhaps Bai Yin had already agreed to some conditions with Grandpa Chen, which was why she had eased her attitude.
As he expected, Mu Yan walked over and took out another agreement.
It was a distribution agreement for inheritance, and Grandpa Chen had already signed it. It was written in black and white that after a hundred years, except for what individuals currently deserved, all the shares of the Chen Group would belong to Chen Huaixiao.
Grandpa Chen took a sip of tea and said coldly, "I don't want to meddle in your affairs anymore. Do whatever you want. I just want to have a few peaceful days."
...
Chen Huaixiao held Bai Yin's hand and walked briskly out of the lakeside villa, arriving at the side of a pebble path.
In March, the spring branches were budding, and there were already light white flowers adorning the branches. Tang Ka parked the car by the side of the road, and faint pink petals floated in the air around it.
He patiently waited for the negotiation between the CEO couple.
"What's going on?"
"What do you mean, what's going on?"
"Why did Grandpa suddenly change his mind?"
"How should I know?"
"Don't you know?"
Seeing Chen Huaixiao's serious expression and him holding his stomach, Bai Yin rolled her eyes at him.
Chen Huaixiao seemed to have guessed something but couldn't be sure. "It can't be, right?"
"What do you mean, it can't be?"
"You're not saying that you..."
"I didn't say anything."
Chen Huaixiao approached her and gently touched her abdomen with trembling hands, as if trying to see if there was anything.
Bai Yin brushed away his hand. "What can you tell from touching it?"
"It feels like I felt something! It's slightly bigger than before."
"Because I ate too much at Grandpa's house. Thanks."
Chen Huaixiao couldn't maintain his usual composure. He caught up with Bai Yin and asked anxiously, "Don't keep me in suspense. Is it true or not?"
"I'm not telling you."
Bai Yin turned and walked away, but Chen Huaixiao grabbed her slender wrist, holding it tightly, and his palm seemed to have a slight sweat.
Looking at him so nervous, Bai Yin couldn't bear it in her heart. She finally approached him and said solemnly, "Chen Huaixiao, congratulations. You're going to be a father, promoted from being a brother."
Chen Huaixiao seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, but immediately his expression became tense again. That mixed expression of joy and unease surged in his pitch-black eyes.
His heart was in chaos.
"I don't know... when it happened."
Bai Yin walked under the branches of the peach blossom tree and delicately sniffed the pink petals. She casually remarked, "When else could it be? You're quite something, hitting the bull's eye with such accuracy."
Chen Huaixiao recalled the only time he had lost control and said, "This can't be possible."
"Alright, then I'll tell you the truth. This child is Tangka's."
"..."
Seeing his face turn green, Bai Yin burst into laughter and patted his forehead. "Chen Dad, you're so clueless."
After a moment, Chen Huaixiao grasped her wrist and earnestly said, "Bai Yin, now isn't the best time to have a baby."
"When would be the best time then?"
Chen Huaixiao didn't know when that would be, but he instinctively felt afraid.
Just like back then when his mother gave up her beloved career to give birth to him, and she could never go back.
It was a chasm that Chen Huaixiao couldn't cross, and he was afraid of letting Bai Yin follow the same path.
Bai Yin saw Chen Huaixiao's fear and turned around, hugging him tightly. She looked at him with eyes full of unwavering conviction and gave him courage. "Brother, believe me, now is the best time. This baby has come at just the right moment."
"So you used it to regain the inheritance rights?"
"Not at all." She pouted. "In fact, Grandfather had already drafted the inheritance distribution resolution long before I told him this good news. This child is just giving him a legitimate reason to step down."
Chen Huaixiao found it hard to believe. Chen Grandfather, who was always stubborn... this was his only compromise in life.
He lost to Bai Yin, this little girl.
"Actually, I didn't expect Grandfather to do this. It's quite astonishing."
Chen Huaixiao pondered for a moment. "Perhaps because you're the child he raised. Among us grandchildren, none of us grew up by his side since childhood."
"So?" Bai Yin cradled her belly and softly said to Chen Huaixiao, "Now is the best time. This child has come into the world with so much love. Don't think it will burden them."
"Burden them?" Chen Huaixiao shook his head. "You've never known what truly matters to me."
A faint smile appeared at the corners of Bai Yin's mouth.
With tender affection in her eyes, she said, "Yes, I know."
"Do you really know?"
"I do!"
Pink peach blossom petals fluttered behind them as Bai Yin embraced his shoulder. "What you care about the most, of course, is your beloved wife."
Chen Huaixiao calmly said, "Actually, I'm more concerned about whether the child truly belongs to Tangka."
Bai Yin kicked him hard and turned to leave.
Terrified, Tangka's legs turned weak, and he was on the verge of pledging his life. "Young Master! I am devotedly loyal to you!"
Chen Huaixiao raised his hand, signaling him to stop, and called out to Bai Yin, "Ah Yin, walk slowly, don't trip."
Before he even finished speaking, Bai Yin's high heel twisted.
Chen Huaixiao quickly caught up with her and lifted her up in his arms. "As someone who's already a mother, can you learn to walk slowly?"
Bai Yin tugged at Chen Huaixiao's mouth. "As someone who's already a father, can you just shut up and never speak again?"
Chen Huaixiao pursed his lips, nodded firmly, and looked at her with overflowing affection.
