CH 87

It's still the same 'thirty-second preview'.

It started with the program team's introduction.

「The program team sneaked into the hotel room to give Teacher Wen a birthday surprise.」

After the group finished setting up the scene, they turned off the lights, followed by the low voice of Director Yan.

"Everyone, stay quiet."

The camera also dimmed and the barrage in the live chat was full of witty remarks.

「Hush--」

Then the sound of the door being opened echoed, and the comments barrage followed the camera, holding their breaths for the program team on the screen.

This part had no video footage because even the cameraman didn't expect that they wouldn't turn on the lights. 

"A gift at your doorstep. Do you like it?"

"Of course, otherwise, what am I doing right now?"

"Open the gift?"

「What does that mean? What does that mean? What does that mean?!!!」

「What gift? Why did they open the gift without turning on the lights?」

After the night vision camera turned on, the footage showed two people standing against the wall, their foreheads touching as they spoke.

Song Yan's voice was hoarse, "You thought of everything."

Then he lowered his head and pecked Wen Li's lips.

Immediately after, the scene changed, the lights were on, and it shifted to the footage of everyone singing a birthday song for Wen Li.

However, the barrage was still immersed in the previous scene of the kiss.

「Did I dream? Did they actually kiss on the lips?」

「Unbelievable! This kiss made me do a somersault and climb back into the Salt Grain pit. Couples kissing each other truly touches my heart!」

「I can't believe what I just saw! They kissed!! Salt Grain kissed!! I'm done for!」

「I've imagined that kiss in my mind eight hundred times! I can die without regrets!」

「I never thought I would be so moved and shed tears just because a real couple kissed.」

After the thirty-second preview ended. People immediately turned to the comment section.

Those who previously accused the program team of self-deception changed their tune, saying, "I was too narrow-minded". Those who claimed it was impossible to turn back said, "Damn it, now my cervical spine hurts". Those who shouted that the program team was a scumbag said, "I'm sorry, the program team is not scummy, I am".

The sister who mentioned doing a handstand while live streaming and having diarrhea silently deleted her previous boastful comments.

Unfortunately, it was too late; people remembered her ID and found her to send private messages, so she had no choice but to post a Weibo.

「I can't pretend anymore. I'm coming clean. A kiss made me fall back into the pit. I'm such a softy... But doing a handstand and having diarrhea is truly challenging the limits of humanity! Can I copy the New Chinese Dictionary? All Salt Grain CP fans in the world are brothers and sisters!」

To protect the social reputation of the guests, the program team cleverly edited this material, removing inappropriate scenes that couldn't be aired during prime time, while still retaining the intimacy that wouldn't violate broadcast regulations.

Director Yan was very confident that this level was already sufficient.

However, even in such a short clip, some people discovered traces of the truth.

The Salt Grain couple's daily bot Weibo account sprung into action once again.

「They thought of everything. Let's not talk about this blatantly obvious sugarcoating. Let's focus on the gift. Pay attention to when the lights are on. The top two buttons of the beauty's shirt are undone and slightly wrinkled. What does this indicate? It means the gift is himself! He is gifting himself!! Husbaaand!」

「Did you also notice the faint redness around Beauty's mouth? Just pecking her lips with his mouth, could it cause the redness to spread all over his mouth? It's definitely the result of passionately using tongues to kiss each other!」

「Awesome sisters!」

「Thank you, thank you, I have already gone mad with laughter.」

「I've learned my lesson. I'll never say 'buying cola' again. I'll say 'Open the gift' and go find a man to practice.」

Director Yan read these comments while admiring them.

These young girls were truly powerful. They managed to deduce what they were doing before the lights turned on based on the faint traces on Song Yan.

However, seeing is believing. Nothing can compare to actual visual impact.

A smug smile unconsciously appeared on Director Yan's lips.

——

The preview was delayed by two days and released on Saturday, a few hours before the main episode aired. This way, fans didn't have to wait two days to see the main episode after watching the preview. They could watch the detailed version of the main episode in the evening after watching the preview in the afternoon.

The reason Wen Li felt confident enough to return to the Wen family's home, disconnect from the internet, and hide from the storm was that the TV in the living room of the Wen family's home was basically just for decoration. Except for the cleaning aunt who would occasionally turn it on and watch TV during her free time, the three male heads of the household rarely touched it.

Recently, Grandpa Wen had some minor health issues and was staying in the hospital. Uncle Wen Yan, a heartless workaholic, practically wanted to live at the company every day. And Uncle Wen Zheng, who recently started dating a girl, was rarely at home, always out and about with his girlfriend.

It was rare for the three male heads of the household to gather together to welcome the only female member of the Wen family back home for a meal.

Wen Xingyi was initially happy to see his granddaughter returning home, but when he saw that she was accompanied by her husband, the smile on his face instantly disappeared.

Somehow, every time he saw Song Yan's cold face, it reminded him of the time when this kid had a proud and arrogant young master's demeanor before his parents weren't bankrupt.

Today, with Xu Li and Wen Li staying overnight at the Wen family's home, the cleaning aunt had already tidied up both of their rooms.

After dinner, the family moved from the dining room to the living room.

Grandpa Wen, who was in a bad mood, could only vent his anger on Xu Li, scolding him for being an ungrateful brat who hadn't been home for half a year because of his idol dream.

Xu Li didn't dare to argue back and let Grandpa Wen speak his mind.

Usually, siblings would especially enjoy gloating and watching the excitement in such situations. Wen Li also sat on the living room sofa. Song Yan sat next to her, his eyes on his phone. It was unknown whether he was listening to Grandpa Wen's scoldings.

When Grandpa finished scolding and took a tea break, Wen Li imitated his tone and quickly added, "Ungrateful little brat!"

Xu Li glared at her fiercely.

Wen Li stared back at him without reservation until Uncle Wen Yan walked over and patted the cushion behind Wen Li, where she was leaning.

"Don't just enjoy watching the show," Wen Yan's tone was unfriendly, "Let me ask you, what's the deal with your dance video? Is it appropriate for siblings to dance together like that, being so intimate?!"

The relationship between the siblings had recently caused a lot of commotion online, Wen Yan had also heard a bit about it. So he decided to search online and quickly found the most popular dance video.

And it was that kind of dance, which was considered vulgar and indecent.

Both siblings secretly criticized Wen Yan as an old-fashioned person.

They didn't dare to argue openly. Wen Li lowered her head and started shifting blame onto Xu Li, "I did it to help him gain popularity, but he leeched off my popularity and didn't even make his debut. Xu Li is a useless person."

Xu Li burst out laughing and retorted without reservation, "Oh? So it's the pig who said she didn't want to dance with other trainees, afraid that her husband would get jealous, and threatened me to dance with her."

Song Yan, who was unexpectedly involved, raised his head.

Wen Li didn't expect Xu Li to expose her in front of the family and was about to argue with him.

"Enough, why argue?" Wen Yan's tone was impatient, "You're already in your twenties, why are you chattering like that all the time?"

The siblings stared at each other, but neither of them dared to speak again.

"I don't want to argue with you," Xu Li reached out and took the remote control from the coffee table, "I'll watch TV."

He turned on the TV and the spacious living room finally came alive.

"Didn't you and Brother Ah Yan have a variety show that was about to air tonight?"

Xu Li suddenly remembered this and changed the channel directly.

Wen Li widened her eyes and swiftly ran a few steps towards Xu Li, snatching the remote control from him and forcefully turning off the TV.

Except for Song Yan, who pursed his lips in understanding, the others had a puzzled look on their faces.

Xu Li was especially displeased, "What's the matter? Do you have to be in control even when we watch TV?"

"Why are you snatching the remote control," Wen Xingyi taunted, "Turn it on, I want to see how you look on TV."

"I don't look good on camera. I look a hundred times better in person," Wen Li immediately leaned closer to her grandfather, "Just look at my face directly."

Wen Xingyi: "..."

Without hesitation, Wen Yan took the remote control and, despite Wen Li's pleading eyes that wanted to stop him but dared not to, turned on the TV again.

Wen Zheng, who had just finished a phone call with his girlfriend, was surprised when he saw the TV on, "Oh, our TV is actually working today?"

The TV was tuned in to the channel playing [In This World With You]. By this time, the main part of the show had been on for over ten minutes and coincidentally reached the segment where the production team celebrated Wen Li's birthday.

Even if her family was watching her drama right now and witnessing the cheesy scenes between the main characters in a scripted drama, it would make her feel awkward. It was even more awkward when it was the variety show where she appeared as herself.

Thankfully, they had already edited most of it, but the family's reaction was still incredibly awkward.

Wen Xingyi asked, "Where's Xiao Wang? Isn't it time for my medication? I had to go and call her even though I hired a nurse."

Xu Li said, "I need to use the restroom."

Wen Zheng said, "I'll make another phone call."

The lively living room suddenly had only three people left.

Only Wen Yan, with a calm expression, watched the entire segment of Wen Li's birthday, as the old-fashioned filter within him automatically skipped the unproductive and overly affectionate dialogues between the couple from before.

He glanced at Wen Li and chuckled, "You'd rather have such an awkward birthday celebration outside than let your family celebrate it for you at home. You're quite something."

Wen Li: "..."

After watching the segment featuring his niece and nephew-in-law, Wen Yan lost interest in watching the other guests and got up to leave the living room.

Wen Li stuck her tongue out at Wen Yan's back and leaned closer to Song Yan, pressing against him.

"Why didn't you find an excuse to leave just now?"

"If I left, wouldn't it be even more awkward for you?" Song Yan's tone was calm, "With me here, I can help share the burden."

Wen Li immediately looked at him, touched, "You're so kind. It would have been great if you could share a few words on my behalf when my uncle was criticizing me just now."

Song Yan smiled, "Doesn't he have plenty of opinions about me too?"

Wen Li knew that except for her father and younger brother, it seemed that the other members of the Wen family, who shared the same surname as her, didn't really like Song Yan. She didn't know the exact reason behind it.

So she felt like she was like a man caught between his wife and his mother, no matter how much she tried, it was difficult to please everyone.

"Don't worry, you're not living with my uncle, you're living with me," Wen Li held onto his arm, "As long as I have no objections, it's fine."

Song Yan pinched her chin, "Teacher Wen, you've become more creative. Your words are so sweet."

"It's the truth, okay?" Wen Li continued, "By the way, Director Yan told me the other day that the final episode of 'In This World With You' might be filmed in Aocheng."

When Song Yan heard the name of his hometown, he instinctively raised his eyebrows.

"Xu Li doesn't know about our situation. He even said before that we've been married for over two years, but I've never been to your parents' home," Wen Li finally got to the point, "I think it's unfair for us to be like this. Maybe during the filming of the final episode, I can visit your parents in Aocheng?"

Song Yan was taken aback, seemingly not expecting her to suggest it.

"Are you serious?" he asked.

"Of course, why would I lie to you?" Wen Li said, "What kind of dress do your parents like? I'll prepare a few outfits to take to Aocheng."

Just as Song Yan was about to say something, Wen Li interrupted him again and confidently said, "Forget it, I look good in anything Your parents will surely like it."

But a few seconds later, she started hesitating again, "But it might seem like I'm not sincere enough if I don't dress up. How about this, since you're their son and they should have similar tastes, Teacher Song, what do you like me to wear?"

"I like you no matter what you wear," Song Yan leaned closer to her and whispered, "I like you even without clothes."

Wen Li punched him hard in his chest.

The living room was empty, the TV was on, and the two of them were whispering to each other, shoulder to shoulder, until Wen Yan suddenly appeared from nowhere and said that Wen Xingyi wanted to talk to Song Yan alone in his room.

After Song Yan left, Wen Yan stared at Wen Li and reproachfully said, "Be more careful at home."

Wen Li stared at Wen Yan for a while, then suddenly laughed, "Uncle, are you jealous?"

Wen Yan was puzzled, "Jealous of what?"

"It's not that you're jealous of me, but you're jealous of Song Yan," Wen Li looked up and proudly said, "You're jealous that Song Yan has such a beautiful wife to whisper to."

Wen Yan replied expressionlessly, "Narcissism is a disease. Find a specialist and make an appointment."

——

Wen Xingyi took the initiative to speak with him privately, which made Song Yan quite puzzled.

After all, ever since he married Wen Li two years ago, Wen Xingyi had never shown any favor towards him. Not to mention speaking to him alone, even when everyone was in the living room just now, he didn't say anything to him.

But just because the grandfather didn't like his grandson-in-law, it didn't mean the grandson-in-law necessarily liked the grandfather.

Wen Xingyi didn't speak, and he was even less inclined to start a conversation.

"Today, since you happened to come with Li Li for dinner, let's clarify things."

Wen Xingyi scrutinized Song Yan with inquisitive eyes, but in the end, he didn't find anything and finally spoke.

"We never told Li Li about your engagement with her. Li Li was angry at her uncle for handling her interpersonal relationships, such as your planned proposal, without informing her when she was in high school. The uncle and niece even had a fight because of you. But in fact, if it were someone else, I wouldn't let Wen Yan have a private conversation with them. It's only because it was you that I didn't stop Wen Yan from having a conversation with you."

Wen Xingyi's words were not polite at all and he didn't know if Song Yan was listening. His expression remained indifferent, showing no emotions.

"I heard you obtained a master's degree in business last year?"

"Yes."

Wen Xingyi narrowed his eyes and asked directly, "So you've never given up on Li Li all these years since you've done so much for her. What exactly do you want to achieve? Is it out of resentment? Or do you want to take revenge against me?"

Song Yan frowned, finally understanding why he had been constantly guarded against.

What taking revenge? It didn't matter.

In business, winning or losing was a common occurrence. When Aocheng vigorously developed the gambling industry years ago, his parents lost in the bidding and failed to secure a casino license. Billions of investments went down the drain. Wen Xingyi, sensing the unfavorable situation, immediately shifted his focus and withdrew his investment. It was unscrupulous but understandable.

Cooperation was always about money. Without money, there was naturally no cooperation.

His life had also undergone a dramatic change since then, from luxury to frugality. It was hard for anyone to accept such a drastic disparity. He had indeed complained about it in his youth.

If Wen Xingyi had been willing to extend a helping hand back then, instead of immediately withdrawing his investment, calling off the engagement, and severing ties --

If Wen Li had remained his fiancée --

He wouldn't have wasted ten years, gradually becoming sensitive and insecure in relationships, with his naturally introverted personality becoming even more reserved... only to finally be together with her.

But now everything was fine, fortunately, she had turned those memories into something beautiful and gave him enough sense of security.

But she always felt that she hadn't done enough and wanted to be even better for him.

But in reality, she was already more than enough.

"My parents are doing well in Aocheng now," Song Yan's tone was calm, "I'm not that bored."

Wen Xingyi was taken aback and wanted to ask further, "Then why—"

Song Yan's gaze was calm as he said frankly, "I did all this, isn't it because I love her?"