Heartthrob, Your Image is Crumbling!

Chapter 380: I Can!

Zhou Yuwen didn't make Su Qing spread her butterfly wings while they were still on the rooftop.After all, it was freezing cold. Taking off her pants on the rooftop in this weather would leave her legs flushed and numb from the chill.

Zhou Yuwen only let her spread those wings when he brought Su Qing home.

By now, Pan Min no longer objected to Zhou Yuwen and Su Qing being together. After all, he had given them a car and an apartment. Unless Pan Min refused those gifts—which she had not—how could she possibly have the nerve to say anything else?

When Zhou Yuwen and Su Qing returned home, Pan Min was in the middle of clearing the dining table.

If nothing else, the thirty-eight-year-old Pan Min truly exuded a mature charm. Just like Su Qing today, she wore a crewneck sweater paired with black tight pants and white cotton socks.

She bustled around the dining table in her slippers.

A prolonged single life meant that Pan Min had plenty of time to cultivate her own interests, such as yoga and flower arranging. As a result, her appearance hadn't noticeably aged. Her skin remained firm and smooth. The only thing time had really given her was an aura of worldly detachment that couldn't simply be learned.

Her figure was perky and voluptuous.

She stood there wearing an apron.

As soon as Zhou Yuwen walked in, he didn't even have to think before saying, "Aunt Pan, just leave those there. Qingqing and I can clean up. It's the Chinese New Year, so you should take a good rest."

After saying that, Zhou Yuwen took the initiative to go over and help.

Pan Min told him it was fine and that they should just go enjoy themselves.

"I'm just putting the leftovers in the refrigerator. It's no trouble at all."

"Mom, haven't I told you? Eating leftovers isn't healthy," Su Qing said, furrowing her brows slightly, insisting that the leftover food be thrown away.

Pan Min, however, argued that there was still so much untouched food, and it would be a huge waste to just throw it out.

"Just go have fun, you two."

"No, it must be thrown away," Su Qing said stubbornly, her brows knit together.

Just as the mother and daughter were arguing, Zhou Yuwen interjected. "Let's listen to Aunt Pan. We'll pack it up for now. It really would be a waste to throw away this much food."

Hearing this, Su Qing instantly became unhappy.

Zhou Yuwen shot her a look. He felt there was no need to start arguing over such a trivial matter. They could just pack it up first, and when it was time for him to leave, he would take it downstairs and throw it away himself, simply claiming he was taking it home to eat.

Although Su Qing was reluctant, she usually listened to Zhou Yuwen, so she ultimately agreed with his approach.

It wasn't even midnight yet. After helping Pan Min finish the chores, they could still watch the Spring Festival Gala together and spend some time chatting.

Along the way, they could also discuss some of Zhou Yuwen's planning for the future.

In truth, it was mostly Su Qing bringing it up. She felt that Zhou Yuwen had the ability to help her mother change her current lifestyle.

Zhou Yuwen was more than willing and asked Pan Min what her thoughts were.

To be honest, when Su Qing had discussed this with her earlier, Pan Min hadn't taken it seriously.

But when Zhou Yuwen personally asked whether Aunt Pan wanted to work in Jinling...

"I..." Pan Min couldn't help showing some hesitation. Her lipstick-coated mouth curled up in an unintentional slight smile as she replied, "I don't really know what to say about this right now. Let me think about it some more."

Zhou Yuwen said, nodding, "There's certainly no rush. But Aunt Pan, you can tell me whatever thoughts you have. In my eyes, you and Su Qing are both the same—you are my family. The reason I make so much money is to ensure you both find happiness!"

At that moment, Pan Min finally understood why her daughter was so utterly devoted to Zhou Yuwen. This kid was simply too good with words.

Sometimes, even when you knew the other person might not be entirely truthful, hearing those words still brought genuine joy.

And once she was in a good mood, whatever excessive things Zhou Yuwen might do with Su Qing in her home...

Pan Min naturally wouldn't have the nerve to give him attitude about it.

For example, while the three of them were watching television together for a while.

Su Qing rested her beautiful legs on Zhou Yuwen's lap, sitting without any proper posture.

Pan Min was a teacher, after all. Seeing this, she initially wanted to scold Su Qing.

But after thinking it over, she let it slide. It was the Chinese New Year; everyone being happy was the most important thing.

However, Su Qing and Zhou Yuwen's public display of affection was indeed a bit too glaring.

Even though Pan Min was Su Qing's mother.

She was still a woman who hadn't been nourished by love for over a decade. Now, watching helplessly as her daughter giggled at the TV while repeatedly resting her head on Zhou Yuwen's shoulder...

And leaning in to bite his ear while exchanging whispers.

Who could possibly endure that?

Pan Min even felt that she was completely redundant sitting there.

Okay, she was indeed redundant.

Pan Min lost all interest in watching TV. 'I should probably just leave some time for the young folks,' she thought to herself.

She pretended to stretch lazily and announced she was tired.

"I'm getting older, I can't stay up late anymore."

"I'm heading to my room first."

With that, Pan Min stood up and left the living room.

After Pan Min left, Zhou Yuwen and Su Qing maintained their restraint for a short while. But after noticing no movement from the bedroom, they assumed Pan Min had genuinely fallen asleep, so they wrapped their arms around each other and shared some kisses.

In truth, Zhou Yuwen hadn't planned on doing anything with Su Qing that night.

After all, Su Qing's old run-down apartment had terrible soundproofing.

Zhou Yuwen genuinely treated Pan Min like his mother-in-law. He remembered all the kindness she had shown him in his previous life. How could he possibly have the audacity to act so brazenly under her roof?

But today, Su Qing wanted to give herself to him.

Because she truly hadn't expected Zhou Yuwen to come looking for her so late at night. It was an incredibly touching gesture. Ever since they were watching the fireworks on the rooftop earlier, she had been feeling deeply moved.

And now, after making out for a while, she was undoubtedly even more aroused.

After watching TV for a little longer, Su Qing told Zhou Yuwen to follow her to her room.

"Is this a good idea?" Zhou Yuwen asked. "Mom is still here."

In front of Su Qing, Zhou Yuwen directly referred to Pan Min as Mom.

That was how he addressed her in his previous life.

Out of heartfelt respect.

"What are you afraid of? She's been through it all before. She should understand us young people," Su Qing reasoned.

Hearing this, Zhou Yuwen chuckled. "If some little punk ever tries to sleep with my daughter in my house in the future, I would hack him to pieces."

Su Qing puffed her cheeks. "But I grew up as a child without a dad."

Zhou Yuwen remembered the jokes he used to make with Su Qing in his previous life. He pulled her into a tight embrace and declared, "From now on, I am your daddy!"

"How annoying! Get lost!"

Su Qing pushed Zhou Yuwen playfully.

Zhou Yuwen simply smiled.

A moment later, Su Qing tugged at Zhou Yuwen, trying to pull him into her room, promising to show him something fun inside.

Zhou Yuwen refused to go.

But Su Qing insisted that he had to.

People always said that a man's attitude before and after marriage were two entirely different things, and it was true.

And Zhou Yuwen and Su Qing had already been through a marriage.

So now, it was Su Qing constantly pestering Zhou Yuwen for intimacy.

While Zhou Yuwen maintained a somewhat nonchalant attitude.

Finally, left with no other choice by Su Qing's relentless persistence, he whispered, "Let's not do it in the house. It's too disrespectful. Let's go to the car."

Su Qing had tried pulling him for a while without success. Hearing his suggestion, she couldn't help but laugh. "You always have the most wicked ideas!"

So, Zhou Yuwen brought Su Qing down to the car, where he finally watched her butterfly spread its wings.

Ever since eleven-thirty, fireworks across the entire city had been exploding in the sky, one after another, in a continuous barrage.

The night sky of the small town was lit up bright red by the dazzling displays.

When it finally came down to the last minute.

Televisions all over the country began playing that familiar song.

Then, the hosts gathered together for the finale, holding their microphones and delivering speeches about reflecting on the past and looking forward to the future.

Next came the countdown.

The fireworks in the sky exploded with even greater intensity, rocketing violently into the heavens one after another.

Whoosh—Bang!

Whoosh—Bang!

"One!"

"Happy New Year!" The Spring Festival Gala broadcast erupted with New Year greetings. Outside the window, the fireworks cast a crimson glow over everything.

Meanwhile, downstairs from Su Qing's old run-down apartment, even a vehicle as massive as the BMW X7 was rocking rhythmically amidst the deafening explosions of the fireworks.

The cacophony of the fireworks completely masked the sounds coming from inside the car.

Because of the stark temperature difference between the frigid outside air and the heated interior, a thick layer of fog coated the car's windows.

At this moment, suddenly, a delicate little hand clamped onto a neck, leaving behind a clear palm print.

Clearly, both Su Qing and Zhou Yuwen were putting in quite a lot of effort inside the car.

"Ding, ding, ding!"

On the final day of the year, Zhou Yuwen's phone was ringing non-stop. People from all over the country sent him Happy New Year messages. Not to mention his acquaintances, even some of Zhou Yuwen's suitors finally found an excuse to speak a few words to him.

For example, the female classmates at school who had been secretly crushing on him.

And the girls in his own class.

Those girls hadn't made a formal confession, but who could really say whether they liked him or not?

At this very moment, Class Monitor Gu Yaoyao.

Liu Yue, Ma Tian, and Li Jing from his class.

Along with girls from other schools—all of them sent him New Year greetings.

Even some of Zhou Yuwen's subordinates sent messages.

Gao Yang: "Boss! Happy New Year! (Clasped hands)"

Lu Hui: "President Zhou, wishing you prosperity in the New Year! (Playful)"

Even Zhu Hong sent one: "Happy New Year, Little Zhou."

Zhou Yuwen was incredibly busy at that moment. It wasn't until a quarter past midnight that he finally finished everything and lay back comfortably in the back seat of the car.

Phew. Working up a sweat on such a freezing cold day felt truly comfortable.

Su Qing's hair was completely soaked in sweat as well. Her entire body was covered by nothing but Zhou Yuwen's jacket. Her long legs were draped sideways, and Zhou Yuwen was resting his back against one of her beautiful feet.

Gathering her hair, Su Qing said, "Open the window and let some air in. It's so hot."

"Be careful not to end up catching a cold," Zhou Yuwen warned.

"As if I would."

The two lay together resting for a while. Zhou Yuwen began replying to the messages. Excluding the people he never interacted with, anyone he had regular contact with required a response.

He even had to send red envelopes to subordinates like Gao Yang as a token of appreciation.

Actually, Zhou Yuwen originally intended to send one to Lu Hui as well.

But the moment he replied to her with, "Happy New Year to you too."

Lu Hui instantly replied: "President Zhou, it's the New Year. Aren't you going to send a red envelope? (Playful)"

Zhou Yuwen sent back an ellipsis.

After thinking it over, he eventually sent her a red envelope with 200 yuan.

"Thank you, President Zhou. You're the best! (Kiss)"

Zhou Yuwen glanced at it but didn't bother responding to Lu Hui.

Su Qing needed to go upstairs to take a shower and asked if Zhou Yuwen wanted to come up and wash as well.

Putting his phone away, Zhou Yuwen said, "You go ahead. I have to head home."

"You're not going to shower?"

"I'll shower when I get home. Your Mom is right there, how am I supposed to shower?"

"Aw, does that mean we have to separate now?"

"It's just for one day."

"Hubby, I can't bear to let you go," Su Qing said, pouting her little lips.

Looking at her pitiful expression, Zhou Yuwen was secretly amused. He leaned over to kiss her, and the two made out in the car for quite a while longer.

Only then did Su Qing drape her clothes over herself and leave.

Zhou Yuwen then started the car.

At that moment, his phone lit up again. Assuming it was just another New Year greeting, Zhou Yuwen didn't open it.

Lu Hui: "Uh! President Zhou, I'm sorry, I sent the wrong emoji just now. I originally meant to send (Grin), but tapped the wrong one! (Awkward)"

Since Zhou Yuwen didn't even look at it, he naturally ignored her.

Meanwhile, Lu Hui was feeling quite anxious, always worrying about personal gains and losses. She felt she had acted entirely too impulsively. She shouldn't have sent that message to Zhou Yuwen. Her brain must have short-circuited in the moment. She knew perfectly well that Zhou Yuwen wasn't interested in her, yet she couldn't resist testing the waters anyway.

It couldn't be helped. Women were just insatiable.

She really wanted to tell Zhou Yuwen that, on multiple occasions, she had imagined Liu Shuo as him.

But she ultimately managed to hold herself back.

Lu Hui felt that she was becoming more and more abnormal.

Back when she was living in a cheap rental room, all she thought about every day was finding a higher-paying job, eating a good meal, and buying beautiful clothes.

Now that she had acquired all of those things, Lu Hui realized that she wasn't happy at all.

During the days Liu Shuo went back home, Lu Hui had been living alone in the three-bedroom apartment. Over the course of the New Year month, she had indeed helped Zhou Yuwen a great deal. Between the double salary and the bonuses, she had made around eight or nine thousand yuan.

For Lu Hui, this was an absolutely massive sum of money.

Yet, she surprisingly didn't know what to do with herself.

With nothing better to do, she just huddled up in the apartment, binge-watching shows and playing games. She was too lazy to even cook a proper meal, resorting to eating instant noodles right in the middle of the Chinese New Year.

It was painfully boring.

That was why, when messaging Zhou Yuwen earlier, what should have been a simple New Year greeting suddenly turned into a crazy impulse to drop him a hint.

But Zhou Yuwen didn't take the bait at all.

Lu Hui felt somewhat disappointed. She thought she wasn't half-bad herself. She had posted quite a few sultry photos in her Moments, so why couldn't she attract Zhou Yuwen's attention?

Just as Lu Hui was wallowing in her disappointment.

At that exact moment, her phone suddenly rang.

Assuming it was a reply from Zhou Yuwen, she quickly grabbed it to check.

Only to see that it read:

Qiang: "Baby, Happy New Year! (Grin)"

[Transfer: 520 yuan]

Seeing this message, Lu Hui was full of disdain.

She currently looked down completely on a measly 520 yuan.

In her eyes, even though Li Qiang was a Jingcheng native, he was ultimately still a student with barely any money to his name.

Accepting it would only make her look cheap and unrefined.

She simply chose to reject the transfer.

"I appreciate the thought. Thanks."

Meanwhile, in the back kitchen of a Jinling restaurant, Li Qiang, who was eating rice drenched in fish sauce, grinned as he saw the rejected 520 yuan. He thought to himself that Sister Hui was indeed different from other women. It seemed that this time, he had found the right one.

"Why don't you want it? (Question Mark) This is a token of my love."

"It's meaningless. You men are always sending red envelopes and transfers at the drop of a hat, talking about love. But you never understand that what we women want has nothing to do with this at all."

"Then what is it that you want, Sister Hui?" Li Qiang asked.

Lu Hui replied that there was no point in telling him.

Li Qiang persisted, "How would I know if you don't tell me?"

Lu Hui was actually quite irritable at the moment. She had reached a turning point in her life.

Meaning that once she no longer had to worry about basic food and clothing, she began seeking emotional fulfillment.

And Liu Shuo obviously couldn't give her that emotional fulfillment.

So, she had no choice but to take her temper out on Li Qiang. She asked him, "Would it even help if I told you?"

"You are in Jingcheng, and I am in Jinling."

"We're separated by one thousand five hundred kilometers."

"You tell me you love me every single day."

"So let me ask you this. If I told you to come see me tomorrow, could you do it?" Lu Hui didn't even know what she was saying; she was just aimlessly lashing out.

But to her absolute surprise, Li Qiang's reply from the other end was firm and unwavering: "I can!"