In the sumr of 1995, Lu Shuangchen returned from studying abroad, and his family broached the topic of marriage with him.
The Lu family still lived in their traditional courtyard ho in City B. Lu Shuangchen’s father, retired from the military, spent his days fishing and playing with birds, occasionally helping his elder sons with their children for a few months each year—a leisurely life indeed.
Lu Shuangchen’s older brothers and sisters were already married. As the youngest, he was lagging behind—his second brother’s youngest son, Lu Yiran, had just been born, while the eldest was already nine years old. Yet, Lu Shuangchen’s own marriage prospects remained uncertain.
The elder Lus were growing anxious, unsure of what their son was thinking.
While others struggled to find partners due to poor conditions or unattractive looks, Lu Shuangchen was hardly in that category.
Lu Zhenyuan wasn’t exaggerating when he said that among his three sons, the youngest was the most handso. Lu Shuangchen held a Ph.D. from MIT—his credentials were impeccable. So why, at his age, was he still single?
Tis had changed. Unlike the older generation’s rigid mindset, society had progressed, advocating for free-spirited romance.
The Lus had even considered that if Lu Shuangchen had found soone abroad, they would respectfully withdraw from the arranged marriage and apologize to the Yu family.
Still, the elder Lus had a soft spot for Yu Wanqiu. They had watched her grow up, blossoming like a magnolia flower.
But when asked, Lu Shuangchen admitted he had been wholly absorbed in research overseas—so much so that he hadn’t even made many female acquaintances, let alone pursued a relationship.
"I was focused on my studies and experints. When would I have had ti for romance?" Lu Shuangchen said. "Besides, I’ve always known about the arranged marriage. It wouldn’t have been right to pursue anything else."
Though it was only a verbal agreent made in their childhood, Lu Shuangchen had t Yu Wanqiu a few tis years ago. His mories were hazy, but in his heart, he had always regarded her as his future wife.
His mother huffed, "Good thing you didn’t, or I’d have broken your legs!"
Lu Shuangchen fell silent, at a loss for words.
His mother then handed him a photograph. "This is Yu Wanqiu, your neighbor Uncle Yu’s daughter. She’s 25 now, an actress. And don’t you dare look down on her profession—acting is a respectable career. You’re much older than her, so be patient and accommodating."
The photo landed in Lu Shuangchen’s hands. Unlike the won he’d seen on the streets, this image alone was enough to captivate.
The young woman in the picture had voluminous curls, delicate arched brows, and pearl earrings adorning her ears.
It wasn’t a studio portrait—the backdrop was a famous landmark in City B. Yu Wanqiu wore a short black-and-white checkered wool coat (though Lu Shuangchen didn’t know the exact na of the pattern, he found it inexplicably striking).
She stood gracefully, a skirt falling to her calves and brown leather shoes completing the ensemble. Her lips were painted a bold red, a silk scarf draped around her neck—her beauty was both radiant and refined.
Slowly, the image overlapped with the girl from his mories.
Lu Shuangchen tightened his grip on the photo. On the back was a string of numbers—likely Yu Wanqiu’s phone number. The handwriting was elegant, almost ethereal.
His family often called him a bookworm, soone who only knew how to study. In high school, they never worried about him dating too early. But once he entered university, their concern shifted to whether he’d ever find a partner at all.
Lu Shuangchen didn’t see it that way. He had an arranged marriage waiting—he would marry eventually. When he was in college, Yu Wanqiu was still in middle school. By the ti he graduated and went abroad, she had only just entered high school.
Romancing soone so much younger seed impractical, so he simply waited.
As for the possibility of Yu Wanqiu falling for soone else… that was a scenario he hadn’t considered.
Seated on the sandalwood sofa, Lu Shuangchen studied the photo for a long ti. His mother added, "Wanqiu is brilliant. She scored over 700 on the college entrance exam but chose acting over university. Don’t let that fool you—she’s exceptional at her craft. You can see her on TV. True talent always shines."
Lu Shuangchen adjusted his glasses. "I understand."
His mother scoffed. "What do you understand? When eting a girl, you need to make an effort. Dress neatly. Don’t ramble about telecommunications—talk about things she’s interested in. And since she’s an actress, watch her films. Find common ground."
She sighed. "Your brothers never gave this trouble. But you? At your age, still unmarried, buried in work. If not for this arrangent, you’d be hopeless. When you take her out, choose sowhere sophisticated. Be polite."
After a few more admonishnts, she feigned a headache and shooed him away.
Lu Shuangchen nodded and left.
The Yu residence wasn’t far—just a street away. Lu Shuangchen dialed the number on the photo, only to learn Yu Wanqiu was filming. Their eting was postponed for half a month.
They settled on a teahouse in City B at 9 a.m.
The location was Yu Wanqiu’s choice. Lu Shuangchen had initially suggested a café or Western restaurant, but she preferred tea—a taste befitting a local girl.
On the day of their eting, Lu Shuangchen donned a tailored brown suit, freshly pressed and crisp.
It was late April, the season of blooming grass and singing birds. City B was warm, the streets bustling.
As one of China’s earliest pioneers in the internet industry, Lu Shuangchen’s world was far removed from Yu Wanqiu’s. Still, he had researched the dostic film scene beforehand. While Hong Kong and Taiwan dominated the industry, mainland actors often faced challenges.
Yet Yu Wanqiu had carved out a na for herself—a stunning actress whose performances resonated deeply. Lu Shuangchen had watched all her films, noting how her skills had only sharpened over ti.
He arrived at the teahouse by 8:30. Yu Wanqiu appeared precisely at nine.
Her cascading curls frad her face, a black fitted sweater hugging her figure, paired with flared blue jeans. A trench coat draped over her arm—her style was vibrant and sophisticated.
She stood out effortlessly.
The mont she stepped into the teahouse, Lu Shuangchen noticed.
Yu Wanqiu hung her coat on the chair. "Sorry, just got here."
Lu Shuangchen stood. "I haven’t been waiting long."
He pulled out her chair before resuming his seat.
Tea had already been poured. He filled her cup.
Yu Wanqiu studied the man before her, wondering why she, so young, was already sitting through a matchmaking eting.
Her family had pressured her, though she could have refused. Still, she thought she might as well give it a try.
Once married, her mother would finally stop nagging.
After a sip of tea, Yu Wanqiu initiated the conversation. "Hello, I’m Yu Wanqiu, 25, an actress. I assu your mother has filled you in on . You’re 31, a returnee from abroad. I only finished high school—no university. We probably don’t have much in common. Given your Western education, you must have progressive views. Can you really accept an arranged marriage? If you’re against it, I’m fine with calling it off."
She would never cling to a man who didn’t want her.
There were plenty of n in the world—Yu Wanqiu wasn’t worried about finding a husband.
Though, admittedly, Lu Shuangchen was quite handso. She did feel a flicker of attraction.
Yu Wanqiu had been acting for several years and had collaborated with many male actors... She had seen plenty of handso n. It could be said that Lu Shuangchen was the most handso man she had ever t. At 31, he might sound a bit old, but it wasn’t sothing you could tell just by looking at him.
He wore a brown suit with a white shirt underneath. The cufflinks on his suit were made of turquoise, and his legs were quite long, giving off an air of scholarly refinent. His silver-rimd glasses, though worn for nearsightedness, made him look incredibly dashing. Through the lenses, one could see that Lu Shuangchen’s eyes were sharp and full of vitality.
His eyes were captivating, and coupled with the aura of a Ph.D., Yu Wanqiu was fairly satisfied with his external qualities.
She was well aware of the prejudice outsiders held against her profession, especially in a family like the Lu household, where soone like Lu Shuangchen—educated abroad, highly accomplished, and progressive in his thinking—might judge her.
Lu Shuangchen seed montarily taken aback by her words. Yu Wanqiu took a sip of the tea on the table, wondering if she hadn’t made herself clear enough. Did she need to repeat herself?
Lu Shuangchen stood up and refilled her teacup. "I don’t think what you said is entirely accurate. Let explain why. First, I believe shared interests aren’t solely based on academic background. After all, I’m looking for a wife, not a business partner. You’re an actress, and I know a thing or two about the film industry—it’s not like we have nothing in common. Second, while I studied abroad, what I learned were advanced knowledge and techniques. If by ‘progressive thinking’ you an gender equality, then yes, my views are quite progressive. But as for other things, I didn’t pick them up."
If Yu Wanqiu thought he was the type to fool around, she was mistaken. Lu Shuangchen spent most of his ti in the research lab.
Yu Wanqiu looked surprised.
Who would seriously explain themselves like that, listing reasons one by one? Was this how everyone who studied abroad behaved?
Lu Shuangchen wasn’t finished. "I’m not uncomfortable with the idea of an arranged marriage. If I were, I wouldn’t have kept you waiting this long."
Nor would he have waited until now to bring it up.
Yu Wanqiu felt a twinge of guilt. After all, she was still young, in the pri of her youth, while Lu Shuangchen was already past thirty. If anyone was being held back, it was him, not her.
Lu Shuangchen adjusted his glasses. "If you think I’m too old—well, that’s a fact, and there’s no changing it."
Yu Wanqiu couldn’t help but feel his unspoken words were: It’s not like you didn’t know I’m six years older than you from the start. Using that as an excuse to refuse doesn’t hold up.
Strangely enough, Yu Wanqiu found the way he adjusted his glasses incredibly attractive.
She had to admit that even after eting all sorts of dazzling male celebrities, each with their own charm, Lu Shuangchen still stood out as the most handso.
Both of them were intelligent, and Yu Wanqiu understood perfectly well what Lu Shuangchen was implying.
This eting was, after all, a setup for a blind date. Judging by his words, Lu Shuangchen seed quite satisfied with her.
Lu Shuangchen continued, "I’m 185 cm tall, weigh 72 kg, and am currently the head of Luyuan Network Information Co., Ltd. I rarely drink or smoke and have no other bad habits. My left eye is nearsighted at 350 degrees, and my right eye at 300 degrees. After marriage, I’ll hand over my salary and won’t hide any private savings. Miss Yu Wanqiu, will you marry ?"
Yu Wanqiu hadn’t expected the proposal to co so soon.
Just last night, she had thought Lu Shuangchen was unwilling. She had co today prepared to call off the engagent.
But it turned out he was willing.
Yu Wanqiu replied, "I have no objections to marriage, but I won’t leave the entertainnt industry after we’re married, nor will I give up my career to beco a housewife."
That was her only condition. She loved acting.
Lu Shuangchen nodded. "Don’t worry, I wouldn’t ask that of you."
Yu Wanqiu gave a small nod. "Then I have nothing else to say. Pick a day to propose formally."
Lu Shuangchen’s expression remained neutral, showing neither joy nor excitent at her acceptance.
Yu Wanqiu’s deanor was equally calm. She sipped tea with him and later joined him for lunch at the Western restaurant he had reserved before heading ho.
Lu Shuangchen acted swiftly. Just three days after their eting, he arrived at the Yu family ho to propose formally.
Lu Shuangchen, Lu Zhenyuan, Lu Shuangchen’s mother, his older brother, sister-in-law, and even their newborn nephew all ca along.
Yu Wanqiu was startled by the entourage.
The two families lived just two streets apart, yet the Lu family had arrived by car.
At a little past eight in the morning, before Yu Wanqiu had even woken up properly, she heard commotion outside.
After changing her clothes and stepping out, she saw Lu Shuangchen carrying in a case of wine labeled "Jiannanchun."
He set it down in the courtyard and greeted her.
"Just woke up?"
Yu Wanqiu smoothed her hair. "Yeah. Why so early? Let go wash up and put on so makeup first."
She was completely bare-faced, her hair unbrushed and her face unwashed.
Lu Shuangchen said, "You look beautiful as you are... There’s still more to bring in. I’ll go finish unloading and see you in a bit."
The Yu household was bustling with activity. Yu Wanqiu had no idea how many trips Lu Shuangchen had already made, but his forehead was glistening with sweat. Despite the late April heat, he was still dressed in a full suit—didn’t he find it stuffy?
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