The next day.
Chu Xingxing’s personal director, Xiao Mao, got out of the company van with his camera crew.
The team hauled their equipment up to the third floor and, with practiced ease, knocked on the door of the one-bedroom apartment in this old neighborhood.
The live stream for Grandma’s Journey went live right at noon.
Chu Xingxing opened the door with a smile and waved at the camera. “Good afternoon.”
The cameraman started with a full-body shot of Chu Xingxing, then moved in for a close-up.
For her top, Chu Xingxing wore a new Saci piece from this season—a mid-length shirt in white with light camel panels, layered with an adorable Klein blue knitted vest. On the bottom, she had on a pair of classic Saci black skinny jeans and a pair of matte suede eight-hole Martens boots.
Her entire outfit was put together by Jiang Luoze, who had Saci send over the complete looks.
Each set of clothing and accessories came in its own packaging, with a photo of the full ensemble taped to the outside.
Chu Xingxing didn’t have to worry about matching anything—she just picked whichever styled look she liked from the photos and put it on.
The makeup artist and stylist from Ken Studio had come early to do her hair and makeup.
To make it easier to handle her luggage, Chu Xingxing didn’t leave her hair down. The stylist put it in a high ponytail with a little “secret flair”—tiny braids woven with Klein blue threads that matched her vest woven into the hair near her ears, keeping the ponytail from looking too plain.
Her makeup was also kept light. With her strong, striking features, a simple base and some blush were more than enough. Eyeliner and mascara would have been overkill.
In the close-up shot that fans and viewers saw,
Chu Xingxing’s eyes were bright and clear, and the faint blue threads woven into her ponytail gave her already stunning features a subtle, exotic flair.
“Do you still need to do the luggage unboxing segment?”
Chu Xingxing held up her phone. She’d already taken photos before packing, just in case.
[Settling in for Xingbao’s luggage unboxing!]
[So excited! Finally, they’re not waking her up at the crack of dawn. Leaving at noon for a trip is so much nicer—Xingbao must have gotten a good night’s sleep.]
Xiao Mao, who now held a much more prominent position at CBM Entertainment than before, quickly shook his head with a smile. “No need, no need. Teacher Chu, we can head out directly.”
“Okay.” Chu Xingxing grabbed a large checked suitcase with her left hand and a carry-on with her right, easily stepping out of the room.
It was the same quirky, adorable, super-strong girl that fans and viewers knew and loved…
The comment section was buzzing with excitement.
[Ahhh! Here she comes!!!]
[Xingxing, my wife, I’m here!!!]
[Wuwuwu, that opening shot was a knockout! Watching my wife is seriously addictive. Xingxing looks amazing in Klein blue—it makes her skin look like it’s glowing.]
[Xingxing smiled at me! Right into my heart, wuwuwu. So beautiful, so beautiful. Even such a casual outfit looks so high-end. Who is Xingxing’s stylist? Step up and take a bow!!!]
[I’m always blown away by Xingbao’s looks. I love this youthful outfit! Also, where can I buy that knitted vest and shirt she’s wearing???]
[The shirt is from Saci’s new season—it’s from the diffusion line, so the price is super affordable, go for it! I searched everywhere for that vest but couldn’t find it.]
[I think I found the source for the vest. Grandma Jiang Yao posted a photo of a similar unfinished piece on her Weibo. Apparently, it was knitted by Saci’s principal designer, Jiang Luoze himself?!]
[Whoa, Jiang Luoze can knit?!]
Compared to the first trip of Grandma’s Journey, which only had a pitiful few hundred viewers,
now, whether it was Chu Xingxing’s stream or the grannies’ streams,
each one hit six-figure viewership right at the start, and the numbers were still climbing.
This “flop variety show” that nobody had initially given a chance was now pulling in almost as many viewers as the star-studded, drama-filled Let’s Travel Together next door.
And since it was the weekend, Grandma’s Journey hit an all-time high in viewership.
Chu Xingxing sat in the nanny van, heading to the airport.
She was about to unlock a new travel destination and set foot on the European continent, making her excited and full of anticipation.
Her phone vibrated.
She looked down—it was a new email.
Sender: nuan.w.1980@
“It’s Sister Xiaonuan!” Chu Xingxing exclaimed softly, quickly tapping to open it.
[Dear Xingxing: I had to return to China urgently for work. I heard you’re about to travel to Europe?]
[I just landed at Capital International Airport’s Terminal 3. Could I ask which terminal you’ll be departing from? I’d love to come see you off?]
[PS: I haven’t told Mom yet. I want to surprise her.]
Chu Xingxing was about to reply directly via email.
But she was worried Xiaonuan might not check her email in time.
So, she called the international number left in the email signature, not caring about the long-distance charges.
The phone was picked up quickly.
“Xingxing, long time no see.” Xiaonuan’s voice was still gentle.
“Sister Xiaonuan!” Chu Xingxing was a little excited and spoke hurriedly: “Why didn’t you tell me earlier? Of course you can come see us off! You could even come travel with us!”
Xiaonuan: “I’d love to, but I really have a lot of work to handle this time. Let’s get together properly when you get back.”
Chu Xingxing: “Okay, it’s a deal! I’m on my way to the airport. We’ll… hang on, Sister Xiaonuan, don’t hang up. Let me ask the staff.”
Chu Xingxing turned around and asked Xiao Mao, who was sitting in the back: “Xiao Mao, which terminal are we departing from? T3 or T1?”
Xiao Mao was busy going over the script on his tablet. Startled by the sudden question, he went “Ah?” and looked troubled. “It’s not T3, and it’s not T1…”
“Which terminal is it then?”
Chu Xingxing asked. She remembered that Terminal 2 didn’t handle international flights.
“Well, I don’t actually know the specifics…” Xiao Mao scratched his head sheepishly.
Xiao Mao couldn’t say right now—it was a “secret surprise” the production team had been tasked with arranging.
If he spilled it, the “gag” would be ruined.
Seeing she couldn’t get an answer, Chu Xingxing changed her approach: “Then do we have time to swing by Terminal 3 to pick someone up?”
“Hang on…” Xiao Mao quickly typed on his phone, sending a message to the head director.
“It’s Sister Xiaonuan.” Chu Xingxing pointed at her phone and mouthed the words quietly, adding sternly: “Don’t leak this to the grannies’ teams. Sister Xiaonuan wants to surprise them at the send-off.”
Xiao Mao just received the head director’s reply and gave an OK sign. “No problem. We’ll head to T3 now. We’ve got time.”
[It’s Forest Princess Xiaonuan!]
[Ahhh! The Pearl Island guests are getting an encore! So thorough!]
[Wow! We get to see the follow-up! It’s great that they’ve all become such good friends~]
[Speaking of Xiaonuan, is male Xiaonuan, Wen Han, not coming this time?]
[Hot tip: Emperor Wen Han is actually doing that fitness variety show, hahahaha. And it’s really called Happy Fitness You and Me???]
[Is Happy Fitness You and Me for real? Isn’t that the show Wen Xuelan made up on the spot to trick her son into going on?]
[Hahahaha I can’t breathe! I went and checked, and it’s REAL! And it’s a Shengshi Group S-Entertainment original production. Gotta say, Wen Han looks really handsome in it. Big bear is awesome (slurp).]
[Help! I heard Emperor Wen Han and Shengshi Group’s crown prince, Sheng Luzhi, have been best friends since childhood. Is this some new way to ‘trap’ your bro?]
[Laughing my head off! And CBM Entertainment’s official response said Emperor Wen Han indeed only signed up for one episode of Grandma’s Journey. So besides Xingxing, who’s the other ‘porter’ this time?]
[Right now, only five Grandma’s Journey streams are open—the four grannies and Xingbao. The other ‘porter’s’ stream hasn’t started yet. Why is the production team such a tease? So annoying!!!]
Capital International Airport, Terminal 3.
Chu Xingxing and Wen Nuan had agreed to meet at the Departures drop-off area on the second floor, which was more convenient than Arrivals.
Chu Xingxing hopped out of the van and ran towards Wen Nuan, arms wide open: “Long time no see, Sister Xiaonuan! Missed you so much.”
“Xingxing, I missed you too.” Wen Nuan wore a cream-colored cashmere top and a light camel skirt, her smile warm.
Wen Nuan tucked a stray strand of hair behind Chu Xingxing’s ear, her tone as natural as if she were talking to her own younger sister: “Let me look at you. You seem thinner, Xingxing? Been too busy and not eating well?”
“Just a little bit—gotta save room for the foodie trip ahead! Three-pound minimum, no upper limit.”
Chu Xingxing patted her flat stomach with a grin.
She hadn’t really had proper Western food yet, and Cookie said there was plenty of good food in Europe too.
“Pfft,” Wen Nuan was amused, pinching Chu Xingxing’s cheek: “I’m worried you might come back from Europe even thinner.”
“Why?” Chu Xingxing asked, puzzled.
Wen Nuan smiled: “Hopefully not. Maybe it’s just me, but I personally can’t get used to Western food. I always lose weight on business trips to Europe. But maybe you’ll like it?”
“I’m not picky! I’ll eat anything, and I’m a bit protective of my food too.” Chu Xingxing said seriously.
Wen Nuan’s eyes curved into a smile as she looked at her favorite little sister: “That’s good. I hope you gain a little more weight—it would make you even prettier.”
[Ah! The interaction between Xingxing and Sister Xiaonuan is so natural. Love seeing girls being close like this.]
[Sister Xiaonuan is so gentle. I really love soft-spoken, beautiful older sisters.]
Chu Xingxing gave Wen Nuan a big hug and helped put her suitcase in the nanny van.
Coincidentally, just as she finished loading the luggage, Chu Xingxing spotted a familiar figure hopping out of a white Alphard at the temporary drop-off point not far from the T3 Departures entrance.
The slim girl who jumped out of the van had playful pigtails, her hair a light brown, and she was dressed very modestly and plainly—especially the dusty, grayish “old man” fanny pack tied around her waist that looked like it belonged to a bus conductor.
“Huh?”
Well, well, if it wasn’t Cookie?
Cookie didn’t see Chu Xingxing. She trotted across the street to grab a luggage cart, then returned to the Alphard to start unloading.
“Sister Xiaonuan, can you wait in the car for a bit? I see a friend over there. I’m just going to help her with her luggage. I’ll be right back.” Chu Xingxing told Wen Nuan.
Wen Nuan: “Sure. Need any help?”
“No, no! Sister Xiaonuan, your hands are an artist’s hands—they need protection. I’ll go. Wait for me, I’ll be right back.”
Chu Xingxing quickly walked to the other side of the Departures area.
——–
Capital Airport, Terminal 3, International Departures.
Cookie was struggling, using all her strength to drag luggage out of the van.
Suddenly, a shadow fell over Cookie.
A 23-kilo suitcase landed lightly on the luggage cart.
“Someone’s trying to steal my luggage…” Cookie was startled and threw herself onto the suitcases.
“Take a good look at who this ‘thief’ is?” Chu Xingxing said, half exasperated, half amused.
“Xingxing!!! What are you doing here?” Cookie turned around, tears welling up in her eyes, and immediately latched onto Chu Xingxing like an octopus, refusing to let go: “Wuwuwu, Xingxing, you’re my lifesaver!”
[Awoo! My ‘Xingxing Cookie’!]
[I love it when Xingxing and Cookie are together! I heard Grandma’s Journey needs a ‘porter’—can Cookie do it?]
[Little Cookie: Applying for duty!]
Chu Xingxing sighed and helped Cookie haul out another 23-kilo suitcase, placing it neatly on the cart.
She had a bit of OCD—the suitcases had to be perfectly aligned.
“Little Cookie, your suitcases are so heavy. How are you going to manage them without me around? I told you yesterday at Vinta Supermarket not to buy so much, but you wouldn’t listen…”
Chu Xingxing gently tugged on Cookie’s earlobe. Such a worrywart little sister.
[Ahhh! So I really did see Xingxing and Cookie at the Vinta Shopping Center yesterday! I thought these two tall, leggy beauties were particularly eye-catching, and I thought they looked familiar!]
[Whoa!!! I saw that Douyin video! I thought it was just a regular street style shot of pretty girls at Vinta, but it really was ‘Xingxing Cookie’!]
[I ship it, I ship it! Xingxing and Cookie are genuinely close. They even go shopping together before their trips! ‘Xingxing Cookie’ is real!]
[‘Xingxing Cookie’ is REAL! Xingxing pinched Little Cookie’s ear, and Little Cookie blushed! Ah, I’m dead…]
Cookie rubbed her warm, tingling ear and laughed it off: “As long as I don’t have to climb too many stairs, I’ll be fine. Hehe…”
Meaning, if she really couldn’t carry them, she’d just sit by the roadside and eat everything in the suitcases—better than starving to death in Europe!
The last island survival challenge had given Cookie not just a PTSD for coconuts, but also for the feeling of hunger.
Who knew how many “traps” the Let’s Travel Together production team had prepared for them?
But as it turned out, Cookie’s preparations this time were indeed foolproof.
“Little Cookie…” Chu Xingxing shook her head helplessly, but couldn’t help adding: “If you can’t handle something yourself, don’t force it. Get one of the other male guests to help you move things. Don’t be stubborn—you could hurt your back if you strain wrong. Got it?”
“Got it! I’ll be a good girl, promise!” Cookie nodded vigorously and hugged Chu Xingxing again.
Cookie’s cameraman wisely captured a wide shot of the two pretty girls.
Fans and viewers in both Cookie’s and Chu Xingxing’s streams could now clearly see Cookie’s OOTD today.
Cookie’s stream fans, ever polite, first showered Chu Xingxing’s look with praise.
Then, they prepared to unleash a wave of wild compliments for their own idol.
But…
Most fans got stuck, completely unsure where to even start.
To be honest, if it weren’t for Cookie’s doll-like, mixed-race features carrying the look, switching Cookie’s head onto someone else would make them look like… whose grandpa was out for a stroll?
[Girls, am I out of the loop? I was so busy staring at Little Cookie’s face that I didn’t really notice what she was wearing. (Sheepishly asking) What style is our Cookie wearing today?]
[I mean, Cookie’s always been into that sweet-spicy look before. Today she’s… um, I don’t even know how to describe it.]
[That gray-green grandpa jacket, the faded jeans, the no-name sneakers… ahhhh! And that fanny pack!!! I can’t! I really can’t stand that flea-market-looking fanny pack!!!]
[What’s up with Little Cookie? We’re going to fancy Europe, but she looks like she’s headed to Africa or some war-torn place?]
The comment section was flooding with messages, fans and viewers completely baffled by Cookie’s fashion choice.
If Chu Xingxing hadn’t known the reason the day before, she would have questioned Cookie’s “battle-worn” outfit too, maybe even wondering if Cookie had been possessed.
But knowing the reason, Chu Xingxing could only respect Cookie’s choice.
After all, traveling is like opening a mystery box—if they ended up in those Southern European countries, even a thief would think twice before messing with someone dressed like Cookie.
“Where’s your luggage, Xingxing?” Cookie asked with concern, adding: “And where’s the fanny pack I gave you yesterday? Why aren’t you wearing it? And the clothes—why didn’t you change into them?”
“I think our departure point isn’t Terminal 3. I came to pick up Sister Xiaonuan. I don’t know which terminal we’re actually leaving from yet.”
Chu Xingxing patted Cookie’s shoulder and continued: “Don’t worry, it’s in my carry-on. I’ll change into it once we get there.”
“Wait, are we not going to the same destination?!” Cookie was alarmed to hear they weren’t at the same terminal.
Chu Xingxing noticed how smug the Grandma’s Journey staff looked.
And how the Let’s Travel Together crew eyed them with envy.
She seemed to understand something.
Chu Xingxing: “We’re probably heading to the same place. It’s probably just a flight schedule issue—they couldn’t arrange us all on the same plane, so we’re separated.”
Given CBM Entertainment’s love for “comparisons” and finding “control groups,” they wouldn’t arrange two different travel destinations.
“Okay, take care, Xingxing.” Cookie leaned on Chu Xingxing’s shoulder, looking pitiful.
Chu Xingxing patted her back: “You’re the one who needs to take care! Remember to take out your neck pillow. Did you bring your eye mask and earplugs?”
Cookie nodded: “Yep! Eye mask, earplugs—they’re all in my overnight kit. They hand them out on the plane anyway, so I didn’t bother taking them out.”
“Alright, I’ll head off now. Take care of yourself.” Chu Xingxing patted Cookie’s soft, light-colored hair—like a Golden Retriever’s—and got back in the car.
[I’m so curious! Isn’t CBM Entertainment known for stirring things up? Why didn’t they have the grannies fly first class and the Let’s Travel Together guests fly economy? I really wanted to see that part!]
[Me too, me too! I wanted to see the grannies show off in style (not really), and see if Xingxing and Wen Han would get ‘unavoidably’ upgraded again!]
[High five, girls! But no luck—Emperor Wen Han is off doing Happy Fitness You and Me, so we won’t see Male Xiaonuan for a while.]
[So who’s the ‘porter’ going to Europe with the grannies and Xingbao?! Who?! Who?! Who?! It’s driving me crazy! I need to know in three seconds!!!]
Chu Xingxing got back in the van.
Looking at Wen Nuan, quietly and gently sitting there, Chu Xingxing felt a flood of emotions.
There were so many things Chu Xingxing wanted to tell Wen Nuan personally.
But with the cameras rolling, she couldn’t say them.
She wanted to tell Wen Nuan about her “revenge adventure” with Grandma Wen, and that the people who had hurt her had faced justice.
Grandma Wen’s late husband, Grandpa Ji Huai, had also written words in his letter for Wen Nuan.
That day, when Chu Xingxing had been “drowning her sorrows in wine” with Grandma Wen Xuelan at the villa, Grandma Wen had said the letter should be given to Xiaonuan personally when she returned home.
Grandma Wen wanted to tell Xiaonuan that over the years, her parents had never forgotten her, and her father had avenged her.
Grandpa Ji Huai hoped that his only daughter could stop fearing the past, stop dwelling on revenge—because her father had already done it for her.
He hoped Xiaonuan could make peace with her past self and live a free and happy life.
After thinking for a moment, all Chu Xingxing could ask was: “Sister Xiaonuan, how long are you staying in China this time?”
Wen Nuan’s voice was, as always, soft and gentle: “I plan to stay for a while. I’ll definitely be here until you get back from Europe.”
Chu Xingxing nodded: “That’s great! I’ll take you out for hotpot when I’m back. And if you want to go anywhere, I’ll come with you.”
“Okay, it’s a deal.” Wen Nuan smiled, even the faint lines at the corners of her eyes looked beautiful.
“Sister Xiaonuan, now that you’re back, what about your dog at home?” Chu Xingxing felt like she was born to worry—first Cookie, now Xiaonuan’s Golden Retriever.
Wen Nuan: “Guai Guai is staying with a friend who runs a bakery for now. He’s their living mascot. They have a small farm, and Guai Guai even helps pick oranges and apples. He’s very gentle with his mouth—barely leaves any teeth marks.”
[Forest Princess’s dog is like something out of a fairy tale—he even helps with the harvest!]
[I’m jealous. My dog just eats all the vegetables in the garden when I take him to the countryside. Once, he ate two whole cabbages in one go and lay on the ground, too stuffed to move (:з」∠)]
[Haha! I remember that Golden Retriever. He had a plump butt and a sort of… crazed, silly look?]
[Can someone explain what ‘crazed, silly look’ means???]
“Wow! Guai Guai is so amazing! He helps pick oranges and apples!” Thinking of that Golden Retriever with the wiggly, plump butt and perpetually mischievous expression, Chu Xingxing broke into an auntie-like smile.
She really, wuwuwu, envied anyone who had a dog.
“I wanted to bring Guai Guai back to China with me, but the paperwork is too complicated and takes time. Next time. I’ll definitely bring him back next time.”
Wen Nuan paused, as if remembering something: “Oh, by the way, Xingxing, do you get a holiday for Qingming Festival in China?”
“Mm,” Chu Xingxing thought for a moment, then nodded: “Yes, it’s a national holiday.”
Chu Xingxing guessed what Wen Nuan was thinking, but with the cameras rolling, they both understood without saying anything.
“Alright, that’s good.” Wen Nuan gave a somewhat forced smile.
This time back home, Wen Nuan had one thing on her mind.
Visiting her father.
——–
Meanwhile, on Pearl Island, Country T.
Xiao Xiang’s hair was disheveled, and he looked ragged. His journey hadn’t been smooth.
Just as his plane landed on Pearl Island, it was hit by a once-in-a-century torrential rainstorm, causing landslides on the roads near the airport and damaging the runway.
The entire island’s transportation network was cut off.
The strong winds and heavy rain made network and phone signals unstable on the island. Xiao Xiang couldn’t reach his local guide.
In reality, the guide’s route was already blocked and they couldn’t reach the airport, and they couldn’t get through to Xiao Xiang’s phone either.
Meanwhile, Xiao Xiang’s assistant saw Xiaonuan in the Grandma’s Journey live stream and nearly dropped their jaw.
Oh, boy…
The person Xiang Ge went to Pearl Island to find was Xiaonuan!!!
Those two… talk about a missed connection—it was like the chocolate’s mom opening the door for chocolate. What a coincidence.
On the same day, Xiaonuan flew from Pearl Island to the capital, and Xiao Xiang flew from the capital to Pearl Island.
Xiao Xiang’s assistant silently lamented that their boss and Xiaonuan really had no luck (sigh)…
After a moment’s thought, the assistant picked up their phone and sent the boss a screenshot of Xiaonuan’s live stream.
Getting no response, the assistant tried sending a WeChat voice call, but it still wouldn’t connect.
Neither the assistant nor Xiao Xiang knew that this natural disaster would ground flights at Pearl Island Airport for a whole week.
Xiao Xiang was effectively trapped at the airport for a week.
Forget seeing Xiaonuan—he couldn’t even get past the airport gates…
The nanny van hadn’t been driving from T3 for long—maybe ten minutes or so.
Chu Xingxing had been chatting with Wen Nuan the whole time and hadn’t paid attention to the scenery outside.
Now, their van came to a smooth stop in front of a building that looked like it was from a popular style twenty years ago.
“We’re here,” Xiao Mao reminded softly.
“We’re here? Where is this…” Chu Xingxing tilted her head, looking out the window, reading the sign aloud: “Capital Airport Business Aviation Terminal?”
Wen Nuan also looked out and said to Chu Xingxing: “Your show’s treatment is really good. They arranged a private jet to Europe.”
Wen Nuan recognized this place.
She’d been here before when a wealthy client had used their private jet to fly Calentito’s team, along with their works, south for an exhibition.
“A private jet…” Chu Xingxing hopped out of the van.
Watching the staff gather around to handle their luggage, she felt her worldview being refreshed once again.
Money really is great!!!
[Whoa! Did CBM Entertainment really go all out?! A private jet to fly the grannies to Europe!]
[Whoa, this is a total game-changer. Sorry, I’m rolling in from the Let’s Travel Together stream next door—their guests are still lining up in economy to check in!]
[Take us commoners to see the world! As someone from the capital, this is the first time I’ve ever known there’s a dedicated business aviation terminal at the international airport?!]
[Wow, they’re setting the bar really high! Are they going to have to take a rocket next time (no) hahahahaha]
Chu Xingxing’s excitement hadn’t subsided.
Young Master Jiang could really pull some strings! Ever since he took over Grandma’s Journey, the standards had been skyrocketing.
She even sent Jiang Changsheng a WeChat on the spot.
[Xingxing Estrella: A private jet!]
[Xingxing Estrella: Boss is awesome jpg.]
Jiang Changsheng replied instantly, but his response surprised Chu Xingxing.
[Longlife: CBM Entertainment isn’t that rich. It’s sponsored by Shengshi Group…]
From that long string of “…”, Chu Xingxing seemed to sense Young Master Jiang’s helplessness.
Sure enough, even big capital bows to bigger capital.
——-
Capital Airport FBO.
Grandma Wen Xuelan had just arrived. She stepped out of the production team’s van wearing a peacock blue silk suit, champagne-colored lambskin low heels, and carrying a cream-colored Birkin.
“Xingbao!” Grandma Wen Xuelan spotted Chu Xingxing immediately. Then she looked closer—next to Xingbao was… “Xiaonuan!!!”
“Grandma Wen, a surprise for you~” Chu Xingxing pulled Xiaonuan along and ran over to hug Grandma Wen Xuelan, whom she hadn’t seen for over a week.
Grandma Wen Xuelan was overjoyed: “Oh my! Xiaonuan’s back and didn’t even tell me! Xiaonuan, are you coming to Europe with us?”
“I can’t, I have work.” Wen Nuan shook her head. She wasn’t wearing a mic and leaned in very close to whisper in Wen Xuelan’s ear: “I’ll be staying in China for a while. I’ll be here when you get back, Mom.”
“Great, wonderful! We’ll definitely be back!” Wen Xuelan touched Wen Nuan’s face, her eyes getting a little misty.
If her husband were still alive, the whole family could be reunited now.
Wen Nuan smiled and said: “I came to see you off. Have a wonderful, fun time in Europe, and be safe.”
“Come in and have something to eat with us?” Wen Xuelan took Wen Nuan’s hand, wanting to spend a little more time with her.
Wen Nuan gently shook her head: “No, I still have some work things to handle. Besides, this is your time with the other aunties and Xingxing. Let’s get together after your trip.”
Wen Nuan had returned to China for an exhibition. She’d just sent an email, and the organizers’ car had already arrived to pick her up.
Hearing that the other three grannies were already inside the business aviation terminal, Wen Nuan simply asked Wen Xuelan to pass along her regards.
After saying goodbye to Chu Xingxing, Wen Nuan left in the organizers’ car.
Chu Xingxing and Wen Xuelan didn’t have to worry about the luggage; it was handled by staff.
Chu Xingxing linked her arm with Grandma Wen Xuelan’s, bursting with questions: “Grandma Wen, have you been to Europe before? Do you know which country we’re going to this time? And do you know who the other ‘porter’ is?”
“I’ve been before. It’s a secret, and you’ll see very soon.” Grandma Wen Xuelan replied mysteriously.
“Ah…” Chu Xingxing let out a small, defeated cry.
As a curious person, she’d been holding it in for days.
Chu Xingxing whispered to Grandma Wen: “So what do we do now? Do we check in? Or go through security?”
For regular flights, Chu Xingxing could do her research and not show her ignorance. But here at the business aviation terminal, despite having experienced countless grand scenes in the apocalypse, she felt like her horizons were being expanded.
In other words, she had absolutely no idea what the next step was.
[No wonder Xingxing is a bit flustered. I’d be completely lost.]
[Thank you, Xingxing, for speaking for us ordinary folks. This is exactly how a normal person would react to such a grand setting.]
[Honestly, Xingxing is already pretty calm. It’s always easier the second time around. You get used to private jets after a few times (says me, like I can afford them, hahaha).]
[To be fair, the business aviation terminal at Capital Airport looks nowhere near as grand as the main T3 International Terminal. It seems a bit dated?]
[It’s true. The decor and furnishings feel quite old. Not as nice as the Diamond Lounge where Xingxing and Wen Han were ‘unavoidably’ upgraded last time. That caviar and sea urchin really blew my mind.]
“Just follow me, don’t worry.”
Grandma Wen Xuelan patted Chu Xingxing’s hand reassuringly, pulling her into the VIP lounge: “There’s nothing that mysterious about private jets anyway. Xingbao, you’re only twenty—it’s normal you haven’t been on one. When I was twenty, I’d only ever been on a slow green train. I didn’t even know what a plane looked like. And honestly, Capital Airport’s FBO isn’t anything special. The facilities and food and drinks inside aren’t as good as that H-Airline Diamond Lounge you took us to last time, Xingbao.”
When it came to comforting people, Grandma Wen Xuelan had a real knack.
Chu Xingxing was amused by Grandma Wen’s words.
Especially once she stepped into the business terminal’s VIP lounge—she had to agree with Grandma Wen.
The Capital Airport FBO did look a bit worn out, and the building even had a faint, old-fashioned perfume smell in the air.
Maybe this was the vibe the old money crowd liked?
Chu Xingxing guessed idly.
“Hello, we just need to verify your ID. For international flights, please present your passport.” The ground staff flashed a sweet smile.
“Okay.” Chu Xingxing took out her passport. Jiang Changsheng had already arranged for her Schengen visa to be processed.
Grandma Wen Xuelan pulled a cream-colored passport holder from her Birkin.
The whole process took only a few minutes, and their passports were returned.
A staff member guided them to the VIP lounge.
“That was fast…” Chu Xingxing blinked in surprise: “So, you don’t need a boarding pass for business jets?”
[Me and Xingxing: “Wow!!!” together!]
[Learned something new today. So business jets don’t need boarding passes at all?]
[Wuwuwu! Traveling virtually with these wealthy grannies—learning something new every day.]
This business terminal’s VIP lounge also had a strong classical Chinese aesthetic.
Heavy, solid mahogany furniture in a classic style, a cream-colored carpet with a traditional “Flowers of Wealth and Honor” pattern, and cushions and backrests in a vibrant red with gold dragon embroidery.
The calligraphy scrolls on the walls were also exquisitely framed traditional Chinese paintings.
The overall vibe was exactly like the Great Hall of the People, just on a smaller scale.
“Hungry, Xingbao? Not much to eat in this lounge—just some chips and snacks, not very healthy. If you’re hungry, we can just eat on the plane…”
Before Grandma Wen Xuelan could finish her sentence, they heard Grandma Jiang Yao’s voice.
“Baobei! Over here! Why are you so late? We’ve been waiting for ages~”
Little Grandma Jiang, dressed in a Klein blue dress matching Chu Xingxing’s vest, with a cream-colored knitted cardigan and cream-colored low heels, walked over to greet them.
“Hey there, Lan Jie. You’ve definitely had lunch already, right? Here, have some yogurt.”
Grandma Jiang Yao very naturally “stole” Chu Xingxing from Grandma Wen Xuelan’s side, as if picking a pocket, and handed a bottle of yogurt to Grandma Wen Xuelan in exchange.
Grandma Wen Xuelan: ???
Yao Yao was rebelling! Snatching people right out of her hands!
Before Chu Xingxing could react, Grandma Jiang Yao was pulling her along.
She hadn’t even had a chance to greet Grandma Sheng and Grandma Ai when she noticed two tall, long-legged men standing not far away.
From behind, one man wore dark camel-colored casual pants and a light camel cashmere sweater, giving off a soft, warm vibe.
The other man wore a denim shirt in deep blue and black panels, black jeans, one hand in his pocket as he chatted with the other, while the other hand rested casually on the back of a chair, his fingers pale and slender.
Chu Xingxing felt a jolt of recognition—both silhouettes were very familiar.
“No way…” Chu Xingxing suddenly felt a wave of panic.
She’d had a dream last night that she was the only “porter.”
Which meant she could logically earn double the pay.
“What’s wrong, Baobei?” Grandma Jiang Yao’s hand was already reaching out, as if to pull one of the men over, but it paused mid-air.
“Grandma Jiang,” Chu Xingxing stared at the two men whose backs alone were “a feast for the eyes,” and hesitated before asking: “Are these… the two new ‘porters’? Does that mean I’m about to be… out of a job?”
“Pfft…” Someone laughed first.
The laughter seemed contagious, and soon the entire VIP lounge was laughing.
Fans who already knew the truth from the other grannies’ streams were having a field day too—
[Hahahaha! Xingbao is too cute!]
[I’m always dying of laughter at Xingxing! What a wonderfully weird imagination, haha! Her first reaction wasn’t to pick a handsome guy as her ‘porter,’ but to worry that two handsome guys were going to steal her gig?]
[Omg, haha! The only explanation is that Xingxing is truly, deeply devoted to her ‘porter’ career.]
[Xingxing: Handsome guys? Don’t care! Anyone trying to take my job, I’ll fight them!]
Both men laughed and turned around at the same time.
“Xingxing, it’s not what you think.” Sheng Luzhi pinched his temple, suppressing a smile.
“Ah…” Chu Xingxing’s eyes widened in surprise.
She hadn’t expected the man wearing the soft light camel sweater, with his hair not combed back, to be Sheng Luzhi.
In her memory, Sheng Luzhi seemed to have high-end shirts and suits “semi-permanently” attached to him, always exuding an unapproachable, refined, and cold elegance no matter when she saw him.
Maybe because it was the weekend, and he had no work schedule today, that handsomely stern face seemed somehow… softer? Gentler? framed by the cashmere sweater.
Chu Xingxing shook her head.
An illusion. Definitely an illusion. The big boss from the book couldn’t possibly be gentle…
“I told you not to tease her. Xingxing would take it seriously.” Jiang Luoze looked at her steadily, his voice low and soft: “Sorry, Xingxing, I should have told you earlier.”
Chu Xingxing saw a clear, bright light in Jiang Luoze’s eyes. His face was still as beautiful as a sprite’s, the dark blue and black denim shirt making his skin look even paler.
“But now I’m a little curious…”
Jiang Luoze bent slightly, his slender hands resting on the back of the chair behind him. A soft smile played on his lips as he tilted his head and asked: “Xingxing, between me and Ah Zhi, who would you choose as your ‘porter’?”
Compared to Jiang Luoze’s enchanting, almost demonic beauty,
Sheng Luzhi’s handsome face seemed to bear the words “answer carefully” written all over it.
Chu Xingxing took a strategic step back…
Her assistant, Abao, who had been quietly following behind the cameraman, swallowed nervously. She felt like she was a female crab—her brain was nothing but roe.
God, could she just have them both?!
