“Xingxing likes to be in control. I’ll remember that.”
Fans and viewers were stunned by Chu Xingxing’s outfit, and quickly flooded the bullet screen with comments.
[Hahahaha I can’t breathe! Is Xingbao just coming back from a war zone?]
[Help! Where’s my big beautiful Xingxing wife???]
[God is truly fair. Besides force-feeding Xingxing with good looks, he also conveniently closed Xingxing’s closet… peace out jpg.]
[I used to think Xingxing had good taste in clothes and high aesthetic sense. What happened?]
[All I can say is “Xingxing Cookie” is real! Hahahaha, because Cookie and Chu Xingxing’s clothes clearly came from the same wholesale place, right? Their styles are exactly the same!]
[I’m dying of laughter. I just photoshopped Xingbao’s head onto an old man taking a stroll, and it fits perfectly with zero awkwardness!]
The grandmothers’ laughter was warm-hearted.
It was like watching a little baby at home wearing adult clothes and shoes—they were simply amused by this adorable little one.
Grandma Jiang Yao pulled Jiang Luoze from behind the cabin and said with frustration, “Quick, put together a new outfit for our sweetheart. If not, just take off your jacket and let her wear it. Such a pretty girl dressed like this? Where’s your dignity as a fashion designer…”
Jiang Luoze: ???
—
At CBM Entertainment Tower in Beijing.
Jiang Changsheng, who had been working overtime until the early morning and had just temporarily wrapped up his tasks, poured himself a glass of sparkling water. Finally, he had time to watch the live stream.
Seeing Chu “Battle-Worn” Xingxing on screen, Jiang Changsheng nearly choked on his sparkling water.
He coughed for a good while before recovering.
Jiang Changsheng: “What kind of look is this? Saci didn’t send this in the sample clothes…”
—
Inside the Gulfstream G700 that had just landed at Madrid-Barajas Business International Airport in Spain.
Jiang Luoze had just received his jacket from the flight attendant and hadn’t even put it on properly when he was “dragged” over by Grandma Jiang Yao.
He had only caught a glimpse of a dusty figure flash by and hadn’t recognized Chu Xingxing from the back at all.
Looking at Chu Xingxing’s outfit, Jiang Luoze pursed his lips, deep in thought.
He was trying to figure out a way to gently offer styling advice without hurting her pride.
“No, no, no,” Chu Xingxing waved her hands frantically, blocking Jiang Luoze as she said to Jiang Yao with a mix of laughter and exasperation, “Grandma Xiaojiang, this isn’t an outfit Ah Ze put together for me. I prepared it myself. The pretty clothes I wore on the plane were the ones Ah Ze styled.”
“Ah? This, this isn’t what Ah Ze picked out…” Grandma Jiang Yao looked stunned, then her expression shifted instantly: “Then this outfit of yours is, well, it’s, um, actually quite… novel?”
[Hahahaha! Grandma Xiaojiang: You’ve stumped me!]
[Look at Grandma Xiaojiang’s expression—she’s desperately trying to find an excuse for Xingbao! Hahaha.]
“Auntie, Xingxing has the freedom to dress as she pleases,” Jiang Luoze said, draping his jacket over his arm, speaking slowly and deliberately. “And I think she has a reason for dressing like this. Why don’t we hear her out?”
Jiang Luoze’s eyes held a smile as he gave Chu Xingxing a slight nod.
[Help! Jiang Luoze is scoring major points!!! That line about freedom of dress is really touching.]
[Jiang Luoze looks like a sly “fox spirit” who plays games, but surprisingly, he respects women so much.]
Chu Xingxing had been feeling a bit embarrassed, wondering if she was overthinking things.
Under Jiang Luoze’s encouraging gaze, she scratched the back of her neck awkwardly and said, “Because I checked some information before coming, and they all said Europe is quite chaotic, especially in Southern Europe, with lots of pickpockets and robberies. When Cookie and I went shopping yesterday, we bought these outfits. We thought they’d make us look low-key and less likely to be targeted…”
Grandma Wen Xuelan was the first to speak: “Oh, Xingbao, why didn’t you say so earlier? It’s us grandmothers who didn’t think it through.”
She glanced at her Birkin bag and her sparkly, diamond-studded kitten heels, swaying her hips slightly: “Maybe it is a bit flashy. When I went to Paris with Wen Han’s eldest brother’s family before, I heard that guests at the same hotel had their newly bought bags and clothes stolen. We didn’t run into any thieves back then, so I thought they were exaggerating…”
“Is it really that chaotic? With so many thieves and robbers, then Xingxing’s way of dressing is definitely right—better safe than sorry!” Grandma Sheng Shuwen also looked surprised.
As a retired business mogul, Grandma Sheng usually didn’t care much about clothing or handbags. Her usual “luxury purchases” were “big toys” like private jets worth hundreds of millions. When she’d come to Europe before, it was always for business, so she didn’t know much about the local social conditions.
“Are there really that many thieves and robbers?!” After the initial shock, Grandma Ai, who was passionate about East Asian culture, took off her ruby bracelet: “Then I’d better take this off. I don’t want thieves eyeing it while I’m wearing it.”
“I…” Chu Xingxing felt a bit flustered by the grandmothers’ hundred-percent trust in her, since she had only looked up information and heard Cookie’s personal experiences.
But Cookie had left Europe several years ago too. Who knew if public security had improved in the past couple of years?
“Xingxing isn’t wrong,” Jiang Luoze let out a soft laugh, nodding with a tone of affirmation: “She’s not exaggerating at all. At least in Southern Europe, it’s like this. Whether it’s France, Italy, Greece, or Spain, the city centers and train stations, subway stations, and airports with lots of tourists are all hotspots for pickpockets and robbers.”
“Ah…” Grandma Jiang Yao frowned, looking at Jiang Luoze in disbelief: “How does Ah Ze know so much about this? Is it because you’ve been robbed or had things stolen too? Why didn’t I know? Every time I ask if you’re doing well abroad, you always say it’s wonderful…”
“I…” Jiang Luoze hesitated for a moment, then flashed his signature smile: “I’m like Grandma Wen—a very lucky person. I just happened to never run into those situations.”
“Really, or not really?” Grandma Jiang Yao’s frown didn’t ease. She grabbed Jiang Luoze’s arm and said with concern: “Are you still doing that thing where you only share good news and hide the bad? When you first came to Europe, you were only seventeen, still a kid. You must have gone through a lot of hardships…”
Jiang Luoze shook his head, putting an arm around Grandma Jiang Yao’s shoulders: “Really, I didn’t. And besides, the homestay the study abroad consultant helped arrange, and later the student dorms, were all in very good neighborhoods. I didn’t run into any bad luck.”
“That’s good…” Grandma Jiang Yao reluctantly felt relieved.
Grandma Jiang Yao, who had been in countless relationships throughout her life, never started a family of her own.
The Jiang family was a traditional, old-school performing arts family. Jiang Yao’s “betrayal” of the family to become an actress had nearly made her older brother cut ties with her.
Jiang Luoze was the younger son of Grandma Jiang Yao’s brother—her last hope for carrying on the family legacy. Later, Jiang Luoze was harshly scolded by his father for secretly making clothes, called a “sissy” and “good-for-nothing,” and was nearly beaten until his hands were broken.
Jiang Luoze, who was usually gentle and well-behaved, calmly stretched out his hands that day and told his father to cripple them—otherwise, he would keep making clothes.
It was Grandma Jiang Yao who protected her nephew, took him into her home, supported his passion for fashion design, and sent him abroad to study.
At this moment, Grandma Xiaojiang, thinking back to sending Ah Ze, who had just turned seventeen, to Europe eight years ago, still felt lingering fears.
“It’s okay, Auntie. I really haven’t encountered anything bad.” Jiang Luoze’s tone was gentle as he hugged Grandma Jiang Yao.
[Sob sob sob sob, Jiang Luoze is so warm. He’s really good to Grandma Xiaojiang.]
[Grandma Xiaojiang is also very worried about Jiang Luoze. You could clearly feel how heartbroken she was when she asked him just now. She must think he’s hiding the bad news to keep her from worrying.]
[Seeing Grandma Jiang Yao makes me feel things too. Elders are always like that—they feel like it’s their fault if something bad happens to their children abroad, and they blame themselves terribly.]
[Yeah, my grandmother is the same. When she heard my wallet got stolen at school, she was even more anxious than I was. This rural old lady didn’t know much, so she insisted my dad take the overnight train to bring me money and food. Sob sob sob, I miss my grandma.]
—
Chu Xingxing could probably understand why Grandma Xiaojiang had such a strong reaction.
Because the day before, before she and Cookie parted ways, she heard Cookie talking to her mom on the phone.
Cookie was just like Ah Ze—using playful excuses to brush off her mom’s nagging, telling her not to worry and that she’d protect herself abroad.
Thinking about it, Chu Xingxing seemed to understand why Cookie bought those “over-the-top” anti-theft waist packs and various accessories and clothes.
Because Cookie’s mom could only see her daughter through the live stream. To put her mom at ease, Cookie deliberately dressed in an exaggerated way.
How nice. That’s what a healthy, loving mother-daughter relationship looks like.
After comforting Grandma Xiaojiang, Jiang Luoze turned to look at the other grandmothers, who looked like they were bracing for battle, clearly a bit anxious.
Jiang Luoze: “My dear treasures, Europe has its own unique customs and culture, vastly different from Asia in both culture and habits. It’s not as scary as everyone says. As long as…”
He paused, his gaze landing on Chu Xingxing, and continued in a tone of approval: “Like Xingxing, if you have good anti-theft and anti-robbery awareness, don’t flaunt your wealth, and avoid bad neighborhoods, you can avoid most problems. After all, even the so-called safest countries in the world have unsafe areas. There’s no such thing as absolute safety.”
With that, Jiang Luoze handed the jacket draped over his arm to Chu Xingxing.
His jacket was from the same collection as his denim patchwork shirt. Although it was menswear, the three-dimensional cut of the denim-and-knit jacket looked stylish and good on anyone, regardless of gender.
“For me? But I already have a jacket.”
Chu Xingxing, proud of being praised for her anti-theft awareness, patted her chest confidently.
“I’d like to trade jackets with you,”
Jiang Luoze curled his lips slightly, speaking casually: “I think Xingxing’s vintage jacket suits me better. So, can I borrow it for a while?”
He had finally figured out a way to make Xingxing look great on camera without sacrificing style while still keeping her belongings safe.
“You like it?” Chu Xingxing blinked. Since Ah Ze liked it, she wasn’t completely unwilling to part with it.
“Very… much.” Jiang Luoze said, stretching the truth a little.
Chu Xingxing quickly took off her jacket and handed it to Jiang Luoze: “Alright, you wear mine then. It’s a men’s jacket anyway.”
Jiang Luoze took it politely: “Thank you.”
“Your jacket…” Chu Xingxing was about to put it on when she caught a pleasant scent: “It smells so nice.”
This was the second fragrance she’d liked after the vetiver scent on Sheng Luzhi.
It was a stark contrast to the “male fox spirit’s” soul-stealing aura—clean, fluffy, with a hint of plant stem bitterness. Very soft and youthful.
Jiang Luoze: “A friend of mine has a perfume shop in Paris. It’s his custom blend. I only remember it has elderflower, hawthorn blossom, and tea tree root in it. If you like it, I can have him send some over.”
Chu Xingxing quickly waved her hands: “No, no, I was just being polite.”
Jiang Luoze gave a knowing smile: “Really don’t want it? Once this opportunity’s gone, it’s gone.”
Taking the hint Jiang Luoze offered, Chu Xingxing said: “Could I buy some instead?”
“Sure. Using my face gets you a discount.” Jiang Luoze said with a perfectly straight face.
Chu Xingxing laughed at that. Jiang Luoze seemed to have a certain magic—wherever he was, the atmosphere always felt relaxed.
“This waist pack could actually be worn differently, in a way that suits you better.” Jiang Luoze spoke softly, bending slightly in front of her: “May I help you adjust it?”
Chu Xingxing nodded instinctively: “Oh, sure…”
He was a designer, after all, and this wasn’t the first time he’d helped adjust her clothes. Even when they stood very close together, Chu Xingxing didn’t feel uncomfortable.
At the last Saci red carpet event, Jiang Luoze had knelt in front of her for quite a long time.
Jiang Luoze moved closer, helping her take off the waist pack. Chu Xingxing’s waist was so slender that even tightened to the smallest setting, it was still a bit loose—which was why she kept trying to cinch it.
“Put the jacket on.” Jiang Luoze said.
Chu Xingxing put on his jacket.
After she had it on, Jiang Luoze rolled up the sleeves, revealing the light gray contrasting lining so the dark jacket wouldn’t look too understated.
After adjusting the length of the waist pack, Jiang Luoze repositioned it as a chest pack for her.
Stepping back two paces, he admired his work like an artist appreciating his creation: “This way it’s more convenient for you to access your things, and everything is right in front of you—very safe. It still prevents theft.”
“Oh my?” Grandma Wen Xuelan let out a small exclamation: “You know what? Just a little adjustment from Ah Ze, and Xingbao looks so cool!”
Grandma Xiaojiang agreed: “Right? I said from the start that Ah Ze should let Xingbao wear his jacket. With her good looks and figure, she can pull it off beautifully. She looks great.”
Grandma Sheng Shuwen smiled and said: “Everyone, if our Xingxing wore a wig, we’d think she was some handsome young man!”
Grandma Ai Minli also nodded: “She really does look handsome. Our Xingxing could play Mulan.”
Chu Xingxing had no mirror in front of her and couldn’t see herself.
But having worn military uniforms as a death squad captain in the apocalypse, she was confident in her “masculine charm.”
She played along with the supportive grandmothers, making a boy scout salute gesture.
[Whoa! I have to hand it to Saci’s menswear—the tailoring is incredible. Xingxing totally pulls it off and looks amazing! So cool!!!]
[Ahhh! Xingxing is dominating! That salute move is usually so cringey when men do it, sob sob, who gets it! How can Xingxing be both assertive and handsome!]
[Pfft, sorry everyone, but standing next to Jiang Luoze, Xingbao totally looks like a strong alpha and he’s the soft omega hahahaha. I want Xingxing to bully Jiang Luoze so bad (not really)]
[Menswear really looks best when pretty women wear it!]
[Help! When women are cool, men don’t stand a chance! Ahhhhh I’m calling her my husband right now!]
—
Jiang Luoze not only helped Chu Xingxing adjust her outfit but also made subtle tweaks to the grandmothers’ overly “glamorous” looks.
First, he removed all the expensive jewelry from their necks, wrists, and ears.
Jade was the exception—foreigners wouldn’t know the difference and might mistake it for cheap glass accessories anyway.
Second, any bags with logos or that were too flashy were put away.
Grandma Wen Xuelan, clutching her Hermès Birkin: Ah Ze, just call me out by name already…
Finally, the grandmothers’ glittery kitten heels were swapped for comfortable, logo-free wedge soft leather shoes.
—
By the time the guests of Grandma’s Journey left the airport in the shuttle van and arrived at the accommodation the production team had prepared…
Although this group of Asian-featured grandmothers stood out among the blonde-haired, blue-eyed Europeans, drawing sideways glances from passersby,
Each of the grandmothers carried no bags. Their clothes and shoes bore no logos. Hands in pockets, they looked around with curiosity, exuding a carefree vibe.
The grandmothers’ large luggage was ferried into the guesthouse by Chu Xingxing, Jiang Luoze, and the van driver in a relay-style chain at top speed—the entire process taking less than two minutes.
Even if there were pickpockets lurking nearby, seeing this scene, they’d realize there was nothing worth stealing and wouldn’t bother targeting them.
[Huh? The grandmothers came on a private jet, so why are they staying in a guesthouse? Feels beneath their status (not hating, just curious)]
[I’m a bit confused too. Even though I haven’t seen what the guesthouse looks like, shouldn’t staying in a villa in Europe be more impressive?]
[Yeah, the word “guesthouse” is a bit of a letdown. I wanted to see the grandmothers on a ridiculously lavish spending spree (not really)]
[I thought they’d book a luxurious six-star hotel so we could get a glimpse of European high society. Instead, the director just said everyone’s staying in a guesthouse???]
[Help! “Guesthouse” sounds so low-class. In that other show Let’s Travel Poorly (I mean Let’s Travel Together), they also stay in guesthouses. How can our grandmothers stay in the same kind of place as those “broke” people?]
[Even though the building looks vintage and pretty, it’s not a villa. Won’t the living experience be much worse?]
It wasn’t just the bullet screen that had questions—Chu Xingxing had them too.
From her research, a luxurious European trip should involve staying in castle-like high-end hotels or standalone villas with European-style gardens.
But the shuttle bus had pulled them up right in front of a neoclassical building in what seemed to be the city center.
The architecture in this area was unique—not entirely old-fashioned, but predominantly neoclassical and modernist styles from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, exuding a distinct historical beauty and cultural charm.
The building’s facade was striking, using large amounts of ornate granite and marble as materials. The bright, vivid windows, exquisite wrought-iron gates, and elegant, romantic balconies were also eye-catching.
A wealth of exquisite sculptures gave these buildings—averaging a hundred forty to fifty years old—a renewed vitality.
Though it was already 7 PM, in Spain, the perceived time was more like 4 or 5 PM in China.
The sun was still lazily shining, the sky so blue it looked like a painted backdrop.
In early April in Madrid, the outdoor temperature had already reached 26 degrees Celsius.
But because the air was dry, the outdoor feel was very pleasant—neither too hot nor too cold.
During the handover between the production team and the shuttle driver, Chu Xingxing cautiously pulled out her phone with its titanium chain.
Leaning against the wall, she wanted to pinpoint exactly where in Madrid they were.
The destination for the second trip had been kept secret from her by the grandmothers and the production team, catching her completely off guard.
Chu Xingxing wasn’t used to this kind of unprepared, out-of-control travel.
She was accustomed to being thoroughly prepared for everything.
“We’re currently in the Salamanca district of Madrid.”
Chu Xingxing looked up. At some point, Jiang Luoze had already stood beside her.
His gaze was soft, and his voice steady as he said, “This is an affluent area within Madrid’s city center. You could think of it as the ‘nest’ of old money. Compared to the tourist-packed city center, the public security is much better, and transportation is convenient for travel.
This is also one of Spain’s financial and commercial centers. Don’t let the old facades fool you—they’re protected by the government, so they can only be renovated, not altered. Hidden inside these buildings are many high-end residences that aren’t cheap—they go for a few hundred million yuan. I’d say the guesthouse we’re staying at this time probably won’t be too shabby?”
“So you all knew the travel destination way ahead of time and only kept me in the dark?” Chu Xingxing pretended to be upset.
“So Xingxing does have a temper?” Jiang Luoze looked at her like she was the most adorable little creature, his beautiful phoenix eyes curving into crescent moons.
Chu Xingxing could tell he was teasing her, so she played along: “Of course. My temper’s huge.”
Jiang Luoze barely resisted the urge to poke her cheek: “What if I told you it was my idea to have everyone keep it from you? Would you be even more upset?”
“Reason?” Chu Xingxing shot him a glance.
Hmph! It was so hard to stay mad at a “male fox spirit” like this…
“Because I watched the last trip and saw that you did all the research and coordination. I didn’t want you to be so tired.” Jiang Luoze lowered his head slightly, speaking softly: “Sorry, I took the liberty.”
Chu Xingxing smiled: “But I didn’t feel tired? And it wasn’t all my doing. Wen Han helped a lot too. You can’t say I did everything alone, since Wen Han was tricked into coming by Grandma Wen anyway.”
[Ahhhh! I’m catching some “Xing Han Can Lan” sweetness!]
[Xingxing still remembers the double-door refrigerator movie emperor Wen Han who checked in with you every day for exercise and healthy meals sob sob (covering mouth)]
Then, Chu Xingxing waved her hand generously and said seriously: “I really enjoy making travel itineraries. I love the process—planning ahead, finding out about local specialty restaurants, food, attractions… It’s all so interesting.”
[Holy crap, Xingxing just said exactly what I feel! Like Xingxing, I’m the type who loves making travel plans and mapping everything out in advance. It’s so satisfying! Of course, if something unexpected happens during the trip, I’ll go with the flow because with enough preparation, I can adapt flexibly at any time.]
[Hahaha! I’m the opposite of Xingxing. I’m the spontaneous wanderer who never makes plans and just goes wherever the wind blows. I prefer the thrill of surprise.]
[Planning vs. spontaneity is like the sweet vs. savory tofu pudding debate—irreconcilable haha.]
Jiang Luoze thought for a moment: “Then it’s my fault. I meant well, but it backfired.”
“Not really,” Chu Xingxing said. Her phone had already loaded the map, and knowing their exact location made her feel much more at ease: “I’m not targeting this trip specifically. I’m just like this with everything. I’m used to planning ahead. It helps things feel less out of control. This trip was a pleasant surprise, but I still need some time to adjust. It’s not that I don’t like it.”
“I see,” Jiang Luoze nodded, smiling: “Xingxing likes to be in control. I’ll remember that.”
Chu Xingxing blinked, stunned for a moment.
Wait—it was true that she liked being in control, but coming from the “male fox spirit’s” mouth, it sounded…
Kind of weird?
At that moment, Little Bao, the assistant who was copying Chu Xingxing by wearing her backpack on her chest and blending into the crowd, heard the words “in control” and felt her entire being tighten with excitement.
Within seconds, Little Bao had already imagined a whole action scene of an omega male begging an alpha female to mark him, handing over all initiative and letting her position him however she wanted…
And Little Bao wasn’t the only one with an active imagination. Many anime-loving fans in the bullet screen went wild too—
[Ahhhhh! I want to see the “male fox spirit” with red-rimmed eyes begging!]
[I heard Jiang Luoze sang dan roles for ten years as a kid. No wonder his posture is so alluring and his gaze so suggestive. Sob sob sob, that line “Xingxing likes to be in control, I’ll remember that” killed me…]
[I want to hear Jiang Luoze cry out “Master”—help, am I a pervert?]
[What do I do? I really want to see the “male fox” cry from torment. I’m a hentai, I admit it!]
With nowhere to vent, Little Bao grabbed the cameraman Xiao Mao and let out a silent scream: Ahhhhhhh!
Xiao Mao: ???
Assistant to Teacher Chu, your mental state is concerning…
—
After wrapping up the handover, the guesthouse manager left the keys with the two “porters,” Chu Xingxing and Jiang Luoze. He then explained how to use the elevator and intercom system—in English with a heavy Spanish accent—and gave them the code for the underground garage, among other details.
Chu Xingxing struggled to follow along, frowning as she pulled out her little notebook to take careful notes, frequently pausing to say, “I’m sorry?” with a rising intonation.
Even when the manager stopped to explain again, Chu Xingxing still felt like she was missing things.
She had to admit, Spanish-accented English was really hard to understand—all the pronunciations sounded so off…
Fortunately, Jiang Luoze seemed completely used to this accent. During their conversation, he casually slipped in a French phrase.
The guesthouse manager’s face lit up with surprise, and he immediately started speaking French with Jiang Luoze.
Well, that was it—Chu Xingxing was completely lost. She quietly put her little notebook away.
Might as well give up. She couldn’t understand a thing anyway…
[Hahaha, Xingbao is so cute. She’s like a student in a dialect class—fights it at first, then just throws her hands up and gives up on taking notes.]
[I noticed last time too. Xingxing speaks English really well, with a beautiful accent. I wish we could hear her speak more English!]
[I’m already completely charmed by this “male fox spirit” Jiang Luoze. Ah, he looks so handsome and suave when he speaks French…]
After explaining the important details, the guesthouse manager only escorted them to the stairwell on the top floor before taking his leave.
Chu Xingxing looked at the white European-style carved wooden door in front of her. Jiang Luoze’s words—”I’m sure the guesthouse we’re staying at won’t be too shabby”—had sparked a flicker of anticipation in her heart.
The old-fashioned key turned in the lock.
With a click, Jiang Luoze pushed open the door and stepped aside, letting the grandmothers and Xingxing enter first.
“Wow~” Chu Xingxing couldn’t help but exclaim: “This is a guesthouse???”
The camera followed the grandmothers and Chu Xingxing’s perspective, slowly exploring this top-floor duplex “guesthouse” spanning over 700 square meters with a 300-square-meter rooftop garden.
[Whoa! Aside from “wow,” I’ve got nothing else to say!]
[Did the production team do this on purpose? How can this be called a “guesthouse”?]
[Sob sob sob, I could live in this kind of guesthouse for five hundred years!]
[This is what Manhattan old-money style penthouse living is all about. It’s not just about wealth—it exudes an undeniable class distinction.]
Even the well-traveled grandmothers couldn’t help but marvel—
Grandma Wen Xuelan kept making “tch tch” sounds. Now that she was inside, she felt relieved and had her DSLR camera hanging around her neck, snapping photos everywhere: “If you want to see the true origins of old money, Europe’s the place. Even the old estates of Spain’s fallen aristocracy have such character. Look at these carvings—tch tch tch, quite beautiful.”
Grandma Sheng Shuwen walked with her hands behind her back, like she was inspecting a worksite: “There’s more to it than meets the eye. I never expected an old apartment in Madrid to be so spacious. It’s hard to imagine this was designed over a hundred years ago.”
Grandma Ai Minli said: “This place must have been renovated. I checked the bathroom—though the exterior keeps the late 19th-century style, the inside is entirely modernized. I really like that. The same approach could work for a Neo-Chinese style renovation.”
“Wow!” Grandma Xiaojiang was excited like a little kid, running to the panoramic garden visible through the large floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room: “This is an Andalusian-style courtyard. Xingbao, come see! There are so many orange trees in the courtyard!”
“Really? It’s beautiful!” Chu Xingxing walked over to Grandma Jiang Yao and asked, “Grandma Xiaojiang, what is Andalusian style?”
Grandma Xiaojiang smiled with a hint of pride: “Look, Xingbao—doesn’t this courtyard feel special? Not like the typical European-style courtyards we usually see.”
Chu Xingxing nodded: “Yeah, it’s really unique. The European styles I know wouldn’t use so much blue ceramic and colored glass as decoration. And the fountain and carvings don’t look European either.”
“Xingbao’s so smart,” Grandma Xiaojiang praised her, linking arms with her: “Andalusia is the general name for Spain’s southern autonomous regions. From the 7th to the 15th century, the Moors—what we now call Arabs—ruled Spain, establishing their state in the southern Iberian Peninsula. That period is called the ‘Muslim Spain era.’ So in the capital Madrid, most of the buildings we see are standard European-style. But down south, it’s a completely different style.”
[Whoa, Grandma Xiaojiang is so knowledgeable!]
[So when traveling in Spain, you can experience both pure European style and Arabian flair? What a great value!]
[Yeah, it’s really worth it! European history is so fascinating too. I never imagined a Christian country could be ruled by Muslims for over 700 years! And yet it wasn’t fully Islamized?]
[For those who know a bit about European history, it’s not that it wasn’t Islamized. You have to understand that medieval Muslim states were incredibly open—hundreds of times more progressive than Christianity. During Spain’s Muslim era, there were massive achievements in economics, literature, astronomy, mathematics, and more. Once strict Christian rule was restored, Spain began burning books and banning Arabic…]
[Seems like I’m starting to get it—why is it that relatively tolerant religious freedom can never win against authoritarian extremism?]
[Just logging my daily learning from the bullet screen of Grandma’s Journey (serious face jpg.)]
Chu Xingxing slid open the glass door and stepped into the rooftop garden with Grandma Jiang Yao.
In the center of the courtyard stood a fountain made of brilliant azure ceramic tiles, colorful mosaics, and granite.
Water flowed gently through the channels—slow, soft, like a tender breeze.
The Mediterranean sunlight, a luxury in Northern Europe, shone on the water’s surface, refracting through the ceramic and mosaic tiles into dazzling ripples of light.
The gentle sound of trickling water brought a sense of ease and tranquility.
Orange, lemon, and citrus trees filled the garden, their tiny white blossoms just beginning to bloom.
A soft breeze carried the distinct floral scent of citrus fruits—fresh and sweet—immersing them in the relaxed, vacation vibe of the Mediterranean.
Grandma Jiang Yao continued to enthusiastically share Spanish history and various architectural styles with Chu Xingxing.
At one point, she even excitedly threw out a couple of Spanish words.
“Grandma Xiaojiang, have you been to Spain before? You know so much about it?” Chu Xingxing asked curiously.
“No, I haven’t,” Grandma Xiaojiang took a deep breath of the air, sweet with orange blossom fragrance, a trace of regret flickering in her eyes: “But when I was young, I really wanted to come see it.”
Chu Xingxing, who had grown adept at picking up on gossip from the grandmothers, sensed something beneath the surface.
“Was it because…” Chu Xingxing sat on the garden swing, swaying gently, “of someone?”
“Hahaha,” Grandma Xiaojiang laughed heartily, came over and pinched Chu Xingxing’s nose, tickling her: “Little girl, trying to dig up your Grandma Xiaojiang’s gossip? You’re still a bit too green!”
Chu Xingxing dodged backward, laughing until tears nearly came: “Ahhh, I’m sorry, I’m sorry! Grandma Xiaojiang, have mercy!”
“But you know, Xingbao,” Grandma Xiaojiang leaned in with a mischievous grin, squeezing onto the swing with her and putting an arm around Chu Xingxing’s neck: “Your grandma here was quite the love genius when she was young. I’ve dated over twenty boyfriends! If our Xingbao ever has any love problems, feel free to ask me anytime! Guaranteed to teach you everything!”
[What?! Grandma Xiaojiang had over twenty boyfriends! I’ve had none (bursts into tears)]
[I truly feel like I’m worse than both the older and younger generations. My kindergarten niece already has three boyfriends in her class (lights up a cigarette)]
“Grandma Xiaojiang, can you give me some lessons?”
Chu Xingxing looked genuinely sincere. The “ultimate straight girl,” severely lacking in romantic skills, was earnest about learning dating techniques: “I can pay tuition!”
“Talking about money ruins the relationship,” Grandma Xiaojiang’s eyes darted around slyly, and she smiled with narrowed eyes: “Sweetie, after you graduate from Grandma Xiaojiang’s love class, just treat Ah Ze to a meal as your tuition fee. That’s enough.”
“That’s it?” Chu Xingxing shook her head: “I think Grandma Xiaojiang’s love lessons are worth more than just one meal.”
“It’s worth it, it’s worth it. Don’t worry, sweetie.” Grandma Xiaojiang even linked pinkies with Chu Xingxing: “Pinky swear, a hundred years, no take-backs! Whoever breaks it is a puppy. Deal sealed!”
“A hundred years, no… take-backs?” Chu Xingxing somehow found herself pinky-swearing with Grandma Jiang Yao.
[Hahahaha! Grandma Xiaojiang’s love class is officially open!!!]
[My source of joy is here. I’ll grab a little stool and tune in every day for Grandma Xiaojiang’s love lessons.]
[As a lifelong single, I desperately need Grandma Xiaojiang, the love genius, as my outside support!]
[Why do I feel like Grandma Xiaojiang has “ulterior motives” hahaha. Is she secretly trying to set up Xingxing and Jiang Luoze?]
[Grandma Xiaojiang isn’t just forcing them together—she’s giving them both a chance. I approve of Xingbao giving the “male fox spirit” a chance!]
[Sister above! Have you forgotten about the double-door refrigerator movie emperor Wen Han, who’s far away on Happy Fitness You and Me? Or the gloves head-patting heir of the Shengshi Group? Are you switching sides so fast???]
—
The price of this garden penthouse in Madrid’s Salamanca district was no less than that of a luxurious standalone villa in the posh suburbs.
Being able to “rent” this luxurious top-tier duplex for a variety show was something CBM Entertainment could pull off in China, but in Europe, it was a challenge.
Initially, the production team wanted to book five-star hotels for the grandmothers and the “porters.”
However, Europeans have a completely different way of doing things from Asians. The moment they heard about filming and the potential impact on other guests, many hotels refused outright.
As a last resort, the production team started looking for short-term villa rentals—similar to the Sunset Villa on Pearl Island.
But after visiting a few in person, they were unsatisfied.
The best luxury villa areas in Europe were located in suburban satellite towns, where sprawling villa districts had nothing but residential homes.
For a travel variety show, staying that far out would be inconvenient for transportation and daily life. It would be impossible to film local nightlife because the villa areas would be dead silent after dark—not even a soul in sight.
In the end, Jiang Changsheng was prepared to use his own money earned from financial markets to buy a property in Spain for the production team’s use.
Just then, Grandma’s Journey received an unexpected piece of great news.
The housing problem was solved. The Shengshi Group had once again “sponsored” a penthouse garden duplex in Madrid’s upscale city center.
Jiang Changsheng learned from colleagues that the place was inherited by Sheng Luzhi’s mixed-race classmate from a British public school from his Spanish grandfather. After renovations, no one had moved in yet, and it was managed by a butler.
When the friend heard the production team needed a place, he simply told Sheng Luzhi to use it.
Faced with the Shengshi Group’s “help,” Jiang Changsheng had no choice but to accept—no matter how unwilling he felt.
To refuse would be to snub his benefactor.
If this were the old Jiang Changsheng, he might have stubbornly rejected it.
But now, to protect CBM Entertainment—his father’s life’s work—Jiang Changsheng had learned to swallow his pride, accept gratefully, and even put on a smile to keep the Shengshi Group pleased.
In just a month or two, Jiang Changsheng had grown up fast.
—
Inside the exotic courtyard.
Chu Xingxing and Grandma Jiang Yao were chatting happily.
“I’ve reserved a table at a Michelin one-star restaurant for tonight—let’s try some authentic Spanish local cuisine first. It’s at 8:30, so we have about an hour. Could you two ladies come inside for a moment so we can divide up the rooms?”
Jiang Luoze gently tapped the glass door twice, calling them in.
“Coming, coming.” Grandma Jiang Yao pulled Chu Xingxing back inside.
The European-style duplex had been renovated, and the layout had changed.
On the ground floor: living room, parlor, dining room, kitchen, laundry room, two guest rooms, and one maid’s room.
On the second floor: two master suites of over 100 square meters each with small sitting areas, and two regular suites of about 60 square meters.
Needless to say, the four suites upstairs would go to the grandmothers.
Fortunately, there was an elevator inside; otherwise, Chu Xingxing wouldn’t have been comfortable letting the grandmothers take the stairs.
The maid’s room was too cramped, so Chu Xingxing and Jiang Luoze would each take one of the guest rooms downstairs.
The ground-floor guest rooms were at the end of the parlor corridor. Sliding open the door, there was first a small sitting room shared by the two guest rooms. On either side of the sitting room, doors led to the small guest suites with full bathrooms.
Together with the sitting room, these two guest rooms spanned about 70 to 80 square meters—already the size of a small apartment for an average family.
Chu Xingxing thought to herself, “Old money” really doesn’t hold back when it comes to wasting space for comfort.
Jiang Luoze had timed everything perfectly.
The restaurant he booked was about a ten-minute walk away.
In Madrid during spring, it doesn’t get fully dark until after 9 PM.
They could stroll over at a leisurely pace—so pleasant and relaxing in this comfortable season.
After helping carry the grandmothers’ luggage upstairs, Jiang Luoze and Chu Xingxing each took some time to rest in their rooms, then gathered in the small sitting room near the elevator and stairs to wait for the grandmothers.
When Chu Xingxing arrived, she found Grandma Jiang Yao already sitting on the Poltrona Frau Kennedy sofa in the sitting room, watching TV.
The speakers were blasting passionate, stirring singing accompanied by rhythmic clapping.
Curious, Chu Xingxing leaned in to look—what kind of passionate song and dance was this?
“Wow! Grandma Xiaojiang, what kind of dance is this?” Chu Xingxing stared wide-eyed at the screen, utterly captivated.
Jiang Yao said, “It’s flamenco.”
[Flamenco is so cool!!!]
[When I was studying in the U.S., a lot of my classmates went to Spain specifically to learn flamenco.]
[Flamenco dresses for women are gorgeous. Male dancers may play a supporting role, but they’re incredibly fit and alluring—so handsome!]
[I strongly recommend everyone see a flamenco performance at least once in your lifetime. It’s truly breathtaking.]
Flamenco is a hallmark of Spanish culture, similar to how Beijing opera is regarded in China.
On the 100-inch 4K HD screen, a male dancer in form-fitting black trousers, loose-sleeved shirt, and a fitted vest was performing flamenco with intense power and grace.
The dancer was handsome, though not blond and blue-eyed—his hair was jet black.
What was most captivating was his waist, cinched perfectly by the snug vest, showing off his lean, powerful figure.
At that very moment, Jiang Luoze was bent over, examining the electric fireplace.
From behind, the “male fox spirit’s” waist, outlined by his fitted black shirt, was every bit as striking as the dancer’s on the screen…
“Pretty impressive, that little waist…” Chu Xingxing was staring at the TV screen, her sentence trailing off.
“Xingbao,” Grandma Xiaojiang said with a serious expression, still watching the male dancer on screen, then turned to Chu Xingxing and declared: “Lesson one of Grandma Xiaojiang’s love class: A man with a snake-like waist—absolutely do not get involved!”
Chu Xingxing silently averted her gaze, feeling a bit guilty: “Hmm… hmm?”
