A Good Impression

Zeng Qian also received a gift box from 99 Entertainment. She passed the supermarket gift card to her assistant, who thanked her cheerfully. However, Zeng Qian kept the commemorative gold coin, appreciating its craftsmanship and thinking it was a nice memento.

She couldn't help but remark, "Manman, your little President Qin is so generous! She handed out gifts to the entire crew. I even saw the extras each received a 500 yuan shopping card. This must have cost a fortune!"

Even with the smallest crew, there were at least 100 staff members, plus around 30 actors, and a fair number of recurring extras. All in all, these gifts must have cost Qin Ran at least 500,000 yuan.

For Zeng Qian, this was an extra expense, not an insignificant amount. If it were her, she wouldn't have been willing to spend that much, and her company definitely wouldn't spend so extravagantly for one person. Why send gifts to a film crew that isn't even part of the company?

Curious, Zeng Qian asked, "Manman, did President Qin send gifts to other 99 Entertainment actors working on different sets as well?"

Yu Shuman didn't know the answer. Although she felt Qin Ran spent a lot, she didn't dwell on it. Besides, Qin Ran was already waiting for her outside, so Yu Shuman didn't bother paying much attention. She half-heartedly answered Zeng Qian with vague "um"s and "ah"s, her mind already on Qin Ran. The moment she saw Qin Ran, a smile spread across her face. "Qianqian, I have to go now. See you next year!"

"Next year—" Zeng Qian was about to respond but saw Yu Shuman dash off, not even finishing the conversation.

Zeng Qian knew Yu Shuman wasn't usually rude, but it was clear the person waiting was very important to her. From a distance, Zeng Qian saw Qin Ran, dressed plainly, standing inconspicuously. If you didn't pay attention, you'd think she was just another fan. But Yu Shuman ran over, jumped into her arms, and Qin Ran embraced her.

Zeng Qian couldn't see Yu Shuman's expression, and Qin Ran's glasses and hair partially obscured her face. But judging by Yu Shuman's excited body language, she was clearly overjoyed.

Yu Shuman ran so fast, her coat fluttering behind her. Snowflakes fell from the sky, yet not one touched her, as she dashed too quickly. When she finally reached Qin Ran, Qin nearly stumbled backward, struggling to catch her balance. The snow, meanwhile, gently landed on Zeng Qian's nose, prompting her to sneeze. A tinge of envy rose in her chest: It would be nice to have such a close friend.

While Zeng Qian was still lost in her thoughts, the pair, now hand in hand, had already walked off. The weather was cold, and both were wearing gloves. The sight of their thick gloves interlaced together looked somewhat amusing.

Ignoring Zeng Qian, Qin Ran and Yu Shuman got into the car, heading straight for the airport. Qin Ran had already loaded their suitcases into the trunk. Of course, she didn't manage it alone—her strong bodyguard had helped. Qin Ran had only asked her to carry one, but the bodyguard effortlessly lifted both, carrying them from the hotel to the car.

Now, the bodyguard sat in the front seat, while Yu Shuman's assistant had happily left to start her vacation. Xiao An, Yu Shuman's assistant, also had time off, since Qin Ran's bodyguard was around to take care of them. Along with Lucy, the three of them had booked a flight that would leave a little later, planning to rest at a hotel first.

They said goodbye to everyone, knowing they wouldn't see each other again until after the New Year.

When they arrived at the airport, the local driver offered to help with the luggage, but the bodyguard was faster. Left with nothing to do, the driver stood awkwardly by the car. Qin Ran, ever the generous spirit, pulled out a red envelope from her pocket. "Happy New Year, see you next year!"

The driver, realizing he'd be working with them again, beamed with joy. Taking the envelope, which felt satisfyingly thick, he exclaimed, "Thank you, boss!"

After saying their goodbyes, the trio headed to the VIP lounge.

As they got closer to home, Qin Ran felt her anxiety rise. Last year, she had visited Yu Shuman's family, but things were different this time. Last year, they were just friends, a simple senior-junior relationship. But now, with their relationship deepening, she worried about what would happen if Yu Shuman's mom noticed something. What if she realized how close they had become?

With these thoughts swirling in her mind, Qin Ran couldn't help but feel tense.

After they landed, they took a taxi to Yu Shuman's apartment complex. Before arriving, the bodyguard got out first, lightly carrying her bag and a small suitcase with ease. Before leaving, she signaled Qin Ran that she was just a call away if needed.

A minute later, the taxi arrived at the complex entrance. As they began unloading the luggage, Yu Shuman's mom emerged, apparently heading out for errands.

"Oh, you girls are back?" Mrs. Yu greeted them and hurried over to help with Yu Shuman's suitcase, but Yu Shuman dodged her and moved ahead, "Yeah, we just got here."

Wrapped snugly in winter clothing, Yu Shuman's mother recognized her daughter immediately, watching her quickly head home. She turned to Qin Ran, offering to take her suitcase. "Come on, Xiao Ran, you must be tired from the trip. Let me help."

Yu Shuman didn't let her mother carry anything; how could Qin Ran allow it? Moreover, Mrs. Yu had suffered from a serious illness before, and although she had mostly recovered, her body was still somewhat frail. Yu Shuman often teased Qin Ran about being weak, but it was mostly in jest. Compared to Mrs. Yu, Qin Ran was young and healthy; she certainly wasn't fragile.

Letting Mrs. Yu carry her luggage? No way! This was her future mother-in-law, after all. Qin Ran quickly replied, "No need, Auntie, it's really not heavy. I can manage."

Mrs. Yu chuckled. "You two are always so considerate. I'm fine. I carry heavy groceries from the market all the time—my body is still strong!"

After a bit more polite conversation, Qin Ran casually asked, "Weren't you heading out for something, Auntie?"

With that reminder, Mrs. Yu remembered, "Oh right! I was going to buy some groceries. You two go ahead inside, I'll be back soon." With a quick turn, Mrs. Yu sped off toward the entrance, disappearing from sight.

By the time Qin Ran caught up with Yu Shuman, she was already out of breath. Dragging luggage in thick winter clothes had worn her out. As they reached their building, Qin Ran finally saw Yu Shuman waiting for her inside the hallway. "Manman, why did you run off so fast?"

Yu Shuman, looking a little embarrassed, turned her head. "It's nothing. It was just cold outside, and I didn't want to be recognized."

She pressed the elevator button, but something about the whole situation felt off. Qin Ran couldn't put her finger on it, but she chalked it up to Yu Shuman feeling anxious about being back home. What she didn't know was that Yu Shuman had already come out to her mother earlier that year. Her mom had even asked her to bring her significant other home for the holidays. Now that Mrs. Yu had seen them together, she undoubtedly knew that Qin Ran was more than just a "friend."

Feeling flustered by this, Yu Shuman's cheeks reddened as she quickly hurried inside.

After pressing the elevator button, Yu Shuman glanced around and asked, "Xiao Ran, did you see my mom?"

"She said she went to buy groceries and told us to head up."

"Oh—"

Wait, Mom just left like that? Without saying anything? She accepted Xiao Ran so calmly?

Yu Shuman was utterly confused. For a moment, she wondered if her mom had forgotten all about her coming out and assumed she had just brought her friend, Xiao Ran, home for a visit.

Yu Shuman's behavior was clearly odd, but Qin Ran, still unaware of the truth, figured she was just nervous about being home. Dragging their suitcases into the elevator, they reached the ninth floor and stepped out. Yu Shuman unlocked the door, and as they entered, they heard a neighbor's voice.

"Yu Jie, I thought you were going to buy groceries. You're back already?"

Before the neighbor could finish, she noticed the two young women. She didn't recognize Qin Ran but had a hunch about who Yu Shuman was, based on the way she was bundled up. Though Yu Shuman was heavily disguised, the neighbor guessed correctly. Her tone brightened instantly.

"Oh, Manman! You just got back?"

"Yeah, Auntie. I just got here. I'll chat with you later." Yu Shuman hurriedly ushered Qin Ran inside and closed the door behind them. Outside, the neighbor muttered, "She's a big star now. Too important to talk to regular folks." But with that, she returned to her own apartment.

Inside, Yu Shuman and Qin Ran set down their luggage. Yu Shuman turned on the heating, and as the room warmed up, she began peeling off her layers: the hat, glasses, mask, scarf—until she was finally free. With a sigh of relief, she said, "Ugh, with all that on, I felt like a Christmas tree! Finally, I can relax."

Qin Ran laughed, unwrapping her own scarf. "Well, you're a very stylish Christmas tree."

The two smiled at each other and rested for a bit before getting to work. Yu Shuman started preparing rice while Qin Ran checked the fridge to see what ingredients they had. She chopped some garlic and scallions, getting everything ready. When Mrs. Yu returned, Qin Ran promptly took over the kitchen, determined to cook dinner herself.

There was no way she was letting Mrs. Yu cook. After all, this was her future mother-in-law. How could she not make a good impression?

Qin Ran: Time to prove what I've learned over the past year!