Chapter 45: Nono the Great King’s Birthday

The incident on the day Jiang Shunnian wrapped filming had been thoroughly investigated. It was a newbie from the props team named Li Wenqiang who had swapped out the prop right before shooting began.

But he stubbornly denied it, claiming only that the original prop was damaged, so he’d replaced it. Besides, the extras weren’t really going to shoot arrows at Jiang Shunnian—no danger at all.

Fu Yanli suppressed all the information and had someone report it to the police, charging attempted murder and getting the man detained.

However, Fu Corporation’s lawyers analyzed the case and concluded that since Jiang Shunnian hadn’t been injured—and based on the scene, it was unlikely to have been lethal—even if convicted, the sentence wouldn’t be heavy. A few years at most, and he’d be out.

Moreover, with Li Wenqiang taking full responsibility, Qin Guanyue was unlikely to be arrested.

—After all, the Qin Group’s influence was still massive. Qin Guanting couldn’t just let his brother go down.

Fu Yanli didn’t drop the pursuit. He dug into Li Wenqiang’s background and discovered that the man’s trusted wife had transferred a huge sum from their account straight to her younger brother back home, who used it to buy a house.

Fu Yanli leaked this intel to Li Wenqiang. The man broke down, cursing his wife for a full ten minutes.

The police used the wife as a wedge, gradually cracking Li Wenqiang’s defenses. He finally confessed: yes, he’d been instructed by someone. He even handed over a hidden phone he’d used to contact the man.

A quick trace led police to the phone number of Qin Guanyue’s assistant.

The assistant hadn’t expected Li Wenqiang to flip on them, but he wasn’t worried—Qin Guanyue would surely protect him.

His statement? The boss just had it out for Jiang Shunnian and wanted to give him a scare, nothing more. No intent to harm.

But the premeditation was obvious. Police didn’t slack off, hitting him with relentless interrogations until the assistant nearly spilled other secrets.

Then, a mysterious force intervened, securing the assistant’s immediate release.

Fu Yanli had been monitoring the whole thing. The moment that force mobilized, he followed the trail and uncovered who they were.

Jiang Shunnian knew little of the business world, but Fu Yanli was a master of its unspoken rules. The Qin Family looked battered on the surface, but their foundations hadn’t been shaken.

Hadn’t the last false accusation scandal already faded from all discussion? Even Fu Yanli couldn’t touch it.

So he switched tactics: target the Qin Group’s protectors.

They’d hidden deep, but Qin Guanyue’s blunder—targeting Jiang Shunnian—left them exposed under Fu Yanli’s relentless chase.

Next up: gather evidence of their connections and any illegal dealings.

What kind of “good” people could shield the Qins? Birds of a feather, all corrupt to the core.

Fu Yanli aimed for total annihilation. His method? Cut off their protection at the source.

Easier than toppling the group itself.

He told Jiang Shunnian everything. Jiang was stunned—never imagining a simple prop swap could unravel such a chain.

His old life had been too sheltered, he realized. Fu Yanli’s world was rife with intrigue, blades flashing in every shadow.

“Don’t worry,” Fu Yanli soothed him. “I’ll tread carefully. Once they’re all locked up, Nono’s fate will be changed forever.”

Jiang Shunnian obsessed over freeing Nono from his destiny, but he worried for Fu Yanli too. “Just be careful—no risks. Even hearing this makes my heart race.”

“I will. Relax.”

At the Qin Group.

Qin Guanting raged at Qin Guanyue again: “Didn’t I warn you not to touch Jiang Shunnian? What did you do? You even reached out to that one!”

Qin Guanyue had stewed in fury at the time. He’d coerced so many starlets before—never taken such a hit. Always extravagant, his liquid assets were thin; losing tens of millions stung deep.

In a fit of rage, he’d arranged the prop swap, even sabotaging the cameras—except he missed one. Fu Yanli still nailed him.

His assistant had handled plenty of his dirty work; he couldn’t abandon him. Fearing Qin Guanting’s wrath, he’d secretly called in that protector to bail the man out.

Days passed with no further moves from Fu Yanli, but Qin Guanting couldn’t fully relax. Smarter than his brother, he sensed a grander game afoot—just not the endgame.

Could it be… No, too far-fetched. Impossible.

His eyes darkened with malice. If Fu Yanli pushed that far, he’d have no choice but to fight to the death.

Nono’s eyes went wide at first sight. He froze, staring in disbelief, confirming with Shen Lingyi over and over: “Grandma, this castle is really mine?”

Nono’s eyes welled up. He flung himself into her arms, his little milky voice choking: “Thank you, Grandma. Thank you, Grandpa. Thank you, Grandpa Shen. Nono loves you all so much. So much.”

So good. Nono has so many who love him.

His hand was suddenly clasped. Fu Yanli’s steady voice murmured: “Shunnian, the Fu Family will make your birthday just as special.”

Jiang Shunnian didn’t reply, just squeezed back slowly.

Nono dove in first at the invite. Jiang Shunnian, intrigued, followed eagerly.

Inside was a fairy-tale dream: painted walls, whimsical furniture, viewing lounges, chill zones.

Most space for holograms.

Nono picked cosmic starfield first. Instantly, the universe bloomed around them—mystical, dreamy, planets orbiting close. With sensor gloves, you could grab stars, zoom in and out, explore worlds, even hear galaxy facts.

Then ocean depths. Strapped in, they floated underwater, interacting with fish, dodging predators.

Nono beamed. Jiang Shunnian itched to try: “Nono, can I pick a game?”

“Of course, Daddy.” Nono handed over the controller cheerfully.

Jiang scanned options, starting simple: fruit slicing. Sensors on, he slashed wildly, grinning.

Puzzle games hit his blind spot—Fu Yanli and Nono carried him. Hunting clues, cracking codes: big and little wore matching cool expressions, syncing perfectly like pros.

Watching father and son blaze through, Jiang Shunnian felt that spark—what they called sapiosexuality.

He snapped a phone pic.

Next, shooter game—pew pew! But his aim sucked; half his shots missed.

Then warm arms wrapped from behind, guiding his. “Shunnian, focus,” Fu Yanli murmured as Jiang glanced back.

A thrill shot through him, tingling. He refocused, and with Fu’s lead, they cleared all foes.

Games are this fun? Jiang Shunnian thought, reluctant to quit.

“If you’re hooked, I’ll take you for live-action CS next time.”

Jiang eyed him curiously. “Fu Yanli, you didn’t train with real ones, did you?”

“Trained.” Fu Yanli pinched his cheek, grinning. “Atticus’s dad is sending instructors soon—evasion tactics, survival extremes. Nono’ll join. Kidnappings spiked years back, but now families prioritize heir training. Travel’s cautious; incidents are down.”

Jiang Shunnian frowned slightly, hoping neither ever faced it.

After dinner, Shen Lingyi outlined tomorrow: “Family photos in the morning, lunch with guests, fireworks at night.”

Far from the city, fireworks were fine—with Shen Boheng’s fire safeguards for a spectacular show.

Jiang Shunnian listened, smiling.

Past birthdays were just father-son coziness—warm, but nothing like this grandeur.

It seemed perfect already—until Shen Boheng unveiled a box of Nono’s trading cards.

Some from Baby Travel Plan stunning shots; others Q-version art by pros, capturing Nono’s cuteness irresistibly.

Shen Boheng handed Jiang a phone-charm version: “Shunnian, entertainment circles love these now. Had sets made. Clip it on your case—for shoots when video calls aren’t easy, gaze at our little lord.”

Digital pics lacked tactile joy; old photos weren’t portable. These cards nailed it.

Jiang was overjoyed—Nono merch? He clipped it on instantly.

His phone turned adorable.

Fu Yanli picked one for his.

Shen Lingyi and Fu Shizhang were shocked at Shen Boheng’s trendiness, grabbing theirs too.

Nono gawked at first, then blushed shyly at their delight.

Cuddling into Jiang Shunnian, he said earnestly: “Daddy, when I’m not with you, my card will keep you company.”

“Good boy!” Jiang smooched his perfect kid.

Top-quality cards, premium materials. Jiang flipped through the pack, loving every one—nearly posted to Weibo.

He held back. He adored them; fans might too—but Nono wasn’t debuting. No fan economy. Gifting millions? Impossible.

Jiang rarely posted Nono pics—side profiles at most.

As Nono grew, his features mirrored Fu Yanli’s more—especially those mystic gold eyes, like clones.

Fu Yanli had gone viral online lately, photos everywhere. Link them? Explanations needed.

Not time to go public yet.

Sorry to disappoint fans, but protection first.

That night, Nono was originally going to sleep in his own room, but Jiang Shunnian suddenly felt reluctant to let go. His precious little one was about to have his birthday, and soon he would shed his childish innocence, growing into a spirited young teen and eventually a full-grown man who no longer needed his dad’s hugs or lifts.

These days of being able to hold him close would only grow fewer.

“Nono, Daddy wants to sleep with you,” Jiang Shunnian said, holding his son tight and refusing to let go.

Nono patted Jiang Shunnian’s shoulder soothingly. “Okay, Daddy. I’m always here.”

Fu Yanli, naturally, had the nerve to follow them in.

As they lay in bed, Nono pillowed his head on Jiang Shunnian’s arm, his little hands spread wide to hug him. The father and son were so intimate and warm that Fu Yanli, lying beside them, felt a bit lonely.

But Fu Yanli had long arms. With one motion, he pulled both Jiang Shunnian and Nono into his embrace.

Feeling the warmth and love from both his daddies, Nono fell asleep with a sweet smile on his face.

Fu Yanli could sense the complex emotions stirring in Jiang Shunnian. Once Nono had drifted off, he comforted him in a low voice, slipping in his own agenda: “Shunnian, kids have their own lives. As fathers, sometimes we can only watch from behind as they charge ahead. But it’s different with a partner—we can be together forever. I’ll always be by your side.”

Jiang Shunnian lowered his gaze, pondering it over. Fu Yanli was right.

In the future, Nono would have his own life, build his own family, have his own intimate partner and kids.

By then, Jiang Shunnian certainly wouldn’t force his way in and end up alone. He would need someone to keep him company.

And Fu Yanli was the one and only best choice.

In the darkness of the night, Jiang Shunnian looked at Fu Yanli and said warmly, “Okay, we’ll keep each other company.”

Fu Yanli leaned in gently, cherishingly pressing a kiss to his forehead.

The next morning, Nono woke up first thing. Jiang Shunnian immediately gave him his birthday wishes: “Baby, happy birthday! Daddy hopes you’ll always be healthy and safe.”

He could provide Nono with everything else, but health and safety required his sincerest prayers.

“Thank you, Daddy!” Nono planted a kiss on Jiang Shunnian.

Fu Yanli offered his blessings too: “Nono, happy birthday. Big Dad hopes you’ll be happy and healthy too.”

Nono gave Fu Yanli another kiss.

Next, Nono kissed Shen Lingyi, Fu Shizhang, and Shen Boheng, keeping his little guy busy right from the start of the day.

In the morning, everyone changed into newly tailored outfits in the same style—clearly marking them as one family. Shen Boheng took photos for them.

As the all-purpose butler, photography was something he handled with masterful ease. Every shot came out perfect.

Atticus and Lu Yunchuan arrived almost at the same time. Lu Qinghe had originally planned to drop off his son and leave, but Jiang Shunnian pulled him aside and convinced him to stay.

He was still quite socially anxious, finding a quiet corner to sit in. The Fu Family respected his space and didn’t disturb him.

Jiang Shunnian had also invited Yu Yanchen and Pei Qingyi.

As Nono’s godfather, Yu Yanchen had to come. Pei Qingyi, as their boss, had always taken good care of him and Nono, so Jiang Shunnian tentatively invited him. To his surprise, Pei Qingyi happened to be free and came along with Yu Yanchen.

The moment Yu Yanchen saw Nono, he rushed over, scooped him up, and lifted him high into the air. He then pulled out two hefty gold bangles and slipped them onto Nono’s wrists. “Ever since I met Nono, my luck’s gotten way better. Come on, come on—Godfather didn’t know what to get you, so here are two bangles, haha!”

The bangles were solid and heavy; Nono felt the weight on his wrists.

Yu Yanchen was genuinely thrilled. His latest drama was wrapping up, and he felt confident about it. The production had been meticulous, so once it aired, it would surely boost his fame. Plus, President Pei had lined up two small ad gigs for him—decent exposure and good pay.

“Oh right, Shunnian, you know about it, yeah? That mini web drama we shot before, Starlight Bestowed on You, is about to air. Promotion’s kicking off soon—feels like forever ago, haha,” Yu Yanchen said.

“Yeah, we’ll attend events together.”

Jiang Shunnian also felt time flying by. In this period, he’d done a ton of work. In just half a year, he’d shot three dramas (all supporting roles) and two ads, with the second one starting soon.

Zhao Yuanzhou had picked out a few more scripts for him, and he was choosing among them.

The roles he was taking now were still supporting ones. Though he was popular, his status wasn’t high enough yet, and he wasn’t tapping Shixu’s resources. He wanted to advance steadily through his own efforts.

Maybe next year or the year after, he could land a lead role.

By then, he hoped to snag a few awards with his acting chops.

Pei Qingyi hadn’t changed much—still his cool-on-the-outside, warm-on-the-inside self. He smiled as he handed over his gift, about to say something, when his gaze flicked over and accidentally landed on Lu Qinghe. His brows furrowed slightly.

Was he seeing things? Why did that guy look just like the person from the photo his cousin always carried?