Chapter 48: The Feeling of Being Pampered

Fu Yanli’s fingers were slender and well-defined, with slightly callused pads. They looked gentle and harmless, but only Jiang Shunnian knew the intense presence they carried when they entered.

Even one finger felt a bit much—two was something he didn’t even want to imagine.

And given Young Master Fu’s girth, it would take at least four fingers.

Four? There was no way he could manage that!

But faced with Fu Yanli’s “moral guilt-tripping,” Jiang Shunnian thought it over and cheerfully decided that people didn’t need to be so moral after all.

“Then just think of me as heartless,” Jiang Shunnian said, arching his brows with a huff. “You’re the one who likes me.”

Fu Yanli stared at Jiang Shunnian on the screen, amusement deepening in his eyes.

That tsundere attitude was just like a pretty little cat—clearly craving a human’s touch but pretending to be utterly indifferent.

After saying it, Jiang Shunnian felt he’d been a bit too affected. He was about to backpedal when he met Fu Yanli’s smiling gaze. Those eyes were so deep that Jiang Shunnian felt a flush of embarrassment. “What are you looking at?”

“Shunnian, I’ve always wondered whose lively spirit Nono got,” Fu Yanli said gently. “Turns out it’s inherited from you.”

All this time, Jiang Shunnian had come across as mild-tempered, soft like dough with no sharp edges—as if anyone could push him around. Even when cornered, he wouldn’t fight back; instead, he’d harbor some extreme thoughts.

That was because he’d grown up without parents to protect or pamper him. Grievances had nowhere to go, no one to help, so he’d gradually suppressed his true personality.

After meeting Fu Yanli, no matter what he did, it felt like someone had his back. Jiang Shunnian hadn’t even noticed it himself, but his real character was emerging—he could even banter with Fu Yanli now.

Jiang Shunnian understood the implication, and his eyes suddenly stung. He quickly ducked his head to hide it, huffing on: “Being like me is great. Otherwise, you’d have another mini-you, and Auntie would have a headache.”

“Whatever my wife says is right.”

“Who’s your wife? Don’t call me that!”

“Okay, wife.”

“You’re still doing it!”

Maybe love was what made the timid brave and the mature childish. Jiang Shunnian loved this version of himself.

He’d slept well, so the next morning, he woke up glowing. Yu Yanchen took one look and whistled. “Bro, what skincare are you using? Your vibe is unreal.”

“I didn’t use anything. Must be natural good looks,” Jiang Shunnian said with a grin.

Yu Yanchen sensed something off. How had Jiang Shunnian gotten so lively? And was that the sour stink of love in the air?

Today’s event was at the ultra-popular Shopping Plaza. The promo booth was already set up, and since it was Saturday, foot traffic was massive.

Half an hour before the event started, Lin Weiyu rushed over. Spotting Jiang Shunnian and Yu Yanchen, he smiled and came to greet them.

Lin Weiyu hadn’t changed much, but his features looked even more refined. After Jiang Shunnian’s reminder to rediscover his passion, he’d finished filming and asked his sugar daddy to hook him up with a one-on-one acting coach—20,000 yuan per session.

He’d been studying steadily for months and had already landed the male lead in a big production, ready to test his skills in the new drama.

“I just got cast in a drama—S-grade rating, ancient costume political intrigue with an ensemble cast. If you’re interested, I can get you auditions,” Lin Weiyu offered proactively.

But Jiang Shunnian was already eyeing a new project: a Republic-era spy thriller he was keen on, with auditions in December.

Yu Yanchen wasn’t short on work either. After Pei Qingyi repositioned him, he’d been handed three dramas in a row—he was about to join the next crew.

Lin Weiyu wasn’t disappointed. It was great that everyone had gigs.

He loved acting with Jiang Shunnian because his skills were top-notch. He wanted to share scenes again, to see if he’d improved.

“The drama starts shooting after the New Year. Hit me up anytime if you need it.”

“Sounds good. Thanks.”

In S City, Nono had met up with Atticus and Lu Yunchuan bright and early. Fu Yanli, the only reliable adult, naturally tagged along.

Today, Lu Yunchuan was buying his dad Lu Qinghe a cashmere overcoat. Nono wanted to get gifts for both his dads too—even if it meant dipping into Big Dad’s money, the cub felt no guilt. His intentions mattered most.

Influenced by his little pals, Atticus decided to get something for his old man overseas.

The three cubs sat facing each other in a business Bentley, deep in discussion about recent investment strategies. Their talk was impressively professional—bilingual, no less.

If outsiders saw this, they’d be floored. Had human kids evolved this far?

To Fu Yanli, though, it was still pretty childish. He had zero interest in joining.

He was busy texting Jiang Shunnian.

Jiang Shunnian asked what Nono was up to. Fu Yanli replied: plotting the foundation of their future business empire.

Intrigued, Jiang Shunnian demanded a video.

What could Fu Yanli do? Ever since last night, when his wife had him pinned, he’d never escape her palm.

He propped up his phone and recorded a clip.

Jiang Shunnian opened it right away, waving Yu Yanchen over. The two academic losers were stunned speechless.

Lin Weiyu, curious, leaned in too. Thirty seconds later, all three wore matching shocked faces.

“Your kid’s growth rate is straight-up hacked,” Lin Weiyu marveled. “I can already picture Nono as the world’s richest man.”

Yu Yanchen nodded vigorously, inserting himself: “Doesn’t that make me the godfather to the world’s richest? Damn, then any resource I want, Nono snaps his fingers and hooks me up with a hundred?”

Jiang Shunnian chimed in: “Absolutely. We’ll all follow President Nuo from now on.”

Fu Yanli and his group of four arrived at the mall. The Shopping Plaza was one of S City’s landmarks—the land owned by the Fu Family long-term, designed by a top domestic architect who’d even won awards for it.

The first floor housed skincare and makeup; some big brands only merited a single counter here, not even a full store.

They headed straight to the second-floor menswear section. Lu Yunchuan, pockets stuffed with 20,000 yuan in “big bucks,” entered a shop and zeroed in on a black cashmere overcoat.

It was sleek and minimalist, no flashy frills, and the quality screamed premium. He pointed at it and asked the sales assistant, “Sis, do you have this in L size? How much?”

She smiled. “Hello, This is Prada’s new fall model—currently discounted to 69,880 yuan after markup.”

Lu Yunchuan’s face froze. How much?

Nono blinked, stunned. That coat was expensive.

Only Atticus thought, Not bad, pretty cheap. His last limited-edition piece ran 320,000.

Fu Yanli stood by with arms crossed, sneering inwardly. This punk kid—how’s he supposed to make Nono happy? Can’t even afford a damn coat.

Then Nono spoke up: “Yunchuan, I’ve got money. I’ll cover you for now—you pay me back next dividend round.”

Fu Yanli: …!!!

Nono, you fool! Don’t spot him cash like that!

Nono’s eyes went wide in shock. Lu Yunchuan has two dads too!

They were the same!

Lu Yunchuan looked dazed but sensed no malice from Uncle Pei—in fact, he instinctively trusted him.

But two dads? Wait, Nono had two.

Frowning in thought, Lu Yunchuan said, “Then let’s do a paternity test first.”

Pei Qingrong hadn’t expected it to be so straightforward. Yesterday afternoon, he’d staked out the Fu Corporation Building and nabbed Lu Qinghe on sight—but didn’t approach, just tailed him. Saw him pick up the kid at Fu School.

He was 99% sure: this was his and Lu Qinghe’s child, given Lu Qinghe’s unique constitution.

He’d followed them home, then this morning lurked at their complex entrance. Saw Fu Yanli pick up Lu Yunchuan, so he’d followed.

Lu Qinghe was adamant about denying him—maybe the son was the breakthrough.

“Sure, I’ll get the paternity test done. But can we exchange contacts?” Pei Qingrong said, thrilled at the smooth progress. “I’ll send you the results.”

Lu Yunchuan nodded, swapping info with Pei Qingrong.

Pei Qingrong offered to pay, but Lu Yunchuan refused—for now. Wait for the results.

He could borrow Nono’s in the meantime.

Pei Qingrong thanked Nono profusely, snagged a strand of Lu Yunchuan’s hair, and headed for the test.

Fu Yanli helpfully suggested Shen Boheng’s old contact. The plot felt increasingly familiar. So Lu Qinghe was a Runaway with the Ball too?

Did all their shy bottoms love this trope? Wasn’t it unfair to the tops?

Who’d speak for them?

Fu Yanli felt aggrieved. Time to demand more perks from Jiang Shunnian.

But the event was starting—Jiang Shunnian had no time for romance. He fired off an emoji and handed his phone to his assistant.

Fu Yanli: …

The promo booth featured their drama’s posters—handsome guys and beauties drawing eyes. Crowds of passersby had already gathered. As the cast hit the stage, camera shutters clicked wildly.

Fans who recognized them started chanting names.

Lin Weiyu had the biggest star power, so highest cheers, followed by Jiang Shunnian.

He’d been MIA from promos forever, thanks to Nono the Great King’s sky-high popularity. Fans couldn’t see Nono often, so they settled for Jiang Shunnian as a proxy.

Jiang Shunnian was rusty at first, but as a supporting role, the host focused on the leads.

Questions about fun on-set moments, character insights—Lin Weiyu and Chen Letong were prepped, nailing their analyses.

Lin Weiyu clearly wanted to repay Jiang Shunnian, even shouting him out for acting tips.

But the host’s question was a trap: “Jiang Shunnian, Lin’s praising you so much—do you think your own acting is good?”

The room’s vibe shifted. Everyone smelled the shade.

Lin Weiyu bristled, face cold, ready to clap back.

Who was this host? Brain-dead?

Jiang Shunnian channeled Nono’s logic, smiled gracefully, and replied: “Lin appreciates my help and endorses my skills; my fans love me, call my acting vivid—it’s validation and motivation. If those who care affirm it, I won’t deny it. Going forward, for them, for myself, I’ll keep improving, delivering more captivating roles without letting anyone down. Starlight Bestowed on You premieres soon—please check it out and see if my skills have leveled up after four years.”

Jiang Shunnian nearly laughed in exasperation. What kind of nonsense is this? He seriously doubted the host’s professionalism.

It wasn’t unheard of for celebrities to get grilled by hosts like this; it was just Jiang Shunnian’s first time dealing with it.

“This doesn’t really have much to do with promoting the drama, but I do have some bragging to do—thanks for the opportunity,” Jiang Shunnian’s smile remained gentle. “A couple days ago, Nono transferred me some money and told me to spend it freely, saying he’d take care of me from now on. It’s his first pot of gold. I feel incredibly lucky, incredibly happy. Not only did Nono bring me some buzz, he even covers my pocket money now. I honestly have no idea what I’d have to be jealous about.”

The interview clip spread online in no time. Plenty of people blasted the host, but Nono’s fans erupted in celebration once again.

[I knew our President Nono was extraordinary—earning his first pot of gold at four? Listen to that, such unfamiliar words.]

[What if I ask Jiang Shunnian for President Nono? Would he hit me?]

[I’m different. I want to join President Nono’s family!]

[I’ll just be a little accessory, that’s all.]

Sure enough, a hot search topic for Nono popped up right away.

How to Get President Nono’s Attention#