Although Ethan Yin is a son born of a concubine, the Yin Family currently has only these two brothers.
Besides, Chief Mrs. Yin values her husband's younger brother so much that marrying into the family is sure to be a good choice.
Moreover, although the second young master of the Yin Family may not be as dazzling as his elder brother, he is still a handsome and charming aristocrat with considerable wealth.
As a result, countless people across the country and even the world are keeping an eye on him.
Ultimately, the decision about Ethan Yin’s marriage rested with Cecilia Gu, which surprised everyone. But after thinking it over, they all understood.
Cecilia Gu is now the undisputed mistress of the Yin Family. Even though she hasn’t officially returned yet, who would dare say she doesn’t have authority in the Yin Family?
Not to mention, she holds a significant number of Yin Enterprises shares, and her son is the next heir of the Yin Family. Just listen to Mr. Yin lately—he can’t stop talking about his wife, Cecilia.
Even a blind person can see which way the wind is blowing at Yin Enterprises these days.
Weddings have become mere formalities now. Whoever meets Cecilia Gu must respectfully address her as Mrs. Charles Yin.
So, currying favor with Chief Mrs. Yin has become the number one priority for countless socialites.
Except for a few restricted areas, every vacant courtyard in the Yun Family estate was covered with carpets and outfitted with everything needed to entertain guests.
Thanks to the lush greenery and spacious grounds of the Yun Family, they even opened a side gate and expanded a side courtyard into the main area to accommodate all the guests.
Cecilia Gu could already imagine how many people would show up on her birthday.
The Yun Family had prepared dozens of outfits and accessories for Cecilia, none of which were haute couture or made by famous designers.
But every stitch of these clothes was carefully sewn by Jane Xiao and Mrs. Yun themselves.
It took them an entire year to make these dozens of outfits, cutting and sewing bit by bit. Every embroidered flower was a labor of love from both women.
The jewelry was designed by Mrs. Yun herself and custom-made by their family’s jewelry company.
Cecilia wasn’t upset at all that these outfits weren’t haute couture. Instead, she happily tried on each one, took selfies, and posted the beautiful photos on Weibo with a caption: 'The greatest designers and artists in the world are moms. Thank you to my two moms for making these clothes—I’m so happy and grateful!'
Soon, Cecilia’s Weibo post received over 100,000 likes and tens of thousands of shares.
Charles Yin replied sourly beneath the post: 'Honey, you still haven’t followed me yet...'
He even added a pouty emoji at the end.
That comment was instantly pushed to the top by countless fans, who started tagging Cecilia, pleading with her to follow Charles Yin since he sounded so pitiful.
But Cecilia closed Weibo right after posting and didn’t see any of it.
So, a bunch of fans flocked to Charles Yin’s account to comfort him.
Just like years ago, Charles Yin downloaded every selfie Cecilia posted, then reposted them with a caption: 'My mother-in-law may not be a world-class fashion designer, but she’s a globally renowned artist and cultural icon. Big thumbs up to my mother-in-law and my wife.'
Fans flooded the comments: 'Mr. Yin, as the perfect husband, when are you finally going to hold a wedding and bring your wife home?'
Charles Yin actually replied seriously: 'Just wait for my good news!'
The fans went wild after seeing Charles Yin’s reply, exploding with excitement!
Two days before the birthday, guests started showing up. These were people of slightly lower status who didn’t have invitations and weren’t qualified to attend the actual birthday party, but they still came, eager to present their gifts.
Even though they showed up uninvited, the Yun Family remained polite and sent everyone who brought a gift home with a return present.
At moments like this, Cecilia realized just how formidable her parents truly were.
Every butler and servant in the house was impeccably polite. Even if guests arrived without invitations, they were always treated with respect and hospitality.
No wonder the Yun Family was known as the leading cultural household in Y Province.
As the birthday girl, Cecilia was technically supposed to greet the guests.
But following family tradition, the Yun Family didn’t let Cecilia make a public appearance. She was to stay home and wait for her birthday to arrive in peace.
A servant knocked and brought in some pastries. 'Second Miss, Madam asked me to bring these to you.'
Cecilia nodded, picked up a piece, and took a bite. Hm? This taste... Wasn’t it just like the first pastry she had when she came to the Yun Family three years ago?
Was she feeling nostalgic?
Cecilia smiled, just about to take another bite when her stomach suddenly churned.
She quickly put the pastry down. How strange—her diet had been normal lately, so why was she feeling nauseous?
Maybe it was just a case of adjusting to the local food?
Before she could think it over, Cecilia heard the voices of Miles Gu and Mia Gu outside: 'Mom! Mom!'
Cecilia’s face lit up instantly and she stood up.
She looked up to see Miles and Mia racing in. Cecilia crouched down with open arms, and the two kids dove right into her embrace.
'Mom, we missed you so much!' Miles hugged Cecilia’s neck, whining, 'Ever since you came to Grandma’s house, you haven’t thought about me. I’m not happy.'
Mia chimed in, 'Mom, you haven’t video-chatted with us in days.'
Cecilia ruffled their hair and said, 'Alright, I know I was wrong. Will you forgive me? Come on, since Mom’s birthday is coming up, don’t hold it against me, okay?'
Mia immediately switched sides. 'Miles, let’s not be mad at Mom...'
Miles gave Mia a helpless look. 'Brother, we agreed...'
Cecilia quickly said, 'Come here, Grandma made you some beautiful clothes. Want to try them on?'
Miles and Mia’s eyes lit up. 'We get some too?'
'Of course you do!' Cecilia took each child by the hand, led them into the walk-in closet, and opened a box. Inside were two identical little outfits.
'These aren’t designer clothes from world-famous brands, but Grandma made every stitch herself. Does that bother you?' Cecilia teased. 'Maybe these outfits would only sell for a few hundred yuan outside—about enough to buy a pair of fancy socks.'
'Mom, you’re so naughty, saying that on purpose! Hmph, you can’t fool us.' Miles pouted. 'You have Grandma to spoil you—we’re jealous! When will you make clothes for us, Mom?'
Mia nodded. 'I want to wear clothes made by Mom too, but I also love the ones Grandma made.'
Cecilia tapped Miles’s nose. 'When you stop being so mischievous, I’ll make you some.'
Miles immediately clung to Cecilia, acting cute. 'Mom, I’m always good! I love you the most! Please spoil me, Mom!'
Miles hugged Cecilia and showered her with kisses, pulling out all the stops to win her over.
Just then, Mrs. Yun walked in and saw the two kids clinging to Cecilia. She said, 'Alright, stop pestering your mom. Grandma will make clothes for you!'
'Grandma!' Mia turned and hugged Mrs. Yun. 'Thank you, Grandma!'
Mrs. Yun smiled. 'Come on, I just made some delicious pastries shaped like little animals. Let’s go eat them and let your mom rest.'
'Mom, I don’t need to rest…' Cecilia couldn’t help but protest.
'Just rest when I tell you to! Why so many questions?' Mrs. Yun said mysteriously, 'Alright, my sweet grandkids are here. I’ll take care of them—you just relax.'
With that, Mrs. Yun took the two kids away. 'Sweethearts, Grandma has a secret to tell you—remember, it’s a secret!'
Cecilia could only shake her head helplessly. This was shaping up to be her grandest, yet most relaxing birthday ever.
Outside, things were hectic, but inside the house, Cecilia was kept out of sight and told to rest in her room.
She was still so young—why did she need so much rest anyway?
Nora Mu arrived early with Jiro Hirayama, and the three of them lounged comfortably in rocking chairs, sunbathing together.
Every so often, a servant would bring over delicious pastries. Nora Mu ate so much, she didn’t want to go home anymore.
'Aunt Yun’s skills are amazing! After tasting her pastries, I never want to eat anyone else’s.' Nora Mu was delighted by the beautiful, flower-shaped treats, and couldn’t bear to eat the animal-shaped ones—she wanted to take them home as decorations.
'That works! My parents are moving back to N City to teach, so you can just live in their villa and become their daughter!' Cecilia replied lazily.
'Don’t tempt me! I just might do it!' Nora Mu shot Cecilia a look. 'Seriously, you’re something else—getting your parents hired as professors at St. Diya Academy. You’re such a troublemaker.'
Cecilia popped a pastry into her mouth, finally easing the queasy feeling in her stomach.
'Yeah, yeah, I’m a troublemaker,' Cecilia echoed with zero sincerity. 'So, Miss Perfect Nora Mu, I heard you’re planning to introduce Jiro Hirayama to your family? How are you going to explain him?'
Nora Mu stiffened. 'You know about that? I didn’t have a choice—Shang Ke was leaving, so I had to see him off. Jiro got upset, and I had to say it. Who knew he’d take it seriously? Now he’s happily preparing gifts to meet my family… Am I digging my own grave?'
Cecilia almost burst out laughing. 'You do realize what you’re getting into, right?'