Chapter 147: Heavenly Immortal Mother and Daughter

Compared to other families reuniting for the New Year, the Lao Cheng household had been missing one person for the past two years.

Yet every member of the Lao Cheng family wore smiles, utterly unconcerned about it.

After all, that final family member was now on television, on that mesmerizing stage.

Watched by tens of millions of households across Shenzhou.

This year was a pivotal one for the Lao Cheng family—the new house had already been built.

A three-story villa, its exterior tiled in ceramic, stood out with striking grandeur among the mud-brick homes.

All household appliances had been fully equipped, arranged by Su Qingya at Cheng Chen's request—just buy, buy, buy!

Otherwise, given the temperaments of the two elders and Cheng Chen's parents.

Even if you gave them a sack full of money, they'd only think of depositing it in the bank for interest.

With housing settled, the two elders were now being pestered daily by Cheng Chen's phone calls to go for medical checkups.

After Cheng Chen's persistent nagging, the two elders finally agreed to let Cheng Chen's parents and his younger uncle and aunt accompany them to the city hospital for a full-body examination.

They'd also stay in the hospital for a few days to rest properly.

In truth, Cheng Chen's own wish was to move the entire family to Jingcheng.

Big cities offered far superior living conditions and amenities than their small hometown village.

But the two elders firmly refused; Cheng Chen's parents felt the same—they didn't want to leave their own plot of land for Jingcheng.

As Grandpa put it, if everyone became a grain-rationed official, who would left to farm the land?

Grandma often said that vegetables grown in their own field tasted best, and oil pressed from their own seeds was the only real flavor.

Just look: during farming season, Cheng Chen's villa was often piled high with rapeseed stalks.

Even the marble floors were used to dry wheat…

Meanwhile, this year marked the year the Cheng men's careers took off.

Cheng Chen, of course, was already legendary—topping the charts, dominating the music scene, unmatched in popularity.

Following Cheng Chen's advice, Cheng Mingliang and Cheng Mingguang bought two storefronts in the county town to run a stationery business.

They worked in the county town normally, but returned home to farm during busy seasons; their mother and younger aunt stayed behind to care for the two elders.

In truth, given Cheng Chen's current wealth, the family didn't need to work at all—they'd never lack food or drink.

But as always, no one wanted to sit idle; everyone preferred to stay busy…

This New Year, the Cheng family was far livelier than ever before—not just their own household and the younger uncle's.

All three aunts' families had also come over to celebrate together.

After dinner, the TV was locked onto the Spring Festival Gala; the women brought prepared dumpling wrappers and fillings into the living room, wrapping dumplings while watching the show and chatting.

The men gathered on the other side of the hall, smoking and playing cards.

The children clustered in small groups, excitedly setting off firecrackers and fireworks in the small courtyard.

"Next, please enjoy 'Where Has All the Time Gone,' performed by Cheng Chen."

Hearing the host's announcement, Cheng Chen's mother, Lu Ling, snapped her head up, dropped the dumpling wrapper in her hand, and shouted:

"Chengzi's on! Everyone, hurry over!"

Those words were like an arrow piercing the clouds—everyone in the house instantly sprinted toward the TV.

The men dropped their cards and snuffed out their cigarettes, rushing over immediately.

The children packed away their fireworks and firecrackers and ran over in a hurry.

As for Grandpa and Grandma, they'd sat beside the TV since finishing dinner, waiting.

…

"Old tree by the gate sprouts new buds, withered wood in the yard blooms again."

"A lifetime's worth of words buried in white hair."

"Memory of tiny feet, chubby little mouth."

"Gave all love to him, just to hear 'Mom and Dad'…"

Inside the house, the entire hall fell utterly silent.

Mother Lu Ling's eyes shimmered with tears as she watched her son on stage, dressed in a white suit, singing with solemn expression.

Lu Ling couldn't help recalling, with each lyric, every small moment of Cheng Chen's childhood.

Behind Cheng Chen hung a series of photo collages.

Everyone listened to the song, stared at the photos—though these weren't their own stories.

Yet when they saw familiar gestures or scenes in the pictures,

Each person felt as if they'd stepped into the story.

Tears streamed down their faces.

"Sister-in-law, Chengzi is singing this song for you and Brother."

The younger aunt patted Lu Ling's hand and whispered.

"Mm."

Lu Ling's eyes reddened, and she nodded once.

Her heart had long flown thousands of miles to her son.

At this moment, all the adults in the hall had reached the age of parenthood.

Listening to Cheng Chen's song, they were filled with profound emotion.

Third Aunt, watching Lu Ling wipe away tears beside her, felt even greater envy for having such a fine son.

Seeing her own son still hunched over, fiddling with his firecracker, she felt a surge of frustration.

A sudden, nameless rage rose—she raised her hand and slapped him across the head.

The child immediately burst into tears, and everyone's gaze instantly shifted to him.

Third Aunt smiled and said:

"So touching—he cried from being moved by his cousin."

……

"Time where did time go.

Before I even truly felt young, I grew old.

I spent my whole life raising children.

My mind was full of nothing but my children crying and laughing.

Time where did time go.

Before I even properly looked at your eyes, they grew dim.

I spent half my life with firewood, rice, oil, and salt.

In the blink of an eye, all that's left is a face full of wrinkles…"

……

"Xixi, it's time to sleep. We have to wake up early tomorrow to pay New Year's visits."

Liu Xiaoli wore a robe, her head wrapped in a towel—clearly she had just finished bathing.

Her elegant curves were hidden beneath the loose robe, and the clear outlines traced by her movements added a unique charm.

This was a ripe peach!

At this moment, Liu Tianxian wore a silk robe, her legs crossed on the sofa, her eyes red as she watched the TV drama.

Hearing her mother's call, Liu Tianxian tore her attention from Cheng Chen on the stage, stretched her arms out, and cooed:

"Mama~"

"What's wrong, Xixi?"

Liu Xiaoli walked over and hugged her daughter.

Since joining the filming crew, her daughter had rarely acted this affectionate toward her.

Though puzzled, her daughter's long-absent closeness deeply warmed her.

She sat down on the sofa with her daughter in her arms, the hem of her robe pinned beneath her.

As her slender body settled, it released astonishing elasticity, its curve like a full moon…

Liu Xiaoli held her daughter in her arms, her gaze lazily drifting toward Cheng Chen on the screen.

She naturally recognized this boy—her daughter was filming "Immortal Sword I" with him as the male and female leads.

From her daughter's words, she learned the boy treated her kindly, often rehearsing lines with her and helping her understand the plot.

She had seen him a few times on set; at first, she thought it was inappropriate for him to be so close to her daughter.

But as she observed, she realized she had overthought it—her daughter was indeed beautiful, yet the boy's gaze toward her held no "that kind of look."

As a single mother, especially one with fair skin, beautiful face, long legs, and excellent singing and dancing skills with refined poise,

wherever she went, men's eyes always followed her.

So having seen many, she understood "that kind of look" better than most.

Of course, if the boy was hiding it deeply, that would be another matter.

The boy had met her a few times, and he never addressed her as "Auntie Liu" by her daughter's generational rank.

Instead, he called her "Teacher Liu"—clearly, he didn't want to make her sound too old, hence this form of address.

Of course, she was very pleased.

A mature woman always felt a cat-and-mouse teasing urge toward younger, handsome men.

Sometimes she even took the field herself to tease him…

Liu Xiaoli sat on the sofa, holding her daughter; the two of them embraced, and from behind, they looked like sisters.

But if you looked from the front,

hmm—the difference… was big, very big.

Of course, plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum each have their admirers; there are always a few eccentric types who prefer the small, believing they can fully control it…

"Is this Cheng Chen's new song?"

Watching the energetic boy on screen, Liu Xiaoli suddenly asked.

"It's a new song, so beautiful—it makes you think of yourself, so moving.

When you grow old, I'll definitely spend more time with you. You've worked so hard, Mama."

Liu Tianxian hugged her mother's arm and whispered softly.

"Hehe, Xixi has grown up, learning to care for her mother. How wonderful."

Liu Xiaoli patted her daughter's arm with satisfaction, smiling.

……

Meanwhile, Cheng Chen's "Time Where Did Time Go" immediately triggered an emotional resonance among listeners.

Many people listened to the song while watching the photos behind it, then unknowingly shed tears.

Many wiped their tears as they watched, especially those migrant workers who couldn't return home for the New Year.

After hearing Cheng Chen's song, they immediately set off for their hometowns.

For these people, the New Year holiday usually lasted only five or six days.

After spending three or four days traveling, they had at most three days at home.

Many would simply call home, explain the situation, and decide not to return.

After all, the round-trip transportation was expensive and time-consuming.

The elders at home, after answering the phone, looked sadly at the prepared New Year goods and piles of fish and meat.

They forced a smile, trying to cheer up, telling their children not to worry about home—just don't come back if you can't.

And Cheng Chen's song, especially that line:

Time Where Did Time Go

Before I even had a good look at your eyes, they grew dim

Half a lifetime spent on rice, oil, salt, and firewood

In the blink of an eye, only wrinkles remain on your face…

It struck straight at people's hearts, making those who had planned not to return home for the New Year immediately begin preparing to go back.

Go home.

It became the first reaction of countless people drifting far from home after hearing this song…

And it was also the moment many witnessed once again Cheng Heavenly King's charm.

Not only did it become popular, but it also gave new life to the main theme.

Not only did it lead China's folk songs into the international scene, but it also made people pay attention to Chinese elements.

Not only did "Confession Balloon" plunge the entire winter into romance, but "Time Where Did Time Go" portrayed family bonds with such shocking emotion.

And it was this Spring Festival Gala that earned Cheng Chen many middle-aged and elderly fans.

That kid on stage sang straight into people's hearts!

…

After finishing his song, Cheng Chen looked at the audience below, many of whom were wiping away tears, and felt a mix of emotions.

While everyone else was already home reunited, he remained drifting far from home.

Of course, this mood arose simply because he had sung with such deep emotion just now.

Seeing the thunderous applause below, Cheng Chen bowed and stepped offstage.

The Spring Festival Gala performance ended for the year; after saying goodbye to staff and friends, he walked toward the outside of the CCTV Building.

On the way, he had just pulled out his phone when it was immediately flooded with congratulatory text messages.

He replied to a few close contacts, sending them his own blessings.

He then called Yan Danchen and Gao Yuanyuan separately to offer his greetings.

Quietly avoiding the reporters waiting at the gate for interviews, Cheng Chen slipped into his own car.

"Let's go, Qiang Ge."

Shi Qiang, the driver and bodyguard, had been waiting inside the car all along.

"Got it."

Shi Qiang replied cheerfully, then started the car and drove toward home.

When they arrived home, Cheng Chen handed Shi Qiang a red envelope. Shi Qiang was about to refuse, but Cheng Chen smiled and said:

"Qiang Ge, don't refuse—today you waited for me all day and didn't even get to eat the New Year's Eve dinner at home.

This red envelope is for your little nephew's lucky money; just take it, and pass on my greetings to your wife."

Shi Qiang scratched his head, took the thick red envelope with a simple smile, and said:

"Thank you, Boss Cheng. My little Xiao Shitou really likes your songs."

Hearing Shi Qiang's words, Cheng Chen felt a quiet pride.

Through today's "Time Where Did Time Go," he was certain to gain a wave of middle-aged and elderly fans.

Songs about family hit them hardest—and now, hearing that his five-year-old son adored him,

His fanbase was nearly ageless. Who else in the music industry could claim such an achievement?

"Qiang Ge, which of my songs does Xiao Shitou like the most?"

"'Brave Lone Warrior'!"

At this, Cheng Chen fell silent.

Shi Qiang continued, oblivious:

"Not just him—even his kindergarten classmates all know how to sing it. They sing it in class, after class, and at home!

I heard that in their middle school's junior division, after losing a sports meet,

The whole class cried while singing Boss Cheng's 'Brave Lone Warrior' to cheer themselves on, vowing to win the championship next year!"

"Qiang Ge, I'm a bit tired—I'm going inside. Happy New Year."

After a moment of silence, Cheng Chen suddenly said.

"Got it, Boss Cheng. Happy New Year to you too. I'll come pick you up for the airport tomorrow."

Cheng Chen waved his hand without turning back.

"Maybe Boss Cheng got a little heady hearing how famous he is among kids. Yeah, that must be it."

Watching Cheng Chen's back, Shi Qiang muttered to himself.

Back home, Cheng Chen went into the bathroom and took a long, thorough shower.

Afterward, he browsed the internet for a while.

At this time, the internet wasn't as advanced as in the future—when something happened here, self-media outlets didn't instantly rush to cover it.

As if their editors never rested.

Still, despite the underdeveloped internet, there were news stories about Cheng Chen.

All of them about the aftermath of the live Spring Festival Gala broadcast.

"'Cheng Heavenly King's New Song Makes Audience Cry—Heartwarming and Touching!'"

"'Time Where Did Time Go? Cheng Chen's New Song Makes a Strong Debut—Undoubtedly the Biggest Highlight of This Year's Spring Festival Gala!'"

"《Becoming the Second Person to Appear on the Spring Festival Gala, Cheng Chen Has Never Disappointed Anyone When It Comes to Singing! 》"

All the reviews about him were positive; when you think about it, that makes sense.

Songs like "Where Has All the Time Gone," with their warm, touching emotion, are bound to resonate deeply and never provoke any aversion.

Cheng Chen was browsing the web, but at that moment, a little girl was tossing and turning in bed, unable to sleep.

After watching Cheng Chen's performance and being urged by her mother to go to sleep, she sent him a blessing text message from her bed.

But it was already past midnight, and Cheng Chen still hadn't replied to her message.

Could it be that he received too many messages and didn't see hers?

Why is he ignoring me again?

……

——————Extra Notes——————

Thank you to Elder Long Hun for your previous tips—I forgot to thank you before, hahaha! Thank you to Qing Feng—Ershisan Brother for your tip, and thank you all, brothers, for your support!