Wealthy Woof Chapter 140

Moonlit: the last chapter o(⸝⸝o̴̶̷᷄ ᎔ o̴̶̷̥᷅⸝⸝)o

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Three countries, seven cities, and twenty-seven days of filming. By the time everyone returned, the reporters squatting at the airport had already snatched up the headlines the moment they appeared. No one knew where this group had gone to film, but every single one of them had tanned by almost two shades. And yet, walking at the very end, Zuo Ning, who looked radiant and glowing even while wearing sunglasses, remained as pale as ever.

An Xin, who had gotten closest to Zuo Ning during this period, leaned toward the still-filming camera and said, “Never walk next to Brother Lu Ning. Whoever does gets tanned.”

As soon as she leaned in, even though she was a fair and beautiful goddess herself, she instantly looked like a little dark-skinned girl next to him. Zuo Ning seized the moment, tilted his head toward the camera, and gave a peace sign with a smile—the classic photo pose.

The group came out of the airport chatting and laughing. Their respective managers were already waiting in the rooms prepared by the production team. Zuo Ning had thought that since they were already back in the country, they’d just go their separate ways. Who would’ve guessed they still had to gather for a meeting and film the closing segment.

Bei Xiao pulled him aside for a quick once-over—neither thinner nor fatter, no visible injuries, and everything in place. He gave Zuo Ning’s shoulder a pat. “Not bad. I saw a few of the early edited clips. You performed really well.”

Zuo Ning leaned over to Bei Xiao’s ear and asked, “When can we leave?”

Bei Xiao glanced at him. “Sit your ass down and wait. You’ll leave when it’s time.”

That made Zuo Ning want to roll his eyes. He might as well have said nothing.

A staff member wheeled in a towering pyramid of stacked champagne glasses. The celebrities each took a glass to mark the occasion. Even the behind-the-scenes crew, who had worked so hard over the past days, each got a glass to join the celebration.

Zuo Ning had only taken half a sip of his champagne when the door suddenly burst open. He turned his head and saw Lu Chenghe, exuding a dominating aura like he was eight feet tall, standing in the doorway. Bei Xiao instinctively reached out and clamped a hand on Zuo Ning’s shoulder, afraid he might lose control and pounce on him right then and there.

As Zuo Ning became more active on screen, people in the entertainment industry were no strangers to Lu Chenghe. Even if they had never interacted with him, they at least knew what he looked like. After all, it wasn’t every day you saw a CEO who looked like a top-tier celebrity.

When he appeared, the person in charge of the show immediately came forward to greet him. After exchanging a quick hello, Lu Chenghe asked, “May I ask how much longer the filming will take?”

The person in charge quickly replied, “It’s already finished. You’re free to go at any time.”

Hearing this, Lu Chenghe reached out his hand toward Little Pudding.

Even with his manager holding him back, the moment Lu Chenghe extended his hand, Zuo Ning couldn’t help but rush over. Though he didn’t actually leap onto him, he still approached him with visible delight and asked, “Why are you here?”

Lu Chenghe rubbed the top of his head. “To take you home.”

Zuo Ning quickly turned around to the group and said, “I’ll be heading off first! Let me know next time there’s a get-together. Bye, everyone!”

The airport was still a public space, so Zuo Ning obediently walked alongside Lu Chenghe. But his hand wouldn’t stop clutching a corner of Lu Chenghe’s jacket, bouncing along with joy as he walked.

Bei Xiao immediately put on his sunglasses. This was seriously eye-searing, painful to watch.

The moment they got into the car, Zuo Ning twisted around and straddled Lu Chenghe’s lap, cupping his face and planting a big kiss on him. “Did you miss me so much that you couldn’t wait another second and had to come pick me up?”

Lu Chenghe held his waist and chuckled. “Yeah, I missed you so much I just couldn’t wait to bring you home.”

Zuo Ning gave a little hum and rubbed against his neck. “I’m never taking on this kind of job again.”

“Wasn’t it fun out there? I saw you having a great time, shopping spree after shopping spree.”

Zuo Ning chuckled endlessly. “Well, since I was already there, of course, I had to buy some local specialties. And besides, some things are just way cheaper abroad than they are here. Seriously, so much cheaper. Why do things in our country have to be so expensive?”

Lu Chenghe replied, “Well, once you become Prime Minister, you can adjust the import and export taxes. Then everything will be cheaper.”

Zuo Ning rolled his eyes dramatically, then leaned into Lu Chenghe, sticking to him like glue. “So, did all the stuff I bought arrive yet? Don’t tell me I’m already back and the packages are still out there somewhere.”

The whole way, Zuo Ning chirped nonstop. Even though they had been video calling regularly and he had pretty much told Lu Chenghe everything already, the moment he saw him in person, he just had to retell every bit of his travel experiences, chattering on like a wind-up toy.

Lu Chenghe simply listened, watching him with a soft expression, not the least bit annoyed. He just sat there and listened to the same stories all over again.

Back home, after a relaxing bath, with his hair still damp, Lu Chenghe handed him a document. “Sign here. Once you’ve signed, go change. We’re having dinner at my eldest brother’s place.”

Zuo Ning gave a quick “Oh,” and signed his name right where Lu Chenghe pointed.

Lu Chenghe let out a low laugh. “You didn’t even look. What if I gave you a slave contract to sign?”

Zuo Ning hugged him and kissed him. “Would it be you selling yourself to me, or me selling myself to you?”

Carrying the scent of fresh bathwater and damp warmth, Zuo Ning leaned into him. With their skin almost touching, Lu Chenghe could even feel the body heat through their clothes. His gaze darkened unconsciously.

Zuo Ning rubbed against him again. After nearly a month apart, he wasn’t about to waste the moment. He clung to Lu Chenghe like a koala. “We’re going to eat? But I’m not hungry. Honestly, I’d rather eat you than food.”

Lu Chenghe gave him a light smack on the thigh, where he kept rubbing. “Don’t play with fire.”

Zuo Ning let out a little hum and clung to Lu Chenghe like a koala, biting gently at his ear. “Really, not even a little dessert before dinner? I made sure to wash myself all nice and sweet-smelling.”

Lu Chenghe gave the little troublemaker glued to him a cold glare. “You’ve got a death wish.”

Then, without another word, he used his foot to sweep away the foolish dog crowding around them, marched into the bedroom, and shut the door—all in one fluid motion.

As for the dinner they were supposed to attend, of course, it was scrapped.

Lu Chenghan seemed to have anticipated this outcome. After hanging up the phone, he turned to Chu Hang, who was grilling meat, and said with a smile, “Young people these days.”

Chu Hang stuffed a piece of meat straight into his mouth. “We’re all brothers here. Don’t go judging anyone!”

Lu Chenghan grinned and moved closer to give his beloved wife’s waist a massage. With those two third wheels gone, things were even better. Fewer people in the way meant they could enjoy their meal in peace.

The reality show editing team worked fast. Since it happened to be the summer broadcast season, the first episode aired within the same week they returned. With two major traffic magnets as anchors, and the rest of the cast also having good public appeal, reviews were positive both inside and outside the industry. The ratings skyrocketed the moment it aired.

The pilot episode began with scenes of the stars at home, packing their luggage. While other guests were filmed from the moment they stepped through the door, Zuo Ning’s scene didn’t start until the camera was already at his bedroom door. There he was, hugging his big dog in such an exaggerated way, waving at the camera like a beckoning fortune cat. The screen was instantly flooded with a barrage of scrolling comments.

【So the rich owner of Little Pudding turns out to be Lu Ning? Little Pudding’s kid is already that big, and I’m still single.】

【I think I heard someone mention before that Little Pudding had a powerful background—and now it’s confirmed! Turns out he’s Ning Bao’s beloved pet. But seriously, why not let father and son appear on screen together? It’s been so long since we last saw Little Pudding!】

【Too handsome, I’m crying! Ning Bao looks like a celestial being even off-camera. That face—absolutely demolishing the entire entertainment industry!】

【Aaaaahhh so cute ahhhhh! They’re tempting me to get a dog again! Mom, come look—the doggy is waving at me!】

【That walk-in closet is insane! If I didn’t know better, I’d think it was a boutique. Boss Lu, does your pet need someone to scoop poop? Please hire me!】

【That closet alone is bigger than most people’s apartments. Being born into the right family really is a skill!】

【Why did he pack so little, though? Everyone else brought two full suitcases—will that be enough clothes?】

As the show aired, Lu Ning’s walk-in closet shot up the trending searches. Some viewers even went frame by frame, tagging the price of each item the camera happened to capture—clothes, shoes, accessories. People just love this kind of gossip and love to peek into the lavish lifestyles of the rich.

In the footage, the group soon gathered together. Handsome men and beautiful women—this season’s cast probably had the highest visuals in the history of the show. As the episode progressed, they locked down a hotel and headed to Dubai. A line of luxury cars came to pick them up from the airport, and the bullet comments exploded.

【Traveling with Young Master Lu is a whole different level. Look at previous seasons—everyone was scrambling for taxis and carrying their own luggage. So is this season’s theme basically “rich boys on vacation”?】

【I always thought Dubai’s airport would be all gold and glittery. Seeing it now, it’s actually pretty normal. Honestly, it doesn’t look all that safe either. Something about people wrapped in headscarves makes me nervous.】

【Dubai is actually one of the safest places in the Middle East. In terms of public safety, it’s on par with our own country. It’s not as chaotic as people imagine. Don’t worry.】

【Hahahaha, even foreigners have fallen for my Lu DaDa’s face? OMG, when someone offered him food, he even looked over at Chu Hang first. Only after Chu Hang nodded did he accept it. My Lu DaDa is too obedient!】

【Got offered food three times in one day by random strangers asking for a selfie. So basically, even if Ning Bao were broke and sleeping on the streets, he’d still never starve to death!】

Other than Zuo Ning, the rest of the cast, while not regulars, had all appeared on several reality shows before. Only Zuo Ning was a total first-timer, so the bullet comments were overwhelmingly focused on him. It was as if he’d suddenly stepped out from a life of low profile into the spotlight. Any screenshot from the show that featured him interacting with others could easily be turned into a trending news story.

The first episode of the show could only be described as a complete success. Even after the premiere, viewership numbers continued to rise at a staggering pace. Thanks to the show’s popularity, several of the cast members also saw a major boost in fame. Zuo Ning couldn’t help but joke with his manager: sure enough, if you want to get famous, reality shows are the ultimate shortcut.

Perhaps because Zuo Ning had cracked open that door, more and more wildly popular reality shows began reaching out to invite him. Fortunately, Bei Xiao had anticipated this kind of situation early on—even the rejection reasons were already prepared. But that film project was still in planning, and the script was undergoing continuous revisions. If Zuo Ning decided to take it on, he’d likely face a tough challenge ahead. Still, it was undeniably a very promising opportunity for him to transition his career.

The items Zuo Ning had bought overseas were also gradually arriving—some earlier, others delayed due to customs clearance issues. He sorted everything meticulously by category. Every package he opened was a delightful surprise. There were even items he’d completely forgotten about buying. This feeling of unwrapping presents was something he absolutely adored.

He’d prepared gifts for all of his close friends—including Lu Chenghe’s group of childhood buddies, most of whom were already in their thirties but still hadn’t settled down and were still living wild. Picking out several exquisite pieces of jewelry, he placed them into specially purchased jewelry boxes. Zuo Ning added a little bow and said, “This one’s for Xuanyuan. Xuanyuan’s already ten years old this year. In another two years, she can wear jewelry. Look at these sparkly little diamonds—so pretty. And this hair clip—she can wear this right now. She told me before she lost a butterfly one, so now I’m getting her a new one. Isn’t it cute?”

Lu Chenghe, leaning back on the sofa, glanced over. “Mm, looks good.”

Zuo Ning, sitting on the carpet fiddling with the gifts, rolled his eyes at him. “So perfunctory.”

After placing Xuanyuan’s gift to the side, he dug through a pile and pulled out a book with a big illustrated cover. “This should be the original-language edition, right? That day, I was thinking about going into the bookstore to see if they had it, and I really managed to find it.”

Seeing that he had actually bought a book, Lu Chenghe looked over with a bit more interest. Before he could say anything, he heard Little Pudding go on, “Nianqi was just telling me before that he’d been asking all his friends to help buy this, but couldn’t get his hands on it. Now I’ve finally managed to get it for his man—he should be happy, right? And look at this—I got a pair for them. See, when you piece them together, it becomes a really beautiful pendant. But if you take them apart, they become two rings. It’s a limited edition too—only this one set left. I even wanted to get one for myself. Forget it, let that kid have it.”

Lu Chenghe watched as he fiddled with the rings. He could tell that Zuo Ning really liked them, yet he still put them into a gift box, along with the book, and set it aside with the other gifts prepared for others. His gaze darkened slightly, but he didn’t say a word.

Then Zuo Ning pulled two qipaos out of a delicate box—one was elegant and dignified, the other youthful and graceful. “Look, this one’s for Mom, and this one’s for Fourth Brother’s wife. Aren’t they pretty? Handmade, too. It may not be on par with haute couture, but the material’s really good. Even with my taste, I think they look great. Sister-in-law said they’re beautiful!”

Lu Chenghe took the qipao from his hands and tossed it aside. Then he grabbed Little Pudding and pinned him down onto the sofa. “You bought gifts for everyone. What about mine?”

Zuo Ning smirked a little proudly. “Your gift is the best of the best.”

Lu Chenghe raised an eyebrow. “Don’t tell me you are the gift. That line’s too corny.”

Zuo Ning rolled his eyes. “Do I look like someone that tacky?”

Lu Chenghe replied with certainty, “Yes.”

Zuo Ning tilted his head up and bit him on the cheek, then took out his phone and tapped it a few times before handing it to Lu Chenghe.

When Lu Chenghe looked at the screen, it showed a pair of clearly masculine hands clasped together. On their fingers were rings he knew all too well, and even the quilt in the background of the photo was instantly recognizable. The caption below read: The love of this life, the one and only.

Zuo Ning came out of the closet. After his reality show had blasted through the entire entertainment industry, at a time when he was receiving unprecedented attention, he completely defied expectations and publicly came out!

【66666, other than “six,” I honestly don’t know what else to say.】

【Don’t worry, Ning Bao. As long as it’s your choice, I’ll always support you like I always have!】

【I just want to know who’s the one who stole our Ning Bao away!】

【You’re not the only one in the industry who’s come out publicly, but all those who did before have already vanished from the spotlight. I hope ten, twenty years from now, we’ll still see you around—prove that true love has no boundaries, prove that society is progressing and becoming more accepting. Keep going, Lu Dada!】

【Oh my dear Ning Bao, couldn’t you be a bit more cautious? Things like this could’ve been kept private. Please don’t go to countries where homophobia is still serious—it’s just too dangerous. Better to stay safe at home in China. Also, who is he? Do you dare show us a front-facing photo?!】

【Hahahahaha, the person above, no need to worry! Ning Bao once said himself, he’s sealed in Qingniao City and can’t get out. Over the years, this reality show was the only time he’s ever gone anywhere. He’s such a homebody, it’s hard enough to get him to go out and move around at all.】

Originally, Zuo Ning thought Bei Xiao would go berserk. Who would’ve expected Bei Xiao to accept it so calmly? He didn’t even call to yell at him. Instead, he immediately got the PR team working, suppressing the overly aggressive and extreme comments. But it seemed the situation wasn’t as bad as they had imagined. People’s level of acceptance had genuinely improved a great deal compared to years past. Voices of support far outnumbered the ones spewing hate.

The reality show had already been receiving a lot of praise. With Zuo Ning himself suddenly dropping such an explosive piece of news, it attracted even more attention. As for Zuo Ning, at first, the public’s impression of him was that he came from a very well-off family, but was extremely low-key. Over so many years, aside from releasing new works annually, there was basically no other news about him. He didn’t even do promotional tours, which made the public know almost nothing about his private life.

This time, the reality show revealed a person who was completely different from his on-screen image—optimistic, humorous, and a little bit adorably silly, handsome and charming, speaking fluent English that was full of flavor, with a kind of aura that seemed to bring good luck with him. He could be calm and quiet, but also lively and spirited. He got along well with everyone on the show, and even had a sort of gentleness that seemed to seep out from his very bones. It genuinely won over countless fans.

A person like that—really, it’s impossible to even feel dislike toward him. Especially when he smiles at you like that, it really gives you the illusion that an angel has descended. As long as one isn’t overly extreme, it’s truly hard to say anything hurtful. Other than offering blessings, there’s nothing else to say.

After posting that explosive piece of news, Zuo Ning went into hiding again. The film that had been scheduled earlier encountered a small twist because of his announcement. However, it seemed that after seeing how well the public was accepting it, the original idea of replacing him was also dropped.

And it was precisely this film, which could be said to be a masterpiece ten years in the making. From the beginning of its preparations, Zuo Ning had spent nearly over a year getting ready. Then shot the film, scene by scene, glance by glance, slowly polished and carved out over another year. In the year Zuo Ning turned twenty-eight, for the very first time, he stood on the stage to receive the Best Actor award.

Standing on that glorious stage, holding the heavy trophy in his hands, Zuo Ning looked at the countless cameras facing him and gave a slight smile: “A few years ago, when I saw Brother Chu Hang standing here and receiving this trophy, listening to his acceptance speech, I sent a message to my lover. I said, if one day I could also stand here, I would definitely share this honor with you. Now, I’ve done it.
Since I was eighteen, when I acted in my first film, entered the drama academy to study, and trained with many senior figures in the industry to refine my acting. Back then, I entered this circle because I didn’t know what I could do or what I wanted to do. But now, I know. Acting is truly something that one can easily become obsessed with. To bring written words to life, to give them soul and flesh—that’s an artwork I’ve created myself. This trophy is not an end, but a beginning. And also…”

In the crowd, Zuo Ning found Lu Chenghe, who had also come to the venue today. Looking at him, he gave a slight smile, revealing a gentle expression more tender than ever before. “Lu Chenghe, I love you.”

With that, Zuo Ning’s mysterious boyfriend was revealed. It turned out to be one of the ruling figures of the Lu family. But—wasn’t Zuo Ning also a member of the Lu family? On the very night this news broke, Lu Chenghe’s mother publicly clarified through the media: Zuo Ning was her godson—the kind who held Lu Corporation shares. A true member of the Lu family. He and Lu Chenghe were childhood sweethearts and were currently planning their wedding.

Once that statement came out, gossip-loving netizens everywhere sighed in admiration: this is what a real wealthy family looks like—so open-minded! They joked: “Does Mama Lu still need another godson? One without any shares, but who’s been to college and knows how to act cute and be sweet!”

A grand, once-in-a-century wedding was held on Zuo Ning’s twenty-ninth birthday, on a private island owned by the Lu family. All the world-class tycoons who had business ties with Lu Corporation showed up without exception. Even royalty from several countries personally sent gifts.

What no one expected was that the entire wedding was broadcast live online. The whole ceremony once again stunned the world with the sheer financial power of the Lu family and their global influence.

Although Zuo Ning wore the groom’s suit, he very naturally walked to the bride’s position. Lu Chenghe looked at the person walking toward him, clad in snow-white formalwear, handsome and graceful as fine jade. After years of time’s refining and tempering, all traces of childishness from the past had already faded. He seemed to see a small white dumpling, no bigger than the palm of his hand, slowly grow up, growing into the young man now before him, someone he simply couldn’t take his eyes off of.

Like jade among the wilds, a gentleman unmatched in the world. He had never imagined that the little one he had raised with his own hands would grow into such an outstanding person. And now, this person belonged completely to him.

Whether in poverty or in wealth, whether the road ahead is smooth or rough, are you willing to hold his hand from beginning to end, to love him, protect him, cherish him, stay by his side for a lifetime, and never waver until death?

Zuo Ning and Lu Chenghe looked into each other’s eyes. In each other’s gaze, they saw their own reflection. They shared a smile and picked up the rings that would bind them to one another for life.

“I do.”

 

Author’s Note:

It’s finished. New story [The Grand Celestial Master] will debut with three chapters on March 8. A tale of fortune-telling and ghost-catching. Let’s meet again in the next novel!

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Moonlit: I’m gonna miss them .·°՞(っ-ᯅ-ς)՞°·. especially Ning Bao.

Thank you for reading and the support~ Hope you enjoyed Zuo Ning’s and Lu Chenghe’s journey. See ya at my next work!~

 

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