Category: Back to Three Years Old: Crushing Scumbags on a Parenting Reality Show

Chapter 115

“Yes, you got my toothpaste on you.” Cheng Tingyan admitted with a smile after a brief pause.

Wei Maomao: “…” She actually admitted it? Okay, as long as she wasn’t embarrassed, the embarrassed one could only be her.

Although it was a bit shameful, Wei Maomao truly felt the feeling of being unconditionally indulged.

Aww~~~ The six-year-old Yan Yan, she was so good!

So good and so cute!

So cute that Wei Maomao couldn’t help but roll around on the bed.

Cheng Tingyan looked at the little chubby bunny rolling on the bed, how should she put it… Although she wasn’t wearing those cute bunny pajamas, she was still the cutest little chubby bunny in the world!

“Right, I didn’t have a chance to tell you before I fell asleep…” Wei Maomao said, suddenly remembering something after rolling around twice, she sat up abruptly. “Yan Yan, I talked to my dad yesterday. He’ll keep it a secret, and he also said that after the show, he’ll help us find your mom and someone who understands the law.”

As for the other less enthusiastic things, Wei Maomao wouldn’t mention them.

But…

“Yan Yan, if your mom is sick and doesn’t have the energy to take care of you, we can hire a nanny to take care of you and your mom at home, what do you think?” Wei Maomao asked.

“We hired one when Mom was first hospitalized.” Cheng Tingyan said hesitantly. “It seemed to cost a lot of money every day. I can take care of Mom myself, I can cook simple meals, and I can also do laundry. Every month, when I visit Mom, I help her with those things.”

“Did your mom ask you to cook and do laundry for her?” Wei Maomao asked instinctively. After asking, she realized that Wei Chengli’s words had also influenced her. What if Yan Yan’s mom didn’t want…

“No, I wanted to do it.” Cheng Tingyan refolded the small handkerchief. “I wanted to help Mom.”

Seeing that Cheng Tingyan didn’t seem reluctant at all, Wei Maomao let out a sigh of relief and mentally criticized Wei Chengli.

“Then Yan Yan, compared to your dad, you must prefer living with your mom, right?” Wei Maomao couldn’t help but confirm again.

“Mmm.” Cheng Tingyan nodded, then smiled. “Mom would chat with me, read me stories, she wouldn’t make me eat mushrooms, and she wouldn’t scold me because of Cheng Rongrong. She’s always happy to see me, Dad… he usually doesn’t see me, he only sees me when he wants to scold me.”

Yes, her choice was right. Wei Maomao, feeling heartache for Cheng Tingyan, held her hand, which was unconsciously clutching the handkerchief. Hmph! That stupid Wei Chengli! He made Yan Yan sad again!

Speaking of Wei Chengli, he had just woken up from a lonely nap in his room, he was about to go to the courtyard and wash some fruit when he heard the door of the other bedroom open. He turned his head… Mmm, his baby, gave him a cold, aloof, disgusted, yet cute look.

What… was wrong again! He just quietly lay in the next room for a while, he didn’t provoke any babies!

Wei Chengli looked at Cheng Tingyan, who was being led out by the little chubby dumpling, trying to find a clue from her expression.

There was no clue, but there was a faint, sweet smile, with a hint of shyness and gratitude.

Wei Chengli was stunned by this brief but genuine smile. Yan Yan, although a polite child, she only ever smiled at… Maomao. These past few days, because of the little chubby dumpling, he and Yan Yan had frequently encountered each other, but he had only ever received politeness from her.

Could it be…

Could it be that the little chubby dumpling, the messenger, had said something?

Wei Chengli thought about their conversation the night before, then about the diligently washed basket of cilantro he saw at noon, and the “good deeds” they had already done to Cheng Feiying… He could only smile wryly and scratch his head.

He couldn’t control it, he truly couldn’t control it.

Speaking of which, who among the people he knew worked in law… Did they also need to find an accountant… A doctor, did he know anyone who knew a doctor…

Scratching his head, scratching his head, scratching his head bald…

Cheng Tingyan was truly grateful, the little chubby bunny’s dad wasn’t opposed to the little chubby bunny’s plan like Cheng Feiying said last night. And she also felt apologetic… After all, she shouldn’t have judged him based on the mush, mistaking him for a dad who would secretly mistreat his child, just like her own dad. Although it was a thought she had for only a day and had already dismissed, she still felt a bit sorry.

Anyway, the more help they received, the greater the possibility of a better future.

Having a path to follow was much better than feeling like they had to gamble everything.

Some people’s paths became wider and wider. And some people’s paths, if they didn’t take them when they saw them, they would be gone when they wanted to.

After a massage and a short nap, Bai Lei picked up her phone and saw a message from Zhou Wanning.

The person who had actively contacted her last night, wanting to join forces and pressure the program team, had decided to give up today?

What was going on? She was just about to reply to Zhou Wanning, saying she didn’t care about Cheng Feiying, but Cheng Rongrong could withdraw from the show and come back.

Bai Lei, who had been receiving a massage for over half an hour, her anger, which had just subsided, flared up again.

Something was wrong.

Bai Lei opened the live broadcast and went straight to Wen Xiang’s channel.

It was black.

Had they already withdrawn?

Oh, no…

Bai Lei, combining the few comments and the screenshots and videos she saw on other websites, laughed in exasperation.

What was going on? Those lies, could they really reconcile so easily? The Wen family, both of them, were their brains filled with water?

Then she checked Cheng Feiying’s channel. She had only watched for a bit this morning, now she saw, good, one cilantro meal in the morning, another at noon, two cilantro meals. He deserved it!

Poor Rongrong.

Although it was Rongrong’s own decision to go, but this show… it was truly better not to have gone. Bai Lei, holding her phone, looked at Cheng Rongrong, who was alone in the courtyard, and let out a long sigh.

Bai Lei’s sigh was quite loud, He Lanxi, who was on the massage bed next to her, yawned and woke up, she complained sleepily, “What’s wrong again?”

“What else could it be? Wen Xiang said the house and money are an inheritance from Wen Dongyu’s grandfather, then they reconciled, now the agency is advising Zhou Wanning not to let Wen Xiang withdraw, saying that since they’ve reconciled, they should let them spend some time alone and use the live broadcast to repair his damaged image.” Bai Lei said with a sneer.

“Oh? Quite clever.” He Lanxi sat up. “Money, the root of all family conflicts. He’s truly willing to go to great lengths for his biological son.”

“What, yours is still searching?” Bai Lei asked, sensing the sarcasm in He Lanxi’s voice.

“Of course. After all, we’re just his nieces and nephews, not his biological children.” He Lanxi said coldly. “But he doesn’t know how many more years he can keep searching, he doesn’t look like he has many years left anyway. I guess he’s starting to face reality these past few years, gradually letting go of control. That’s how I got the new media company I’m managing. Speaking of which, is your family still doing okay on that show? If not, just withdraw early. Like Wen Xiang’s side, image is important. If it can’t be repaired, just retreat early, don’t let it be completely ruined, save the penalty fee, it won’t be easy for him to earn money later.”

“Let him suffer first. As for his image… it won’t be completely ruined. His previous one, we spent so much money on it, we have to maintain his image as a caring and responsible man. As for Cheng Tingyan, heh, just a child. Who said children can’t lie?” Bai Lei said, realizing that once she lowered her expectations, she wasn’t as angry anymore. It was just an image, if it was ruined, then it was ruined, who was she trying so hard to help before, even getting yelled at for it? Whatever. Men, they shouldn’t have it too easy.

He Lanxi became interested. “What, you actually used your own money for his previous one’s treatment?”

“We used Cheng Tingyan’s money, I wouldn’t spend a cent on her. But it doesn’t matter whose money we used, the important thing is how we spin it.” Bai Lei said, thinking of Liu Qiongfang, she found it annoying and didn’t want to talk about it anymore, she changed the subject. “What about you? Among your siblings, your uncle is the best to you, right? The supermarket before, the publishing house a few years ago, and now he even gave you a media company to manage. From the sound of it, you also don’t want him to live for many more years, give you more things?”

“He says it’s for me to manage, but those are all still under his name. The longer he lives, the greater the risk. Who knows how much he’ll leave for us after he finds his biological child.” He Lanxi said, picking up the wine glass from the coffee table, swirling the wine, and taking a sip. “By then, maybe our lives won’t even be as good as they are now, we might not even be able to enter this door.”

“It won’t be that bad.” Bai Lei disagreed. “After all, you’ve been with him all these years, putting aside how you are elsewhere, you’ve always been obedient and filial in front of him, right? Even strangers have some feelings after meeting, after so many years, even if he finds his biological child and gives them the majority, he wouldn’t take back everything you’re managing now, right?”

He Lanxi raised an eyebrow, looking at Bai Lei with amusement. “Why wouldn’t he? Cheng Tingyan is still hanging around your house every day, have you seen Cheng Feiying show her any affection?”

“That’s different.” Bai Lei retorted instinctively.

“There’s no difference. It’s just men’s fragile ego. Cheng Tingyan is his biological daughter, yet he can act like she doesn’t exist. Let alone me, just a niece, just a somewhat suitable substitute in his mind.” He Lanxi said, putting down her wine glass and smiling at Bai Lei. “Learn from my experience, don’t be too obvious about being a substitute. After all, yours isn’t like mine, his ego is quite fragile, his temper is also quite bad, you don’t want Rongrong to become like Cheng Tingyan, right?”

Bai Lei: “… “

Humans’ need for emotional connection was far greater than they could imagine.

Using substitutes wasn’t uncommon. The difference was just in their attitude towards the substitutes.

Shen Jianghe, from the moment he received the box of colored pens, had been drawing non-stop for the entire noon. By the time the afternoon’s task card was delivered, he had already sent two sets, a total of nine cards, to Shen Zilin through the staff.

In Shen Jianghe’s mind, he should at least finish five and a half sets, at least twenty-three cards, before he could even ask Shen Zilin if he wanted to come home, before he could have a chance to see his baby again. This matter, it was best not to delay it, Shen Jianghe put in his best effort, he didn’t even have time for lunch. However, imagination was one thing, plans never went as expected.

The afternoon task was actually a collaborative one between the babies and dads.

But… he hadn’t finished drawing yet… Would Shen Zilin be willing to come back, or was it just because of the task?

Shen Jianghe, who was always decisive in business, was hesitant and slowed down as he walked towards the meeting point indicated on the task card.

This time, the task location was outside the village, on the wasteland where the dads had their outdoor competition on the first afternoon.

When Shen Jianghe arrived, Shen Zilin wasn’t there yet, but he saw Wen Xiang and his son, standing close together under a shady tree.

Tsk…

Just a few hours ago, Wen Xiang was still cleaning the house with him, busy like a dog, dirty like a pig, dejected like a salted fish… Now he had changed into clean clothes, standing close to his son, talking and laughing!

Wen Dongyu! He even took Wen Xiang’s hand!

They had reconciled, that was great.

Shen Jianghe didn’t walk over, he stopped from afar, envious…

But Shen Jianghe, who could only see the scene but couldn’t hear their conversation, didn’t know that the content of Wen Xiang and his son’s conversation was far beyond his imagination.

“Dongdong, you really don’t mind that Dad is useless, that we can only live in your house?” Wen Xiang asked weakly.

“It really doesn’t matter! What’s mine is yours, Dad, don’t be afraid! After we leave the show, I’ll add your and Mom’s names to the title deed, it’ll be our house!” Wen Dongyu said firmly, holding Wen Xiang’s hand, transmitting his strength.

Wen Xiang, suppressing the bitterness in his heart, looked at his son, who had regained his confidence and cheerfulness, he felt that giving the house and money was worth it. “Dongdong is so good, after we leave the show, let’s go to the new mall next to the park near our house, I’ll buy you lots of toys, okay?”

“Mmm… No.” Wen Dongyu shook his head.

“Why? You have money now.” Wen Xiang asked, confused.

“Mmm… My money, I want to buy other things.” Wen Dongyu retracted his hand and started counting on his fingers. “Mom said the fridge at home is a bit small, I’ll buy a bigger one. And the guitar you liked last time, I’ll buy it for you. And with the remaining money, I’ll save up more, you buy a house, Mom buys a house.”

Wen Xiang clutched his chest, touched and confused. “Didn’t you say… you’ll add Mom and my names to the title deed of your house?”

“Yes. Your names will be added to my house. My name will be added to Mom’s house. We’ll all have our own houses, and we’ll also have our house together.” Wen Dongyu said firmly, looking down at the pig nudging his feet, he smiled. “Mmm, and Xixi, we’ll buy a house for Xixi too!”

Wen Xiang: “… “

Yes, they had reconciled. He even felt a strange sense of love and tolerance from his child. But… it seemed some things would never be the same again.

As the babies and dads gradually arrived, the host cleared his throat and walked out from the group of staff.

“Babies who are playing the role of dads, and dads who are still babies, good afternoon.” The host said, trying to sound more professional. “We have two activities this afternoon. The first one is a parent-child game competition between the families, right here. The top three teams in each game will get three points, two points, and one point respectively. After all the games, we’ll rank the families based on their total scores. The ranking order will determine the type and quantity of ingredients you can get for the second activity. The second activity is making desserts! More ingredients will be more helpful in making delicious desserts, and our ingredients are limited, so the ranking in the first activity is very important, everyone has to work hard!”

Wei Chengli looked around. Unlike the day when the dads had their outdoor competition, with balance beams, levers, and all sorts of equipment, today, there were only a few small items. Parent-child games with babies, the babies were still young, the games shouldn’t be too strenuous. Thinking of this, Wei Chengli looked down at his weak, three-year-old little chubby dumpling.

The host was explaining the rules in the middle, the dads and babies stood in a semi-circle, listening.

Wei Chengli, following the little chubby dumpling’s gaze, as expected, saw Cheng Tingyan, two families away on his right.

Okay, even if it was a bit tiring, he could handle it!

Being jealous of a six-year-old child was already ridiculous enough for him, an adult, and now, finding this six-year-old child pitiful and adorable, his jealousy was mixed with a bit of bitterness, it was truly difficult!

“Also, in this activity, considering fairness and the number of people, the Cheng Tingyan and Cheng Rongrong family, and the Wang Zhizhi family, have two options when participating in the games. One option is to discuss and choose one parent and one baby to participate before each game. You can switch people after each game, but not during a game. The other option is for the entire family to participate, but for the Cheng Tingyan and Cheng Rongrong family, the two parents have to share the tasks required for the parent, and similarly, the two babies in the Wang Zhizhi family have to share the tasks required for the baby. We’ll explain how to share the tasks before each game.” The host said, after explaining the supplementary rules, before starting the first parent-child game, he emphasized again, “Although these are parent-child games, everyone has to remember their roles. You’re the babies who are learning to be like your dads, and you’re the dads who are still babies!”

After saying that, the host waved his hand and led the dads a few steps to the left, to the first game area.

Actually, it would have been fine if the host hadn’t emphasized it at the end, but after his emphasis… The other dads were fine, but Cheng Feiying and Wang Qingchuan suddenly felt a headache coming on.

Cheng Feiying glanced at Cheng Tingyan, who looked clean and fresh, then at the little menace, empty-handed, not far away. She shouldn’t… have any place to hide cilantro, right? She wouldn’t… take out cilantro at a time like this, right?

It had to be said that just two cilantro meals were enough to give Cheng Feiying PTSD.

Compared to the Cheng family’s silent and furtive glances, the Wang family was much more lively.

The first parent-child game, the new baby had to use a flat fan to carry small balls back, if the ball fell, they had to return to the starting point and pick it up again. The small balls of different colors had different sizes and textures. And the new parent had to throw the balls brought back by the new baby into baskets of corresponding colors, one chance per ball.

“No matter how you act at home, we’re a family now, let’s participate together, you don’t want to lose, right?” Wang Qingchuan said, looking at Wang Qingbei, taking the initiative after hearing the rules. “I’m an athlete, my balance is very good, Zhizhi and I will go for this round.”

“Zhizhi, I want to play this.” Jiang Heye said, although she agreed with Wang Qingchuan’s analysis, her role today was a spoiled younger sister.

“Let’s play this.” Wang Zhizhi immediately agreed.

Wang Qingchuan laughed in exasperation. “Fine, fine, fine, you guys play! I bet you won’t even be able to get flour to make desserts.”

“If we don’t have flour, Brother can just go and buy some.” Jiang Heye said, looking at Wang Qingchuan matter-of-factly. “I want flour, wouldn’t Brother go and buy it for me?”

Wang Zhizhi, touching the badge on his chest, nodded in agreement. “Mmm, let your brother buy it for you. Flour, sugar, anything else you need for making desserts, let your brother buy it for you. There’s a patch of land over there, buried with Baby Coins, let your brother go and dig, he’ll buy them for you with the coins.”

Wang Qingchuan: ???

These two! Digging for Baby Coins! Why not just dig a hole and bury him! He was just a spare!

Cheng Feiying, after looking at Cheng Tingyan, then at Wei Maomao, his eyes, searching for cilantro, were busy and alert.

Cheng Rongrong looked up at Cheng Feiying, swallowed her disgust, and turned to Cheng Tingyan. “Older sister, how are we playing?”

“I’m not interested in playing with him.” Cheng Tingyan said coldly.

“Then I’ll take Dad to do this task.” Cheng Rongrong said obediently, looking at Cheng Tingyan, who was clearly imitating Cheng Feiying’s indifference, but she was secretly laughing in her heart.

Filial piety, filial piety, could it truly be overturned by a simple role-swap task from the program team? Cheng Tingyan’s convincing imitation was indeed making Cheng Feiying look bad, making the viewers speculate about his usual behavior. But Cheng Tingyan, ignoring filial piety just because she had a little bit of power from the task, what kind of good reputation could she have?

Cheng Rongrong couldn’t help Cheng Feiying now, she was happy to watch them both fail, as long as she herself looked good.

But looking good wasn’t that easy either.

Trash!

Cheng Rongrong watched as Cheng Feiying, carrying the ball, came out from the starting point again and again, unable to take more than three or four steps, not even reaching one-fifth of the distance before the ball fell. Looking at the other new parents who had already started throwing the balls, she was so angry that she felt like she was on fire.

Next round, next round, she would definitely make Cheng Tingyan take him!

Why was she the only one suffering!

Was he her personal trash baby!

While Cheng Rongrong was about to have a heart attack from anger, Cheng Tingyan, squatting by the Wei family’s ball-throwing baskets, not even looking at the Cheng family, was happy.

The little chubby bunny was so cute, she was so good at throwing the balls~~~

One went in, another one went in.

One after another~~

She wanted to see if her little chubby bunny would get first place again~~~

Chapter 114

Watching the drama was fine, but when it became too heated, it was truly… too much to bear, too much to watch.

Before entering the Wang family’s courtyard, Cheng Feiying never expected it to be this intense, even more so than this morning.

The program team was also… What was the point of this role-swap segment? These children, given a little bit of power, they didn’t know their place anymore. How long could they swap roles for? Why not swap for a lifetime?

Cheng Feiying looked at Wang Qingchuan, who was facing away from him, his fists clenched, his whole body tense with anger, he clicked his tongue and quietly retreated, step by step. Forget it, he came here to escape the smell of cilantro, enjoy the air conditioning, and maybe complain a little. He wasn’t here to mediate… If they started fighting, it wouldn’t look good on live broadcast if he didn’t intervene, but what if he got involved and was accidentally hit? It was better to just leave.

One person, with a few people following him, quietly came and quietly left.

Wang Qingchuan, consumed by anger, didn’t notice, and Jiang Heye and Wang Zhizhi didn’t even bother to say goodbye.

Apologizing was impossible, Wang Qingchuan, after a standoff and silence, chose to go back to his room, slamming the door shut.

As soon as he left, the tension in Wang Zhizhi’s body eased, his small shoulders slumped.

Jiang Heye rubbed Wang Zhizhi’s head, her gaze lowered, hiding the confusion in her eyes.

The program team’s intention behind this baby-dad role swap was probably to let the dads first see how their babies wanted them to be as parents, then see how they were perceived by their babies, creating a contrast and prompting some reflection.

But how could someone… completely fail to see their child, who had become fragile and sensitive, and completely fail to see their own increasingly monstrous reflection in the mirror?

Were they blind?

At this moment, Jiang Heye was briefly lost, she couldn’t find the meaning behind their efforts.

If Wang Qingchuan couldn’t see anything, if he wouldn’t change anything except getting angry, then they… What were they even doing?

What… could she even do…

“Zhizhi, you’re amazing for getting a little red flower.” Jiang Heye said softly, squatting down and looking at Wang Zhizhi. “The little red flower you got from kindergarten last time, can you show it to me next time?”

“I don’t have it anymore…” Wang Zhizhi lowered his head, his toes scuffing the ground. “I threw it away.”

“Then next time, next time you get a little red flower, show it to me, okay?” Jiang Heye’s voice softened even more.

Wang Zhizhi looked up, meeting her sincere and expectant gaze.

“Mmm…” Wang Zhizhi mumbled.

“Do you have a phone? Or a smart watch? I can give you one, then every time you get a little red flower, I can see it immediately~~” Jiang Heye said with a smile, looking at the child’s slightly reddened ear tips.

“I have a watch, it can take pictures, but they took it away when we came here.” Wang Zhizhi, no longer putting up a strong front like in front of Wang Qingchuan, was a bit embarrassed, he said weakly, “I… I’m not that good, I… I only got that one little red flower. If I can’t get any more in the future…”

“Then you can share other things with me.” Jiang Heye said with a smile. “When we leave the show and get our watches back, we can figure out how to add each other as friends, happy or unhappy things, or if you need any help, you can tell me. Our Zhizhi is so good, even without a little red flower, you’re still the best Zhizhi.”

His heart… felt warm? Wang Zhizhi touched his chest, confused, a warmth spread throughout his body, reaching his face, it even felt a bit hot…

When touched, it was easy to be impulsive.

Although he couldn’t figure out the logic behind it, Wang Zhizhi instinctively said, “I’ll try my best to get another little red flower and show it to you!”

After saying that, Wang Zhizhi paused and slowly closed his mouth.

Ah… Ever since the constant arguments at home, his performance at kindergarten had been… not very good.

His initially confident little face instantly became a bit gloomy, making Jiang Heye chuckle.

The viewers in the live broadcast room, who had been watching Wang Qingchuan with indignation and sympathy, finally relaxed a little.

“Look at CEO Shen diligently drawing, Wen Xiang giving away his house and money, then look at the stubborn Wang Qingchuan, I want to say… Zhizhi, you’re truly unlucky! This Wang Qingchuan… Even the most thoughtful program design can’t save you!”

“Beibei is truly the best Beibei in the world! I didn’t even think about it until Beibei mentioned it… That day, when Zhizhi brought back the little red flower, he was probably immediately scolded for being too loud… Maybe no one even noticed the little red flower. Maybe no one even praised him… Oh my god, I’m going to cry!”

“I’m also going to cry! A little red flower from kindergarten! Adults might not think it’s a big deal, but for a child, it’s a very honorable thing! It’s probably like the confidence and pride adults feel when they get promoted, get a raise… My poor Zhizhi! No praise, he was even scolded… How sad, I’m hugging Zhizhi and crying!”

“Oh my god… Does the person above have to use such a relatable analogy! I instantly thought of myself, seven or eight years ago, when I just started working, after over a year of 996, I finally got promoted and got a raise, I happily went home to share the good news. But my mom said, ‘Oh, what’s there to be happy about with such a small raise, it’s not even enough for the utility bills.’ Thankfully, it was a hot summer day, otherwise, that bucket of cold water would have frozen me to death. Although I didn’t die, I truly wasn’t happy at all, hahaha! Now, when she asks me about my work, my salary, it’s truly… I’m truly like, ‘Not my problem’~~”

“Adults can still handle disappointment, but little babies, they truly… Program team, quickly return the smart watch to Zhizhi, let Beibei add him as a friend! At least, at least next time, there will be Beibei to cheer for him! Sobbing uncontrollably!”

“Sigh, hugging Zhizhi, hugging the person above. There’s always that chicken soup online saying, ‘On a stage of one, even without an audience, without applause and praise, we should learn to shine alone.’ But in real life, after experiencing it, it’s not like that at all. Life is so difficult, who doesn’t want to be praised, who doesn’t want to be picked up and swung around (insert image of Director Wei swinging CEO Mao)?”

“That ‘stage of one’ thing, it’s just chicken soup. Hahaha, that saying, ‘Be grateful for those who criticize you, they’re your guiding lights in life, they help you grow and succeed,’ that’s toxic chicken soup. Don’t just drink any chicken soup, I’m in my forties now, and I can say, my progress and success are only related to my own hard work and the continuous love and support I received. Criticism only makes me give up. And I sincerely hope that the person who said that will only hear criticism for their entire life. Yes, I also hope that Wang Qingchuan will one day experience how Zhizhi felt, bringing home a little red flower and being scolded.”

“Speaking of criticism, I can’t help but think of Wen Qiming, who lectured Yueyue like a teacher on the day CEO Mao had an upset stomach. He’s not doing very well with the math problems today, Yueyue is still too gentle, she didn’t learn the essence of those educational phrases, it’s truly frustrating!”

…

No essence?

But Wen Qiming already felt very, very, very embarrassed.

He didn’t know where the program team found those problems, putting aside the difficulty, the type was very similar to Olympiad math problems.

It wasn’t just direct calculation, it also required a lot of reading comprehension.

They were tiring to do, and when he got them wrong, he couldn’t even figure out where he went wrong.

And after getting them wrong, he was lectured by his daughter, told to read the questions carefully, learn to understand them, not just blindly apply formulas, and not to write too messily or he would misread the numbers later…

What else could Wen Qiming, who knew Wen Jiangyue was imitating him, say? He could only say, she was quite good at imitating.

Not only did she imitate making him learn the things she liked, she also imitated lecturing him. She even timed it perfectly, giving him food even if he didn’t finish all the problems, but she also imitated the part about lecturing him while he was eating.

He managed to eat breakfast.

Lunch, after being pushed back and forth… he eventually ate it.

Wen Qiming deeply experienced how mood affected the body, and how lecturing could greatly reduce appetite.

It was all reheated food, but Wen Qiming still felt indigestion, he had to ask the program team for some digestive tablets.

When Wen Qiming felt a bit better and wanted to talk to Wen Jiangyue about his credibility issue, his daughter avoided him. She didn’t seem to want to talk about it, she used taking a nap as an excuse and ran away…

Clearly… at the Wei family’s house, she could speak so loudly and clearly.

Wen Qiming paced in the courtyard, rubbing his stomach, pondering for a while, he finally came up with a possibility.

Yueyue never mentioned these things at home, she was always obedient and well-behaved in front of him, always agreeing with him, it was just… when he occasionally broke his promises, Yueyue would show some emotions, but she wouldn’t say things like not believing his words, like Wen Xiang said.

Children, especially young children, were always learning.

Learning from… who?

Thinking of this, a chubby little figure popped into Wen Qiming’s mind.

It was none other than the little chubby girl from the next table, her dramatic performance of rolling on the ground and clutching her chest when he didn’t immediately accept the flowers Yueyue bought for him from the market, it was truly unforgettable.

Learning, relying… Was it because there were only the two of them back home, without Wei Maomao, so she didn’t want to talk to him anymore?

Wen Qiming became even more troubled by his guess.

Doing math problems, being lectured, it was already embarrassing enough, did he also have to, like Wen Xiang, lay out his family matters in front of a three-year-old chubby girl to be able to continue the conversation?

Wen Qiming hesitated.

Perhaps because she was being thought of too much, in the Wei family’s house, Wei Maomao sneezed and woke up.

Crying herself to sleep, it had happened again…

They hadn’t even talked about the important matters, and she… Wei Maomao sat up and looked at Cheng Tingyan next to her, mmm, she had left her mark again.

Cheng Tingyan was startled awake by the sudden movement, she opened her eyes and saw the little chubby bunny staring at her, with suspicious traces of drool on her mouth… Cheng Tingyan looked down, mmm, okay.

She touched the handkerchief on the pillow and picked it up.

“What is this?” Cheng Tingyan asked, looking at Wei Maomao, her finger gently pointing at a small white mark on her pajamas, just below her collarbone.

“… “ So why was there a handkerchief on the pillow? Wei Maomao’s paw, supporting her chubby body on the bed, unconsciously tightened, but she still followed Cheng Tingyan’s words and said resignedly, “Toothpaste…”

Cheng Tingyan nodded, satisfied, a faint smile on her face, she picked up the handkerchief and wiped the little chubby bunny’s mouth.

It was so embarrassing!

“Oh, I got your toothpaste on me.” Wei Maomao said with a smile, finding comfort in shared embarrassment.

The handkerchief, wiping gently, abruptly stopped.

Cheng Tingyan: “… “

Chapter 113

The babies had only been diligently playing the role of their dads for one morning, and the dads were already reeling from the impact.

This noon, some dads were lying alone in their bedrooms, spaced out and lost in thought, separated from their babies by a wall. Some dads were using all their skills, even transforming from singers to actors, just to deceive their children. Some dads were diligently making cards, wishing they could be octopuses, wielding all the colored pens at once.

And some dads…

Cheng Feiying, tossing and turning in bed, suddenly sat up, the pent-up frustration he had been suppressing finally released with a gagging sound.

This house! He couldn’t stay here anymore!

Even with the door closed and the air conditioner on, he could still smell the cilantro, it was haunting him!

Cheng Feiying rubbed his face vigorously, the anger in his eyes unconcealed.

But at this moment, there was no one he could vent his anger on.

Cheng Feiying glared at the screen not far away, on the bed behind the screen, only Cheng Rongrong was sleeping.

That Cheng Tingyan, she actually took advantage of his absence this morning, when he went out to contact the other dads, to secretly pack her things and move back to that little menace’s house!

Initially, he didn’t mind, if she wanted to go, let her go. When Cheng Feiying first heard about it from Cheng Rongrong, he was even a bit happy, at least with her gone, he wouldn’t have to face the cilantro she created.

But Cheng Feiying’s happiness was short-lived.

They actually came back at lunchtime!

The lunch was provided by the program team, but they still brought cilantro!

What adding a bowl of soup! What having cilantro every meal, he would eventually get used to it! What he was a baby who didn’t know the benefits of cilantro, the new parent had to choose for him! Weren’t they just using his own words against him!

Cilantro noodles, cilantro soup, no matter what it was, as long as it was cilantro, Cheng Feiying wouldn’t eat it!

But that little menace was truly evil! He had said he wouldn’t eat it, but she still cooked it…

The whole house was filled with the smell of cilantro! The lunchbox provided by the program team was perfectly normal, but after being contaminated by that smell, Cheng Feiying felt like even the rice tasted like cilantro!

The most hateful one was the program team! Not only did they completely reject his proposal, they even kindly informed him that Wang Qingchuan, the only one he had persuaded, had also surrendered. And not only that, when he, unable to bear it any longer, stood on the moral high ground, accusing Cheng Tingyan and that little menace of cooking such a large pot of cilantro, knowing full well he wouldn’t eat it, wasting food was shameful… Several staff members who were with the little menace stepped forward and said they would eat it, there was no need to worry about waste, they even said they hoped he could try this delicacy together.

Delicacy my ass!

And they actually ate it, squatting in a row not far from him, slurping down the cilantro mixed with sesame sauce…

Ugh!

Cheng Feiying, who hadn’t eaten breakfast and was very hungry, lost his appetite for lunch.

His frustration grew.

He couldn’t eat properly, he couldn’t sleep either.

Cheng Feiying glared at the screen, if Cheng Tingyan were here now, he could at least lecture her. But the one who brought cilantro back at mealtime was gone when there were no cameras or microphones, she was truly despicable! And Cheng Rongrong was useless, she didn’t try to stop Cheng Tingyan when she came back to pack her things, she didn’t even go and find him, useless!

Cheng Feiying couldn’t help but feel that the smell of cilantro in the room seemed to have intensified after he sat up.

He truly couldn’t stay in this house anymore!

Cheng Feiying stormed out of the room.

The door opened.

The door slammed shut.

Behind the screen, Cheng Rongrong, lying in bed, opened her eyes, her gaze clear, not at all groggy from being woken up.

She knew, this guy, having nowhere to vent his anger, was truly troublesome.

Unlike what Cheng Feiying thought, Cheng Rongrong did try to stop Cheng Tingyan when she came back to pack her things. After all, the volcano was about to erupt, she didn’t want to face Cheng Feiying alone.

She tried to stop her physically, if she could stop her, great, if she couldn’t, then it would be Cheng Tingyan using force against her, bullying the younger one.

But!

Before Cheng Tingyan could even make a move…

That little stinky fatty!

Used her own body to block her!

Half a year, just a difference of half a year, it restricted her performance.

Yes, she gave up on her own, definitely not because of any suspicious weight.

She also tried to persuade her verbally, even using the program team’s rules.

“You’re the parent today, how can a parent abandon their baby and go live somewhere else?”

Cheng Rongrong felt her reasoning was sound, it was an unbreakable argument, the little stinky fatty was just being unreasonable.

However, the one who retorted was the usually quiet Cheng Tingyan.

“I’m Dad today, isn’t this what Dad always does, going out to live somewhere else?”

Cheng Rongrong thought she must be hallucinating from being crushed by the little stinky fatty, otherwise, how could she sense a sharp edge in Cheng Tingyan’s tone at that moment?

How dare Cheng Tingyan!

Cheng Rongrong still remembered that she later said, “Dad goes out to work, to earn money to support the family.”

And in the next second, Cheng Tingyan retorted directly, “I’m also working now, I’m also earning money.”

Sharpness, assertiveness, it wasn’t an illusion.

Cheng Rongrong was very surprised, because Cheng Feiying had a long private conversation with Cheng Tingyan the night before… Logically, Cheng Tingyan, who had been slightly off track these past few days, should have been successfully suppressed and disciplined, obediently returning to their plan.

But look, what was going on today…

Cilantro, moving out, a firm attitude, a sharp edge in her words.

Did Cheng Tingyan not want to live a good life after the show?

She didn’t know how Cheng Feiying talked to her!

She tried both soft and hard approaches, but she couldn’t stop her, Cheng Rongrong was helpless.

As for Cheng Feiying… As long as he didn’t vent his anger on her, let him go wherever he wanted.

The further away from home, the fainter the smell of cilantro.

After walking from one end of the alley to the other, Cheng Feiying finally took a few deep breaths, he couldn’t help but regret it. He should have left home immediately after receiving the lunchbox from the program team at noon, found a random place to eat! Tonight, definitely tonight!

The midday summer sun was harsh, even walking in the alley, there was no shade to be found.

Cheng Feiying started to miss air conditioning, the kind without the smell of cilantro.

After mentally reviewing the families again, Cheng Feiying looked back at the way he came, two houses away was Wang Zhizhi’s house.

Familiar gate, familiar commotion.

Cheng Feiying stopped at the gate, glancing at the scorching sun above.

Mmm… It’s okay, it wasn’t him they were arguing with, and there was no cilantro inside.

He was also someone who had been wronged by the program team and rejected, what was wrong with him visiting?

As for awkwardness… as long as he didn’t feel awkward, it was fine.

“Enough is enough! You sat on the ground and said I pushed you, during meals, you wanted everything on my plate, you were sleeping in your room, I was walking in the courtyard, you said I was being noisy, look at the soles of my shoes, they’re so soft, how could they make any noise! Then I went back to my room, two doors away, you said my snoring was too loud? Is it really that loud? Do you have insomnia? You’ve been doing nothing all morning but staring at me? Even if it’s a script, it can’t be this intense, right?” Wang Qingchuan said, his back to the gate, glaring at Wang Qingbei.

Heaven and earth could bear witness, after meeting with Jin Youliang, he had been very cooperative and patient when he came back.

But this woman, she was such a troublemaker, even if he just sat there, she would make up lies and say he was being noisy. If this continued, was his existence itself a mistake!

“And you!” Wang Qingchuan looked down at Wang Zhizhi, who was standing in front of Wang Qingbei, like a protector, although he was small. “Do you think you’re really acting like me? Am I that unreasonable? This arguing scene, did you tell them to do it? Didn’t you make your sister cry a few times? She’s so young, she sleeps so lightly, you slammed the door so loudly, you were even running around in the house! Shouldn’t I scold you? If you had walked as quietly as I did just now, would I falsely accuse you like you’re falsely accusing me?”

“Brother, what are you talking about! You were walking very loudly just now!” Jiang Heye said, the hand on Wang Zhizhi’s shoulder unconsciously tightening, she suppressed her anger and continued with a hint of grievance, “I know you’re not used to having a sister like me at home yet, you forgot, you thought you were the only child, so you didn’t pay attention to the noise you made.”

As she spoke, Jiang Heye clearly felt Wang Zhizhi’s body tense up under her hand.

Yes… What Wang Qingchuan said, it had indeed happened before, but only once, at the very beginning.

At that time, Wang Zhizhi’s sister was just born, they had just brought her home. That day, when Wang Zhizhi came home, he made a bit of noise and was scolded.

Later, even though he never made that much noise again, always being quiet, they would still scold him, they kept bringing up that incident…

Jiang Heye knew she shouldn’t add anything, but she couldn’t help it, she could only incorporate it into her character’s lines.

But…

It seemed to be useless.

Looking at Wang Qingchuan’s still indignant expression, she knew he didn’t understand at all.

Jiang Heye patted Wang Zhizhi’s shoulder twice, she really wanted to hit someone.

“Listen to what you’re saying… Fine, I won’t argue with you anymore. Your script is truly unrealistic. I’m not that kind of person, I wouldn’t falsely accuse Wang Zhizhi. When I scold him, it’s because he truly disturbed his sister, not like you.” Wang Qingchuan said, waving his hand dismissively.

Wang Zhizhi looked down at the small badge on his chest.

Li Mu had given it to him this morning.

It was a photo of Wang Qingchuan.

Li Mu said that he noticed he was a bit hesitant and unsure when facing family conflicts. Li Mu hoped that when resolving conflicts, he could first look down at this badge, reminding himself that he wasn’t Wang Zhizhi now, but Wang Qingchuan.

Wang Zhizhi looked at it, then took off the badge.

“Now, I’m Wang Zhizhi.” Wang Zhizhi said firmly, looking at Wang Qingchuan. “Dad, I’m telling you again, I only forgot about my sister that one time when I came home! That day, I wanted to show you the little red flower I got from kindergarten, that’s why I pushed the door open so hard! Only that one time! The other times, you were falsely accusing me! I wasn’t walking loudly! My sister was crying on her own! It wasn’t because of me!”

Wang Qingchuan frowned. “It was clearly you…”

“You kept saying why I didn’t go and see my sister, that I was the older brother and should go and see her. I didn’t go to see her because every time I went to see her, if she cried, you would scold me for being too loud and disturbing her!” Wang Zhizhi said, clenching his fists. “Why would I go and see her, just to be scolded by you again?”

After saying that, Wang Zhizhi put the badge back on his chest.

“Then you should be quieter…” Wang Qingchuan said, his frown deepening.

“I’m you now.” Wang Zhizhi touched the badge and said coldly, “Now! You! Apologize to your sister!”

Chapter 112

In the empty room, Wei Chengli lay in bed, lost in thought.

How many times had he moved back and forth from next door?

Forget it… He might as well just stay in this room…

Although the little chubby dumpling’s mind was filled with Yan Yan, and she had no intention of nurturing their father-daughter relationship, at least… Compared to the other families, their side was still peaceful.

One shouldn’t be too greedy.

Thinking of this, Wei Chengli couldn’t help but think of Wen Xiang, he wondered what brilliant solution he had come up with, keeping it a secret… He was a bit worried.

Meanwhile, Wen Xiang, having received his wife’s approval, was asking the staff about Wen Dongyu’s whereabouts.

The poor staff member was sweating profusely from being questioned. How should he put it, Wen Xiang hadn’t completed the second task, he misinterpreted the photo, was this something he could directly tell him? If he couldn’t, could he directly tell Wen Xiang about Wen Dongyu’s whereabouts without mentioning the previous step?

Ah… Why did he have to jump around in the task chain!

Plans never went as expected, the staff kept making phone calls, and it was over ten minutes later when they finally received a response from the program team.

Wen Xiang, who had been anxiously waiting, could finally go and find his lost child.

And in the public restroom, Shi Dingshan, who had just finished a long conversation with Zhou Wanning and received a barrage of calls from the staff, asking him to smooth things over with Wen Xiang, let out a long sigh.

Shi Dingshan knew he shouldn’t interfere with the guest’s choices, but… Wen Xiang seemed to truly want to win back Dongdong’s heart.

Although the program team set up the show’s format and tasks, most of it depended on the guests’ own performance. But… Wen Xiang’s performance was a bit too much…

Those words, they were clearly lies, who would believe them!

Shi Dingshan leaned against the sink, after a long while, he finally hardened his heart again, determined to be a rational observer.

Sincerity might be touching, but… he probably didn’t have a heart anymore.

And Wen Xiang, unaware of how much worry his actions had caused, only knew that he had finally found a path to a bright future. At the end of that path, his lively and adorable son was waiting for him!

When Wen Xiang found Wen Dongyu, he was squatting in the field, eating watermelon with Shen Zilin.

After asking Wen Xiang what he loved the most yesterday, although Wen Dongyu was a bit surprised, he still firmly decided to give himself away. As for who to give himself to, Wen Dongyu carefully considered between Wei Maomao and Shen Zilin, in the end, following his heart, he chose Wei Maomao.

Sadly, it was too late yesterday to inform the Wei family. This morning, Wen Dongyu went over but didn’t see Wei Maomao, he was even scared away by the mush cooking in the pot. Then, while wandering around outside, he bumped into Shen Zilin, who was heading towards the village entrance.

They chatted, and guess what, one had given himself away, the other had left home early in the morning and wasn’t coming back. They naturally hit it off and had been together ever since.

Wen Dongyu, having given himself away, was determined to stay away until the end of this “pretend to be dads” segment. So when Wen Xiang suddenly appeared before him, he was truly taken aback. In fact, his first thought was to run away, but Wen Xiang was faster, he grabbed him.

Grabbed him, picked him up, and ran away…

Shen Zilin, swallowing the watermelon in his mouth, stared after them, a hint of envy in his eyes, which he didn’t even notice himself.

Wen Xiang didn’t run far, he just took his child to another shady spot a dozen meters away and put him down.

“Dongdong, there’s something I need to confess to you.” Wen Xiang said directly.

Wen Dongyu, who was still struggling with how to react when meeting his dad after giving himself away, was stunned. “Ah?”

“The house we’re living in now. Mmm… not the one in the village, but our home, the house we live in with Mom, it’s actually an inheritance from your grandfather, left for you. Do you understand what I mean?” Wen Xiang tried his best to use precise words so his child could understand.

Wen Dongyu shook his head blankly.

Wen Xiang squatted down, picked up a small stone from the ground, and drew a simple house on the dirt, then drew three stick figures inside. “It’s just… you, me, and your mom, we’ve actually been living in the house your grandfather gave you. You’re not living in my house, I’m living in yours.”

“My house?” Wen Dongyu blinked.

“Yes, your house. It’s your house, and it’s not a house your mom and I gave you. It’s an inheritance from your grandfather, left for you before he passed away. No one can take it away, not even your mom and I.” Wen Xiang said patiently.

Wen Dongyu understood, he was surprised. “Wow! I’ve never met Grandpa, he gave me such a big house!”

“… “ Wen Xiang tried to maintain his smile. “Yes, that’s right. The reason I didn’t tell you before was that you were still young, and also, I was a bit embarrassed, you see, I’m such a grown-up, living in your house, and I’m not even paying rent… How about this, we’ll still buy you your food, clothes, toys, everything, it’s like we’re paying you rent, okay?”

Wen Dongyu scratched his head, ah, it was so complicated, his brain was a bit dizzy.

“Dongdong, you don’t want to let Mom and me live in your house anymore?” Wen Xiang asked, his heart aching a bit, seeing Wen Dongyu’s silence, but this time, he had learned to be strong.

He was a dad, he could be stronger.

“Ah, no.” Wen Dongyu shook his head instinctively, rubbed his face, and said awkwardly, “I don’t quite understand.”

Wen Xiang: “… “

So the bright future wasn’t shattered by the truth of the story, but by the little baby’s comprehension skills…

“Can I…” Wen Dongyu pointed at Shen Zilin, who was still squatting and eating watermelon in the distance. “Can I ask Shen Zilin?”

These past few days, Wen Dongyu had clearly realized that each baby’s brain was different. Wei Maomao, Shen Zilin, Cheng Tingyan, and Wen Jiangyue, their brains were all good in their own ways, all better than his.

Looking around, there was one brain available, Wen Dongyu decided to give up on using his own.

Wen Xiang, who had wanted to talk to his child alone and persuade him, looking at his silly son, couldn’t refuse.

Whatever, he also got his inspiration from another baby.

Wen Xiang readily admitted his intellectual inferiority and nodded, releasing Wen Dongyu’s hand.

Shen Zilin, who had been thinking about what Shen Jianghe was doing at home after seeing Wen Xiang, was dragged into the Wen family’s brain-seeking vortex within two minutes.

Shen Zilin first listened to Wen Dongyu’s incoherent explanation, after listening, he couldn’t help but rub his ears, he strongly suspected that Wen Dongyu not only couldn’t understand it, he probably hadn’t even heard it correctly, he must have misheard it.

Putting aside the ownership of the house for now, Wen Xiang, a top-tier singer, he wasn’t just a flash in the pan, buying a few houses was easy for him, as for living in his child’s house and feeling embarrassed so he never mentioned it… This story didn’t make sense, it must be Wen Dongyu who misheard, Shen Zilin thought.

Shen Zilin glanced at Wen Dongyu helplessly, then turned to Wen Xiang. “Uncle Wen, I don’t think I understand… Can you explain it to me again?”

Wen Xiang, of course, had no objections. Whether it was logic, sentence structure, or word choice, Wen Xiang was much more precise than Wen Dongyu. But… after listening, Shen Zilin realized that the content was the same!

Shen Zilin fell silent.

He understood…

A liar.

A liar who came to reconcile.

“Did you understand?” Wen Dongyu asked, tugging at Shen Zilin’s sleeve.

Shen Zilin said helplessly, “Which part don’t you understand?”

“The house, we’ve always lived there. What does ‘paying rent’ mean?” Wen Dongyu asked, picking out a few things he didn’t understand.

Wen Xiang: “… “ Just this? You found someone to ask? Why didn’t you just ask me!

“It means your things, other people are using them. The things are still yours, but during the time they’re using them, they should pay you.” Shen Zilin explained concisely.

“Oh. My toys, if other people take them, they’re still mine, and they have to pay me?” Wen Dongyu immediately thought of his beloved toys.

“Forget about your toys, we’re talking about the house now.” Shen Zilin glanced at Wen Xiang, he was blinded by the blatant expectation in his eyes, he looked away and explained to Wen Dongyu, breaking it down. “Your dad means, your grandfather gave you a house, the house is yours. Your dad and mom are living there now, they feel like they’re borrowing your house, so they should pay you rent. They’re not planning on paying you cash, but they’ll cover your food, clothes, toys, books, tuition, basically everything you need to spend money on. But the money you spend isn’t theirs, it’s money they should be giving you anyway, it’s your own money. In other words, from now on, you’re living in your own house, and the money you spend is also yours. You don’t have to worry about having nowhere to live, nothing to eat, or no school to go to. Because you have a house, houses are very valuable!”

“Right! That’s it! Do you understand now?” Wen Xiang asked, his eyes full of anticipation.

“I understand.” Wen Dongyu nodded and sighed. “Grandpa is so good, he gave me a life!”

Wen Xiang: “Yes, your grandpa is truly good…” There was no need to elevate it to that level.

Seeing the gradually warming atmosphere between the father and son, Shen Zilin couldn’t help but interrupt. “Uncle Wen, that house, it will be under Dongdong’s name, right?”

“Of course! It has to be!” Wen Xiang said firmly, without hesitation.

Shen Zilin gently pulled his sleeve away from Wen Dongyu’s grasp, he could only help them this much, friend.

“But…” Wen Dongyu grabbed Shen Zilin’s sleeve again. “But my house, I don’t want to lend it to Dad and Mom.”

Wen Xiang: “… “ It’s over, I messed up, I deserve it!

Shen Zilin: “… “ I suggest you look at your dad, who’s about to cry!

Wen Dongyu, feeling a bit embarrassed, didn’t even look at Wen Xiang, he leaned closer to Shen Zilin and whispered, “Lending things is uncomfortable, lending them all the time is even more uncomfortable. Can I give my house to Dad and Mom, a little bit? Then we’ll all be living in our own houses, no need to borrow.”

Shen Zilin was stunned, he looked at Wen Xiang, who was also stunned. Oh, you should cry, you deserve to cry.

“Is it okay?” Wen Dongyu asked, tugging at Shen Zilin’s sleeve.

“It’s okay, whatever makes you happy.” Shen Zilin said helplessly.

Why did they have to drag him into this pretend play about property, he truly felt like his intelligence was being insulted.

“Then I’ll have a place to live, but I still don’t have money. I still need to earn money, you still have to lend me money, hire me as an employee, okay?” Wen Dongyu emphasized.

Shen Zilin: “… “ Forget it, it seemed his dad still had hope, he probably wouldn’t need his money. And… it was time to have some standards for his employees’ intelligence.

“It’s a pity Grandpa didn’t leave me any cash.” Wen Dongyu mumbled to himself, a bit disappointed.

Wen Xiang, who had just turned around and secretly wiped his eyes, quickly turned back. “Cash, oh, there is! I haven’t had a chance to tell you, your grandpa also left you money, a lot of money.”

“… “ Shen Zilin looked at Wen Xiang’s “sincere” expression in shock, he pulled his sleeve away from Wen Dongyu’s grasp again and walked away quickly.

Truly, staying any longer would be disrespectful to his own intelligence.

The feeling of having his intelligence trampled on the ground and repeatedly rubbed wasn’t unique to Shen Zilin.

The viewers in the live broadcast room were truly speechless.

“When Wen Xiang started talking about grandpa, inheritance, and the house, I was dying of laughter, I thought he had come up with some brilliant solution! It turned out he just repackaged ‘giving the house to raise the child’… And Dongdong actually believed him, truly, Dongdong, eat some walnuts, or you’ll be the next naive innocent!”

“Dongdong is still young, it’s normal for him to be fooled. But I didn’t expect that after being hurt by the ‘borrowing,’ he wouldn’t want to ‘lend’ and hurt his parents, truly… My heart is breaking.”

“The power of genetics is truly strong, Wen Xiang thought of giving the house to alleviate Dongdong’s pain from lacking power, and Dongdong also thought of giving the house to his parents so everyone would be happy. No wonder Dongdong believed Wen Xiang’s nonsense… Because it’s the same logic! Hahaha!”

“Truly, if it were any other baby, Wen Xiang wouldn’t be able to fool them, only Dongdong, he’s truly naive and innocent. Little CEO Shen clearly knew Wen Xiang was lying as soon as he heard it, hahaha, in the end, when Wen Xiang said Grandpa also left him money, Little CEO Shen didn’t even want to say anything and just left, speechless.”

“Right, Little CEO Shen’s expression when he left, hahaha, it was like he was saying, ‘Are you guys even listening to yourselves? I can’t listen to this anymore, I’m out, have fun by yourselves.’”

“Little CEO Shen is also very sweet, he asked, ‘Uncle Wen, that house, it will be under Dongdong’s name, right?’ He was clearly trying to confirm if Wen Xiang was just saying it or if he was sincere. Although words said on a live broadcast can’t be used as evidence, there’s a big difference between telling a white lie in front of the public and outright lying. Thankfully, Wen Xiang seems to be sincere.”

“Speaking of Little CEO Shen, when Wen Xiang came over and took Dongdong away, I felt so sorry for Little CEO Shen, all alone. Can’t the program team tell him about CEO Shen’s whereabouts and situation? Seeing Little CEO Shen squatting there, eating watermelon alone, it broke my heart.”

…

They wouldn’t reveal it, but the first batch of things sent from Shen Jianghe arrived.

After refusing to participate in the Wen family’s intelligence-lowering conversation and leaving, Shen Zilin had just returned to his original spot when he received a small wooden box from the program team.

Inside the box was a stack of… cardboard with drawings?

Cardboard the size of two adult palms, folded in half, with drawings and words on them, like simple greeting cards.

Shen Zilin took out the first one, and as soon as he opened it, he froze.

It wasn’t because of anything else… Before even taking them out, Shen Zilin had already felt a strong sense of familiarity from the shape of the cardboard and the handmade drawing on the cover of the top card. He even guessed immediately that they were made by Shen Jianghe.

But he didn’t expect… Shen Jianghe would draw this for him.

The first card, the cover was a simple pink flower, but when he opened it… Inside was a stick figure drawing of a mother holding a baby.

Was it… Mom?

Was it… him?

Shen Zilin quickly took out the second, the third…

There were a total of five cards in the wooden box.

Except for the first one, the other four all depicted the same baby, in different poses, lying down or sitting. Judging from the background colors and patterns, each card seemed to correspond to a season.

Only the first one was different.

Shen Zilin opened the first card again, he gently touched the woman in the drawing, the artistry was average, but her eyes were gentle.

“Did Dad draw these? These cards?” Shen Zilin asked, looking up at the staff member who had delivered the box.

The staff member nodded. “Yes. CEO Shen is still drawing, he said he’ll keep drawing until you’re willing to come home.”

Shen Zilin understood, it was just like how Grandpa used to make him draw cards for Dad when he was younger. But he drew them, and Dad still didn’t come home.

But… Shen Zilin looked at the card in his hand.

Dad… drew Mom? The Mom he never wanted to talk about with him?

Sadly, there wouldn’t be more.

He only had a mother for a very short time.

As short as this card.

“You’ve seen these cards, are you willing to go back now?” The staff member asked, following the procedure.

Shen Zilin shook his head.

The staff member quietly retreated.

Soon, Shen Jianghe, who was diligently drawing at home, received the news of Shen Zilin’s refusal. As expected, his pen only paused for a moment before continuing to move across the paper.

He had received a whole box of such cards, year after year. Now he had only drawn five. Not getting the desired response, wasn’t it normal?

Shen Jianghe gradually realized that this wasn’t just an urgent task on the show, it was the true distance between them that needed to be bridged.

It had been so easy to drift apart, now, wanting to come closer naturally required more effort.

Shen Jianghe knew that.

Chapter 111

A soft and gentle voice, unwavering and firm.

Simple words, repeated multiple times, followed by a brief pause.

Cheng Tingyan looked at the slightly dazed little chubby bunny and asked, “It was toothpaste, right?”

“… ” Wei Maomao scratched her ear, which was ticklish from Cheng Tingyan’s breath, and chuckled helplessly. “Yes, it was toothpaste.”

Cheng Tingyan relaxed, satisfied, and lay down properly.

Wei Maomao rolled over, snuggled closer to Cheng Tingyan, and zoned out, recharging her energy.

Life… was truly tiring.

From full of energy to listless, like a deflated balloon.

Cheng Tingyan reached out and smoothed the little chubby bunny’s messy, soft hair. “If you’re tired, then sleep.”

Wei Maomao stared blankly at the ceiling, she was tired, but not sleepy. She didn’t know what “good” solution Wen Xiang had come up with, but she felt that no matter what it was, it was unlikely to have an immediate effect.

It was her who prematurely burst that bitter pill.

Without her, perhaps those toys that were given away would just be a small, slightly painful memory for Wen Dongyu. Or maybe the accumulated disappointment would only erupt years later, when Wen Dongyu had grown up and had a more mature mind, he would be able to handle it better…

These past few days, Wei Maomao had been avoiding it, she didn’t dare to think about those “what ifs.”

But Wen Xiang’s efforts today forced her to face it.

Wei Maomao raised her hand, it looked short, chubby, and ordinary.

She had personally created those forks in the road, leading the Wen family to a different path than in her previous life… Was it for better? Or for worse?

“Not sleeping, what are you thinking about?”

A delicate, childish hand reached out and pulled down Wei Maomao’s raised paw, accompanied by a curious voice.

“Thinking about Uncle Wen and Wen Dongyu?” Cheng Tingyan asked softly, holding the little chubby paw.

“Mmm…” Wei Maomao didn’t deny it. “I wonder how they’re doing now.”

“Uncle Wen will try his best.” Cheng Tingyan said, squeezing the little dimple on the chubby paw. “You answered Uncle Wen’s questions very well, don’t worry.”

“Sigh…” Wei Maomao buried her face in Cheng Tingyan’s pillow. “I didn’t answer anything, I didn’t know what to say. What if Uncle Wen’s solution doesn’t work, will they… stay like that for a long time?” Then she would truly…

“It’s okay, Maomao.” Cheng Tingyan said softly, stroking the little chubby bunny’s messy hair. “Shen Zilin has already promised to take care of Wen Dongyu, everything will be fine.”

“It’s my fault, I made Wen Dongyu think about talking to Uncle Wen about protecting his property, then they had a fight… If it wasn’t for me…” Wei Maomao, her worries easing from the stroking, mumbled into the pillow.

Cheng Tingyan’s hand, stroking the soft hair, paused.

So it wasn’t just worry, but also self-blame.

“No, it’s not. Before you mentioned property, when they were at home, Uncle Wen had already given away Wen Dongyu’s toys. Even if you hadn’t said anything, they wouldn’t have argued that day, but they would have argued eventually.” Cheng Tingyan sat up, rolled the little chubby bunny over so she was facing up, and said seriously, “Maomao, it’s not your fault, you can’t just take the blame.”

Wei Maomao smiled wryly. Yes, the existence of the bitter pill wasn’t her fault. Her fault was that she seemed to have changed the timing of its explosion, pushing things towards an unknown future.

“Maomao, did you hear what I said?” Cheng Tingyan asked, shaking the little chubby bunny.

The little chubby belly and legs jiggled from the shaking.

So cute~~~

Cheng Tingyan pursed her lips, suppressing the cuteness for now, and stared seriously. “Maomao?”

“Mmm, I heard you.” Wei Maomao said, pulling Cheng Tingyan’s hand, trying to make her lie down again.

However…

Wei Maomao looked at Cheng Tingyan, who was sitting firmly, unmoved by her pulling, in surprise.

“Maomao, it’s not your fault.” Cheng Tingyan repeated solemnly.

Wei Maomao: “… “

Why was she suddenly so serious?

Cheng Tingyan looked at her intently, but didn’t see agreement in the little chubby bunny’s eyes.

This wouldn’t do… Cheng Tingyan’s heart sank.

Right…

“It’s my fault.” Cheng Tingyan said, gripping the little chubby paw tightly. “Maomao, the first time you mentioned protecting your property, it was for me, right? That day when we first arrived here. So, it’s my fault, not yours.”

“No…” Wei Maomao was shocked by the six-year-old Yan Yan’s logic, she took a moment to process it before denying it.

“It’s my fault.” Cheng Tingyan leaned closer and covered the little chubby bunny’s mouth, repeating seriously, “It’s my fault… My fault… My…”

Wei Maomao: “… “

Was this really necessary? Toothpaste needed to be cleared, mistakes also needed to be cleared, but her brain couldn’t be cleansed like this.

She struggled.

It was futile…

Wei Maomao was once again surprised by the weakness of her three-year-old body.

After being forcefully brainwashed several times, when Cheng Tingyan asked again, “Maomao, it’s not your fault, you can’t just take the blame. Do you understand?” Wei Maomao, focusing all her skills on acting, nodded sincerely.

The hand covering her mouth loosened, Cheng Tingyan let out a sigh of relief, stroked the little chubby bunny’s face, and lay down again.

Wei Maomao cautiously moved away, creating some distance between them, she even pulled the blanket on the bed as a temporary barrier, then said weakly, “Yan Yan, it’s not your…”

Before she could finish her sentence, Cheng Tingyan sat up again.

Wei Maomao quickly moved further away, her hands extended defensively. “It’s not your fault! I was the one who said it, it has nothing to do with you!”

“It’s my fault!” Cheng Tingyan shouted.

Wei Maomao was stunned.

This was the first time Cheng Tingyan had spoken so loudly, and… to her.

Was she…

Being scolded…

Her already tired three-year-old body couldn’t handle this kind of shock.

Before her mind could even process the meaning of the words, her body reacted to the tone.

Sadness and grievance overwhelmed her.

By the time Wei Maomao regained control of her scattered thoughts, the stinging and blurring in her eyes were beyond her control.

Sob, sob, sob… This useless body, how could she cry just because someone raised their voice at her!

And in front of Yan Yan, how embarrassing!

It was too late, Wei Maomao could only bury her face in the pillow.

The six-year-old Cheng Tingyan couldn’t imagine Wei Maomao’s thoughts at this moment.

She only saw… the little chubby bunny crying.

And it seemed… she was the one who scared her…

The warmth in her heart instantly vanished.

Cheng Tingyan, panicked and anxious, tried to pull the little chubby bunny over, but she seemed to be glued to the pillow, she couldn’t turn her face around.

“I’m sorry, Maomao, did I scare you with my loud voice?”

“I didn’t mean to scold you… Don’t cry…”

“Maomao… Maomao?”

“Don’t cry, I was wrong!”

…

Wei Maomao didn’t want Cheng Tingyan to see her crying like a weakling, but she couldn’t ignore those words of self-blame.

“You’re not wrong!” Wei Maomao said, rubbing her face against the pillow and turning over.

“I’m wrong…” Cheng Tingyan hesitated, but seeing the large teardrops still rolling down the little chubby bunny’s cheeks, she quickly nodded in agreement. “I’m not wrong!”

This time, it was Wei Maomao’s turn to nod in satisfaction.

But this three-year-old body, why couldn’t she stop crying!

However, thanks to these endless tears, Wei Maomao regained control of the brainwashing game.

And to soothe the crying little chubby bunny, Cheng Tingyan naturally answered all of Wei Maomao’s questions.

Soon, Wei Maomao figured out the reason behind Cheng Tingyan’s sudden firmness and dominance, which had even scared her weak three-year-old self.

“When my mom was hospitalized, there was an auntie in the bed next to us, she looked healthier than Mom. Mom could only lie in bed, while the auntie could walk around with crutches. The doctor told the auntie not to walk around, but she didn’t listen.”

“One night, the auntie went out, and when she came back, she was dirty. Mom asked her what happened, she said she fell, it was fine, she would just sleep.”

“The next day, the auntie didn’t wake up, she was taken away.”

“Mom said she was dead.”

“An uncle came and helped to pack the auntie’s things. He cried while packing, saying it was all his fault. If he had told the auntie not to walk around more often, she wouldn’t have hit her head. If he had stayed with her that night, he would have noticed her head injury, they could have called the doctor sooner, they wouldn’t have let her sleep.”

“The uncle said a lot, he looked terrifying… like a puppet…”

“When Mom was discharged, she heard from the doctor that the uncle had died. Because he felt it was his fault that the auntie died, so he killed himself.”

“The doctor said the uncle took other people’s mistakes as his own, he was in too much pain. People shouldn’t always blame themselves, they should think about whether it’s other people’s fault.”

“Maomao, don’t be in pain. It’s not your fault, it can be mine. Because I don’t feel pain.”

“I won’t die.”

…

“People shouldn’t always blame themselves, they should think about whether it’s other people’s fault.” Cheng Tingyan had said this to her in her previous life too, but she didn’t mention that it came from such… a story.

And Wei Maomao never expected that Cheng Tingyan’s sudden seriousness and dominance stemmed from such a… horror story.

It was truly horrifying, whether it was Yan Yan, who was only three or four years old at the time, left alone in the hospital with the nurses, witnessing everything, making this incident a part of her clear childhood memories, or the story, similar to a suicide pact, that triggered Wei Maomao’s unpleasant memories and associations… It was all horrifying.

So horrifying that it instantly stopped the tears of her three-year-old body, which always cried uncontrollably.

But no matter how terrifying that incident was, what Wei Maomao cared about was the person in front of her, trembling slightly from the memory, yet rejecting her attempts to interrupt, insisting on finishing the whole story.

And those words, “Maomao, don’t be in pain. It’s not your fault, it can be mine. Because I don’t feel pain. I won’t die.”

Was this the reason why Yan Yan was so serious and determined, so stubbornly trying to “take the blame”?

The six-year-old Yan Yan, she couldn’t differentiate between different kinds of mistakes.

The Wen family’s situation, if it truly turned out badly, she would feel guilty and want to help make amends, but… it wasn’t something she would die for.

And…

Wei Maomao looked at the hand she had unconsciously grabbed tightly.

It was cold, ice-cold.

That was the temperature of a very nervous Yan Yan.

Wei Maomao wanted to say that no matter if she felt pain, how much pain, no matter how painful it was, she wouldn’t die, after all, she had already found the best Yan Yan in the world.

Chapter 110

Wei Chengli had scooped Wen Dongyu and the pig from outside their door several times.

The little baby who had a fight with his family, the heartbroken little baby, the always heartbroken little baby…

As Wen Dongyu slowly opened up to the other children, Wei Chengli’s perception of him was constantly being refreshed.

And today, Wen Xiang’s arrival, the babies’ words, made Wei Chengli realize even more deeply that children’s memories were far better than adults imagined, and some hurts couldn’t be easily concealed just because they were young.

Time, patience, love, tolerance… From what Wei Chengli could imagine, Wen Xiang wanting to win back his child’s heart, it wouldn’t be an overnight process.

Then… what exactly did he think of, saying he couldn’t wait that long!

Looking at Wen Xiang, who suddenly stood up, thanked the little babies sincerely, and was about to leave, Wei Chengli couldn’t help but ask, “Well… Can I ask what you’re going to do next?”

Mouthpiece! The world can’t function without you! The viewers in the live broadcast room, also anxious and worried about Wen Xiang’s thought process, started spamming likes for Wei Chengli.

“… “ Wen Xiang hesitated for a moment, but still answered, “Without power, he’ll feel afraid. Isn’t he still worried that I’ll give away his things? Isn’t he worried that I’ll tell him again that the money he spends on living expenses is borrowed from me and needs to be repaid? Then I’ll give him enough power, not just the money from this variety show, I can give him more. From now on, he’ll use his own money for his food, clothing, and everything else, he won’t have to worry about me giving away his things, he won’t have to worry about using money borrowed from me, and he won’t always think about working for Shen Zilin. Mmm… Although I really won’t do or say those things again, but if it can give him peace of mind, I’m willing to give him everything.”

Wei Chengli: “… “ He didn’t know why, although it was difficult to comment, but he had a feeling of “as expected.”

But… Wei Chengli scratched his head, didn’t Wen Xiang forget a very crucial point?

“Uncle Wen…” Wei Maomao, also taken aback by Wen Xiang’s idea, said with difficulty, “For this variety show, the share Dongdong gets, it’s earned by himself, it’s his power. Even if you give him more of yours, it’s still yours…”

“If I give it to him, it’s his.” Wen Xiang said, confused.

Cheng Tingyan, glancing at the little chubby bunny standing next to Wei Chengli, picked up her milk bottle, extended her hand, and placed it in front of Wen Jiangyue, who was sitting a seat away. She said a bit loudly, “Yueyue, this is for you.”

Wen Jiangyue was confused. “Mmm?”

“Just acting.” Cheng Tingyan said softly, then looked at Wen Xiang, who had turned to look at her, and raised her voice again. “Mine, I’m not giving it to you anymore.”

After saying that, Cheng Tingyan took the milk bottle back and added, “Mine, I wanted to give it to you, give it to you. But I don’t want to give it to you anymore, you’re not being good, it’s still mine.”

“Right, that’s it.” Wei Maomao nodded in agreement.

However, Wei Maomao noticed something different about Cheng Tingyan today, she didn’t seem to participate in these discussions before.

Cheng Tingyan, feeling she had helped the little chubby bunny, smiled faintly at her.

Hearing their explanation, Wen Xiang understood.

“You’re right, but it’s not a problem.” Wen Xiang said confidently. “I can transfer the ownership of the house, oh, you guys probably don’t know what transferring ownership means, it means changing the name of the house owner to Dongdong, then the house will be his, I can’t take it back unless he agrees. And the money, I can also deposit it into his account.”

Wei Maomao: “… “

If he did that, it seemed there wouldn’t be any problems, but it also felt… wrong…

Wei Maomao tried to speak several times, she had a lot to say, but she didn’t know where to start.

How should she put it, it was like drinking a glass of salty watermelon juice, it was watermelon juice, but it shouldn’t be… Her feelings were complicated.

“Mmm… If it’s given by you, although you can’t directly take it back in the future, but if you guys have a fight, and you’re angry, you can still say, ‘Everything you have is given by me.’” Wen Qiming, who had been silent for a long time after being called out by Wen Jiangyue, finally spoke. “It’s not his power, it’s borrowed from you. You can’t physically take it back, but mentally, you still can.”

“Right! The point isn’t whether you can truly take it back, it’s whether you have the right to say those words.” Wei Chengli, who also felt something was wrong but couldn’t pinpoint it, couldn’t hold back anymore, he turned to Wen Qiming and praised, “Teacher Wen is truly cultured, he immediately grasped the key point.”

Wen Qiming smiled wryly and didn’t say anything more.

What he had might not be culture, but… a similar mindset to Wen Xiang, thinking he could control his child.

Because everything you have is given by me, so you have to be obedient, only then can you have it, if you’re not obedient, you’ll lose it, even some of what you had before will be taken back as punishment.

Perhaps because his brain capacity was different, Wen Qiming had never said such blunt words to Wen Jiangyue, but… wouldn’t the sugarcoated actions and words make the children feel the same?

Wen Qiming secretly glanced at his daughter sitting at the stone table.

Not reciting texts… they could still go to the amusement park, they could still buy the Sudoku board games…

He knew what she wanted, but because she wasn’t obedient, he didn’t give it to her. He thought she would learn her lesson, but it turned out that what she received was hurt, a lasting hurt, it was… she didn’t trust him anymore.

Was it for her own good, or was it about listening to him… Sometimes, a thought, after being sugarcoated too many times, became exquisite and beautiful, but the underlying logic was never truly good. And after a long time, he himself didn’t even know how to unwrap it and examine it.

Wen Qiming and Wei Chengli’s words made Wen Xiang pause for a moment.

“Everything you have is given by me.”

He had indeed said those words to Wen Dongyu, just these past two days, and more than once.

He could guarantee that he wouldn’t say it again, but… Would Wen Dongyu believe him? Would the things he gave still make Wen Dongyu feel empowered? Or would they be a burden… or something he didn’t want at all.

This wouldn’t work, that wouldn’t work either, what should he do?

Wen Xiang didn’t want to wait for ten years, wait until Wen Dongyu could earn his own money, before getting back his carefree, happy, and close son. These past few days were already unbearable enough, let alone ten years…

What should he do…

Wen Xiang racked his usually inactive brain.

“Don’t be too anxious, the child won’t run away, coax him slowly, he’ll eventually see your change.” Wei Chengli said softly, looking at the dazed Wen Xiang, his eyes unfocused.

The child didn’t run away? He had already run away!

“I’ve got it!” Wen Xiang’s unfocused gaze sharpened, the dejection disappeared, he even became energetic in the next second. He looked at everyone and said sincerely, “Thank you all! I know what to do! But I can’t tell you now, when I succeed, Dongdong will probably tell you! Thank you all so much!”

This time, before anyone could react, Wen Xiang bowed deeply and ran off quickly.

How should they put it, whether it was the adults or the children, Wen Xiang’s actions were so sudden, they were all caught off guard, frozen in place.

The viewers in the live broadcast room were also speechless.

“What does he know! He knows again! Why is he keeping it a secret, why not just tell us… I feel like with Wen Xiang’s brain, the solution he came up with can’t be reliable.”

“Does Wen Xiang even have a brain… After today, I have to admit, the internet saying he’s naive and innocent, it’s a perfect description.”

“Sigh, Wen Xiang is truly anxious, he should have thought about it before, now it’s too late to be anxious. His ‘borrow’ truly shattered a child’s worldview, I thought about it, if my parents said that to me when I was only a few years old, I would be so sad and anxious. The love I thought I had was an illusion, I had to earn money to repay debts, earn money to support myself, but I was only a few years old, where could I earn money? I feel like if I were Dongdong, my first thought would be to sell myself. For a child, if they can’t even trust their parents, what else in the world is real… Wen Xiang wanting to quickly resolve Dongdong’s inner turmoil, I don’t think it’s possible.”

“He is quite naive and innocent, but when he said he would transfer his property to Dongdong, he seemed quite sincere, it could be considered ‘sweet.’ If Dongdong was twenty years old now, no, even a teenager, Wen Xiang’s approach might be effective. Older children, how should I put it, they have a better understanding of reality, they might be able to understand where the money is, where the love is. But Dongdong is too young, money is far less important to him than reliable love. So, Wen Xiang should be more patient, he needs time.”

“Back then, Wen Xiang was labeled as naive and innocent because he refused to acknowledge that the songs in his new album, which the company was producing, were written by him, not only did he not cooperate, during an interview, he even foolishly recited the names of the songwriters for all ten-something songs, and said he just had a good voice given by God, he didn’t have the brain for songwriting. At that time, singer-songwriters were very popular, he directly blocked the company’s plan to market him as a talented artist… And he even sued them when they terminated his contract… Wen Xiang is a brainless, naive innocent. The way he hurt Dongdong was truly thoughtless, but I also believe that he truly wants to make amends now.”

“What Wen Xiang did back then was truly brainless, they had already bought the copyrights for him. Although it was later revealed that the company had some shady dealings when buying the copyrights, but they had bought them, the songwriters were basically his ghostwriters, but he just refused. Anyway, later, when they terminated his contract, it was rumored that Wen Xiang had to pay a penalty, he suffered a loss. But fools have their own luck, he lost money but gained a good reputation, in these past years, the quality of the songs he sang has been very high, I heard that many songwriters now choose Wen Xiang as their first choice when selling songs, only if he doesn’t buy them will they contact others… Some even write custom songs specifically for his voice without even signing a contract or knowing if he’ll buy them. It can only be said that Wen Xiang’s brain is different from normal people, but maybe… the outcome won’t be too bad.”

“He’s truly different from normal people! My head hurts just thinking about it, I can’t even imagine how to quickly resolve this issue like Wen Xiang said…”

“Just a random thought, do the dads have some special need for… public restrooms today? Except for Wen Xiang and CEO Shen, the others didn’t have any tasks this morning. Cheng Feiying and Wang Qingchuan have empty bathrooms at home, but they both went to the public restrooms twice. Now, after leaving the Wei family’s house, Wen Xiang also went… Is the bathroom at Director Wei’s house unusable…”

…

It was usable.

But there was no need.

Because the bathroom at Wei Chengli’s house didn’t have a token to flip.

Wen Xiang flipped the token in a hurry. After flipping it, he didn’t even bother pretending to wander around like Cheng Feiying and Wang Qingchuan did before, he just kept pacing back and forth near the public restroom.

The program team had to abandon their usual approach of waiting before responding, they responded quickly.

Well… Being perceived as having frequent urination was better than anxiously pacing around like a dog looking for a bone.

Wen Xiang, receiving the program team’s notification, quickly returned to the public restroom.

Shi Dingshan was waiting for him inside.

Shi Dingshan didn’t think Wen Xiang was belatedly agreeing with Cheng Feiying’s proposal to end the role-swap segment early. Having been monitoring the situation, he felt… Wen Xiang might have something more troublesome to say, so he came himself this time.

As expected…

The first thing Wen Xiang said when he entered was, “I want to make a phone call to my wife.”

“According to the contract, you can only contact the outside world for very important matters, and it has to be through the program team.” Shi Dingshan said, refusing.

He didn’t agree, it wasn’t that Shi Dingshan was being biased, Cheng Feiying’s situation was indeed quite important, his wife was already interfering with the live broadcast. And… with Cheng Feiying’s temper, he probably wouldn’t even hear what his wife was saying in two minutes.

But Wen Xiang was different. Not to mention anything else, his wife had been contacting the program team yesterday, wanting to withdraw from filming early. Even with the sky-high penalty, she readily agreed. Now the program team was just stalling, dragging it out as long as possible, preferably until the filming was over.

Shi Dingshan actually felt that Wen Xiang himself might not want to withdraw from the show, but what if he changed his mind after a phone call? That would be troublesome.

“It is a very important matter, I want to ask my wife.” Wen Xiang said, putting his hands together, pleading. “Just one sentence, I’ll hang up after asking, I won’t talk about anything else.”

Shi Dingshan, his hands behind his back, clenched his fists, hardening his heart.

“If it’s just one sentence, we can relay it for you.” Shi Dingshan said, softening his tone. “We’ll also tell you her answer, is that okay?”

“Because it’s very important, I want to confirm her answer myself. It’s not that I don’t trust you, I just want to be sure…” Wen Xiang insisted again.

Shi Dingshan could hear the lack of conviction in his voice, which was also not forceful at all.

Then… Sorry, friend…

“How about this, one of our staff members has your wife’s WeChat, you can send her a message, then we’ll confirm her answer, if it doesn’t involve anything outside the show, we’ll show it to you, okay?” Shi Dingshan said, then added, “Can we see what you’re going to say?”

“Oh, yes, you can, but… please keep it a secret, okay?” Wen Xiang said hesitantly.

“Don’t worry, I’ll use this phone. After you’re done, I’ll delete the chat history, only the three of us will know.” Shi Dingshan said, letting out a sigh of relief. Being naive and innocent sometimes… was actually quite good.

Soon, Shi Dingshan received the phone from the staff, they had already cleared the previous chat history about withdrawing from the show.

“Ningning… I want to ask… about that…” Wen Xiang said, taking the phone, pressing the voice message button, but after rambling for a few sentences, he smiled wryly and gave up, he looked at Shi Dingshan awkwardly. “Well, Director Shi, I’ll type it instead.”

“… “ Shi Dingshan nodded. “Then send a voice message after you’re done typing, this is a staff member’s account, you have to let her know it’s you.”

Wen Xiang nodded, then started typing furiously.

Not long after, Wen Xiang said into the phone, “Ningning, the thing I asked about above, I typed it, it’s me, please reply soon.”

After saying that, Wen Xiang, true to his word, didn’t wait for a reply, he handed the phone back to Shi Dingshan.

Good, naive and innocent.

Shi Dingshan looked at the WeChat chat window.

[Ningning (flying kiss emoji), I’m sure you’re very angry after watching the live broadcast these past few days (fingers crossed emoji), I know I was wrong (crying emoji)! I’ll try my best to make amends (working hard emoji)! I want to transfer the ownership of our current house to Dongdong (gift emoji), do you think it’s okay (starry-eyed emoji)? Don’t scold me, just tell me if it’s okay or not (fragile emoji), I know you’ll definitely agree (love you emoji), but I still want to ask you first, because we’re husband and wife (cute emoji)~~ Love you (three hearts emoji) Please reply soon~~ (anxious emoji) (pitiful emoji)]

Shi Dingshan looked up, he felt like he was going blind.

Who would have thought that the most lethal part of being naive and innocent was the “innocent”…

The reply came quickly.

[Okay, but didn’t the other dads say this wouldn’t work?]

[I’m contacting the program team to have you withdraw early, I want you to come home, I don’t think it’s working out for you two out there.]

Shi Dingshan, after reading the message, hid the phone behind his back. “There’s a reply, she agreed, but there’s a sentence about something outside the show. Can I delete that sentence and then show it to you?”

Wen Xiang was waiting for that “okay,” his face instantly lit up, he nodded repeatedly. “Yes, yes!”

Honestly… with his brain, Shi Dingshan almost felt bad for him.

Of course, the stone-hearted Shi Dingshan still deleted the second sentence, then partially covered the phone screen to prevent more messages from coming in, and showed the first sentence to Wen Xiang.

“Okay, okay, thank you.” Wen Xiang said, feeling like he was on the right path, then added awkwardly, “Director Shi, can you help me send another message? Just say I’m going to tell Dongdong that this house is an inheritance from his grandfather, we’re just living in his house, and the money we give him for his daily expenses is rent. The reason I didn’t tell him before was that I was embarrassed, an adult living in a child’s house.”

“Wha… What?” Shi Dingshan asked, suspecting he had misheard.

“Of course, I’ll truly transfer the ownership of the house to him after I leave. The other parts are just… white lies for his own good.” Wen Xiang said with a smile. “Thank you, Director Shi.”

After saying that, Wen Xiang turned to leave.

“Wait…” Shi Dingshan gripped the phone tightly. “Aren’t you going to wait for me to send the message and get her reply?”

“No, no need!” Wen Xiang waved his hand and ran off.

Shi Dingshan: “… “

Judging from his eagerness to escape, he must know that it wasn’t just a “white lie”…

At the Wei family’s courtyard, the group who had been stunned by Wen Xiang’s deep bow, they never expected that compared to Shi Dingshan at the public restroom, the shock they experienced was nothing.

After lunch, it was nap time again.

Wen Qiming hadn’t finished the math test paper from noon, and he also had a lot to talk to Wen Jiangyue about in private. So not long after Wen Xiang left, he said that Maomao should take a nap, they should go home and continue doing the problems.

Wen Jiangyue, although still wanting to play with Maomao and Yan Yan, seeing Wen Qiming’s good attitude towards doing the problems, she wouldn’t discourage him, so she took him, the test paper, and the lunchbox back home.

And Wei Maomao and Cheng Tingyan had already brought their luggage from the Cheng family’s house this morning, their beds were already made. Now they just needed to wash off the smell of cilantro from the morning and they could roll into bed.

Wei Chengli also had a lot to say to the little chubby dumpling, but…

It’s okay, he also had his own room! Sob!

Cheng Tingyan, after taking a shower, didn’t lie down, she sat by her bed, waiting for… Mmm, a little chubby bunny in ordinary pajamas.

Of course, the little chubby bunny could wear whatever she wanted.

But… Cheng Tingyan still sensed the little chubby bunny’s low spirits.

She seemed to have been a bit down since Uncle Wen came.

The little chubby bunny didn’t come to her bed, Cheng Tingyan hesitated for a moment, got down, walked over, and sat next to the little chubby bunny’s bed.

“Want to sleep together?” Cheng Tingyan asked softly, poking the little chubby bunny’s waist.

“Let’s lie down for a bit, not sleep together.” Wei Maomao said, pulling Cheng Tingyan down.

The Wen family’s situation made Wei Maomao feel a bit tired, she truly needed to be close to Yan Yan, to absorb some energy.

Cheng Tingyan lay down, then said with a hint of dissatisfaction, “Why not sleep together? If we lie down, we’ll fall asleep…”

“Because I drool.” Her tired heart couldn’t muster any shyness, Wei Maomao sighed. “Did I also drool the night before last… My dad saw you washing your pajamas this morning.”

“It wasn’t drool, it was toothpaste.” Cheng Tingyan denied.

“Drool… It was drool.” Wei Maomao couldn’t accept the excuse, she covered her face. “Let’s each sleep in our own beds!”

Cheng Tingyan, who wanted to sleep next to the little chubby bunny, pursed her lips, she leaned closer to her ear and said firmly, “It was toothpaste… It was toothpaste… Toothpaste…”

Wei Maomao: “… “

Wait… Could she be brainwashed like this?

Chapter 109

“What should I do…”

Wen Xiang’s plea for help was natural and sincere, as if he was completely ignoring the fact that he was talking to a three-year-old chubby baby.

Who would have thought that Wen Xiang’s earlier running around, buying and selling, wasn’t to get his child back, but to pay for advice! The staff who followed him around were truly surprised, his words shocked them. Being exposed to such a unique thought process up close, they were overwhelmed, their reaction even slower than the viewers in the live broadcast room.

Just as the staff wanted to step forward and explain the true meaning of the photo to the bewildered group, they received an order from the director team to stop.

Then… good luck, Wen Xiang.

Wen Xiang, for the sake of reconciling with his child, humbly asked for advice.

Wei Maomao, worried about the changes she had caused, couldn’t ignore the problem.

One dared to ask, the other dared to answer, what else could the others say…

Wen Qiming, grabbing his unfinished math test paper and his untouched lunchbox, retreated and moved his stool to a spot not too far from the stone table. He could do his homework, but he also wanted to listen to the gossip…

The leftover lunchboxes on the stone table were quickly cleared away by Wei Chengli.

Wen Xiang, very thoughtfully, opened three small boxes of cake and placed them in front of the three little ones, then opened three bottles of walnut milk and even inserted the straws for them. His attitude of treating one person the same as a group was evident.

Wei Maomao hadn’t let go of Cheng Tingyan’s hand, and Cheng Tingyan didn’t try to pull away, she just sat there with her. As for Wen Jiangyue, she had hesitated earlier, but since Wen Xiang had given her cake and milk, clearly wanting her to stay, she sat down firmly.

The three little ones, each sitting more steadily than the last, plus the neatly placed cakes… the milk with straws…

And across from them, Wen Xiang, bowing slightly, carefully placing the things in front of them…

They looked like three bodhisattvas… Wei Chengli couldn’t help but think, his mind conjuring up images.

It was a table without a place for him, so Wei Chengli tactfully dragged a stool from elsewhere and sat next to Wen Qiming, he even took out a book to appear polite.

Wen Xiang didn’t care about those details, in fact, he didn’t even have the mental capacity for them anymore.

“Then let’s… talk about what Dongdong has been like in front of you these past few days, and when he talked about me, what was I like in his words, okay?” Wen Xiang asked eagerly, after placing the things and sitting down properly.

What was he like… From carefree happiness, to visible sadness, then to the renewed confidence after finding a job…

What was he like… The word “borrow” summed it all up.

And for Wei Maomao, it was truly great that Cheng Tingyan and Wen Jiangyue were here together, they took turns speaking, supplementing each other’s answers, it greatly reduced her pressure.

Some people, because of shared responsibility, felt less pressure.

And some people…

Childish words, innocent confusion, righteous statements…

Wen Xiang basically knew about the things the babies mentioned, but there were some details he couldn’t see.

Wen Dongyu’s continuous disappointment and sadness, all the ups and downs seemed to have a clearer context now, they eventually turned into vines, wrapping around him, tightening, making him feel suffocated.

Finally, after the three babies finished talking, Wen Xiang asked weakly, “But I apologized to him, I told him that I didn’t mean it when I said ‘borrow’ that day. I also promised never to say it again… Why doesn’t he seem to be listening? Are apologies and promises useless?”

“My dad said, getting hurt takes a moment, but healing takes a long time.” Wei Maomao said, trying her best to find suitable phrases from her limited vocabulary. “Uncle Wen, you made Dongdong sad, you hurt him, it’s not like he can heal just because you apologize and promise once.”

She never expected things to develop this way, the content of “Tutu Adventures” was mostly created for the third season of “Where’s Baby Going” in her previous life, she couldn’t find perfectly fitting phrases, she could only choose the best ones and adapt them.

Thankfully, she wasn’t alone at this moment.

“Apologies and promises aren’t useless, they’re just not enough. If the injury is severe, one dose of medicine won’t heal it, it takes many, many doses, every day. If it doesn’t work after one time, then doubting, giving up, and stopping the medication, it won’t heal.” Cheng Tingyan said softly, holding the little chubby paw in her hand. She didn’t know why, but she felt that the little chubby bunny was different at this moment, as if… burdened. She couldn’t tell if it was because of Uncle Wen’s question or something else, but she could, she could try to help.

“Then… Should I apologize every day? Promise every day?” Wen Xiang asked, trying to understand the little babies’ thoughts.

It wasn’t about apologizing and promising every day, it was about giving the child more love and security every day… Wei Chengli thought, his eyes on his book, his ears perked up. He started to suspect that Wen Xiang was serious about asking the babies, he truly didn’t seem to understand.

He was truly serious.

Wen Xiang’s eyes were filled with a thirst for knowledge, Wen Jiangyue could see it clearly.

“I think…” Wen Jiangyue said softly.

One adult and two children, three pairs of eyes all looked at Wen Jiangyue, making her suddenly nervous.

But…

Unlike Wei Maomao, who was bound by her excessive conscience and morality, and Cheng Tingyan, who spoke up to share the burden with the little chubby bunny, Wen Jiangyue was the first among the three to be genuinely touched by Wen Xiang’s humble act of seeking advice for his child.

Perhaps Wen Dongyu was unhappy now, but if Wen Xiang could always be like this, Wen Dongyu would eventually be happy again, this was the thought that motivated Wen Jiangyue to speak up.

“I think whether apologies and promises are useful depends on whether Uncle Wen usually keeps his word.” Wen Jiangyue said, summoning her courage. “Like my dad, he often breaks his promises, so I don’t really believe his promises anymore.”

Wen Qiming, who was pretending to do his homework but was actually listening to the gossip, looked up abruptly, shocked. “When did I ever break my promises?”

“You said I could play after reciting one text today. I finished reciting it early, so you said I should read the next one. You said I didn’t have to study during the show, I could relax. You said if I wanted a kiss from Dad, I had to recite five poems.” Wen Jiangyue looked at Wen Qiming and gave a few simple examples, then turned to Wen Xiang, her gaze softening. “If Uncle Wen usually keeps his word, if you make more promises every day, and you keep those promises, like Maomao and Yan Yan said, many, many times, many, many days, Dongdong will gradually believe you.”

Wen Xiang thought about it seriously. “Except for giving away his toy, I usually keep my promises to him. And I won’t give away his things anymore!”

Wen Jiangyue, seeing the determination in Wen Xiang’s eyes, nodded, satisfied.

Wen Qiming, looking at the serious conversation between the adult and the child, opened his mouth several times, but couldn’t utter a sound, only bitterness remained in his mouth.

Yes, he was like that…

No wonder, no wonder last time, when he told Yueyue that he would take her to the amusement park after she finished reciting that book, she just said “okay” casually. It was an amusement park she had been so eager to go to before… And that other time, he told Yueyue that if she could review and memorize everything they had learned in the past two months, he would buy her a complete set of Sudoku board games, she said she didn’t want them anymore. But a few days later, he saw her copying Sudoku puzzles from the newspaper onto her scratch paper, he thought she was lying to him because she didn’t want to review her studies, he even lectured her for a while…

So it wasn’t that she didn’t want to go anymore, it wasn’t that she didn’t want the games anymore… It was because she thought he wouldn’t keep his word?

Wen Qiming’s head buzzed, he couldn’t hear what they were saying at the stone table anymore.

And at the stone table, Wei Maomao, holding Cheng Tingyan’s hand tightly, wasn’t as easily satisfied as Wen Jiangyue.

Apologies and promises were better than nothing, but…

Children were fragile.

Especially a child like Wen Dongyu, innocent and carefree, as if he had been raised in a honey pot. Even if there was a bitter pill hidden in the honey pot, he might occasionally taste a bit of bitterness, but if he didn’t deliberately dig for it, the sweetness of the honey would quickly wash it away.

But now, the bitter pill had exploded, the entire pot of honey was bitter, it wasn’t something that could be fixed by just adding more honey…

“You adults…” Wei Maomao said softly, limited by her three-year-old age, she didn’t know how to express her thoughts.

So…

Sorry, Dad…

Wei Maomao let go of Cheng Tingyan’s hand, got down from the stool, and ran to Wei Chengli.

“Dad!” Wei Maomao shouted loudly.

Wei Chengli had already heard his baby approaching, he could only pretend to have just emerged from the world of his book and looked up innocently. “Mmm?”

In a flash, a chubby paw landed on his face, his entire face was squished to the side.

Wei Chengli: “… “

The chubby paw came quickly and left quickly.

“Dad, I promise never to press your face again.” Wei Maomao shouted loudly.

Before he could even respond, the chubby paw landed on his face again.

Wei Maomao tilted her head slightly, confirming that Wen Xiang was staring at them with wide eyes, she shifted her body, giving him a better view.

Wei Chengli, whose face was squished again before it could even return to its normal shape: “… “

The chubby paw retreated.

Wei Maomao shouted even louder, “Dad, I really won’t press your face again.”

By now, Wei Chengli felt something was wrong, he instinctively leaned back to dodge.

But…

How was this little chubby dumpling so agile!

Wei Chengli, his face squished again, laughed in exasperation. “Didn’t you say you wouldn’t press my face again! Are you even being polite? You little liar!”

The chubby paw retreated again.

“Dad, I… won’t… press… your…” Wei Maomao said slowly this time, her paw extending slowly.

Wei Chengli, whose face was sore from being pressed, finally reacted in time, he reached out and firmly caught the impolite little chubby paw, then lifted it up and chuckled. “Little liar, try pressing it now!”

Wei Maomao ignored Wei Chengli’s smugness and turned to Wen Xiang. “Whether someone keeps their word, only they know. If an adult doesn’t keep their word, there’s nothing a little baby can do. Whether an adult keeps their word, whether they’ll hurt them again, it’s all up to the adult. A little baby has no power, they can only be afraid because they don’t know when they’ll be hurt again. They have no choice but to wait in fear. My dad, I kept pressing his face. Then he gained power, he’s not afraid anymore.”

As she spoke, Wei Maomao showed Wen Xiang her chubby paw, which was being held by Wei Chengli.

“Uncle Wen, you scared Wen Dongyu, he’s afraid. When he has no power, he might always be afraid. My dad promised to give me his appearance fee from this show, if Uncle Wen is willing to give Wen Dongyu his, he might feel a little bit more empowered… But he might still be thinking about repaying the money you gave him before, a little bit more might not be enough.” Wei Maomao paused, then added, “Shen Zilin, he’s his source of power, but he hasn’t received it yet. Uncle Wen, you have to be patient, when Wen Dongyu grows up and gains power, he won’t be afraid anymore.”

Wen Dongyu’s biggest problem was probably the fear of not having money, of not being able to survive. Although it was a bit blunt, Wei Maomao still said it… She hoped Wen Xiang could let go of the “what’s mine is yours, but before that, what’s yours and mine belongs to everyone” kind of family-harmony mindset, so Wen Dongyu could truly have some power.

Although judging from Wen Xiang’s current good attitude, Wen Dongyu probably wouldn’t need it even if he received it. But… Only by having it, could he stop being afraid… Only then could they talk about mending their relationship.

Mending the hurt of a child was very difficult, especially for a child as young as Wen Dongyu, who had been directly hit where it hurt the most.

Wei Maomao could only hope that Wen Xiang would be more patient in facing the fact that Wen Dongyu might not be able to be like his old self for a long time. Don’t hurt him anymore, and don’t create more rifts because of disappointment and impatience.

After all, Wen Dongyu might only be able to truly stand on equal footing with Wen Xiang when he could earn his own money.

However, Wei Maomao completely underestimated Wen Xiang’s impatience.

“A little bit of power is not enough. And I can’t wait that long, life is already difficult enough now, I can’t wait for him to grow up.” Wen Xiang shook his head, but looked at Wei Maomao with sincerity and gratitude. “Thank you, Maomao, thank you all. I know what to do now!”

Wei Maomao: ???

Everyone present: ???

The viewers in the live broadcast room all facepalmed… Wait, what did he think of again!

Chapter 108

People who were not used to doing housework, suddenly having to clean an entire house by themselves, even with the program team being lenient during the inspection, they still worked until their eyes were blurry. By the time they finished, it was almost noon.

One received a box of colored pens and cardboard, the other received a photo of a little chubby bunny.

The staff member, holding the box, his body steaming, didn’t dare to look at Shen Jianghe’s expression. But looking down, he couldn’t help but notice his sweat-soaked pants…

Cheng Feiying and Wang Qingchuan flipping the tokens in the public restrooms, privately communicating with the assistant directors, wanting to end the role-swap segment early, this morning’s events had already spread throughout the staff’s group chat.

Not liking cilantro was indeed difficult to endure, having a troublemaking younger sister was also truly not easy… But were they the ones who made Cheng Feiying cook mushrooms for Yan Yan every meal? Were they the ones who made Wang Qingchuan favor his second child? Although no one could always be right and do everything perfectly, but if they went astray and even rejected those who tried to remind them, it was a bit…

In comparison, Shen Jianghe and Wen Xiang, who had been diligently working all morning, were truly admirable.

Admirable as they were, the work still had to be done.

“Congratulations, CEO Shen, you have completed our first special task and received a special item that can be used to retrieve your baby.” The staff member said quickly, his head slightly lowered, looking at Shen Jianghe’s sweat-stained pants. “Now, CEO Shen, you can choose to either explore the item’s use and start retrieving your baby or complete the second special task to get more clues on how to properly use this special item. So, CEO Shen, would you like to start our second special task?”

“No need.” Shen Jianghe shook his head, refusing.

While the staff member was talking, he had already examined the contents of the box twice.

Putting aside the colored pens for now, those cardboard pieces…

Each piece was folded in half, about the size of Shen Jianghe’s hand when folded.

He was very familiar with both the texture and the size.

This kind of cardboard, no, it should be said, greeting cards made with this kind of cardboard, he had a whole box of them.

His birthday, every holiday, even ordinary days when he wanted to share something. From the two-year-old Shen Zilin, who could barely hold a pen and just scribbled randomly, to three, four years old, his drawings became more and more realistic, and he could even write a few simple words on them.

Like “Dad,” “Happy,” “Miss you,” “Come home”…

Then at five years old, the drawings on the cardboard started to have his own aesthetic and style, but… the words and the frequency of the cards decreased, it felt more like a perfunctory task, just going through the motions.

Shen Jianghe, in these past years, had received many cards sent from the old residence, but he didn’t go back every time. To be precise, he rarely went back, whether they sent him cards or not.

He spent several years avoiding Shen Zilin’s eyes, which were too similar to his deceased wife’s. It wasn’t until these past two years that he gradually let go, he went back more often, realizing that he needed to make an effort to bridge the gap between them.

Going home, giving money, buying gifts, taking his son out to play, participating in this parenting variety show…

Shen Zilin was still young, they had a long life ahead of them, Shen Jianghe always thought that they would gradually become closer, become a more intimate father and son. And in fact, before today, Shen Jianghe felt that after joining the show, their communication had indeed increased, they could even talk a bit about business, although there was still childishness in it, it was quite interesting.

Everything seemed to be getting better.

But it turned out… it was all an illusion…

Shen Jianghe looked at the colored pens and cardboard in the box, only today did he realize that what he should be doing wasn’t creating a future, but… mending the past.

A house without a foundation was like a castle in the air, no matter how beautiful and grand the skyscraper built on it might seem, the deep void would always exist, it would never be stable.

He didn’t need a second task to hint at how to use this item, Shen Jianghe knew exactly what he should do. And he also knew… if the babies’ task today was to play the role of their dads, then his efforts might not be able to bring back his baby.

Even if he couldn’t bring him back, he still had to do it.

Shen Jianghe tightly gripped the small box in his hand.

Around the same time, in the courtyard next door, Wen Xiang also finished cleaning and received a photo of Wei Maomao, smiling foolishly, in the envelope.

Similarly, the staff member also asked Wen Xiang if he wanted to complete the second special task to learn how to use this special item.

Wen Xiang frowned slightly, stared at the photo of Wei Maomao, her fluffy hair and happy, confident face, for a while, then drank the entire bottle of mineral water in one gulp, and shook his head. “No need, I know what to do.”

The staff member cleared his throat, trying to persuade him.

But Wen Xiang, without hesitation, left the courtyard.

And so, the staff member following Wen Xiang and the viewers in the live broadcast room watched as he rushed back to his house and took out a bulging bag.

“You guys do have things that can be exchanged for Daddy Coins today, right?” Wen Xiang asked the staff, seeking confirmation.

After receiving a positive response, Wen Xiang left with the bag, he didn’t even bother changing his clothes or wiping his sweat.

Seeing Wen Xiang’s actions, the viewers, who had been worried that he wouldn’t understand the meaning of the photo, were finally relieved.

“Wen Xiang is still somewhat intelligent, he knows he can’t just go and ask for his child back empty-handed, he even knows to bring money, quite polite.”

“Seeing Dongdong always following CEO Mao and the others, even going to their house for meals before, and combining it with this photo, it shouldn’t be difficult for Wen Xiang to figure out that Dongdong gave his most beloved child to CEO Mao. But CEO Mao doesn’t know that Dongdong is hers yet, hahaha! When Dongdong went over this morning, CEO Mao was at Yan Yan’s house, Director Wei hadn’t woken up yet, after Dongdong saw the mush cooking in the pot… he ran away, hahaha.”

“After all, Director Wei’s mush is notoriously unappetizing, who would have thought that CEO Mao would learn from him, but add so much sincerity to it?”

“Wen Xiang can’t get Dongdong back now, Dongdong and Little CEO Shen are earning money in the field.”

“Speaking of which, CEO Shen and Wen Xiang are truly working hard, those old, unmaintained houses… I don’t think I could even handle it.”

“But why did Wen Xiang ask about the things that can be exchanged for Daddy Coins? Isn’t giving money directly polite enough? Is he planning to exchange for some gifts to bring over?”

“Hahaha, that must be it, and Wen Xiang is quite smart, he doesn’t seem to be planning on bringing the things that can be exchanged for Daddy Coins, he’s using real money! The program team truly… forced the guests to create a new business model… I never thought I would see Wen Xiang selling braised food! Beibei, your business has a successor!”

…

Wang Qingbei’s previous success, as told by Wang Zhizhi and Shen Zilin, the dads had all heard about it to some extent.

Wen Xiang never thought that there would be a day when he would learn something just by hearing it and then put it into practice immediately.

But he had to admit, Wang Qingbei’s idea was truly good.

Exchange Daddy Coins for braised food and beer, sell them for real money, then go to the convenience store and buy baby snacks.

Wen Xiang followed the path laid by his predecessor, steadily and surely, he even sold the lunchbox the program team gave him.

Wei Chengli, who had just finished lunch, opened the courtyard gate after hearing a knock. He saw Wen Xiang, his hands full of bags, as if he had just returned from a snack wholesale market.

“Uh…” Wei Chengli, looking at the snacks Wen Xiang could barely hold, slowly extended his hand in friendship, then retracted it, feeling something was wrong. He finally said weakly, “Are you looking for Dongdong? He’s not here…”

Wen Xiang looked at the courtyard behind Wei Chengli, at the stone table, Wei Maomao, Cheng Tingyan, and Wen Jiangyue were all holding chopsticks, seemingly eating. There was also Wen Qiming next to them, holding a pen, writing something. There was indeed no one he wanted to see.

“I’m not looking for Dongdong, I’m looking for Maomao.” Wen Xiang said, not feeling disappointed. Overall, his heart was already at rock bottom, it was difficult for him to feel disappointed by such a minor setback.

“Oh, oh, okay.” Wei Chengli stepped aside, confused.

Wen Xiang walked straight to the stone table, glanced at the almost-empty lunchbox in front of Wei Maomao, and quietly took two steps back.

Although Wen Xiang didn’t say anything, standing there with his hands full of bags, his presence was strong.

The three little babies all stopped eating, looking at the sweaty, dusty Wen Xiang curiously.

“Well… Maomao, Uncle Wen is looking for you.” Wei Chengli, who had followed them, finally spoke, then looked at Wen Xiang. “What did you want to see her for again?”

“No rush, Maomao, finish your meal first.” Wen Xiang said, standing straight.

The commotion was a bit loud, Wen Qiming, dizzy from the math problems, looked up from the test paper, turned to Wen Xiang, then couldn’t help but chuckle. “Xiao Wen, did you go and move goods? Look at your sweat and dust, put down those things and wash your face first.”

“No need, it’s fine.” Wen Xiang refused, trying his best not to look at Wei Maomao’s lunchbox, not wanting to pressure her into eating quickly.

Wen Qiming rubbed his eyes and asked curiously, “Did you know? The babies are imitating us today. Our one is playing the role of a parent who makes their child learn the knowledge they like, what about yours?”

“… “ Wen Xiang opened his mouth slightly, hesitated, then looked at Wei Maomao. “Our one is the parent who gives away their child’s favorite thing.”

Wei Maomao, under his gaze, was confused, but she instinctively shoved the last two mouthfuls of food into her mouth.

“Then what was yours given away? We didn’t bring much, clothes? Shoes?” Wen Qiming chuckled, looking at the dusty Wen Xiang. “It can’t be facial cleanser? Body wash? Towel?”

“Child.” Wen Xiang ended the questioning concisely.

Wen Qiming: “… “ His smile froze.

Wei Chengli: “… “ He instinctively looked at the stove.

The three babies gasped in shock, their mouths agape, like three little birds waiting to be fed.

“Then… Then Uncle Wen, why are you looking for me?” Wei Maomao asked, feeling a bit guilty.

Yes, guilty.

If they traced it back, the change in the Wen family’s situation probably started on the first day of the show, when everyone first met, when she said, “My dad said that we girls have to protect our own property,” to stop Cheng Feiying from switching rooms.

Wei Maomao didn’t know if, in her previous life, under Wen Dongyu’s happiness on the show, there was unhappiness from not being able to protect his own property. And it was hard to imagine if that lack of autonomy would gradually fade away with time, or if it would eventually become an indelible mark on his life.

But in this life… because of her, Wen Dongyu spoke up to Wen Xiang.

And step by step, it had become like this…

Wei Maomao also didn’t know if, in the future, Wen Dongyu would be better off than in her previous life, or…

Anyway, although she wasn’t the root cause of the Wen family’s problems, the current situation was indeed related to her.

Facing Wen Xiang, whose child had been given away, Wei Maomao felt a bit guilty, she instinctively leaned towards Cheng Tingyan, and quickly received a reassuring squeeze on her hand.

“I’m looking for Maomao because Dongdong seems to like you a lot, he listens to you, he even calls you ‘Boss.’ I want to hear how Dongdong talked about me these past few days… And… what should I do…” Wen Xiang said, lifting the bags full of snacks and placing them on the empty space on the stone table. He looked at the surprised little chubby baby and said awkwardly, “I don’t know what you like to eat, so I just bought some random things.”

Wei Maomao: “… “

Everyone in the courtyard: “… “

The viewers in the live broadcast room were also speechless!

If he couldn’t figure out the true meaning of the photo, he should have just done the second task!

He was truly dedicated to paying tuition…

Chapter 107

“I want to eat the grapes in Brother’s bowl!”

“So other people’s food always tastes better, huh? These are grapes in my bowl too, what’s in your bowl? Eyeballs?”

“I just want to eat the ones in your bowl, they look tastier! Zhizhi, I want the grapes in Brother’s bowl!”

“Give some to your sister, you’re the older brother, you should give in to your sister, what’s wrong with letting her have some of your grapes?”

“She wanted to eat my potato pancakes, you gave them to her, she wanted to eat my boiled egg, you gave it to her too, now she wants my grapes, is this never going to end? Are you two crazy? Is this the only food left in the world?”

“Brother is stingy!”

“It’s just a few grapes, you’re the older brother, can’t you even share with your sister?”

“I xxxxxx…”

…

Cheng Feiying, hearing the commotion in the courtyard, walked in, confused. From afar, he saw Wang Qingchuan at the stone table, his face flushed red, grabbing handfuls of grapes from his bowl with both hands… and licking them?

Cheng Feiying slammed on the brakes, stopping in shock.

“Eat, eat, eat, take them if you want to eat them!” Wang Qingchuan, about to explode, threw the grapes back into the bowl and said with a sneer.

Jiang Heye: “… “

Wang Zhizhi: “… “

Are… Are they elementary school students? Cheng Feiying’s eyes widened, he silently took half a step back.

At this moment, the staff members following Cheng Feiying also entered the courtyard. The sudden influx of people created some noise.

The three people at the stone table all looked over.

Meeting Wang Qingchuan’s surprised and annoyed gaze, Cheng Feiying regretted it a bit.

But after being rejected by Wen Xiang and Wen Qiming, he didn’t have many other options…

Cheng Feiying, forcing a friendly smile, slowly walked to the table, exchanged a few casual greetings, then got straight to the point.

“What?” Wang Qingchuan, hearing Cheng Feiying say that the children were imitating their dads today, was shocked, he interrupted him and turned to Wang Zhizhi. “You were acting like me just now?”

Wang Zhizhi nodded silently.

“Do you think you were even remotely convincing?” Wang Qingchuan asked, smoke practically coming out of his ears, then looked at Wang Qingbei. “He’s imitating me, then who are you imitating? Wang Zhizhi’s sister?”

Jiang Heye smiled. “I am your sister now, Brother.”

“Don’t call me ‘Brother.’” Wang Qingchuan slammed the table and said angrily, “Is there something wrong with your script? Our Qingqing is only a few months old, would she sit on the ground and falsely accuse Wang Zhizhi of pushing her? Would she want to eat the potato pancakes, eggs, and grapes in his bowl? If you’re going to act, you should just lie in bed and drink milk, you know?”

Jiang Heye: “… “ Her fist clenched.

Some silent tolerance was just to avoid exploding and cursing at him, but in Wang Zhizhi’s eyes, it was silent grievance.

He… He should…

If I were Dad…

“How can you talk to your sister like that! You scared her with your loud voice! Apologize to your sister!” Wang Zhizhi also slammed the table and stood up.

Wang Qingchuan was speechless. “Sister, sister, all you care about is “sister”! I’m telling you, don’t get too carried away with your acting, you’re already off track!”

Oh my god… Cheng Feiying, watching from the side, couldn’t even get a word in.

Looking at this, cilantro didn’t seem so scary anymore.

What kind of role-playing hell was this…

Jiang Heye felt like she was going to break character, she was about to break character, she couldn’t wait to break character, the retort was already on the tip of her tongue!

Suddenly, Li Mu’s voice rang out.

“Teacher Wang, since you’ve found out, let me explain on behalf of the program team. Today, our babies are playing the role of their dads, learning how they think, talk, and act. In other words, Zhizhi’s actions today are not his own intentions, but part of his role-playing. On our live broadcast screens, we’ll also project each baby’s dad’s avatar above their heads to avoid any misunderstanding from the viewers.” Li Mu said quickly, finishing his explanation before Wang Qingchuan could walk away.

Wang Qingchuan laughed in exasperation, was he worried about some misunderstanding?

“Is his acting even remotely convincing? Am I like that? And Qingqing, our Qingqing who’s only a few months old, is she like that?” Wang Qingchuan said angrily, pointing at Wang Qingbei.

Li Mu saw Jiang Heye’s tightly clenched fist from the corner of his eye.

Forget it, so what if Wang Qingchuan had some connections in the TV station… He could just get fired.

“Hypothetically, if Wang Zhizhi’s sister was sitting on the ground crying, saying that Wang Zhizhi pushed her, what would you say and do? Hypothetically, if Wang Zhizhi’s sister wanted to eat the food in his bowl, what would you do?” Li Mu asked calmly. “You’re so much older than your sister, why aren’t you giving in to her! Your sister is crying, why aren’t you comforting her! You’re the older brother, you have to learn to take care of your sister! Help your sister up! You’re the older brother, can’t you even share a little bit of food with your sister! Wouldn’t you say these things to Zhizhi?”

Wang Qingchuan: “… “

Li Mu, ignoring the voices in his earpiece urging him to stop talking and return to his position, finished his explanation clearly before retreating.

Cheng Feiying, glancing at the suddenly silent Wang Qingchuan, finally found a chance to interject.

“I have to say, this role-swap segment is a bit too long. How would the children know how difficult it is to be a parent? This kind of superficial imitation is truly…” Cheng Feiying said a lot, then placed his hand on the table and flipped it over. “This token… should be flipped back to the right side, don’t you think?”

Wang Qingchuan, looking at Cheng Feiying’s hand flipping on the table, and combining it with his emphasis on the word “token,” even though his head was still spinning with anger, he understood Cheng Feiying’s meaning.

“Yes, you’re right.” Wang Qingchuan said, gritting his teeth.

Cheng Feiying, finally finding an ally, felt much better.

His relief and joy were evident.

Bai Lei, who had been bombarded by that two-minute rant a couple of days ago, couldn’t stand seeing Cheng Feiying like this, she put down her glass, looked at He Lanxi, who was watching with amusement next to her, and said disapprovingly, “Change the channel, don’t watch him anymore, it’s ruining my appetite.”

“Isn’t it interesting? I’m also following the live broadcast at home. Speaking of which, is he planning to go to every dad’s house? Doesn’t he think his intentions are a bit too obvious?” He Lanxi said, taking a bite of bread and chewing slowly.

“Who knows, he’s stupid as hell.” Bai Lei said with disgust. “If I had known it would be like this, we shouldn’t have accepted that variety show!”

“Live broadcasts, they’re just hard to control.” He Lanxi chuckled, looking at Bai Lei. “If he needs work, just tell me, male lead is a bit difficult, but male second, male third, with our relationship, it’s easy. But you refused, in all these years, you only took a male fourth role from me once. No wonder he’s anxious, he even dares to do this on a live broadcast.”

“Why give him so much? He’s greedy and petty, fattening him up would only cause trouble.” Bai Lei said coldly, looking at the large projection on the wall. “I thought he had improved a bit, but he reverted to his true self after just a few days out there, useless.”

“That’s what meal replacements are like, who asked you to eat them?” He Lanxi reached out, took Bai Lei’s glass, glanced at the powdery water inside, and placed it aside with a tsk. She poured Bai Lei a glass of milk and pushed it towards her. “Isn’t real milk better than meal replacement powder?”

“You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear, fake is fake.” Bai Lei said, looking at the seemingly happy Cheng Feiying on the screen, annoyed. “That program team must have planned to torture them, otherwise, they wouldn’t have set such a high penalty for breaking the contract. Speaking of which, someone from Wen Xiang’s side contacted me yesterday, saying the program team has made some of the dads look too bad, they asked if I wanted Cheng Feiying to withdraw from the show with them.”

He Lanxi, who was spreading butter on her bread, became interested. “Oh? What did you say?”

“Cheng Feiying can’t even afford the penalty for withdrawing from the show. Would I use my money to clean up his mess?” Bai Lei scoffed, completely tired of him after his rant. “I’ve tried to save him, if I can’t, then so be it. It’s fine if his image is ruined, as long as his face is still presentable.”

“Wen Xiang’s side, do they truly want to withdraw from the show, or are they trying to pressure the program team by joining forces with you?” He Lanxi chuckled. “It seems they’re doing something similar to what your husband is doing now.”

Bai Lei shook her head. “From what I heard yesterday, they truly want to withdraw. It seems Wen Xiang’s wife feels that staying on the show isn’t conducive to repairing their father-son relationship, she’s determined to pay the penalty and have him withdraw. But the program team hasn’t agreed yet, the two sides haven’t contacted each other, Wen Xiang probably doesn’t know yet.”

“Then they must be quite wealthy. That penalty amount, it’s clearly to prevent early withdrawal.” He Lanxi thought for a moment, then said, “That’s true love. Compared to you, you’re instantly overshadowed.”

“I’m not some ‘true love.’ I don’t even care about him anymore, it’s just annoying, Rongrong is also being dragged down.” Bai Lei said, changing the channel, she looked at Cheng Tingyan, who was standing in the bedroom with a little chubby menace on the screen, and said hatefully, “She’s truly good at pretending, just like her mom. Who would have thought that after being so quiet at home all these years, she would be so talkative and articulate on the show, Rongrong is truly going to be dragged down by her. I told Wen Xiang’s side, I don’t care about Cheng Feiying, but I can spend money to get Rongrong back.”

“Right, what’s the point of staying there? She can come back, wait until she grows up, then directly star in the dramas our company produces, becoming famous would be easy.” He Lanxi took a sip of milk. “It’s also your fault, always pretending to be distant from me. Otherwise, you could have just brought her to me to play some child roles, it would be better than being on a live broadcast.”

“Who knew it would turn out like this?” Bai Lei sighed. “If I were close to you, Cheng Feiying would be pestering me every day to find him work. Men, you can’t let them have too much power.”

…

Cheng Feiying, who hadn’t eaten breakfast and had already visited several houses, was very hungry.

But at this moment, proud of having found an ally, he didn’t know that there were many more people in this world who wanted him to starve than he imagined.

After receiving confirmation from Wang Qingchuan, Cheng Feiying didn’t plan on going to Shen Jianghe and Wei Chengli’s houses, he was going to head back, thinking that if those who shouldn’t be at home were gone, maybe he could still eat those two potato pancakes…

But after walking just two alleys, he bumped into Shen Jianghe.

Alone, he didn’t see Shen Zilin.

Cheng Feiying thought that Shen Jianghe seemed to have a good relationship with Shen Zilin, even if Shen Zilin was imitating him, it shouldn’t be too bad. But everyone was curious, even if he wasn’t going to look for him, since they had bumped into each other, they had to chat a bit to satisfy his curiosity, right?

Unlike Wen Xiang, who was also missing a child but didn’t say anything, Shen Jianghe readily shared what had happened this morning and said he was on his way to complete the program team’s special task. As long as he completed the task, he would have a chance to get his child back.

Cheng Feiying expressed… admiration. His child had run away, that wasn’t good, he couldn’t help but try to hint at it.

Sadly, Shen Jianghe wasn’t interested in approaching the program team.

They exchanged a few hurried words, then went their separate ways.

Among the dads, the only one Cheng Feiying hadn’t seen was Wei Chengli.

But, whatever!

Just as Cheng Feiying was thinking about the two potato pancakes at home and finally managed to get back, only to be assaulted by the lingering smell of cilantro, a staff member held up a sign for him.

Earlier, after escaping the terrifying house and the terrifying little menace by using the excuse of going to the bathroom, Cheng Feiying had gone to a public restroom on his way to Wen Xiang’s house and flipped the conversation token inside.

After making his rounds, the program team finally responded.

Cheng Feiying, not even bothering to look for food at home, immediately left the courtyard and headed straight for the designated meeting place… the public restroom.

He walked in respectfully and discovered that it was Zeng Huanian, not Shi Dingshan, who was waiting for him. His back instantly straightened.

Meanwhile, Wang Qingchuan had also flipped the token at another public restroom.

Qin Sichao had temporarily left the village, leaving Shi Dingshan alone in the monitoring room. Looking at Wang Qingchuan’s actions on the monitor, Shi Dingshan sent a message to Jin Youliang, uninterested.

One after another, they were all delusional.

The meetings at the public restrooms were a huge blow to Cheng Feiying and Wang Qingchuan.

Before coming to the show, Cheng Feiying had mostly interacted with Jin Youliang and Shi Dingshan, this was his first time having a face-to-face conversation with Zeng Huanian, the assistant director.

He wasn’t an assistant director, he was a Tang Monk!

How could he have so much to say, so much reasoning and persuasion?

Cheng Feiying was dizzy, almost suffocating, it could all be summarized in two words: “No way.”

Originally, Cheng Feiying, after being lectured by Shi Dingshan a couple of days ago, didn’t think he could do it alone. After being force-fed a large pot of chicken soup by Zeng Huanian, he finally found an opportunity to mention that the other dads were also unhappy with this segment, that Wang Qingchuan would probably also come to the program team to complain, trying to increase his bargaining power.

But Zeng Huanian held up his phone and said that while they were talking, Wang Qingchuan had already voiced his complaints, and after the program team’s explanation, he had agreed to cooperate with the arrangement, he had no objections.

Cheng Feiying was speechless, was that a conversation? That was Zeng Huanian’s one-sided, lengthy monologue! And that Wang Qingchuan, he was so loud when yelling at the two at home, how come he was defeated in such a short time?

Defeated.

How could he not be defeated…

Jin Youliang didn’t even say much to Wang Qingchuan, he just handed him his phone with a call connected.

On the other end of the phone was the backdoor that Wang Qingchuan used to get into the show…

The constantly rising number of viewers watching the live broadcast, the increasing amount of advertising revenue, the social impact of the upcoming anti-fraud gala… A leader was a leader, in just a few words, all facts and righteousness, he left Wang Qingchuan speechless.

What could he say? Could he say that the achievements of the entire program team were less important than the issues of his little family?

Naturally, he was defeated in less than two minutes.

Shi Dingshan was mentally strong, no one could sway his decisions, except himself.

And currently in the village, the only other person as mentally strong as Shi Dingshan was Cheng Tingyan.

The six-year-old Yan Yan didn’t have enough experience to handle such complex matters.

So she learned to give up.

Give up on hoping for the future, learn to accept fate, then hesitation, pain, and struggle would be reduced.

Do your best and leave the rest to fate, this was a human’s instinct for survival.

And then she could enjoy this small indulgence in the present.

Cheng Tingyan followed Wei Maomao home and entered the bedroom.

While Wei Maomao was looking for hair clips, Cheng Tingyan glanced at the two beds in the room, she pursed her lips and said softly, “Your dad moved back in?”

“Yes. Otherwise, how could I chat with him last night?” Wei Maomao found the hair clips, walked to Cheng Tingyan, and gestured for her to lower her head.

“If… If we ask him to move out again today, will he be angry?” Cheng Tingyan asked, lowering her head, using the excuse of looking at the floor to hide her embarrassment.

“Ah?” Wei Maomao, who was just clipping a strand of Cheng Tingyan’s hair that had been blown loose by the wind, didn’t understand.

“Can I… stay here tonight?” Cheng Tingyan asked directly, wanting to hold onto more memories.

Wei Chengli, standing at the door, about to ask the two little ones if they wanted some fruit, glanced at the bed he had just moved back to last night… Sob~~~

Some people cried because they had to leave their beloved child.

And some people… cried because they wanted their beloved child back.

Shen Jianghe, to get Shen Zilin back, accepted the program team’s first task, which was to help Grandpa Wang, who lived alone in the village, clean his house.

With all due respect, this was the second time in his life that he had personally cleaned a house! The last time was on the first day they arrived in the village, when he had to clean the house they were staying in…

Compared to their house, which, although it had a pigsty, had already been cleaned by the program team, Grandpa Wang’s house, where he lived alone, had a lot more things that needed cleaning.

Climbing ladders to sweep the eaves, getting down to wipe the dust… Shen Jianghe was busy, his body hot, sweat dripping onto the ground.

Then, he heard a knock on the door and saw… Wen Xiang, also covered in dust and sweat, coming to borrow a ladder.

Two fathers, both searching for their children, had been working in their respective courtyards for almost half an hour before realizing that their neighbor was in the same boat…

What else could they say? Compared to Cheng Feiying and Wang Qingchuan, who were trying to overturn the entire segment, Shen Jianghe and Wen Xiang had already proven their stance with their actions.

Just work, that was all.

Sweat mixed with dust left black streaks on their faces, their clothes were drenched…

The house they were cleaning was finally presentable, barely meeting the program team’s requirements.

Their children, unlike gifts, didn’t appear before them immediately.

Shen Jianghe received a small box.

Wen Xiang received an envelope.

Inside the box was a set of colored pens and a stack of… cardboard?

Inside the envelope was…

Wen Xiang looked at the photo, a chubby child with messy hair, smiling like a little fool, Wei Maomao, he fell silent.

Chapter 106

Cheng Feiying quickly ran through a list of potential allies who could be persuaded to pressure the program team into ending this role-swap segment.

Wei Chengli, that doting father who would do anything his little menace asked, was out of the question. He even allowed his daughter to drag him to other people’s houses for meals. Now that the little menace was having so much fun, he definitely wouldn’t call for a stop. He had to choose among the dads who had suffered from this role-swap. CEO Shen was probably not an option either, his life had been quite normal these past few days. Wang Qingchuan… Wang Qingbei wasn’t bad-looking, he gained a pretty younger sister for free, although they seemed to bicker, he probably didn’t want to end the role-playing early.

Then there was… Wen Xiang, who had been arguing with Wen Dongyu for days, and Wen Qiming, who failed to finish reciting the scripture yesterday…

Cheng Feiying mentally ranked the dads who might support him, then looked at the half-box of mushy cilantro in front of him.

Even though he had been covering his nose and mouth, the smell of cilantro had permeated every corner of the house, he couldn’t even tell if it was because he was close to it or if the concentration in the surrounding air had already reached its peak due to the excessive amount of cilantro.

Anyway, before finding a way to end the role-swap, he still had to deal with this half-box of cilantro.

Because…

The little menace, staring at him with a beaming smile and full of anticipation, wouldn’t let him off the hook.

A topic he couldn’t avoid, a persistence he couldn’t refuse, other people’s three-year-old child, under the watchful eyes of the live broadcast audience, he couldn’t hit her, he couldn’t scold her, he couldn’t even speak harshly to her… If Cheng Feiying had known he would provoke such a little ancestor, he wouldn’t have listened to Bai Lei and cooked Cheng Tingyan things she didn’t like every meal.

What aloofness, what indifference, it was her nature, it was pointless to try and change her.

What making her eat things she didn’t like so she would throw tantrums, then she would become a foil to Cheng Rongrong’s obedience and cuteness, making their daughter more popular and stand out.

Now what, Cheng Feiying glanced at Cheng Tingyan, did she throw a tantrum? Did she become a foil? No, none of that, she even attracted a troublesome little menace! And… Cheng Feiying glanced at Cheng Rongrong disapprovingly, was she more popular now? Did she stand out? All his efforts were in vain, and now he had to face this cilantro, damn it!

Cheng Rongrong, receiving Cheng Feiying’s glare, was confused, what… What did it have to do with her? If he wanted to glare, shouldn’t he be glaring at the other two?

But Cheng Rongrong didn’t know that Cheng Feiying, almost marinated in the smell of cilantro, was regretting it, Bai Lei wasn’t here, his newfound anger had nowhere to go, it could only be directed at her, his daughter.

Angry as he was, Cheng Feiying knew he still had to make a choice.

Based on the little menace’s persistent attitude, if he didn’t eat it, she might follow him around with the cilantro all day. The image was too horrifying, Cheng Feiying didn’t dare to imagine it.

And if he ate it… Cheng Feiying imagined it, gagging in advance.

Of course… there was one last option. It should also be the little menace’s goal… To force him to admit his past mistakes and promise not to feed Cheng Tingyan things she didn’t like anymore. Then she would probably let him off the hook.

If it were in private, Cheng Feiying would definitely choose this option. But the problem was, they were live broadcasting, he had been so adamant in the past two days, wouldn’t admitting his mistakes now be slapping himself in the face? Besides, it wasn’t entirely his fault, he was also instigated!

Choosing the lesser of three evils, Cheng Feiying, after much hesitation, picked up the spoon.

Century eggs, stinky tofu, durian… There were many things in this world that smelled disgusting but were bearable to eat.

What if…

Cheng Feiying looked at the small sprig of cilantro on the spoon and slowly put it into his mouth.

Ugh!

There were no “what ifs.”

Making a choice was difficult, but giving up was easy.

“Okay, some things are nutritious, but if you don’t like them, you don’t like them.” Cheng Feiying looked at Wei Maomao, trying to smile kindly and magnanimously. “Maomao has also taught Uncle Cheng a lesson. Uncle Cheng understands, I won’t feed Yan Yan things she doesn’t like anymore.”

That should be enough, right!

A wise man knows when to bend and when to stand firm!

Giving in after just one sprig of cilantro? Wei Maomao found it amusing.

Cheng Feiying, seeing the unfriendly smile on the little menace’s face, quickly added before she could speak, “Not just here, I won’t let her eat things she doesn’t like at home either, don’t worry.”

Wasn’t it just standing up for Cheng Tingyan, let her! A three-year-old child with five hundred schemes!

“Mmm.” Wei Maomao nodded.

The tension in Cheng Feiying’s body eased, he immediately put down the spoon.

But as soon as the spoon landed, that little menace spoke again.

“Uncle Cheng, the cilantro is best eaten hot.” Wei Maomao glanced at the spoon and said, offering friendly advice.

Hot? What was there to eat hot about this! And… Cheng Feiying looked at the little menace, her tone so natural as she urged him to eat, in surprise. “Didn’t I already say I won’t feed Cheng Tingyan things she doesn’t like anymore? Why are you still making me eat cilantro when I don’t like it!”

The shock and grievance in his voice were unmistakable.

Wei Maomao, standing on the stool, leaned forward slightly, looking down at Cheng Feiying, and chuckled. “Before today, Yan Yan, she ate… many, many, many meals with mushrooms.”

Cheng Feiying: “… “ Damn it, he had already apologized, he had already promised, did she want him to eat the equivalent of all those mushrooms in cilantro? Was she crazy… Was this a parenting variety show or eighteen levels of torture?

“I’m going to the bathroom.” Cheng Feiying, not even touching the only uncontaminated potato pancakes on the table, immediately stood up and walked towards the gate.

Cheng Feiying was truly scared, scared that the little menace would realize there was also a bathroom in the house, so he walked very quickly, hoping to catch her off guard.

Thankfully, he had already reached the gate, and there were no sounds behind him.

Heh, just a three-year-old child, her cleverness was limited.

So now… Cheng Feiying slowed down, who should he approach first…

“Maomao, come down.” Cheng Tingyan said, looking at Cheng Feiying walking away with a group of staff, she reached out to the little chubby bunny on the stool. “Be careful.”

“Older sister, why didn’t you say anything earlier? You just watched as Dad was forced to eat his most hated cilantro…” Cheng Rongrong said weakly, her voice laced with a hint of filial complaint. “Dad left, and you’re only speaking now.”

Wei Maomao, her chubby paw already reaching for Cheng Tingyan’s hand, hearing Cheng Rongrong’s words, didn’t get down immediately.

“Sister Rongrong, did you say anything earlier?” Wei Maomao asked, her face full of confusion. “You just watched as your dad was forced to eat cilantro?”

Cheng Rongrong: “… “ Damn it, with the intense back-and-forth between you two earlier, was there even a chance for her to interject!

Cheng Rongrong, hit by a counterattack, could only follow Cheng Feiying’s example and escape to the bathroom.

The irrelevant people were finally gone, Wei Maomao got down from the stool with Cheng Tingyan’s help.

Wei Maomao also didn’t like cilantro, but the smell in the courtyard today was truly fragrant, she took a deep breath, feeling refreshed~~~

“Yan Yan, no one’s at your house, come and play at mine.” Wei Maomao said, grabbing Cheng Tingyan’s hand.

Cheng Tingyan glanced at the direction Cheng Rongrong had just run into the house, there was still someone there, right?

But…

“Mmm.” Cheng Tingyan held the little chubby bunny’s soft paw.

Wei Maomao felt refreshed, and the viewers in the live broadcast room also let out a sigh of relief.

“As expected of CEO Mao, a three-year-old carrying the weight of two!”

“I hope Cheng Feiying remembers what he said today and stops feeding Yan Yan those things! He gagged after eating just one sprig of cilantro he didn’t like, does he still have the nerve to cook mushrooms for Yan Yan every day!”

“Sigh, I actually hope Cheng Feiying forgets about today’s incident. Remember what the comments said a few days ago, about what happens behind closed doors being a secret that outsiders can’t see? I’m truly afraid that Cheng Feiying will remember it too clearly and take it out on Yan Yan later.”

“Honestly, after watching the live broadcast for a few days, Cheng Feiying, this person, he’s truly putting on an act. No matter how kind he appears, his bad temper, it’s truly… It’s not impossible for him to take it out on others.”

“Even our three-year-old CEO Mao can see through Cheng Feiying’s temper. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have come over early this morning and told Yan Yan not to say anything, she took care of everything herself. I can only say, thankfully, Yan Yan listened and didn’t get involved.”

“CEO Mao even said, ‘I’ll do it, he can’t come to my house and hit me if he’s angry. If you do it, he’ll close the door and hit you, and I won’t even know.’ Yan Yan isn’t stupid, of course, she would listen.”

“Hahaha, I think the reason Yan Yan listened and didn’t say anything wasn’t because of what CEO Mao said, but because our CEO Mao, she… acted cute! Hahahahaha, who can resist a cute little chubby bunny acting cute and clinging to them, I can’t!”

“Cheng Feiying, be a decent human being, he’s even making a three-year-old child be so wary of him! But we still have to thank Director Wei, he reminded CEO Mao several times these past few days not to provoke Cheng Feiying, it must have made her more cautious.”

“Director Wei, well done! You’re worthy of the delicious mush CEO Mao prepared for you early this morning! CEO Mao even brought it over for Yan Yan to drink, it must be delicious! Director Wei, eat more!”

…

Delicious?

It truly… was delicious!

No fishy smell at all, perfectly seasoned with salt, he could taste the minced meat, shrimp, and shredded chicken, they were all pre-seasoned.

Although it was mush, it tasted a bit like a stew?

From carefully taking a small bite to confidently eating large mouthfuls.

From the joy of receiving love from the little chubby dumpling to the guilt over his earlier mistake.

Wait…

Was it love, or a bribe?

Wei Chengli thought about their conversation the night before, his hand holding the spoon hesitated.

One bowl of mush, Wei Chengli tasted a thousand different emotions.

But the answer wasn’t complicated.

As Wei Chengli was pacing in the courtyard, digesting his food and pondering, his baby, who had disappeared early this morning, came back.

Looking at Cheng Tingyan, who was walking into the courtyard with his little chubby dumpling, Wei Chengli felt a familiar twinge of jealousy.

The mush this morning was indeed filled with love, but it was probably the little chubby dumpling’s love for Cheng Tingyan.

Sigh, she liked that little sister so much…

“Baby…” Wei Chengli looked at the little chubby dumpling walking towards him, he reached out, wanting to pick her up and swing her around.

But his outstretched hand was stopped by a raised chubby paw.

“Dad, squat down.” Wei Maomao, seeing what Wei Chengli was about to do, pressed her paw down.

Wei Chengli: ???

Although he didn’t understand, he obediently squatted down.

Then he saw the little chubby dumpling lean closer, her chubby paw reaching under his armpit, she used a bit of force… Was she lifting him?

“Sway.” Wei Maomao said.

Wei Chengli: ???

He cooperated, swaying back and forth with the weak force of the little chubby paw, then the paw retreated.

“So, what was that about?” Wei Chengli asked, bewildered.

“Has anyone talked to you yet?” Wei Maomao glanced at the group of staff and received a unanimous shake of their heads. “Oh, maybe later.”

Wei Chengli: ???

“Dad.” Wei Maomao said seriously, “I went to Uncle Cheng’s house earlier and cooked him a pot of his most hated cilantro.”

“What?” Wei Chengli was stunned. “Didn’t you cook tomato and egg noodles?”

“Mmm, noodles. I put a whole basket of cilantro in the noodles.” Wei Maomao gestured the size of the basket, then added, “Uncle Cheng didn’t eat it, he gagged. Yan Yan ate mushrooms so many times, Uncle Cheng wouldn’t even eat one bite of cilantro.”

Wei Chengli: “… “

As expected, the plan devised by two nine-year-olds combined wouldn’t stop just because he wasn’t participating.

Wei Maomao stopped there, she knew Wei Chengli understood. She was just telling him what she had done. As long as she kept doing it, based on Wei Chengli’s attitude last night, he would eventually realize he had to help.

“Yan Yan, let’s go inside.” Wei Maomao said, pulling Cheng Tingyan’s hand.

Cheng Tingyan obediently followed the small force, but she couldn’t help but glance at the little chubby bunny’s dad.

The things Cheng Feiying said last night, Cheng Tingyan… couldn’t pretend she hadn’t heard them.

Even though she firmly believed that the little chubby bunny wouldn’t lie to her, but…

What was she like when she was three years old? Where did she go? Who did she meet? What did she say?

Lying in bed late at night, unable to sleep, Cheng Tingyan tried hard to recall, but no matter how hard she tried, only fragmented and blurry memories remained, she couldn’t remember anything more. The earliest clear memory she could recall was from the last time she was on this show. At that time, she… was four years old.

In the darkness, Cheng Tingyan thought about many things, as she became increasingly anxious, she realized that she wasn’t afraid of the three-year-old little chubby bunny not being able to help her, nor was she afraid of not being able to live with her mom, nor was she afraid of continuing to live at the Cheng family’s house after angering them.

She was afraid… that the three-year-old little chubby bunny would soon forget about her, just like she couldn’t remember the people and events from when she was three years old. She would also become a blurry shadow in the little chubby bunny’s memory.

With no one to talk to, no one to comfort her, Cheng Tingyan finally fell asleep, resorting to a self-deceiving comfort: “If she forgets, I’ll remember.”

Cheng Feiying said a lot late at night, telling Cheng Tingyan to be obedient and give up her unrealistic ideas, telling her to stay away from unreliable people, telling her what was right and what was wrong.

But he didn’t know that these words only made Cheng Tingyan more determined.

Even… success or failure, it was all up to fate. And the process was what she wanted to experience.

Compared to the unknown future, the little chubby bunny at this moment, the little chubby bunny who was working hard and being brave for her, was what she wanted to remember the most.

Cilantro, the little chubby bunny could add as much as she wanted.

Dad, the little chubby bunny could anger him as much as she wanted.

Sister, the little chubby bunny could retort as much as she wanted.

Cheng Feiying had personally eliminated Cheng Tingyan’s last hesitation.

Someone who no longer cared about the future would act more freely in the present.

Cheng Tingyan secretly glanced at the helpless expression on the little chubby bunny’s dad’s face. The little chubby bunny had pulled her to the bathroom early this morning and told her that her dad knew everything, he would keep it a secret, he promised to help after the show, as for helping during the show, they still had to work hard.

People outside were much better than Cheng Feiying described.

Although she didn’t have much hope, Cheng Tingyan was still grateful.

Wei Chengli also saw the look Cheng Tingyan gave him as she walked past. Thinking about the things the little chubby dumpling said last night, his heart ached.

There were all kinds of people in the world, parents who mistreated their children were not uncommon.

He himself…

Wei Chengli thought about the things he didn’t want to recall, then couldn’t help but think, if there had been someone back then…

There wasn’t back then, but he could be that someone now.

Anyway… After that pot of cilantro, he probably already had a grudge with Cheng Feiying.

Cheng Feiying, who had just knocked on the Wen family’s door, didn’t know how far the ripples from the cilantro had spread, he was now focused on reversing this unfavorable situation for the dads, like a warrior upholding justice.

“Where’s Wen Dongyu?” Cheng Feiying asked, glancing at the lifeless courtyard, knowing the answer.

“Not at home.” Wen Xiang said listlessly.

Cheng Feiying cheered inwardly.

“I think this role-swap segment between the babies and dads is a bit too long.” Cheng Feiying said, getting straight to the point. “The babies are still young, how would they know how to be parents? If they play pretend for too long, their hearts will become wild. If we truly treat them as the ones in charge, they’ll become disobedient and troublesome.”

Cheng Feiying paused, not receiving Wen Xiang’s agreement, he even used his own family as an example. “Like our family, this morning, Cheng Tingyan cooked me a whole pot of cilantro, which I don’t eat, isn’t that ridiculous?”

“Don’t you know?” Wen Xiang said slowly, under Cheng Feiying’s expectant gaze. “The babies are playing the role of their parents today. Yan Yan is probably playing the role of a parent who feeds their child things they don’t like.”

Cheng Feiying was stunned, he finally understood, he turned to look at the staff behind the camera.

He quickly received confirmation.

“Why didn’t you tell us earlier?” Cheng Feiying asked, suppressing his anger. “Did you deliberately want to film our reactions when we were clueless?”

The staff member backed away timidly.

Cheng Feiying looked at Wen Xiang again, his hand twisting slightly on the table. “I think we need to flip the token and turn things back to the right direction.”

“Flipping the token” was a code phrase the program team gave the dads to communicate with them off-camera. Just like how Shi Dingshan had contacted Cheng Feiying before, having someone hold up a sign in the camera’s blind spot, asking him to meet at the bathroom.

If the dads had something to discuss with the program team privately before the cameras and microphones were turned off at night, they could also go to one of the designated public restrooms in the village and flip the token inside. After each dad left, a staff member would go in and check, if they saw the token flipped, they would inform the director team, who would then hold up a sign for the dad, arranging a meeting at the public restroom.

Wen Xiang immediately understood, Cheng Feiying was asking him to join forces and pressure the program team to end the baby-dad role swap.

He didn’t know what was going on with the Cheng family, nor did he care, anyway, the issues in his family couldn’t be resolved by ending this segment.

And the program team had already given him a solution for Wen Dongyu giving himself away. He could get his child back today by completing the special task assigned by the program team.

Wen Xiang shook his head, rejecting Cheng Feiying.

Cheng Feiying’s first attempt was unsuccessful, but his fighting spirit remained strong.

After all, his trip wasn’t entirely fruitless, at least he knew that the children were imitating their dads today. He couldn’t be the only one suffering from this imitation, right?

Next stop, Wen Qiming!

After being implicitly rejected by Wen Qiming, who was so busy doing math problems that his breakfast had gone cold, Cheng Feiying arrived at the Wang family’s courtyard, filled with anger.

He didn’t believe there could be another idiot who was willing to cooperate after being deprived of breakfast by his child!

Before even entering the courtyard, Cheng Feiying heard the commotion inside, his heart leaping with joy.