Chapter 8: The name Ji Ning chose for her daughter.

Chapter 8: The name Ji Ning chose for her daughter.

Qin Meilan was already aware that she had been scolded online.

Knowing her quick temper, the villagers wouldn’t gossip about her, but the netizens didn’t hesitate to curse at her, making her anxious several times at home. Originally, Qin Meilan’s anger would definitely have been taken out on Zhu Zhu, but now that the television crew was coming to film the show, giving this girl a hard time on camera would only bring more trouble, right? She wasn’t that foolish.

Early in the morning, Qin Meilan received the news that the production team had finalized their selection of a civilian little guest and couldn’t stop smiling before even having the chance to tell her husband.

However, just as she decided to be polite to this child, she saw the little girl in front of her shaking her head vigorously, clearly unwilling to go.

The three-year-old hadn’t quite understood the situation yet, until the original plot repeated again and again, and she vaguely realized that it was truly herself who had lost her life at the reservoir.

Xiao Tuanzi had never considered deep questions, like why Qin Meilan didn’t like her or why she loved Xiao Jie so much.

Zhu Zhu never dared to call her “Mom” because whenever Qin Meilan was angry, she would scold her, calling her an unwanted little bastard. Her little head couldn’t comprehend such things, but her dreams kept reminding her that she was a ball and that she had a mother.

In the original plot, after she left this world, her mother was extremely sad and didn’t live out what should have been a brilliant life.

That kind of intense emotion was something Xiao Tuanzi had never felt.

The production team’s van pulled into Yongrui Village, and the villagers stretched their necks to watch the commotion.

Everyone knew what kind of life Zhu Zhu had been living all these years, and now the child was going out to earn big money for the family. How unfair! The villagers felt a sourness in their hearts, but when they spoke, they said that the Zhao family was truly blessed, having such a beautifully carved jade-like child born into their family, and that Zhao Wu wouldn’t need to work at construction sites in the city anymore. Good days were coming soon.

Qin Meilan smiled brighter than the sun, looking at her son as if she saw a villa, a luxury car, and a future young master.

However, Zhu Zhu resisted for the first time, shaking her head firmly, unwilling to leave with the production team.

The production team staff came closer and closer.

Zhu Zhu’s chubby little hands clung to Qin Meilan’s arm, her eyes filled with fear.

"You’re getting too big for your britches," Qin Meilan gritted her teeth and pinched the child hard where no one else could see.

Zhu Zhu withdrew her hand in pain.

When the staff stood in front of Zhu Zhu, they saw what netizens described—a pitiful Little Bitter Melon Baby.

It wasn’t that they couldn’t see her reluctance. However, everyone just assumed that the child was shy and afraid to leave home. The staff patiently explained that the filming of the pilot was just to take a few preview shots, with a small workload, and promised that they would return soon without needing to stay overnight.

Qin Meilan smiled without her eyes smiling, muttering in her heart that the little bastard was becoming more and more precious, needing to be coaxed by others.

At her young age, Zhu Zhu clearly couldn’t resist the adults.

In the end, she was still carried onto the production team’s van.

The staff wanted to coax her a little more, but as the scenery outside the window flew by rapidly, the little dumpling stared intently, her little face flushed with excitement.

Like a little peach.

The staff smiled warmly and playfully tugged at her little nose, suddenly realizing, "Is this Zhu Zhu’s first time riding in a car?"

The little dumpling nodded, not finding it strange, "Yes, it is."

At least, as far as she could remember, it was the first time.

Zhu Zhu turned her face sideways, looking out the car window.

Zai Zai still had her baby fat, her round face framed by long eyelashes like small fans, her eyes fluttering, so well-behaved it tugged at the heartstrings.

Even living in a remote mountain village, with today's level of transportation development, it was unusual for a child to have never gone out to play before the age of three.

Were these really her biological parents?

…

Bai Hui hadn’t expected Ji Ning to ask to meet her on her wedding day.

In fact, it was quite strange that she would come back specifically for the occasion.

In Bai Hui’s circle, everyone considered themselves princes and princesses of the upper class. Bluffing and posturing were common occurrences. But Ji Ning was different.

She was more annoying, with her sharpness openly displayed.

Every time they met, they ended up bickering. There was no so-called decorum between them.

Ji Ning never cared about saving face; she lived entirely for herself.

Bai Hui disliked her but also envied her.

Four years ago, Bai Hui heard that Ji Ning was getting married too.

Like the path they were destined to follow, it was an arranged marriage. At the time, Bai Hui thought Ji Ning was quite the actress, acting as if she was uncontrollable, fooling everyone, almost deceiving herself. But being a wealthy heiress wasn’t easy. Enjoying the advantages of a privileged upbringing came at a price; exchanging trivial things like love and marriage was normal.

Bai Hui once thought Ji Ning had finally become someone like them.

But who would have known, the engagement was canceled, and Ji Ning had an accident.

That was the last time Bai Hui heard any news about her.

Their next meeting was at Bai Hui’s wedding.

Years later, the Ji family’s young miss appeared in the latest high-end couture, looking effortlessly elegant and irresistibly beautiful.

Bai Hui also wanted Ji Ning to see how well she was doing, casually showing off her large diamond ring.

Strangely, after that, Ji Ning actually asked to meet her in private.

Had their relationship reached the point where they could meet privately?

Bai Hui was fully prepared, having spent the morning gearing up for this silent competition, even donning a fur coat.

When she arrived at the agreed-upon cafe, she furrowed her brow.

"Cosplaying a good girl today?"

Bai Hui stood still, her arms crossed in front of her chest, asking her question with an air of superiority.

Just like any other time, when she showed aggression, Ji Ning would counterattack. They went back and forth, neither giving an inch.

That fierce demeanor…

But—

Ji Ning calmly ate her dessert, a dab of cream lingering on her lips, as serene as a rabbit.

Bai Hui: ?

What about her hands?

……

The life-exchange reality show has been rebranded as a travel documentary.

This variety show, from its early preparations, has been through a lot of challenges. In this cold period for variety shows, it is the most anticipated program.

In the subsequent plot of the original story, *Switching Lives* remains popular as well.

The show features many iconic moments, and many artists regained popularity through it… But the original story specifically mentions this show because of its relevance to the original female lead, Ji Ning.

In the original plot, the former child star Ji Ning was invited to participate in the show's recording.

By then, she had already realized something and was trying to break free from the unknown shackles that bound her. Every step was an exploration forward.

In the show, Ji Ning was very popular. She appeared to have a quiet and gentle nature, but at the same time, she was unconventional, always giving unexpected surprises, which made her very likable.

But unexpectedly, at that moment, Ji Ning discovered the existence of her daughter. She even realized that shortly before she accepted the show's invitation, the child had accidentally drowned during the filming of the pilot episode.

The blow was too great.

Ji Ning almost collapsed. There were too many underlying circumstances that she couldn’t express. The drastic change in her personality before and after led to a massive backlash against her on the show, and she withdrew from the recording.

That was what the original plot told Zhu Zhu.

Originally, she had hoped to shine in this field again.

The major plot of the original story was predetermined.

Just like how the variety show would start filming, and Xiao Tuanzi couldn’t change the fact that Zhu Zhu would become a small guest to film the pilot episode.

But the little one wasn’t completely powerless.

At the very least, Zhu Zhu had to protect herself.

She must not be left alone.

Zhu Zhu had to survive in order to have the chance to see her mother again.

Thus, in the following recording, Zhu Zhu wisely chose the chief director of the show as her protector.

She became his little shadow, always by his side.

……

Meanwhile, Fu Mingya finally turned on the tablet, lost in memories.

Fu Mingya vaguely remembered that year.

The baby’s skin was fair and soft, her chubby neck almost looked like it was glistening with baby fat, and her mother had bought her a peace charm, gently tying it around her neck.

It had a very good meaning—wearing it would bring safety.

On the back of the small gold lock, two characters were engraved, which had great commemorative value.

However, the safety lock did not bring safety.

Two months later, the child was lost.

Fu Mingya clicked on the video that had once trended on social media, and she paused, her breath catching.

Many comments floated across the top of the video clip.

“Zhu Zhu is so cute.”

“What color of sack does our Zhu Zhu like?”

The name "Zhu Zhu" was engraved on the back of the safety lock.

It was the name Ji Ning had given her daughter.

……

During the recording of the pilot episode, the variety show director Tao Shaorong kept his eyes on the camera throughout.

The celebrity guests had high status; some couldn’t be exposed to the sun, while others hated waiting. Satisfying them was harder than coming up with new ideas. Tao Shaorong didn’t dare to slack off, and by the end of the day, he was sweating even in the autumn air.

In comparison, his little companion Zhu Zhu was much more reassuring.

She didn’t cry, scream, or fuss. Perhaps because she had suffered too much at home, the staff here were eager to play with her, and she felt secure, being very well-behaved.

However, as a guest, the child didn’t provide any variety show effects. Being obedient, she didn’t provide any laughs and had no aspects worth discussing, leaving no room for standout moments.

Still, the requirement for a non-celebrity guest was mostly a formality, so the production team didn’t have high expectations or demands for Zhu Zhu.

“This child looks so much like Ji Ning when she was young,” said Director Tao.

Director Tao had grown up watching the works of the child star Ji Ning.

It wasn’t an exaggeration to say that, in the era without smartphones, no child who watched TV didn’t know this little star.

Unfortunately, the child star had left the entertainment industry and had been out of touch ever since.

At that moment, looking at the face that resembled his childhood “idol,” Director Tao suddenly had an idea.

What a huge buzz it would be if they could invite Ji Ning to the show?

“Is there any way to contact Ji Ning?” Director Tao asked the staff around him.

Staff:……

What a century-old puzzle?