Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Wen Bingchun’s expression stiffened, and she let out a hollow laugh. "How could that be?"

Liu Yiru’s face remained indifferent. "If there’s no grudge, why wait here just to tell me this?"

"I, I just..."

Before she could explain, Liu Yiru brushed past her and headed toward her own room.

Wen Bingchun tightened her grip on the water glass, the water sloshing from her movements.

What did Liu Yiru mean? Wasn’t joining this show all about gaining fame? Especially for someone who had been out of the spotlight for years. Shouldn’t she join forces with me to push Wen Zhi out?

Wen Bingchun couldn’t understand. She stood there for a moment, head lowered, before finally returning to her room. As soon as she entered, the phone on the table rang. She glanced at it and picked up.

A concerned woman’s voice came through the receiver. "Bingchun, how’s Xiao Wen? Has he eaten? He’s not really just having porridge, is he?"

Then her father’s voice chimed in. "What’s wrong with you? Didn’t we tell you to take good care of our golden child? What’s he doing now? Have you made him anything else to eat? He’s the lifeblood of our family—don’t let him go hungry..."

It was all about Xiao Wen.

Her hand, burned by the porridge, ached faintly. Wen Bingchun’s downcast eyes grew shadowed. Only after they finished speaking did she mutter, "My hand got burned..."

Wen Jinyuan sounded impatient. "If it’s burned, put some ointment on it. Why tell me? And that Wen Zhi—you were never as likable as her before, and now you can’t even outdo her. You can’t even compete with someone who didn’t finish middle school..."

Wen Bingchun hung up blankly. The other end kept calling nonstop, so she muted the phone and tossed it into a drawer.

Wen Xiaowen lay sprawled across the quilt, sound asleep, tiny snores puffing one after another.

"Wen Zhi..." Why did she have to come back now after all this time?

Up in the attic, Wen Zhi sneezed a few times in quick succession. Scrolling through her phone, she muttered, "Who’s thinking about me?"

She opened VB and was shocked to find her follower count had surpassed a million. DMs flooded in, one after another, nearly crashing her phone.

After a quick scan, she saw a jumble of compliments, hate, ads, and weirdness.

"OMG, Sister Zhi, you’re queen! Love you!!"

"Ahhh, Sister Zhi, you’re my goddess! Love you!!!"

"Useless! All you do is laze around!"

"Who’s your man? Dump him! I want to marry you and be Mu Mu’s dad."

"Hello, I’m Du Chengsi from the National Go Association (Chinese chess). My number is 135xxx. Would you be interested in joining us?"

Just as she was about to exit the private messages, another one suddenly popped up. When she focused on it, she almost fumbled her phone.

"My consort, I’ve finally found you..."

Who else could call her "my consort"?

When she and Mu Mu jumped into the lake, Lu Xun hadn’t followed. He couldn’t have followed, could he?

Wen Zhi kept reading.

"I’m trapped in the royal tomb and need 500K to resurrect my 100K troops. Acct #xxxxx. Send funds ASAP."

Wen Zhi snorted in amusement: The online world is truly bizarre—scams like this actually exist to cheat people.

Mu Mu, sitting at the desk reading a book, turned around upon hearing her laughter and asked, "Mommy, not sleeping?"

Wen Zhi leaned comfortably against the headboard, looking relaxed. "Too early for sleep."

With a click, she casually snapped a photo of Mu Mu reading and posted it on Weibo with the caption: What to do with an overachieving kid? I just want him to watch *Pleasant Goat*, *SpongeBob*, or *Super Saiyan*.

In the photo, Mu Mu had his hair in an apple-shaped ponytail, his dark eyes lively and bright. He sat upright, holding a book while tilting his head to look at her. His cheeks were squeezable, his solemn expression tinged with a hint of adorable cluelessness—absolutely adorable.

Baby! fans had been feeling down about the early livestream ending today, but seeing Wen Zhi’s update instantly lifted their spirits. They flooded the post with comments and reposts, hitting a thousand comments in under a minute.

"Ahhhhhh, our Mu Mu is so adorable! Mommy's here for you!"

"Landlady Wen has some conscience—our little master is so adorably clueless!"

"Damn it, Useless Wen is showing off too much! What’s wrong with the kid being diligent?!"

"If even the kid is working so hard, how can you just lie there posting on Weibo?"

Some fans earnestly offered suggestions.

"You could snatch Mu Mu’s book and get him to play games instead, hahahaha!"

"What kid doesn’t watch cartoons? He just hasn’t experienced the joy of them yet. Just say *you* want to watch and make him join you."

"Totally staged. If you’re so brave, go live then—prove it."

"Hahaha, yes! Go live! I’ll act out *Tom and Jerry* for Mu Mu!"

Chuckling, she gave it a like—which promptly shot up from tenth place to the top of the trending list.

"Ahhhhhh, Wen Zhi is coming out to confront 'Ice Beauty’s Hardcore Fan'!"

"What does her like mean? Is she provoking them?!"

"Ahhh 'Ice Beauty’s Hardcore Fan,' show yourself!"

After liking the post, Wen Zhi exited Weibo just as her phone rang. She answered to hear Butler Zhong’s voice: "Miss Nuannuan, how did you fall ill again? Perhaps you should reconsider participating in that show."

Wen Zhi chuckled. "The show’s great. Mu Mu’s even made friends."

"Wahhh, they actually had you and young master harvesting wheat! Who knows what they’ll make you do tomorrow. The production team is too much—should I go talk to them? If necessary, we'll just buy the whole network."

Wen Zhi quickly cut him off. "No need. We’ll be back soon. Anything else? If not, I’m hanging up."

Butler Zhong immediately composed himself and hurriedly added, "CEO Yun has returned from his business trip. He called to ask when you’d be available to meet—there are company matters to discuss."

CEO Yun? The executive CEO her father had groomed?

"Give me his number. We’ll talk after we finish filming."

After hanging up, Wen Zhi soon received the number. She saved it, then turned on a cartoon and beckoned to Mu Mu. "Mu Mu, come watch cartoons?"

Mu Mu frowned slightly. "Mom, I don’t want to watch cartoons." With Mom even struggling to afford delivery fees, he needed to study hard and figure out how to make money.

Wen Zhi: "But Mom wants to watch."

Mu Mu sighed and reluctantly walked over to watch the cartoon with her, glancing at her every few minutes until she finally fell asleep. Only then did he sigh in relief and return to his desk to continue memorizing the dictionary.

The night in Maitian Village was starry, the mountains alive with the chirping of insects and birds. Everyone in the small house had fallen into a deep sleep.

In the early dawn, Wen Xiaowen woke up hungry. He climbed out of bed and searched around the room before shuffling to the living room in his slippers. A small nightlight was on in the living room, and the live-streaming equipment was still active. Someone was creaking downstairs in the dark, startling him. His voice shaky, he asked, "Who's there?"

"Me." Mu Mu, in long sleeves and pants, tiptoed down.

A few night owls, killing time, opened the live stream and were surprised to see two little dumplings appearing in the still-active broadcast. Excited, they texted friends to tune in.

Soon, the live stream gained traction.

"Mu Mu’s up early again, as usual—such a disciplined kid."

"Why didn’t Mu Mu start his mom’s live stream today? I wanna see the beauty sleeping!"

"It’s not surprising that the little rule-follower is up early, but what’s up with the chubby one? Why’s he awake too?"

Wen Xiaowen puffed out his chest, annoyed. "What are you doing down here?" His stomach growled loudly right after.

Mu Mu glanced at his belly. "Are you hungry?"

"Hahaha, so the little chubby one woke up because he’s hungry? Should’ve eaten last night!"

"The little chubby one was sneaking around looking for food—no wonder he was rummaging in the living room earlier."

"Hahaha, he must be regretting not keeping some snacks now. Even a few packs of spicy strips would’ve been good!"

Wen Xiaowen’s mouth was tougher than his stomach. "I’m not hungry!" But his belly betrayed him with another loud growl.

Mu Mu thought for a moment, then pulled a few chocolates from his pocket and held them out. "Here, chocolate candies. They’re really good."

The sweet, fragrant chocolate was irresistible for the starving Wen Xiaowen.

He clutched his stomach, his little eyebrows furrowed in a battle of wills.

Seeing his hesitation, Mu Mu added, "Mom told me I can share with my friends. Even if you don’t want to be my friend, you can still have some."

Wen Xiaowen, who had been about to reach out, suddenly slapped the chocolates away angrily, puffing up. "I don’t want your dumb chocolates!"

"What’s wrong with the little chubby one? So rude!"

"Mu Mu knows martial arts, right? A kid like that just needs a good whupping."

"Throwing shade—Mu Mu saved those chocolates specially for friends!"

"The little chubby one’s pride is too much. If he wants people to like him, he should act cuter!"

Mu Mu paused for a second, then bent down to pick up the chocolates from the floor. He straightened and stared steadily at Wen Xiaowen.

Wen Xiaowen felt a shiver of fear under his gaze but refused to back down, puffing out his chest and meeting his eyes.

Just as everyone expected Mu Mu to teach the brat a lesson, he silently pocketed the chocolates and walked away.

His cool response only provoked Wen Xiaowen further. The boy darted over and blocked the door, daring to ask, "Aren’t you mad?"

"Mad?" Mu Mu’s dark eyes shone in the dim light. "Why should I be? If you don’t even think you’re wrong, what’s the point of me getting angry?"

Wen Xiaowen: "I didn’t do anything wrong. Mom and Dad say everything I do is right."

Mu Mu was puzzled: "Do your parents even love you?"

That came out of left field.

"How could my parents not love me?"

Mu Mu said very seriously: "When parents really love their kid, they think ahead for them. My mom loves me, so she teaches me that losing your cool ruins big plans. My master loves me, so he teaches me manners, doing what’s right, honesty, and respect. Your parents never teach you right from wrong—that means they don’t love you."

"Seriously, is Mu Mu actually five? How does a five-year-old know so much?"

"Why did Wen Zhi teach him 'losing your cool ruins big plans'? Now she wants to let him do whatever he wants?"

"Hey, has anyone else noticed Mu Mu always mentions his mom and master but never his dad?"

"Someone said before that Mu Mu’s dad is some toxic, old-school dude. I’m curious too."

The livestream lights glitched for a second.

So if they don’t teach him right from wrong, they don’t love him?

Wen Xiaowen had never thought about this question before. When he looked up to ask more, Mu Mu was already gone.

He thought for a while but couldn’t figure it out. Unable to find food, he started banging on the door. Soon, a half-asleep Wen Bingchun got yanked out to help him find something to eat.

When he finally sat on the bed with milk in hand, he couldn’t help but ask, "Sis, do Mom and Dad not love me?"

Still groggy, Wen Bingchun shot back dryly, "Who the heck else would they love?"

Reassured, Wen Xiaowen filled his stomach and curled up on the bed to sleep.

But Wen Bingchun, now fully awake, sat up in the dark and replayed the events of the past few days in her mind. It suddenly struck her—she had been letting Wen Zhi call all the shots this whole time.

This couldn’t go on.

————————

Sunlight flooded in, and Wen Zhi was woken by the laughter of children downstairs. After getting ready, she headed down.

On the dining table in the living room were several baskets of fruits, vegetables, and meat. Wen Bingchun, with her perfect makeup, stood side by side with Liu Yiru, inspecting the ingredients. Four kids crowded around, curiously eyeing the vegetables.

Lin Jiyao, rocking icy gray hair, leaned against the sofa, zoned out.

Liu Yiru noticed Wen Zhi first and greeted her. Mu Mu immediately hopped off his stool, snagged a glass of warm milk from the table, and handed it to her. "Mom, drink some milk first."

Wen Zhi walked over and asked, "What’s going on?"

Liu Yiru: "The crew dropped these off. They said we have to make breakfast ourselves."

Originally, breakfast was supposed to be earned by completing tasks, but since Wen Zhi’s group had theirs covered by the village chief, it wouldn’t be fair to make the other guests work for theirs. Director Fang thought it over and decided to provide ingredients and kitchenware instead—letting the guests cook together could be a fun bit for the show.

"Ah, cook ourselves? We’d be better off doing the challenges."

Wen Bingchun smiled and asked, "You don’t know how to cook, Xiao Zhi?"

Wen Zhi: "All I do is eat."

To survive in the palace, she’d mastered every skill—except cooking. Everyone in Great Yong knew the emperor wouldn’t touch a dish made by his concubines.

Liu Yiru said, "I can only whip up simple egg fried rice or tomato noodles."

Wen Bingchun glanced at Lin Jiyao, whose dazed eyes finally focused as he hurriedly replied, "I can't cook."

Wen Bingchun picked up the vegetable basket. "I’m pretty good in the kitchen. I’ll take full charge of breakfast today."

Liu Yiru, feeling too awkward to just wait, also reached out to help. "I’ll wash and chop the vegetables."

Wen Zhi naturally sat on the other side of the sofa, waiting with Lin Jiyao.

"Why is Wen Zhi like this? Liu Yiru and Wen Bingchun are busy, yet she just sits there waiting to be served. How rude!"

"Seriously? So Lin Jiyao doesn’t count? If he’s fine with it, why can’t Sister Zhi be?"

"Pfft, as if women are obligated to cook while men get a pass! What era is this? Guys who can’t cook don’t stand a chance with someone like Wen Zhi."

"Quit making excuses for Wen the Deadweight, Gardenia stans. Same last name, but Ice Queen’s got ten times her talent."

In the kitchen, Wen Bingchun worked the kitchen like a pro—chopping, stir-frying, and seasoning—a truly pleasing sight.

Xiao Xiao nibbled on a sweet potato and praised, "Wow, Xiao Wen, your sister is such a good cook!"

Wen Xiaowen nodded proudly. "Yeah, she says if she hadn’t gone into acting, she’d be an amazing chef. Not even our housekeeper cooks better than her."

Liang Sensen sighed enviously. "I wish my mom could cook too. Dad’s always griping about her cooking and avoids eating at home." He turned to Mu Mu. "Your mom only eats. Doesn’t your dad get mad?"

Mu Mu shook his head. "He couldn’t care less. We have separate meals."

Xiao Xiao tilted her head curiously. "Why does your family eat apart?"

Mu Mu: "Just palace rules, I guess." No one had ever explained it to him.

Wen Xiaowen smirked. "Your dad must not like you. Mine eats with me every day." Hmph, after he claimed his parents didn’t love him.

Mu Mu’s clear eyes flickered with confusion. "Guess so." Otherwise, why would his father want him dead?

"No way! How could anyone dislike a kid as smart as Mu Mu?"

"Y’all, it’s official—Wen Zhi’s hubby’s garbage."

"Ayy, does this mean I’ve got a shot? When’s Sister Zhi getting divorced?"

"Ever considered she might already be divorced, raising her kid solo?"

"No way! With looks like that, only a eunuch would walk away!"

The aroma of food filled the living room. In under half an hour, six dishes and a large pot of porridge were laid out on the table. Wen Bingchun, still in her apron, brought over bowls and chopsticks with a smile. "Help yourselves, guys. Hope it’s edible."

Liu Yiru casually tugged Sen Sen over to sit by Wen Zhi, making Wen Bingchun’s gaze sharpen. Since when were they this chummy?

Xiao Xiao took a bite of shrimp omelet and chirped, "Wow, this slaps! Beats my mom’s cooking!"

Lin Jiyao’s face lit up after one bite—obviously sold.

Liu Yiru praised, "This is legit. You could work in a five-star kitchen."

Wen Bingchun, who had gained everyone's approval, was in a good mood: She’d decided last night—she shouldn’t keep obsessing over Wen Zhi. With so many talents of her own, as long as she kept showing them off, she would shine sooner or later.

Wen Zhi also nodded in agreement: "Mm, this tofu is crispy on the outside and tender inside, and the fish sauce blend is just right."

Liu Yiru looked at Wen Bingchun in surprise: "There’s fish sauce in this? I didn’t even taste it. Try this mushroom."

Wen Zhi glanced at it: "Stir-fried morel mushrooms with shrimp." She took another bite. "The pepper and sesame oil really bring out the flavor, and the shrimp is tender and smooth—a total kid-pleaser."

She went on to praise the other dishes one by one, identifying the exact seasonings used without missing a single detail.

Liu Yiru sighed in admiration: "You’ve basically made eating your expertise—you could be a food critic."

Lin Jiyao asked in surprise: "Do you have a strong sense of taste?"

Wen Zhi teased: "My sense of smell is even better. I can tell if a dish is poisoned just by the scent." She sniffed carefully. "You smell like a plushie—you must’ve slept hugging one last night. Sister Liu’s skincare has a faint lotus leaf fragrance." She turned to Wen Bingchun. "And there’s the scent of ointment on your wrist."

Lin Xiaoxiao cheered excitedly: "Yeah, yeah! Big brother loves hugging plushies when he sleeps!"

Lin Jiyao’s eyes went wide in shock as he quickly covered his sister’s mouth.

He instantly regretted opening his mouth earlier.

Wen Bingchun was stunned. She had used ointment last night, and the cooking should’ve masked the scent—how could Wen Zhi still smell it?

"No way, I always thought the plushie was Xiao Xiao’s. Turns out it was Lin Jiyao hugging it to sleep!"

"Hahaha, who knew Lin Jiyao was like this? He’s got a pink princess heart too!"

"Didn’t Wen Bingchun say she wasn’t burned last night? Aw, poor Ice Beauty."

"This changes everything—isn’t the real shocker Wen Zhi? Can she actually smell poison?"

"That’s exaggerated. If humans could smell poison, what’s the point of drug-sniffing dogs?"

"Wen Zhi just added another talent—she’s a treasure trove!"

Liu Yiru was incredulous: "You caught such faint scents? How did you train your nose like that?"

Wen Zhi replied casually: "I had to be someone’s food taster for half a month once and nearly got poisoned. After that, my senses became extra sharp."

"Guys, this changes everything. Wild guess—that ‘someone’ was Wen Zhi’s husband."

"No way, didn’t Mu Mu say their family eats separately?"

"Maybe it was before Mu Mu was born. Ugh, Wen Zhi’s so pretty but was a total lovesick fool."

"Sister Zhi has this vibe like she’s been through it all. No wonder Mu Mu’s so high-achieving—he must’ve had a tough past. Sob."

"I’m getting more and more curious about Wen Zhi’s husband."

"What’s there to be curious about? He’s definitely some selfish old relic."

The table fell silent.

Wen Zhi suddenly snorted with laughter: "You actually believed that? It’s not like we’re in the Middle Ages—who tests for poison anymore? I was just pulling your leg."

Liu Yiru let out a long sigh of relief, while Wen Bingchun gave a strained laugh: "You sold it so well, I almost thought it was real."

"Xiao Zhi is the same age as me, yet Mu Mu’s already so grown. Why did you get married so young?"

Among the guests, Liu Yiru is in her thirties, the eldest. Lin Jiyao is twenty-five. Although Wen Bingchun and Wen Zhi are the same age, Wen Zhi is a few months younger and looks the most baby-faced.

But Mu Mu is already five years old, which means she had a child at nineteen.

Nineteen’s underage for marriage, right?

"Whoa, I always thought Wen Zhi was young, but I didn’t expect her to be the same age as Wen Bingchun. That means she got married before the legal age—what kind of respectable girl does that?"

"Just wanna ask, what kind of scumbag tricked a beauty like Wen Zhi into having a baby?"

"Bet some creep tricked her."

The audience waited for Wen Zhi’s response.

Liu Yiru frowned and stepped in to defuse the situation: "Should we really be asking this?"

Wen Bingchun said defensively: "I was just curious. Or is it inconvenient for Xiao Zhi to talk about it?"

The atmosphere in the living room grew awkward. Director Fang, always eager for drama, signaled the cameraman to get a close-up of her face.

Wen Zhi stayed cool: "That nosy? Go be a tabloid reporter."

"And how do you know we’re the same age? You my long-lost cousin?"

Wen Bingchun panicked, afraid Wen Zhi might say something she shouldn’t, and quickly backtracked: "My bad. Uh, didn’t the production team say we’re going to pick lotus seedpods today? Let’s go before the heat kicks in."

In the past, the phrase Wen Bingchun heard most often was, "How are they even related?"

She never wanted to be associated with Wen Zhi.

"What’s going on? Is Wen Bingchun really related to Wen Zhi?"

"Doesn’t seem like it. They’ve acted completely unfamiliar since meeting, and their looks and personalities are totally different. Even the little boy doesn’t know Mu Mu or Wen Zhi. Same surname must just be a coincidence."

"Wen Bingchun is being a bit nosy, asking personal questions while the show’s airing."

"Hahaha, pure in name only."

Her fans fired back: "Everyone gets curious—don’t pretend you’re not curious too."

"Yeah, isn’t it normal to ask about Wen Zhi having a kid so young? Nineteen’s barely out of high school!"

"Hahaha, maybe Wen Zhi didn’t even go to college."

The fan wars reignited.

Director Fang watched the soaring ratings with delight: Signing Mu Mu was a genius move.

Following Wen Bingchun’s lead, he said, "Near Maitian Village, there’s a lotus pond where the lotus seedpods are ripe. Today, we’ll help the villagers pick them to sell at the market. Once everyone’s finished eating, let’s head over together."

The kids bounced around excitedly at the idea of picking lotus seedpods.

Wen Zhi and Mu Mu went pale.

Liu Yiru noticed something was off and whispered, "What’s wrong?"

Wen Zhi shook her head: "Nothing." She just got the creeps at the mention of a lotus pond.

She had previously time-traveled after drowning and returned by jumping into the lake, so she instinctively avoided natural waters—rivers, lakes, seas.

Wen Bingchun watched their interaction, her fists clenched unconsciously.

From last night until now, Liu Yiru had been particularly close to Wen Zhi, even defending her earlier.

Was she ignoring Wen Bingchun’s friendly gestures and being bewitched by Wen Zhi in just two short days?

Heading to the lotus pond, Lin Jiyao carried Xiao Xiao at the front, while Wen Xiaowen, unwilling to fall behind, pulled his sister to catch up.

Wen Bingchun glanced back and saw Wen Zhi and Liu Yiru lingering behind, chatting.

Passing through the wheat fields, they arrived at the lotus pond, where the light fragrance of lotus leaves hung in the air—a scent Liu Yiru particularly loved.

The emerald-green lotus leaves swayed in the wind, and the swollen lotus seedpods in the distance looked like sprinklers or jade bells, beckoning to the children.

The crew handed out raincoats and rain boots to the four groups of guests. Director Fang pointed to the acres of lotus pond behind him and explained, "This lotus pond was actually converted from wheat fields. The water is very shallow, only reaching about the children’s knees, except for the northernmost fishpond ditch, which is a bit deeper. Everyone can pick lotus seedpods in this area, and whatever you gather will belong to you. After lunch, you can sell them at the market. The money earned can be used by the children to buy whatever they like."

Sen Sen whooped, tugging on his boots, "Yeah! I’m gonna pick so many! I heard there are little wooden horses and cricket cages at the market—I want them all!"

Wen Xiaowen asked curiously, "Have you been there before?"

Sen Sen shook his head, "No, but yesterday while harvesting wheat, I heard about it from Hu Zi in the village. He even showed me his cricket cage—it was awesome!"

Sen Sen tugged Liu Yiru into the pond first, and she helped him pick the first lotus seedpod.

Clutching the hefty seedpod like a prize, Sen Sen beamed and yelled to the others, "I got one! Come on, hurry up!"

Wen Xiaowen quickly pulled his sister into the pond as well.

Xiao Xiao, seeing the muddy water, clung to Lin Jiyao’s leg and started bawling, refusing to go in. Between sobs, she whimpered, "Wuwu… I-I don’t wanna go in… It’s muddy… so dirty…"

Lin Jiyao patiently comforted her, "Don’t be scared. If we get dirty, we can just wash it off."

Xiao Xiao shook her head wildly, "Wuwu… But… but there’s no pink shoes, no pink raincoat, and the lotus seedpods aren’t pink either… Wuwu… I don’t wanna pick them!"

The crew and villagers watching burst into laughter.

Lin Jiyao sighed—having a pink-fixated sister was such a hassle!

He coaxed, "Then don’t wear them. I’ll hold you while we wade in, and you can just reach out to pick, okay?"

"No… wuwu… no!" Lin Xiaoxiao’s face was flushed from crying, and she absolutely refused.

Lin Jiyao’s patience snapped, and he stood still. "Fine, then I won’t go in either. If we don’t pick any lotus seedpods, we won’t earn any money, and you won’t get to buy anything you like."

Xiao Xiao’s crying softened. After a pause, she sniffled, "O-okay… but you have to carry me."

Lin Jiyao hoisted her up and placed her in the basket on his back. "This way is even easier."

Seated in the basket, Xiao Xiao looked around curiously at the emerald lotus leaves as they moved through the pond, finally quieting down.

Only Wen Zhi and Mu Mu remained on the shore, hesitating. The crew and villagers stared at them.

Wen Zhi squeezed Mu Mu’s hand and whispered, "Don’t be scared. Last time, I looked for you underwater for so long and didn’t go back. This shallow water’s nothing to worry about."

Mu Mu tilted his head up, his dark eyes wide and hesitant.

Wen Zhi gave a reassuring smile. "Even if we accidentally go back, I’ve got you. No fear, Mu Mu."

Mu Mu was actually kind of scared. His mother was happy now, and so was he—he didn’t want to return to Great Yong again.

Director Fang on the shore urged with a smile, "Wen Zhi, if you don’t go in soon, you might come in last."

Liu Yiru waved at them, "Wen Zhi, come on over! The water's not deep."

Wen Bingchun, clutching a handful of lotus seedpods, glanced at the shore with quiet contempt. Her cousin had always been delicate—even dust on her shoes would bother her, let alone muddy ground.

So damn pretentious. The audience would surely dislike her.

Amid the sea of lotus leaves, everyone else had already gathered quite a few, leaving viewers secretly anxious.

"Is Wen Zhi planning some big move? Surely she doesn’t expect her chess fans to save her ass?"

"Come on, no way. The director said only what the guests pick counts. Is Wen Zhi really afraid of getting dirty? Even Xiao Xiao went in. It’d be ridiculous if she’s scared of mud."

"Hahaha, very likely. That princess is used to luxury—afraid of hunger, sun, heat… being afraid of dirt isn’t surprising."

"Seriously? She's worse than Xiao Xiao? Shouldn’t parents set an example? If she doesn’t move, Mu Mu won’t dare to step in either."

With the audience going wild, Wen Zhi took a deep breath and plunged into the muddy water.