Chapter 19

Chapter 19

The live stream had no audio, but viewers could see Liu Yiru grabbing Wen Zhi’s hand.

Wen Zhi *shyly avoided* (though she was actually struggling to break free—she didn’t want to hear the story).

"Ahhhh, they're holding hands!!!"

"Waaah, this is historic! Movie Queen Liu, go for it!"

"Hahahaha, Movie Queen Liu's husband and that fossil of a man must be crying in the bathroom."

The "Liu Zhi" CP quickly imagined ten thousand words of fanfiction.

But in reality, the scene was Wen Zhi holding her hand and sincerely suggesting, "Calm down, maybe try some astragalus and goji berries?"

"The more we talk, the sadder it gets. Let's just sleep—sleep fixes everything."

"Or should I send you a box of spicy snacks?"

Liu Yiru snorted laughing, her gloomy mood miraculously lifting.

"Wen Zhi, you're really interesting."

Wen Zhi: "..." No, the last person who called me interesting *ended up* dead.

"Hahahaha..." Sen Sen in the room was wheezing/losing it laughing.

Wen Zhi and Liu Yiru exchanged a look and headed inside. Sen Sen doubled over laughing, while Mu Mu sat on the floor holding a toy race car, his tiny face scrunched in confusion.

Liu Yiru walked over and asked, "Sen Sen, what are you laughing at?"

Sen Sen, finally done laughing, slowly got up from the floor. "Mom, I just asked Mu Mu what his dream was when he grows up. He said he wants to be an emperor and make his mom the empress dowager (*the emperor’s mother*)."

Liu Yiru flicked her son's head and scolded, "Sen Sen, don’t mock other people's dreams."

Sen Sen blinked innocently. "I wasn’t mocking, I just thought it was funny. Emperors aren’t a thing anymore, so Mu Mu’s dream can’t come true."

He tugged Mu Mu’s hand. "Mu Mu, how about changing your dream? You can grow up to be a race car driver like me."

Mu Mu was upset and looked up at Wen Zhi. "Is my dream bad?"

"Hahahaha, that’s a great dream! Bet Wen Zhi’s dreaming of being empress dowager too!"

"Hahahaha, already studying the *Four Books and Five Classics* since childhood—prepping for his isekai prince arc, huh?"

"Mu Mu has big-time ambitions! In ancient times, he might’ve really been a little emperor."

"Laughing so hard, my daily serotonin comes from Wen Zhi and her son."

The palace ate people alive. If you didn’t climb up, you could lose your life at any moment.

Mu Mu had known this since he was very young.

Wen Zhi felt her heart crumple. She kneeled to his level and ruffled his hair. "There’s nothing wrong with it, but that was your old dream. Here, you can have a different dream." Not for the world, not for her—just for him.

"I can have a different dream?" Mu Mu blinked up at her.

Wen Zhi guided him. "Who do you wanna be? A doctor, a scientist, an athlete… or, heck, a famous influencer! Anything you want."

"Boo-hoo, Sister Zhi gets it. My mom always told me I must become a doctor, that only doctors have a future, but I don’t like medicine at all—I feel like throwing up during anatomy class. What should I do?"

"Sending hugs to the sis above. My dad is the same—his childhood dream was to be a policeman, and now he wants me to get into the police academy. He won’t even let me touch my phone normally, saying it’ll ruin my eyesight, make me weak, and stunt my growth."

"I’m feeling Wen Zhi’s gentleness more and more."

"Mu Mu is so good at martial arts—he could develop in that direction."

Everyone speculated about what Mu Mu’s dream might be. After thinking for a moment, his eyes suddenly lit up: "I’ve got it! My dream is to become rich—to buy Mom a villa, delicious food, and pretty clothes."

Wen Zhi: *faceplants*

Like duh—he's already trust fund material.

"Whatever, kid's still got time." Once he grows up and spends more time in the modern world, he’ll figure out his dream sooner or later.

Liu Yiru praised, "Becoming rich is a great dream too! Go for it, Mu Mu!"

Mu Mu was grinning ear to ear and repeated very seriously to Sen Sen, "My dream is to become rich."

"Hot take: Wen Zhi might be a bit poor. The apartment they filmed in is ordinary, her clothes are casual, and she’s been so hungry she licks plates clean. Mu Mu is also very frugal, always thinking about making money—his dream is to become rich."

"Boo-hoo, being a little poor is fine—as long as our Sister Zhi has that rich inner life. Once the show ends, she can start livestreaming, and I’ll definitely send gifts."

"Pretty privilege is real these days. With that face, Wen Zhi could make money in seconds—she might even become a celebrity after the show."

"LMAO, Wen Zhi is straight up struggling—no matter what, she can’t compare to our Ice Beauty."

"Haters, scram!! Take several seats!!"

While everyone was napping, the production team hurriedly discussed rearranging the tasks. Ratings were important, but the guests’ safety had to come first—there could absolutely be no clusterfucks like today’s.

In the afternoon, the show arranged for the four kids to go to the market alone to sell lotus seedpods while the parents watched their performance through the screen at home.

Liu Yiru immediately got nervous. Only after Director Fang repeatedly assured her that the kids would be well supervised did she agree.

Some viewers thought she was overly protective of Sen Sen, raising him to be too fragile. But fans saw it as a sign of love. Lin Jiyao expressionlessly handed a pink doll to a staff member and instructed, "If Xiao Xiao cries, give this to her."

The staff member took it and smiled. "Ji Yao really dotes on his little sister."

Lin Jiyao coughed lightly and sat in front of the screen without another word.

Wen Bingchun looked relaxed. "Xiao Wen has always been brave—he’ll be fine going out alone." She glanced at Wen Zhi, who was eating bread on the sofa. "Miss Zhi, is your Mu Mu okay with this?"

Who knows. My Mu Mu has never gone out alone before." She turned to the production team. "Um, Miss Zhi here—how about letting me go too? I haven’t been out in a while—I promise I won’t help him sell the lotus seedpods."

An assistant gently countered, "Uh, Miss Zhi, probably not. If you go, the kids won’t have any lotus seedpods left to sell."

Everyone in the living room bit back giggles. Wen Zhi sighed and went back to eating her bread.

"LMAO, the production team is savage—are they afraid Wen Zhi will eat all the lotus seedpods on the way?"

"Our girl ate like two heaping bowls at lunch and is now eating bread. Four big baskets of lotus seedpods—No way, right?"

"Of course it’s possible! That girl hasn’t stopped eating since filming started. Lotus seedpods look big, but there aren’t many seeds inside, especially freshly picked ones—they’re crunchy and sweet and not filling at all. Easy to finish."

"Exactly! We used to farm lotus roots—I could eat a hundred of these in one meal."

"I'm deceased—y'all gotta see the kids' livestream. Even without Wen Zhi, there might not be any lotus seedpods left to sell."

All eyes were on the kids.

In the footage, the four children sat on the ox cart and set the lotus seedpods down by their feet.

Xiao Xiao fiddled with the tender green lotus seedpod, took a big whiff, then stared at it, lips smacking. Seeing that Sen Sen was talking to Mu Mu and Wen Xiaowen wasn’t paying attention to her, she quickly picked out a lotus seed and chewed it in her mouth—bitter seed and all.

Her cheeks bulged like a chipmunk’s, and within minutes, she had eaten an entire seedpod.

Wen Zhi laughed. "Ji Yao, isn’t Xiao Xiao just the cutest?"

Lin Jiyao just grunted, maintaining his usual aloof demeanor.

Liu Yiru teased Wen Zhi, "Kinda reminds me of you."

Wen Zhi chuckled, "Nah, I hated these as a kid."

Liu Yiru was surprised. "Then what’d you like?"

"When I was a kid, I wanted to be an artist, but my mom made me take piano lessons."

Liu Yiru understood—no wonder she gets Mu Mu’s dreams so much.

Wen Bingchun’s eyes gleamed as she offhandedly asked, "Xiao Zhi, you didn’t like piano?"

Wen Zhi said wistfully, "No, I didn’t."

Lin Jiyao glanced at her, his gaze lingering on her hands.

Those fingers were slender and well-proportioned, definitely a pianist’s hands.

Aw, that’s too bad," Wen Bingchun teased. "He’s the industry’s Piano Prince."

Everyone in the industry knew Lin Jiyao had initially gained fame through a viral clip of him playing piano—just his profile. He later rose to become a top-tier singer-songwriter and performer, now a leading figure in the entertainment world.

For Wen Zhi to openly say she disliked piano in front of Lin Jiyao—wasn’t that a diss?

No way Ji Yao’s gonna like her after that.

"She gets a few fans and suddenly acts all high and mighty?"

"Good thing Ji Yao’s not into her—he avoids her, even keeping his distance during livestreams."

"Can y’all stop twisting her words? Not liking piano is normal. I don’t like it either."

"Exactly, Sis Zhi wasn’t calling anyone out. Why make it such a big deal?"

Ignoring her, Wen Bingchun continued, "I’ve played piano since childhood too, though not as well as Ji Yao. I’d love to learn from him sometime."

She wasn’t even trying to hide the suck-up.

Before Lin Jiyao could respond, Wen Xiaowen suddenly shouted in the livestream, grabbing Xiao Xiao’s wrist.

Wen Zhi laughed cheerfully. "Hah! Busted!"

Lin Jiyao’s attention shifted to the screen, and Wen Bingchun awkwardly fell silent, her gaze also turning to the broadcast.

Wen Xiaowen held Xiao Xiao's hand and shouted loudly, "Little sister ate so much. She almost finished all the lotus seedpods."

Sen Sen and Mu Mu, who were enjoying the scenery, turned to stare at Xiao Xiao.

Xiao Xiao pouted in a babyish voice, "But, but the lotus seedpod is really yummy." She then handed one to Wen Xiaowen, "Brother Xiao Wen, you eat."

Is she recruiting partners in crime?

Well, since it's in your hand, you might as well eat it. Wen Xiaowen couldn't resist chewing it in his mouth, "I'll just eat one for you. If it's not tasty, you shouldn't eat anymore." As he chewed, he took out another one himself, "So good! Maybe just one more?"

Wen Bingchun facepalmed, "Our Xiao Wen’s a glutton too."

Liu Yiru said, "Our Sen Sen mentioned buying a cricket cage before setting off, so he probably won't eat." No sooner had she spoken than Sen Sen wordlessly grabbed one and started peeling it.

Liu Yiru: "..." The slap in the face came unexpectedly.

The chat exploded with 'LOLs.'

She sighed, "Bet he’ll cave too; guess they'll just come back after eating—no point hitting the market."

Wen Zhi took a sip of astragalus tea, "No way Mu Mu would eat it. I actually hope so."

Everyone was surprised and stared at the screen, waiting for her to be proven wrong.

On the oxcart, Mu Mu glared at each of them, then grabbed Sen Sen's hand peeling the lotus seedpod, saying earnestly, "No eating these! We agreed before setting off to sell them together at the market."

"Xiao Xiao, Xiao Wen, you shouldn't eat either."

Xiao Xiao blinked and tried the same tactic she used on Wen Xiaowen, "But it's really yummy, Brother Mu Mu, you eat too." She picked out a seed and offered it.

Mu Mu shook his head, "A gentleman must show restraint. No matter how tasty, it's meant to be sold."

"Pfft! Just when I thought Mu Mu was getting cute, there goes the little stickler again!"

"Hahaha, the trio looked utterly lost."

"The chubby kid went pale, probably flashing back to classical text drills."

Xiao Xiao looked puzzled at Sen Sen, who scratched his head, "Mu Mu, what did you just say?"

Wen Xiaowen crunching the lotus seed noisily, glaring at Mu Mu.

Mu Mu sighed like a weary elder, "Do you still want to buy toys or not?"

"The little wooden horse, cricket cage, bunny, pink fairy floss?"

Xiao Xiao immediately put the lotus seedpod back, "I want pink fairy floss."

Sen Sen also returned his, but Wen Xiaowen clutched his defiantly.

Liu Yiru clapped in admiration, "Like mother, like son. Your Mu Mu’s willpower is something else."

Wen Bingchun also laughed and turned to ask Wen Zhi, "Mu Mu doesn’t act like a child at all. His personality isn’t like yours either—takes after his dad, huh?"

Wen Zhi brushed her off and turned to chat and laugh with Liu Yiru.

The room went awkwardly quiet.

Left hanging, she took a deep breath and turned her attention back to the screen.

Though Xiao Xiao agreed not to eat the lotus seedpod, her eyes still lingered on the one in Wen Xiaowen's hand. After watching for a while, Mu Mu took out some chocolate from his pocket and asked, "Do you want some chocolate? It's really tasty too."

"Yes, I want chocolate!" Xiao Xiao instantly cheered up.

Sen Sen also happily accepted the chocolate. Wen Xiaowen waited for a long time but didn't receive any from Mu Mu. Angrily, he tugged at the lotus seedpod and forcefully broke it, his lips pouting so much they could hang an oil bottle.*

"Hahaha, That’s what you get for not being friends with Mu Mu! Bet you’re jealous now!"

"Why does Wen Xiaowen get along fine with Sen Sen and Xiao Xiao but not with Mu Mu?"

"It's pretty normal. Sen Sen and Xiao Xiao prefer Mu Mu, so Wen Xiaowen probably feels like his friends are being taken away."

"I don’t get it. Why can’t all four kids just play together? Why the need to compete for friends? Besides, Mu Mu doesn’t even see the chubby kid as a rival—he even gave him chocolate before."

"The chubby kid must be used to being the center of attention at home, with everyone spoiling him. On the show, Mu Mu keeps stealing the spotlight, so of course he’d feel resentful."

"Aw, I hope they all become friends by the end."

The market was in the neighboring village, where people from several nearby villages gathered. The ox cart got there in about ten minutes.

Mu Mu was the first to jump off the cart with his basket, then gently helped Xiao Xiao down. Once everyone was settled, a crew member clapped their hands and explained, "You have one hour at the market. You can find a spot to set up your stall and figure out how to sell the lotus seedpods. After that, you can buy whatever you like at the market or purchase ingredients for dinner from Uncle Director. Understood?"

The kids exchanged confused glances.

Wen Xiaowen asked, "No dinner tonight? Why do we have to buy ingredients?" He thought they were supposed to buy toys they liked.

Director Fang shamelessly replied, "It’s a last-minute decision by the production team. You get to choose how to spend the money from your sales."

"Damn, the production team is so sneaky! The kids got excited for nothing. If they spend it all on toys and snacks, they won’t have much left for ingredients. Is this a test of their self-control?"

"What if Xiao Xiao buys only toys? Is our Jiyao going to go hungry?"

"Hahaha, I’m more worried that even if Mu Mu buys ingredients, will Wen Zhi actually know how to cook 'em?"

Wen Zhi, watching from the screen, couldn’t help but complain to the staff, "Why didn’t the production team say this earlier? I could’ve told Mu Mu to just buy fruits and veggies for a salad."

Lin Jiyao was even more exasperated. "Yeah, why no heads-up?" Judging by her expression, it was clear she hadn’t been listening to Director Fang at all—dinner was definitely not happening.

Wen Bingchun, ever the peacemaker, chuckled. "The production team probably wanted to surprise everyone."

Liu Yiru added, "More like shock than surprise. Sen Sen is already overthinking it."

It seemed the only way to get both toys and ingredients was to sell as many lotus seedpods as possible.

Director Fang continued, "See your watches? You all know how to tell time, right? Meet back here at exactly 4 o’clock. Got it?"

The four kids answered in unison, "Got it!"

Once the staff walked away, the kids looked around curiously. Xiao Xiao started heading east, Wen Xiaowen went west with his bamboo basket, and Sen Sen stood there frozen, unsure what to do.

Mu Mu gently grabbed Xiao Xiao’s hand and called out to Wen Xiaowen, who had already taken a few steps, "Don’t wander off yet. Let’s discuss how to sell the lotus seedpods first."

Wen Xiaowen turned back, annoyed. "What’s there to discuss? Just sell them. They’re sooo delicious, someone will definitely buy them."

He started to walk away, but Sen Sen and Xiao Xiao stayed put.

Reluctantly, Wen Xiaowen turned back. "Fine, what’s your idea?"

Mu Mu looked around. "The market has four entrances. If we split into four groups and sell at each entrance, it’ll go faster. Let’s set a price—three pods for ten bucks. Whoever sells out first can meet at the spot Uncle Director mentioned." *Footnote: This refers to a Chinese idiom meaning extreme pouting.

The accompanying photographers were all amazed: How is this child's logic so clear?

"Seriously, is Mu Mu really five? Logic on point! Though his uptight little personality isn’t cute, he’s often the most reliable one when things happen."

"Observing the terrain as soon as he entered the market, grouping up and then setting prices—Mu Mu is just too thorough in his approach."

"Hahahaha, with a mother like Wen Zhi who’s not exactly handy, how could Mu Mu not be independent?"

"Looking at my younger brother next to me who still can’t figure out whether to put on socks or clothes first, I really want to kick him."

The people in the living room were all astonished by Mu Mu’s performance.

Liu Yiru asked, "Has your Mu Mu always been this meticulous since he was little?"

Wen Zhi: "Not really. He was quite naive when he first started talking."

Lin Jiyao, who had been silent, suddenly said, "Personality changes mostly relate to the environment."

Wen Bingchun’s expression darkened as she unconsciously replied, "Indeed." She wasn’t born this sensitive and deep-thinking either.

Wen Zhi shrugged: "There was no choice before, but now I want to give him back his childhood."

Viewers who initially thought Mu Mu was rigid now began to feel sorry for him: Who wouldn’t want to be a child? The environment forced him to grow up.

It’s clear that Wen Zhi and Mu Mu have a very good relationship. Both want to protect each other, so the problem must lie with Mu Mu’s father.

"Ughhh, Mu Mu’s dad must be a terrible person, that no-good bastard."

"Seconded! Not cherishing such a beautiful wife and adorable child—he’ll get his retribution sooner or later!"

"Did anyone notice Lin Jiyao’s expression when he spoke? He’s so cold—could it also be because of his childhood environment?"

"Lin Jiyao and his sister have such an awkward relationship. Though he takes care of her, he’s always impatient. Does he like her or not?"

"Hahahaha, probably forced to be siblings. He’s already 26, and now he has a 3-year-old sister—that’s rough."

"What nonsense! How could Brother Ji not like his sister? If we’re talking forced, Wen Bingchun seems more like the one who was forced. She can’t control her brother at all and has even been yelled at by him several times."

"Talk about Wen Zhi if you want, why drag our Ice Princess into this?!"

"Guys!!, stop arguing, focus on the kids, focus on the kids!!!"

After a round of arguing, everyone finally turned their attention back to the children.

The four kids each picked a direction to sell their lotus seedpod. The villagers at the market curiously watched the children and the filming crew.

Sen Sen headed east and, after walking a distance, indeed saw the little wooden horse and cricket cage Hu Zi had mentioned. He was rooted to the spot.

He stood in front of the stall for a while, looking at this and that, revealing his missing tooth as he quietly asked the vendor, "How much is this cricket cage?"

The vendor was a kind old man weaving a grass cricket in his hands. Smiling at Sen Sen, he said, "Five kuai each. Want one?"

Sen Sen: "I don’t have money."

The old man: "Where’s your mama? Go ask her for money."

Better sell the lotus seedpod first—once they’re sold, he’ll have money. Sen Sen carried his bamboo basket and moved on reluctantly, stopping at an open spot. His eyes followed the passing crowd.

Time passed, and he stood there for a long time, too shy to call out.

Liu Yiru smiled bitterly: "My Sen Sen may seem carefree, but he's actually quite shy around strangers. I hope he can break out of his shell a bit more."

Wen Bingchun said, "Not just children—even we adults need a lot of courage to introduce ourselves to strangers. When I first graduated and went around auditioning at different companies, I cried in private for who knows how long."

Her fans praised her professionalism, and even the on-site crew complimented her.

Wen Zhi suddenly chimed in, "Last night on Weibo, I heard Sister Liu started as an extra?"

Liu Yiru didn’t mind bringing up her past: "Yes, I’m an orphan and didn’t get much schooling. I started as an extra—my first role was playing a dead body, then later as a stunt double." Having grown up without parents or a proper family, she dove headfirst into her own family when her husband asked her to retire from acting.

Even the typically aloof Lin Jiyao showed a hint of reverence: "Ms. Liu is widely respected in the industry for her dedication. I’ve watched your award-winning film—it left a deep impression on me."

Compared to Liu Yiru, Wen Bingchun’s professionalism paled in comparison.

She let out a strained laugh and flattered, "Sister Liu is truly a role model for all of us."

Liu Yiru’s fans were thrilled.

"OMG, so Lin Jiyao is a fan of our Movie Queen Liu?"

"This proves our Movie Queen Liu isn’t a has-been—she’ll make a comeback sooner or later!"

Liu Yiru waved humbly, "No, no, you young talents are the impressive ones. Ji Yao, I’ve listened to your songs—they’re wonderful. Bingchun, I’ve seen your acting too—so subtle and masterful."

This was the second time Liu Yiru had praised Wen Bingchun’s acting.

Her compliments sounded utterly sincere, but Wen Bingchun detected an edge to them.

Annoyed, she steered the conversation back to the screen: "Sen Sen is speaking now."

Remembering the little wooden horse and cricket cage, Sen Sen finally worked up the nerve to call out, "Lotus seedpods for sale! Who wants to buy lotus seedpods?"

Soon, an auntie walked over and asked, "Sweetie, how much for the lotus seedpods?"

Sen Sen held up three fingers: "Ten yuan for three lotus seedpods."

"How about ten yuan for five? I’ll buy twenty yuan’s worth, okay?"

"This auntie’s a pro at haggling—five right off the bat, taking advantage of a kid."

"LOL, you’ve never been to a rural market—this is how it works. My mom once talked a 100-yuan price tag down to 30, believe it or not."

"LOL, that’s insane! Wasn’t she afraid of getting chewed out?"

"Sen Sen probably won’t agree, right?"

Sen Sen hesitated for only a second before agreeing—even accidentally giving her an extra one.

The audience couldn’t decide whether to facepalm or laugh, but their attention was soon drawn to Xiao Xiao.

Petite and pink-cheeked, decked out in a princess dress, Xiao Xiao carried a bamboo basket nearly as tall as herself, quickly turning heads among most people in the market.

People kept coming up to ask if she was selling lotus seedpods, but each time, the little girl shook her head and breezed right past.

The audience was stumped.

"LOL, did Little Princess Xiao Xiao forget why she’s here?"

"SMH. She’s got customers lining up, and she still won’t sell?"

"Did Xiao Xiao see something? Where is she going?"

"She’s gonna end up in last place at this rate."

The little girl trudged on with her bamboo basket until a stall selling pink cotton candy came into view. She stopped right in front of it.

Her little head craned up, practically drooling.

The normally stoic Lin Jiyao couldn’t help but cover his face.

The cotton candy vendor finally noticed the drooling little girl and asked cheerfully, "Want some, sweetie?"

Xiao Xiao bobbed her head eagerly, putting down her basket and pushing it toward his feet. In her tiny, sugary voice, she asked, "Uncle, can I trade lotus seedpods for cotton candy?"

"Just one, I only want one."

A whole basket for one? What a steal!

In the end, the little girl carried her empty bamboo basket and a pink cotton candy, arriving first at the meeting point.

The livestream chat exploded with laughter.

"LOL, Xiao Xiao’s a genius and so cute!"

"Directly trading lotus seedpods for cotton candy, skipping all the middle steps—hahaha, this little one is brilliant!"

"SMH, Xiao Xiao totally ignored Director Fang. She didn’t even buy ingredients."

"Aww, she’s such a little princess!"

"Yeah right! Our Ji Yao is going to starve now."

Wen Bingchun gasped, hands on her cheeks, and exclaimed, "Wow, Xiao Xiao is so cute and smart! Ji Yao, I’d totally swap siblings with you."

Lin Jiyao: "Wanna just take her?"

"...Huh?" Wen Bingchun was stunned.

What kind of answer is that? Can you just give away a sibling?

Wen Zhi snorted with laughter. "Why not give her to me? My Mu Mu really likes Xiao Xiao."

Dead serious, she stared Lin Jiyao down.

Lin Jiyao had a gut feeling that if he dared say yes, Wen Zhi would absolutely pack his sister up and take her away.

The guy who’s never at a loss for words went quiet.

"Hahaha, Lin Jiyao’s probably scared Wen Zhi’ll kidnap her. After all, our Xiao Xiao is too adorable."

"Is it just me, or does Wen Zhi totally intimidate Lin Jiyao? He dodges her and clams up when she speaks."

"Who dares engage with Wen Zhi? She’d straight-up kidnap Xiao Xiao."

"Hahaha, that’s the truth. Guess Lin Jiyao actually loves his sis."

"Why is no one paying attention to what Wen Bingchun said? Even if she’s trying to flatter Lin Jiyao, she shouldn’t say she wants to swap siblings. Poor chubby Wen Xiaowen would cry."

"Why? Look at them side by side. Who wouldn’t want a cute little sister? Check out what Wen Xiaowen’s doing!"

Wen Xiaowen reluctantly agreed to the grouping, but he absolutely refused to sell lotus seedpods the way Mu Mu did. He found a spot to sit and started hawking like the vegetable-selling auntie next to him.

"Fresh lotus seedpods for sale, five yuan per jin!" (~1.1 lbs)

Every time someone passed by and asked if the lotus seedpods were tasty, Wen Xiaowen would personally sample them to prove they were delicious. Half of the basket ended up in his stomach, and the remaining small portion was sold as two jin.

Wen Xiaowen stared at the 10 yuan in his hand for a long time, feeling something wasn’t quite right.

"The little chubby kid thinks he's selling cabbage—selling by weight is such a loss."

"Hahaha, at least he got full."

"Both selling lotus seedpods, but Mu Mu is just too smart. No wonder he’s Wen Zhi’s kid—that cunning one rubbed off on him."

Mu Mu went to the least crowded western area. As soon as he arrived, he set up next to a fruit vendor, spread out the transparent oiled paper he brought with him, and bundled the lotus seedpods into groups of three with straw. The remaining few were placed aside for sampling. Whenever someone approached the fruit stall, he would sweetly ask, "Auntie, why not buy some lotus seeds to take home? They’re tasty, good for cooling you down, and not expensive at all."

Before anyone could refuse, he’d immediately pluck a seed and hand it to them. "Try it, it’s really good!" Then he’d stare at them with his big, dark, moist eyes, puppy-dog eyes full of hope.

The live stream viewers melted by his cuteness, and with his silver tongue, he sold out in no time.

The fruit vendor looked at the tiny boy barely reaching her thigh, then at herself, and suddenly felt a crisis of confidence. As Mu Mu was about to leave, she grabbed him and pushed a peach into his hands, coaxing, "Hey kiddo, wanna help Auntie sell fruit? I’ll give you 50 yuan if you sell a lot!"

Mu Mu checked his watch—there was still time.

So, after selling lotus seedpods, Mu Mu started helping sell fruit.

The little boy was eloquent, explaining the nutritional benefits of each fruit variety clearly and even suggesting pairings. A crowd of nosy aunties, uncles, and elders gathered around, grinning just from looking at the adorable child.

Before long, the fruit stall was nearly sold out.

The vendor counted her earnings with her hands shaking, beaming.

When packing up, she pocketed Mu Mu 100 yuan and eagerly asked if he’d come back tomorrow, leaving the cameramen and staff equal parts amused and exasperated.

The live stream viewers were in awe.

"Wow, the usually stoic kid is so reserved—how is he so good at selling things?"

"Proof that with enough knowledge, you can sell fruit better than anyone else."

"Aww, starting tonight, I’m studying with Mu Mu. If he doesn’t sleep, neither will I!"

"Hahaha, everyone’s stepping up their game—the try-hard’s life is just on easy mode!"

Not only were the viewers amazed, even Wen Zhi was stunned.

Since when did the serious beyond his years Crown Prince of Great Yong become such a natural salesman?

So her Mu Mu was this smooth talker?

How had she never noticed before?

If Mu Mu, pocketing his 100 yuan, knew her thoughts, he’d probably sigh like a little adult: *What else can I do? Gotta provide for Mom.*

Liu Yiru teased, "Wen Zhi, at this rate, you’ll be raking it in soon."

Wen Zhi flumped onto the sofa, fanning herself lazily, and sighed. "This mom’s feeling useless."

What kind of guilt is this? She's lying there without a care in the world.

"Pfft, classic mom superiority. Humblebragging like a pro—impressive!"

"Hahaha, Wen Zhi’s expression is so smug it’s punchable. I love it!"

"Hahaha, Lin Jiyao’s about to roll his eyes."

Wen Bingchun smiled and said, "Mu Mu ended up with so much cash. Wonder what he’ll splurge on?"

Wen Zhi: "I actually hope he spends it all on things he likes. Afraid he won’t spare a dime for himself."

Mu Mu being so frugal must be because he never handled money in the palace before. After the show ends, she’ll have to teach him how to spend.

Wen Bingchun looked at her: "You’re that sure, Xiao Zhi?"

Wen Zhi: "He’s my kid. Know his personality well."

"Wen Zhi’s overestimating herself. Don’t believe Mu Mu can resist temptation."

"No matter how disciplined, he’s still five. Sen Sen already bought a cricket cage—he’ll definitely buy something."

"Hahaha, waiting for Wen the Useless (nickname) to get proven wrong."

"Haters, scram! Whoever insults Sister Zhi is my enemy."

Everyone was watching Mu Mu.

Mu Mu stashed the money safely, then hoisted his basket toward the meeting point. Along the way, he gave curious glances at food, drinks, and toys but kept walking.

Kid’s willpower was unreal.

Sen Sen, Xiao Xiao, and Wen Xiaowen were already waiting at the market entrance, wondering why Mu Mu hadn’t arrived yet.

As it neared four o’clock, Wen Xiaowen said proudly, "Mu Mu probably struck out and is too embarrassed to come back."

Sen Sen protested, "No way! Mu Mu’s a genius!"

Xiao Xiao, savoring her cotton candy, blinked and looked into the distance before suddenly cheering, "Brother Mu Mu! It’s Brother Mu Mu!"

Wen Xiaowen and Sen Sen both turned to look. When Mu Mu got closer, Wen Xiaowen noticed he wasn’t holding anything and asked smugly, "Didn’t you sell anything? Why didn’t you buy any toys?"

Mu Mu reached into his pocket and pulled out the money to show Director Fang. Wen Xiaowen’s jaw dropped. Sen Sen and Xiao Xiao both gasped, "That’s a fortune!"

Xiao Xiao had only traded her lotus seedpods for a pink cotton candy. Sen Sen made fifty yuan but spent thirty on a wooden horse and cricket cage, leaving twenty. The plump kid bought a malt candy for one yuan and used the remaining nine for vegetables and tomatoes.

Mu Mu had over a hundred yuan and hadn’t spent a single cent.

Director Fang asked in surprise, "Mu Mu, not buying any snacks or toys?"

Mu Mu shook his head: "I’m saving up to buy Mom a big villa."

"Awwww, such a filial sweetheart."

"Wen Zhi must’ve saved the world in her past life to have such a sweet, well-behaved kid."

At first, the audience thought Mu Mu was a stickler, but now they wished he were their own son. Not even haters could complain.

Who could dislike such a filial and sensible child?

Director Fang clapped his hands: "Now, what ingredients do Sen Sen and Mu Mu want to swap?"

Mu Mu glanced around at the ingredients and was about to buy something when his gaze was suddenly drawn to an iron cage at the entrance.

Inside the cage lay a small dog, its body entirely black with snow-white paws. The dog's left leg was stained with spots of blood. Someone was inquiring about the price for dog meat, and the dog seller was reaching in to drag the dog out. The helpless puppy struggled and whimpered in distress.

Before Director Fang could react, Mu Mu rushed to the cage and blocked the seller, held out all his money: "Uncle, I'll give you this. Please give me the puppy."

"Hahaha, karma hits fast!"

"Avoided toys and snacks but fell for a pet."

"Wen Zhi lost to a dog—she’s probably sobbing in the bathroom."

"Well, now both Wen Zhi and Lin Jiyao will go hungry."

The dog seller looked at the money in Mu Mu’s hand: "Kid, that’s not enough."

Sen Sen quickly ran over and shouted, "Here, I’ve got money too," handing over his remaining 20 yuan: "Uncle, please give us the puppy."

Xiao Xiao, holding her cotton candy, trotted closer. After a moment’s thought, she offered the half-eaten treat: "Uncle, here’s my cotton candy. Can we have the puppy? Look, the poor thing’s crying."

The seller grabbed the puppy and glanced at it, noticing its teary eyes. He hesitated.

Wen Xiaowen also hurried over, eyeing the puppy and then Mu Mu. He took off his jacket and shoved it at the trader: "This jacket’s super expensive—Mom says it’s designer. Just give him the dog."

If Mu Mu got the dog but owed Sen Sen money and a piece of clothing, then Wen Xiaowen would still win.

Mu Mu wasn’t any better.

The dog was all skin and bones anyway. Badgered by the kids, the seller hastily took Mu Mu and Sen Sen’s money, threw Wen Xiaowen’s jacket back, and waved them off.

Mu Mu cradled the puppy, gently stroking it, his eyes shining softly.

"Uncle Director, let’s go back quickly. The puppy is hurt."

He clearly loved it already.

The audience was tearing up.

"These babies are so kind. Dog sellers are the worst!"

"Aww… that poor puppy."

"Wen Zhi may have lost to a dog, but it’s a noble loss."

"Noble, my ass! Look at Wen Zhi’s expression—she doesn’t seem happy. Will Mu Mu get scolded when he gets back?"

On screen, Wen Zhi sat up straight, her fan still in hand. Her phoenix eyes were fixed on the dog in Mu Mu’s arms, her face stern, emotions flickering.

She didn’t look pleased.

Wen Bingchun glanced at her and teased: "Xiao Zhi, that’s gotta sting. Seems Mu Mu cares more about pets."

Liu Yiru sighed: "Wen Zhi, looks like we’ll be going hungry together…"

"Mu Mu used to have a puppy just like this," Wen Zhi suddenly said.

The whole room turned to stare at her.

Her beautiful face clouded with melancholy: "He was so happy back then, but it only lasted three days before they killed the dog because someone was allergic to animal fur. He cried for a long time and never shed a tear again since then."

Lu Xun even had someone send the little black dog to Mu Mu's palace, warning him not to waste time on silly distractions.

What bullshit is this about "wasting time on silly distractions"? What kind of four-year-old needs 'ambition' anyway?

The room went dead silent, and even the barrage paused for a moment.

Three seconds later, an overwhelming flood of curses erupted on the screen.

"Fuck fuck fuck, Mu Mu's dad is insane!"

"Fuck that old bastard! He's just a pervert. He'd better not show up, or I'll kill him myself."

"No wonder Mu Mu says he has no father. That kind of person deserves to die."

"Let me ask—is that beast still alive? Did Wen Zhi's husband die?"

The Wen Zhi before them was like an enigma, her eyes holding untold stories, beautiful and captivating, drawing people in.

Liu Yiru found her intriguing and grew even more curious.

Wen Bingchun's eyes flickered slightly: "Xiao Zhi, is the 'someone' you mentioned Mu Mu's father?"

This time, no one interrupted her.

Because, whether on the set or among the live audience, everyone was dying to know: Was Wen Zhi's other half—Mu Mu's father—really such a bastard?

Author's note:

There will be an update at midnight EST.