Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Seeing the public opinion shift online, Liu Yiru finally relaxed.

After noticing Wen Zhi had liked her only post on Weibo, she promptly followed, pinned it, and completed the whole process in one go.

Netizens still gossiping about the drama quickly noticed her move and screamed in excitement.

"Ahhhh, my OTP is becoming real!"

"The red and white roses should stick together! Scumbag, get lost already!"

"Sister Zhi, come out already! Follow Movie Queen Liu back, ahhhh!"

Liu Yiru chuckled while scrolling through the comments and casually replied: "Your Sister Zhi is still asleep, no calls please."

The shippers instantly went wild again.

Last night’s chaos dragged on too late, leaving all live streams completely dark. Only the living room camera captured Liu Yiru sitting alone. She put away her phone, exhaled deeply, feeling an unprecedented sense of relief.

Pattering footsteps approached from a distance, and through the drizzling rain, a small figure emerged.

Liu Yiru looked up. In the faint morning light, Mu Mu, wearing a tiny bamboo hat, struggled to drag a small sack across the threshold. Xiao Hei limped behind like a little shadow, trying to help with his paws.

Mu Mu’s eyes curved into crescents, his pale face flushed pink—like snow melting after years of stillness, shedding its usual solemnity.

He finally had the liveliness a child should possess.

After last night’s events, the live stream was packed with viewers, all unable to resist their curiosity at the sight of Mu Mu.

"T_T He slept so late last night but still got up early—truly the grind king."

"It's raining, and Mu Mu still went out to practice martial arts? What’s that in his hand?"

What kind of breakfast needs a big sack?

"Looks pretty heavy. Must be a gift from the villagers."

Liu Yiru hurried over to help Mu Mu carry the bag to the dining table. Curious, she asked, "Why did you go out in the rain? What’s this?"

Mu Mu took off his tiny bamboo hat. "Flour. Got it from Uncle Village Chief."

Liu Yiru was surprised. "What do you need flour for?"

Mu Mu dashed to the kitchen, fetched a cutting board and a stainless steel bowl, tied on an apron, then climbed onto the table to pour out the flour. With utmost seriousness, he declared, "Making bear-shaped cookies."

"Bear-shaped cookies?" Liu Yiru blinked. "You know how?"

Mu Mu shook his head and pointed at her phone. "Auntie, can you play a video teaching how to make bear cookies? I’ll watch and learn. I can do it."

He sat on the stool, waiting earnestly.

"I thought he was making baozi. Bear cookies are tricky—they need baking. No way a kid can learn just from a video."

"Is Mu Mu making bear cookies for himself?"

"Damn, first he out-grinds us in studying, now this? Give us a break!"

"LOL, probably just wants to play with flour."

Liu Yiru asked again, "Does Mu Mu want bear cookies for himself?"

Mu Mu shook his head. "No, I'm making them for Mommy. Mommy can't eat spicy snacks, and we're almost out of other snacks. These are healthier."

Liu Yiru praised, "Mu Mu is so sweet." She pulled out her phone again. "I'm not very good at this either. How about we watch the video together? Two heads are better than one!"

Mu Mu nodded, perched on a small stool with his chin in hands, watching with her.

After watching, they kinda got it... but not really.

Liu Yiru said, "First, let's gather everything we need." She fetched butter, eggs, powdered sugar, a whisk, and bowls from the kitchen, then glanced at the flour.

"We'll start by kneading the dough."

One grown-up, one kid, both wearing aprons, began following the video's instructions.

Liu Yiru added flour and water, while Little Dumpling, perched on a stool, worked the dough with all his little might. Since it was his first time, it was a total mess—flour flying everywhere, on his face and clothes.

Just as the audience was thoroughly amused, a curious voice suddenly came from the living room.

"Sister Liu, Mu Mu? What are you doing?"

Wen Bingchun, with her perfectly made-up face, appeared in the living room.

Mu Mu and Liu Yiru turned around simultaneously. Seeing the flour-covered Little Dumpling and Liu Yiru's flour-coated hands, Wen Bingchun couldn't help but laugh. "Flour? Making buns?"

Liu Yiru shook her head. "We're making bear-shaped cookies, but neither of us knows how."

Wen Bingchun's eyes brightened slightly. "I can teach you. I know how."

She had originally planned to make breakfast to impress them, and now teaching them to bake bear cookies seemed like an even better way to win favor.

Mu Mu said, "Thank you, Auntie."

Wen Bingchun's smile froze. *Auntie?! Couldn't you call me 'sis'?*

Patiently, Wen Bingchun began showing them how to make the cookies, getting into it herself. It hit her—if she hadn't entered the entertainment industry, she might have become a pastry chef.

Look how perfect the baked bear cookies turned out! They must taste amazing.

She tasted one, then handed another to Mu Mu. After eating just one, Mu Mu carefully packed the rest into a cookie tin. Confused, she said, "Not tasty?"

Liu Yiru explained, "They smell incredible—I'm sure they're delicious. But we made them for Wen Zhi."

Suddenly, the cookie turned tasteless in her mouth.

She forced a smile. "Oh, that's... thoughtful of you, Sister Liu. Mu Mu's such a good son."

Mu Mu smiled shyly. "You're nice too, teaching us how to make the cookies."

Wen Bingchun replied a bit sourly, "I envy your mom so much, having a son who cares about her all the time."

Seeing her downcast expression, Mu Mu blinked and thought for a moment before saying, "The Ice Queen can have a baby too. They'll definitely care about you just like I do."

Wen Bingchun: "..."

"Hahaha, The Ice Queen first needs to find herself a husband!"

"Kids say the darndest things. You could see the jealousy in Wen Bingchun's eyes."

"My little rascal, I'm envious too! He wouldn't notice if I died from illness."

"Same here! Mu Mu's so filial—went and learned to make bear cookies for his mom."

"Liu Yiru's so sweet too—this must be her way of thanking Wen Zhi for stepping up last night."

As the sky gradually brightened, folks started trickling into the living room. Lin Jiya did a double-take when he saw flour scattered all over the dining table. Xiao Xiao, Sen Sen, and Wen Xiaowen were the first to catch the scent, barging into the kitchen to stare at the bear cookies in Mu Mu's hands.

"Brother Mu Mu, what's this?" The little girl sniffed the air like a little puppy, inhaling the milky aroma.

She knew they were bear cookies, but she really, really wanted to eat them.

Mu Mu: "Bear cookies."

The little girl drooled: "Can I have some?"

Sen Sen's eyes also sparkled, while Wen Xiaowen sidled up to his sister and asked, "Did you make these, sis?"

Wen Bingchun explained, "Mu Mu and Auntie Liu made them. I taught them."

Wen Xiaowen's eager look vanished as he pouted, "No wonder those bears look messed up—not as pretty as yours, sis. Bet they taste like cardboard too."

Mu Mu: "They weren’t made for you anyway." After saying this, he carefully packed the bear cookies away, dishing out the leftovers to Sen Sen and Xiao Xiao.

Wen Xiaowen was stunned, then snorted coldly, "I wouldn’t touch those with a ten-foot pole. My sister can make better ones." He started yanking on her sleeve, demanding she make some immediately.

But they were fresh out of flour—now what?

Wen Bingchun tried to soothe him, but Wen Xiaowen wouldn’t listen: "I want bear cookies now! I don’t care I don’t care I don’t care..."

"If there’s no flour, then go dig some up yourself."

"But I want bear cookies no matter what!" In the past, whenever he acted like this, his parents would give in.

"Without comparison, there’d be no hurt. That little butterball is really too spoiled."

"Suddenly, I think Mu Mu is right—that kid’s parents are letting him get away with murder."

"Xiao Wen, breakfast will be ready soon," Wen Bingchun said, keeping her cool despite her impatience.

Amid the noisy living room, Wen Zhi came downstairs, yawning, and casually asked, "What’s all the commotion?"

Her figure was elegant, her features strikingly beautiful, her porcelain skin glowing even in her lazy, casual state. She exuded an unattainable nobility, stunning everyone each time she appeared.

Liu Yiru greeted her with a smile, to which she responded lazily before melting into the couch like a ragdoll. Mu Mu immediately ran over and handed her the bear cookies.

The little black dog came scampering over, dancing around Wen Zhi's legs, wagging its tail nonstop.

Wen Zhi glanced at the cookies in her hand. "Who gave these to me?"

Mu Mu’s eyes lit up with pride. "I made them. Auntie Liu and Auntie Bingchun taught me."

Liu Yiru smiled. "I didn’t help much—Bingchun was the one teaching both of us."

Wen Zhi gave a surprised glance at Wen Bingchun, who was still dealing with her brother's meltdown, before turning back to Mu Mu with a smile. "If you wanted bear cookies, why didn’t you just ask me?"

Mu Mu whispered, "Made 'em for you, Mom."

"For me?"

"Yes." Mu Mu nodded. "Mom’s snacks are gone, so this is better for you." He paused for a second, then added awkwardly, "Also, we didn’t buy ingredients yesterday... Thanks, Mom, for patching up Xiao Hei." After saying that, he tiptoed up and quickly kissed Wen Zhi on the cheek before running outside with Xiao Hei.

It felt like a tiny bird peck. Wen Zhi was stunned for a second, then belatedly touched her cheek and laughed. "This kid, kissing me and still getting shy."

The crew in the room were totally jealous, egging him on and gushing over how sweet Mu Mu was.

Liu Yiru sighed, "Your kid’s seriously a blessing."

Still tangled up with her younger brother, Wen Bingchun watched Wen Zhi’s side, feeling a weird pang of jealousy.

"Hahaha, Mu Mu is here to repay kindness, while Wen Xiaowen is here for revenge, right?"

"Wen Bingchun and that chubby kid must’ve been mortal enemies in another life."

"Awwww, I’m liking Mu Mu more and more—what should I do? Low-key jealous of Wen the Hot Mess now."

"Hahahaha, who’s down to kidnap Mu Mu?"

"Count me in times a million!"

"Me too!"

The clock hit eight, and Director Fang appeared right on time to collect their phones.

Liu Yiru leaned closer to Wen Zhi and hurriedly said, "I followed you on Weibo—hit me back!"

"You followed me? When?" She’d just scrolled through Weibo last night.

Liu Yiru: "Just now."

Wen Zhi took out her phone and searched for Liu Yiru’s Weibo, right away seeing her two newest posts. One was a whole rant with receipts calling out Liang Yi, and the other was defending herself.

After hitting follow, she quickly skimmed through the trending hashtags still on the homepage. Ignoring the ones bashing her, she teased, "Liu-Orange-Juice? Since when did we get stuck with this weird ship name?"

"I think it’s nice." After all that late-night mess, Liu Yiru didn’t look haggard at all—instead, she had that same superstar glow from before she left the industry. "It proves we’re close. How about making Mu Mu my godson? That way, Sen Sen can have a little brother too."

Everyone in the room stared in shock.

Liu Yiru had been retired for six years. Even if she wasn’t as popular anymore, she still held respect among older generations in the industry. To newcomers, she was still a senior.

An award-winning actress showing favor to an ordinary person? And even wanting to adopt Mu Mu as her godson—was she trying to give Wen Zhi a leg up?

Given Wen Zhi’s current momentum, it wouldn’t be impossible for Liu Yiru to introduce her to resources in the future.

Wen Bingchun was burning up with envy.

Wen Zhi said, "You’ll have to ask Mu Mu. If he agrees, which basically means yes."

That was as good as not objecting.

Liu Yiru beamed. "Sen Sen, go call Mu Mu in! Mom’s getting you a little brother!"

Sen Sen lit up, giggling as he bolted off. "Ohhh, Mu Mu’s gonna be my brother!"

Xiao Xiao made a face and yanked on Lin Jiyao’s sleeve. "Brother, can you make Mu Mu your brother too? Then Mu Mu would be ours!"

Lin Jiyao scowled. "No."

Xiao Xiao huffed, displeased. "Hmph, why not?"

Lin Jiyao: "..."

"Hahaha, if he recognizes Mu Mu as his younger brother, wouldn’t Lin Jiyao have to call Wen Zhi 'Mom'?"

"Hahaha, our Brother Ji's face is all twisted."

"Wen Zhi wouldn’t want such a grown son either, okay?"

Wen Xiaowen, who had just been begging for teddy bear cookies, glanced at Xiao Xiao and suddenly asked, "If your brother recognizes Mu Mu as his younger brother, does that mean your brother has to call Mu Mu’s mom 'godmother'?"

Xiao Xiao paused, confused by the logic.

Someone from the crew burst out laughing, and soon others couldn’t hold back either. Lin Jiyao flushed red with embarrassment and shot a cold look around the room.

Everyone immediately held back laughter, but their barely contained amusement only made it worse.

Director Fang stepped in to mediate: "Alright, alright, we’ve prepared a big breakfast for everyone today. Come and eat up—we’re going mushroom foraging in the mountains later."

Wen Zhi: "Right after the rain?"

Director Fang nodded: "Mushrooms pop up after rain. Don’t worry, we’ve checked that area—it’s safe."

Xiao Xiao’s attention shifted as she widened her eyes curiously: "Mushroom foraging? Are there pink mushrooms?"

Wen Xiaowen laughed loudly: "Silly, pink mushrooms are poisonous. Eating them will make you end up in a coffin."

Xiao Xiao pouted: "I’m not dumb! Pink mushrooms aren’t poisonous. Snow White picked red mushrooms in the forest!" Spotting Mu Mu entering, she called out for confirmation: "Brother Mu Mu, pink mushrooms aren’t poisonous, right?"

Mu Mu: "Some are poisonous, some aren’t. Red onion mushrooms and big red mushrooms are red but safe to eat when cooked."

The audience marveled: As expected of the know-it-all—I didn’t even know this.

Xiao Xiao stuck her nose in the air triumphantly at Wen Xiaowen: "See? Some aren’t poisonous."

The adults in the room chuckled.

Wen Xiaowen turned away, ignoring her.

When Mu Mu entered, Liu Yiru asked if he’d be willing to call her "godmother" and become Sen Sen’s younger brother.

Mu Mu looked at Sen Sen, then at her, his dark eyes crinkling: "I’d like that."

Sen Sen was overjoyed: "Yay, I have a little brother now! I’ll take Mu Mu and Little Black to play together."

At the dining table, Sen Sen sat beside Mu Mu, looking after his new brother. Liu Yiru and Wen Zhi sat across from them, chatting and laughing, the atmosphere warm and harmonious.

Wen Bingchun sat opposite, clutching her chopsticks: This cousin of mine still knows exactly how to charm people.

Suddenly, a pork rib appeared in her bowl. She looked up, startled, meeting Wen Zhi’s smiling face.

Wen Zhi smiled at her: "Thank you for teaching Mu Mu how to make teddy bear cookies."

That smile reminded her of the Wen Zhi from before she disappeared—bright and warm when they were young. No matter what mistakes she made, a little acting cute would earn her uncle and aunt’s unconditional affection.

Something she had always longed for but could never attain.

"...You’re welcome."

After breakfast, the crew took the guests to the nearby mushroom forest.

Last night there was a heavy rain, and now the sky is crystal-clear blue. A narrow winding path leads upward, with signs of cleared brush on both sides.

Director Fang and the Elder Village Chief took the lead.

As they walked, the Elder Village Chief explained, "Our Maitian Village has three treasures: wheat, lotus roots, and mushrooms. Every summer and autumn, especially after rain, the mushroom forest sprouts plenty of Fir Mushrooms, along with green-headed mushrooms and red onion mushrooms."

Liu Yiru asked worriedly, "What if we pick poisonous mushrooms by mistake?"

Director Fang jumped in, "The area we're heading to has already been cleared of poisonous mushrooms by the crew. The guests and children are also wearing gloves. After picking, the Elder Village Chief will personally inspect them, and only the edible ones will be used for dinner."

Wen Xiaowen muttered, "Can't we have them for lunch?"

Director Fang chuckled, "By the time we finish picking mushrooms, it'll already be noon. Then we have to head back down and sort through them. Lunch will be prepared in advance by the village aunties—you can eat as soon as we return."

Finally not having to worry about lunch, everyone was satisfied with the arrangement.

After walking for a while, the children, carrying baskets, chased each other cheerfully ahead, with Xiao Hei bounding after them.

Wen Zhi's dark hair was pinned up with a wooden hairpin, her almond-shaped eyes sparkling with laughter.

Liu Yiru glanced at her and couldn't help but praise, "Your beauty is absolutely unmatched—I’ve never seen anyone in the industry more stunning than you. After this show, you’ll definitely go viral. Any interest in joining me for a comeback in the entertainment world?"

Their voices were low, so the livestream only captured their laughter, not their words.

Wen Zhi shook her head. "No interest. I’d rather spend that time launching an entertainment company." Staring at her ballooning bank account every night already left her unsure how to spend it—earning even more would just add to the headache.

Her exclusive global black card was still quietly held by the crew.

How had she ended up tricked into this variety show as soon as she got back?

At least Mu Mu had made friends, and she’d found a sister-friend.

Liu Yiru assumed she was joking.

Wen Zhi turned to her and asked, "How’s the divorce going?"

Liu Yiru shrugged. "Sen Sen stays with me. I left with nothing."

"Nothing?" Wen Zhi didn’t understand. "Couldn’t you keep both the child and the assets?" If Lu Xun were here, she’d have taken him for everything.

Liu Yiru sighed. "I agreed to leave with nothing in exchange for his promise never to harass me or Sen Sen again." After six years of marriage, all her money and properties had been spent. Now, she only had the small two-bedroom flat she bought when she first debuted.

Thankfully, her sentimental reasons had made her hold onto it stubbornly.

"Don’t worry. From now on, I’ll be an unstoppable force, finding my courage again." She looked at Wen Zhi sincerely and said, "Thank you. From now on, you’re my sister—if you ever need anything, just ask."

"Don’t worry, I’m not one to hold back," Wen Zhi said with a carefree laugh, then blinked and asked curiously, "Do you hope your ex-husband does well... or not?"

Liu Yiru pondered. "Hmm... not well." She smirked mischievously. "Does that make me a bad person?" Liang Yi had tried to drag her into the abyss—she wasn’t that generous.

Wen Zhi joked, "You’re not as bad as me." She wished Lu Xun to suffer a thousand deaths.

"Since we’re sisters, I plan to give you a big gift."

Liu Yiru was puzzled. "What gift?"

Wen Zhi grinned. "A secret."

The two shared a conspiratorial grin.

This scene stung Wen Bingchun's eyes. Perhaps too focused on the two people ahead, she didn't notice the ditch in front and stepped right into it.

Lin Jiyao, walking behind her, quickly caught her arm and frowned, "Watch your step!"

The livestream chat blew up with screams.

"Ahhh, what's going on? Wen Zhi and Movie Queen Liu I get, but Wen Bingchun and our Ji Yao?!"

"Hero saves the beauty, hero saves the beauty!!! This moment is too perfect, I can't even look!"

"Ahhhhh, is IceCream CP happening?!"

"Hey, upstairs, back off our Ji Yao, no way."

"Our Ji Yao has a first love in his heart, haters better not try that."

"What first love? Maybe Lin Jiyao just made it up. Our Ice Beauty and Lin Jiyao are such a perfect match, okay?"

The live audience was dying to know what the two were saying.

After thanking him, Wen Bingchun took two steps back and walked side by side with Lin Jiyao. The girl was gentle and delicate, the boy aloof and tall—from appearances alone, they actually looked kinda good together.

Wen Bingchun thought so too.

The cameraman noticed the commotion and hurried over. As the lens zoomed in, the screaming audience could finally hear their conversation.

Wen Bingchun smiled, putting on her best face, and slightly lifted her chin to look at the person beside her. "When I was little, I really wanted an older brother to protect me, just like you did earlier. Ended up with a younger brother instead."

"Ji Yao, do you prefer a younger sister or brother?"

She was prepared for Lin Jiyao to ignore her—after all, he was notoriously cold and weird in the industry.

The next second, Lin Jiyao flatly replied, "Why must there be siblings? I prefer being an only child."

Wen Bingchun: "Wait, what?"

"Wait, what? What does he mean? Doesn’t he like younger sisters?"

"Did his parents not ask Ji Yao’s opinion before having Xiao Xiao?"

"Hahaha, proof—Lin Jiyao's really is weird. How can he not like such a cute little sister?"

"Lin Jiyao doesn’t even like younger sisters, ugh."

"Upstairs, stop spinning it. That wasn’t a reporter, it was a paparazzo, OK?! Our Ji Yao just said he prefers being an only child, not that he dislikes younger sisters."

"Exactly! I wish I were an only child, but that doesn’t stop me from liking younger brothers."

"Stans, quit making excuses. Does Lin Jiyao’s attitude look like he likes younger sisters? Just look at him."

Xiao Xiao, exhausted from running, shouted ahead, "Brother, hurry up! Hurryyy! Sen Sen and the others are already in the mushroom forest. I want the red mushrooms!"

Yet Lin Jiyao completely ignored his sister, still taking his sweet time at the back.

Naturally, he ignored Wen Bingchun too.

Fans adored his cold act, while antifans just wanted to curse—"So fake!"

After walking for half an hour, Mu Mu, Sen Sen, and Little Black were the first to reach the mushroom forest. Little Black barked a few times, then bolted straight for a fir tree, looking back with his dark head and wagging his tail excitedly in place.

Sen Sen cheered excitedly, "Look, Little Black found mushrooms!"

The two of them ran over with small baskets, and a large cluster of fir mushrooms, glistening with raindrops, beckoned to them.

Mu Mu crouched down, reached out his small hand to pick a mushroom, and with a smile, held it up for the cameraman to see. "Mushroom, such a pretty mushroom!"

Little Dumpling was as cute as a button, with shiny black eyes that sparkled. The sunlight filtering through the trees illuminated his little face, making him look pure and irresistibly adorable. The cameraman couldn’t help but smile, and the live stream viewers went wild.

"Goodness, Mu Mu looks like a mountain fairy—so adorable!"

"My mom heart can't take this cuteness. Another day wishing I were Wen Zhi."

"Aw, only our Sister Zhi could give birth to such an angelic child."

"Sniff, Sen Sen is so cute too—I just want to take him home!"

"Hahaha, these two little ones picking mushrooms are totally adorable!"

At first, the two children were thrilled, but once they had gathered enough mushrooms, they plopped down under a tree stump to rest and wait for their mothers.

Sen Sen played with the mushrooms for a while before hesitantly saying, a little sad, "Mu Mu, I won't have a dad soon. Why does Dad only want money and not me?" Last night, he had overheard his dad asking his mom for money, saying he wouldn’t come to see him anymore.

Mu Mu comforted him, "Don’t be sad. I don’t have a dad either. Mine is worse—he didn’t want me and tried to drown me."

Sen Sen widened his eyes in disbelief. "...Then... then your dad really is awful."

Mu Mu nodded and, worried Sen Sen might still feel sad, continued, "He also made me kneel in the snow, hit my hands, and killed my Little Black... He’s really awful."

Sen Sen felt that Mu Mu had suffered far worse than him, and his own sadness faded as he turned to comfort Mu Mu instead. "At least you're rid of your dad now. Don’t worry, I’ll be your big brother!"

"Aww, is this a sad-off? These two little ones break my heart!"

"Liu Yiru’s husband is no good, and Wen Zhi’s husband isn’t even human—scumbags like them should just die."

"Mu Mu’s dad has redefined awful for me—making a child kneel in snow, hitting him, killing Little Black, and even trying to drown Mu Mu? What kind of monster is that?!"

"Add another label: Wen Zhi’s husband + stone-age brute + scumbag + old monster!! I can think of ten thousand ways for that old monster to die."

"Aww, my heart aches for Mu Mu. Wen Zhi has it hard too—I’ll never criticize her again. Sister Zhi, please start live streaming after the show ends. I’ll definitely donate—don’t let yourself or our precious Mu Mu go hungry!"

After comforting Mu Mu, Sen Sen asked in a small voice, "But... will kids without dads get made fun of?"

"A gentleman strengthens himself unceasingly," Mu Mu said, straightening his small frame. "If we study hard and become strong enough to protect our moms, no one will dare laugh at us."

Sen Sen vowed, "Yeah, we’ll study hard!"

Mu Mu immediately added, "So, no slacking off at night, no fake sleeping. If I don’t sleep, you don’t sleep either."

Sen Sen immediately deflated, wishing he could bury his head in the basket.

"Hahaha, what a tiny try-hard—still thinking about studying at a time like this!"

"Didn’t expect him to spring this on Sen Sen—hahaha, the poor kid looks crushed!"

"Aww, so touching. Is Mu Mu studying so hard to protect his mom?"

Compared to Sen Sen, the viewers felt even more heartbroken for Mu Mu. This child must have been through so much and had such a monster of a father that he had to grow up so fast.

Most times, they’re not overachievers by choice—just by circumstance.

I'm so curious about Wen Zhi and Mu Mu's experiences.

Sen Sen didn’t stay down for long before his mom found him. He immediately picked up the basket and ran over excitedly, shouting, "Mom, I picked so many mushrooms! Look at this huge one!"

Liu Yiru checked his basket and praised, "Sen Sen is amazing! Let’s hunt for more and fill the basket, okay?"

Mu Mu looked around and asked in confusion, "Auntie, where’s my mom?"

Liu Yiru pointed behind her, "Xiao Xiao started crying and dragged your mom off."

Why would Xiao Xiao crying drag his mom away?

Mu Mu didn’t understand.

"Can someone explain what happened with Xiao Xiao?"

"Lin Jiyao made her cry. Just shows he can’t stand his sister."

"There are screenshots and replays on VB [Weibo] if you want to check."

While watching the live stream, viewers quickly searched VB and learned what happened.

Five minutes earlier, Xiao Xiao had been pestering Lin Jiyao to find a pink mushroom. Lin Jiyao searched several spots but couldn’t find one, so he ignored her and focused on picking fir mushrooms instead.

The little girl refused to give up. Like a determined little calf, she tugged at his clothes, digging her toes into the ground as she pulled backward, whining incessantly, "Gegegegegegegegegegegege..." *[Chinese for "brother," repeated childishly]*

"Ge—ge, pink mushroom! I want a pink mushroom!"

"Gegegegegegegegegegegege..."

With a sharp *rip*, Lin Jiyao’s thin shirt tore. The little girl, still gripping the fabric, fell onto her bottom and burst into loud sobs.

"Bro’s mean... Bro’s mean! Wuwu [sound of crying], I want a pink mushroom! I want a pink mushroom!"

Lin Jiyao glanced at his torn shirt, frowned in annoyance, and his voice turned cold, "Keep crying, and I’ll walk away!"

The girl widened her eyes in disbelief, then jumped up. Still crying, she stamped her foot and yelled angrily, "Fine! Walk away then! I don’t want bro either! Bro’s mean! Bro go away! Go!" She flailed her arms dismissively.

Lin Jiyao snorted and actually turned to leave.

The little girl froze, then bawled her eyes out, standing there in a total meltdown.

Wen Bingchun walked over to comfort her, but the moment Xiao Xiao spotted Wen Zhi, she immediately buried herself in Wen Zhi’s arms, sobbing, "Wuwu [sound of crying], pretty sis, bro’s mean! I don’t want bro! Can you take me to find a pink mushroom?"

Wen Bingchun’s outstretched hand hung awkwardly in the air.

The girl’s eyes were red and swollen, hiccupping through sobs, looking utterly pitiful.

Wen Zhi hesitated for a second before Liu Yiru said, "You take her. I’ll watch Sen Sen and Mu Mu."

And so, Wen Zhi led the little girl off to search for a pink mushroom.

"WTF, Lin Jiyao crossed the line! He really just walked away!"

"He really doesn’t like his sister."

"How is this my Ji-ge’s [short for "Jiyao-gege"] fault? His shirt got torn! And the kid told him to leave—ignoring them works best for bratty kids."

"Your Ji-ge walks on water, huh? Look at how Wen Zhi didn’t ignore Xiao Xiao!"

Everyone went over to watch Wen Zhi gather mushrooms.

Wen Zhi didn’t brush off the little girl—she kept urging her along the way: "Hey, found anything yet? Keep going, Xiao Xiao!"

"Check here, check there—this way! Maybe it’s up in the tree?"

"Xiao Xiao’s killing it! We’re close!"

"You’ve got better eyes than me!"

"Tired already? No way—keep searching!"

"Our Xiao Xiao’s so cute—only a rare pink mushroom’s good enough for a little fairy like you!"

The little girl dashed around, basket in hand, sweating buckets... Meanwhile, Sister Zhi perched daintily on a stump, munching on teddy bear cookies and sipping floral tea, radiating happiness.

Xiao Xiao pouted, "I’m exhausted—pretty sister, carry me?"

Wen Zhi clutched her stomach, groaning theatrically: "Oh no, Sister has a stomachache, my arms are weak."

"Hahaha, Sister Zhi’s still got it—such a pro at dodging kid duty."

"Xiao Xiao’s never seen anyone out-princess her..."

"Wen Zhi, quit trolling and act human."

Xiao Xiao blinked, believing it was true, and mumbled while standing in place: "I want my brother, my brother would carry me."

Wen Zhi sighed regretfully: "But your brother stormed off thanks to you, Xiao Xiao."

Xiao Xiao panicked slightly: "Is brother mad at me?"

"Mmm... yeah, kinda."

"What do I do then? Does brother hate Xiao Xiao now?"

Wen Zhi comforted her: "Your brother could never hate you—you’re his baby sis!"

Xiao Xiao frowned: "But Mommy didn’t even tell brother about me before I was born! Brother was furious! He didn’t even know he had a sister till New Year’s!"

Wen Zhi: "!"

So it was a New Year surprise?

Was Lin Jiyao swamped, or were his parents just clueless?

Wen Zhi reassured her: "Your brother agreed to bring you on the show—that means he must like you."

Xiao Xiao shook her head: "Mommy and Daddy were on a business trip, so they sent me to brother. He got so angry and called Daddy."

Wen Zhi short-circuited.

What the hell were the Lin parents thinking?!

"Holy crap, no wonder Lin Jiyao’s always scowling. I’d be pissed too. Getting hit with a 3-year-old sister at 25? And she’s super clingy?"

"Babysitting’s a nightmare, especially with a toddler. The Lin parents are something else—didn’t even give a heads-up, just shipped the sister to the brother, who had no choice but to bring her on the show?"

"Ugh, my mom pulled the same stunt—gave me a sister, saying it was ‘leaving me a companion.’ More like a built-in rival—we brawl daily!" "But now that she’s here, he’s gotta man up and be a brother!"

"What kind of BS is that? The responsibility for the sister lies with the parents, not the brother. Everyone has their own life and is an independent individual. Quit the guilt-tripping!"

"From what we can see now, Lin Jiyao hasn’t abandoned his sister. He’s just annoyed."

"But he still shouldn’t just leave her behind and walk away!"

The chat was blowing up.

Xiao Xiao was also upset, pouting, on the verge of tears.

Wen Zhi quickly went over to comfort her: "Don’t cry, don’t cry. How about this—if Xiao Xiao finds a pink mushroom to give to her brother, he definitely won’t be angry anymore."

The little girl’s eyes lit up: "Really?"

Wen Zhi nodded.

"But... but I’ve looked for so long and couldn’t find any pink mushrooms."

As soon as she finished speaking, a gentle voice chimed in: "I found one. Want it, Xiao Xiao?"

Xiao Xiao turned her head sharply and saw Wen Bingchun holding a big, dewy pink mushroom. She immediately beamed: "Yes, yes! Thank you, Sister Bing!"

Xiao Xiao squatted down in front of Wen Bingchun to take the mushroom, praising as she did: "Sister Bing’s the best! I looked for so long and couldn’t find any pink mushrooms, but you found several!"

Wen Bingchun’s lips curled as she looked past the little girl’s head to challenge Wen Zhi: "Hmm, Auntie Xiao Zhi couldn’t find one either?"

Wen Zhi: *So petty over a nickname.*

Wen Zhi shrugged: "Nah, Sister Bing."

"Hahaha, the Wen vs. Wen drama is *chef’s kiss*."

"Wen Zhi’s got no shame, calling the ice beauty 'Sister' like she’s the kid’s mom."

"What’s wrong with being the kid’s mom? Our Sister Zhi is younger than Wen Bingchun anyway. Calling her ‘Sis’ fits."

Wen Bingchun’s face fell: *Wen Zhi used to call her that before too.*

She took the little girl’s hand: "Xiao Xiao, let me take you to your brother. He’s over there."

Keen to hand her brother the mushroom, Xiao Xiao immediately followed her.

Wen Bingchun shot her a smug grin, but after just two steps, she heard Wen Zhi exhale loudly and sigh: "Finally offloaded the tiny tornado. Total chaos magnet!"

*So she just saw the kid as a burden.*

No matter what, she’d already roped Liu Yiru in. She absolutely had to win Lin Jiyao over.

Wen Bingchun smoothly delivered Xiao Xiao to Lin Jiyao and seized the chance to walk with him. While taking care of Xiao Xiao, she occasionally threw in a comment or two with Lin Jiyao. Wen Xiaowen, now mushroom-obsessed, tuned out.

Lin Jiyao wasn’t scowling this time and even gave a nod here and there.

The chat exploded with heart-eyes.

"OMG IS ICE CREAM CP CANON?! Ice Beauty and Lin Jiyao acted together before—he was the male lead, and she was the doomed-to-pine third lead!"

"*Sobs* Ice Beauty’s looking at him like—"

"SHE GAVE HIM THE *MUSHROOM OF LOVE*! This ship is SAILING!"

"Quit randomly shipping people upstairs. What 'Ice Beauty'? Only her name sounds pure. She might be a femme fatale—who knows if the mushrooms she gave are poisonous or not."

"Exactly! Ji-ge, don’t be careless. We don’t want other people’s mushrooms!"

Lin Jiyao couldn’t be bothered with all that—as long as his little sis didn’t bug him for pink mushrooms, he was fine.

By noon, everyone had their mushroom baskets full, and the four kids finally returned, satisfied.

Lunch was simple home-cooked dishes. Everyone was so exhausted that they slept clear past three in the afternoon.

Director Fang gave everyone free time to explore the village if they wanted.

Lin Jiyao stayed in his room composing songs and didn’t come out, while Wen Bingchun took charge of making the mushroom dinner.

Sen Sen eagerly dragged Mu Mu to play with Hu Zi, and Xiao Xiao and Wen Xiaowen followed wide-eyed with excitement.

Wen Zhi leisurely walked behind them, strolling with the little black dog, fanning herself with a palm-leaf fan and sipping floral tea, the spitting image of an old-timer taking his daily stroll.

The kids played "Eagle and Chicks" at the village chief’s house—Mu Mu played the protective mother hen, and Wen Xiaowen acted as the eagle, laughing heartily.

Wen Zhi was roped into a chess match by Liu Datou and his friends. Cool as a cucumber, she won a match and unconsciously glanced toward the kids: the little black dog was happily tugging at Xiao Xiao’s skirt, joining in the game of "Eagle and Chicks."

The villagers were delighted, amazed at how clever the dog was.

"Hahaha, Little Black is so adorable!"

"No wonder people say black dogs are smart—it even knows how to play games!"

"Hahaha, well, look who its owner is! It’s our tryhard's pup—of course it can play games!"

"Damn, she's showing off!"

"Hahaha, our Sister Zhi is so popular. Her title as Chess Queen has already spread through Wheatfield Village, right? She’s wiping the floor with newbies daily!"

"Not just Wheatfield Village—the national chess master was whining online yesterday because Wen Zhi blocked him."

"No way, seriously? She probably didn’t even notice—she got so much hate at first."

"Hahaha, the chess master must be sobbing in the bathroom."

The four kids played until they were sweating buckets. It wasn’t until the crew called them for dinner that Wen Zhi finally rounded them up.

As soon as they entered, the rich aroma of food filled the air.

Wen Xiaowen was the first to rush to the table. "Wow, so many mushrooms! Sis, your cooking must be amazing!"

Wen Bingchun placed the last dish—a three-treasure mushroom soup—on the table and patted her brother’s head. "Go wash your hands, then eat."

As the kids ran off to wash up, she introduced the dishes: "Three-treasure soup, chicken with mushrooms, cured meat with termite fungus, river shrimp with green-capped mushrooms… and finally, braised red onion mushrooms."

The dishes looked, smelled, and undoubtedly tasted amazing, had everyone salivating.

Liu Yiru praised sincerely, "Your cooking skills are really impressive. Thanks for the hard work, Bingchun."

Lin Jiyao added, "Thanks for your effort."

Wen Zhi broke the moment with, "Are you sure everything’s cooked properly?" Back when she got food poisoning from mushrooms, she hugged a table leg crying for mama, nearly scaring Empress Zhang to death.

Wen Bingchun looked hurt. "You questioning my cooking?"

"The receiver is always indebted," Wen Zhi quickly waved her hands. "No way! I’ll totally down three huge bowls later!"

Everyone took their seats at the table. Xiao Xiao shoved the red mushrooms over to Lin Jiyao and announced loudly, "These are for brother! Nobody else gets any!"

There were only five mushrooms to begin with—like there’s even enough to fight over, pfft.

"Hahaha, is Xiao Xiao trying to coax her brother?"

"Aww, brother and sis are still adorable though. It's their parents who are unreliable."

The fresh mushrooms were indeed delicious. The kids ate until their bellies were round, and the adults enjoyed the meal too.

After dinner, Liu Yiru volunteered to wash the dishes. Wen Zhi offered to help but was shooed to the sofa instead.

The rain had cleared, leaving the night sky glittering. The kids made plans to stargaze on the balcony. By eight o'clock, Wen Zhi was still curled up in bed playing games, prompting Mu Mu to nag his 'mom' to hurry up and shower.

Wen Zhi replied absentmindedly, "Hold up, hold up—one more match, I’m about to clutch this!"

Her hand slipped, and she was instantly headshot.

"LMAO, trash but won’t quit!"

"Really wanna know Noob Wen’s username so I can hunt her down in-game, LOL."

"Savage! I was totally thinking that too."

After her shower, Wen Zhi felt thirsty. Finding her cup empty, she told Mu Mu she was heading downstairs to refill it.

Just as she reached the lower floor, Lin Jiyao's door opened—he was holding a cup too.

"You thirsty too?"

Lin Jiyao nodded coldly, keeping a three-meter buffer like she had the plague, inching toward the kitchen.

While he poured water, Wen Zhi leaned against the sofa. Remembering Xiao Xiao's words earlier, she suddenly asked, "Xiao Xiao told me you only found out you had a sister when you went home this year. Don’t you go back for New Year's?"

Lin Jiyao looked surprised but answered politely, "Busy." He was either touring or stuck at Spring Festival Galas—his parents were always occupied too.

Wen Zhi pressed, "[Are we even close enough for this?] Did you ever ask your parents why they suddenly had another child?"

Lin Jiyao frowned at her.

Wen Zhi: "Never asked?"

As he stared, two rabbit ears suddenly sprouted from Wen Zhi’s head. He rubbed his eyes... but they remained—and now with a fluffy pink tail to boot.

He froze, goosebumps exploding across his skin.

Wen Zhi shrugged. "Whatever, forget it." She moved to pour water.

Lin Jiyao stumbled backward in panic, tripping over his own feet—BAM!—sending a chair skidding.

The sound of shattering glass—the other guests rushed out to find him sprawled on the floor, pale as a ghost.

Wen Bingchun peeked out, glancing between them accusingly. "Xiao Zhi, did you push Ji Yao?"

Wen Zhi shook her head innocently. "No? He just... fell." What, does she look like a man-eater?

Xiao Xiao came darting out to help her brother, when Lin Jiyao suddenly sprang up, grabbed his sister, and yelled, "Don't move!"

The living room fell into an eerie silence as everyone stared at Lin Jiyao in bewilderment.

Mu Mu came clattering down the stairs in slippers, and upon seeing broken glass scattered across the floor, hurried over to Wen Zhi. As he ran, he asked worriedly, "Mom, are you hurt?"

Wen Zhi smiled and shook her head, reaching out to him. But in Lin Jiyao's eyes, she had transformed into a red-eyed bunny monster, baring sharp teeth and claws, ready to devour a child.

He screamed, "Mu Mu, don’t go near her! Your mom’s turned into a bunny monster—she eats kids! Run, run!!" His expression was one of sheer terror, his voice nearly cracking, with zero acting vibes.

Mu Mu froze, looking back and forth between him and his mother.

The others also turned their gaze to Wen Zhi, even the staff who had been about to rest came rushing over.

Wen Zhi was completely lost. "Lin Jiyao, what nonsense are you spouting?"

Lin Jiyao shouted frantically, "I’m not lying! I can see your rabbit ears! Everyone, run! Call the police!"

The livestream viewers were equally confused.

"What’s happening? Has Lin Jiyao lost it?"

"How is Wen Zhi a bunny monster? Is he sick, or is this part of the script?"

"Doesn't seem like it—he genuinely seems terrified, his pupils were dilated. Damn, is Wen Zhi really a monster? But if she were, shouldn’t she be a fox demon? Why a bunny monster?"

"Somehow, Lin Jiyao’s behavior seems familiar... Let me think... It’s kind of like... that time my friend tripped out on bad mushrooms... Yeah, exactly like that—he kept screaming about giant spiders on the floor, crying and panicking."

"...No way, that can’t be. Our Jiyao isn’t crying or throwing a tantrum."

The next moment, Lin Jiyao suddenly lunged forward, grabbing Wen Zhi’s leg and yelling, "Xiao Xiao, run! Big brother will hold off the bunny monster—go, quick!"

Xiao Xiao started wailing in fear.

Everyone stood frozen.

Wen Zhi staggered from his grip, almost smashing the water glass over his head.

This felt creepily familiar—wasn’t this just like her clinging to the table leg and calling for her mom?

Wen Zhi hesitated before asking, "...Maybe you... ate some bad mushrooms?"

They had just eaten mushrooms for dinner, and Wen Zhi had even asked Wen Bingchun if they were properly cooked.

Lin Jiyao had eaten red onion mushrooms, also known as "red see-hand," which can cause hallucinations if undercooked.

Case closed.

Director Fang panicked and shouted at the staff, "Quick, get a doctor! Lin Jiyao’s been poisoned—hurry!"

Wait what? Mushroom poisoning?

Lin Jiyao?

Everyone freaked out, especially Wen Bingchun, who went ghost-white.

Author’s Note:

Lin Jiyao: Pretty sure I signed up for a survival show, not whatever this is.