Chapter 39

Chapter 39

Wen Zhi: "Nope."

Thomas’s enthusiasm was doused in one go. He asked in confusion, "Why?"

Wen Zhi: "While most Chinese are big-hearted, I hold grudges and absolutely won’t be friends with someone who once mocked me."

The audience roared with laughter.

Thomas: "..."

Wen Zhi led Mu Mu offstage, while Chen Yuyao, Liu Yiru, and Lin Jiyao also took their children back. Many tourists cheered them on, the crew members scrambled to move instruments, and Thomas stood frozen for a long moment before growing agitated and making a move to follow.

"Hey, come back—" Thomas was hopping mad, but his friends held him back firmly.

The chat exploded with support for Wen Zhi.

"Hahaha, I love how petty Sister Zhi is."

"No wonder that blond kid called her 'Dad' so readily—he had ulterior motives."

"Even our own people don’t stand a chance. What’s this blond kid thinking? That's what he gets."

"Hahaha, no way we'd let the prize go to some foreigner."

"Isn’t being single great? Why'd she wanna dive into another mess? Sister Zhi just got rid of a scumbag—no way she’d jump back in."

The video of the musical showdown blew up online and hit a million views within half an hour. Viewers’ first impression after watching was—Our traditional music slaps! The second impression—Wen Zhi could've stepped right out of a Dunhuang painting.

The video’s popularity rocketed to #1, causing the rerun ratings of *Baby! 2*’s first episode to skyrocket. Many viewers who finished the first episode flooded into the current live stream.

In the live stream, parents and children sat around a wooden table on the first floor of the inn, all wearing excited smiles. A PA brought over a large stack of drinks and placed them on the table, smiling. "Director Fang is treating everyone."

Chen Yuyao passed out drinks to the four children.

Liu Yiru scrolled through her feed and chuckled. "Wow, our musical showdown was actually that amazing? On stage, I was just focused on playing the erhu." She thrust the phone at Wen Zhi. "Especially your part with the flying reverse pipa—that was next-level! Did you switch from piano to pipa at some point?" Given her skill level, it must have taken years of practice.

Wen Zhi returned to her usual lazy demeanor, cradling her thermos and smiling without responding.

Lin Jiyao was also scrolling through VB when he suddenly spoke up. "That account 'Gardenia Blooms' posted a picture—it’s also blowing up online."

Liu Yiru didn’t react at first. "Gardenia Blooms? Who’s that?"

Wen Zhi casually added, "'Ice Beauty’s Diehard Fan'—they changed their username."

"Oh." Liu Yiru scrolled further down the trending list and clicked on the post by Gardenia Blooms. The moment the photo loaded, she froze, then gasped in awe. She thrust the phone at Wen Zhi. "Wow, this is an absolute banger of a photo! They captured you so beautifully!"

Wen Zhi tilted her head for a glance. At tenth place on the trending list, the tag screamed: *#WenZhi’s Divine Beauty—Even the Legendary Mingfei’s Pipa Pales in Comparison*.

Beneath a gushing caption was a single photo.

In the picture, the figure flew toward the camera while playing the pipa in reverse, her entire body seemingly enveloped in a halo of light. Her smiling eyes carried a hint of spring, blooming like peach flowers, piercing straight through the screen to captivate the viewer.

For a fleeting moment, it gave you butterflies, making everything else fade away—only she remained.

Below the stage, mist swirled, revealing only rows of upturned faces, their profiles etched with fascination.

Just one photo was enough to imagine how electrified the live audience must have been.

The comments under the photo were all praises in a flash.

"Wahh, she's a total fairy, like even the legendary Ming Concubine couldn't compare."

"Divine photo! I'm setting this as my wallpaper right now—I'll be fangirling at it daily."

"Ahhhh, she's looking at me, looking at me—I feel like I'm about to have a heart attack! Turns out beauty can really kill."

"Mommy, sis is so gorgeous, I think I'm about to go gay for her. What do I do?"

Wen Zhi: "Pfft, this person's photography skills are as amazing as ever. Almost had me believing I'm a fairy."

Liu Yiru stared at her face and praised sincerely: "You're naturally gorgeous to begin with."

The audience jumped in too.

"Hahaha, our Sister Zhi is stunning but humble."

"Don’t doubt it, you *are* the fairy incarnate."

"Nah nah nah, compared to a fairy, Sister Wen is more like a noble consort outshining peonies—regal and radiant, beautiful beyond measure. Didn’t you see 'Gardenia Blooms' even compared her to the Ming Concubine?"

"Agree with the above. Our Sister Zhi is the flower of human luxury. Even in ancient times, she’d be the favored imperial consort."

"Confused—why not the empress?"

"Hahaha, empresses have to work hard, but consorts get to be spoiled rotten."

Chen Yuyao, reading the comments, grimaced: Though savage but true, it really stings!

While the guests browsed Weibo, the audience watched them in the livestream. Everyone hung out peacefully like this for over half an hour. Until Director Fang, having finished tidying up the set, returned to announce a big feast. After the meal, they'd livestream a segment of their departure from Peach Blossom Island, and the second episode would be coming to a perfect close.

Xiao Xiao didn't want to go, hugging her bunny plushie silently by the door. Chen Yueliang took out all the little hair clips from her tin box and gave them to her, consoling: "Don’t be sad, little sis. Call me if you miss me—we’ll see each other next episode."

Xiao Xiao pouted: "B-but school’s starting soon. I have to go to kindergarten."

Chen Yueliang explained: "Even after school starts, we can still film on weekends."

Xiao Xiao: "R-really?"

Chen Yueliang nodded.

Xiao Xiao immediately perked up. After a moment’s thought, she handed her doll over: "Here, you can have this doll. I’ll definitely call you when I get back." Then, turning to Lin Jiyao, who was packing, she asked: "Brother, do you have Sister Yuyao’s number? I want to FaceTime Sister Yue Yue when I’m free."

Lin Jiyao, carrying his things, walked out and murmured "Uh-huh." Just as he was about to pat his sister’s head, Sen Sen sitting on top of a large suitcase beside him, crying, made him jump.

Sen Sen, with his little backpack on, was sitting on top of a large suitcase, crying, tears dripping down.

Lin Jiyao hurried over, bending down to ask: "Why are you crying?" Xiao Xiao and Chen Yueliang froze for two seconds before gathering beside him.

Managed to say between sobs, Sen Sen whispered: "You guys can come back next time, but I can’t."

Xiao Xiao asked, puzzled: "Why?"

Sen Sen managed to say between sobs: "Mom’s joining a film crew, and she’s talking with Uncle Director about quitting the show."

No wonder Liu Yiru was missing.

Lin Jiyao comforted him briefly, then looked around and noticed Mu Mu and Wen Zhi were missing too. Chen Yuyao, standing nearby, guessed his thoughts and cut in: "I just saw Wen Zhi and Mu Mu heading toward Director Fang earlier."

Lin Jiyao frowned, "Did she go see Director Fang too?"

Chen Yuyao shrugged, "I guess she’s probably quitting the show as well. What's the point of having money if you never spend it?"

At the same time, just after Liu Yiru finished talking with Director Fang, Wen Zhi went over. When Director Fang saw her, his face initially lit up with joy, but upon hearing she also wanted to leave the show, his face fell completely. Looking crestfallen, he asked, "Can’t you stay for a few more episodes? Is there something urgent? The production team can adjust the filming schedule according to your availability."

Wen Zhi replied, "What if I said it's for school?"

Director Fang sighed in relief, "Mu Mu's school schedule won't be a problem. Even though school’s starting, future filming will be scheduled on weekends and holidays."

Wen Zhi explained, "Not Mu Mu—it’s me who’s going to school." She teased, "You know how it is, I didn’t even finish middle school. Can't lower the overall caliber of the show’s guests."

When she was in school, she wasn’t a great student and didn’t particularly enjoy studying. After going to Great Yong, she often dreamed of sitting in her old classroom. Though she couldn’t recall her classmates’ names, she felt strangely happy.

Honestly, she really wanted to go to university.

If not for what happened back then, she would’ve followed the usual path—middle school to high school, then the college entrance exam, sent off to college with her parents constantly nagging her.

She might’ve gone through military training, maybe even had close college roommates.

Director Fang figured this was just an excuse. With her cultural background and family fortune, what does she need school for?

Wen Zhi continued, "I really like everyone here. For the next episode, The Wen Group will keep providing the venue and sponsorship. Just remember to include the sponsorship credit this time, Director Fang."

"Next episode… still happening?" Director Fang's jaw dropped. "Is Peach Blossom Island under The Wen Group?"

Wen Zhi replied, "No, it’s under my name."

Director Fang muttered 'holy shit' under his breath, realizing why the island’s manager had suddenly contacted them, claiming to be a fan of *Baby!*—it was Wen Zhi’s property all along.

With Wen Zhi’s stance, he couldn't push any further. He gave a solemn nod, "Alright, but can we hold off on announcing it? The official statement can be released before the third episode’s live broadcast." Otherwise, it might affect the next episode’s ratings.

Wen Zhi agreed.

Director Fang then asked, "For the second episode’s promotion, we’d like to use your trending photo for publicity, displaying it on big screens and bus stops across cities. Would that be okay?" During the contract period, artists were expected to cooperate with promotions.

But given Wen Zhi’s unique status, Director Fang still sought her approval.

Wen Zhi thought for a moment, "Fine, but take it down after the second episode."

Director Fang thanked her profusely and added with a smile, "You're welcome to visit the set anytime when you’re free."

Wen Zhi neither agreed nor refused.

As she walked out holding Mu Mu’s hand, she ran into Liu Yiru waiting outside.

"Guess great minds think alike," Liu Yiru chuckled. "I'm starting a new drama. Want to come watch?"

Wen Zhi rolled her eyes, "Why would I watch you film?"

Liu Yiru grinned, "For research! With your looks and background, you'd kill it in showbiz. Then I could hitch a ride on your fame train—how great would that be?"

Wen Zhi scoffed, "You must be really bored, coming here to tease me. Want me to bankroll a dozen films for you to star in?"

Liu Yiru cackled even louder.

Wen Zhi then asked, "What about Sen Sen while you’re filming?"

Liu Yiru replied matter-of-factly, "Bring him along to set at first, then get a nanny once school's in session."

Wen Zhi said, "Why don't you leave Sen Sen at my place? It’ll be nice for him to have Mu Mu as company. Although Little Black can keep him company, kids should play with other kids."

"Anyway, you can live anywhere. Why not move to Jiangcheng? You can pick any of the properties under my name—I’ll give it to you. Sen Sen and Mu Mu can attend the same school. Mu Mu hasn’t been to kindergarten before, so it’d be good for him to have Sen Sen around."

Mu Mu chimed in, "Auntie, please let Sen Sen play with me. Mom said she’ll take me to the amusement park, but it’s no fun alone." The old mansion is so big—it’d be great if Sen Sen could join him.

Liu Yiru patted Mu Mu’s head and glanced at Wen Zhi. "Girl, you’re really testing my willpower here. You’re making me want to just kick back and relax." Suddenly, the idea of being taken care of seemed so appealing—is this what it feels like to have a rich and generous best friend?

Wen Zhi teased, "I don’t mind if you relax. How about you collect rent for me instead?"

Liu Yiru took a deep breath. "Forget about rent. I absolutely won’t be swayed by sugarcoated offers. Just keep one of the apartments you used to live in for me. I’ll bring Sen Sen over before heading to the set. I won’t have time to enroll him in kindergarten, so let me know the tuition—I’ll transfer it along with the housing costs."

"Oh, and the filming location this time is in a region with ethnic minorities. I’ll bring back gifts for you and Mu Mu."

Her heart warmed: So this is what it feels like to have siblings.

The family warmth and affection she had always longed for but never received from her ex-husband—she found it in Wen Zhi instead.

Her nose stung (with emotion) as she walked over and hugged Wen Zhi. "Thank you, Xiao Zhi."

Wen Zhi left her arms limp. "Hey, hey, none of that mushy stuff!"

When the three returned to the inn, the table was piled with food. Sen Sen was initially uninterested, but upon learning he could attend school with Mu Mu in the future, he was thrilled and even ate an extra bowl of rice.

Now it was Xiao Xiao’s turn to feel unhappy. She tugged at her brother’s sleeve and pouted, "Brother, I want to go to Mu Mu’s house too. I want to go to kindergarten with Mu Mu."

Lin Jiyao scowled and shoved a spoonful of rice into her mouth. "Go talk to Old Lin and Mrs. Zhen." The Lin family wasn’t based in Jiangcheng—how could she attend the same kindergarten?

Xiao Xiao chewed her food and pouted. "Mom and Dad are busy. They said you’re in charge of me from now on."

Lin Jiyao sighed. "No time." After this episode wrapped, he had plenty of work commitments too.

Once they got back, he’d hand off this little troublemaker to those two irresponsible parents.

"Hmph, you’re so mean!" Xiao Xiao sulked, her head drooping as she rubbed her eyes, on the verge of tears.

Wen Zhi spoke up. "Xiao Xiao, you can come visit my place anytime—summer, winter breaks, weekends—anytime!"

Xiao Xiao’s eyes reddened. "Really? Can I bring my brother too?"

Wen Zhi nodded, but Lin Jiyao looked dismissive. "Go by yourself. Don’t drag me into it."

Nothing good ever happened when he crossed paths with Wen Zhi.

Chen Yueliang also piped up shyly, "Mu Mu’s mom, can I come too?"

Wen Zhi replied, "Sure, but don’t bring your sister."

Everyone laughed, thinking she was continuing Xiao Xiao’s joke—only Chen Yuyao knew Wen Zhi was holding a grudge.

She genuinely didn’t want to see her.

After lunch, the second episode of *Baby! 2* officially concluded.

The parents grabbed their bags and left the inn. The camera focused on the inn’s signboard before panning over each parent and child’s face. Slowly, words appeared: *The parents and children are leaving the inn, their hearts full of reluctance. Let’s look forward to their next reunion!*

At first, the comments were filled with crying emojis. But soon, viewers noticed that while the other guests had walked quite a distance with their luggage, Wen Zhi and Mu Mu remained at the inn’s entrance, showing no signs of leaving—even waving goodbye.

The audience was confused.

"With a confused expression, isn't Wen Zhi leaving with Mu Mu? Or is the Heavenly room too comfortable to leave?"

"Same question here, it seems like they didn't even bring out their luggage."

"Hahaha, this mother and son must be taking a private carriage back. After all, a custom-made carriage can't just be used once and discarded."

"Huh? Are you joking? Taking a carriage from Peach Blossom Island to Jiangcheng? That would take a couple weeks, doesn't Mu Mu need to go to school?"

Not only were the live stream viewers puzzled, but the crew members and other guests also found it strange.

Liu Yiru walked a distance before turning back to look at Wen Zhi: "Why are you still standing there? Aren't you leaving?"

Wen Zhi: "I have some business to attend to, I'll leave later."

Director Fang quickly stepped forward to ask: "What business? Do you need help?"

Everyone stared at her, but she shook her head and casually said: "No need, just collecting rent, it'll be quick."

Chen Yuyao asked in confusion: "Collecting what rent?"

Wen Zhi: "The rent from the Peach Blossom Island, of course!"

The group went silent.

Director Fang: Forgot the island is under her name, shouldn't have asked.

The live stream viewers were caught off guard by another show of wealth.

"Damn, is Wen Zhi for real? Peach Blossom Island is hers?"

"She seems serious, wahhh, so Sister Zhi has been filming at home all along?"

"I suddenly want to smash my keyboard, some people are born owning an island while I'm still scrambling to afford tickets to visit one."

"Wahhh, want a hug, rich sis, notice me!"

Director Fang had a sudden idea: "Since there's still time, mind if we watch you collect rent?"

Wen Zhi: "Whatever."

So, the group that was originally planning to leave followed Wen Zhi in a big group to collect rent. However, Wen Zhi only spent a few minutes with the island's manager before her phone started going off constantly.

Each alert meant a large sum of money.

Everyone: If collecting rent is this simple, why hire a professional team?

Too much money to know what to do with?

Wen Zhi explained: Although it's simple, when you have hundreds if not thousands of such rents to collect...

Okay, we get it.

"Hahahaha, the production team is just asking to be hurt."

"Ahhhh, so envious of Wen Zhi! Just asking, what does it take to collect rent for you?"

"Wen's dad is really putting Sister Zhi through it, should've converted everything into shares for automatic dividends. So many properties, still have to collect rent."

"Wahhh, this kind of 'hardship' I'd love to endure too."

After collecting the rent, Liu Yiru asked, "You're not going back by private jet, are you?"

Everyone was beyond surprise at this point.

Wen Zhi shook her head, "I'll go with you. Mu Mu wants to spend more time with the kids."

*Chuckles*, Mu Mu’s still the relatable one.

The group still took the bus to leave, snaking through the mountain roads before reaching the city. Mu Mu, who had been peering excitedly at the scenery, suddenly pointed at a bus stop sign by the road and shouted, "Mom! Look, it’s you!"

All the kids craned their necks to look.

Xiao Xiao also exclaimed excitedly, "Wow, so many pictures of pretty ladies!"

Wen Zhi and Liu Yiru both leaned out to see. On both sides of the road, bus stop signs and large screens in front of shopping malls were displaying Wen Zhi's *Feitian* (a celestial figure in Chinese art) image holding a pipa, surrounded by huge *Baby! 2* ads.

Before *Baby! 2* aired, the production team had used Lin Jiyao as the main selling point in their promotions. Now, switching to Wen Zhi, no one batted an eye.

Lin Jiyao even chuckled, "Finally ditched that unflattering shot of me."

Wen Zhi sighed, "The crew moves quick!"

Director Fang, who was with them, proudly said, "*Baby!*’s crew’s always on the ball."

------------

Meanwhile, on a street in City C, a man in a bright yellow dragon robe, disheveled hair, and looking ragged stood in front of a bus stop sign, gawking.

Passersby curiously glanced at him.

Two young men pointed and laughed, assuming he was some actor in costume. After laughing, they walked to the bus stop to wait for the bus.

The man who was obstructed suddenly flew into a rage, roughly grabbing the two young men and threatening them: "Where's Noble Consort Wen? Where is she? Tell me where she is!"

The two youths were startled, shouting, "Who are you? Let go, you lunatic!"

The three struggled, eventually escalating into a full-blown fight.

Bystanders pointed and murmured among themselves, many pulling out their phones to call the police.

----------

Meanwhile, the guests arrived at the airport and boarded separate flights.

Wen Zhi dozed off on the plane, only to be startled by the crowd of fans waiting for her upon landing.

Dozens of reporters and paparazzi were also gathered outside security, trying to catch a glimpse.

Leaving now would surely cause chaos at the airport.

As she hesitated over which way to go, Butler Zhong called and arranged for her to be escorted through a private exit, where a Wen family car was waiting to speed her away.

Back at the estate, she quickly posted on VB:

"Thank you for your love and support, dear fans. To avoid causing chaos at the airport, Mu Mu and I have already returned home early. Our Gardenia fans, your quiet support means everything—please don’t treat us like celebrities. Mu Mu and I are just regular people and will go back to being regular people soon."

"Lastly, Peach Blossom Island will be open to the public for one month. All Hua citizens can register for free entry via the island’s official website with their ID. Specific guidelines will be provided upon arrival. Thank you!"

Fans went wild with excitement, flooding the comments with cheers and shares.

"Ahhhh! Sister Zhi, we love you! So generous!"

"Ahhhh! Where’s the Peach Blossom Island website? I need to register right now!" "Aww, only a month? What if school starts by then? Will I even get a spot if I register now?"

"Crying together—can students get extended hours?"

"Can I hitch a ride with Sister Zhi now?"

Fans who’d been saving up wept: Sister Zhi’s the best!

Wen Zhi’s fan count surged, hitting 10 million.

Yet, after posting this update, she went radio silent for three days straight. Butler Zhong watched the young lady lounging on the chaise, basking in the sun for three days, and didn’t find anything unusual at all. He even ensured fancy snacks and drinks were available around the clock to keep her comfortable.

Every night, Mu Mu would ask, "When is Sen Sen coming?"

Wen Zhi: "He’ll be here before school’s back in session."

In fact, Liu Yiru had gone back to filming two days later, and Sen Sen still had some friends and classmates to say goodbye to. His agent would drop him off before the semester began.

On the evening of the third day, Butler Zhong came over to ask: "Miss, Mr. Yun wants to know when you’re free."

Wen Zhi was surprised: "He’s back?"

Butler Zhong nodded: "He returned this morning. After wrapping things up, he called to check."

Wen Zhi: "No need to come by. I’ll invite him to dinner tomorrow. He helped a ton with tracking down the people who slandered me." Managing the company must’ve been tough. She heard that during her father’s illness, her second uncle stirred up drama repeatedly at the company, but it was Yun who kept things under control.

She added: "By the way, the tech department also helped. Cut them each a bonus from my personal account."

Butler Zhong was surprised: "Mr. Yun tracked those attackers down himself. Didn’t he tell you?"

Wen Zhi was taken aback: "He did it himself?"

Butler Zhong nodded: "Mr. Yun almost dropped out after high school, but the master funded his education. He studied computer science in college and is a coding whiz. During his studies abroad, he even solved several global coding competitions. Several foreign institutions offered him high salaries to stay, but he ultimately chose to join Wen Group to help." Yun was a guy who paid his debts. If not for him keeping the company afloat all these years, the master would have long been overwhelmed.

So, that night at 3 a.m., it was him personally tracking the culprit?

Wen Zhi suddenly grew curious about this man: "Did he request the 15% shares of Wen Group, or did my father give them to him?"

Butler Zhong: "The master gave them to him. Mr. Yun initially refused, but the master was truly worried and used the shares to bind him, hoping he’d wait for your return."

Originally, her father held 80% of Wen Group’s shares. During his illness, he converted some into funds and real estate under her name, leaving her 30%, Yun Songzhang 15%, and Wen Bingchun 5%.

Her second uncle, who got nothing, was pissed and constantly gave Yun grief, both openly and behind his back.

After a moment’s thought, Wen Zhi said: "Don’t bother calling him. I’ll call him myself."

After dinner, Wen Zhi dialed his number. The call was answered after just one ring. His low voice came through the receiver.

"Miss."

Wen Zhi held the phone slightly away and laughed: "No need to be so formal, Mr. Yun. Just call me Wen Zhi. Are you free tomorrow? I promised to treat you to dinner."

There was a pause on the other end, as if someone was checking a schedule, followed by a quick reply: "I’m free. I’m free all day. Just let me know what time works for you."

Wen Zhi: "10:30 a.m. tomorrow, at the private seafood club downtown. I’ll confirm the private room and text you the details."

Another quiet "Mm" came from the other end, followed by polite silence as he waited for her to hang up.

If she didn’t, he’d probably stay on the line like last time.

From just two calls, Wen Zhi could already gauge his personality: a stand-up guy with ice in his veins.

As for appearance: a programmer in his thirties, always out for work dinners and drinks, probably starting to bald and put on weight.

But his voice is truly pleasant.

She had just hung up when Chen Yuyao's call came through.

Wen Zhi answered, and the voice on the other end immediately blurted out, "Wen Zhi, I think I saw Lu Xun."

"DogEmperor?" Wen Zhi sat up straight in an instant, her eyes icy. "When? Where?"

Chen Yuyao: "On wrap day, after getting off the plane, I passed by a bus stop in my ride and saw a few people fighting. One of them looked just like him in build and the way he carried himself—what really got me was that he seemed to be wearing a bright yellow imperial robe. I was suspicious, but the company was breathing down my neck, so I didn’t go check. That night, I saw the fight video in our alumni chat—it must have been him."

Wen Zhi: "Did you ask where he went?"

Chen Yuyao: "I did. The group said someone called the police, and the three involved in the fight were taken to the precinct. The next day, I went to the precinct to ask, and the officer told me that guy was being difficult—he bailed from the squad car and ran. They’re still looking for him but haven’t found him yet."

Wen Zhi fell silent for a moment.

Chen Yuyao’s voice carried concern: "If it really is him, you should be careful. The group said he went ballistic after seeing your picture."

Wen Zhi: "Is there a video? Send it to me."

Chen Yuyao made an affirmative noise and quickly forwarded a clip.

The footage was distant, and due to the angle, only a glimpse of the bright yellow robe was visible behind the figures. In front of them was the promotional 'Flying Pipa' image from the show.

Wen Zhi rubbed her temples, feeling a migraine brewing: If Lu Xun really had crossed over, he would definitely seek her out.

Lu Xun and Chen Yuyao had fallen into the water together. Chen Yuyao had soul-transmigrated—so why had he arrived wearing an imperial robe?

What about Shen Yizhi? Had his entire body crossed over, or had his soul transmigrated like Chen Yuyao’s?

These questions swirled in her mind, making her head throb.

In the end, she simply pulled out her phone and lost herself in mobile games, finally pushing those thoughts away.

That night, she binged on gaming until the early hours.

The next morning at 9:30, Mu Mu, all ready to go, ran into her room to wake her. She buried her head and refused to move, but Mu Mu tugged at her hand, whining, "Mom, you promised to take me to the seafood restaurant at ten and to see the manta rays. Get up already!"

Seeing her still motionless, he leaned over the bed, pulled the blanket down, and scrutinized Wen Zhi before huffing, "Did you play games again last night?" Little Dumpling turned away and sat on the edge of the bed, sulking.

He began muttering, "Mom never listens. The TV says you shouldn’t get addicted to games, but you always sneak and play."

Back in the palace, his mother had been cautious and restrained, never overindulged in anything. But after coming here, she had gradually changed—some changes were good, but staying up late gaming was definitely not.

Little Dumpling grumbled to himself: The TV only taught kids what to do if they got addicted to games, but it never said what to do if their mom was the one addicted.

Seeing Mu Mu genuinely upset, Wen Zhi wheedled, pulling him into a hug: "Don’t be mad, Mu Mu. Mom couldn’t help it this time, but I won’t stay up late again."

Mu Mu: "You said that the day before yesterday, and yesterday too."

Wen Zhi: "..." You can't pull anything over kids these days.

"Fine. Tonight before bed, I’ll leave my phone with you, and you can give it back to me tomorrow morning."

Only then did Mu Mu stop sulking and pull her up. She dragged herself up, washed her face, then put on a hat and mask before leading similarly disguised Mu Mu out the door.

Sitting in the car, Mu Mu asked curiously, "Mom, why do we have to wear hats and masks? I can barely breathe."

Wen Zhi explained, "Lately, a lot of people recognize us. You don’t want to get surrounded like at the airport, do you? If not, then keep it on until we get to the Ocean Club."

Mu Mu nodded, then asked, "Mom, do we have to do this every time we go out from now on?" He didn’t like being stared at everywhere he went.

Those aunties, uncles, brothers, and sisters always wanted to pinch his cheeks.

His dignity was barely holding up.

Wen Zhi replied, "No, after some time, the fans’ enthusiasm will fade." They were just ordinary people—if they stayed out of the public eye for a few months, they’d soon be forgotten.

Mu Mu finally relaxed and muttered, "Being a celebrity is so tiring. Godmom and Ji Yao must have it tough."

The mother and son made small talk in the car as it drove all the way to the Ocean Private Club. A valet rushed over to help park the car.

The weather had been fine when they left, but by the time they got out, a light rain had started. Butler Zhong exclaimed, "Oh no! I remembered to bring an umbrella when we left, but I forgot it in the car. My memory’s going. Ma’am and young sir, wait in the car. I’ll go buy one and be right back."

Wen Zhi leaned out to look—the drizzle was drumming lightly on her hat’s brim, hadn’t even dampened the pavement yet. She quickly said, "It’s just a few steps. We can walk there without it." Besides, upscale clubs usually have attendants with umbrellas.

But Butler Zhong had already run off.

Wen Zhi sighed: Uncle Zhong really was getting old—his hearing was worse than a palace maid’s.

She got out of the car first, then turned to reach for Mu Mu. "Come on."

The drizzle drummed lightly on her hat’s brim, and the late August breeze carried a hint of coolness. Suddenly, the rain above her stopped. She looked up slowly—a jet-black umbrella now covered her.

"Uncle Zhong," she thought, wondering how he’d returned so quickly. But when she turned, a pair of strong hands came into view.

This was unmistakably a young man’s hand.

Her gaze traveled upward. Under the umbrella was a face with strikingly sharp features—thin lips, a high nose bridge, and perfectly plain gold-framed glasses perched on it. Behind the glasses, his eyes were gentle and calm, meeting hers with a hint of amusement.

‘Staring’ wasn’t exactly the word—Wen Zhi had to tilt her head up to meet his gaze.

The man before her seemed well over six feet tall.

"You…" These days, did valets at clubs have to be this good-looking?

Just as she was about to ask, his voice, mingling with the sound of rain, reached her.

"Miss…"

His voice was deep, textured, like a cello’s hum in the rain. Wen Zhi gave a slight shiver and asked in confusion, "Yun Songzhang?"

The man clearly smiled again, the umbrella in his hand tilting slightly with the motion.

Wen Zhi was taken aback: The person before her had broad shoulders, long legs, and thick hair—just his exposed hands suggested years of exercise. This was a far cry from the balding, paunchy programmer stereotype she’d imagined.

Author's Note: