Chapter 8

Qin Meilan already knew she was being scolded online. Knowing her hot temper, the villagers wouldn’t gossip about her, but the vast number of netizens didn’t care—they hurled insults without restraint, causing her to lose her temper at home several times. Naturally, Qin Meilan’s anger was directed at Zhuzhu, but now that the TV station was coming to film a program, showing that girl a cold face on camera would only invite more scorn. She wasn’t foolish enough to do that.

Early in the morning, Qin Meilan just received news from the production team confirming the selection of an amateur little guest. She hadn’t even told her husband yet, but she was so happy she could barely contain herself.

However, just as she decided to be a bit nicer to the child, she saw the little girl in front of her shaking her head like a rattle drum.

Zhuzhu didn’t want to go.

At three years old, the little one’s mind hadn’t fully grasped things yet. Only after the original story repeated over and over did she vaguely realize that the one who had lost her life at the reservoir was really herself.

The little bundle never pondered deep questions, like why Qin Meilan disliked her, or why she loved Xiao Jie so much...

Zhuzhu never dared call her “Mom” because every time she spoke out of anger, Qin Meilan would curse her as a nobody bastard. Her tiny mind couldn’t fully comprehend where she came from, but her dreams repeatedly told her she was a ball, and she had a mother.

In the original story, after she left this world, her mother was heartbroken and never lived the bright, colorful life she deserved.

Such intense emotions were ones the little one had never experienced.

The production team’s vehicle arrived at Yongrui Village, and the villagers craned their necks to watch the spectacle.

Everyone knew what kind of life Zhuzhu had endured these years. Now the child was about to go out and bring in big money for their family—how outrageous! The villagers felt a sour pang inside but said, “The Zhao family is truly blessed. Such a delicate, precious child born to them. From now on, Zhao Wu won’t have to work at the city construction sites anymore. Good days are coming.”

Qin Meilan smiled brighter than the flowers, looking at her son as if she were already seeing the villa, luxury car, and the future young master.

Yet, for the first time, Zhuzhu resisted, shaking her head vigorously and firmly refusing to leave with the production team.

The staff members drew closer.

Zhuzhu’s chubby little hands clutched Qin Meilan’s arm, eyes full of fear.

“You’re being given face,” Qin Meilan gritted her teeth and, from an angle unnoticed by others, pinched the child hard.

Zhuzhu recoiled in pain.

When the staff approached, they saw exactly what had been described online—

A pitiful little bitter melon baby.

It was obvious she was unwilling, but everyone simply assumed the child was shy and afraid to leave home. The staff patiently explained that filming the pilot was just a matter of capturing a few teaser shots, not a heavy workload, promising it would be quick and there would be no overnight stays.

Qin Meilan forced a smile but inwardly muttered that the little bastard was becoming more precious and needed to be coaxed.

At such a young age, Zhuzhu obviously couldn’t win against the adults.

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

The staff tried to soothe her, but as the scenery outside flashed by, the little one stared wide-eyed, her cheeks flushed with excitement and curiosity.

Just like a little peach.

The staff smiled, hooked a finger under her tiny nose, then suddenly realized, “Is this Zhuzhu’s first time riding in a car?”

The little one nodded, showing no surprise. “Yes.”

At least, as far as she remembered, it was her very first time.

Zhuzhu turned her face toward the window.

Still with baby fat, her cheeks were round and plump, her eyelashes like little fans fluttering, her eyes sparkling tenderly, so obedient it broke one’s heart.

Even living in a mountain valley, with today’s developed transportation, a child over three would have surely gone out to play before.

Is this really her biological father and mother...?

...

Bai Hui never expected that Ji Ning would ask to meet her during the wedding day.

In fact, even her special return to attend her own wedding was unusual.

In Bai Hui’s social circle, filled with self-proclaimed princes and socialites, pretentiousness and affectation were the norm, but Ji Ning was different.

She was more annoying, with a biting sharpness that was openly displayed.

Every encounter between them ended in conflict—there was no sense of civility.

Ji Ning never showed mercy and lived only for herself.

Bai Hui despised her but also envied her.

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

Like the path they were to follow, an arranged marriage.

At the time, Bai Hui thought Ji Ning was a great actress, playing the rebellious role so well she fooled everyone, almost even herself. But a wealthy heiress’s life came with expectations. To enjoy a head start in life, one must pay a price. Sacrificing trivial things like love and marriage was only natural.

Bai Hui once believed Ji Ning had finally become one of them.

But who could have known? The engagement was canceled, and Ji Ning had a car accident.

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

The next time they met was at Bai Hui’s own wedding.

After years apart, Ji Ning appeared as the heiress of the Ji family, dressed in the latest high couture, her expression tired yet radiant, stunningly beautiful and impossible to ignore.

Bai Hui wanted Ji Ning to know she was doing well, so she waved her hand slightly, letting the large diamond ring gleam.

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

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

Bai Hui, battle-ready, had spent the morning preparing, even wearing fur, ready for a quiet, silent contest.

Arriving at the agreed café, she frowned.

“Playing the good girl today?”

Bai Hui stood firm, arms crossed, asking pointedly.

Like any previous encounter, when she showed aggression, Ji Ning fought back; neither ever yielded.

That fierce, clawing manner...

But—

Ji Ning was eating dessert, cream smudged at the corner of her lips, as docile as a rabbit.

Bai Hui: ?

Where were the claws?

...

The life swap reality show was changed to a travel observation program.

From the early planning stages, this variety show faced many difficulties, but in the current entertainment winter, it was the most anticipated program.

In the original story’s later plot, “Life Swap” was also popular.

The show produced many iconic moments, reviving the careers of several celebrities... but the original work specifically mentioned this show because the original female lead, Ji Ning, was involved.

In the original plot, the former child star Ji Ning was invited to participate.

At that time, she had begun to realize something and cautiously tried to break free from unknown shackles that bound her. Every step was tentative and searching.

On the show, Ji Ning was well-liked. She appeared quiet and gentle but never completely conventional, always offering unexpected surprises that won fans over.

However, just then, Ji Ning discovered she had a daughter, and even realized that shortly before accepting the show’s invitation, her child had accidentally drowned during the pilot filming.

The blow was devastating.

Ji Ning nearly collapsed. With so many hidden truths unspeakable, her personality changed drastically. She suffered widespread attacks on the show and eventually withdrew from filming.

That was what the original storyline told Zhuzhu.

Originally, Ji Ning had the hope of shining again in this field.

The major plot points of the original story were fixed.

Just like the variety show would be filmed and Zhuzhu would become a little guest in the pilot—that was something the little one could not change.

But the little girl was not powerless.

At the very least, Zhuzhu had to protect herself.

She could not be left alone.

Zhuzhu had to fight to survive in order to have a chance to see her mother.

So, during the subsequent filming, Zhuzhu searched for the most reliable, safest presence.

The little one’s judgment was good—she chose the show’s executive producer.

She became a little charm baby.

...

At the same time, Fu Mingya finally opened his tablet.

He vaguely remembered that year.

The baby was fair and tender, so chubby her neck was almost oily. Her mother bought her a safety lock pendant and gently fastened it.

It was a very good omen—wearing it meant safety and peace.

On the back of the little gold lock were two engraved characters, very meaningful.

But the safety lock did not guarantee safety.

Two months later, the child went missing.

Fu Mingya opened the video that had been trending online and his breath caught.

Many bullet comments floated across the top of the clip.

“Zhuzhu is so adorable!”

“What color sack does our Zhuzhu like?”

The two characters engraved on the back of the safety lock were “Zhuzhu.”

That was the name Ji Ning had given her daughter.

...

During the pilot filming, the variety show director Tao Shaorong kept a close eye on the camera.

The celebrity guests were high-profile—some couldn’t bear sunlight, some hated waiting the most. Serving them properly was even harder than planning creative ideas. Tao Shaorong dared not slack off and ended up sweating through the autumn day.

In comparison, his little sidekick Zhuzhu was much easier to manage.

She didn’t cry, fuss, or throw tantrums. Perhaps because she had suffered so much at home, here the staff played with her and made her feel secure. The child was very well-behaved.

However, as a guest, the child brought no variety show effect.

Obedient and quiet, she had no comedic moments or topics of interest—there was no room for her to shine. Simply put, she was restrained.

But amateur guests were originally included only to meet requirements, so the production team had no high expectations for Zhuzhu.

“This child really looks like Ji Ning when she was little,” Tao Shaorong said.

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

To put it bluntly, in an era without smartphones, no television child was unfamiliar with this little star.

Unfortunately, the child star had left the entertainment industry and vanished without a trace.

Now, looking at this little face so similar to the childhood “idol,” Tao suddenly had an idea.

How huge a sensation would it be if they could invite Ji Ning to participate in the show?

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

The staff: ...

What a century-old problem!