Chapter 44: Another Little guest Makes a Grand Entrance

Six pairs of contestants, six specially invited teammates, and six children with distinct personalities stood in two neat rows.

The scene was undeniably impressive!

The village chief, clad in beach shorts, stood under the scorching sun with a megaphone in hand. “Welcome to Neijia Town, the filming location for the fifth episode of ‘National Parents’! As you can see, Neijia Town is situated by the sea, boasting stunning scenery and abundant resources…”

Tang Tang listened absentmindedly to the village chief’s routine spiel. Her big, beautiful eyes couldn’t help but dart towards Yan Yueqing.

Typically, after introducing the location and tasks, the village chief would allow guests to choose their child partners based on the previous episode’s popularity rankings. Because of this, Tang Tang had specifically asked her father to check Yan Yueqing’s ranking. Unfortunately, despite their surprising surge in the final stages, they only ranked third overall.

Qin Youran was first, Li Manman second.

Predictably, Qin Youran would likely choose her as a partner…

In the past, Tang Tang would have been delighted! She had partnered with Qin Youran in the second episode, and they had worked well together. But after spending time with Yan Yueqing, Tang Tang no longer wanted to team up with anyone else.

Her small face was full of discontent!

Unexpectedly, the village chief announced, “According to the new rules for this episode, today our little ones will choose their adult partners!” He turned to Tang Tang, “Ladies first, and since Tang Tang is the youngest among us, she gets to choose first!”

Tang Tang had never felt the village chief was so great before. Without hesitation, she exclaimed, “I choose Sister Yueqing!”

The village chief smiled, “Alright, Tang Tang goes to Yan Yueqing’s group.”

Tang Tang beamed, then, like a lively little rabbit, bounced over to Yan Yueqing. “Sister Yueqing, I’m here~~~” She then cheerfully greeted Yan Wang, who was sitting in a wheelchair, “Hello, little brother~ I’m Tang Tang~~~”

Tang Tang. 

The person Mom liked most on the show.

Yan Wang’s heart sank, but his expression remained unchanged. He nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

Li Manman was visibly displeased. “Village Chief, aren’t we following the usual rules anymore?”

She was ranked second, after all! Even if she couldn’t pick Tang Tang, she could still partner with Li Hao. The other kids had their charms, but their popularity was just too low! Partnering with them would surely bring down her status.

The village chief smiled patiently. “These changes are based on suggestions from fans. The show needs to innovate and mix things up a bit. Letting the kids pick first is just as fair!”

Fair, my foot! Li Manman was furious! If everything was fair, what was the point of their efforts to boost popularity? However, she didn’t dare lose her temper on camera and had to swallow her anger.

The village chief continued, “Next, it’s Tian tian’s turn to choose.”

Tian tian was one of only two girls among the child stars. Unlike the spirited Tang Tang, Tian tian exuded a scholarly air; she was reserved and didn’t enjoy being in the spotlight. Such a child would surely be a delight at home, but on the show, she seemed a bit unremarkable, resulting in low popularity.

The show producers weren’t fools. They wouldn’t expose the kids to fan criticism! Hence, each season only measured guest popularity, never commenting on the children. Even so, nearly every guest paired with Tian tian ended up with the lowest popularity.

There was no helping it; she was too shy. While other teams buzzed with activity, hers remained calm and quiet, naturally lagging in popularity and fan engagement.

Upon hearing Tian tian would choose next, Li Manman could barely conceal her disdain, silently praying, “Please, don’t pick me!”

Tian tian bit her lip, looking nervous on camera. “I… I want to choose Aunt Youran.”

Li Manman secretly exhaled in relief! Fortunately, it wasn’t her.

Qin Youran remained silent…

After seeing Yan Wang in person today, her mood has been somewhat complex. In the past, gaining fame from the show was something she had longed for. But after all the twists and turns in her previous life, who would still care about a small show like this? Her real goal was the Jun family!

Yan Wang was the key to entering the Jun family, but now, someone else held that key. How could she not be anxious?

Hearing that the least popular Tian tian had chosen her, Qin Youran’s carefully maintained smile eventually faded a bit.

Tian tian, sensitive as she was, noticed Qin Youran’s change in expression. Her eyes welled up with tears. “Aunt Youran… Did I make you uncomfortable by choosing you?”

Qin Youran quickly crouched down. “No, sweetie, I’m just surprised you chose me~ It makes me very happy!”

She forced a smile that was even brighter than a freshly blooming flower.

The livestream comments, however, had different opinions.

[The more I watch, the less I think Qin Youran is my type! Her smile just now definitely wasn’t fake; first reactions can’t lie.]

[Don’t be mean! Youran noticed quiet Tian tian in the second episode and kindly brought her some bird’s nest soup. Why wouldn’t she want to be on a team with Tian tian?]

[Who’s stupid enough to badmouth Youran? Instead of picking on her, why not get Yan Yueqing out of the industry? Why target Youran?]

[Honestly, can you guys stop dragging Yan Yueqing into every argument? This seems like a coordinated attack by hired trolls^[1]black fans.]

[I’ve noticed this too—someone always brings up Yan Yueqing… for everything…]

[Yan Yueqing can’t leave! At least not before the next two episodes air! I need to see more of my precious Wang Wang!]

Soon, all the children had chosen their partners.

The village chief glanced at the newly formed pairs, feeling a quiet sense of relief.

Yan Yueqing’s charm was truly formidable!

She just lost consciousness in one incident and upon waking, she not only won Tang Tang’s favor but also got Director Tang to speak on her behalf. Even… the company changed its stance!

Rumor had it that a few days ago, Director Tang and Chairman Yang had a heated debate in the boardroom about Yan Yueqing. In the end, they reached a surprising consensus—

Promote Yan Yueqing!

Everyone in the industry knew that Chairman Yang and Director Tang were at odds. For them to align like this, what force made them so resolute?

Was it merely Yan Yueqing’s impressive comeback?

(Chairman Yang: it’s the power of capital…)

It didn’t make sense!

Yet the network had issued a clear directive for this episode: let everyone just have fun.

Note!

Have fun!

Not chase ratings, popularity, or buzz!

Moreover, there was another special guest joining…

The village chief cleared his throat lightly. “Now that the teams are set, it’s time to introduce a new friend! He will join us for the last two episodes, and we hope he has a great time with everyone~” He pointed to an SUV parked nearby. “Let’s all give a warm welcome to our new friend—Jun Yan!”

Upon hearing this name, Qin Youran’s pupils instantly dilated in shock!