But the statement backfired almost immediately. Someone dug up an old Weibo post from Tang Jin, dated the exact day Ye Fan had filmed the steep hill descent scene.

In that post, Tang Jin wrote:
“Got a lot of new bruises today. But for my fans, I’m willing to put in the effort to do this scene properly.”

Back then, her fans flooded the comments with concern and admiration. But now, knowing that the scene had been performed by Ye Fan, it was clear those “bruises” were nothing more than makeup.

The revelation wasn’t just embarrassing—it was an outright betrayal of her fans’ trust. The irony was cutting, and the backlash was swift and merciless.

Public opinion online had spiraled out of control, leaving Tang Jin in an increasingly unfavorable position. Her manager, Li, advised her to leave through the back door and lay low at home for the time being.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Tang Jin complied. She put on sunglasses and pulled a hat low over her head. Accompanied by her assistant, she kept her head down as they prepared to make a quiet exit.

However, just as Tang Jin reached the door, the relentless click-click of camera shutters filled the air.

A crowd of reporters was waiting at the exit, cameras aimed squarely at her. The shutters fired off incessantly, the sound sharp and unrelenting.

News of the scandal had spread like wildfire, and major media outlets had stationed themselves at the entrance to Tang Jin’s studio, eagerly waiting for her to emerge.

A-list actress embroiled in a feud with her stunt double? It was the kind of juicy scoop no journalist wanted to miss.

The reporters surged forward, microphones thrust toward Tang Jin as a barrage of questions rained down on her.

“Tang Jin, rumors online claim Ye Fan is your stunt double. You’ve kept this from the public for so long—do you have anything to say?”

“Tang Jin, you used a stunt double but lied to your fans, claiming the scenes were your own. Have you considered how your fans might feel about this betrayal?”

Tang Jin was furious. All she wanted was to leave quietly, but the reporters had moved too fast, blocking her escape. She kept her head down, wishing she could make herself invisible.

Still, she knew she had to maintain her composure. Any slip-up would only add more fuel to the fire. She pressed her lips together tightly, refusing to respond.

Then, a particularly bold reporter spoke up, their question cutting straight to the heart of the scandal.

“Ye Fan used to be your stunt double, and now her popularity is surpassing yours. Have you considered the possibility that she might eventually take your place?”

Tang Jin’s face turned pale as a surge of anger and humiliation washed over her. Being cornered like this was unbearable.

Her fists clenched tightly, nails digging into her palms, sending sharp stabs of pain through her hands.

Li, her manager, stepped in. “Tang Jin isn’t available to answer questions right now. Please make way.”

With great difficulty, Tang Jin managed to escape the reporters’ relentless onslaught and got into the car, driving away in silence.

For the following days, Tang Jin canceled all her commitments. She didn’t dare step outside, choosing instead to stay hidden at home, hoping the storm would eventually pass.

….

Meanwhile, Ye Fan’s company advised her to stay low and avoid public appearances for the time being.

This whole situation had been brought to light unintentionally by netizens, and the company wanted to prevent anyone from accusing Ye Fan of leveraging the controversy to climb the ladder.

Ye Fan welcomed the downtime. It gave her a chance to relax at home and spend more time with Dudu.

Dai Jinshan called. “Ye Fan, have you seen the entertainment headlines?”

Ye Fan responded calmly, “Yes.” With everything happening online, it was impossible for her not to know.

“How are you feeling?”

Ye Fan’s tone remained even. “I entered this industry knowing what to expect. I’m fine.”

“Just focus on spending time with your child,” Dai Jinshan said reassuringly. “Leave the rest to us. The company will handle everything.”

“Thank you. I’ll leave it in your hands,” Ye Fan replied before hanging up. She turned her attention back to Dudu.

Today, Ye Fan decided to make animal-shaped buns for Dudu.

“Dudu, come over here,” she called, carrying the freshly risen dough to the dining table.

Dudu, who had been playing in the living room, immediately perked up at the sound of her voice. He waddled over with his little legs, a wide grin on his face. Reaching Ye Fan, he pressed himself against her leg.

“Want to help Mommy cook?” Ye Fan crouched down to his eye level and asked.

To Dudu, there was nothing better than being with Mommy. Anything Ye Fan suggested was met with enthusiastic agreement. Hearing her question, he bounced excitedly in place, waving his tiny hands. “Yes!”

Ye Fan pulled a child-sized chair over. “Come sit here, sweetheart.” Gently holding him under his arms, she lifted him effortlessly onto the chair.

Dudu was very cooperative, sitting still without any fuss as Ye Fan lifted him up. His little legs dangled as she gently placed him into the chair.

“Stay here and wait for Mommy, okay?” Ye Fan said, turning to grab something. However, after taking just a few steps, she hurried back.

She quickly lifted Dudu out of the chair again. The chair was snugly positioned against the table, and Ye Fan was worried that if she left, Dudu might try to climb out on his own.

If he lost his balance, there was a chance he could fall. Even though Ye Fan knew the likelihood was slim, she wasn’t willing to take that risk.

Dudu looked puzzled but didn’t ask any questions. Ye Fan decided to explain it to him later.

She brought out a set of child-safe modeling clay from another room, then placed Dudu back in the chair and sat beside him.

“Dudu,” Ye Fan began, looking at him seriously, “Mommy needs to tell you something very important. You have to remember this, okay?”

Dudu sat up straight, his eyes fixed on Ye Fan, his dark, shiny pupils reflecting her image.

Ye Fan gently tapped the edge of the table in front of Dudu. “You can’t push this table, okay?”

Dudu stared at her, completely confused, unsure of what she meant.

In his soft, babyish voice, he asked, “Why can’t I push it?”

Ye Fan thought for a moment, then moved behind him. “Dudu, try pushing the table now.”

Dudu obediently did as he was told. His push caused the chair to tilt backward, but Ye Fan was quick to steady him.

She looked him in the eye. “If you push it, it’ll fall just like that.”

“Do you like falling, Dudu?”

Dudu paused, then puckered his lips and shook his head. “It hurts, and I need to rest.”

Seeing the effect of her words, Ye Fan quickly reminded him. “So, Dudu, you can’t do that, okay?”

Dudu, still somewhat unsure, made a face. “Mommy will hug me.”

Ye Fan smiled softly, torn between wanting to protect him always and wanting to nurture his independence. She didn’t want him to rely on her too much as he grew.

“But Mommy can’t always catch you,” Ye Fan said seriously, gently stroking Dudu’s face. Seeing her expression, Dudu nodded solemnly. “Okay, I understand.”

Ye Fan placed the modeling clay in front of him. “You play with this first, and Mommy will make something yummy for you.”

Dudu obediently started shaping the clay, occasionally glancing up to watch Ye Fan’s movements.

The little animals Dudu created were crooked and lopsided but Ye Fan smiled and praised him. “Dudu, you’re doing a great job!”

The dough had already risen, so Ye Fan took it out of the bowl and pinched off small portions. Mimicking what she had seen online, she shaped the dough into little animals.

For a rabbit, she shaped the dough into ears and used two red beans for eyes. For a hedgehog, she carefully snipped the back with clean scissors to form spines.

To Dudu, Mommy’s hands were magical. Whatever he wanted, Mommy could make it appear.

Dudu completely forgot about the clay in his hands. His eyes were fixed on Ye Fan, and he kept clapping his little hands, exclaiming. “Mommy is amazing!”

In Dudu’s eyes, Ye Fan was capable of anything.

As Dudu watched eagerly, Ye Fan made several more animal-shaped buns, filling the cutting board almost completely.

There were both sweet and savory ones.

“Alright, it’s time to steam them.” Ye Fan said as she prepared to move the cutting board to the kitchen. But when she looked at Dudu, she found him still staring at her.

Suddenly, Ye Fan felt playful. She scooped a bit of flour and gently dusted it on Dudu’s nose. His innocent expression was just too adorable.

“Don’t move, baby,” Ye Fan said, wiping her hands. She quickly grabbed her camera from the living room, aimed it at Dudu’s face, and snapped several pictures.

Throughout the whole thing, Dudu had no idea why Ye Fan was laughing so happily.

Ye Fan picked Dudu up from his chair and pressed her face against his, rubbing it several times. “How can you be so cute?”

After twenty minutes, the buns were finally ready, and Dudu could barely wait any longer.

“Be careful, it’s hot. Mommy will blow on it before you eat,” Ye Fan said, so Dudu obediently waited by the side. As she blew on the bun, he pouted and blew air along with her.

“Mommy, Mommy, I want to eat.” Dudu said, pressing his face on the edge of the table, watching eagerly.

After letting them cool for a bit, Dudu finally got to eat the animal-shaped buns he’d been thinking about. The first one he picked up was the red bean paste-filled one.

The sweet, fragrant flavor swirled around his tongue, and his eyes lit up. He squinted his eyes in pure satisfaction.

Dudu held the bunny-shaped bun in one hand and a pig-shaped bun in the other.

“Mommy, it’s so delicious, so delicious!” Dudu leaned forward, holding the bun up to Ye Fan’s mouth. “Mommy, you eat too.”

No matter how delicious it was, Dudu never forgot to share with Ye Fan.

A child’s heart was small, so small that it can only hold room for their mother. To Dudu, his mother was his entire world.

=^_^=