Chapter 43: The Meteoric Rise of My Son’s Popularity

Seated in his wheelchair, Yan Wang seemed to sense the thoughts of those around him. He suddenly lifted his gaze, meeting the camera’s lens. His beautiful eyes, touched by a hint of frost, exuded a piercing chill that startled even the seasoned filming crew.

In the next moment, the little boy deftly picked up a plate of sandwiches from the table and maneuvered his wheelchair closer.

Che Ting stumbled over her words, seemingly trying to explain something.

Then a thought struck her – wait, how could the boy know what others were saying when he couldn’t even see the live comments?

Yan Wang remained silent, simply raising the plate towards the group. Without uttering a word, his expression clearly invited everyone to partake in the meal.

“Um… we’ve already eaten,” Che Ting replied hesitantly.

Yan Wang’s delicate features looked even more striking up close, not a single flaw visible on camera – it was breathtaking! Upon hearing Che Ting’s refusal, he didn’t speak, but the light in his eyes visibly dimmed.

The live chat exploded:

[How dare you refuse him?! Has the production team lost their minds?]

[Eat it now! Right this second! Take a big bite!]

[I can’t bear to see Wang Wang sad.]

[Such an adorable child, eagerly sharing his mom’s homemade breakfast, and they turn him down? Couldn’t they at least pretend to eat? Let me switch places with them!]

[He’s too cute! Even his sad expression is exquisitely beautiful. Some commenters are just cruel. This boy is clearly well-cared for by Yan Yueqing, considerate to his mom, and kind to others. Just because he’s quiet doesn’t make him mute!]

[You swoon over cold, silent CEOs in novels, but when a real-life little ice prince appears on screen, you label him mute and disabled? What hypocrisy!]

Before Che Ting could even check the comments, Yan Wang’s disappointed expression instantly tugged at her heartstrings. She felt a pang of guilt, wishing she could take back her words.

“I’ll eat, I’ll eat! Yueqing’s cooking has always been fantastic!” Che Ting exclaimed, not only taking a bite herself but also distributing sandwiches to the crew. “Come on, everyone, let’s enjoy this together.”

What began as a polite taste quickly turned into a flavor revelation. The soft sandwiches conquered their taste buds.

“What kind of ingredients are these? They’re nothing like those five-yuan sandwiches from outside!” The crew members transitioned from politely sampling to outright competing for the food.

Some even licked the last traces of salad dressing from their lips, eyeing the table longingly.

The live chat burst into laughter at their obvious enjoyment.

A glimmer of light returned to Yan Wang’s eyes as he steered his wheelchair back to the kitchen.

Out of the camera’s view, no one noticed the slight curve of his lips or the fleeting trace of mischief in his gaze.

Since deciding to join the show with his mom, Yan Wang had invested considerable time researching “National Parents.” The online criticism of his mother was overwhelming. Even after her recent brilliant comeback, the haters still outnumbered her fans.

His frail physique and reticence would surely make him a target for those netizens once on camera. He didn’t even need to see the comments to predict the hateful things they’d say.

It wasn’t that Yan Wang disliked talking.

He simply wanted to confirm if the woman before him was truly his mother.

If she was indeed his mom, he’d use this opportunity to clear her name!

But if she wasn’t…

Well then, her career in the spotlight would come to an abrupt end.

His dark, quiet eyes held a maturity far beyond his years.

Yan Yueqing had prepared an exceptionally lavish breakfast.

Milk, bread, sandwiches, tiger skin rolls, steamed eggs, small pancakes… The table was laden with a mouthwatering array of dishes.

Even the crew members who had already eaten couldn’t resist the temptation. They sat down again to dine with the mother and son, their enthusiastic enjoyment making the livestream viewers green with envy.

Meanwhile, Qin Youran was so enraged she nearly hurled her phone across the room.

“Why? Why is this happening?” she seethed.

She had specifically invited a food blogger with a million followers to create a nutritious, picture-perfect breakfast. Their combined popularity should have attracted countless fans! Yet Yan Yueqing casually made breakfast for her son and stole the spotlight?

Some viewers even returned to Qin Youran’s livestream to mock her, claiming their breakfast was all show and no substance, incomparable to Yan Yueqing’s cooking!

Qin Youran’s face flushed green with fury.

But the most infuriating aspect… was Yan Wang’s attitude.

Why didn’t he despise Yan Yueqing?!

This couldn’t continue!

If things progressed this way, he’d soon be completely won over!

Everything that should have been hers – she couldn’t let that woman steal it all away!

A fire of hatred flared in her eyes, transforming her visage into something demonic.

After a moment, Qin Youran drew a deep breath, as if struck by an idea.

“Yan Yueqing, since you chose to bring your son onto the show, don’t blame me for being ruthless!” she chuckled darkly. “If Wang Wang discovers you once plotted to end his life, I’m sure the fans will relish watching mother and son turn against each other. Someone like you doesn’t deserve to be a mother!”

Only she could be Yan Wang’s true savior!

After composing herself, Qin Youran tidied her hair in the mirror, then strode out with her head held high.

Following the pilot episode’s airing, all the guests were slated to travel to the remote Neijia Town to commence filming the new season.

During the broadcast interval, fans weren’t idle. They took to the internet, stirring up a frenzy of activity.

Beyond promoting their favorite guests, a tidal wave of Yan Wang’s supporters suddenly flooded the show’s official Weibo page.

[Dear production team, our precious Wang Wang is participating in the new season. Please don’t make things too challenging for him!]

[After watching the pilot, I’m utterly captivated by this five-year-old boy. I’ve willingly joined his fan club and will follow this show as long as Yan Wang is featured.]

[He’s too cute! Please give him more screen time!]

[I’ve never watched reality TV before, but my friend recommended Wang Wang’s clips. They’re incredible! I’m definitely following this show now. Treat him well, please!]

Not only did they flood the show’s official page, but Yan Yueqing’s personal account also faced an onslaught of comments.

[I don’t care about your past, Lady Yan, but you’ve won me over with your son. I hope you’re wise enough to post more high-quality photos of him.]

[Hand over pictures and videos of our little prince, pretty please!]

[I was wrong to criticize you before. From now on, for Wang Wang’s sake, I’ll tone down my remarks. In return, how about posting more of his daily life?]

Observing the surge in comments, Yan Yueqing felt a mix of amusement and helplessness.

Her son’s popularity was skyrocketing at an alarming rate!

How had a mere hour and a half of airtime managed to sway public opinion so dramatically in her favor?

…

Finally, the day of the full episode’s broadcast arrived.

On that Tuesday, in Neijia Town, all the guests assembled.