Chapter 55: Feigning Family Harmony Before the Cameras

Song Xiaoyu hung her head, her pale lips bearing fresh bite marks. She mumbled weakly, “Of course, sister can wear it…”

A crew member, unable to remain silent, interjected, “Mrs. Song, aren’t you going too far? That outfit was a gift to Xiaoyu from Ms. Youran, and you’re actually going to take it for your older daughter?”

Song Hui, fearing Tian Xiao’e had grown too accustomed to throwing her weight around and forgotten about the cameras in the yard, quickly reprimanded her, “What’s wrong with you? Isn’t Xiaoyu our daughter too? Even if Xiaohua is sick, we can’t give her all the nice things while neglecting Xiaoyu!”

The crew member gave Song Hui a surprised look, not expecting someone sensible in the family.

“Husband, what kind of talk is that?” Tian Xiao’e felt wronged. “Xiaoyu is healthy and strong, unlike Xiaohua… You heard what the doctor said at the hospital. If we can’t find a suitable match soon… our Xiaohua doesn’t have much time left! I just want her to be comfortable. What’s wrong with that?”

Song Hui thought his wife was as stupid as a pig. He scolded her in a low voice, “Those who know might say you care for Xiaohua, but others might think we’re mistreating Xiaoyu! The child is happily wearing pretty clothes, and instead of praising her, you want her to take them off for Xiaohua?! What kind of mother does that?”

Tian Xiao’e was stunned. What was wrong with her husband today? Usually, he was the one most annoyed by Xiaoyu. Why was he defending this useless girl now? Could it be… knowing Xiaohua couldn’t be saved, he was having second thoughts?

Tian Xiao’e wanted to lash out, but Song Hui, quick to react, handed the sleeping Xiaohua to her: “It’s a blessing that the show chose our family. But Xiaohua is frail, and there are so many cameras in the yard. I’m afraid she might get scared, not having seen such things before…”

He emphasized the word “cameras,” as if reminding her of something.

After a pause, he continued, “You go make breakfast for everyone first, then take Xiaohua and Xiaoye to your mother’s place for a few days…”

Tian Xiao’e caught on, realizing now wasn’t the time to lose her temper. She patted Xiaohua and sighed, “Where will you be staying then, husband?”

“I’ll go sleep at my second uncle’s place,” Song Hui replied. Then he glanced at Song Xiaoyu. “As for Xiaoyu…”

Song Xiaoyu wanted so much to stay with the people from the show, but with her parents both moving out to make room, how could she selfishly stay behind to enjoy the comforts?

“Dad… I…” She hung her head, hesitant to speak up.

“Let Xiaoyu stay!” A gentle voice interrupted from behind.

Hearing the familiar voice, Song Xiaoyu turned around almost joyously, “Auntie Youran!”

The commotion had woken everyone in the house. They now stood in a row on the steps, observing the situation unfold.

Hearing Song Hui arranging sleeping accommodations, Qin Youran stepped forward with a smile.

Finally! The plot from her past life was back on track!

“You must be Xiaoyu’s parents, right?” Qin Youran said politely. “I’m Qin Youran, a guest on this season’s ‘National Parents’ show.”

Tian Xiao’e’s eyes lit up. If she wasn’t holding Xiaohua, she’d probably reach out and touch her: “Oh my, you look even more beautiful in person than on TV! My Xiaohua adores you! She watched your show every day in the hospital. I can’t believe we’re meeting you in person today! Xiaohua, wake up and see who’s here!”

Qin Youran gently stopped her from waking the child: “Big Sister, let the child rest for now. We’ll be staying for a while; we’re not leaving immediately.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful!” Tian Xiao’e nodded. “When Xiaohua wakes up, I’ll have her come take a picture with you before we head to my mother’s!”

“You’re always welcome~” Qin Youran smiled warmly, her tone laced with a hint of apology. “I’m sorry for taking over your house… I couldn’t help it; I just felt a connection with Xiaoyu. If it’s inconvenient for you two to stay elsewhere, we can leave right away.”

After all, guests shouldn’t be driving the hosts out of their own home.

Song Hui waved his hands hurriedly, “No trouble at all! We prepared the house just for you! When we heard recently that the show wouldn’t be providing accommodations, Xiao’e thought our home wasn’t selected. She was upset for quite a while!”

“As long as it’s convenient for you! Besides, with so many of us here, it’s always easier to have a family member around to help out. How about letting Xiaoyu stay with us?”

“Certainly! That’s perfectly fine!” Song Hui beamed. “Xiaoyu, since Auntie Youran suggested it, you can stay at home!”

Song Xiaoyu was overjoyed. “Okay!”

With that settled, everyone began their tasks for the day. The cameras were turned on, and the guests took the children to wash up, while Xu Li went with Tian Xiao’e into the kitchen. After confirming that the earlier incident wasn’t recorded, Song Hui quietly sighed in relief and took the two children back inside.

In the live stream chat, viewers were bubbling with comments:

[Good morning, Miss Youran! I’m right on time for the stream!]

[Where’s Xiao Yanbao? Come snuggle! And Tang Tang, our little angel, why do you look so adorable even when you’ve just woken up?]

[Yan Yueqing is so beautiful. Even after washing her face with just water, her skin looks flawless… How does she maintain it?]

[Hey, who’s that little girl sleeping in Yan Yueqing’s bed? I’ve never seen her before. And there’s a baby next to her!]

[No way! Did Yan Yueqing have two more kids overnight? Wait, why am I even saying ‘more’?]

[Don’t jump to conclusions! Didn’t Xiaoyu mention yesterday that her parents might come back today? Since Yan Yueqing’s sleeping in Xiaohua’s room, these two must be Xiaohua and Xiaoye.]

Tang Tang, with nothing to do, stayed by Xiaohua’s bedside with Tian Tian. “Sister Tian Tian, look, Sister Xiaohua is really pretty. She’s so pale, her skin looks just like an egg!”

“Only people with albinism have such white skin naturally. Having pale skin while suffering from leukemia means Xiaohua’s parents have been taking excellent care of her.”

“Can albinism make you pale? I want that too!”

Tian Tian’s brows immediately furrowed. “Tang Tang, don’t say that! You shouldn’t wish illness upon yourself! People with diseases suffer a great deal.”

Tang Tang quickly said “Oh!” and hurriedly spat three times, as if to ward off bad luck.

Song Xiaohua found the noise bothersome. She opened her eyes tiredly, just in time to see two tiny, cute girls seemingly spitting in her direction?!!! “Who are you?” She frowned in annoyance, glancing around to confirm it was indeed her home. “You dare spit at me? Get out of here!”

Tang Tang was startled by Xiaohua’s harsh words. “I’m sorry, Sister Xiaohua. I saw how pale you are and wanted to be like that, but Sister Tian Tian said I shouldn’t think that way, so I’m spitting to take it back. I wasn’t spitting at you… just on the ground…”

Already irritable, Xiaohua felt insulted at being mocked for having leukemia. Unable to contain her anger, she swung her hand.

“Smack—”

The slap landed squarely on Tang Tang’s tender, youthful cheek.