Chapter 3

Parent-child reality shows have been the hottest trend over the past year.

After all, who doesn’t love adorable, soft little kids?

That’s why Mommy’s Back became a hit even before its broadcast. Whether it was the guest lineup or the brand-new filming format, everyone was paying attention.

The two mystery guests, who had been kept under wraps, were finally announced on the show’s official account ten minutes ago. Just as the director expected, the news immediately shot up to the trending list, and comments flooded in by the thousands within minutes.

[Mommy’s Back]: The final two guest pairs will meet everyone in the live broadcast room at 6 PM sharp tonight!
@Ruan Xizhi and Xing Xiaochi
@Ruan Miaorui and Su Tongtong

[?? Is this the Ruan Xizhi I know?]

[Wasn’t Ruan Xizhi blacklisted?]

[WTF! Ruan Xizhi and Ruan Miaorui, the real and fake heiresses, on the same show? Director, you really know how to stir things up!]

[Wait, Ruan Xizhi disappeared for six months and now she’s a mom?!]

[WTF, this show is supposed to be soft and cute, yet they invited this shameless b**? Suddenly, I don’t feel like watching anymore.]**

[Director, I seriously suspect you did this on purpose. You know Ruan Miaorui was sabotaged by Ruan Xizhi when she debuted, and you still put them on the same show? Are you kidding me?!]

[That’s how capitalists work. Whatever, there’s no way Ruan Xizhi’s live stream will go smoothly. I’ll curse her out every time I see her.]

[With her terrible personality, she’ll definitely be a bad influence on the kid. What a shame for the next generation.]

Director Wang Mingdong saw the show’s ranking rise to the top three trends, achieving the perfect pre-broadcast hype.

The comment section kept exploding as netizens argued back and forth. By the time the livestream started at 6 PM, Ruan Xizhi’s name had never once dropped from the trending list.

Haters, casual viewers, and Ruan Miaorui’s fans were all waiting for the moment the stream went live, ready to storm in and verbally tear Ruan Xizhi apart.

But as soon as the screen lit up, what they saw was…

A group of servants chasing after a tiny child dressed in Ultraman overalls.

The kid was small, with chubby arms and legs, but surprisingly agile. None of the adults could catch him.

Meanwhile, the little guy was shouting at the top of his lungs:
“I won’t eat! No way, not even if you beat me to death!”

Butler Chen followed closely behind, carrying a bowl, coaxing patiently,
“Young Master, just have a little bit. If you don’t eat, you won’t grow taller!”

“I don’t wanna grow taller! This stuff is gross! If anyone wants to eat it, they can eat it, but I won’t have a single bite!”

It wasn’t even about the food—he just loved being chased around!

This was so much fun!

If they couldn’t catch him, they’d have to call his dad. Then, he’d get to talk to his dad!

Seeing this mischievous little troublemaker, netizens instantly forgot about cursing Ruan Xizhi.

[OMG, I’m losing my mind just watching this. (clenched fists)]

[If this were my son, I’d slap him so hard his own mother wouldn’t recognize him.]

[He’s adorable, but why is he such a handful?]

[Kids are a reflection of their parents—clearly, he wasn’t raised properly.]

[Never seen anything like this before. A whole team of people chasing a kid just to feed him. Classic rich-kid behavior, 10/10.]

[Like mother, like son. Such a little rebel already.]

[The official account just confirmed it. Xing Xiaochi is Ruan Xizhi’s stepson.]

[Wait, so Ruan Xizhi is his stepmother?!]

[OMG, this is huge. I can already see the trending title for tonight: Shocking! Infamous Ruan Xizhi Returns to the Industry… as a Stepmother to a Brat?!]

Ruan Xizhi was completely unaware of the online discussions. She simply sat at the dining table, silently observing everything.

She had no intention of letting this brat disrupt her plans to enjoy life.

So, she made up her mind—she would fix all his spoiled habits.

Without hesitation, Ruan Xizhi grabbed the back of Xing Xiaochi’s overalls and effortlessly lifted him off the ground.

Xing Xiaochi: “???”

The camera zoomed in on his little dangling legs, then panned upward—smooth, fair skin, a delicate jawline, soft, plump lips, and those large, amber-colored almond eyes.

Meanwhile, Ruan Xizhi wasn’t even dressed up. She had simply thrown on a white shirt and jeans, yet somehow, her casual look exuded an effortless mix of innocence and allure.

[!!! Who is she?!]

[I need all her details in one minute.]

[No way… is this really the same Ruan Xizhi who used to wear thick makeup?]

[Holy crap, she’s actually stunning without makeup! If I had known she looked like this, I wouldn’t have called her ugly.]

[I’m weak for beauty… I might have to switch sides.]

Ruan Xizhi had plenty of tricks up her sleeve for dealing with a troublemaker.

Raising an eyebrow, she asked, “Are you sure you’re not going to eat?”

Xing Xiaochi kicked his little legs. “Nope! Not eating! Not a single bite!”

His plan was simple—if he made her mad enough, she’d leave him alone, and then he could skip the disgusting food.

Better yet, he could tattle to his dad.

To his surprise, Ruan Xizhi didn’t force him at all. She agreed readily, “Alright, if that’s what you want.”

Then, she turned to the Steward. “Take all these dishes away.”

Butler Chen hesitated. “But… these are specially prepared for the Young Master’s nutrition.”

“Food only counts as nutrition if he actually eats it. Since he refuses, why should I waste it on him?”

Ruan Xizhi glanced at the butler. “From now on, all matters regarding Xing Xiaochi will be handled by me. Madam Liu has already informed you, hasn’t she?”

Butler Chen nodded. “Yes.”

Ruan Xizhi picked up the menu, her slender fingers tapping the pages. “Bring me one of each of these.”

In her previous life, she had been forced to eat nothing but “nutritious meals” for the sake of her family—until she was sick of them. In the end, it didn’t help her live any longer.

Screw nutrition! She was going to enjoy delicious food this time around!

Butler Chen glanced at the items she ordered, hesitated for a moment, but ultimately obeyed.

Thirty minutes later, the table was filled with crispy fried chicken, golden fries, and a variety of snacks.

Sitting nearby, Xing Xiaochi was salivating.

The moment the fried chicken arrived, his big, round eyes gleamed with hunger. Drool trickled from the corner of his mouth down to his chin.

Fried chicken! His favorite!

Xing Xiaochi reached out for a piece—only for Ruan Xizhi to move it away.

“You said you wouldn’t eat a single bite. A man must keep his word.”

Xing Xiaochi pouted, shifting his gaze away. “Hmph! I don’t even like it anyway!”

“Perfect! I love it,” Ruan Xizhi smirked. “And don’t worry—I won’t save you even a little bit.”

Xing Xiaochi clenched his tiny fists. UGH! This adult is even more annoying than me!

Finally, after watching her savor the food, his stomach rumbled.

Dignity? Who needed that?

Licking his lips, Xing Xiaochi shuffled closer and, for the first time, bowed his head.

“Does it taste good? Can I have a bite?”