Chapter 5

After the interview, the formal daily recording session began.

Although it’s called “daily routine,” most guests deliberately adjust their schedules to spend more time with their children.

But Shen Qingqing had no such plan. Even after losing face so much, Zhou Jiayan once again fell into a cold war with Shen Qingqing over the list.

Moreover, he had many lessons during the weekdays, so after the interview, he began his daily routine.

From piano to tennis, to equestrian, Go ^[1]a traditional Chinese strategy board game., and other afternoon courses, his day was fully packed.

Zhou Jiayan was very disciplined. Knowing that his every move was being filmed, he worked even harder.

His cuteness melted the hearts of all the viewers in the live broadcast room, and they all expressed how grateful they’d be if their future children were half as obedient as Zhou Jiayan.

And what about Shen Qingqing? She was perfectly content to enjoy the peace and quiet.

She walked into the extra-large audio-visual room in the basement, lay on the massive sofa bed, surrounded by a starry sky, and looked at the giant screen that resembled a movie theater, starting a lazy day.

She didn’t bother with any serious films. Instead, she clicked on a popular variety show and laughed out loud at times. On the coffee table next to her were delicious snacks and drinks sent from a Michelin three-star restaurant.

Seeing Shen Qingqing’s leisurely state, the audience in the live broadcast room couldn’t help but feel envious.

[This is truly my dream life! I can only watch variety shows on my iPad. I wish I had a video room like this to watch dramas.]

[Is this what it’s like to be a rich lady? So cool.]

[The workers are crying, sob.]

Two hours later, Shen Qingqing felt a little tired from staring at the screen, so she got up and returned to the living room. It was almost lunchtime.

At this point, everyone assumed Shen Qingqing would cook a meal to express her “motherly” love, but Shen Qingqing directly called the Zhou family’s chef and started ordering dishes.

Shen Qingqing loved spicy food, especially Sichuan cuisine.

However, in her previous life, she avoided chili peppers to maintain the best skin condition. Now that she had a new life, she was ready to indulge.

“Let’s have some maoxuewang ^[2]a spicy, sour soup with blood cubes and tofu., boiled fish, spicy chicken, and fuqifeipian ^[3]a spiced beef and vegetable dish from Sichuan cuisine..”

Then she remembered that children couldn’t eat spicy food, so she added, “As for Zhou Jiayan, just ask him what he wants to eat.”

Her actions made netizens criticize her but also secretly envy her.

[Laughing, what value does Shen Qingqing bring as a mother? Is she just a decoration?]

[She’s such an irresponsible mother. She clearly doesn’t care about her children, even though they aren’t hers.]

[I think the reason Shen Qingqing asked the chef to ask Yanyan what he wanted to eat was probably because she doesn’t know what Zhou Jiayan likes.]

[I’d be so happy if the chef prepared my meals every day.]

[I’m jealous. Workers are now eating lunch at the office.]

After Shen Qingqing placed her order, she called the housekeeper to ask for a recommendation for a good beauty salon.

She had been using this body for a week but hadn’t taken good care of it yet.

Though this body was several years younger than her previous life, she knew the importance of starting care early.

The housekeeper of the Zhou residence, Aunt Chen, was a woman in her early fifties. She had served the Zhou family for thirty years, watching Zhou Yexuan grow up. She was capable, loyal, and highly trusted by Zhou Yexuan.

But she knew her place. Though Aunt Chen felt that Shen Qingqing was unworthy of Mr. Zhou and couldn’t properly raise Zhou Jiayan, she remained polite on the surface and didn’t openly express her dissatisfaction with Shen Qingqing.

Shen Qingqing was fine with that.

In response to Shen Qingqing’s inquiry, Aunt Chen recommended a top private club, and then added, “Madam, that club also offers door-to-door spa services. Would you like to go to the store, or would you prefer they come to your door?”

Shen Qingqing was a little surprised by this. She hadn’t expected such luxurious services from a wealthy family.

Without hesitation, she agreed. “Have them come over this afternoon.”

Watching Shen Qingqing’s comfortable life, even the system—being just a program—couldn’t help but feel a little envious. Sadly, it still had to work a 996 ^[4]refers to a work schedule of 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week. for the Lord God.

However, the system didn’t forget its mission. After seeing the online criticism, it warned, “Host, the internet is criticizing you for neglecting your children. If you continue this way, your hard-won reputation will be ruined.”

Shen Qingqing wasn’t surprised by the criticism. But compared to her comfortable life, this was nothing.

She shrugged and responded, “Oh, let them scold me.”

System: This batch of hosts is impossible to lead!

Shen Qingqing led a carefree life, while the other guests had their own agendas.

For instance, Shen Linyan, who had enough time to care for her stepson, signed up Liang Tianyi for an equestrian class they could both attend together.

After the interview, Shen Linyan took Liang Tianyi directly to the racecourse.

They both changed into matching riding outfits. The older one looked elegant and bold, while the younger one was adorable and poised. As soon as they appeared on camera, the audience in the live broadcast room erupted in excitement.

Shen Linyan then demonstrated some graceful horse-riding techniques, which caused the live broadcast room’s viewership to rise, surpassing that of film queen Xie Bing, and becoming second only to Shen Qingqing’s.

Xie Bing, the film queen, has a packed schedule and is often away, leaving her with little time to spend with her children.

She openly admitted that she joined the show to spend more time with her son and nurture their relationship. While filming, she would often be away for months, and when she returned, her son didn’t recognize her, which was a huge blow. Luckily, her career is stable now, allowing her more time to focus on her family.

Her son, Ao Liangjun, is the oldest among the five children of the guests, now six years old. Despite being a new mother, Xie Bing is still figuring out how to raise him.

Although she makes mistakes, Xie Bing’s established career, large fanbase, and honesty have helped her maintain her audience’s support.

Mo Man, who married movie star Ying Kan five years ago, semi-retired from acting to take care of her family.

Now looking to make a comeback through variety shows, she wants to prove that she hasn’t abandoned her career completely. While caring for her daughter, she also takes acting lessons.

Her live broadcast room gets the most attention when Ying Kan appears at night.

Ying Kan, 38 years old, is a renowned actor with numerous awards and box office hits. He was once a popular male idol with a massive following. His relationship with Mo Man initially faced backlash, but it gained acceptance as they had a daughter.

Lastly, Choi Ha, part of the amateur group, doesn’t come from a humble background. Her husband is an executive with an annual income of one million.

Before having a child, she worked at a TV station. However, after giving birth, her family refused to help with childcare, and her husband’s high salary led to her quitting her job. Choi Ha then decided to stay home and care for their daughter, who is now old enough for kindergarten.

Having worked in the workplace for years, Choi Ha knows the value of self-sufficiency. When a friend mentioned that “Mom Almighty” needed more amateur guests, she seized the opportunity.

In her live broadcast room, Choi Ha puts in more effort than the other celebrities.

Without a nanny, she handles all the household chores, working from morning to night. Her only free time comes when she takes her daughter to extracurricular classes.

Still, to prove she can return to the workplace, Choi Ha uses her limited rest time to read relevant books.

The authenticity in her live broadcast room has moved the audience, with many expressing that raising a child online is a true blessing.

Shen Qingqing, unaware of the other guests’ motivations, simply looked forward to lunch.

It was nearly lunchtime when Zhou Jiayan returned from the tennis court.

He wore a blue tracksuit and a headband. After an hour of exercise, his curly hair was damp with sweat, sticking to his soft face.

This didn’t affect his cuteness; in fact, it made him appear even more lively, which delighted the live broadcast audience.

Zhou Jiayan had breakfast at 7:30 AM. After studying and exercising, he was starving. Being polite, he washed his hands and planned to eat.

However, Shen Qingqing, who was a little obsessed with cleanliness, frowned when she saw him. She sat on the sofa and said, “Kid, either take a shower and change clothes now, or stay away from me.”

Zhou Jiayan, slightly embarrassed, soon stopped feeling that way after hearing Shen Qingqing’s comment.

An idea quickly formed in his little head.

He dashed over to Shen Qingqing, threw himself into her arms, and placed his sweaty head close to her nose. Then, he quickly retreated and innocently asked, “Is Yanyan really smelly?”

Shen Qingqing could smell the sweat but knew Zhou Jiayan was teasing her. She reached out to retaliate, but he was already running away, calling out, “Mom, it seems Yanyan really is stinky. Then Yanyan will take a shower and change clothes.”

The “mutual trick” between mother and son caused the live broadcast room to erupt in laughter, with viewers cheering for Zhou Jiayan.

[Hahaha, Shen Qingqing got her revenge from Yanyan!]

[Yanyan is amazing! That’s how it should be!]

[It’s not just moms who trick their kids. Kids can get revenge!]

[It’s a real “mutual pit” between mother and son. Either you trick me, or I trick you.]

Shen Qingqing watched Zhou Jiayan run off, stunned. She had just been outwitted by a five-year-old!

The little brat had already learned how to escape when in trouble, leaving her with nothing.

Shen Qingqing gritted her teeth, vowing that if she didn’t get back at him, she’d take his surname!

***

T/L Notes:

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