Chapter 3: Xiao Yan's Master Plan
The sun was barely up, but Lin Xiao Yan was already awake. Five years old, yes—but her mind was sharper than most adults'. She had survived boars, manipulated live cameras, and captured the hearts of millions. Today, however, was different. Today, she would dig deeper into her family's secrets.
Hua Yichen entered the room, yawning and carrying a cup of milk. "Xiao Yan, breakfast! We have filming in an hour."
Xiao Yan waved a tiny hand. "Sniff… I'll eat later, Mommy. I need to think."
Hua Yichen frowned but didn't press. Xiao Yan's "innocent" behavior often earned her leniency. Her mother thought her daughter was just a shy, sensitive child—but in reality, Xiao Yan was plotting the downfall of a scumbag and reclaiming her family's legacy.
She sat cross-legged on the floor, examining the jade pendant she had found—the one identical to her father Liang Zhiwei's. Her fingers traced the intricate carvings. "So… the scumbag, Chen Zehao, gave Mommy this… and Daddy has the same?"
Her mind raced. That had to mean something. Xiao Yan remembered fragments of memories—flashes of a life she'd barely lived, feelings of a twin spirit lingering in her soul. The fusion had begun, and it made her sharper, faster, smarter.
The next challenge of the show arrived: a team game with prizes. Xiao Yan knew this was the perfect opportunity. She whispered to her mother:
"Mommy, let's work together! I'll follow your lead."
Hua Yichen nodded, trusting her little girl completely. The cameras captured every movement, every smile, every "cute" mistake. But Xiao Yan had secretly coordinated with other children's parents, subtly influencing them to help her team succeed—or to fail in just the right way.
By the end of the game, Xiao Yan's team had won spectacularly. Social media exploded:
"Xiao Yan is incredible! Such teamwork for a five-year-old!"
"She's not just strong, she's smart!"
"I want to see more episodes of Xiao Yan and Mommy only!"
The fans' obsession grew. Xiao Yan leaned back and whispered to herself, "Step one: dominate the show. Complete."
But step two—dealing with Chen Zehao—required finesse. Xiao Yan had learned from social media chatter and show gossip that Chen Zehao occasionally visited the studio, pretending to be an investor. His arrogance was his weakness. Xiao Yan's plan was simple: bait him into making a mistake, then expose him publicly.
That evening, she crept into the studio office while the adults were busy with paperwork. Tiny fingers pried open drawers, revealing letters, photos, and a diary belonging to Chen Zehao. She carefully examined the contents.
A photograph of Hua Yichen, holding the jade pendant, fell into her lap. Her eyes narrowed. "So this is how he tried to trap Mommy… but not anymore."
She then found a faint envelope marked "To Liang Zhiwei." Her heart skipped a beat. Could it contain the secret that would reunite her parents? She carefully pocketed it, planning to reveal it at the perfect moment.
The next day on the show, Xiao Yan's performance was flawless. She cried just enough to appear helpless, laughed just enough to appear charming, and even "accidentally" showed off a little cunning—dropping hints of her intelligence to the producers. Social media comments read:
"This kid… she's too smart for five!"
"The mother-daughter duo is unstoppable!"
"Give them more episodes, PLEASE!"
Backstage, Xiao Yan whispered to her mother:
"Mommy, I think we're close to something important. Trust me, okay?"
Hua Yichen smiled, tears brimming in her eyes. "Of course, Xiao Yan. I trust you."
But Xiao Yan wasn't just planning for fame. She was planning for revenge, protection, and reunion. Step three—finding her father and reclaiming her family—was next. And she was ready.
Her tiny fists clenched. Her little heart raced. The Strong Loli wasn't just a cute child star. She was a strategist, a protector, and a force to be reckoned with.
And Chen Zehao? He had no idea what was coming.