Chapter 20: Securing the Comeback
The next morning, Lin Xiao Yan was already up, sitting cross-legged on the sofa with her tablet. Her eyes scanned contracts, social media updates, and news articles about her family. Every little detail mattered, and she had learned to notice everything—timing, phrasing, public reactions.
Hua Yichen walked in with a steaming cup of tea. "Xiao Yan, don't you think you've done enough planning for one day?"
Xiao Yan shook her head. "Mommy, the world doesn't wait. People are already talking about us. We need to guide them, or the wrong story will spread."
Liang Zhiwei, reading the morning news nearby, nodded in agreement. "She's right. You've done a lot, but there's more to do. Chen Zehao might be contained for now, but the media… the public… we need to be ready."
Xiao Yan tapped a screen, pulling up a series of posts, interviews, and trending hashtags. "Mommy, look. People love the 'cute daughter, happy mother' story. But some are still suspicious. That's why we need to show more of Daddy, show that our family is together and strong."
Hua Yichen sighed, impressed and slightly exasperated. "You really think about everything, don't you?"
Xiao Yan grinned faintly. "Someone has to."
Later that day, they went to a live broadcast for a promotional event. Xiao Yan held her mother's hand as they walked onto the stage, then glanced back at Liang Zhiwei. He followed, walking carefully, not overshadowing them but making sure to be present.
The cameras rolled. Xiao Yan directed, subtly positioning her family, choosing how interactions would play out. When the host asked about her mother's career comeback, Xiao Yan leaned forward, speaking clearly and confidently.
"Mommy is amazing," she said. "She's worked hard and faced everything. People shouldn't only see her past. They should see now—how strong she is today."
The audience applauded. Comments exploded online:
"That little girl speaks like an adult!"
"Wen Nuan's comeback is real!"
"Even her father looks so proud!"
By the end of the event, the narrative had shifted completely. Wen Nuan was no longer seen as a washed-up celebrity; she was a strong mother and capable woman. Liang Zhiwei's presence reassured fans and media alike, signaling that the family was united and protected.
Back at the apartment, Xiao Yan finally allowed herself to relax. She stretched, the twin soul inside her humming contentedly.
Hua Yichen set her down for a moment. "You did all of this. For us."
Xiao Yan shook her head. "I did it for our family. So no one can hurt us again. Not Chen Zehao. Not anyone."
Liang Zhiwei knelt beside her, his face serious but soft. "You've done more than I ever could. You're amazing, Xiao Yan. Truly amazing."
Xiao Yan smiled faintly. "I'm five. But I know families are stronger when we stick together. That's all I need to do."
Outside, the city moved, the media buzzed, and Chen Zehao was left with nowhere to hide. For the first time, Lin Xiao Yan had not only protected her family—she had strengthened them, reshaped public perception, and ensured the enemies of the past could no longer interfere.
Inside the apartment, the little girl leaned against her mother and father, calm, steady, and in control. The storm of the past had passed.
And the future… was finally hers to guide.