Chapter 19: Taking Control
The morning sunlight streamed through the apartment windows, casting a warm glow on the small family. Lin Xiao Yan had already been awake for hours, her tiny fingers tapping lightly on a tablet, scrolling through social media, news sites, and updates about the show.
Hua Yichen sipped her coffee nearby, watching her daughter with a mixture of pride and astonishment. "Xiao Yan… do you ever sleep?"
Xiao Yan looked up briefly, blinking slowly. "Sleep is for people who aren't planning. We have work to do."
Liang Zhiwei, standing by the window with a phone in hand, let out a small laugh. "Work? You're five."
Xiao Yan's lips curved into a faint smile. "Then we'll make five-year-old work smarter than adults."
The plan for today was clear. First, Xiao Yan wanted to secure her mother's position in the industry. Wen Nuan's career had faded after her scandal and the betrayal of Chen Zehao, but now, with Xiao Yan's popularity skyrocketing, things could be turned around.
She pulled up the upcoming contracts, carefully analyzing them. She highlighted the ones that would maximize her mother's exposure while protecting her image from any lingering negativity. Every appearance, every interview, was a calculated move.
"Mommy," she said seriously, "we need to control how people see us. Not too much, not too little. Just… the right amount."
Hua Yichen frowned thoughtfully. "And you think you can do that?"
Xiao Yan nodded. "I already started. Look." She tapped on the tablet, showing trending topics and positive comments about her family's recent appearances. "The audience trusts me. If we manage it well, Mommy's career will rise again without any lies or tricks."
Liang Zhiwei stepped closer, resting a hand on the table. "And Chen Zehao?"
Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed. "He won't interfere. Not anymore. We already exposed him. If he tries to come back, the cameras will catch him. The law will catch him. And I… will stop him."
Hua Yichen felt a shiver run down her spine. Her daughter's words were calm, small, and yet somehow absolute. "You're… amazing, Xiao Yan."
Xiao Yan shrugged, her small frame filled with a quiet authority. "I'm just making sure we're safe. Families shouldn't have to be afraid."
Later that afternoon, the trio returned to the studio. Xiao Yan walked in confidently, hand in hand with her mother, while her father followed calmly behind. The production team immediately noticed the change—this was no longer a scared child or a child being dragged along. Xiao Yan's presence was commanding, yet natural.
During filming, Xiao Yan took the lead in subtle ways. She guided camera angles, suggested dialogue adjustments, and even chose which scenes to emphasize. Every small choice improved the family's image, boosted their popularity, and subtly reminded viewers that their story was genuine.
The audience noticed immediately. Online, comments exploded:
"Xiao Yan is unbelievable. She's only five but she's smarter than most adults!"
"Wen Nuan seems so much happier. I can feel the change!"
"Her father looks… different. Calmer. Protective. This family is real."
Even the director was amazed. "I've never seen a child work like this. She's… in control."
By evening, the filming wrapped. Back in the apartment, Xiao Yan finally allowed herself a small stretch and yawn. "That's enough work for today," she said.
Hua Yichen leaned down, brushing Xiao Yan's hair back. "You really are remarkable."
Xiao Yan's small face turned serious. "I'm just making sure we never have to be afraid again. Daddy, Mommy… we're together now. No one can separate us."
Liang Zhiwei felt a lump form in his throat. He had spent years away, had missed so much, and yet here was his daughter—small, fierce, brilliant, and already protecting them all.
Outside the apartment, the world kept moving. But inside, for the first time in years, the family felt secure, united, and ready for whatever challenges might come next.
And Lin Xiao Yan—five-year-old loli, twin-souled genius, and unstoppable strategist—was ready to guide them all.