Chapter 16: Stepping Back into the Light
The studio gates opened again under a sky that looked deceptively calm.
Lin Xiao Yan stepped out of the car holding Hua Yichen's hand, her other hand tucked into the pocket of her little jacket. The familiar buzz of cameras, staff voices, and hurried footsteps washed over her like an old rhythm she had never truly left.
But this time, things were different.
She could feel it.
Hua Yichen paused for half a second before walking forward. Xiao Yan squeezed her hand gently—not urging, just grounding. That small gesture steadied her more than any reassurance could have.
Liang Zhiwei followed a few steps behind them, not too close, not too far. The distance was deliberate. He understood now that being present didn't always mean standing in front.
The moment they appeared, whispers spread.
"They're back."
"That's really him, right?"
"Is the child—?"
Xiao Yan lifted her head slightly, eyes calm, expression open. She didn't cling or hide. She simply walked.
Cameras caught everything.
The director greeted them personally, his smile careful. "Welcome back. Today will be… a bit different."
The "special family arc" began with a simple setup: a casual conversation segment. No scripts, no games. Just a couch, warm lighting, and three chairs.
Xiao Yan was placed in the middle.
The host smiled gently. "Xiao Yan, are you nervous?"
She shook her head. "Why would I be?"
The audience watching live felt something shift.
"Things changed recently," the host continued. "Do you feel different?"
Xiao Yan thought for a moment. "I feel heavier," she said honestly. "But also steadier."
Hua Yichen's fingers tightened slightly.
The host turned to her. "Miss Hua, many viewers are curious. How do you feel returning to the show now?"
Hua Yichen took a breath. "I used to come here because I was desperate," she said quietly. "Now I'm here because I chose to be."
The words were simple, but they carried weight.
Then the host looked toward Liang Zhiwei. "Mr. Liang, viewers noticed your presence. Would you like to say anything?"
Liang Zhiwei didn't rush. "I'm not here to explain the past," he said calmly. "I'm here to take responsibility for the present."
The studio was silent.
Xiao Yan swung her legs lightly, then spoke up. "Adults like to talk in circles," she said. "But it's okay. As long as they don't walk away."
A few staff members laughed nervously. Online, comments flooded in.
"She's too mature…"
"That child sees everything."
"I'm crying and I don't know why."
During the break, Hua Yichen knelt in front of Xiao Yan. "Are you okay?"
Xiao Yan nodded. "They needed to see us like this."
Liang Zhiwei watched the scene quietly. For the first time, he understood something clearly: this child wasn't pulling them into the spotlight for attention. She was anchoring them there—on their own terms.
Later that afternoon, filming ended early.
As they left the studio, Xiao Yan glanced back once. The place that had been a battlefield, a stage, and a shield now felt like just another chapter closing.
She looked up at Hua Yichen. "Mommy, next time, smile a little more."
Hua Yichen laughed softly, surprising herself.
Liang Zhiwei opened the car door for them. Xiao Yan climbed in, already thinking ahead.
The light was brighter now.
And this time, they were walking into it together.