Chapter 21: Strength in Unity
The apartment was unusually quiet that morning. Lin Xiao Yan sat on the window sill, her small legs swinging gently as she studied the city below. Her mind was already several steps ahead, calculating schedules, social media trends, and potential threats.
Hua Yichen approached with a cup of tea, setting it down beside her. "Xiao Yan… are you thinking about work again?"
Xiao Yan shook her head, her expression serious. "I'm thinking about the family. The show, the publicity, the threats—they're all connected. We have to be prepared, or someone else will try to tear us apart again."
Liang Zhiwei, already dressed in a sharp suit for a meeting, glanced at her from across the room. "She's right. The public won't wait for us to be ready. If we want to secure Mommy's comeback and protect our family, we have to take control of the narrative ourselves."
Xiao Yan tapped her fingers against the sill. "Then let's start. Mommy, you'll schedule interviews—but only the ones I approve. Daddy, you'll appear in public slowly, so people see the family is united but not forced. And I…" She paused, a tiny grin forming. "I'll guide everything else."
Hua Yichen laughed softly. "You really are in charge, aren't you?"
Xiao Yan nodded seriously. "I'm five, but I know what has to be done. Families are stronger when we stick together—and people respect honesty. Even adults."
That afternoon, the trio headed to a major live interview. Xiao Yan held her mother's hand, subtly adjusting the way she smiled and the way she spoke. Liang Zhiwei walked just behind, giving silent support, but letting the child take the lead.
The cameras rolled. Xiao Yan's instructions were subtle, barely noticeable to the production team, but everything went perfectly. Wen Nuan's answers were confident, the family appeared natural and united, and Liang Zhiwei's quiet presence added stability.
Online, viewers were captivated:
"This little girl… she's controlling the whole show!"
"The mother looks happier than ever!"
"Her father's calm presence shows the family is real."
After the interview, Xiao Yan reviewed the live feed in the car. "Good," she said simply. "The story is positive, and no one can twist it. Mommy, you're safe. Daddy, you're safe. We all are."
Hua Yichen reached over and hugged her daughter tightly. "You really are remarkable, Xiao Yan. I don't know what we'd do without you."
Xiao Yan shrugged. "I'm just making sure nobody can hurt us again."
Liang Zhiwei rested a hand on her shoulder. "You've done more than anyone could ask. You've protected the family, managed the public, and even stopped Chen Zehao. I'm proud of you."
Xiao Yan smiled faintly. "We're a family now. We stick together. That's all I need to do."
For the first time in years, the three of them walked home from the studio not as a fractured family, but as a unit. Outside, the city continued its noise, the cameras and media would keep observing, and the world remained unpredictable.
But inside, Lin Xiao Yan felt calm. The twin souls within her were finally aligned, her family's safety secured, and the future… firmly in their hands.
No one could undo what they had built together.
And Lin Xiao Yan, small, clever, and fearless, was ready to guide them through anything.