Chapter 25: A Public Reunion
The morning sun shone brightly over the city, but Lin Xiao Yan was already wide awake, sitting at the window sill with her tablet, reviewing news coverage from the past week. The family's image was steadily improving—Wen Nuan's comeback was gaining traction, Liang Zhiwei's presence was respected, and Xiao Yan herself was being admired for her cleverness and maturity beyond her age.
"Mommy," Xiao Yan said suddenly, turning to Hua Yichen, "today we'll do something big. Something that shows the world our family is real and united."
Hua Yichen frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"
Xiao Yan's tiny face was serious. "Daddy hasn't officially appeared with us in public yet. People see Mommy and me, but they still think… maybe he isn't really ours. We fix that today."
Liang Zhiwei, standing quietly nearby, nodded. "I understand. And I agree—it's time."
The plan was simple but bold: a live broadcast for a charity event, where all three of them would appear together for the first time, fully united. Xiao Yan had coordinated every detail: the timing, camera angles, talking points, and even small gestures that would make their bond appear natural and sincere.
When they arrived, Xiao Yan took the lead. She held her mother's hand gently, gave a small nod to her father, and stepped confidently onto the stage. The cameras immediately focused on them.
The host smiled nervously. "Ladies and gentlemen… welcome the family of the moment: Wen Nuan, Liang Zhiwei, and their remarkable daughter, Lin Xiao Yan!"
Applause filled the hall, live viewers exploding online with excitement.
Xiao Yan guided them subtly. "Mommy, smile naturally. Daddy, stand slightly behind us but close enough to show protection. Nod when people cheer. That's perfect."
The host began the interview. "Miss Wen, how does it feel to have your family here tonight?"
Wen Nuan looked at her daughter, then her husband, and smiled genuinely. "It feels… complete. For the first time in a long time, I feel truly supported."
Lin Xiao Yan squeezed her mother's hand. "See? Truth always shines."
Liang Zhiwei added carefully, "And we're stronger together. Our family has been through a lot, but we're united. That's what matters."
Online, comments poured in by the thousands:
"They really are a family!"
"This little girl is amazing. She's the mastermind behind it all!"
"Wen Nuan looks happy and confident. Liang Zhiwei finally looks like part of the family too!"
After the broadcast, back at the apartment, Xiao Yan finally allowed herself a small sigh of relief. "It's done," she said. "Now everyone sees. Our family is real, strong, and untouchable."
Hua Yichen hugged her tightly. "Xiao Yan… you've done everything. I can't believe it. You've saved us all."
Xiao Yan shrugged faintly. "I'm just five. But I know families are stronger when they stick together. Now we're safe… really safe."
Liang Zhiwei rested a hand on her shoulder. "You've done more than anyone could imagine. You've protected the family, rebuilt our image, and secured the future. You're incredible."
Outside, the city continued its chaos, but inside the apartment, Lin Xiao Yan's family was united, respected, and finally at peace.
And the little girl who had survived betrayal, danger, and deceit smiled faintly to herself, knowing that for the first time, she had fully brought her family together—publicly and permanently.
The past was gone, the present was secure, and the future… was theirs to shape.