Su Wanyan truly wanted nothing more than a quiet, easy life here—lounging in the background, avoiding the chaotic plot, just floating through like a true salted fish. But every time her gaze landed on Mo Xingxue and the sleeping baby in her arms, that plan felt a little shakier.
The original character's and Mo Xingxue's tragic end was bad enough, but the thought of this innocent child—tiny, helpless—being abandoned on some cold street because of the main couple's twisted obsession? It twisted something deep in her chest.
She couldn't just sit by. Not as a doctor. Not as a decent person. Nightmares would haunt her if she did.
Her thoughts scattered when PD Xu Cui cleared his throat from the doorway. "I'll give you all thirty minutes to chat and settle in," he said with an easy smile. "Get comfortable."
The guests waved him off with thanks, and the room filled with soft conversation. People shifted on the sofa, leaning toward one another, questions flowing naturally.
Someone asked Su Wanyan about her work with children; she answered warmly, sharing a light story about a picky eater who'd finally tried vegetables because of a "magic sticker reward." Laughter rippled around the circle, and she relaxed into it, voice gentle, hands gesturing softly.
After a few minutes, she glanced sideways. Mo Xingxue had shifted Mo Yan to one arm and was subtly massaging her own biceps with the other hand, fingers pressing into the muscle to ease the ache. It was a small movement, but Su Wanyan noticed—the quiet fatigue in those elegant shoulders.
She turned fully toward them, smile soft and genuine. "What's her name?" she asked, eyes drifting to the baby's peaceful face, tiny lashes fluttering in sleep.
Mo Xingxue looked up, surprise flickering before warmth took over. "Mo Yan," she said, voice low and fond. "She'll be four months old this Saturday."
Su Wanyan hummed appreciatively, leaning just a little closer without crowding. The baby was plump and healthy-looking, cheeks round and soft, a faint milk scent lingering. "Do you mind if I hold her for a bit? You look like you could use a break."
Mo Xingxue hesitated, glancing at her arms. "I don't mind at all, but.. are you sure? She's heavier than she looks." A soft chuckle escaped her—tired, but real.
"Really, it's fine," Su Wanyan reassured, already extending her arms with the confident ease of someone who'd held hundreds of babies. "I do this all day."
Mo Xingxue's smile grew, and she carefully transferred Mo Yan over. Su Wanyan supported the head first, cradling it gently against her inner arm, then settled the warm little body along her forearm. The weight—around 7.5 kilograms, she'd guessed right—felt like nothing now, thanks to the potion's quiet strength.
Mo Yan stirred faintly, tiny fists uncurling, then snuggled closer with a contented sigh, cheek pressing against Su Wanyan's sweater. A small, sleepy smile curved the baby's lips.
"Oh," Mo Xingxue whispered, eyes softening further. "I think she likes you." Su Wanyan laughed quietly, rocking ever so slightly in that instinctive rhythm. "What a pretty baby."
The three of them sat there for a long moment—peaceful, bathed in afternoon light filtering through the windows. Mo Xingxue's posture relaxed visibly, hands resting in her lap for the first time. Su Wanyan and she exchanged soft smiles over the baby's head, the air between them warm and easy, like old friends picking up where they'd left off.
Across the room, the live barrage exploded with hearts.
[AHHHHH THEY LOOK LIKE A PERFECT LITTLE FAMILY!!]
[Su Wanyan holding the baby so naturally.. my heart can't take it.]
[Do they realize how beautiful this is? The gentle vibes are everything.]
[Wait, I get it now—Su Wanyan was always "away" because she had a secret mistress and baby!! Si Wanyan, have you forgotten your wife? Have you forgotten me??]
[Upstairs, we literally went to the hospital together earlier. Want round two?]
[LOL these two never stop.]
Not everyone in the room felt the warmth.
Gu Chengze sat rigid on the sofa, hands clenched so tightly his knuckles paled. His eyes fixed on the scene—his child, his white moonlight, cozy with some unrelated alpha. Jealousy burned hot and sharp in his chest. That woman had no right.
Beside him, Lin Xuanyu hid a satisfied smile behind a casual sip of water. This was perfect. If Mo Xingxue fell for the pediatrician, it'd clear the path to Gu Chengze's full attention. And Su Wanyan? She'd been on his list as potential bait, but now she was handing herself over on a platter. Useful tool.
A sharp clap cut through the chatter.
"Thirty minutes up!" PD Xu Cui announced cheerfully, striding back in. "Time to officially start the show."
The guests straightened, conversations trailing off. Xu Cui outlined the basics again—two weeks in the villa, 24/7 live broadcast except during sleep, cameras everywhere public but not in bedrooms or bathrooms. Nods rippled around the room, some hesitant, but understanding.
"For today, since it's the first episode, feel free to relax and do whatever," he finished with a wave. "Have fun." He left with a final grin, door clicking shut behind him.
Zhao Yichen, ever the natural leader as the eldest, clapped once to gather attention. "Before we scatter, we should figure out chores and meals. Fair division, right?"
Everyone agreed, leaning in.
"Who's good at cooking?" he asked.
Hands stayed down at first. Su Wanyan glanced around—no one volunteering—then raised hers calmly. "I can cook."
Eyes turned to her in surprise.
"Really?" Lin Xuanyu said, voice light but edged. "That's unexpected for an alpha."
Su Wanyan kept her smile polite, even as it felt a touch forced. "I get that a lot," she replied with a soft chuckle. "But I enjoy it."
Mo Xingxue watched her childhood friend with quiet amazement. When had Yanyan learned to cook? A old memory surfaced gently: two eight-year-olds at a stuffy party, little Mo Xingxue whining about the bland food. Little Su Wanyan had puffed up seriously and promised, "When I'm bigger, I'll learn to cook all your favorites."
Mo Xingxue's smile turned nostalgic, soft and private. It had been a child's empty promise, nothing more. And after the harsh words she'd thrown at Su Wanyan years later—cutting ties in a fit of teenage anger—she had no right to feel touched now.