#86: Reality Show with a Kid [Complete]

Taking care of the kid? Fake. Flaunting the relationship? Very real.

Yan Man’s first reaction was to quickly check if her clothes were in order.

After confirming her outfit was neat and there were no obvious marks, she stiffly looked up again.

The comment section had exploded:

【Finally! Our wild baby on screen! So handsome, damn!】

【His name is Ye Lanxing, right? Baby, big sis can wait ten years for you.】

【Look at me—nine years older. Totally eligible for puppy love. ❤️】

【Stop competing, please.】

【Isn’t this just a mini Ye Lin?】

【Hahaha but that smile is totally from Yan Man!】

【It’s called couple’s resemblance.】

【You guys can ship even while watching a kid?】

But soon, the discussion started spiraling into dangerous territory.

【Holy—little Ye Lin?!】

【Are you talking about the boy or…】

【?】

【Finally someone said it! I won’t hold back now!】

【Why’s everyone looking at the kid?! Didn’t anyone notice they were in the bedroom for that long?! Yan Man said she’s going to take a shower?! It’s not even hot—why shower in the middle of the day?!】

【Everyone, please take a look at that gloved hand of Ye Lin’s resting on Manman’s waist.】

【Glove play—who doesn’t love it?】

【Lin’s stamina is top-tier—starts at an hour (x)】

...

Finally, perhaps realizing something was wrong—although little Ye Lanxing didn’t understand what the comments meant, he vaguely sensed that he might’ve made a mistake.

“I just wanted to take a photo and accidentally turned this on,” the little one said obediently, pouting slightly. “Mommy, I’m sorry.”

“……”

“You’re quick to apologize, huh.”

“Forget it. It’s not like you did it on purpose,” Yan Man ruffled his hair. “Next time, just use your own phone.”

【Kid!! Use your own phone to secretly stream again!! Tell me your Weibo username!!】

Ye Lanxing nodded, then asked, “Mommy, should I end the stream now?”

“Up to you.”

He blinked. “When can I end it?”

“Whenever you feel like it,” Yan Man thought this was a good teaching moment. “You started it, so you should be the one to end it.”

“Oh.”

Yan Man watched for a while longer, then reached out to disable the gift/reward mode in the livestream before standing up. “Okay, you play on your own for a bit. Don’t touch too many things. I’m going to go rest.”

Just as she turned to go, the little one hit her with a soul-piercing question—

Hearing the word “rest,” he looked a little puzzled and asked:

“Mommy, are you really tired?”

“……”

【HAHAHAHA speaking the truth like it’s nothing!】

【Yes, baby, your mom’s exhausted. Let her rest.】

Yan Man was silent for a long time, unable to respond. She noticed her phone only had 3% battery left, which gave her a bit of peace of mind before finally walking back into the room.

But even her retreating back reignited the chat:

【Ye Lin followed her in!! Ye Lin! What are you doing going in there!】

【First time seeing Manman at a total loss for words LOL.】

【I love that Ye Lanxing innocently asks the very questions we most want to ask.】

【Can we maybe… dream of a family reality show?】

________________________________________

It might’ve been due to Ye Lanxing’s wildly entertaining performance in that accidental livestream, but it wasn’t long before Yan Man received an invitation to join a parent-child reality show.

It was the very same type of “family show” everyone had been clamoring for in the comments on her Weibo lately.

The show was called Set Out Now, and it was the third season—well-established and quite popular.

Yan Man’s reason for agreeing was simple.

Although she and Ye Lin had tried to spend as much time as possible with their son, the nature of their work meant they couldn’t be with him every day.

But this variety show offered a way to bridge that gap.

They could work while also traveling together as a family of three, deepen their bond, address any developmental issues that might arise, and let him make new friends and experience new things.

So why not?

Ye Lanxing also showed great excitement for the show—even before filming started, he had already packed his little suitcase all by himself.

But before the family left for filming, Yan Man and Ye Lin first signed on as spokespeople for a mobile game.

It was something CP fans had long been eagerly anticipating.

Back during the final episode of This Is Acting, their fantasy drama short Jin Kui Jin Kui (Golden Sunflowers) had left a deep impression—its tragic ending becoming a “white moonlight” moment for many fans.

There had long been calls for a sequel, but it never happened, and both actors went on to film a modern drama instead.

Still, even after so much time, the short film remained incredibly popular on their supertopic page.

Because the script had left so many narrative threads dangling, fans continued to hold onto hope—

Hoping for the day their dream could be fulfilled.

At last, a mobile game based on the same story and world-building was launched. It was called Jin Kui, and both actors were brought back to star in a dream-fulfilling promo short.

The original screenwriter wrote the script personally, reimagining the earthly tragedy as a heavenly trial the heroine must face on her path to immortality.

As for the hero, once a swordsman who had saved countless lives and redeemed himself, he was granted entry into the celestial realm by the Heavenly Emperor to help maintain peace.

On the twelfth heavenly plane, they met again.

She had become a high god of flowers, and he—now a general stationed in the palace guarding against evil spirits.

This time, as she had hoped, while she slept, he waited for her—for over a thousand years.

The new short film, released to promote the game, immediately broke site records.

The game itself shot to the top of the download charts within half a day, garnering overwhelmingly positive reviews.

In the Yan-Ye supertopic, fans felt their dreams had finally come true:

【Who else could carry a whole mobile game IP on their backs?! Legendary couple!】

【From magazines, brand endorsements, to events—their influence and conversion power are insane.】

As the emotional afterglow from the short film lingered, filming for the parent-child variety show began in full swing.

This season was shot in the wild countryside near a picturesque mountain range.

Not far from the main location was a winery, and from the small paths, one could smell waves of fruity wine drifting on the breeze.

As soon as Ye Lanxing appeared, he was showered with praise.

He clearly inherited his father’s qualities: when surrounded by people, he turned quiet and stoic, holding a serious expression that only made him look even more handsome.

Live chat reactions nailed it:

【Ye Lin being silent is swoon-worthy, and mini Ye Lin being silent is just cute. I love this family so much.】

There were five families on the show, and interestingly, there was only one little girl among them.

With bright, sparkling eyes, everyone affectionately called her Xiao Putao (Little Grape).

Two of the boys seemed to especially look after her, and viewers began dividing into camps, speculating on which of the little “knights” she would choose in the end.

But no one expected—

During a break, Xiao Putao ran over to Ye Lanxing, holding up her lollipop like it was the greatest treasure in the world.

Little Ye Lanxing was reading when he saw her coming over and pursed his lips slightly.

Xiao Putao held out the lollipop in her hand and said, “Brother, do you want one?”

The expression on Ye Lanxing’s face was hard to describe. He pursed his lips and said, “You’ve already licked this one.”

Xiao Putao looked a bit confused, tilting her head with innocent, blinking eyes. She asked him sincerely:

“I licked it, so you can’t eat it?”

【Wait, why does that sound so familiar?】

【Isn’t this just the childhood version of the Yan-Ye CP?】

【Yan-Ye forever legendary!】

【LMAO, the two boys are here vying (not really) for Xiao Putao’s affection, and she secretly has a crush on our Xiao Xing, hehe.】

【Who’s projecting? Oh right, it’s me.】

Yan Man didn’t see the comments, but she was sitting nearby, watching the two kids with a cheerful auntie-like smile.

She cracked open a pecan and, feeling inexplicably happy, shared with Ye Lin, “So this is what it feels like to ship a couple.”

“…”

She was mid-drama when something was suddenly stuffed into her mouth.

She was about to ask if he was trying to assassinate her, but then turned to see the pecan shell in his hand.

“It’s already shelled,” he said.

【Ye Lin: Real-life sugar being served right here. Who’s still living in their delusions?】

【I also want a man to shell pecans for me. @Heaven, is that too much to ask?】

【Heaven: Get lost.】

While the audience was high on both the real couple and their “substitute,” they were quickly treated to more content—Yan Man and the other female celebrities were called away to do a side task, leaving the dads to watch the kids.

【Finally! The Ye Lin parenting segment I’ve been waiting for!】

【Really curious about his parenting style.】

The dads’ task was pretty chill. After lunch, Ye Lanxing was told to wash his own dishes.

He stood on tiptoe by the sink and cleaned everything. Then he walked over to his dad.

The evil production team had intentionally planted “bugs” in each house. At this moment, Ye Lin was fixing a broken door frame.

The child looked up—his dad was sitting on a ladder, one leg bent, the other straight. Even if he didn’t fully grasp the concept of “handsome,” he couldn’t help but think—

Dad really is handsome.

He blinked and asked, “Dad, do you need help?”

“No,” Ye Lin paused, then added, “Go wash the strawberries on the table. Wash them well.”

“Okay, Dad.”

【I thought he’d let the kid pass him tools! Just strawberries? Really?】

【Ye Lin’s parenting style: indulgent?】

【I have a feeling it’s not that simple.】

Fifteen minutes later, Little Ye finished washing the strawberries and carried the basket in his arms, looking up with hopeful eyes. “What now, Dad?”

Ye Lin replied, “Now, put them on the table and wait for Mom to come back and eat.”

“…”

【HAHAHAHAHA!】

【I knew it, brothers. You thought Ye Lin was being indulgent? He was just prepping fruit for his hardworking wife.】

【Ye Lin: What son? He’s just my tool to please my wife.】

【Xiao Xing: So I don’t even get one bite, huh?】

Of course, Little Ye still got to eat some strawberries—just not too many. When the basket was only half full, his guilty little hand reached out—

Only to be stopped by Dad.

“I know, Dad,” he said devoutly. “We’re saving them for Mom.”

【So what, is “loving Mom” your family motto now?】

【Must be coded into their DNA.】

【The parenting show is fake, the PDA is real √】

Once the dads finished tidying up the house, they barely had time to rest before the show crew sent them out to complete another task: helping local herders round up sheep.

Ye Lanxing proved to be super sharp. While the other kids ran around like headless chickens, he had already spotted the lead sheep and quickly herded the whole flock back.

Xiao Putao, resting her chubby cheeks on her hands, looked at him and said, “You’re amazing!”

【Well? In love yet? Wanna marry him?】

Ye Lanxing got the hint, at least a little. He helped her finish her task before finally taking a break.

As evening fell, all the other families were out enjoying free time. Laughter and playful yelling filled the wide open field—except in one spot that looked wildly out of place—

In the center of the frame, someone sat with their back to the camera. A small child was sitting in the same posture on his lap. The two of them were silently staring toward the direction of the distillery.

The comments section lost it:

【Everyone else’s free time: kite-flying, hide-and-seek, fighting (?). Ye Lin’s free time: waiting for his wife with his son.】

【Is Man at the distillery for a mission?】

【Yup, they said once filming ends they’ll get to taste the wine they brewed. Looking forward to it.】

At 6:30 sharp, Yan Man and the other women completed their tasks.

From afar, she spotted two familiar figures. She ran over, shading her eyes from the sun.

“Waiting?” she asked, glancing around. “No tasks?”

Ye Lin replied in a low voice, “My task is waiting for you.”

【Damn, he’s good.】

【I’d fall for that too!】

Little Ye then held out the strawberries he’d washed and said, “Mom, have some fruit.”

Yan Man picked one and pinched his cheek affectionately. “Thanks, sweetheart.”

Noticing Ye Lin glance sideways at her, she immediately corrected herself: “Thanks, Ye Lanxing.”

“…”

Looking at his dad, the little one protested indignantly, “Even Mom can’t call me sweetheart?!”

【HAHAHAHAHAHA so only your dad gets to be called sweetheart.】

【This vinegar jar of a man is killing me.】

Ye Lin muttered a few words to pacify their emotional little boy, then turned his gaze back to her.

“I’m a little hungry,” Yan Man rubbed her stomach. “Do we have any more activities tonight?”

“Nope, free time.”

There were too many people, and the livestream rooms needed maintenance, so it was temporarily shut down. By the time it was back up, it was already 8 p.m.

As soon as the Yan-Ye (Yan Man × Ye Lin) split-screen livestream resumed, viewers flooded in. But the initial scene was still on the small path—the cameraman was dutifully carrying his equipment, walking toward their house.

【Why does this feel like I’m walking up to propose to little Lanxing? I’m weirdly embarrassed.】

【How many bottles have you had? Go to the bathroom and throw up, will you?】

There were two soft knocks on the door. When it opened, the cameraman actually jumped back a little.

Yan Man was lying flat on a chair. Her hair reeked of alcohol, and since the hot water hadn’t arrived yet, Ye Lin was helping her wash her hair.

Hearing the noise, the spotlight suddenly poured down. She sat up in slight surprise and asked, “Didn’t they say it would start at 8:30?”

【They did it on purpose! A surprise attack! So twisted and I love it.】

【The production team has always been so good at this. I’m moved.】

【I must be hallucinating. I’m seeing Ye Lin wash someone’s hair.】

“It was fixed early, so we started early,” the director said. “I thought the staff had informed you.”

“They didn’t.” Yan Man lay back down and mumbled, “Good thing I wasn’t doing anything shady.”

【Oh? What exactly do you mean by that?】

As the barrage of comments started to spiral from her casual remark, Yan Man tilted her chin up and looked at Ye Lin. “Why not just do a quick wash since the crew’s here?”

His hands didn’t pause.

“They’re here anyway, and this is what they’re filming.”

【You’re so domineering. I love it.】

So many people and cameras watching her get her hair washed—she was a bit embarrassed. She tried to sit up several times, only to be pushed back down again.

【Ye Lin is washing her hair, Ye Lanxing is adjusting the water temperature... Manman, if I were you, I’d never get up again.】

【What you call divine treatment may just be Manman’s everyday life. [jealous]】

•

The first night ended without much fanfare, except for a minor dispute before bed—Little Ye argued with his dad about where to sleep.

Of course, the result was as expected: Dad still slept in the middle.

After the first day of filming, everyone slowly began to settle into the rhythm.

By the second evening, there was a small party to help everyone bond and share their first impressions of each other.

Xiao Putao still had a lollipop in her mouth. When she saw her “crush,” she remembered what he’d said the day before. This time, she turned on the faucet, rinsed the lollipop clean, and handed it to Ye Lanxing.

“Big brother, I washed it this time.”

Ye Lanxing: ?

“Hurry up and eat it!”

Laughter erupted around them. Little Ye, overwhelmed by this kind of advance, looked helplessly at his dad for rescue.

Ye Lin straightened his son’s crooked collar. “You’re a big boy now—you have to learn to make your own decisions.”

After some deep thought, Ye Lanxing finally turned to Xiao Putao and helplessly suggested, “Can you give me one that you haven’t eaten next time?”

Xiao Putao blinked. “But if I don’t eat it first, how would I know if it tastes good?”

“I only give you the ones I think taste good. Big brother, you’re kinda dumb.”

This time, Yan Man couldn’t hold back and laughed out loud with everyone else.

Caught up in the moment, she even took out her phone and snapped a few extra pictures.

But soon, it was her turn in the program—no more time for shipping her son. Hugging her guitar, she headed to the stage.

She wasn’t very good at it—just picked up some basics while filming a drama—but she could strum a simple tune following the chords.

Sitting at the mic, she smiled and looked at Ye Lin, flipping to that familiar song, “What Should I Do.”

As the rhythm flowed, she nodded along and entered the chorus:

“Though powerless to resist / the days are still long

One day, you’ll go crazy for me too”

It felt like just yesterday she sang this to him at a karaoke room, and in the blink of an eye, they’d come so far.

Below the stage, under the dark green night, lanterns lit up one by one. He sat within the light, a glowing circle blurred behind him, with their little boy on his lap.

In the soft light, she saw his reply.

“I already am,” he said.

As the song neared its end, somehow Ye Lin pulled a chair up from the audience and sat beside her.

Yan Man didn’t notice when she stood up and accidentally bumped his shoulder. He tilted back slightly, and a book was jostled out from a cabinet behind them.

Quick to react, she reached out and caught it, then slowly slid it back into the bookshelf.

When she looked up, she realized just how close they were.

Under the spotlight, their breaths mingled.

He didn’t move. Neither did she.

Hearing cheers and catcalls from the audience, Yan Man couldn’t help but curl her lips, smiling as she looked at him.

【Flirting.jpg】

【Their love is just… so good. [smoking emoji]】

Just as he leaned in, she purposely pulled back—

But in the end, he yanked her back, one hand cupping the back of her head, deepening the kiss.

…

The evening ended in screams from the crowd and barrage comments full of laughter.

The production team used a lot of electricity, and the town’s power supply couldn’t keep up. On the walk back, the streetlights went out.

Ye Lin carried their child and led the way, while Yan Man followed slowly behind with a flashlight.

It started drizzling under the night sky. But compared to the rain scenes she’d shot, it was nothing.

Just as she was thinking that, she heard the man up front repeatedly calling back reminders—

“Watch the puddle.”

“There’s a rock on your left.”

“The wind’s picking up—did you button your coat?”

She couldn’t help but smile.

“I know,” Yan Man reached out and pulled her coat tighter. “I’m not a little girl anymore.”

The trip was all his plan. Every time before the main event started, he prepared the water; after it ended, he took care of cleaning. Even walking, it was like this. She always felt that in his eyes, she was someone who never really grew up. He always planned ahead for her, like she didn’t have to worry about a thing.

Up ahead, the streetlight flickered and went out.

Ye Lin stopped not far away and turned to look at her.

“In my heart, you’ll always be my little girl.”

She kicked a small stone with her toe. Though she wanted to tease him, in the pitch-black night, the words melted into a bashful smile hidden by her lowered head.

【??? Is this allowed to be said??】

【Lin to his son: You’re already grown up.】

【Lin to his wife: You’ll always be my little girl.】

【555, double standards, who do you love more?】

【Sweet enough to rot teeth, does it come with a refund?】

【I’m diabetic, can I say anything?】

【Not bad, the Yan-Ye ship has a bright future!】

•

The CP fans’ ship-sinking journey ended three weeks later.

On the final day, the homemade wine they brewed also arrived safely in the hands of the show’s production team.

Yan Man held her bottle, couldn’t help but open it, and sniffed it.

Everyone introduced their wines one by one—peach, strawberry, even bayberry wine.

Yan Man stood next to Ye Lin and heard him quietly ask, “What does it taste like?”

She took a deliberate sip.

This variety show was so subtle that suddenly she remembered a long time ago when he did a mouthwash endorsement, and after filming a kissing scene with her, insisted on rinsing with water.

Back then, she had been stubborn, insisting that it was her scent.

Yan Man smiled silently and handed him the bottle.

Ye Lin took half a gulp, his fingers suddenly froze, then he lowered his eyes to look at her.

Their eyes met, and she thought he must have recalled something too.

She asked softly, “Is it too sweet?”

He answered quietly as well.

“Not sweet, just right.”

Across from them, the director asked with a knowing smile, “Teacher Manman, what flavor did you brew?”

She smiled knowingly and said,

“Cherry.”

Yan Man suddenly remembered the day of brewing—how she had fished the fresh cherries out from the ice, put them into the jar, and sprinkled sugar on top.

Just like their journey.

Cherries dropped into the wine cellar, thinking that no matter how hard the ice, it was eventually brewed into a gentle, intoxicating sweetness.

【The End】