Chapter Six: Methods of Redemption

“Slandering me is a criminal offense. Think carefully about what you’re saying!”
“Besides, I, Su Wan Ning, have my own hands and feet. I earn my money acting, spend it as I please—why would I need to rely on a man?”
She spoke with unwavering confidence; after all, the monthly allowance was given willingly, not demanded by her.
The woman hadn’t expected Su Wan Ning to confront her so boldly and was left speechless.
Su Wan Ning pulled her two children close. “My kids have a father. I live upright and fear no shadows.
Your words just now have caused great harm to my children and constitute defamation. I will sue you. Whether it’s true or not, the judge will deliver a fair verdict.”
The video of Su Wan Ning fiercely confronting her detractor at the pancake stall quickly spread online; by the next day, the buzz had yet to subside.
“She’s amazing, speaking with such force. But I wonder, did she actually file a lawsuit?”
“Don’t be naïve up there. Can’t you tell this was a staged act, with hired performers? Another trick for reputation management.”
“A timid interjection—I was lucky enough to taste her pancakes yesterday. Honestly… they’re delicious.”
“Impressive! Su Wan Ning’s true fans are showing up.”
While the internet boiled with speculation, the production team of ‘Mother Takes the Lead’ seized the moment to make their official announcement.
Reclining on her bed, tablet in hand, Su Wan Ning scrolled through the news. The show would feature four pairs of guests; three mother-child duos had already been revealed, but the fourth image displayed three silhouettes with question marks, leaving the audience guessing.
One adult and two children—that was her slot.
The production team also announced they’d unveil the fourth group live at eight that evening.
Browsing the comments, Su Wan Ning saw that people had already begun to suspect her involvement, given her recent surge in popularity.
“A celebrity with two kids? Could it be Su Wan Ning?”
“No way—how can someone so lacking in morals still dare to show her face?”
“One adult, two kids—I think it’s very likely!”
“Looking forward to it! If it really is Su Wan Ning, we can expect more drama from her!”
Such taste.
Su Wan Ning tapped a ‘like’ without hesitation.
Of course, there were less favorable voices as well.
“If it’s Su Wan Ning, that manipulative schemer, let’s all boycott this disgusting show together!”
“Agreed! If she’s on, I’ll unfollow the show permanently!”
“Unbelievable—just another publicity stunt for some celebrity.”
“Ugh! It must be Su Wan Ning. Her skin is thicker than a city wall; there’s nothing she wouldn’t do.”
Su Wan Ning was enjoying herself when her phone began vibrating: Vincent was calling.
She answered, and true to form, he started nagging endlessly.
“What happened yesterday? With the show about to air, you go out and stir up trouble again—did you even consider the consequences…”
Su Wan Ning let his words drift in one ear and out the other, seizing a pause to ask, “What’s this about a live broadcast?”
“The production team just notified us. Tonight, they’ll come to your place to stream the program’s pilot live. You saw the notice, right? Official filming starts in three days; you’ll need to bring the kids to the countryside. Have you settled everything with them?”
Su Wan Ning hesitated. “Almost.”
“Hurry up. The crew will be there soon; go get ready.”
She rolled her eyes.
“Why is nobody else going live? Why do they pick the exact moment when my scandals are everywhere to do it? They’re just using me to boost the show’s popularity—taking advantage while I’m down!”
Vincent coaxed her, “Be grateful, darling. Any publicity is good publicity.”
Su Wan Ning hung up, got out of bed, and headed to her son’s room.
With filming about to begin, her darling boy was still not on board.
She barged in without ceremony; a small figure darted across her vision. Squinting, she entered and spotted a laptop, its lid not fully closed, on the desk.
“Sui Sui?”
He looked at her with a hint of guilt, sitting at his desk, the book in his hands still open to the first page.
“You didn’t even knock. Have you finished your own business?”
She understood.
Her son, oh, he must have played a major role in today’s trending topic.
Su Wan Ning clenched her teeth; the livestream was about to start, and there was no time to deal with this.
She needed a way to convince him.
Suddenly, she remembered Qin Nian’s possessive fondness for her little sister, so she went to her daughter’s room.
“Nian Nian, some uncles and aunties will be coming soon to film the variety show Mommy mentioned earlier. It’s such a pity, but only the two of us will participate.”
“Why?” Qin Nian asked sweetly, nestled in her mother’s arms.
Su Wan Ning feigned distress, furrowing her brow. “Because your brother doesn’t want to join. If he won’t come, Mommy doesn’t want to either.”
Hearing this, Qin Nian grew anxious, recalling the treats and games she’d been promised. She exclaimed, “I’ll go bring brother!”