The appearance of Zhou Xiulin brought the greatest joy to the director’s team. Real-life couples are so great, bringing a sense of mystery and warm, sweet interaction. It’s just that I always feel like this pair should be on another show.
When they each returned to their rooms to rest, Jiang Xiao asked, “What did you say to Little Bean Sprout?”
Zhou Xiulin shrugged, “I told him I was going on a business trip.”
“Did he believe you?”
Zhou Xiulin furrowed his brow, “Your son always eavesdrops on our conversations. When I was leaving this morning, he asked me if I had come to sneak a peek at you again.”
Jiang Xiao stifled a laugh.
Zhou Xiulin took a plastic bag from his suitcase, “He asked me to bring this for you.”
“What is it?” Jiang Xiao opened it and found a bag of snacks.
The following parts of the text will be scrambled to prevent theft from aggregators and unauthorized epub making. Please support our translators by reading on secondlifetranslations (dot) com. If you are currently on the site and and you are seeing this, please clear your cache.
“Tl ynvwyzzu vsze xl dsv vs pdlyjkzu lyv vblpl!” Hbsw Dkwzkd pdsavle.
Kkydt Dkys nswzed’v blzr cwv pxkzl, “Gzvbswtb bl’p talleu, bl pvkzz jdsop bso vs pbyal.”
Hbsw Dkwzkd aykple yd lulcaso yde nkanzle bla qasx clbkde, “Lyvwayzzu, bso lzpl okzz ol vyjl nyal sq swa zkvvzl casvblap yde pkpvlap kd vbl qwvwal?”
Kkydt Dkys iwknjzu alxkdele bkx, “Mbl nyxlay kp sd.”
Hbsw Dkwzkd nwahle bkp zkrp, “Fsxlsdl pbswze jdso bso yqqlnvksdyvl ol yal. Mblu nyd’v pll swa lmralppksdp okvb swa cynjp vs vbl nyxlay. Tkp hsknl talo ellrla, “Wkdyzzu, R nyd bsze usw. Ps usw jdso, obld usw kdvasewnle xl kd qasdv sq lhlausdl fwpv dso, R qlzv ps—lnpvyvkn?”
“Yu bwpcyde,”—clvvla vbyd ydu svbla vkvzl.
Fbl vkzvle bla blye yde jkpple bkp nbkd. Tso nswze pbl dsv zshl vbkp xyd?
Rd qynv, Kkydt Dkys bye yzalyeu vyzjle vs vbl rasewnvksd vlyx lyazkla, vaukdt vs qkzx svbla yavkpvp yp xwnb yp rsppkczl. Kkydt Dkys yde Ya. Hbsw eked’v dlle xwnb rasxsvksd.
The director was fuming, but the program itself was funded by Huaxia Films and Television. Could he really object?
“Don’t worry, post-production can add effects. If you really don’t want to be seen, we can consider pixelating Mr. Zhou’s entire face!” This was the director’s exasperated remark. How could he bear to do that?
Jiang Xiao said, “That won’t work either. If we make Mr. Zhou look bad, it will affect Huaxia’s image. You need to be clever with the angles when you film. Shoot from the side, capture our backs!”
The director muttered something under his breath, feeling as if he was in an impossible situation.
In the afternoon, after everyone had rested, they gathered at the designated location.
The director explained the afternoon schedule, starting with a game. The game was quite childish, a three-legged race. Everyone inwardly complained about how boring it was!
Zhou Xiulin seemed unfazed by it all. He bent down, earnestly tying the strap with Jiang Xiao, and they practiced a bit.
Jiang Xiao mumbled, “You have long legs and take big steps.”
Zhou Xiulin replied, “I’ll take smaller steps.”
Jiang Xiao sighed, “We’re going to lose the first round, aren’t we?”
Zhou Xiulin playfully asked, “Mrs. Zhou?”
Jiang Xiao responded, “Even if we win, there’s a second round. You’re not thinking of something, are you?”
Zhou Xiulin said with a smile, “I am actually looking forward to it. After all, my only regret with you is not having dated.”
Jiang Xiao said, “Zhou… Xiulin, did you plan to participate in this show from the very beginning?”
Zhou Xiulin’s expression was slightly unnatural. He, of course, wouldn’t admit it.
On that day of the competition, Zhou Xiulin’s wish came true, and they won first place.
Some people sighed, saying it felt like going back to their school days, playing games with classmates.
Jiang Xiao chimed in, “The last time I played this game was in my sophomore year of high school. My partner and I finished dead last.”
Fang Mu teased her, “You two must have practiced a lot; it’s not fair.”
Zhou Xiulin responded, “My wife isn’t into sports, so I’ve been working out with her for the past few years.”
Everyone said, “…” They couldn’t bear to hear more, as single folks were feeling down.
Fang Mu and his friends sighed, “If Mr. Zhou’s admirers see this, their hearts will be shattered into pieces.”
“I’m afraid they’ll have to edit this segment.”
“Hmm?”
“These two aren’t flashy people, so it doesn’t matter whether it’s public or not.”
Zhou Xiulin didn’t talk much, but when someone spoke to him, he would politely respond. When he wasn’t talking, his gaze always followed Jiang Xiao.
After the childish and lively game, everyone went to the hometown restaurant to make dumplings together.
Zhou Xiulin’s dumplings were neatly shaped, attracting the attention of the other guests. After all, none of the others had made such well-formed dumplings.
“Brother Xiulin, Jiang Jie said you cook at home, and now we believe it.”
Jiang Xiao immediately added, “This is the first time I’ve seen him make dumplings too.”
“Jiang Jie, how did you and Brother Xiulin meet?”
“I was in the same class as Yanyan. In our first year of high school, Mr. Zhou came to deliver something to his sister, and I happened to be at the school gate, so I took it in.”
“Oh my! So romantic!”
“Love at first sight!”
Jiang Xiao sighed, “Years later, when I mentioned this to him, he didn’t even remember me back then.”
“Hahaha.”
Zhou Xiulin had a smile in his eyes, filled with affection. He seemed like a completely different person from his usual public image.
On the last evening of the program, everyone gathered together. The program didn’t have a set agenda for the night, so they could chat, sing, or do whatever they liked.
Sun Jing shared her feelings about the past few days, saying, “I want to thank the program team. I’ve only been a talent agent for two years, and when I received the program’s invitation, I couldn’t believe it. Thank you to the brothers and sisters for taking care of me during these days, and I’ve learned a lot. The road ahead is still long, so let’s work together.”
Fang Mu chuckled and said, “When I came here, I knew the program would surely put us through a lot. Sure enough, we’ve done everything from farming, fishing, to grinding coffee beans… I’ve done a lifetime’s worth of farm work in Yunni Town. Thanks to the program team’s meticulous planning, Director, I won’t forget you.”
Sheng Mina, who had been less active these past few days, forced a smile and said, “Life is like a program; you never know what’s in store next. I’ve been working for many years, and everyone has always called me ‘Ms. Hardworking.’ I’ve never dared to let up in my work, fearing that if I stopped, I’d lose resources. These days of temporary relaxation have given me a lot to think about.”
Some nodded in agreement. The entertainment industry is particularly fast-paced, and everyone is afraid of being replaced, which is inevitable.
“I envy you, Jiang Xiao.”
In the courtyard, the light wasn’t very bright, and it seemed like everyone’s faces had a subtle glow.
Everyone looked at Jiang Xiao, seeming eager to hear what she had to say next.
Jiang Xiao picked up the glass in front of her and took a sip of water, then said, “When my husband and I first met, I once boldly claimed that I would become a top talent agent within three years. But now, it’s the fourth year, and I still haven’t fulfilled that initial wish.”
“Don’t be disheartened; you’re still young.”
Jiang Xiao smiled and continued, “These past few years, my husband has always been supportive of my work. He’s never opposed anything I wanted to do. Our son is three and a half years old, and we’ve been cautious when going out, fearing exposure. I’ve always felt indebted to him.”
“Jiang Jie, are you talking about Brother Xiulin or the little one?”
“Both!” Jiang Xiao said firmly, despite the question.
Zhou Xiulin turned his head to look at her, saying, “As long as you know, it’s good.” He also reached out to ruffle her hair.
Jiang Xiao returned a smile and continued, “I come from a single-parent family, and I’ve always had a sense of insecurity. These years have been sustained by my husband’s understanding.” She paused for a moment and then said, “Before coming to this program, I made a decision: I’m no longer going to work as a talent agent.”
As she spoke, the atmosphere in the room instantly shifted.
“Jiang Xiao, why?”
“Because I want to spend more time with my son and Mr. Zhou,” she said, tilting her head to look at Zhou Xiulin. Her eyes were particularly beautiful, quiet, yet enchanting.
Zhou Xiulin held her hand, and his initial surprise quickly faded.
“Of course, I’ll still be involved in behind-the-scenes work,” Jiang Xiao continued. “I hope we have the opportunity to collaborate in the future.”
The room erupted in cheers.
That night, Jiang Xiao sang the song “A Little Happiness.”
She had thought about singing a song for Mr. Zhou. Now she finally had the chance.
The stars and the moon filled the sky, with the enchanting moonlight.
She stood in the center and softly sang.
With so many people around, she only had eyes for him.
Meeting him truly was her stroke of luck.
Grateful to have met you in my most bewildering moments.
While his parents were happily out, little Zhou Simu still had to attend school. On Friday evening, he was picked up by his grandmother.
He carried his frog-shaped little backpack with a few 100-yuan bills inside. That night, as his grandfather told him stories, he asked a series of unrelated questions.
“Why did Mom go on a business trip, and why is Dad going with her?”
“Your dad is going to participate in the same program as your mom, not just for fun,” Father Zhou explained, hoping to alleviate his grandson’s worries.
“Why didn’t Mom take me with her? Aren’t there many moms and dads taking their kids on trips now?”
“The program your mom is participating in isn’t that kind of program.”
“Where did Mom go?”
“To Yunni Town.”
“Where is Yunni Town?”
“It’s in…” Father Zhou explained in detail.
Little Bean Sprout blinked and remembered. “Grandpa, I’m sleepy.”
Father Zhou patted his head and said, “Grandpa is going out.”
A cartoon bedside lamp was left on in the room, providing warm and gentle light. Once Zhou’s father left, Zhou Simu quickly got up, took crayons and paper, and began drawing a route on the paper.
After he finished, he placed the map in his small backpack.
The next morning, Father Zhou went out to meet a friend, and while Mother Zhou was taking care of Zhou Yanyan, Zhou Simu took the opportunity to slip out.
When Mother Zhou called him for a snack, the little guy didn’t respond. She realized something was amiss and searched the house high and low, nearly turning the place upside down, but there was no sign of Zhou Simu.
Mother Zhou quickly called Father Zhou, “Did you take Simu with you?”
Father Zhou turned pale, “Isn’t he at home?”
Gritting her teeth, Mother Zhou replied, “No, he’s not here!”
Hearing this, Father Zhou became worried, “Don’t panic for now. I’ll come back immediately. He might have gone out to play.”
Mother Zhou was extremely anxious, but Zhou Yanyan comforted her, “Mom, don’t worry. Mumu won’t just run off. Check his room to see if anything’s missing.”
Mother Zhou checked and found that the small backpack was also gone.
Zhou Yanyan pondered, “Could he have run away from home?”
Mother Zhou’s face turned pale.
“Mom, I think he went to find brother. Last night, he kept talking about wanting to find his mom, didn’t he?”
“He’s so young. How could he find his way? What if he encounters bad people on the way?”
At this point, Zhou Yanyan couldn’t say anything more. The more she said, the more anxious her mother would become. She thought for a moment and called Song Yiwen. He had a classmate at the police station and asked him to help locate Zhou Simu.
Zhou Simu, wearing a baseball cap and carrying his small backpack, left the community this way. He had a good memory and made his way to the platform along the road.
Unfortunately, he didn’t know many characters and had no idea where he was supposed to go.
In the end, he stood on the roadside for over twenty minutes before he approached a pretty young lady on the platform to ask for directions.
The girl was a high school student who had come out for extra lessons on the weekend. She saw this little radish head all alone, looking quite bewildered. “Where are you going?”
“To Yunni Town.”
“That’s quite far. Where are your mom and dad?”
“My mom and dad are over there.”
“Little brother, where’s your home? I can take you back. Going out like this alone, you could be abducted by strangers.”
Zhou Simu pursed his lips and said, “Could you help me call a cab? I can take a taxi to find my mom. I have money.” He opened his small backpack and showed it to the pretty young lady.
The girl muttered to herself, “Geez, it’s more money than my allowance.”
Zhou Simu smirked, “Should be enough, right?”
The girl took his hand and said, “Well, let me do a good deed. I don’t want to go to class anyway. Haha.”
Zhou Simu looked up and said, “My mom told me to study hard. Are you skipping class, sis?”
The girl replied, “Of course not. I love learning. Little brother, you talk a lot, and I’m just helping you. We’ll get you to the police station in a bit.”
“Thank you, sis. I just think you’re very pretty.”
The girl was taken aback. “Are all kids this sweet nowadays? You’re so young and already flirting!”
After a while, Zhou Simu was taken to the police station.
The girl pointed at a police car, “The police officer will take you home.”
Zhou Simu was thrilled, “My classmate Yangyang said that the police officer will help me find my mom.”
The police officer couldn’t help but smile as he got the whole story.
Zhou Simu started his act, “My mom hasn’t been home for many days, and I miss her a lot. I can’t even eat properly, Officer. Look, my little tummy has gotten smaller.” He patted his own belly as he spoke.
A few male police officers struggled to hold back their smiles.
“Why did you come out on your own? What if you met a bad person?” one officer asked.
“But my dad sneaked out to see my mom, and I wanted to go too.” He even raised two fingers, “My dad went to see her twice.”
“Do you know your mom and dad’s names?”
“My dad’s name is Zhou Xiulin, and my mom’s name is Jiang Xiao.” He furrowed his brow.
“What’s wrong?”
“I can’t tell anyone my mom and dad’s names, but you’re police officers, so it should be okay.”
“Why not tell others?”
“For the sake of my mom’s work, we have to keep it a secret.” He sighed as if it were a matter of great importance. “Actually, I have a theory…”
“What is it?”
“I think I might be a child my dad found.”
The police officers were taken aback. “Do kids nowadays have such vivid imaginations?”
Jiang Xiao was startled when she received the call from the police officer.
“Hello, is this Mrs. Jiang? I’m calling from XX Public Security Bureau, and it’s like this…”
Jiang Xiao was so frightened her legs went weak. “Xiulin, Little Bean Sprout has run away from home.”
Sansukini: I am glad Mumu is a cute, normal kid. Not the tsundere, smart type boy which is he usual cnovel kid. So adorable.
Thanks for visiting. If you like this story, then I’m shamelessly asking you to visit NovelUpdates and give a 5⭐ review. (人❛ᴗ❛)♪тнайк чоц♪(❛ᴗ❛*人)
You can also check out my other translations Here
Jiang Xiao is really humble. She realized how much support she had thanks to her husband. She couldn’t make it until now without him. And it is not a shame. We need support to achieve our goal. And be grateful to receive it is a mark of wisdom.