Stepmother's Unexpected Fame on Reality TV - Chapter 34 

Chu Xinyue warmly embraced Shen Pu Ming and introduced herself with a smile, “Hello, everyone ~ I’m Chu Xinyue, and this is my son Shen Pu Ming, whom everyone can call Ming Ming. He’s five years old this year.” 

As she spoke, Chu Xinyue glanced down at Shen Pu Ming, who was nestled in her arms, and encouraged, “Come on, Ming Ming, say hello to the aunts and the kids.” 

Shen Pu Ming nodded obediently. 

“Hello aunts, hello brothers and sisters,” he greeted, displaying his shyness. 

Like Song Jiaojie, Shen Pu Ming’s response was typical for a five-year-old meeting new people; not every child is as outgoing as Tong Ran, who, being a children’s clothing model, has more social experience and maturity than the average child. 

Though Shen Pu Ming was doing well overall, Chu Xinyue needed to add, “I apologize if Ming Ming seems a bit nervous; he’s usually more talkative than this.” 

Chu Xinyue’s comment implied that she thought Shen Pu Ming’s brief greeting lacked enthusiasm. 

“It’s perfectly fine; it’s normal for children to feel shy around new people,” suggested Xu Ru Yun. 

As an established figure in the industry, she quickly grasped what Chu Xinyue was implying. 

Chu Xinyue appeared to think that Shen Pu Ming should try harder, yet if her daughter had behaved similarly, would she have perceived her actions as lacking? 

What was behind that suggestion? 

Many in the room seemed experienced and were catching on to the underlying dynamics. 

In reality, Chu Xinyue wasn’t deeply contemplating Xu Ru Yun’s thoughts; she believed Shen Pu Ming could be more engaged and dismissed nervousness and shyness as unhelpful. 

There was also another factor at play concerning Chu Yu. 

By making that remark, if Chu Yu was asked to greet others later and responded briefly, she might feel uncomfortable in comparison. 

Chu Yu couldn’t match her, and her stepson fell short, too; that contrast could be a source of discomfort for her. 

Chu Xinyue was looking forward to the possibility of Chu Yu feeling out of place later on! 

Because she focused on Chu Yu, she missed noticing Xu Ru Yun’s slightly displeased look earlier. 

Introductions continued chronologically; after Chu Xinyue finished, it was time for Li Dongling to present herself. 

Unlike the other more seasoned celebrities, the full-time mom, Li Dongling, felt as nervous as she had during the initial filming days. 

“Um, I’m, I’m Chengji’s mom, and this is my son, Ding Chengji, who is six years old this year,” she said, a bit hesitant. 

After speaking, she gently nudged Ding Chengji, encouraging him softly, “Chengji, say hello to the aunts and the children.”

Ding Chengji glanced at Li Dongling and gently pulled her hand away, “Please don’t touch me with your hands right now. It’s a bit bothersome.”

Li Dongling felt slightly embarrassed.  

At home, Ding Cheng Si frequently expressed his displeasure, making it difficult for him to be kind to his mother, Li Dongling.  

“Um, I’m sorry about that.”  

Li Dongling quickly apologized.  

“Seungsu’s mother, there’s no need to apologize. He’s still young and will surely understand things better as he grows up,” Chu Xinyue tried to ease the situation.  

She was genuinely kind in her approach.  

Xu Ru Yun and Yi Xiu Ya didn’t quite agree with Chu Xinyue; while they understood that most parents cared deeply for their children, they felt boundaries were important.   

Chu Yu also didn’t support Chu Xinyue’s attempt to help. She expressed her concerns directly, “Isn’t it right for her to apologize? He shouldn’t be acting entitled to his mother at six years old. 

If he keeps this up, it could lead to more significant issues in the future.”  

Chu Yu’s comments were straightforward and honest.  

After addressing Ding Cheng Si, she turned to Li Dongling, who looked taken aback, “And you, Cheng Si’s mom, do you not have your own identity?”  

“It’s good to apologize. Your parents cared for you, and you shouldn’t feel like you’re just there to serve your son and his father. 

If this continues without proper guidance, you might find him more challenging to deal with as he matures,” Chu Yu continued, emphasizing the need for good parenting.  

On the way here, she had looked up the other three mothers in the program. Li Dongling’s situation stirred her emotions the most.  

She felt sympathy for someone in a difficult situation, especially with a seemingly demanding husband and a son who displayed similar challenging traits.  

From her perspective, it didn’t make sense for Li Dongling to endure such treatment without standing up for herself, as she believed everyone deserved respect.  

Li Dongling was a kind, ordinary person who joined this program primarily for financial support, as her husband had signed her up.  

She had even been fortunate enough to be selected.  

Being naturally gentle, she wouldn’t easily engage in conflict. When confronted by her son, she apologized to those around her rather than challenging Chu Yu, who seemed quite assertive.  

“Um, I’m sorry,” Li Dongling replied. Her first instinct was to apologize to Chu Yu, even though it was her child who was being discussed.  

Xu Ruyun and Yi Xiuya were at a loss for words, struggling to empathize with Li Dongling’s experience.  

Chu Xinyue, however, took a different stance.  

She couldn’t fully understand but felt compelled to speak up.  

“Chu Yu, Cheng Si is just six years old. With proper guidance, he has the potential to be a wonderful child. You cannot determine his future!” 

“And speaking about her son that way in front of his mother? That must be difficult for her to hear! Please be more considerate of her feelings, especially since she’s already dealing with quite a lot.”  

After her remarks, Chu Xinyue turned to Li Dongling, stating, “Cheng Si’s mother, I apologize on Chu Yu’s behalf. It’s your life, and she shouldn’t judge. I hope you can forgive her.”  

Chu Xinyue’s earnest approach left everyone a bit surprised.  

(End of chapter)