Even Li Dongling was taken aback by Chu Xinyue’s sudden action. However, her perspective was different from the others around her.

She didn’t fully understand the complex dynamics, especially since Chu Xinyue was trying to shift attention away from Chu Yu. When she saw Chu Xinyue apologizing to her, Li Dongling quickly shook her head.

“Pu Ming’s mom, there’s no need for that… please don’t worry,” she said gently.

In truth, Li Dongling could somewhat understand Chu Yu’s point. She had been thinking about guiding Ding Cheng Si more firmly from the beginning, but it had proven challenging.

With time, she felt more like his father in their interactions. Perhaps Chu Yu was right; her son seemed to have inherited some less favorable traits from his father.

However, after being married for over seven years, the thought of divorce never entered her mind.

Without a child, she might have considered it after the initial issues in their marriage, but her priorities shifted after Ding Cheng Si was born.

For the sake of their child, she couldn’t imagine ending the marriage; life must go on.

“Chu Yu, it would be nice if you could apologize to Cheng Si’s mother. 

There’s still time to build positive relationships,” Chu Xinyue encouraged, trying to ease the tension.

Deep down, however, she secretly wished Chu Yu would remain firm in her stance.

“Are you calling me a duck?” Chu Yu suddenly asked, causing Chu Xinyue to pause.

Chu Yu politely added, “You’re making quite a fuss. It seems like you have something to say, don’t you?”

Hearing Chu Yu say this in front of the camera caught Chu Xinyue off guard, but she quickly regained her composure. She had become quite adept at managing her reactions.

Chu Xinyue’s expression shifted, becoming more serious.

“Chu Yu, since you’re not apologizing to Cheng Si’s mother, perhaps you should consider apologizing to Cheng Si himself.

It wouldn’t be nice for him to hear such things about him. He’s just a child.”

Her gaze softened as she addressed Ding Cheng Si. “I’m sorry you had to hear that, Cheng Si. We think highly of you; it’s just that Auntie Chu Yu.

Ding Cheng Si didn’t seem as affected by Chu Xinyue’s words as she suggested. 

He was somewhat indifferent. It seemed Chu Yu’s comments were aimed at Li Dongling, not him.

However, once Chu Xinyue brought it up, Ding Cheng Si noticed. He was a strong-willed child who didn’t hesitate to challenge even his mother.

So, it wasn’t surprising that he might react strongly to others, too.

Ding Cheng Si’s expression turned mildly displeased as he looked at Chu Yu.

Seeing this, Chu Xinyue felt a certain satisfaction, but her face remained gentle. “Little Cheng Si, please don’t be upset with Auntie Chu Yu. I know you’re a very thoughtful boy.”

Ding Cheng Si, not one to hold back his emotions, felt frustrated after hearing Chu Xinyue’s words.

He pointed at Chu Yu, frowning slightly. “That wasn’t nice! You said some things about me that weren’t very kind! I’ll tell my dad, and he’ll talk to you about it!”

Ding Cheng Si’s words were surprisingly mature for a six-year-old. It was clear that such expressions didn’t come from his mother but from his father’s influence over time.

Song Jiaojie was startled by Ding Chengsi’s reaction. Already overwhelmed, she buried her face into Xu Ruyun’s arms, her small body trembling.

Valen Hsu noticed this and gently patted Song Jiaojie’s head, reassuring her.

Valen Hsu was somewhat unsettled by Chu Xinyue’s actions. 

She recognized what was happening and couldn’t help but feel that Chu Xinyue was stirring things up unnecessarily in front of the live cameras.

She decided she would distance herself from Chu Xinyue during future program recordings.

Yi Xiuya, too, shared similar feelings. They were all perceptive, and it was clear that everyone understood the underlying motives.

Chu Xinyue tended to provoke conflict before the live broadcast.

Confident in her ability, she had even organized a PR team to shape public opinion before the event, ensuring the situation would work in her favor.

Even if the public witnessed the events, the influence of a well-coordinated campaign could easily shift opinions about Chu Yu.

The industry can be unforgiving. It can raise someone, but it can also tear them down.

Despite Mu Xuye’s protection, Chu Yu had to be careful. It could jeopardize his support if he found out that his son had faced difficulties due to her actions.

Chu Xinyue wasn’t convinced Mu Xuye would continue supporting someone who caused trouble for his son.

Chu Yu, however, wasn’t interested in further confrontation. She stepped back and chose to observe, allowing Chu Xinyue to handle the consequences of her actions.

Meanwhile, Ding Chengsi, possibly influenced by Chu Xinyue, continued speaking disrespectfully to Chu Yu.

His comments were brash and unkind for his age. Li Dongling attempted to intervene gently, but Ding Chengsi also responded impatiently toward her.

Chu Yu’s fingers tightened slightly as she processed the situation. Was it time to respond?

Before she could decide, a small figure rushed forward. 

The child tackled Ding Chengsi to the ground, holding him in place. His small fists swung quickly, filled with emotion.

As he acted, his usually gentle voice grew firm. “You shouldn’t say those things about my mom! Please don’t tease her! I won’t let it happen!” Despite his small size, Ding Chengsi wasn’t someone to back down.

Being older and more physically robust than Mu Changshu, he tried to defend himself by grabbing Mu Changshu’s hair.

“Ah!”

Mu Changshu, startled, instinctively bit Ding Chengsi.

Neither of the boys was willing to give up. They tumbled to the ground in a struggle.

Li Dongling stepped forward to calm Ding Chengsi, but he pushed her away. “Please don’t touch me!” he protested.

“I won’t forget this!” Ding Chengsi replied, still visibly upset.

Mu Changshu, equally resolute, stayed firm.

The photographer recorded the entire scene, and viewers watched the live broadcast, surprised by how quickly things escalated—especially since the children were supposed to live and work together for nearly a month.

Soon after, a PR team affiliated with Chu Xinyue began shaping the public narrative.

Some viewers speculated that Chu Xinyue’s actions contributed to the conflict, but the focus of blame eventually shifted to Chu Yu.

Some comments noted, “If Chu Yu hadn’t spoken out earlier, this wouldn’t have become such a big issue.”

(End of chapter)