"Hush, don't listen to your father's nonsense," Fang Miaomiao said, rubbing Wen Yan'an's head. "After our last episode, we'll go learn to swim, okay?"
"Okay."
Wen Zhiyan watched the child not cry and continue to stay on Miaomiao's body, his teeth aching with anger. "Your reality show is ending?"
"Mm," Fang Miaomiao nodded. "This season's show was a last-minute thing for Director Chen Tianming. It clashed with his new crew schedule for episodes five and six. With his perfectionist nature, this season ending after four episodes is perfect."
"And then I'll have some time for fitness. By the time An'an goes to school, I'll be in good shape."
Wen Zhiyan nodded. No wonder Chen Tianming had been asking him on WeChat occasionally these past few days if he was busy.
Suddenly.
He thought of something. "Does Miaomiao mean you'll also be joining Chen Tianming's next crew?"
"Mm," Fang Miaomiao nodded. "I'm going to act as well."
"Then, Mom, will I see you on TV?"
"Mm-hmm."
Chen Tianming filming at this time was likely for the Green Apple Awards in January. The Green Apple Awards were one of the most important domestic film festival awards. Chen Tianming intended to use a post-apocalyptic theme with a female antagonist to aim for this award. It had to be said he was quite bold.
"An'an must go see Mom's movie."
"Okay, Mom will definitely try her best to act well for An'an, alright?"
"Okay."
Wen Zhiyan's expression was complex. "So, we won't see each other for a while?"
He had finally managed to get the third wheel sent to school, only for his Miaomiao to tell him she was going to a film crew.
Would he be alone in the apartment then?
"Miaomiao," Wen Zhiyan was reluctant and unaccustomed to this.
"No spoilers," Fang Miaomiao looked at Wen Zhiyan. "I've seen that film, it's very good. I just want to act in it, okay?"
In her past life, she hadn't acted in that show due to the salary. This time, she didn't want to miss it.
"I know, Miaomiao. Go if you want. An'an and I will wait for you obediently at home," Wen Zhiyan took a step back. "However, I'll come to see you on weekends."
"Mom, and me."
Wen Zhiyan: "..."
"That's fine."
In the car, they chatted back and forth.
In the evening, the car stopped at the entrance of the Royal Garden.
This place was unfamiliar at first, but now they were familiar.
"Grandpa Chen, we're back."
"Ah, my little young master. Grandpa Chen has been looking forward to seeing you for a long time."
"Really?"
"Really." Steward Chen said with a smile, "Fourth Master, Madam, good evening."
"Good evening."
Steward Chen met Fang Miaomiao's gaze and knew what she was thinking. "Madam, don't worry, there aren't many people in the house this time."
Unprecedentedly, the old madam also looked particularly amiable, smiling. It seemed she missed her grandson.
"Good."
Fang Miaomiao only relaxed after hearing this.
The two were led by the steward to the dining room.
"You're back?"
"Father, Mother."
Ran Lian examined Wen Zhiyan from head to toe before beckoning to Wen Yan'an. "Come, An'an, come here."
"Good evening, Grandma. Good evening, Grandpa."
"So well-behaved," Ran Lian patted Wen Yan'an's head, then looked up at Fang Miaomiao and said, "Haven't you seen the dishes are served? Why aren't you two coming to sit?"
Fang Miaomiao quickly pushed Wen Zhiyan towards the table.
After sitting down.
The rule of not speaking while eating or sleeping was perfectly exemplified at this moment.
The inexplicably oppressive atmosphere made Fang Miaomiao feel her appetite shrink.
"An'an is turning six soon, and it's time to send him to kindergarten. I've looked into some kindergartens these past few days," Ran Lian said. "I'm planning to send An'an to an international boarding kindergarten."
Fang Miaomiao hesitated for a moment and asked, "So young, is boarding school not very suitable?"
"How is it not suitable? You know that children from our families are sent to kindergarten as early as three or four years old. An'an's situation is special, so sending him at six isn't too much."
The last time she attended a gathering, someone had subtly mocked them, calling their An'an a mute idiot, not yet sent to kindergarten at five or six years old.
This had angered her immensely.
"Mother, An'an's matters are none of your concern. I've already found a school for An'an, and he can start when school opens."
"You found a school for An'an?" Ran Lian cast a veiled glance at Fang Miaomiao. "You work so hard every day, where would you find the time to look for a kindergarten? Don't get swindled. The one I found is good, just listen to me."
Fang Miaomiao, whose gaze had been on An'an, could clearly sense that after Ran Lian finished speaking, his mood had significantly dampened.
"I said, An'an's school is sorted, so you don't need to worry about it."
Ran Lian, being contradicted repeatedly, her smile turned a little unpleasant. "Then tell me, what school did you find?"
"Near Mingshan. An'an can walk home by himself after school."
"Nonsense! Are the schools near Mingshan as good as the one I found? Don't you know that education starts from childhood? If I hadn't forced you to study back then, do you think you could manage such a large group?"
"Ran Lian," Wen Renhe coughed and looked at Ran Lian. "Didn't we agree to discuss things properly and speak gently? What are you doing?"
"I want to speak gently, but look, who's listening to me?" Ran Lian grabbed Wen Yan'an's hand and said kindly, "An'an, be good. Tell Grandma, where do you want to go to kindergarten?"
Wen Yan'an lowered his head and said nothing.
"An'an, you know, Grandma loves An'an the most. Everything I do is for An'an's own good."
"Grandma."
"Wen Yan'an, come here."
Wen Yan'an looked up at Fang Miaomiao.
"Fang Miaomiao, can you lower your voice? What if you scare my precious grandson?" Ran Lian looked at Fang Miaomiao with displeasure. "Don't think you can shout at my An'an just because you're married to Wen Zhiyan now."
"Mother, you misunderstand. I am An'an's mother now, and everything I do is for An'an's good. You should know that An'an's temperament is not suited for boarding school. We have already chosen a kindergarten for Wen Yan'an. You don't need to worry about this matter."
"Wen Yan'an, why aren't you coming over yet?"
Wen Yan'an, with red eyes, walked to Fang Miaomiao's side.
"You! You're rebelling! You're shouting at me in the Royal Garden!"
"Don't worry, I haven't wanted to stay in this place for a long time," Fang Miaomiao pulled Wen Yan'an closer. "It's too boring. I, Fang Miaomiao, have never liked boring people. My repeated tolerance for you was only out of respect for Father. Since we can't stand each other, it's better we don't see each other."
"Miaomiao, what are you talking about?"
"Father, you know, I've lived a young lady's life for over twenty years, and my temper is spoiled," Fang Miaomiao offered a polite smile.