After Liu Anzhi’s first birthday, Mu Wan gradually returned to work, and by the time Liu Anzhi turned two, she was back to her pre-pregnancy workload. Returning to the film set and resuming her acting career brought her a lot of joy. Liu Anzhi was a well-behaved child and would patiently wait for her mother to return home. During breaks in filming, Mu Wan would video call her daughter.
“Mommy, keep up the good work on your shoot!” Liu Anzhi, now three and a half years old, had grown increasingly beautiful, looking more and more like a little fairy. Her appearance combined the best features of both Mu Wan and Liu Qianxiu—Mu Wan’s charm and Liu Qianxiu’s ethereal presence. With her fair skin, large eyes, and slightly curly hair, she was truly a sight to behold, leaving everyone who saw her captivated.
With a sweet voice and an adorable tone, Liu Anzhi cheered on her mother, even giving her a playful wink like a little sprite. Mu Wan’s heart melted at the sight, and she couldn’t help but smile lovingly, nodding repeatedly.
“Mommy understands. Anzhi, you have to be good at home too.”
Liu Anzhi nodded enthusiastically, “Yes, yes, I will!”
Mu Wan trusted her daughter. Although Liu Anzhi had become a bit more mischievous as she grew older, she was still much more well-behaved compared to other children. The Liu family had arranged etiquette and upbringing lessons for her, and the little girl was already turning into a young lady.
As the Lunar New Year approached and the weather turned colder, Mu Wan was resting indoors, waiting for her next scene. Just before ending the video call with Liu Anzhi, Gao Mei walked over and quickly said, “Anzhi, does Auntie miss you?”
Mu Wan didn’t end the call right away and handed the phone to Gao Mei with a smile. Mu Wan often video-chatted with Liu Anzhi, and when she had the chance, Gao Mei would join in and chat with her. Liu Anzhi adored the chubby auntie, and Gao Mei, with her humour, often had the little girl laughing heartily.
After chatting with Liu Anzhi for a bit, Gao Mei reluctantly handed the phone back to Mu Wan. Liu Anzhi said goodbye to her mother once more, and Mu Wan, still smiling, ended the call.
“Anzhi is growing up to be so beautiful.” Gao Mei remarked, sighing. “I’m completely mesmerised by her beauty. She’s already so stunning at such a young age—what will she be like when she grows up?”
Liu Anzhi’s beauty was undeniable. Everyone who had seen her was captivated and couldn’t look away.
“She might change as she grows.” Mu Wan replied. “You know how some child stars are incredibly cute when they’re young, but as they grow older, their features change, and they don’t always turn out as good-looking as they were as children.”
Hearing this, Gao Mei looked a bit disheartened. She placed her plump hand over Mu Wan’s mouth and warned, “Don’t jinx it!”
Gao Mei wasn’t using much force, so Mu Wan easily dodged and burst into laughter. “My daughter won’t be like that. She’ll be just like me—beautiful as a child and even more beautiful as an adult.”
Mu Wan’s confidence was well-founded, as she herself had grown more beautiful with age. Gao Mei laughed along, half-joking, half-serious, “It’s fine if you say that about yourself, but don’t jinx my Anzhi, the little goddess.”
After a bit more playful banter, the mood calmed down, and Gao Mei suddenly asked, “Have you ever thought about letting Anzhi become a child star? With her looks and personality, she would definitely outshine all the other child stars.”
Liu Anzhi was indeed a clever and lively child with a natural flair for performance. But Mu Wan thought about it and shook her head. “I’d rather not. Just look at how Liu Qianxiu is already so protective when Lin Wei’s little Lu Yihe comes over to our house. If Anzhi became a child star with so many boys liking her, Liu Qianxiu wouldn’t be able to handle it.”
“Oh my.” Gao Mei giggled at the thought, then imagined Liu Qianxiu’s appearance and demeanour, instantly becoming a fangirl. “Liu Qianxiu is just too charming.”
To Gao Mei, Mu Wan was living the ultimate dream. It wasn’t just about Liu Qianxiu’s status as the head of the Liu family; even if he were just a doctor, he would still be someone to envy.
A handsome husband, a beautiful daughter, both deeply in love with her—even if they were just an ordinary family, having such wonderful family members was the epitome of happiness.
After ending the call, Liu Anzhi decided to go to the back garden to feed the fish. As soon as she stepped outside, her eyes lit up. A tall and handsome figure appeared in her line of sight, and Liu Anzhi, filled with excitement, ran up the steps, calling out joyfully.
“Daddy~”
The little girl’s voice was crisp and sweet, like biting into a juicy sugarcane. Liu Qianxiu looked down slightly and quickened his pace. When she reached him, he scooped her up from the ground.
Liu Anzhi was dressed in a little skirt, her black, slightly curly hair cascading down her back. Her big puppy eyes crinkled at the corners as she snuggled up to her father’s neck, nuzzling his cheek like a little kitten.
“You’re home~” The little girl’s voice was sugary sweet.
The weather outside was chilly. Liu Qianxiu responded softly and carried Liu Anzhi back into the living room. Once inside, he asked her, “Do you want to go with me to see Mommy?”
He had finished his surgery early today, so he had left work ahead of time. It was only four o’clock now, and Mu Wan wouldn’t finish filming until five. If they left now, they would arrive just in time to pick her up.
It was rare for him to leave work early, so he wanted to pick Mu Wan up. He had originally planned to drive directly to the filming location, but Mu Wan had texted him, saying she missed Anzhi, so he stopped by home to pick up their daughter.
This was the first time Liu Anzhi would be going to pick up her mother, and she was thrilled. Her eyes sparkled as she nodded eagerly, “Yes, I want to go!”
As she spoke, she wriggled out of Liu Qianxiu’s arms and started walking, saying, “I need to bring a coat for Mommy. It’s cold outside.”
Liu Anzhi was always a thoughtful little girl, always looking out for her mother. Liu Qianxiu’s eyes softened as he watched his daughter. He instructed the nanny, who was in charge of looking after Liu Anzhi, “Make sure she’s dressed warmly too.”
After getting everything ready, the father and daughter got into the car. It was Liu Anzhi’s first time going to her mother’s workplace, and she was full of excitement and curiosity. She hugged a unicorn plushie, sitting in the car seat in the back, chattering away with her father.
Liu Qianxiu drove quietly, occasionally answering her questions. Liu Anzhi’s face lit up with understanding after each answer, her anticipation growing even more. With her curiosity piqued, Liu Anzhi and her father arrived at the filming base.
The filming base was divided into different sections, and Mu Wan was shooting a Republic-era drama on a set that resembled a street from that period. The street was filled with extras, creating a lively and chaotic scene. Liu Qianxiu carried Liu Anzhi through the crowd.
With his tall stature, cool demeanour, and handsome features, Liu Qianxiu naturally drew attention. But it was Liu Anzhi in his arms who truly caught everyone’s eye. She looked like a delicate little doll, holding her white unicorn plushie and dressed in a modified hanfu. Her rosy cheeks, bright eyes, and curious gaze made her appear especially charming.
Mu Wan was in the middle of preparing for her scene, trying to coax a young co-star who was too shy to perform. She was holding out a lollipop, trying to cheer the little girl up.
Just as she was focused on this, a male actor passed by and exclaimed, “Who is this little angel? She’s so beautiful! I wish I could have a daughter this pretty.”
A female actor nearby chimed in, “Take a look at the little girl’s father. If you want a daughter that beautiful, you’ll need some good genes.”
Naturally, anyone working in the entertainment industry wasn’t lacking in looks, so the female actor’s words piqued everyone’s curiosity.
Mu Wan handed the lollipop to the little girl and was about to stand up when she heard a familiar voice.
“Mommy~”
Everyone in the crew turned to look at Mu Wan. She raised her head and saw Liu Qianxiu holding Liu Anzhi.
So, the father and daughter who had just received such high praise were actually her husband and daughter? Mu Wan couldn’t help but smile as she realised this. She stood up and, under the watchful eyes of the crew, walked over to take Liu Anzhi into her arms.
“Mommy~” Liu Anzhi snuggled into her mother’s embrace, handing the unicorn plushie back to her father. She clung to Mu Wan’s neck, smiling sweetly and nuzzling her.
Mu Wan’s heart melted at her daughter’s affection. She looked up at Liu Qianxiu and asked, “Why did you two come?”
Holding the unicorn plushie, Liu Qianxiu gazed at her with his dark eyes, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as he smiled, “I finished work early, so I came to pick you up. Are you done?”
A crowd had gathered around the set, including not just their own crew but people from other productions as well, all drawn by the sight of Liu Anzhi. Liu Anzhi rested her head on her mother’s shoulder, showing no signs of shyness as she curiously observed the onlookers. When someone playfully teased her, she smiled, her eyes crinkling like a little angel.
People further away started whispering among themselves. It was well-known in the industry that Mu Wan had connections with the Liu family, but few had ever seen her husband. Those who had seen him claimed he looked like a celestial being, but outsiders couldn’t quite imagine it. Now, seeing him in person, they were truly stunned.
Mu Wan was already beautiful, and with a husband who looked like a deity, it was no surprise that their child was so breathtakingly lovely.
“Not yet.” Mu Wan replied as she placed Liu Anzhi back in Liu Qianxiu’s arms. “I still have one more scene to shoot.”
She glanced at the little actress, who was now even more timid, hiding behind her mother. The little girl had been crying earlier and still showed no signs of wanting to act.
The film was a children’s movie, directed by an elderly director in his sixties whom Mu Wan greatly respected, having watched his animated films as a child.
The little actress showed no inclination to act, only retreating further. The director’s gaze fell on Liu Anzhi, and he asked with a smile, “Little one, would you like to act with your mommy?”
The director had a kind, grandfatherly appearance, with a white beard and neatly groomed hair, exuding warmth and kindness.
As soon as he spoke, Mu Wan glanced at the little actress and Liu Anzhi.
Liu Anzhi was never shy around strangers. Her gaze shifted to the little actress, and she asked the director, “Grandpa, can I have a lollipop?”
Children are simple creatures, and a lollipop was all it took to win her over. Her innocent request brought a wave of fond smiles from the crew. One of the female actors, clutching her heart, exclaimed, “I’ll buy you all the lollipops you want!”
The director, finding her endearing, thought she might actually do well in the scene. He smiled and agreed, “Of course. If you act well, Grandpa will give you a lollipop.”
The director then turned to Mu Wan, still smiling, and asked, “Would it be alright if she gave it a try?”
Seeing that Liu Anzhi was both curious and eager, Mu Wan didn’t refuse and agreed, “Alright, but it’s her first time acting, so she might not do well.”
After those modest words, Mu Wan began rehearsing the scene with Liu Anzhi. The scene wasn’t difficult; all Liu Anzhi had to do was walk over, hold Mu Wan’s hand, and ask for some candied hawthorns. Mu Wan’s character couldn’t afford them, so the little girl obediently didn’t insist. However, on their way out, she was lured away by someone offering the treat.
While the mother and daughter rehearsed, Liu Qianxiu sat nearby. As Mu Wan studied the script, she glanced at him. Liu Qianxiu met her gaze, his expression deep and thoughtful.
Mu Wan put down the script and smiled at him, asking, “What’s on your mind?”
Liu Qianxiu’s gaze dropped slightly to the lollipop in Liu Anzhi’s hand. His lips pressed into a thin line as he softly advised her, “Anzhi, don’t let anyone win you over with just a lollipop in the future.”
Mu Wan couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
Seeing her mother laugh, Liu Anzhi giggled too, snuggling closer to her mother as she said, “I’ll only take it if Mommy’s with me. If Mommy’s not there, I won’t take it.”
Mu Wan kissed her daughter’s cheek, then looked at Liu Qianxiu with a smile, unable to stop laughing. He gently stroked her head and said, “You’re not allowed to be won over so easily either.”
What was she not allowed to be won over by—a lollipop? Mu Wan laughed again.
After everything was ready, Liu Anzhi changed into her costume. Even in simple peasant clothes with a braided hairstyle, she managed to exude a fresh and otherworldly charm.
Following her mother’s guidance, Liu Anzhi’s expression changed as soon as the director called action. Her eyes welled up with tears, and her pitiful, teary look took everyone by surprise, even Mu Wan, who was momentarily stunned.
“Mother~” Liu Anzhi called out.
Mu Wan quickly snapped back to reality and got into character. The mother and daughter duo nailed the scene in just one take.
As soon as the scene ended and the director called cut, Liu Anzhi instantly transformed from an obedient, sorrowful little girl back into a sweet, playful child. With tears still clinging to her eyelashes, she beamed and reached out to her mother, asking for a hug.
For her first time acting, the director led the applause, and everyone else joined in. Liu Anzhi was snuggled in her mother’s arms, nibbling on her favourite strawberry-flavoured lollipop like a little squirrel, her smile as sweet as honey.
With the scene done, Mu Wan took Liu Anzhi to change clothes. The little actress and her mother were also in the dressing room. Seeing Liu Anzhi, the woman said to her daughter, “Look at her. It’s her first time acting, and she did so well. You need to learn from her.”
The little actress was a year older than Liu Anzhi, but she was still shy and timid, clinging to her mother’s leg and hiding.
Liu Anzhi, with her lollipop in hand, looked at the little actress and said, “I only did well because my mommy was with me. If your mommy acted with you, you’d do just as well.”
For someone so young, Liu Anzhi’s words were surprisingly thoughtful, impressing the little actress’s mother.
By then, Mu Wan had finished changing. She lifted Liu Anzhi into her arms, kissed her twice, and said with a smile, “Say goodbye to Auntie and the big sister.”
“Goodbye~” Liu Anzhi waved with a smile.
Mother and daughter left the dressing room to meet up with Liu Qianxiu, and the three of them headed home. Perhaps because of her excitement from acting with her mother, Liu Anzhi stayed up an hour later than usual that night.
After Liu Qianxiu finally got her to sleep, he returned to the bedroom, where Mu Wan had just finished her bath. She was in her pyjamas, her hair down, reading a script. The soft lighting cast deep shadows across her features, making her look even more alluring.
Hearing his footsteps, she glanced up, her dark eyes lighting up as she smiled and put down the script, opening her arms wide.
Liu Qianxiu’s expression softened as he walked over and enveloped her in his embrace. Her body was soft, carrying the scent of freesia. He bent down to kiss her hair. Mu Wan smiled, closing her eyes as she returned his kiss, whispering, “Is Anzhi asleep?”
“Mm.” Liu Qianxiu replied as he climbed into bed. He had already showered before putting Liu Anzhi to bed.
Their kisses deepened, and soon, he had her pinned beneath him. Their time together was long and intimate, leaving Mu Wan too exhausted to read any more of her script.
She curled up in Liu Qianxiu’s arms as they chatted.
“A director contacted me, asking if Anzhi could star in a movie.” Mu Wan mentioned. Ever since their visit to the film set, her phone hadn’t stopped ringing. Liu Anzhi clearly had a talent for acting, not to mention her perfect appearance.
“Mm.” To her surprise, Liu Qianxiu showed little reaction.
“Lin Wei’s son, Lu Yihe, likes Anzhi, and you’re already so protective of her. If she really became an actress, with thousands of fans adoring her, how would you handle it?” Mu Wan teased.
“I said from the beginning that I could protect her.” Liu Qianxiu replied. “Besides, having people like her isn’t a bad thing, as long as they don’t do anything without her consent.”
The issue with Lu Yihe was that he always tried to kiss Liu Anzhi, even though she didn’t particularly like being kissed by strangers. Even Liu Qianxiu, as her father, had never kissed her; he only held her protectively.
Mu Wan laughed and tilted her head to look up at Liu Qianxiu, smiling as she asked, “So, it’s okay for people to like Anzhi. What about people liking me?”
“Who?” Liu Qianxiu immediately asked.
Mu Wan was taken aback for a moment. “I was just speaking hypothetically.”
Seeing the slight relaxation in his expression, Mu Wan’s heart warmed. He had taken her words seriously and seemed a bit tense. The thought filled her with sweetness.
“That would be a bad thing.” Liu Qianxiu answered, finally responding to her earlier question.
“That’s such a double standard.” Mu Wan protested. “Why?”
“Because it would be a bad thing for me.” Liu Qianxiu explained. He kissed the corner of her eye, his voice gentle and deep. “I’m sorry, but when it comes to you, I tend to be much more selfish.”
Mu Wan gazed into Liu Qianxiu’s eyes, captivated. She smiled, reaching up to kiss the corner of his lips.
“I like it when you’re selfish because it means I’m yours alone.” Mu Wan murmured. “And you’re mine too.”
She nestled comfortably in his embrace, his arms wrapping securely around her. As he held her closer, their bodies pressed together even more tightly. Liu Qianxiu gazed out at the full moon outside, the cool moonlight reflecting in his eyes, softened by his warmth. He held Mu Wan close, his voice low and tender.
“Mm, I am.”
Before meeting her, he had never felt like he truly owned anything.
But after meeting her, he felt like he owned the entire world.
[End]
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