Chapter 22: Expanding Influence
The morning sun bathed the apartment in a warm glow, but Lin Xiao Yan was already awake, sitting at the small table with her tablet and a notebook. She had been up since dawn, analyzing viewer comments, trending topics, and media coverage from the past week.
Hua Yichen, still half-asleep, walked over with a cup of tea. "Xiao Yan… aren't you overthinking things?"
Xiao Yan shook her head, eyes scanning the screen. "No, Mommy. We can't just protect ourselves. We need to make sure nobody can hurt us again—and we need to strengthen our family's reputation too."
Liang Zhiwei leaned against the window frame, arms crossed. "She's right. Chen Zehao is gone, but the world outside isn't safe. Every interview, every appearance, every social media post… it shapes how people see us."
Xiao Yan smiled faintly. "Exactly. Mommy, we'll start by carefully planning your comeback. We don't just show you working; we show you strong, capable, and independent. Daddy, you'll make strategic appearances—enough to signal unity but not overwhelm the audience."
Hua Yichen nodded slowly. "And you… what will you do?"
"I'll make sure everything goes smoothly," Xiao Yan said confidently. "I'll control the message, the timing, and even the small details that people don't notice—but that make a huge difference."
The day passed in a flurry of activity. Xiao Yan directed the team discreetly during filming, positioning her mother for optimal angles, selecting lines that would highlight her charm and confidence, and ensuring Liang Zhiwei's interactions were measured and reassuring.
Back in the car, Xiao Yan reviewed everything on her tablet. "Mommy, Daddy, the first round is done. Public perception is shifting. Positive comments outweigh negative ones by a large margin. That's good. But we're not finished."
Liang Zhiwei let out a breath, impressed. "You've got a plan for everything, don't you?"
Xiao Yan nodded. "We'll schedule more interviews, carefully chosen events, and a few public appearances that show our family together. At the same time, I'll monitor online chatter and respond if anything negative gets too big. It's all about control."
Hua Yichen watched her daughter, astonished. "You… you're incredible, Xiao Yan. I never imagined a five-year-old could see so clearly."
Xiao Yan shrugged. "I'm five, but I've lived through things older people can't imagine. That's why I have to plan carefully. Families are stronger when we stick together—and no one can tear us apart."
That evening, the family sat down for dinner together. Xiao Yan handed out little checklists she had made for the next week—interviews, live shows, public appearances, and social media strategies.
"Follow these," she said calmly. "And everything will go smoothly. Our family will be safe, respected, and strong."
Hua Yichen and Liang Zhiwei exchanged a glance. They could see the tiny girl in front of them was no ordinary child. She was small, clever, fearless—and determined to protect them all.
Outside, the city buzzed with life, cameras, and social media. But inside the apartment, Lin Xiao Yan's family was united, strategic, and prepared.
The past had been confronted. Threats had been neutralized. And the future?
The future was theirs to shape.
And Lin Xiao Yan, the small but unstoppable loli with the wisdom of two souls, was ready to lead them every step of the way.