"So sweet! I'm shipping them!"
"Dad Xia's movements are so natural, it doesn't look like acting at all!"
"Yeah, they have great chemistry. Dad Xia is clearly not unfamiliar with these things, he must help out a lot!"
"My dad wouldn't even pick up a fallen oil bottle. He's always complaining about how tired he is, but he never does any chores. Is he busier than the CEO of Xia Corporation? It's just laziness!"
"Pfft! They're just putting on a show. Anyone who believes it is a fool!"
"So what if it's a show! We love watching this kind of show. It's disgusting how some men earn less, do less, want their wives to be mothers, and want to be fathers themselves."
"It's hilarious how people who can't do it themselves think others are just faking it!"
"No wonder Qingtian is so elegant and emotionally intelligent in variety shows. Growing up in such a family, it's hard not to be!"
"Some people have the support of their families of origin to bravely be themselves, while others spend their lives trying to heal the pain caused by their families of origin. Sigh..."
"I'm so envious... Do perfect families like this really exist?"
"The key is that it's a blended family! Even more remarkable!"
...
As soon as Xiang Xueyuan entered the livestream, he saw Xia Honglang helping Aunt Liu with the egg tarts. His heart immediately ached.
The livestream was still ongoing, and Aunt Liu would later distribute the egg tarts for her family to try.
The warm, freshly baked egg tarts exuded a rich milky fragrance. The flaky pastry was distinct in layers, crispy and delicious, adorned with fresh jam made just moments ago.
Under the perfectly timed close-up shots, the tray of baked egg tarts was even more enticing.
"Hmph, is this thing worth a livestream? Anyone with hands can make it!"
"Money can buy anything, right? For such a lousy egg tart, people are even giving out carnival gifts? Do they have too much money to burn? Can't they pay attention to the impoverished mountain areas?"
"You're such a benevolent person upstairs! You must donate a lot, right? Why don't you show us proof of your donations to set an example!"
"Hahaha, a family of rich philanthropists, and people are still defending them?"
"What do you mean by 'rich philanthropists'? Is it a crime to earn money that isn't given to you?"
"Stop it! Don't fight anymore~ Don't fight anymore~ If you want to fight, send me fifty first so I can catch the last bit of Crazy Thursday~ I want to order egg tarts!"
"Hahaha, I'm dying of laughter. My little puppy just got off work and bought me egg tarts. Hahaha, you guys argue, I'll watch you argue while eating my egg tarts."
"Human joys and sorrows are not interconnected. I just find your bickering... and now I'm a bit hungry..."
...
After eating the egg tarts, the livestream ended. The screen displayed the words "Streamer has gone offline..." but the comment section remained lively, with everyone chatting as if they hadn't had enough.
In front of the computer, Xiang Xueyuan's eyes grew colder.
Showing affection, huh?
Late at night, deliberately showing affection like this?
After all he had experienced and all the heartbreaking moments he had endured over the years, he now had to watch Liu Nuoran, through the screen, show affection with someone else, along with his daughter.
A harmonious family, right?
Did he have to offer his congratulations?
Were all the achievements he had cherished over the years to be lost, and was she going to rub salt in his wounds?
Xiang Xueyuan waved his hand, knocking over the decorative items on the table, then closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to calm himself.
These were all trivial things he could destroy with a mere flick of his fingers.
Observing their descent into despair was what he truly intended to do.
After regaining his composure, Xiang Xueyuan took out his phone and dialed a number: "Come to the research institute."
"Yes, Father." Tarik lowered the hand holding his phone. After one last glance at the screen displaying "Streamer has gone offline...", Tarik closed the laptop in front of him, got up, and drove straight to the research institute.
Meanwhile, at the Xia residence, Aunt Liu, having just finished the livestream, fanned her face with her hand, still appearing somewhat nervous.
Xia Honglang and Xia Qingyu stood by Aunt Liu's sides, praising her.
Xia Qingtian saw off the filming crew who had come to help. Xia Shang came downstairs and sat obediently, eating egg tarts.
"I was so nervous," Aunt Liu said with a shy smile. "Being under the camera was so stressful. Livestreaming is really difficult. If possible, let's not do it again."
"What about pre-recorded videos?" Xia Qingtian returned to sit on the sofa. "If Aunt Liu doesn't dislike it, you could try pre-recorded videos. With multiple camera angles, the videos can be edited with voiceovers and music. The final product will have a higher tolerance for errors, and you can record the entire baking process. For the production team, you could collaborate with Gu's Entertainment."
"I think it's a good idea," Xia Honglang nodded. "Many young people are doing self-media startups now."
"Indeed, I have classmates who are doing this, and they are very popular among young people," Xia Qingyu agreed. "I think Mom can handle this."
"Can I do it?" Aunt Liu was still a bit unsure. "I'm afraid I'll embarrass you."
"Not at all, you were beautiful. The audience reviews were quite good," Xia Qingtian said, checking the backend data on her phone. "Most people liked it. The few who disagreed were either influenced by public opinion or simply had anti-rich sentiments. I think you can develop this as a side hustle. Do it if you like it, don't if you don't. Don't feel pressured."
"We can't be out of touch with the younger generation," Xia Honglang, who had always enjoyed youth culture, held Aunt Liu's hand and said with a smile, "Let's give it a try."
"I also think it's okay," Xia Shang said, eating his egg tart, and spoke a few more words than usual, expressing his support for his sister-in-law. "Sister-in-law's pastries are delicious."
"Then... then alright, I'll give it a try." Only then did Aunt Liu show another shy smile under her family's encouragement.
Seeing Aunt Liu agree, everyone applauded and cheered.
Xia Qingtian stepped aside, picked up her phone, and prepared to call Gu Yaoyang. On one hand, she wanted to thank the filming crew for their help tonight; on the other, she wanted to discuss future collaborations.
Before she could make the call, another call came in.
"Li Xiaozhong?" Seeing the number, Xia Qingtian was slightly taken aback. Her beautiful eyes shifted, guessing that perhaps Li Xiaoxiao had seen the livestream tonight and had pestered Li Xiaozhong to call and offer congratulations. She smilingly answered the phone, "Hello? Xiaozhong~"
"Sister Qingtian," Li Xiaozhong's voice was low, with no hint of congratulation. "Something has happened."
Hearing this, Xia Qingtian's heart skipped a beat, and a bad premonition followed. "Tell me slowly, what's wrong?"
"Shi Xingwu was shot twice in the abdomen," Li Xiaozhong said, looking at the closed door with "Resuscitation in Progress" displayed on it. His hand, hanging by his side, trembled slightly. "Lei Xirui is also missing."
"What?!"