The Villain Mom Awakens — Going Viral by Parenting on a Reality Show-Chapter 410 - 412: Surprise

"She wasn’t cold to me, and besides..."

"Enough! Why are you defending her?" Jeanette Kensington said. "I know you’re a good person, and she’s just taking advantage of your good nature to bully you!"

Just as Jeanette Kensington finished speaking, Ruby Preston’s voice came from the side. "What you just said is wrong. Our task is to set up the venue for Ian’s birthday. This isn’t about helping someone and getting nothing in return. Besides, no one is stopping you. If you feel you’ve been wronged, you can leave at any time."

"How could you..."

Before Jeanette Kensington could finish, she saw Ruby Preston brush past her and walk away.

"Well, I never..." Jeanette Kensington forced a smile. "To think I’d be misunderstood like that..."

*

Setting up the venue took a full five hours, but the results were plain for everyone to see. A pre-made birthday message glowed on the screen, and balloons floated all around, making it feel like a dreamland. Models of Ian’s favorite cartoon characters stood by the pillars on either side of the entrance. In the very center was a massive round table, laden with a five-tiered cake and delicious dishes. In addition to what the guests had made themselves, local herdsmen had also sent over beef jerky and dairy products, creating a magnificent feast.

Naomi Kenway wiped the sweat from her brow, suddenly feeling a great sense of accomplishment.

She could already picture Ian’s face lighting up with joy when he saw all this. His own drawing, titled "Love," depicted an utterly ordinary home scene: a family of three gathered around a table, sharing a warm meal.

This was Ian’s definition of "love"—he just wanted his mom and dad to be with him.

As she thought about it, a gentle look softened Naomi Kenway’s eyes.

Chelsea Raines sat on a stool fanning herself and asked, "When are the kids getting back? There’s no refrigeration here. The decorations on a real cream cake will start to melt."

The tour guide asked someone next to him, then announced, "Based on the time, the kids should be on their way back now." He raised his voice. "Everyone, just wait a little longer! When the time comes, watch for my signal and we’ll follow the plan!"

On the way back from herding the sheep, Ian came across a very strange old man. He was wearing a conical hat, had a long, graying beard, and was sitting on the ground, crying out in pain.

Ian looked around. His friends had run off at some point, and now only the cameraman was left.

After hesitating for a few seconds, Ian walked over anyway.

The old man’s eyes lit up the moment he saw him. "I can tell you’re a kind, good boy. I’ll let you in on a secret—I’m a celestial being! This old grandpa fell and hurt his leg, and now I can’t get up. How about you help me get home? If you do, I’ll grant you a wish."

Ian was too short, so he could only support the old man’s thigh. He then switched to holding the old man’s hand.

When they reached the destination, Ian let go.

"Thank you, son."

Ian shook his head. "You’re welcome, Mr. Tour Guide."

The tour guide froze. He quickly touched the fake beard on his face—it was still there. ’How did he recognize me?’

With that thought in mind, the tour guide asked directly, "Ian, how did you know?"

Ian was blunt. "Your hair and beard look really fake. I could tell right away."

"Haha, is that so?" The tour guide stroked his beard. "The celestial being may be fake, but the surprise is real! I know why you’ve been feeling down. Go on, take a look up ahead."

Leaving him with those two cryptic sentences, the tour guide ran straight off. He hadn’t taken two steps before his wig fell off. "Ouch!" the guide yelped, scooping up the wig and slapping it back on his head. He held onto his wig as he continued to run with long strides.

Ian calmly averted his gaze.

This kid is so composed. He seems more mature than the adults!

Go look up ahead! I can’t wait!

Ian said he could tell right away, I’m dying! The production team really needs to spend more effort on their props.

Am I the only one who thinks Ian is just so sweet and well-behaved? He obviously knew the tour guide was acting but still played along with him. It’s kind of endearing. The tour guide is going to be giggling into his pillow tonight thinking about this!

Ian is a little angel! I’m calling it!

So cute! Kids this age are all so innocent and kind!

...

Ian followed the tour guide’s instructions and walked forward. Passing through a cluster of yurts, he found himself in a place he could have never imagined.

"Happy birthday to you~ Happy birthday to you~"

The birthday song began.

Ian gazed at his mom and dad standing in the center. His nose tingled, and tears fell from his eyes. Overcome with joy, he ran forward on his short legs and hugged Naomi Kenway’s leg. "Mommy, Daddy... I thought you forgot my birthday."

Naomi Kenway took out a handkerchief to wipe away Ian’s tears. "I’m sorry, Ian. Mommy and Daddy made our baby sad for so long just to prepare this surprise. Can you forgive us?"

Ian shook his head. "No."

A sly glint flashed in his big eyes as he leaned his cheek forward. "Mommy and Daddy have to give me a kiss. Only then will I forgive you! Otherwise..."

He put his hands on his hips, feigning an unappeasable pout.

Naomi Kenway and Ethan Shaw kissed Ian on both cheeks, and the cameraman captured the moment perfectly.

I want a kiss! I want a kiss! Give us a kiss, Ian, please! This auntie is really gentle.

Hahahahahaha so cute! Ian knows how to act cute to get what he wants now!

Nina and President Shaw are being way too reserved! If it were me, I’d have kissed Ian’s little cheeks raw!

The person above is so savage! You guys just want to kiss Ian’s little face, but not me. I’m just worried his little cheeks will get swollen...

...

After the candles were lit and the birthday song was sung, Ian made a wish under the gentle gaze of the crowd.

Naomi Kenway and Ethan Shaw presented their gifts: exquisitely packaged pastries and a limited-edition model race car.

The other guests came forward one by one with their gifts. Before long, a pile of presents had accumulated in front of Ian.

The tour guide, now with his makeup removed, appeared with a megaphone. He smiled and said, "Wow, our Ian has received so many gifts! But besides these, our production team has also prepared a special surprise."

Four staff members carried over two large boxes.

The tour guide pointed to them and said, "Inside are very precious gifts from fans who love our Ian. A month before his birthday, we put out an online call for fan gifts. The fans were incredibly enthusiastic. We’ve randomly selected a few, and the rest will be sent directly to Ian’s home!"

The tour guide applauded, and everyone else joined in.

"Let’s take a look at the first one... From Ms. Mie Mie in Stelaria..."

The tour guide handed the gift over while opening the accompanying letter with Ian. Before reading it, he looked up and explained, "When we put out the call for fan letters, we stated beforehand that we would read them on the show to share with the audience, so there’s no issue of offending anyone, ’kay?"