After the interview, Naomi Kenway quickly packed some bags and set off on the trip with her son, Ian Shaw, and the production crew.
They boarded a bus. In the enclosed space, Ian Shaw grew even more timid. His shoulders trembled slightly, like a frightened little hedgehog.
Naomi Kenway knew his fear stemmed entirely from her. She shifted slightly to the side, giving him some space.
"Ian, the cameras are watching."
Sure enough, Ian Shaw's body relaxed. He knew that as long as the cameras were on, his mother wouldn't hit or yell at him so easily.
A bitter feeling welled up in Naomi Kenway. 'I have to change the way my son sees me.'
The bus eventually stopped in Prospera Village, a remote hamlet in Alveria. The village boasted beautiful scenery and a rich cultural heritage.
Naomi Kenway and Ian Shaw were the last to arrive.
My Super Mom had invited a total of five guest pairs. The biggest star among them was the renowned director Ruby Preston, the hand behind numerous hit dramas. Next was the actress Margaret Jennings, who had won the Golden Dove Award for Best Actress in March and was enjoying a moment of unrivaled fame. Both Ruby and Margaret had admitted they joined the show because they often neglected spending time with their children. Chelsea Raines was a famous variety show host, well-known for her sharp and cutting remarks.
The other guest was the novel's original heroine, Renee Jennings. She was an obscure, 18th-tier celebrity in the entertainment industry. She had only landed a spot on this hit parenting show because she was married to the superstar actor Christina Lynch. However, she was skilled at self-promotion, frequently posting about her daily life as a parent on social media and short-form video platforms. The heartwarming interactions between the gentle, considerate stepmother and her well-behaved, sensible stepson had quickly garnered her tens of millions of fans.
At that moment, all the other guests were gathered around Renee Jennings and her stepson, Nathan Lynch, discussing parenting. Renee was holding court, gesturing as she spoke, looking very much like the center of attention.
"I was wondering who was such a big shot they had to be the last to arrive, but I never expected it to be you, Naomi…" A shrill voice suddenly cut in, its delicate tone laced with malice.
The moment Chelsea Raines spotted Naomi Kenway and her son, she started jeering. She stood out in a bright red trench coat, a pair of sunglasses perched on her nose. She looked less like she was attending a parenting show and more like she was walking a runway. Standing beside her was a little boy, decked out in trendy streetwear with his chin held high arrogantly. That was her son, Jared Woods.
Naomi Kenway instantly recognized her: Chelsea Raines, her arch-nemesis in the entertainment industry. Their feud had started on a variety show, and they frequently traded insults on social media. The media had more than once captured their infamous public spats.
But the Naomi of today had no intention of getting into a war of words with her. Her mind was completely occupied with figuring out how to repair the fractured relationship with her son.
Chelsea Raines's voice drew everyone's attention, but they all maintained a tacit silence. Even Ruby Preston, who was known for being frank and good-natured, frowned upon seeing Naomi. She had never actually worked with Naomi; it was just that Naomi's awful reputation was common knowledge in the industry.
Margaret Jennings's daughter, Carina Sanders, was the only girl among the children. She was wearing a beautiful princess dress, and her eyes sparkled when she saw Naomi Kenway and Ian Shaw. "What a pretty lady and little boy…"
The instant she took a step forward, Margaret Jennings panicked and grabbed her hand. "Carina, get back here!"
Carina Sanders looked at her in confusion.
Margaret Jennings realized she had overreacted and gave the camera an awkward smile. "Sorry, I just…"
'She was afraid the rumors about Naomi Kenway abusing her child were true.'
Chelsea Raines covered her mouth and snickered. "It's only natural for you to be worried, Pearl."
"Everyone, let's not argue," Renee Jennings chimed in, perfectly fitting the gentle and kind persona she had cultivated in the public's eye. "I think… perhaps Nina was delayed by something, which is why she was late."
With that, she crouched down to face Ian Shaw. "You must be Ian, right? I'm Aunt Rachel. You poor thing, you must have suffered so much…"
She reached out a hand, but Ian Shaw flinched away.
A flicker of embarrassment crossed Renee Jennings's face.
Chelsea Raines scoffed. "Takes after his mother, doesn't he? Quiet and slow. Or… are you mute? You can't even tell who's good or bad. Don't tell me…"
"Shut up!" Naomi Kenway, who had been silent until now, suddenly snapped. She was already covering Ian Shaw's ears, her sharp gaze landing on Chelsea Raines. "Having a rough time lately? Why else would you be so malicious toward a child? Oh, but how could I forget…" A smirk played on Naomi's lips. "You were just dropped as a host by Mango TV. I suppose things really aren't going so great for you right now."
"You…" Chelsea Raines gritted her teeth in anger. A Mango TV variety show was what had made her famous, so the consequences of losing the network's backing were easy to imagine. That was precisely why she had brought her son onto this parenting show—in hopes of a popularity boost.
"Also…" Naomi's gaze shifted to Renee Jennings. "I appreciate Ms. Jennings speaking up for me, but we're still ten minutes away from the scheduled arrival time, so there's no such thing as 'being late.' It's best to be precise with your words. Wouldn't… you agree?"
She raised an eyebrow slightly, and her striking features suddenly took on a fierce edge.
Renee Jennings was held by her gaze, momentarily speechless.
Seeing that they had fallen silent, Naomi Kenway lowered her hand and gently ruffled Ian Shaw's soft hair. "Ian, are you tired? Mommy will take you to that wooden bench to rest."
Ian Shaw nodded, his gaze never leaving Naomi Kenway.
'When Mom covered his ears,' he thought, 'she was just like the hero who always appeared in his dreams.'
[Starting with a catfight already?]
[I just love how straightforward Chelsea is!]
[Rachel tried to be nice to Ian Shaw, but the little brat just ignored her. He's just like his mother.]
[Maybe Ian is just shy around strangers. Poster above, don't be so mean to a child. What Chelsea Raines said was way out of line.]
[Looks like Naomi Kenway isn't as bad as the rumors say. At least she's protective of her kid.]
[@PosterAbove Are you part of Naomi Kenway's paid comment army? How much are they paying you per post?]
...
Just then, the sound of gongs and drums rang out. In the distance, a man in a garish floral shirt approached, driving a donkey cart. He held a bullhorn in his hand. "Welcome, everyone, to Prospera Village! I'm your guide for this trip—Dalton!"
"Uncle Dalton!" the children chirped, surging forward all at once, clearly fascinated by the donkey cart.
Director Ruby Preston's son, Simon Sawyer, was the oldest of the children. He took on his role as the big brother, leading Carina Sanders and Jared Woods up for a closer look.
The only children in the group who didn't move were Ian Shaw and Nathan Lynch.
Naomi Kenway keenly noticed her son's curious stare. She softened her voice and asked, "Ian, want to go take a look? Have you ever seen a donkey before?"
Ian Shaw's eyelashes fluttered. He shuffled his feet and asked cautiously, "Ian… can I?"
"Of course you can." Naomi Kenway tentatively picked up her son. When he didn't struggle, she secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Nathan Lynch tugged on Renee Jennings's hand, gazing longingly ahead. "Mom, I want to see the donkey, too."
"What's so interesting about a donkey? You'll just get your clothes all dirty. Mona, these clothes you're wearing were custom-made, and Mom spent a lot of money on them."
As if sensing her tone had been a little harsh, Renee Jennings added, "When we get back, Mom will take you to an art museum. They're beautiful and you'll learn so much. That's the kind of place you should be going."
Nathan Lynch lowered his head, looking none too happy.