Chapter 9: It’s Not Confidence—It’s My Ability

Jiang Sui patted Lu Xuanxuan’s back. “Close your eyes. When you open them, we’ll be on the other side. Don’t be afraid.”

Lu Xuanxuan had no idea what Jiang Sui was about to do and thought she was going to be placed on the single-plank bridge. Her fear intensified.

“Help! No, I don’t want to!” she cried, but no matter how much she struggled, she couldn’t get down from Jiang Sui’s back.

“Lu Xuanxuan, listen to me. If you keep squirming, I’ll throw you down!” Jiang Sui threatened coldly.

Lu Xuanxuan instantly froze, sobbing and muttering endlessly.

Meanwhile, the barrage of comments exploded across the screen.

“Is it necessary to be so harsh with a child?”

“Don’t cry, little Xuan. Let auntie hold you. Jiang Sui, are you even human? Just because she’s not your real daughter, you treat her like this?”

“Can the production team get Jiang Sui to quit the show?”

“Let go of Xuanxuan! Why are you being so fierce? Look at how Xuexue takes care of her child.”

“Seriously? All of you criticizing Jiang Sui, haven’t you ever had a mother? Haven’t you ever been scolded by her?”

“The ones hurling insults, you’re so pure you’d leave relics after cremation!”

“Does someone like Jiang Sui deserve to be a mother? She disregards the child’s safety—Xuanxuan is terrified, yet she carries her anyway. What, is she planning to fly across?”

“Did she… fly across?”

“What flying—she ran straight across! And she didn’t even fasten the safety rope!”

On screen, Jiang Sui hoisted Lu Xuanxuan and strode swiftly across the single-plank bridge. The distance was considerable, with no safety harness, yet they crossed as if walking on solid ground. Her speed was so quick that the camera on the other side failed to capture the moment—just a blur as she arrived.

When Lu Xuanxuan was set down, she stared blankly at the bridge behind them, then at Jiang Sui. Stars sparkled in her eyes, filled with admiration.

“Jiang Sui, you’re amazing!”

She had completely forgotten how scared she’d just been. Jiang Sui hadn’t given her a chance to be afraid; before she knew it, they were already on the other side.

Jiang Sui raised her brow and pinched the child’s cheek. “Didn’t I tell you? With me here, nothing will happen to you.”

The director tugged at the assistant beside him. “Did they just cross without fastening the safety belts?”

“I think so… Yes, they didn’t! They just whooshed right across!” the assistant nodded.

The director was so startled his legs nearly gave out. The height was no small matter! If anything had happened—this was live broadcast—he’d be torn apart by the viewers.

Fortunately, Jiang Sui and Lu Xuanxuan made it safely.

Most of the cameras focused on Bai Xuexue and her child; Jiang Sui’s group had few live shots. Still, many viewers had switched from the main stream to Jiang Sui’s separate mother-daughter channel.

As the first group to reach the finish line, Jiang Sui and her daughter were now being interviewed.

The host was visibly excited. “Everyone is so curious—how did you cross just now? It was so astonishing I was startled myself.”

Jiang Sui replied nonchalantly, “Just walked over. I’ve always been good at sports.”

“But carrying a child, without a safety harness—didn’t you consider the possibility of an accident?”

“That’s impossible. With me here, Xuanxuan will never be harmed.”

“You’re so confident. If you fell, you’d be injured,” the host said in surprise.

“It’s not confidence—it’s that I have the ability,” Jiang Sui replied.

“Ahem… But Xuanxuan has a fear of heights. Isn’t taking her across like this detrimental to facing her fears and overcoming psychological obstacles?” the host pressed.

Jiang Sui stroked Lu Xuanxuan’s little head. “All you adults know that forcing someone is wrong, so why be so demanding with a child? With me here, Xuanxuan doesn’t need to confront her fears or overcome psychological barriers. I will protect her.”

Though Lu Xuanxuan was too young to fully grasp Jiang Sui’s words, she understood enough. She felt a bit surprised, and the way she looked at Jiang Sui now was free of the former resentment.