Chapter Twenty-Two: Liu Yifei Has Worn Herself Out for This Family

Liu Yifei pulled Chen Siyuan into the dance studio. This studio had been specifically renovated by Chen Siyuan for her.

"Dad, you're too tense. If you keep acting like this, Mom is going to get depressed."

Liu Yifei glanced out the window, where Liu Xiaoli was strolling through the small garden, supported by Nicole Kidman.

Chen Siyuan pondered for a moment and nodded. "Yes, I am indeed a bit too anxious. After all, your mother is an older mother-to-be, and I’ve been on edge this whole time."

"Relax. Didn't Dr. Emily say that Mom’s physical condition is excellent—even healthier than most expectant mothers? You just need to ease your mind," Liu Yifei continued to comfort him. She had been worrying herself sick over this family.

Fortunately, Chen Siyuan was willing to listen to her.

"Xixi, I’m starting to have some regrets," Chen Siyuan sighed.

Liu Yifei blinked, looking mischievous. "Regrets? Do you regret wanting a younger brother? Or do you regret letting him grow up to protect me?"

"Sigh, even though your mother has always practiced dance and is in great shape, the risks of giving birth at her age are just too high. If anything were to go wrong, I’d never forgive myself."

"Dad, Mom’s belly is already so big; it’s no use regretting it now. You’d be better off letting it go!"

"How can I just let it go?" Chen Siyuan gave a bitter smile.

"Like I said, do some role-playing with me!"

"Fine, what should we play?"

"Hmm, let's do *Roman Holiday*! I’ll play Princess Ann, and you play the male lead, Joe!" Liu Yifei’s eyes sparkled with excitement; she had wanted to act with her father for a long time.

Chen Siyuan closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Because of his work, he encountered all sorts of people, reporters included. When he opened his eyes again, his entire demeanor had shifted.

"You should stay in my clothes," Chen Siyuan said, reciting Joe’s classic line from the film.

To Liu Yifei’s surprise, her father had captured Gregory Peck’s mannerisms, tone, and inflection perfectly.

"It seems I have no choice," Liu Yifei replied, imitating Princess Ann’s expression and state of mind from the movie. "I hate this nightgown. I hate all my nightgowns, and I hate all my underwear."

Chen Siyuan had to admit that Liu Yifei had a natural talent for acting. She imitated Audrey Hepburn with uncanny precision, yet she added a touch of youthful, playful charm that was uniquely her own.

Although Chen Siyuan wasn't a professional actor, he was well-traveled and experienced, so mimicking a film sequence was no problem. The father and daughter didn't stick strictly to the script; they improvised as they went. With no director hovering over them, they let themselves go completely. It was an incredibly joyous process.

"Dad, have you finally let it go?" Liu Yifei asked, looking triumphantly at a visibly relaxed Chen Siyuan.

"You’re just too clever," Chen Siyuan said, dotingly ruffling her hair.

"Hehe, Dad, let’s go for a walk too!" Liu Yifei linked her arm through his.

"Alright, I’ll listen to you." Chen Siyuan was easily persuaded.

When Liu Xiaoli walked back, supported by Nicole Kidman, she ran into the pair. Seeing the change in Chen Siyuan, she felt a wave of relief. Her precious daughter really was the one who could get through to him.

"You two go back and rest; I’ll take a walk with Xixi," Chen Siyuan said with a smile, finally refraining from fussing over Liu Xiaoli.

Nicole Kidman looked at Liu Yifei with curiosity, wondering how she had managed that.

"Xixi, do you really love acting?" Chen Siyuan asked, looking at the young girl beside him. She was at that age where she was growing rapidly, blossoming into a graceful young lady.

"Of course I do! Every time I act, I feel so happy!" Liu Yifei tilted her head, flashing a wide, gummy grin. On anyone else, it might look awkward, but on her, it was adorable.

"Then in two years, I’ll take you back home to apply for the Beijing Film Academy."

"Dad, why must it be the Beijing Film Academy?" Liu Yifei blinked, curious. She didn't oppose his plans, knowing he loved her most.

"I choose it because it's the cradle of stars in China, where you can receive systematic training. Secondly, most of the renowned directors in China are alumni. In this industry, connections are everything."

Chen Siyuan spoke without hesitation.

Liu Yifei pouted. "Dad, we aren't in court right now. Just tell me the truth!"

Chen Siyuan reached out and flicked her forehead. "You’ve grown quite bold, haven't you?"

Liu Yifei giggled and shook his arm. "Dad, I’ve grown up!"

"Actually, no matter the industry, it's a 'winner-takes-all' game. It’s cruel, but it’s reality. But you’re different, Xixi. Because you have your father standing behind you, as long as you hold your head high, I’ll handle everything else for you." Chen Siyuan exuded a rare sense of dominance.

"Dad, you’re the best! I love you!" Liu Yifei stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek.

"Silly girl, I love you too!" Chen Siyuan pinched her nose affectionately.

Liu Yifei knew clearly that her father just wanted her to be happy, so she wouldn't press him for more details. She only needed to be happy herself and provide him with emotional value. She chatted happily about their role-play, praising him for being more like a reporter than Peck himself. Chen Siyuan was delighted, proudly explaining his thought process behind his performance. Liu Yifei gasped and cheered at his insights, making him feel on top of the world.

Standing by the window, Liu Xiaoli and Nicole Kidman watched the joyful pair.

"Jack really loves Crystal. He was never like this before," Nicole Kidman said with a faint smile.

Liu Xiaoli gently stroked her belly, her face full of warmth. "Meeting Siyuan and marrying him is the greatest stroke of luck in my life." Who would have thought that it all started with a fake marriage? Life’s encounters were truly wondrous.

"Liu, Crystal is incredibly talented. Have you really not considered letting her stay here? I can pull some strings at USC," Nicole Kidman suggested again.

"Nicole, thank you for your kindness, but on this matter, I listen to Siyuan. I trust that he will arrange everything perfectly." On the topic of Liu Yifei, Liu Xiaoli had completely entrusted the decision to Chen Siyuan. This was the depth of her trust.