a publicity stunt

The Xiao family has fallen into chaos. News of Xiao Fei's return and the anonymous threat had spread like wildfire through the sprawling estate.

In the main study, Xiao Zhiming paced back and forth, his usually composed demeanor shattered. His wife Xiao Yan, on the other hand, was peacefully flipping through a fashion magazine as if unbothered by whatever was going on around them.

"You always knew this was going to happen one day," she casually remarked.

Xiao Zhiming stopped his pacing and turned to face his wife, his expression a mixture of frustration and disbelief. "How can you be so calm about this, Yan? Our family's reputation is at stake!"

Xiao Yan glanced up from her magazine, her eyebrow arched. "Panicking won't solve anything, honey. Besides, we've had years to prepare for this possibility."

Zhiming ran a hand through his graying hair. "Prepare? How could we possibly prepare for this scandal?"

"By being smart," Xiao Yan replied, setting her magazine aside. "Tell me, what exactly are you afraid of?"

Zhiming's voice lowered to a hiss. "The board finding out, the public, our reputation... everything we've built could crumble!"

Xiao Yan stood up, smoothing her dress. "The board already suspects. The public? They love a good scandal. As for our reputation..." She paused, a calculating gleam in her eye. "This could be an opportunity."

"An opportunity?" Zhiming echoed, incredulous.

"Yes," Xiao Yan nodded. She slowly approached him and crossed her arms around his neck, "Think about it. A long-lost daughter reunited with her family. It's practically a soap opera. We could spin this, make it work in our favor."

Zhiming stared at his wife, a mix of admiration and wariness in his gaze. "You've thought about this before, haven't you?"

Xiao Zhiming let out a sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. He knew his wife was right, as much as it galled him to admit it. Yan was always several steps ahead, a master manipulator who could turn any situation to their advantage. This was one of the reasons he married her in the first place.

Being the heir of the Xiao family who was constantly threatened by the people around him, he needed someone strong, someone cunning and Xiao Yan was the perfect candidate. Being beautiful and a strong family background was a plus. But love, that was never part of that equation. He didn't love Xiao Yan and Xiao Yan didn't love him. It was a perfect collaboration, with both parties at an advantage.

"Alright," Xiao Zhiming conceded, lowering his slightly so their foreheads were touching. "So, what do we do now?"

Xiao Yan's smile turned predatory. "We play the game, darling. And we play it beautifully."

The next day, the news of Xiao Fei's return was officially announced. It spoke of a long-lost daughter, miraculously found, and a family overjoyed to be reunited. 

Public reaction, as Xiao Yan predicted, ate it up. Press releases painted a picture of a loving reunion, a prodigal daughter welcomed back with open arms. The social media buzzed with well wishes and questions. Xiao Zhiming painted a picture of a loving father, heartbroken by his past mistakes. Xiao Yan announced the creation of a foundation dedicated to finding missing children. It was a perfect play by the Xiao family.

Meanwhile, in her room at the far end of the sprawling estate, Xiao Fei remained blissfully detached. 

"Seventy-eight... seventy-nine... eighty." Sweat beaded on Xiao Fei's forehead as she pushed through the set of push-ups.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. She paused for a second before she continued again, ignoring whoever was outside the door. The knock came again, this time a little louder.

She sighed and stood up. Picking up a towel to wipe her sweat, she opened the door. On the other side stood Xiao Rong, her head raised to knock once again. Xiao Rong froze. Her eyes were wide open in surprise and she blushed red.

"I..." She stammered, her eyes running over Xiao Fei's sweaty appearance.

"You need something?" Xiao Fei asked.

"Umm... I just wanted to ask..." Xiao Rong fumbled with her hand.

Xiao Fei arched her eyebrow. "Ask?"

"Ask if you are okay?" Xiao Rong pushed out the words she had been practicing in front of the mirror for an hour. She froze when she realized she had finally asked the question but then, panic settled in.

"I mean, with...with everything that is happening," Xiao Rong's words spilled out in a rush, her cheeks still flushed. " the...the news and everyone talking and the press and, oh, you know, the whole family..."

"I'm fine," Xiao Fei cut her off before she could continue her rambling.

"Oh," Xiao Rong whispered, looking at her feet.

"Then...Then I won't disturb you any longer," she mumbled.

Not giving a reply, Xiao Fei closed the door on her face and went back to her workout.

Xiao Rong stared at the closed door, disappointment flashing in her eyes. She had rehearsed this moment so many times, yet she still messed it up. Why couldn't she do one thing right?

Pathetic. That was the word that echoed in her mind.

Xiao Rong had spent her entire life trying to be perfect. Her life had been a constant performance, a carefully constructed image designed to please everyone around her – parents, teachers, friends. Even her hobbies were carefully chosen, a curated list of accomplishments that screamed 'perfect daughter of the Xiao family'.

Xiao Rong envied Xiao Fei. Strong, self-assured, unburdened by the need for approval. Xiao Rong yearned for that kind of freedom. But freedom came at a cost, and she wasn't sure she was willing to pay it.

"What are you doing here?"

Xiao Rong jumped, startled by her mother's voice.

"Did I not tell you to stay away from this part of the estate?" Xiao Yan questioned, eyes narrowed and lips pursed into a thin line.

"I...I was just..." Xiao Rong stammered.

"Spare me the excuses, Xiao Rong. And go to your room," Her voice was cold, "We will talk about this later."

Xiao Rong shrank under her mother's gaze. "Yes, mother." She mumbled and walked away.

Xiao Yan's gaze lingered on the closed door of Xiao Fei's bedroom, her lips pursed in a thin line.

"This girl really is a trouble,"