The CEO’s Little Moon

A Promise of Protection

The marketplace buzzed with noise and chatter, but Lin Xuan’s heartbeat drowned it all out.

In that instant, she didn’t think—her body moved on instinct, and she threw herself into Lin Yi’s arms.

She knew this was live. She knew countless eyes were glued to their every move, ready to magnify the smallest gesture. And yet, she couldn’t hold back.

“Brother…”

Her voice was low, trembling.

For a moment, Lin Yi’s gaze darkened. A fierce surge of possessiveness and protectiveness rose inside him. He almost wanted to lock his sister completely in his embrace, declaring her as his alone. But reason quickly reminded him—this was under the cameras. This was her career.

He drew in a deep breath, turned to Lu Wan and Lu Ye, and gave them a brief nod. “Thank you.”

Then he shifted, moving with the elegance of a gentleman yet radiating a sense of dominance, and pulled Lin Xuan close to him. His hand rose and rested gently on the back of her head, steady and tender, as though he were calming a frightened fawn.

His voice, low and deliberate, brushed her ear:

“Don’t be afraid. I’m here. Nothing will happen to you. I promise.”

The words were like a tranquilizer. Lin Xuan’s taut body slowly relaxed. The grip on his arm loosened, leaving only the faintest dependence. On camera, her flushed cheeks and nervous eyes could easily pass as the fear of a young girl who had been startled.

The live chat exploded:

【Their sibling bond is unreal!】

【If I didn’t know better, I’d swear they were a couple…】

【Do we need to start campaigning for a sister-in-law?】

【My kids were like this growing up too, always clinging to each other. Totally normal.】

…

Not far away, Lu Wan was checking her younger brother. Lu Ye frowned, muttering in discontent:

“Next time something like this happens, let me handle it. You’re a girl—why take such risks?”

Lu Wan paused. A moment ago, she’d been touched that her little brother had stood up for her. But hearing this, her face immediately cooled.

“And you?” she shot back, eyes sharp. “You’re an entertainer who lives off your face—should you be standing behind me instead? If I’m being reckless, then what are you doing? Isn’t this exactly when you should stand up?”

Lu Ye faltered, lips parting but no words coming out.

Lu Wan studied him, then softened. With deliberate patience, she smoothed his messy hair and said firmly:

“This isn’t about recklessness or impulse. No matter who it was, I would have stepped in. The world needs girls who dare to stand up. Because once there’s a first, there’ll be a second, and a third. And when enough people step up, the bad ones will think twice.”

The comment stream lit up again:

【This lawyer sister is amazing—beauty, brains, and courage!】

【Finally, a role model who speaks the truth.】

【The brother’s just worried, that’s all. Hard shell, soft heart.】

【These two protect each other—it’s beautiful.】

【Careful—shipping everything isn’t healthy!】

…

Meanwhile, the other families had begun packing up to buy ingredients. Word of what had just happened spread quickly, and many came to check in.

The camera on the Lin siblings cut briefly to the celebrity couple. The husband hurried over, full of concern for Lin Yi and Lin Xuan, condemning the troublemaker and even offering to help. He carried their borrowed pots back, and with money earned from his own stall, pre-purchased the ribs Lin Yi had reserved—acting attentive and generous for the camera.

Yet across the market, his actress wife was still haggling at stalls, left with only a little money from selling corn. She bargained hard, hands full of bags, with sweat at her temples.

The audience erupted again:

【Wait… so he can help?】

【Plenty eager to assist others, but his own wife is left running around exhausted.】

【Double standards much? A public smile, but a private burden.】

【He’s generous with other people’s effort. What an act.】

Sympathy for the actress swelled. Some commenters cried out:

【Sis, please leave him!】

Others disagreed:

【Come on, it’s just a show. In real life, she married into money—there are staff and maids at home. A few days of hard work on a show isn’t worth pity.】

Meanwhile, in the mother-daughter team, Yang Rong had also heard what happened. As a woman, she understood all too well. She clasped her daughter’s tiny hand and explained gently in words a child could understand:

“Don’t be afraid. Bad people get taken away. Mama and all the uncles and aunts will protect you.”

…

Off-camera, Lin Yi still hadn’t released Lin Xuan. His arms formed a shield around her, his stance pure protection, until her nerves fully settled—and until she herself grew a little embarrassed.

His eyes were deep, his lips faintly curved, but he said nothing about his near slip earlier.

Everyone could see the intimacy between these siblings ran deeper than most. And yet, they fit together like two puzzle pieces—seamless, undeniable, impossible to separate.