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"Girlfriend."
The hot pot meal was very lively.
Ning Fei was especially happy today, and brought up many interesting stories about Ning Yuxuan and Ning Shiyue when they were young.
Over the years, Ning Fei has raised her two children alone, enduring countless hardships, the extent of which only she knows.
Especially in the early days after arriving in Beicheng, Ning Fei refused any help from her ex-husband. At that time, the only person who could help her was her good friend Zheng Xinmei.
Zheng Xinmei helped her find a reasonably priced house in Beicheng, and occasionally, when she was too busy filming, she would take her two children to stay at the Xie family's house for a few days.
Ning Yuxuan and Ning Shiyue met Xie Zhiyan when they were young because of this.
No matter how difficult the past was, it's all in the past now.
Ning Fei was unwilling to dwell on the past, and even less did she want her child to feel guilty about it.
When Ning Fei talks about her daughter and son's growth, she always has a peaceful smile on her face, only choosing to talk about the happy and heartwarming moments.
The others present were very supportive, and the table was never quiet.
When Ning Shiyue mentioned that he once cried because he couldn't solve a math problem no matter what he tried, Ning Yuxuan mercilessly mocked him: "No wonder you're such a crybaby!"
Ning Shiyue retorted, "You're the crybaby! I remember you cried just as much as I did when we were kids!"
Ning Yuxuan made a face: "At least I won't cry because I can't solve a problem, right, Mom?"
Ning Fei couldn't help but chuckle, and together with her daughter, they carefully recalled: "It seems... Xuanxuan really hasn't cried about studying."
Although her daughter has caused her a lot of worry, she has never really troubled her when it comes to her studies.
My daughter has always been a good student. After entering junior high school, she received tutoring from Xie Zhiyan, an excellent student, and her grades have consistently been among the best.
He then smoothly entered a top high school and was admitted to University A.
This is why Ning Fei was even more heartbroken when her daughter wasted her time on love.
Her daughter should have a bright future and shine in her life, instead of being heartbroken over a man all day long.
Hearing Ning Fei say this, Ning Yuxuan immediately beamed with joy: "See? Even Mom said so."
"That's because..." Ning Shiyue took a big bite of tofu, "...that's because whenever you have a problem you don't know how to solve, you send it to Brother Zhiyan and ask him to help you solve it. With someone helping you, of course you won't cry!"
“I call this making reasonable use of resources,” Ning Yuxuan said matter-of-factly. “Besides, didn’t you know Xie Zhiyan back then? Why didn’t you ask him?”
Ning Yuxuan and Ning Shiyue chatted non-stop, while the man they mentioned remained calm and collected.
Xie Zhiyan leisurely took a sip of plum juice, completely oblivious to being the center of attention.
Ning Shiyue glanced quickly at Xie Zhiyan, then looked away.
He didn't want to admit that he didn't ask the question back then because he was concerned about saving face and didn't want Xie Zhiyan to think that he couldn't even answer such a simple question.
Ning Shiyue cleared his throat: "That's because I'm not as thick-skinned as you. You always know how to bother others when you encounter problems!"
"Really?" Ning Yuxuan looked at Xie Zhiyan with an innocent expression: "Do you find it troublesome?"
Xie Zhiyan: "..."
Seeing that the other three people at the table were looking at him, the man helplessly took a sip of water.
Xie Zhiyan: "No trouble at all."
Having gotten the answer she wanted, Ning Yuxuan raised an eyebrow at Ning Shiyue triumphantly, her tail practically wagging in the air.
Ning Shiyue rolled her eyes at her.
“Brother Zhiyan,” Ning Shiyue turned to Xie Zhiyan and said, “You’re just too kind. The better you treat my sister, the more she—”
Ning Yuxuan picked up a fish ball with her chopsticks and stuffed it into Ning Shiyue's mouth: "You eat yours."
Ning Shiyue: "..."
With his mouth stuffed with meatballs, Ning Shiyue could only stare at Ning Yuxuan with his eyes wide open.
Ning Fei couldn't stop smiling, and while laughing, she reminded Ning Shiyue, "Eat slowly, be careful not to choke."
Xie Zhiyan also smiled.
“It’s alright,” he replied to Ning Shiyue. “There’s plenty of time. I have enough time to gradually get used to your sister’s personality.”
Ning Yuxuan glanced at Xie Zhiyan.
On his way home, Ning Shiyue had already heard Ning Fei mention on the phone that Xie Zhiyan was going to invest in Huayuan, and that Ning Yuxuan was preparing to open a new store.
Ning Shiyue assumed Xie Zhiyan was referring to future cooperation and didn't find it strange.
Ning Fei paused slightly, her gaze shifting between her daughter and Xie Zhiyan.
After the meal, all the hot pot ingredients we had bought earlier were used up.
Ning Yuxuan glanced at Ning Shiyue's bowl and discovered that the slice of beef she had thrown in, which was covered in chili, had been eaten by Ning Shiyue without her noticing.
The dishes and utensils used for hot pot should be cleaned as soon as possible, and left to be washed by the cleaning lady when she comes to work tomorrow, because the smell is too strong.
Xie Zhiyan and Ning Shiyue cleaned up the pots and dishes on the table and took them into the kitchen.
We have a dishwasher at home, but we still need to process the food first before putting it in.
Ning Fei wanted to go to the kitchen to help, but was blocked at the doorway.
"Auntie," Xie Zhiyan said with a faint smile, "Xiao Yue and I will take care of it."
Ning Fei: "You're a guest, how could I possibly accept this..."
Xie Zhiyan bent down and put the empty bowl into the dishwasher, saying gently, "I came here for a free hot pot meal, so I can't just do nothing."
Ning Fei couldn't refuse, so she said, "Then thank you for your trouble."
Xie Zhiyan and Ning Shiyue were tidying up in the kitchen when Ning Fei came out and happened to run into her daughter.
Ning Fei smiled and said, "Zhiyan is a really good kid. He's capable and efficient."
Ning Yuxuan joked with her, "Mom, did someone bribe you just by washing the dishes?"
Ning Fei smiled faintly and shook her head.
After the meal, Ning Fei vaguely sensed that there seemed to be something unusual between Xie Zhiyan and her daughter.
However, she wasn't entirely sure, especially since her daughter had just gone through an unpleasant relationship, and Ning Fei didn't want to force things.
So Ning Fei only asked one question, and seeing that her daughter didn't react, she decided to stop while she was ahead: "After Zhiyan and the others finish packing, Xuanxuan, you can see him out."
Ten minutes later, the kitchen and dining room were spotless, with only the hum of the dishwasher remaining.
Ning Yuxuan saw Xie Zhiyan out as instructed.
Xie Zhiyan's car was parked in the garage next to the villa, which was only about a minute's walk away.
Neither of them spoke first along the way.
When they arrived at the garage door, Ning Yuxuan suddenly said, "My mother seems to be starting to doubt our relationship."
Xie Zhiyan's brow twitched slightly: "Is that so?"
Ning Yuxuan nodded: "Hmm... I can't really say, but I feel like she's sensed something. What do you think...?"
The two were some distance apart, and in the moonlight, they could only vaguely see each other's faces.
Xie Zhiyan saw Ning Yuxuan looking at him with bright, sparkling eyes, as if there were stars twinkling in them.
She looked up at him and said, "How about we go with the flow and start dating?"
Xie Zhiyan: "..."
For once, the man was lost in thought for a few seconds.
Ning Yuxuan waited for a while, and seeing that Xie Zhiyan didn't speak, she said again, "But I've already hinted to my mom that you were the one who pursued me. If we're going to 'date,' you need to act like you like me even more."
She continued refining the script on her own: "Yes, because you really like me, you took the initiative to pursue me. I only have a slight liking for you, and I've temporarily agreed to date you, but I'm still observing you."
Ning Yuxuan blinked her eyelashes, seeking Xie Zhiyan's opinion: "What do you think?"
Xie Zhiyan: "...Okay."
Ning Yuxuan's eyebrows twitched.
Is Xie Zhiyan hesitating? Why does his tone sound a little different than usual?
The light was too dim for her to see his expression clearly, and she had no way of guessing his emotions.
Ning Yuxuan and Xie Zhiyan confirmed: "So you agree?"
Perhaps because it was too quiet around him, Xie Zhiyan's voice sounded deeper than usual: "Hmm."
Having received an affirmative answer, Ning Yuxuan began to think about how to make the script more realistic: "But it's still a bit too sudden that you're pursuing me like this..."
She thought for a few seconds, then a brilliant idea struck her: "How about this? Actually, you've liked me for a long time, but I haven't confessed because I already have someone I like. Now that you finally have the chance, you've decided to tell me your feelings. What do you think of this scenario?"
Xie Zhiyan remained silent.
Ning Yuxuan guessed that Xie Zhiyan was probably unwilling, so she analyzed the situation with him logically and reasonedly: "I know that saying this is a bit out of character for you, but it's the most reasonable explanation. It can't be that I've always liked you, can it? That doesn't make sense, after all, I was so infatuated with Gu before..."
The three words "Gu Yunhao" had barely begun when they were interrupted.
The man's voice was deep, as if carrying a hint of suppressed emotion: "Yu Xuan."
Ning Yuxuan was slightly taken aback: "Hmm?"
Xie Zhiyan: "I understand what you mean."
Ning Yuxuan blinked: "...Really?"
"Um."
In the darkness, the man's voice was slow and clear: "It was I who liked you and took the initiative to pursue you."
Ning Yuxuan: "..."
Even though she knew Xie Zhiyan was repeating what she had said, her heart still beat faster involuntarily.
Fortunately, the darkness provided the best cover; she couldn't see his expression, and Xie Zhiyan probably couldn't have noticed the hint of helplessness on her face either.
Ning Yuxuan composed herself and smiled nonchalantly: "Okay, it's settled then. The next time I see my mom, we'll be boyfriend and girlfriend."
She then pointed to Xie Zhiyan's car and said, "It's getting late, you should head home soon."
Xie Zhiyan gave a soft "hmm" but did not make any immediate move.
Ning Yuxuan found herself inexplicably nervous, a feeling she hadn't experienced even when she was getting her marriage certificate at the Civil Affairs Bureau this morning.
"you……"
Before he could finish speaking, Xie Zhiyan suddenly took half a step forward.
Ning Yuxuan subconsciously held her breath.
At such close range, she could finally see the man's deep black eyes, but she still couldn't figure out his intentions at all.
Xie Zhiyan looked into her eyes: "If we're going to pretend to be a couple, shouldn't we get a little closer?"
Enveloped by the man's icy aura, Ning Yuxuan felt her mind almost stop working: "Is... that so?"
The next moment, the man leaned forward slightly, and his warm lips touched her forehead.
A fleeting kiss, like a dragonfly skimming the water.
Before Ning Yuxuan could react, the man had already retreated to a safe distance.
"See you next time," Xie Zhiyan seemed to chuckle lightly, "my girlfriend."
...
Ning Yuxuan finally came to her senses only after Xie Zhiyan's car drove out of sight.
It seems like... she was taken advantage of?
But ironically, it was she who took the initiative to suggest "becoming boyfriend and girlfriend".
Feeling her heart pounding wildly in her chest, Ning Yuxuan felt utterly disappointed in herself.
Ning Yuxuan, Ning Yuxuan, it was just a light kiss on the forehead! Why are you reacting so strongly?
I took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. After repeating this a few times, my wildly beating heart finally calmed down.
When they returned to the villa, Ning Fei had already gone to the bathroom to take a shower.
Ning Shiyue paced back and forth in the entryway, his back to the door. He turned around immediately after hearing the door open.
"It's just going to the garage, why are you taking so long?" Ning Shiyue handed over a peeled apple. "Are you not only bad at directions outside, but you can also get lost near your own home?"
Ning Yuxuan took the apple: "The night view is so beautiful, let me admire it for a bit, what's wrong?"
Ning Shiyue scoffed lightly: "I don't usually see you having such leisure time."
Ning Yuxuan took a bite of her apple: "And what about you? Do you just stroll around your own entryway all the time?"
Ning Shiyue's expression froze.
He would never say that after he finished peeling the apple, he noticed she was still outside and hadn't returned, so he hesitated about whether to go out and check on her.
Ning Shiyue: "If I eat too much hot pot, I'm more likely to catch a cold if I'm out in the wind. I'm staying home to digest."
Ning Yuxuan had a look on her face that said, "Do you think I believe you?"
Ning Shiyue coughed lightly and looked away: "Just a reminder, don't forget tomorrow at noon."
Ning Yuxuan took another bite of her apple and raised an eyebrow at his words: "I thought you didn't want to go."
“I don’t want to go.” Ning Shiyue’s tone was a little stiff. “But since I’ve already agreed, I’m not one to go back on my word.”
Ning Fei's ex-husband, Lin Yuanfeng, who is also their father, has been in Beicheng on a business trip recently and had sent them a message saying he wanted to find time to have dinner with them.
The Lin family has a small business in Beicheng. Lin Yuanfeng travels there three or four times a year, and each time he asks them if they are free to have a meal together.
Ning Shiyue felt no resentment towards his father, but there was absolutely no affection between them either.
Ning Shiyue had declined to meet with him twice in the first half of this year, citing his busy work schedule. He originally didn't want to go this time either.
However, Ning Yuxuan had stated from the beginning that she was prepared to keep the appointment, and Ning Shiyue hesitated for a few days before deciding to go with her.
“I’ll drive tomorrow,” Ning Shiyue said to Ning Yuxuan. “Don’t get up too late, I don’t want to wait for you until the afternoon.”
"Okay, I know." Ning Yuxuan held up half an apple. "It's quite sweet, would you like one?"
Ning Shiyue's eyes widened slightly, then he showed a disgusted expression: "I won't eat your leftovers!"
Ning Yuxuan laughed out loud: "I mean, if you want to eat it, I'll peel another one for you."
Ning Shiyue realized he had misunderstood, and his ears suddenly burned: "No need!"
After saying that, he quickly turned and left.
Ning Yuxuan watched Ning Shiyue's retreating figure and slowly finished eating the entire apple.
It really is quite sweet, she thought.
.
The next morning, Ning Yuxuan woke up naturally.
Ning Shiyue had already made preparations in advance. After Ning Yuxuan finished getting ready, the two got into the car together.
Half an hour later, the two arrived at the agreed restaurant.
Lin Yuanfeng had already ordered the food and was waiting in the private room.
Seeing Ning Yuxuan and Ning Shiyue arrive, Lin Yuanfeng handed them the order form with a big smile: "Here, Dad has already ordered some of your favorite dishes. Take a look and see if there's anything else you'd like to eat?"
Ning Shiyue glanced at the list with a stiff face and quickly replied, "That's fine."
Lin Yuanfeng had expected this, and upon hearing this, he smiled bitterly, then looked at Ning Yuxuan: "Where is Xuanxuan?"
Ning Yuxuan: "Let me look at the menu."
Lin Yuanfeng's eyes lit up: "Okay, take your time looking!"
The two children are not familiar with me, and even when we eat together, they rarely express their preferences.
It's already a remarkable improvement that my daughter is now willing to order food on her own initiative.
Ning Yuxuan glanced through the menu and added two dishes.
After the dishes were served, Lin Yuanfeng first asked about his ex-wife's health, and then asked about the children's recent situation.
Then he tentatively asked, "Xuanxuan, Dad heard... you've recently started helping your mother run Huayuan, and you've also accepted investment from the Xie family?"
There are no secrets in business, especially since Lin Yuanfeng had been keeping an eye on the activities of the hotels under his ex-wife's name.
Ning Yuxuan didn't hide anything: "Yes."
Lin Yuanfeng: "If there's anything Dad can do to help—"
Ning Yuxuan interrupted him: "Dad, you should know why Mom chose to leave Jincheng back then."
Lin Yuanfeng was taken aback, then realized what his daughter meant.
Ning Yuxuan said calmly, "My mother raised my brother and me to adulthood without ever using a single penny of the Lin family's money."
Ning Fei is a strong-willed person. Since she chose to leave with nothing back then, she has never asked her ex-husband for a single penny of child support.
Later, when he invested in hotels, he used all the savings he had earned from his struggles in the entertainment industry.
That's why Ning Yuxuan chose to cooperate with Xie Zhiyan rather than seek help from her biological father.
She didn't want to go against her mother's wishes.
Hearing Ning Yuxuan say this, Lin Yuanfeng gave a wry smile: "Dad didn't mean anything by it, I just hope it can help you in some way."
When he divorced Ning Fei, Lin Yuanfeng always felt guilty for not being able to protect his wife.
After gaining real power in the family business, he tried his best to salvage the situation, but Ning Fei's attitude was resolute, giving him absolutely no hope.
Ten years after his divorce, Lin Yuanfeng chose to remarry.
He and his current wife reached an agreement not to have children and also made a will.
If he passes away, his assets will be divided equally between his son and daughter.
Even so, Lin Yuanfeng still felt indebted to his ex-wife and children, and always hoped to help the two children more.
Ning Yuxuan smiled and said, "I know, but I'm not short of money right now. Rather than that, I have another question I'd like to ask you."
She looked at Lin Yuanfeng: "Dad, if the Gu family and the Ning family have a conflict of interest in the future, whose side will you stand on?"
For the first time since lunch began, a look of surprise appeared in Lin Yuanfeng's eyes.
He never imagined that his daughter would ask him such a question.
Lin Yuanfeng had helped the Gu family in his early years, and Old Master Gu remembered the old favor and would treat him to a meal every year when Lin Yuanfeng came to Beicheng.
However, the Lin family's main business is in Jincheng, and they have no direct cooperation or business relationship with the Gu family.
After the initial shock, Lin Yuanfeng's expression turned serious: "Xuanxuan, what do you mean by this?"
Ning Yuxuan bluntly stated, "I heard that Gu Yunhao, the eldest grandson of the Gu family, is also preparing to enter the hotel industry. If the Gu family and Huayuan want to seize the market, will you help the Gu family?"
The original book did not mention the role the Lin family played in the process of Hua Yuan being brought down by Gu Yunhao and Cen Meng.
Ning Yuxuan came to keep the appointment today because she wanted to figure out this issue.
Lin Yuanfeng: "..."
After a long silence, Lin Yuanfeng exclaimed repeatedly, "Good, good, my daughter has grown up."
"I assure you," Lin Yuanfeng said solemnly, "no matter what, I will never side with your opponent."
...
Ever since his phone call with Cen Meng, Gu Yunhao has been trying to get his grandfather to introduce him to President Lin in Jincheng.
He was eager to prove to everyone in the industry who had mocked him that he was not just a scandal-ridden playboy, but also capable of doing something well.
I just don't know why, but my grandfather, who had always supported his business ventures, refused to budge this time no matter what.
Gu Yunhao had no other choice, but he didn't dare to ask his mother for help.
His mother had given him a severe scolding for the previous scandal and repeatedly told him to behave himself for the time being, so he dared not provoke her at this time.
After much thought, Gu Yunhao had no choice but to seek help from his friends of the same age.
In the end, he asked his childhood friend Qi Ang for help and got Lin Yuanfeng's contact information.
Gu Yunhao sent a very polite message introducing himself, and then waited anxiously.
President Lin and Grandpa are close friends despite their age difference. Gu Yunhao thought that although he was not senior enough, Grandpa would surely not completely ignore him.
Finally, on the evening of the second day, Gu Yunhao received a reply from the other party, asking him to meet next week.
Gu Yunhao was overjoyed and immediately called Cen Meng to share the good news: "Mengmeng, the idea you gave me before has made progress."
Cen Meng sounded very happy: "That's great, Yun Hao! I knew you could do it!"
Things have progressed, Gu Yunhao is in a good mood, and he has regained about 80% of his former gentleness towards Cen Meng.
He asked with concern, "How are things on your end? Are you alright too?"
Cen Meng said softly, "Hmm... the second episode of 'Mom' is about to be filmed. A few days have passed, and there aren't as many people criticizing me online anymore. Yunhao, I'll come find you after this episode is over, okay?"
Normally, Cen Meng's gentle voice would always make Gu Yunhao feel good.
This time, however, Gu Yunhao became irritated.
The online uproar had barely subsided, and he had just breathed a sigh of relief when Cen Meng started demanding to see him again.
She made excuses when asked to move out of the villa in Jinshui Bay.
Now, disregarding his reputation, he insists on risking danger to come find him.
When did his understanding Mengmeng become so insensible?
The pent-up frustration from various events in recent days is showing signs of erupting again.
Gu Yunhao suppressed his displeasure, but his tone still involuntarily turned cold: "We'll talk about it later."
Perhaps sensing his mood, the phone rang quiet for a while.
Finally, Cen Meng's pitiful voice came from the other end of the phone: "Yun Hao, I understand your difficulties. I will be careful. You must also keep going. I believe we will get through this together."
.
On Saturday morning, the second episode of "Dear Mom" met with the audience as scheduled.
This episode is different from the last one. Instead of the guests gathering at the villa at the beginning, the production team went to the homes of the three guests to film.
Amidst great anticipation, the program started on time, and the live broadcast simultaneously featured footage of three groups of guests.
The living room of Ning Fei's house, Jiang Ning'an's bedroom, and the library of Cen Meng's mansion.
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