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◎“My mom is still right next to me.”◎
Ning Yuxuan paused for a second, then asked Xie Zhiyan, "Do you know what happened? Why are so many media outlets suddenly here?"
“The media is here for the two new members of the show,” Xie Zhiyan replied. “But just in case, you and Aunt Ning should still ride in my car. They won’t dare to stop me.”
It's difficult to explain the whole story over the phone in a short time.
Ning Yuxuan didn't ask any more questions and agreed.
The guests were originally supposed to take the production crew's car back to the villa together before packing their luggage and going home.
But now a lot of media have arrived, and the program crew's original minibus, parked in the underground garage, is now surrounded.
Even if you manage to get back to the villa, there might still be people lying in wait there.
After hanging up the phone, Ning Yuxuan first explained the situation to Ning Fei, and then asked Qin Man and Jiang Ning'an if they wanted to go together.
Qin Man asked, "Yu Xuan, do you know what happened?"
Ning Yuxuan: "I don't know the specifics, but it shouldn't be aimed at us, but rather... something went wrong on their end."
She gave Cheng Xiyang a look, and Qin Man immediately understood.
After thinking for a moment, Qin Man replied, "Since it's not aimed at me and Ning An, I'll have someone from the company come and pick us up. You and Teacher Ning can go back first."
Ning Yuxuan didn't press the matter further: "Then, Teacher Qin, remember to let me know you've arrived home safely."
Qin Man smiled and said, "Okay."
After speaking with the staff, Ning Yuxuan and Ning Fei went downstairs to find Xie Zhiyan's car.
Most media outlets were staking out the production crew's minibus, while others waited at the elevator entrance, hoping to intercept Cheng Xiyang and Liu Yufang for an interview as soon as possible.
Ning Yuxuan and Ning Fei were stopped by the group of people at the elevator entrance. Fortunately, their main target was Cheng Xiyang, and they didn't pursue them too relentlessly.
After successfully locating Xie Zhiyan's Bentley, the two got into the back seat.
Just as Xie Zhiyan said, the people who were chasing after them for interviews dared not stop them anymore once they got into the car.
The car slowly drove out of the parking lot.
This time, the driver was not the one Ning Yuxuan often saw. After getting in the car, the driver explained, "President Xie is still on a business trip in Nancheng and will be back tomorrow, so he sent me to pick him up."
Ning Yuxuan confirmed the address with the driver.
The driver added, "Mr. Xie said that if Miss Ning wants to know the specifics, she can take a look at this."
As he spoke, the driver handed a tablet computer to Ning Yuxuan.
Ning Yuxuan thanked them and, together with Ning Fei, browsed through the files on the tablet, then looked at the topics currently trending on the hot search list.
After reading it, the two roughly understood the whole story.
Ning Fei frowned deeply: "Cheng Xiyang and his mother...did they really do such a thing? It's unbelievable..."
Having lived most of her life, including many years working in the entertainment industry, Ning Fei has seen many things that are hard for ordinary people to imagine.
But Liu Yufang's actions still shocked her.
As a mother, Ning Fei couldn't help but imagine how heartbroken she would be if her own daughter had experienced something similar.
Ning Yuxuan shook her head: "I didn't expect this either. I thought Cheng Xiyang just had an older sister and didn't want to admit it, but I didn't expect..."
Ning Fei was a little scared: "Xiao Yue was really impulsive."
Fortunately, Cheng Xiyang's sister came out in time to expose Cheng Xiyang and his mother; otherwise, if Ning Shiyue had gotten involved in this matter, he would probably have gotten himself into trouble as well.
Ning Fei asked worriedly, "I wonder how Xiao Yue is doing right now."
Ning Yuxuan picked up her phone: "I'll give him a call and see."
When I dialed Ning Shiyue's number, his assistant Ding Yan answered.
“Miss Ning,” Ding Yan said, “Shi Yue is currently filming an action scene and cannot answer the phone for the time being. However, he said that if it is you or Teacher Ning who calls, please tell you that he is doing well.”
After a pause, Ding Yan added, "Ms. Ning, don't worry, no media has come after us yet, and we've already increased security at the film set and hotel. I'll have Shi Yue call you back after he finishes filming."
After hanging up the phone, Ning Yuxuan reassured Ning Fei, "Ning Shiyue is fine, he's filming right now."
Ning Fei sighed, "It's good that you're alright... By the way, Xuanxuan, remember to thank Zhiyan."
Ning Yuxuan realized that she hadn't yet let Xie Zhiyan know she was safe.
However, the driver must have already informed Xie Zhiyan when she and Ning Fei got into the car.
Ning Yuxuan still sent Xie Zhiyan a message: 【Thank you. My mom and I are on our way home. Did you have Cheng Xiyang exposed?】
Xie Zhiyan: [I did have someone investigate Cheng Xiyang's sister, but it was someone else who exposed him.]
Ning Yuxuan raised an eyebrow slightly and typed: [Not you? Then do you know who it is?]
Xie Zhiyan: [As far as I know, your father is also investigating Cheng Xiyang and his sister.]
Ning Yuxuan's gaze sharpened slightly as she stared at her phone screen.
Lin Yuanfeng?
She thought he didn't care about these things at all. Before, when she and Cen Meng had a big fuss online, Lin Yuanfeng didn't send her any messages to ask her what exactly happened.
Ning Yuxuan pondered whether or not to tell Ning Fei and Ning Shiyue about Lin Yuanfeng's involvement.
Before she could reach a conclusion, the man opposite her noticed another message:
I was too busy with work this week to visit you. But after I fly back to Beicheng tomorrow, I don't have any other plans for the time being.
Ning Yuxuan snapped out of her daze and, recognizing the man's hint, smiled slightly.
She pretended not to understand his meaning: "It's okay, I've been quite busy this week too, discussing the hotel design with the designer."
Xie Zhiyan: [Then I'll book your time for Monday evening now. I wonder if Mr. Ning can spare some time to see me amidst his busy schedule?]
Ning Yuxuan was amused by him: "Let me think about it."
Ning Yuxuan: [Oh, right, there's one more thing I need to tell you.]
Xie Zhiyan: [What?]
Ning Yuxuan: [I've already told my mom about us.]
Xie Zhiyan: [What's going on between us?]
Ning Yuxuan stared at the man's reply, strongly suspecting that he was asking a question he already knew the answer to.
She typed: 【It's nothing, it's okay if you don't know!】
After replying, Ning Yuxuan simply put her phone away.
Seeing her daughter's actions, Ning Fei asked, "What's wrong?"
Ning Yuxuan smiled and said, "It's nothing, Mom. I just did what you said and expressed my gratitude to Xie Zhiyan."
Ning Fei glanced at her daughter for a few seconds and instinctively felt that things weren't so simple.
However, Ning Fei, having been through it all, knows that her daughter might not want to tell her everything when she's in a relationship.
Ning Fei didn't expose her daughter: "It's good that you thanked me. Luckily, Zhiyan was there this time, otherwise we probably wouldn't have been able to get home so smoothly."
Ning Yuxuan hesitated for a few seconds before speaking: "Mom, I heard that my dad was also involved in this investigation and exposure of Cheng Xiyang's sister."
Ning Fei was stunned: "Your dad?"
Ning Yuxuan nodded.
Ning Fei remained silent for a long time.
She may not have completely let go of her marriage with her ex-husband when they first divorced, but she resolutely refused his help because she wanted to stand up for herself.
But now, nearly twenty years later, she has indeed completely let go of that relationship, and her state of mind is much more peaceful than before.
After a moment of silence, Ning Fei looked at her daughter and said, "If he really helped Xiao Yue in this matter, I will thank him."
Ning Yuxuan looked at her mother, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back.
She knew her mother was a strong-willed person, so Ning Yuxuan hesitated whether to tell Ning Fei about Lin Yuanfeng's involvement in the matter.
But after thinking it over, I realized that there are no secrets that stay hidden forever.
If we keep it a secret, and Ning Fei hears about it from someone else, it would be better for her daughter to tell her herself.
Ning Yuxuan was still a little worried that her mother might have some thoughts after finding out.
Ning Fei noticed her daughter's concern and suddenly laughed: "Silly girl, what are you worrying about for your mother?"
Ning Yuxuan was hit where it was right: "I..."
Ning Fei smiled at her daughter: "Mom has lived to this age, how can I keep worrying about such a small thing? Besides, I have always said that no matter what, he is still your and Xiao Yue's father. Not to mention this time, if you want to use the Lin family's resources in the future, Mom will not stop you either."
She herself does not accept help from her ex-husband, which is her principle, but she will not use the same standard to restrict her own children.
That man was the father of her children, and she wanted her children to have a good life.
Seeing her daughter still in a daze, Ning Fei tapped her nose: "Alright, Xuanxuan, don't worry about Mom anymore. Mom isn't that fragile."
Ning Yuxuan finally smiled and said, "Okay, Mom."
The mother and daughter smiled at each other, when Ning Yuxuan's cell phone, which she had tossed into her bag, suddenly rang.
Ning Yuxuan took out her phone and paused for a moment when she saw that the caller ID showed "Xie Zhiyan".
I just sent a message, why are you calling again?
Ning Fei noticed her daughter's hesitation, glanced at her phone screen, and teased with a smile, "Why aren't you answering your boyfriend's calls? Is it because Mom is here? Fine, I won't listen then."
As she spoke, Ning Fei deliberately turned her head away a little.
"Mom!" Ning Yuxuan glanced helplessly at Ning Fei and answered the phone.
A magnetic male voice came from beside her ear: "Xuanxuan?"
Ning Yuxuan: "Why did you suddenly call, Mr. Xie? Aren't you a very busy person who's currently on a business trip?"
Xie Zhiyan chuckled lightly, "I just met a client and I'm on my way back to the hotel. What? You don't want me to rest?"
Ning Yuxuan snorted, "Yeah, I just want you to work from morning till night every day, more than eighteen hours a day, and earn lots and lots of money for me to spend."
In fact, she and Xie Zhiyan signed an agreement before getting their marriage certificate, stating that the money Xie Zhiyan earned had nothing to do with her. She said this casually just to contradict him.
However, if Xie Zhiyan dared to say he wouldn't spend money on her, Ning Yuxuan would hang up the phone immediately.
Xie Zhiyan said calmly, "You don't need to make it sound so difficult. I've earned enough money for you to spend."
Ning Yuxuan raised an eyebrow: "That's not necessarily true. I'm quite a big spender. Now that these four new stores are on track, I'm thinking of opening four more. What do you think? Mr. Xie, you can fund it for me too."
She spoke with such confidence that she didn't think anything of it, but it did attract the attention of the other two people in the car.
Ning Fei glanced at her daughter in surprise, thinking that Xie Zhiyan and her daughter had only been together for a short time, and her daughter was already speaking so bluntly.
Even couples who have been dating for a long time should be careful when discussing money, otherwise it can easily lead to a falling out.
Ning Fei had seen many similar cases; many couples broke up because they couldn't agree on money.
Ning Fei was truly surprised that her daughter would talk about these things with her boyfriend so casually so soon after they started dating.
The driver in the driver's seat was even more shocked.
Xie Zhiyan has two drivers. The other driver usually accompanies Xie Zhiyan more often, but he also accompanied him to Nancheng this time.
This was the first time the driver had met Ning Yuxuan.
He heard from his colleagues that Xie Zhiyan treated this Miss Ning very differently, and advised him to be careful.
But his colleagues didn't tell him that this Ms. Ning was Mr. Xie's girlfriend.
No, no, when Mr. Xie himself gave him the task, he only said that he was picking up Mr. Xie's mother's friend and daughter, not his girlfriend.
The driver felt extremely shocked, especially when he heard Ning Yuxuan speak to Xie Zhiyan in that tone, he was completely dumbfounded.
Fortunately, he's currently in the driver's seat, so no one can see his expression.
After Ning Yuxuan finished speaking, she waited for Xie Zhiyan's reply.
The man seemed to ponder for a second before speaking, "Paying money is no problem."
Ning Yuxuan raised her eyebrows slightly.
She just asked casually, and she's so generous?
Xie Zhiyan: "But there are conditions."
Ning Yuxuan: "..."
I feel like I've heard this sentence before.
She was "fooled" by Xie Zhiyan's words and agreed to get a marriage certificate with him.
Ning Yuxuan: "Tell me what you think?"
Xie Zhiyan's cool voice carried a hint of a smile: "Renew your contract with me."
Ning Yuxuan: "..."
She suddenly felt guilty and couldn't help but glance quickly at her mother.
Ning Fei was looking out the window to admire the scenery, probably to avoid suspicion. However, the back seat of the car was only so big, and Ning Yuxuan knew that she could definitely hear what she was saying.
Ning Yuxuan suppressed her slightly accelerated heartbeat and lowered her voice: "What do you mean?"
Xie Zhiyan said calmly, "As long as you are my wife, you can open as many new stores as you want."
Ning Yuxuan pursed her lips.
Of course, she couldn't possibly open new stores indefinitely. Even if Xie Zhiyan were willing to provide her with the funds, her energy and management team wouldn't be able to keep up.
Her goal is to make money, not just to increase the number of Huayuan's branches, which sounds nice.
But Xie Zhiyan's words were more like a promise, telling her that no matter what, as long as their marriage lasted, he would be there to protect her.
Ning Yuxuan didn't know how to respond for a moment, so she cleared her throat to remind him, "My mother is still here."
Xie Zhiyan smiled: "I know."
Ning Yuxuan changed the subject: "You still haven't told me why you suddenly called me."
Xie Zhiyan: "Since you didn't reply to my message, I called you."
Ning Yuxuan feigned ignorance: "Huh? Didn't we just finish talking?"
The man suddenly called her name: "Xuanxuan".
Whenever Xie Zhiyan called her that, Ning Yuxuan's heart would instinctively skip a second.
Perhaps he called her too gently, and she wasn't used to it yet.
Ning Yuxuan: "What is it?"
Xie Zhiyan: "Did you tell Aunt Ning that I'm your boyfriend now?"
Ning Yuxuan: "...Mm."
Xie Zhiyan: "Okay, then on Monday night, I'll visit Aunt Ning as your boyfriend."
Ning Yuxuan blinked.
Sometimes, she felt that this man was indeed frighteningly persistent in certain aspects.
but……
She doesn't dislike it for now.
Ning Yuxuan pursed her lips slightly: "Okay, then you can do it."
She glanced out the window; the car had already turned into the villa area.
"I'll be home soon," Ning Yuxuan said. "I'll hang up now, see you later."
...
The car stopped in front of the villa. Ning Fei got out first and unlocked the door.
The luggage is still in the villa where the live stream was last night, and the staff promised to have it delivered to my home by tomorrow at the latest.
Ning Fei changed into slippers in the entryway and looked at her daughter who had followed her over: "Is Zhiyan coming over tomorrow?"
Ning Yuxuan looked up in surprise: "Mom, how did you know?"
Ning Fei smiled and said, "It's not like Mom hasn't been in a relationship before. You two have only been together for a short time, and it's already been a week since you last saw each other, right? Zhiyan is away on a business trip and will be back soon. He must want to see you as soon as possible."
"How about it?" Ning Fei asked, "Should I come back a little later tomorrow? So you two can have a little time alone together?"
Ning Yuxuan glared: "Don't other people's mothers usually worry about their daughters being bullied? Why are you creating opportunities for him?"
Ning Fei smiled: "I've watched Zhiyan grow up, so I trust him quite a bit."
Ning Yuxuan changed her shoes and hung her bag on the hook: "Mom, you're being unfair!"
Ning Fei smiled and shook her head.
Ning Yuxuan: "Besides, Xie Zhiyan said he's coming to visit you as my boyfriend, so how can you not be here?"
Ning Fei pondered, "Is that so? Then shouldn't Mom prepare properly, buy some groceries, and cook you a delicious meal herself?"
"No need, no need!" Ning Yuxuan pushed Ning Fei into the living room. "Don't be too nice to him, it's too easy on him! Just let the housekeeper cook normally. Besides, you should act like a mother-in-law and give him a good hard time!"
Ning Fei was amused by her daughter and kept laughing.
Before arriving home, Ning Fei had already informed the housekeeper, and soon after she returned, the housekeeper had prepared dinner.
After dinner, Ning Shiyue called and chatted with Ning Fei for a few minutes first.
Then Ning Fei handed the phone to her daughter.
Ning Yuxuan took it: "Hello?"
Ning Shiyue's voice sounded a little different from usual: "Hey, I started work early today, and I've already finished."
Ning Yuxuan: "I know, otherwise why would you call me?"
Ning Shiyue was silent for a few seconds: "You and Mom, are you really alright?"
Ning Yuxuan: "What could possibly happen? We went home right after recording the show and just finished dinner."
"That's good." Ning Shiyue said softly, "I was afraid that Mom didn't tell the truth so that I wouldn't worry. I'm relieved that you said everything is fine."
Ning Yuxuan raised an eyebrow: "Ning Shiyue."
"Um?"
Is there something you want to say?
The person on the other end of the phone remained silent for a longer time before slowly speaking: "I'm sorry, I was too impulsive, which almost caused you and Mom to be cornered at the recording site... Mom said she doesn't blame me, but I still..."
Ning Yuxuan had almost never heard Ning Shiyue speak in this tone.
It sounds like a puppy that has made a mistake.
Ning Yuxuan laughed instead: "Hey, Ning Shiyue, you're not crying, are you?"
This time, the voice on the other end finally sounded normal and regained its strength: "Ning Yuxuan, what are you laughing at! I wasn't crying!"
Ning Yuxuan: "It's good that you didn't cry. Oh, right, there's something I forgot to tell you."
"What?"
"I read your Weibo post, it was so satisfying and cathartic! That's how you deal with scum like that!"
On the other end of the phone, Ning Shiyue finally laughed with relief.
...
On the other side of the northern city, Gu Yunhao was having dinner with his friends.
Since reaching a verbal agreement with the Lin family, Gu Yunhao has been in a good mood, feeling quite pleased with himself.
Qi Ang and several of his friends noticed that Gu Yunhao's mood had improved significantly recently, and they asked him curiously what was wrong.
"Brother Hao, you look so radiant lately. What's making you so happy? Your career or the women?"
Gu Yunhao snorted and took a swig of his drink: "What's the point of women? I can have any kind of woman I want."
Qi Ang chuckled: "So that's your career? Tell the brothers what good things are going on, so we can all be happy for you, Brother Hao."
Gu Yunhao curled the corners of his mouth.
His mother had taught him that in business, no matter how eloquently you speak, it doesn't count unless a written contract is signed.
Therefore, after reaching a verbal agreement with the Lin family, the richest family in Jincheng and one of the top three electronics manufacturers in China, Gu Yunhao refrained from publicizing the deal.
He wanted to surprise his mother and let her know that he wasn't just a useless son.
He wanted to teach all those who had mocked him as a good-for-nothing a lesson and slap them in the face.
But now, after a few drinks and with a bunch of friends flattering him, Gu Yunhao really couldn't resist.
"It's nothing," Gu Yunhao said casually. "I just reached a cooperation agreement with Lin's Electronics. They agreed to supply my newly invested hotel directly at the lowest price."
This statement immediately drew another round of praise.
"Wow! We're nowhere near as good as you, Brother Hao!"
"Brother Hao, please share your experience with us!"
Gu Yunhao, feeling quite pleased with himself, picked up another glass of wine and downed it: "Brother has a suggestion for you all. Don't be sad or upset if a woman runs away. It's a good thing that she's gone; only when she's gone can your career succeed!"
The others agreed while exchanging glances.
I wonder who that woman who ran away that Gu Yunhao mentioned is.
It definitely wasn't Cen Meng; everyone present knew that it was Gu Yunhao who resolutely dumped Cen Meng.
Cen Meng even asked a few people to plead with Gu Yunhao on her behalf, but Gu Yunhao didn't even turn around.
Could it be... that one from the Ning family?
Speaking of Ning Yuxuan, a rumor just happened to cause a huge uproar in the industry today.
Someone saw Xie Zhiyan's usual car at the recording of a variety show and witnessed Ning Yuxuan getting into it.
There are also photographic evidence.
Someone boldly gossiped, "Brother Hao, do you know anything about that girl from the Ning family?"
Upon hearing these words, Gu Yunhao picked up his wine glass and slammed it on the table: "Why bring her up? I have nothing to do with her anymore!"
"Brother Hao, you've misunderstood, you've misunderstood! I know you and she have nothing to do with each other anymore, I just heard... Today, after she finished recording the show, she was surrounded by the media. Xie Zhiyan sent someone to pick her up, and someone took pictures of it."
Gu Yunhao paused, his hand gripping the wine glass, and slowly raised his head: "What did you say?"
Qi Ang noticed that Gu Yunhao's expression was off, so he quickly gave the person who had mentioned Ning Yuxuan a look, signaling him to step back.
"Brother Hao, it's like this," Qi Ang said with a forced smile, "We heard that the Xie family and the Li family of Nancheng are talking about a collaboration recently. Xie Zhiyan went to Nancheng several days ago and hasn't returned yet. We brothers are wondering about it—"
Gu Yunhao glared at Qi Ang: "What's so strange?"
Qi Ang coughed. "Well... everyone knows that Bentley is Xie Zhiyan's private car. He never lends it out or lets anyone else use it. Xie Zhiyan is in Beicheng right now, so how come Ning Yuxuan got into his car? Could it be... that Ning Yuxuan used some tricks to get that car to spite you, and then deliberately had someone take pictures of it..."
Deep down, Qi Ang felt that this statement was not very reliable. Who would dare to secretly drive Xie Zhiyan's car away for unrelated people to use?
But indeed, it's hard to believe that Ning Yuxuan really got back together with Xie Zhiyan right after breaking up with Gu Yunhao.
Therefore, after this photo came out, there was a lot of debate in the industry, and no one could reach a conclusion.
Between the two unreliable statements, Qi Ang chose to say the one that Gu Yunhao wanted to hear.
Upon hearing this, Gu Yunhao's expression changed several times before he finally said in a deep voice, "Where are the photos? Let me see them."
Qi Ang waved his hand, signaling someone to find the photos and show them to Gu Yunhao.
Gu Yunhao stared at the familiar, beautiful woman in the photo with a livid face, and opened the door of the bronze Bentley.
His fists clenched unconsciously, and Gu Yunhao gritted his teeth as he said, "Impossible, they can't really be together."
This photo was taken by Ning Yuxuan on purpose as a provocation against him!
...
South City.
Xie Zhiyan returned to the hotel and received a message from a friend.
[Zhiyan, everyone's saying you're dating Ning Fei's daughter, Ning Yuxuan. Is it true?]
[If it's fake, Zhiyan, you'd better check what happened. Someone photographed the Ning family mother and daughter getting into your Bentley.]
The message was sent by one of Xie Zhiyan's ordinary friends. Besides gossiping, the main purpose was to remind Xie Zhiyan.
In his opinion, it was already unbelievable that Xie Zhiyan would date Ning Yuxuan, a girlfriend who was completely unrelated to him and whose background was not a good match for him, and it was even more unbelievable that he would give his car to her after only a few days of dating.
Reminding Xie Zhiyan is also a way of doing him a favor.
Xie Zhiyan read the message for a moment and replied: 【It's true, Ning Yuxuan is my girlfriend.】
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