After two seconds of silence, Ning Fei, who was standing nearby, suddenly covered her mouth and giggled.
Ning Shiyue also realized what he had just blurted out, his face a mix of wanting to explain but not knowing what to say.
Netizens: …??
[Uh… Ning Shiyue and his sister’s relationship… doesn’t seem as bad as the rumors say?]
[Right? If they really didn’t get along, would he have let her use part of his wardrobe?]
[I’m dying of laughter, so even Ning Shiyue gets his closet raided by his sister—sibling hierarchy is no joke!]
[Hahaha Teacher Ning is cracking up, her eyes are practically crescent moons now.]
[I think… I’m kinda falling for this family’s vibe? What’s happening?]
Hearing Ning Shiyue’s “complaint,” Ning Yuxuan wasn’t in a hurry to defend herself.
Only after Ning Fei had laughed enough did Ning Yuxuan confidently retort, “Well, what do you suggest? Should I move all my clothes out after filming?”
Ning Shiyue: “…”
He turned his head away. “No need.”
After a pause, he added, “You have so many clothes—hauling them all out would just tire me.”
Due to the unpredictable schedule of the entertainment industry, Ning Shiyue was either buried in filming or rushing to events, often not returning home until late at night.
Ning Fei had mild neurasthenia, and to avoid disturbing her rest, Ning Shiyue rented a separate apartment where he stayed for most of the year.
Most of his everyday clothes were kept there, so using just a small part of the wardrobe at home was enough.
Ning Shiyue’s self-introduction had been interrupted, but since the atmosphere was lively, the crew didn’t stop the family’s banter.
However, to maintain some suspense, the camera still avoided showing Ning Yuxuan, leaving the audience watching Ning Shiyue speak to someone off-screen.
At first, many comments expressed disinterest in seeing Ning Yuxuan, but this only fueled curiosity.
[Why isn’t the cameraman showing the sister? Who doesn’t give someone screen time when they’re talking?]
[Exactly! Even if Ning Yuxuan isn’t likable, not showing her at all is weird.]
[Hurry up, I want to see what the sister looks like! The only thing online is that flop drama from a year ago, and she barely had any scenes.]
[Don’t get your hopes up—I remember her looking like a generic influencer, kinda plastic too.]
After Ning Shiyue finished his introduction, it was finally Ning Yuxuan’s turn.
The staff prompted, “Next up is Teacher Ning’s daughter, Miss Yuxuan.”
As the words fell, the camera finally focused on Ning Yuxuan.
The screen revealed a face free of makeup, and the comments section momentarily quieted.
[…Is this… bare-faced? Can I just say—apple doesn’t fall far from the tree? She’s stunning!]
[I could cry—she looks just like Teacher Ning when she debuted at eighteen.]
[Proof that beauty genes are strong! This family’s visuals are unreal.]
[Speaking of which… who’s Teacher Ning’s ex-husband? How has no one dug that up after all these years?]
Of Ning Fei’s two children, Ning Shiyue took more after his father, with only his eyes resembling his mother’s.
That’s why, even after his idol debut skyrocketed his fame, it took two years before anyone exposed him as Ning Fei’s son.
It wasn’t until last year, when paparazzi snapped Ning Shiyue meeting Ning Fei, that rumors swirled. To avoid wild speculation, Ning Shiyue publicly confirmed their relationship on social media.
That night, #NingShiyueIsNingFeisSon trended at #1 with a “breaking” tag.
Fans who had worried their idol was embroiled in scandal suddenly stood taller, boasting that Ning Shiyue inherited his mother’s beauty and talent, hence his early success.
Haters, of course, claimed his fame was only due to his mother’s industry connections.
What no one knew was that even insiders had been unaware of their relationship.
Ning Shiyue had insisted on keeping it secret, wanting to carve his own path in the industry. Otherwise, with Ning Fei’s connections, he wouldn’t have needed to debut via a survival show.
Compared to Ning Shiyue, Ning Yuxuan was practically a carbon copy of her mother in her youth.
The same delicate, doll-like face, flawless features, and goddess-tier proportions—breathtakingly beautiful.
The only difference was that Ning Yuxuan’s eyes had a sharper upward tilt, adding a touch of allure.
Unfortunately, in her previous drama, the makeup artist had plastered her with an ill-fitting “internet celebrity” look, distorting her natural beauty and making her appear artificial.
Amid the flood of awestruck comments, Ning Yuxuan smiled at the camera. “Hello, everyone. I’m Ning Yuxuan, Teacher Ning’s daughter.”
[Help, she’s even prettier when she smiles!]
[I take back what I said—with a face like that, I’d tolerate any personality!]
Once all three had introduced themselves, the staff moved things along. “We heard Teacher Ning prepared some signature dishes today. Since it’s getting late, how about treating us?”
Ning Fei smiled warmly. “Yes, I planned to make Yuxuan’s favorite steamed perch, Shiyue’s preferred eggplant dish, some stir-fried greens, and an egg drop soup.”
Though Ning Fei was the one cooking, for the sake of the show, Ning Yuxuan and Ning Shiyue naturally pitched in.
The villa’s kitchen was spacious enough for all three, plus two cameramen.
The perch had already been prepped and marinated.
Ning Yuxuan started peeling garlic while Ning Shiyue chopped scallions and ginger.
Ning Fei mixed a bowl of seasonings for braising sauce.
Ning Shiyue glanced at the sauce. “Braised fish?”
“Mhm.” Ning Fei added cooking wine. “I know you prefer steamed, so I’ll make that next time.”
Ning Yuxuan, finished with a clove of garlic, chimed in, “Ning Shiyue, after all these years, you still haven’t gotten used to braised perch?”
Ning Shiyue’s eye twitched. “And after all these years, you still can’t stand steamed?”
Ning Yuxuan declared, “I’m two years older—I’ve had two extra years of fish-eating. Obviously, you should adapt to me.”
Ning Shiyue: “…”
[HAHAHA what kind of logic is that?!]
[The way Ning Shiyue looks speechless is killing me.]
[Team Braised Fish—I’m siding with Ning Yuxuan this round!]
Ning Fei stirred sugar into the sauce, playing peacemaker. “It’s fine, Shiyue. I’ll steam the eggplant your way.”
Before Ning Shiyue could reply, Ning Yuxuan muttered, “Actually, braised eggplant tastes better too…”
Just loud enough for him to hear.
Ning Shiyue’s brow jumped. “Ning Yuxuan, you—!”
Ning Yuxuan knew when to stop and waved her hand dismissively. "Alright, alright. Since you're my little brother, I'll reluctantly agree to eat the steamed eggplant."
Ning Shiyue couldn't help but laugh at her antics.
The way she acted like she was doing him a favor while clearly benefiting herself—anyone who didn’t know better would think she was making some huge sacrifice.
The barrage of "hahaha" in the live chat grew even more intense.
[LOL, let me say it for Ning Yuxuan—she’s eaten eggplant for two years longer than Ning Shiyue!]
[I’m dying, the ‘cool king’ getting owned by his sister. As expected, only an older sister can put a little brother in his place.]
The production crew had done their homework beforehand. They had assumed Ning Shiyue’s relationship with his sister was strained and had prepared several contingency plans to lighten the mood during the cooking segment, fearing it might turn awkward.
To their surprise, they didn’t need to intervene at all. The atmosphere among the three in the kitchen was harmonious, and the livestream’s vibe remained warm and cheerful.
The director’s voice came through their earpieces: "Good, this is perfect. Keep filming as is."
But it wasn’t just the production team and netizens who were tuned into the livestream.
Elsewhere, Gu Yunhao was watching the broadcast via his phone, projected onto a screen. Seated beside him was his true love, Cen Meng.
As they observed Ning Yuxuan’s situation through the livestream, their thoughts diverged.
Gu Yunhao felt a pang of bitterness. He had just broken up with Ning Yuxuan, yet here she was, acting as if nothing had happened, laughing and joking with her family on the show.
Ning Yuxuan had only been his girlfriend due to family pressure, but they had still been together for over a year. Her looks and figure were undeniably stunning.
Gu Yunhao was a normal man—there had been moments when he’d been tempted. If not for Cen Meng’s occasional reminders, he might have succumbed and taken things further with Ning Yuxuan.
Based on his understanding of her, he had expected her to come begging for reconciliation the moment she hung up the phone. He had even prepared excuses to refuse her entry.
Yet, she never showed up.
Cen Meng’s thoughts were far more complicated.
She had subtly encouraged Gu Yunhao to break up with Ning Yuxuan right before the livestream. Gu Yunhao, who never cared about Ning Yuxuan’s feelings, hadn’t considered the impact this would have on her. With just a few coquettish words from Cen Meng, he had agreed.
Ning Yuxuan was so infatuated with Gu Yunhao—if she got dumped right before filming, she would either abandon the show to chase after him or at least sulk on camera.
Either way, without Cen Meng needing to lift a finger, the audience and production team would be furious at being stood up or subjected to her bad attitude. The backlash would spread like wildfire on social media.
By the time the show officially aired, Ning Yuxuan would inevitably lash out at Cen Meng, and after a few rounds of drama, public opinion would naturally favor Cen Meng.
Not only would Ning Yuxuan’s reputation suffer, but her mother Ning Fei and brother Ning Shiyue would also be dragged down, making Cen Meng shine even brighter by comparison.
The Gu family was an old-money dynasty in Beicheng. Even if their influence had waned slightly, they would never allow a woman with a tarnished reputation to marry in.
With the family elders on her side and Gu Yunhao’s devotion, what chance did Ning Yuxuan stand against her?
Not that Cen Meng had meant to harm Ning Yuxuan—or so she told herself.
Gu Yunhao’s love for her was genuine, and he had long promised to break up with Ning Yuxuan. What difference did the timing make?
She had merely given things a little push, allowing everyone to see Ning Yuxuan’s true colors.
As for Ning Fei and Ning Shiyue, they were just collateral damage—nothing to do with Cen Meng.
Yet, against all expectations, Ning Yuxuan remained unfazed, even turning the tables on Gu Yunhao with her composed response.
Cen Meng glanced at Gu Yunhao beside her.
"Yunhao…" she began carefully, "maybe you should call Yuxuan again?"
Gu Yunhao startled. "Now?"
Though born into privilege and accustomed to getting his way, he wasn’t entirely reckless.
Cen Meng offered a reassuring smile. "Yunhao, I know she’s filming, but look—"
She pointed at the livestream projected on the TV. "Yuxuan is clearly putting on a brave face. If she breaks down crying later, it’ll only make things worse. Why not call and comfort her? She’d be overjoyed to hear from you, and it’d give her the strength to keep going."
Gu Yunhao’s brow twitched. "…You think so?"
Was Ning Yuxuan really forcing a smile?
Honestly, he hadn’t noticed. To him, she seemed in high spirits—even more affectionate with her family than usual.
The thought had left him inexplicably frustrated. Was she really that indifferent to their breakup?
But now that Cen Meng mentioned it, he studied Ning Yuxuan’s expression more closely. There did seem to be a hint of strain beneath her cheerfulness.
Of course! He knew how obsessed Ning Yuxuan was with him.
How could she not be heartbroken after their breakup?
She was probably bottling up her pain, pretending to be happy for the cameras.
The realization eased his irritation, and he couldn’t wait to hear Ning Yuxuan groveling to win him back, just like before.
"You’re right, Mengmeng!" Gu Yunhao said, turning to her. "But the livestream…"
Cen Meng smiled understandingly. "Don’t worry. If Yuxuan answers, she’ll step away from the cameras."
After a moment’s hesitation, Gu Yunhao nodded. "Alright, I’ll do it. You’re so kind, Mengmeng, caring about my ex-girlfriend like this."
Cen Meng chuckled softly. "We’re both women. Even if we fell for the same man, I can empathize with her feelings."
Gu Yunhao’s heart melted. He gently patted her back. "You’re too good for this world, Mengmeng."
He picked up his phone, tapped Ning Yuxuan’s contact, and initiated a voice call.
The call went through smoothly—a good sign.
During past arguments, Ning Yuxuan would often block him in a fit of anger, only to unblock him an hour or two later with apologies and sweet nothings.
The fact that she hadn’t blocked him now only proved she wanted him back.
But the call rang unanswered.
Due to broadcast delays (typically ranging from seconds to minutes for live shows), Gu Yunhao couldn’t see the real-time feed.
Just as his patience began to fray, the line finally connected.
…
After some persuasion from the crew, Ning Yuxuan wiped her hands and stepped into the living room to take the call.
She knew the production team was eager for drama, hence their encouragement to answer mid-filming.
They had assured her privacy by promising only to record her side of the conversation.
Gu Yunhao’s voice came through her earpiece, crisp and clear. "Yuxuan, we need to talk."
Ning Yuxuan replied flatly, "Oh? Got everything ready?"
Gu Yunhao was baffled. "…Ready for what?"
Ning Yuxuan sighed. "Seems your hearing isn’t the only thing failing you—your memory’s gone too."
The man on the other end was still processing her words.
Noticing the staff member giving her a meaningful look, Ning Yuxuan turned her face toward the camera with a smile. "Sorry about that, it was just a call from someone who owes me money. I'm his creditor."
Gu Yunhao: "…"
The audience: "…?"
