Ning Yuxuan’s hand trembled slightly when she heard the voice on the phone, nearly dropping the spatula she was holding.
Why had Xie Zhiyan suddenly taken over the call?
After a brief pause, she quickly pulled her earphones from her pocket and connected them via Bluetooth.
No way was she risking Xie Zhiyan saying something odd without realizing she was on speaker—live on air.
She wasn’t about to drop the bombshell of their marriage announcement on the show and give Ning Fei a heart attack.
The man’s magnetic voice flowed through the earphones, as if he were murmuring right beside her: "All set?"
Ning Yuxuan, uncharacteristically flustered, stammered, "W-wait a second."
Steadying herself, she picked up the oil bottle from the counter and drizzled a bit into the pan as instructed.
Within seconds, Ning Yuxuan had regained her composure, but the live audience was anything but calm.
[Why switch to earphones?! What’s so secret that VIP members can’t hear?!]
[So stingy! That voice is heavenly—share it with the rest of us!]
Others were busy speculating about the mysterious man who had suddenly appeared on the call.
[What’s going on? Ning Yuxuan was just talking to an auntie, and now it’s a guy?]
[Was Xie Zhiyan the one on the line the whole time? Was Ning Yuxuan just putting on an act to throw us off?]
[I doubt it. For one, Ning Yuxuan’s acting isn’t that good.]
[LOL, true. Anyone who’s seen her dramas knows she couldn’t pull that off.]
One viewer hit the nail on the head:
[Maybe the auntie had something to do and handed the phone to someone else at home?]
Following Xie Zhiyan’s instructions, Ning Yuxuan carefully worked through each step: heating the oil, frying the chicken wings until golden, then adding the seasonings and cola.
Cooking wasn’t her forte, so she focused intently, not daring to ask Xie Zhiyan anything else.
Once everything was in the pot and the lid was on, she finally asked, "Where’s Auntie Zheng? Why are you here instead?"
Over the phone, Xie Zhiyan’s voice sounded gentler than usual. "She said she needed a break to drink some tea, so she asked me to fill in for a bit."
Ning Yuxuan: "Is she done with her tea yet?"
Xie Zhiyan countered, "Don’t want to hear my voice that badly?"
Still annoyed at him for startling her earlier, she retorted, "Nope."
He chuckled before shifting topics. "Keep an eye on the pan. When the sauce reduces by half, add a pinch of salt, then let it thicken."
Ning Yuxuan committed it to memory. "Anything else?"
Xie Zhiyan: "Watch it closely while reducing—burn it, and all your effort’s wasted."
Ning Yuxuan: "Got it. You can go now."
Xie Zhiyan: "I’ll come see you after the show wraps up. I’ll bring the gifts for Auntie Zheng and those dried tofu snacks you like."
She strongly suspected he was doing this on purpose—using the live broadcast to corner her into agreeing.
Still, she was craving that particular brand of dried tofu.
Ning Yuxuan: "Fine. We’ll figure it out later."
The audience could only catch fragments of Ning Yuxuan’s side of the conversation, leaving them to piece together the exchange.
[So it really was just the auntie taking a break and someone else stepping in.]
[Ning Yuxuan seems really comfortable with this guy. Friends? Or… boyfriend?]
[Let me just ship them for a sec—the way she talked to him totally sounded like playful bickering between lovers.]
---
At the Xie residence.
Zheng Xinmei sipped her tea as her son hung up the phone. "All done?"
She knew her son well—his mind was always on work, and she’d never seen him show interest in any woman before.
Over the years, many had approached Zheng Xinmei to set Xie Zhiyan up, claiming they just wanted their daughters to "make friends" with him, though everyone knew it was matchmaking.
At first, she’d tried nudging him, but after realizing he’d never agree, she started politely declining on his behalf.
The ones she couldn’t refuse, she passed to Xie Zhiyan, letting him turn them down himself.
The house had always been too quiet. Back when Ning Yuxuan used to visit often, it felt livelier, but as the girl grew older and busier, those visits became rare.
Every holiday, despite knowing it was futile, Zheng Xinmei couldn’t help but gently prod him about settling down.
This time, though, while she was on the phone with Ning Yuxuan, her son had actually come over to ask about the call—and then taken the phone himself.
Zheng Xinmei wasn’t blind to what that implied.
As Xie Zhiyan nodded in confirmation, she feigned nonchalance. "Since when do you have time to teach that girl how to cook? You two haven’t been in touch much these past few years, have you?"
She suspected her son might have feelings for Ning Yuxuan, but knowing he wasn’t one to discuss such things, she treaded carefully.
Xie Zhiyan answered plainly, "We didn’t talk for a while, but lately, we’ve been seeing each other often."
Zheng Xinmei blinked. "Because you invested in Huayuan?"
She didn’t know much about his work, but Huayuan was under Ning Fei’s name, so she’d heard bits and pieces.
"Not just that."
Her curiosity grew. "Then…?"
Xie Zhiyan’s tone was calm. "I’m pursuing her."
Zheng Xinmei froze, her teacup hovering midair for a long moment.
She’d only meant to test the waters—she never expected her son to admit it so bluntly.
It took her a while to recover. "And… what does Yuxuan think?"
Xie Zhiyan replied evenly, "She hasn’t turned me down."
Finally remembering to take a sip of tea, Zheng Xinmei mulled over his words.
Knowing her son, if he said that much, things were probably going well.
After a pause, she couldn’t suppress a small smile.
Deep down, she was still traditional—while she wouldn’t force him into an arranged marriage, she’d always worried about him putting it off indefinitely.
Now, not only had he finally shown interest, but the object of his affection was the daughter of her dearest friend. It was almost too good to be true.
Zheng Xinmei beamed. "Good. Do your best, and let us know if you need any help from the mothers."
After a beat, she couldn’t resist adding, "Put in the effort—aim to bring her home as your girlfriend by the end of the month!"
She’d always adored Ning Yuxuan, and with the families being so close, the idea of pairing her son with her friend’s daughter had crossed her mind before.
But their personalities were near opposites—one lively and impulsive, the other steady and reserved.
Zheng Xinmei noticed that the two young people showed no romantic interest in each other, so she refrained from playing matchmaker. Now, suddenly hearing the good news, she couldn’t hide her joy.
Xie Zhiyan was amused by his mother’s enthusiasm. "Why the sudden urgency?" he asked.
Zheng Xinmei shot her son a reproachful look. "You’re about to turn thirty and still as unyielding as an iron tree that never blooms. How could I not be anxious?"
Her happiness made her chatty. "By the way, tell me—when did you start liking her? I never noticed before."
Xie Zhiyan smiled faintly. "It’s been a while."
Meanwhile, at the Gu residence, Gu Yunhao was pursing his lips tightly as he stared at his phone screen.
After his phone call with Cen Meng the night before, his mind had been restless.
Not because of Cen Meng’s pleading.
But because of the thoughts that had been haunting him for some time, now amplified by her words, refusing to leave his mind.
That night, he even dreamed that he had never broken up with Ning Yuxuan—that they were still dating as they used to.
In the dream, Ning Yuxuan was radiant, standing on her tiptoes to tie his tie for him.
He woke up halfway through, his heart pounding.
Unable to fall back asleep, he rose before dawn and rummaged through his closet for the tie Ning Yuxuan had given him.
Suddenly, memories flooded back with startling clarity. He could even recall her words when she’d handed it to him.
She had said, "I hope you’ll always love me."
Back then, Gu Yunhao had believed he never truly loved her—that he’d only been drawn to her looks and had reluctantly accepted their relationship due to his grandfather’s meddling.
But now, he felt his heart stirring.
Ning Yuxuan had loved him so deeply, and they had broken up less than a month ago.
If he went back to win her over now, surely she’d agree?
Taking the initiative wasn’t his style, but Ning Yuxuan had apologized and softened so many times before.
This time, it wouldn’t hurt for him to lower his pride just once.
The thought consumed him, and he lay awake until morning.
At exactly 10 a.m., he tuned into the variety show’s livestream.
Gu Yunhao wasn’t one for reality TV, nor did he care for mundane domestic dramas.
Yet this time, he found himself engrossed—watching Ning Yuxuan bustling around the kitchen, even chuckling a few times.
When she picked up the phone to make a call, he knew she wouldn’t dial him, yet his pulse quickened anyway.
Then, when a man’s voice came through the livestream, he shot to his feet.
Wasn’t that Xie Zhiyan?
Ordinary viewers might not recognize it, but Gu Yunhao knew that voice well.
Seeing Ning Yuxuan laugh and chat with Xie Zhiyan, jealousy flared uncontrollably in his chest.
What were they doing? Flirting in front of everyone?
He wanted to call Ning Yuxuan right then and warn her—Xie Zhiyan already had a girlfriend. She shouldn’t be fooled by that cold, heartless man.
In elite circles, marriages were all about status. Xie Zhiyan would never give her a real future—at most, he was just toying with her.
Restraining himself because of the livestream, Gu Yunhao paced his room instead. After several agitated rounds, he called his best friend.
"I’m skipping the gathering this afternoon. You guys go ahead. Yeah, something came up. Next time."
——
By noon, after much effort, Ning Yuxuan and Jiang Ning’an had managed to prepare five dishes and a soup.
Neither of them were skilled cooks, but they were quick learners. With step-by-step guidance, the results were surprisingly decent.
Ning Yuxuan exhaled in relief and held out her hand to Jiang Ning’an. "Come on, let’s celebrate! We’re practically battle buddies now."
Jiang Ning’an burst out laughing and high-fived her with a loud smack. "Cheers to us—surviving the crisis!"
They reheated the earlier dishes, served rice, and brought everything to the table.
Ning Fei and Qin Man were already seated, waiting.
Seeing the well-presented dishes, both mothers looked pleasantly surprised.
The live audience chimed in with praise.
[Not bad at all! I’m actually getting hungry watching this.]
[Hahaha, look at their expressions—they really didn’t expect a proper meal today!]
[What a relief! Thank goodness for the emergency lifeline! Props to the crew for going easy on them!]
Ning Fei asked in amazement, "Did you two really make all this yourselves?"
Ning Yuxuan didn’t downplay it. "Absolutely. No one else lifted a finger—just us."
Jiang Ning’an added, "But we did call for backup. Someone guided us through it remotely."
Qin Man looked puzzled. "Remotely?"
Jiang Ning’an nodded. "Yeah. The crew took pity on us and let us call a friend for help. I asked Pan Wenyan for tips."
Then she glanced at Ning Yuxuan.
Jiang Ning’an had always been tactful. Since Ning Yuxuan hadn’t volunteered who she’d called, she didn’t pry.
Ning Fei also turned to her daughter curiously.
Without missing a beat, Ning Yuxuan said, "I called Auntie Zheng."
Ning Fei nodded in understanding. "She’s an excellent cook, no wonder."
After a bit more small talk, they began eating.
Ning Fei asked which dish was her daughter’s before trying the cola chicken wings. "Mmm, definitely Xinmei’s guidance. It’s delicious."
Qin Man sampled Jiang Ning’an’s braised pork.
Jiang Ning’an watched her mother nervously.
[I’ve noticed—Jiang Ning’an really craves her mom’s approval.]
[True. She’s always so attentive to Qin Man’s reactions.]
After swallowing a bite, Qin Man smiled. "It’s very good. Better than I expected."
She had rarely praised her daughter before—not out of disapproval, but out of habitually reserved affection.
But here, influenced by Ning Fei and Ning Yuxuan’s openness, she didn’t hold back.
Hearing her mother’s words, Jiang Ning’an visibly relaxed.
"Mom, if you like it…" she said hesitantly, "I can practice more and make it for you again."
Qin Man instinctively replied, "No need to trouble yourself. Just focus on your own work."
Jiang Ning’an’s smile faltered, and the mood turned awkward.
Ning Yuxuan smoothly stepped in. "My mom says the same thing—she never lets me or Shiyue into the kitchen at home."
Ning Fei caught on and nodded. "Exactly. With how busy you all are, I’d love to taste your cooking more, but I don’t want to burden you."
Neither Jiang Ning'an nor Qin Man were oblivious, and they immediately understood the implication behind those words.
Qin Man realized her words might have been misinterpreted by her daughter and gently explained, "Ning'an, filming is already exhausting for you. I don’t want you to push yourself too hard."
Jiang Ning'an grasped her mother’s meaning, and a smile returned to her face. "I understand, Mom."
The live-stream audience also sensed the significance of this exchange.
[Sniffles, this must be the whole point of the show—breaking down barriers between mothers and daughters, clearing up misunderstandings.]
[Teacher Qin and her daughter just needed more communication. Now that they’ve talked it out, everything’s fine.]
[Gotta say, thank goodness for Ning Fei and Ning Yuxuan, or Jiang Ning'an might have overthought things.]
Ning Yuxuan asked what Qin Man and Ning Fei had been doing earlier in the kitchen.
Ning Fei replied, "Qin Man showed me a script—it’s about middle-aged women starting their own businesses."
Jiang Ning'an’s eyes lit up as she turned to Qin Man. "Mom, is it the one from yesterday?"
Qin Man nodded. "Yes."
The live-stream audience already knew about Ning Fei reviewing the script with Qin Man earlier. Now that they mentioned the film again, many were eagerly anticipating it.
[So, will these two legends finally collaborate? My two favorite actresses—it’s a shame they’ve never worked together before!]
[+1, manifesting a joint project for these two queens!]
[I’d love to see Ning Fei in this role, but she hasn’t acted in so long. Feels unlikely…]
Qin Man briefly summarized the script’s premise for Ning Yuxuan.
After listening, Ning Yuxuan fell into thought.
Lately, she had sensed that her mother was considering a return to acting.
Ning Fei’s response to a viewer’s question yesterday had only reinforced Ning Yuxuan’s suspicion.
In the original storyline, after the show, Ning Fei had been overwhelmed by her children’s issues and later exhausted by the Gu family’s attacks on Huayuan, leaving no energy for a comeback.
But now, Ning Yuxuan had decided to help manage Huayuan, and she and Ning Shiyue wouldn’t be as much of a burden.
She wanted her mother to pursue her passions instead of dedicating all her time to her children.
After a moment of reflection, Ning Yuxuan asked, "Mom, do you want to star in this film?"
Ning Fei was taken aback.
She hadn’t expected her daughter to guess her thoughts so quickly.
A mix of warmth and emotion washed over her.
People always said mothers and daughters shared a special bond. In the past, she had grieved over their emotional distance—but now, things were different.
Ning Fei admitted, "I’ve been considering it…"
But there were still many factors to weigh, and whether it would happen remained uncertain.
Though Ning Fei only expressed interest, the live chat erupted in excitement.
[OMG, did I just hear that right? Teacher Ning wants to act again!]
[If I remember correctly, Qin Man also loves this script, right? Does this mean we’re getting a collaboration?]
[Director, take notes! If both actresses are interested, it’d be a crime not to make this movie!]
Since discussing film details wasn’t suitable for the live stream, Ning Fei quickly shifted the topic.
But the audience couldn’t calm down—everyone was buzzing about the possibility of the two starring together.
Countless fan-made edits of Ning Fei and Qin Man’s past roles already existed online, with some even creating absurd "shipping" videos.
Yet in reality, the two had never shared the screen, leaving fans endlessly disappointed.
Soon, clips of this segment spread across social media.
The show continued.
After lunch, the production team asked the guests to recall what they used to do most often with their mothers as children.
This time, they would switch roles and relive those memories.
Ning Fei and Ning Yuxuan both brought up how Ning Yuxuan used to pester her mother to style her hair.
Now, it was Ning Yuxuan’s turn to braid Ning Fei’s hair.
After searching online, she found an elegant updo tutorial and carefully followed each step.
The style was intricate, and as a first attempt, some parts weren’t perfect despite the time spent.
But Ning Fei didn’t show a hint of impatience. Once finished, she admired herself in the mirror, utterly delighted.
Throughout her acting career, Ning Fei had countless iconic looks, with stunning images flooding the internet—earning her the title of "a woman who defined an era."
Yet this time, she couldn’t get enough of her reflection, snapping multiple photos to proudly share on social media—her daughter’s handiwork.
For Jiang Ning'an and Qin Man, their shared memory was Jiang Ning'an clutching a stuffed toy while Qin Man read bedtime stories.
After Jiang Ning'an was sent abroad for school, those tender moments became rare.
Now, Jiang Ning'an picked her favorite childhood tale and read it aloud to Qin Man and the others.
Her voice, praised as one of the best among young actors, carried the story with soothing warmth.
The afternoon passed quietly.
Though lacking the drama of previous episodes, the live stream retained high viewership. While peak numbers didn’t match yesterday’s expulsion of Cen Meng, overall metrics were only slightly lower.
Audience reception was overwhelmingly positive.
[Watching this warmed my cold, dead heart—my corpse marks are fading.]
[Hands down, this is now my favorite variety show.]
[Same! Perfect for weekend family viewing.]
[I adore today’s vibe. Just keep these two pairs as permanent guests and let the show run forever.]
By the time the live stream ended, the show had climbed back to the top of trending lists.
#NingFeiAndQinManMayCollaborateInNewFilm
The news ignited fervent discussion.
[Ning Fei and Qin Man together?! Am I dreaming? These are the two most legendary actresses from cinema’s golden age!]
[Is this legit? Don’t play with my heart!]
[Whoever pitched this script deserves a shrine!]
[Hurry up and film—I need to see this movie yesterday!]
……
After last time’s security breach, the production team tightened measures, restricting unauthorized access.
Once the live stream concluded, the guests said their goodbyes and headed off to rest.
Xie Zhiyan messaged Ning Yuxuan, saying he’d arrive by six.
Hearing he was coming, Ning Fei asked the housekeeper to prepare a lavish dinner.
In the evening, Ning Yuxuan and Ning Fei returned to the villa area in the program team's dedicated car.
As they stepped out, a vehicle was already parked in front of the house.
Ning Fei eyed the midnight-blue Panamera by the roadside and hesitated. "Is this Xie Zhiyan's car?"
It didn’t quite look like it, but who else would park here at this hour?
Ning Yuxuan, however, recognized the car all too well.
Her heart sank as she thought, No way.
Within seconds, a figure emerged from the car.
Gu Yunhao, dressed in a tailored suit and tie, strode toward Ning Yuxuan with a bouquet of pristine white lilies in hand.
He had donned his most expensive outfit, fastened the tie Ning Yuxuan had once gifted him, and chosen her favorite flowers.
Time had been tight, but Gu Yunhao had his people scour the entire city for the rarest and most exquisite lilies before rushing over to wait here.
He greeted Ning Fei first. "Auntie, do you remember me? It's Yunhao."
Ning Fei glanced at her daughter, unsure how to respond.
Then, Gu Yunhao turned to Ning Yuxuan. "Yuxuan, I—"
Before he could continue, she cut him off.
Pointing to the roadside, Ning Yuxuan said flatly, "The trash can is over there."
Gu Yunhao: "..."
He took a deep breath.
He had been the one to end things between them, and after several unpleasant encounters since, her reaction was hardly surprising.
Steeling himself, Gu Yunhao forced a smile and prepared to speak again—
Just then, another car rounded the corner and pulled to a stop beside them.
Gu Yunhao instinctively turned to look.
The door opened, and a tall, poised man stepped out from the driver’s seat.
His pupils constricted in shock.
Why is he here?
