Ning Yuxuan paused for a second before asking Xie Zhiyan, "Do you know what's going on? Why are there suddenly so many reporters here?"
"The media is here because of the two new additions to the show," Xie Zhiyan replied. "But just to be safe, you and Aunt Ning should ride in my car. They won’t dare stop mine."
Over the phone, it was hard to explain everything in detail.
Ning Yuxuan didn’t press further and agreed for now.
Originally, the guests were supposed to take the show’s shuttle bus back to the villa first, pack their things, and then head home separately.
But now, with so many reporters outside, the show’s small bus was already surrounded in the underground parking garage.
Even if they managed to return to the villa, there might be people waiting there too.
After hanging up, Ning Yuxuan first explained the situation to Ning Fei, then asked Qin Man and Jiang Ning'an if they wanted to leave together.
Qin Man asked, "Yuxuan, do you know what’s going on?"
Ning Yuxuan shook her head. "Not the specifics, but it’s probably not about us. It’s… something on their end."
She glanced toward Cheng Xiyang’s group, and Qin Man immediately understood.
After a moment of thought, Qin Man said, "If it’s not about me or Ning'an, then I’ll just have someone from the company pick us up. You and Teacher Ning should go ahead."
Ning Yuxuan didn’t insist. "Alright, but once you get home, make sure to let us know you’re safe."
Qin Man smiled. "Will do."
After coordinating with the staff, Ning Yuxuan and Ning Fei went downstairs to find Xie Zhiyan’s car.
Most of the reporters were gathered around the show’s shuttle bus, while others waited near the elevators, hoping to intercept Cheng Xiyang and Liu Yufang for an interview.
Ning Yuxuan and Ning Fei were briefly stopped by the group at the elevators, but since Cheng Xiyang was their main target, they didn’t press too hard.
They soon found Xie Zhiyan’s Bentley and got into the backseat.
Just as Xie Zhiyan had said, the reporters didn’t dare block the car once they saw them inside.
The car slowly pulled out of the parking lot.
The driver wasn’t the one Ning Yuxuan usually saw. He explained, "President Xie is still on a business trip in Nancheng and won’t be back until tomorrow, so he sent me to pick you up."
Ning Yuxuan confirmed their destination with the driver.
The driver added, "President Xie said that if you’d like to know the details, you can take a look at this."
He handed Ning Yuxuan a tablet.
Ning Yuxuan thanked him, then she and Ning Fei skimmed through the files on the tablet before checking the trending topics on social media.
After reviewing everything, they had a rough idea of what had happened.
Ning Fei frowned. "Cheng Xiyang and his mother… actually did something like this? It’s hard to believe…"
Having lived most of her life in the entertainment industry, Ning Fei had seen plenty of things that would shock ordinary people.
But Liu Yufang’s actions still stunned her.
As a mother, she couldn’t help but imagine how heartbroken she would be if her own daughter had gone through something similar.
Ning Yuxuan shook her head. "I didn’t expect it either. I thought Cheng Xiyang just had a sister he didn’t want to acknowledge, but this…"
Ning Fei sighed in relief. "Shiyue was really too impulsive."
Thankfully, Cheng Xiyang’s sister had come forward to expose him and his mother. Otherwise, if Ning Shiyue had gotten involved, he might have been dragged into the mess too.
Ning Fei worried, "I wonder how Shiyue is doing now."
Ning Yuxuan picked up her phone. "I’ll try calling him."
When she dialed Ning Shiyue’s number, his assistant, Ding Yan, answered.
"Miss Ning," Ding Yan said, "Shiyue is filming an action scene right now and can’t take the call. But he told me to let you and Teacher Ning know that he’s fine."
After a pause, Ding Yan added, "Don’t worry, Miss Ning. No reporters have shown up at the set yet, and we’ve already tightened security at both the filming location and the hotel. Once he’s done with this scene, I’ll have him call you back."
After hanging up, Ning Yuxuan reassured Ning Fei. "He’s alright. He’s just filming right now."
Ning Fei sighed in relief. "Good… that’s good. By the way, Yuxuan, don’t forget to thank Zhiyan."
Ning Yuxuan realized she hadn’t yet let Xie Zhiyan know they were safe.
Though she assumed the driver had already informed him when they got in the car, she still sent Xie Zhiyan a message:
Thank you. Mom and I are on our way home now. Did you arrange for Cheng Xiyang’s exposure?
Xie Zhiyan replied: I did have someone look into Cheng Xiyang’s sister, but someone else was responsible for exposing him.
Ning Yuxuan raised an eyebrow and typed: Not you? Then do you know who it was?
Xie Zhiyan: From what I’ve heard, your father was also investigating Cheng Xiyang and his sister.
Ning Yuxuan’s gaze froze on the screen.
Lin Yuanfeng?
She had assumed he didn’t care about these things. When the online drama between her and Cen Meng had blown up, he hadn’t even bothered to ask for details.
She debated whether to tell Ning Fei and Ning Shiyue about Lin Yuanfeng’s involvement.
Before she could decide, another message came through:
I’ve been busy with work this week and couldn’t visit. But after I fly back to Beicheng tomorrow, I don’t have any other plans yet.
Ning Yuxuan snapped out of her thoughts, a faint smile tugging at her lips as she caught his hint.
She pretended not to understand: That’s fine. I’ve been swamped too, discussing hotel designs with the architect.
Xie Zhiyan: Then let me reserve your Monday evening in advance. Would the busy CEO Ning be able to spare some time for me?
Ning Yuxuan laughed. I’ll think about it.
Then she added: Oh, one more thing.
Xie Zhiyan: What is it?
Ning Yuxuan: I’ve already told my mom about us.
Xie Zhiyan: About what, exactly?
Ning Yuxuan stared at his reply, strongly suspecting he was feigning ignorance.
She typed: Never mind. If you don’t know, then forget it!
After sending that, she put her phone away.
Ning Fei noticed her reaction and asked, "What’s wrong?"
Ning Yuxuan smiled. "Nothing, Mom. I just thanked Xie Zhiyan like you said."
Ning Fei studied her daughter for a few seconds, sensing there was more to it.
However, Ning Fei had been through this before and knew that when a daughter falls in love, she might not share everything with her mother.
Ning Fei didn’t press her: "It’s good that you thanked him. We wouldn’t have made it home so smoothly without Xie Zhiyan’s help this time."
Ning Yuxuan hesitated for a few seconds before speaking up: "Mom, I heard that Dad was also involved in investigating and exposing Cheng Xiyang’s sister..."
Ning Fei froze. "Your dad?"
Ning Yuxuan nodded.
Ning Fei fell silent for a long moment.
When she first divorced, she might not have fully let go of her past marriage, stubbornly refusing her ex-husband’s help out of sheer pride.
But now, nearly twenty years later, she had truly moved on from that relationship, her heart far more at peace than before.
After a quiet pause, Ning Fei looked at her daughter. "If he really did help Shiyue this time, I’ll thank him."
Ning Yuxuan watched her mother with uncertainty.
She knew how strong-willed Ning Fei was, which was why she had hesitated to tell her about Lin Yuanfeng’s involvement.
But after much deliberation, she realized secrets never stayed hidden forever.
If Ning Fei were to find out from someone else, it would be better coming from her own daughter.
Still, Ning Yuxuan worried how her mother might take the news.
Ning Fei saw the concern in her daughter’s eyes and suddenly laughed. "Silly girl, what are you worrying about on my behalf?"
Ning Yuxuan was caught off guard. "I—"
Ning Fei smiled gently. "At my age, I’m hardly going to dwell on such trivial matters. And I’ve always said—no matter what, he’s still your and Shiyue’s father. Whether it’s this time or in the future, if you ever need to rely on the Lin family’s resources, I won’t stop you."
Her refusal to accept her ex-husband’s help was her own principle, but she wouldn’t impose the same restrictions on her children.
After all, he was their father, and she only wanted the best for them.
Seeing her daughter still lost in thought, Ning Fei playfully tapped her nose. "Alright, Yuxuan, no more worrying about me. Your mother isn’t that fragile."
Ning Yuxuan finally smiled. "Okay, Mom."
The two shared a warm moment before the phone in Ning Yuxuan’s bag suddenly rang.
She pulled it out and paused when she saw the caller ID: "Xie Zhiyan."
Hadn’t they just texted? Why was he calling now?
Ning Fei noticed her hesitation and glanced at the screen, teasing, "Not going to answer your boyfriend’s call? Is it because I’m here? Don’t worry, I won’t eavesdrop."
She exaggeratedly turned her head away.
"Mom!" Ning Yuxuan sighed but answered the call.
A deep, magnetic voice greeted her. "Yuxuan?"
Ning Yuxuan feigned indifference. "Director Xie, what’s the occasion? I thought you were too busy with your business trip to call."
Xie Zhiyan chuckled lightly. "Just finished a meeting with a client. On my way back to the hotel now. What, don’t you want me to take a break?"
She huffed. "Of course not. I’d rather you work eighteen-hour days, rake in piles of cash, and hand it all over to me to spend."
In reality, their prenuptial agreement ensured Xie Zhiyan’s earnings were entirely separate from hers. She was just teasing him.
But if he dared say he wouldn’t spend a penny on her, she’d hang up immediately.
Xie Zhiyan replied calmly, "No need for such drastic measures. What I earn is more than enough for you."
Ning Yuxuan raised a brow. "Oh? Don’t be so sure. I have expensive tastes. Once these four new stores are running smoothly, I plan to open four more. So, Director Xie, care to foot the bill?"
She said it so matter-of-factly that she didn’t realize how bold it sounded—until she noticed the stunned looks from the other two in the car.
Ning Fei shot her daughter an incredulous glance. Since when had Yuxuan become so blunt about money with Xie Zhiyan?
Even long-term couples tread carefully around finances to avoid conflict.
Ning Fei had seen plenty of relationships crumble over money disputes. Yet here was her daughter, casually discussing investments with a man she’d just started dating.
The driver, meanwhile, was downright shell-shocked.
Xie Zhiyan had two drivers, and this one—usually assigned to less critical tasks—was filling in while the primary driver accompanied Xie Zhiyan to Nanchang.
This was his first time meeting Ning Yuxuan.
His colleague had warned him that Xie Zhiyan treated this "Miss Ning" differently, advising caution.
But no one mentioned she was his girlfriend!
Wait—even Xie Zhiyan himself had only referred to her as the daughter of his mother’s friend when assigning the pickup.
The driver’s mind reeled, especially hearing Ning Yuxuan speak to Xie Zhiyan in that tone.
Thankfully, his expression was hidden behind the wheel.
Ning Yuxuan waited for Xie Zhiyan’s response.
After a brief pause, his voice came through. "Funding isn’t an issue."
Her eyebrows lifted.
That easy?
Xie Zhiyan continued, "But there’s a condition."
Ning Yuxuan’s smile froze.
That phrase felt eerily familiar.
Last time, those same words had "tricked" her into signing their marriage certificate.
She played along. "Let’s hear it."
A hint of amusement colored his usually cool tone. "Renew our contract."
Ning Yuxuan’s breath hitched.
Her gaze darted guiltily toward her mother.
Ning Fei, politely pretending to admire the scenery outside, undoubtedly overheard every word in the confined space.
Lowering her voice slightly, Ning Yuxuan asked, "Meaning?"
Xie Zhiyan’s reply was steady. "As long as you remain my wife, you can open as many stores as you want."
She pressed her lips together.
Of course, she couldn’t actually expand endlessly—even with Xie Zhiyan’s backing, her energy and management team had limits.
Her goal was profit, not just inflating her brand’s store count for appearances.
But Xie Zhiyan's words sounded more like a promise, assuring her that no matter what happened during their marriage, he would always have her back.
Ning Yuxuan wasn’t sure how to respond, so she cleared her throat and reminded him, "My mom is right here."
Xie Zhiyan chuckled. "I know."
Ning Yuxuan changed the subject. "You still haven’t told me why you suddenly called."
Xie Zhiyan replied, "You didn’t answer my message, so I called instead."
Ning Yuxuan feigned ignorance. "Huh? Weren’t we done talking earlier?"
The man suddenly called her name softly, "Xuanxuan."
Whenever Xie Zhiyan called her like that, Ning Yuxuan’s heart would skip a beat.
Perhaps it was because he said it so tenderly—she still wasn’t used to it.
Ning Yuxuan: "What is it?"
Xie Zhiyan: "Did you tell Auntie Ning that I’m your boyfriend now?"
Ning Yuxuan: "...Yeah."
Xie Zhiyan: "Good. Then on Monday evening, I’ll visit Auntie Ning as your boyfriend."
Ning Yuxuan blinked.
Sometimes, she found this man’s persistence downright terrifying.
But…
For now, she didn’t exactly dislike it.
Ning Yuxuan pressed her lips together lightly. "Fine, come over then."
She glanced out the window—the car had already turned into the villa district.
"I’m almost home," Ning Yuxuan said. "I’ll hang up now. See you then."
...
The car stopped in front of the villa. Ning Fei stepped out first and unlocked the door.
Their luggage was still at the villa from last night’s livestream, but the staff had promised to deliver it by tomorrow at the latest.
Ning Fei slipped into her house slippers at the entrance and looked at her daughter, who had followed her inside. "Zhiyan’s coming tomorrow?"
Ning Yuxuan looked up in surprise. "How did you know?"
Ning Fei smiled knowingly. "I’ve been in love before, you know. You two just got together, and it’s already been a week since you last saw each other. Plus, Zhiyan’s almost back from his business trip—of course he’d want to see you as soon as possible."
"So?" Ning Fei asked. "Should I come home a little later tomorrow? Give you two some time alone?"
Ning Yuxuan widened her eyes. "Most moms would worry about their daughter being taken advantage of! Why are you actively creating opportunities for him?"
Ning Fei laughed. "I’ve watched Zhiyan grow up. I trust him."
Ning Yuxuan hung her bag on the hook after changing her shoes. "Mom, you’re biased!"
Ning Fei shook her head with a smile.
Ning Yuxuan added, "Besides, Xie Zhiyan said he’s coming as my boyfriend to meet you. How can you not be here?"
Ning Fei considered it. "In that case, should I prepare something special? Maybe buy some groceries and cook for you two?"
"No, no!" Ning Yuxuan nudged her mother toward the living room. "Don’t spoil him like that! Just let the housekeeper cook as usual. If anything, you should act like a proper future mother-in-law and give him a hard time!"
Ning Fei burst into laughter at her daughter’s antics.
The housekeeper had already prepared dinner by the time they arrived. After eating, Ning Shiyue called. He spoke with Ning Fei for a few minutes before she handed the phone to Ning Yuxuan.
Ning Yuxuan took it. "Yeah?"
Ning Shiyue’s voice sounded slightly off. "Hey, I finished work early today, so I’m already done for the day."
Ning Yuxuan: "I figured, since you’re calling now."
Ning Shiyue was silent for a moment. "You and Mom… you’re really okay?"
Ning Yuxuan: "Why wouldn’t we be? We went home after filming and just finished dinner."
"That’s good." Ning Shiyue murmured. "I was worried Mom might be hiding the truth to keep me from stressing. If you say you’re fine, then I’ll stop overthinking."
Ning Yuxuan raised an eyebrow. "Ning Shiyue."
"Yeah?"
"Is there something you want to say?"
This time, the silence on the other end stretched even longer before he finally spoke. "I’m sorry. I was too impulsive, and because of that, you and Mom almost got trapped at the filming location… Mom said she doesn’t blame me, but I still…"
Ning Yuxuan had rarely heard Ning Shiyue sound like this—like a guilty puppy.
She couldn’t help but laugh. "Hey, Ning Shiyue, are you crying?"
The voice on the other end immediately regained its usual vigor. "Ning Yuxuan, what’s so funny?! I’m not crying!"
Ning Yuxuan grinned. "Good. Oh, and I forgot to tell you something."
"What?"
"I saw your Weibo post. It was so satisfying! That’s exactly how you deal with scum like that!"
On the other end of the line, Ning Shiyue finally laughed in relief.
...
On the other side of Beicheng, Gu Yunhao was having dinner with friends.
Ever since reaching a verbal agreement with the Lin family, Gu Yunhao had been in high spirits, practically glowing with triumph.
His friends, led by Qi Ang, noticed his improved mood and couldn’t resist asking what had happened.
"Brother Hao, you’ve been looking pretty pleased lately. What’s got you so satisfied—career or women?"
Gu Yunhao scoffed and took a swig of alcohol. "Women? What’s so special about them? If I want one, I can get any kind."
Qi Ang grinned. "So it’s career-related then? Come on, share the good news with us. Let us celebrate with you."
Gu Yunhao smirked.
His mother had taught him that in business, nothing was certain until the contract was signed—no matter how sweet the promises sounded.
So even though he’d verbally secured a deal with the Lin family, one of the top three electronics manufacturers in the country, Gu Yunhao had kept it under wraps.
He wanted to surprise his mother, to prove he wasn’t just a useless son.
More than anything, he wanted to shut up everyone who’d ever mocked him as a fool.
But after a few drinks and surrounded by fawning friends, Gu Yunhao couldn’t resist bragging.
"It’s nothing major," he said casually. "Just that I’ve secured a partnership with Lin Electronics. They’ve agreed to supply my new hotel project at the lowest possible price."
The moment the words left his mouth, the table erupted in praise.
"Damn, Brother Hao! You’re on another level compared to us!"
"Seriously, you’ve got to teach us your ways!"
Gu Yunhao, buoyed by the alcohol and the flattery, poured himself another drink and declared, "Listen up, brothers. I’ve got some advice for you. If a woman walks out on you, don’t waste time moping over it. Her leaving is a blessing in disguise! Only when they’re gone can you truly focus on your career and succeed!"
The crowd murmured in agreement, exchanging knowing glances.
No one was quite sure which woman Gu Yunhao was referring to as the one who "ran away."
It definitely wasn’t Cen Meng—everyone present knew it was Gu Yunhao who had coldly dumped her. Cen Meng had even begged a few of them to plead her case, but Gu Yunhao hadn’t looked back.
Could it be… the one from the Ning family?
Speaking of Ning Yuxuan, a shocking rumor had been making waves in their circle today.
Someone had spotted Xie Zhiyan’s signature car at a variety show filming location and witnessed Ning Yuxuan getting into it—with photographic evidence to boot.
One bold soul ventured to ask, "Hey, Yunhao, have you heard about what’s going on with that Ning girl?"
At the mention of her, Gu Yunhao slammed his glass onto the table with a loud thud. "Why bring her up? We’re done!"
"No, no, I didn’t mean it like that!" the man backpedaled hastily. "I know you two are over. It’s just… I heard that after her show today, she was swarmed by the press, and Xie Zhiyan sent someone to pick her up. There are photos circulating."
Gu Yunhao’s grip on his glass tightened. Slowly, he lifted his head. "What did you just say?"
Qi Ang, noticing the shift in Gu Yunhao’s expression, quickly shot the other man a warning look and stepped in to smooth things over.
"Yunhao, here’s the thing," Qi Ang said with an ingratiating smile. "We heard the Xie family’s been in talks with the Li family down south. Xie Zhiyan’s been in Nanchang for days and hasn’t even returned yet. So, we were just wondering—"
Gu Yunhao glared. "Wondering what?"
Qi Ang coughed awkwardly. "Well… everyone knows that Bentley is Xie Zhiyan’s personal car. He never lends it out, not to anyone. So if he’s still in Nanchang, how did Ning Yuxuan end up in it? Maybe… she pulled some strings to get access to the car just to mess with you, then staged the whole thing for the cameras…"
Deep down, Qi Ang knew this explanation was flimsy—who would dare take Xie Zhiyan’s car without permission for someone else’s use?
But then again, the idea that Ning Yuxuan had moved on from Gu Yunhao straight into Xie Zhiyan’s arms was equally hard to believe.
That was why the photo had sparked such heated debate in their circle, with no consensus in sight.
Faced with two equally implausible theories, Qi Ang opted for the one that would spare Gu Yunhao’s pride.
Gu Yunhao’s expression darkened, shifting through several emotions before he finally ground out, "Show me the photo."
Qi Ang signaled for someone to retrieve it.
Gu Yunhao’s face turned stormy as he stared at the image—the familiar, beautiful face of Ning Yuxuan, stepping into the bronze Bentley.
His fists clenched unconsciously. "Impossible," he muttered through gritted teeth. "There’s no way they’re actually together."
This photo was nothing more than Ning Yuxuan’s petty attempt to provoke him!
——
Nanchang.
Xie Zhiyan had just returned to his hotel when a message from an acquaintance popped up.
[Zhiyan, everyone’s talking about it—rumor has it you’re dating Ning Fei’s daughter, Ning Yuxuan. True or false?]
[If it’s not true, you might want to look into it. Someone snapped photos of the Ning mother-daughter duo getting into your Bentley.]
The sender was a casual friend, half-curious, half-concerned. To him, the idea of Xie Zhiyan dating Ning Yuxuan—a woman with no obvious ties to their world—was baffling enough. The fact that he’d allegedly lent her his car so soon was even more unbelievable.
A heads-up, he figured, was the least he could do.
Xie Zhiyan read the message, then replied after a brief pause:
[It’s true. Ning Yuxuan is my girlfriend.]
