What’s Wrong with Being a Mama’s Girl in a Rich Family?! Chapter 79

Ning Yuxuan was eating mushroom risotto while chatting with Tao You about her engagement party.

The engagement party was scheduled for next Friday, right after the recording of "Mom" wrapped up, so Ning Yuxuan could attend.

It seemed the closer the big day approached, the more nervous Tao You became.

Aside from excitement, she was also plagued by anxiety—worrying about everything from a sudden breakout on her face to the possibility of her dress getting stained.

Ning Yuxuan smiled and squeezed Tao You’s hand reassuringly. "Relax, everything will go smoothly. Besides, this is just the engagement party. The process isn’t that complicated—nothing will go wrong."

Tao You only grew more anxious. "Exactly, it’s just the engagement party. What am I going to do when the actual wedding comes?"

Ning Yuxuan replied, "Maybe by then, you’ll realize everything falls into place naturally, and all your worries were unnecessary."

Tao You pursed her lips. "Really?"

Ning Yuxuan nodded. "Mhm. And when the time comes, all the people closest to you will be by your side. It should be the day you feel the most confident."

Tao You finally seemed a little convinced and took a deep breath. "You’re right. I shouldn’t be worrying so much."

She took a sip of lemonade before speaking again. "Xuanxuan, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you… I’m just not sure if you’ll be upset hearing it."

Ning Yuxuan chuckled. "Go ahead. I can’t possibly be mad at someone who’s about to get engaged."

Tao You grinned. "It’s nothing major, really. It’s just… ever since we reconnected, it feels like you’ve become a completely different person."

Ning Yuxuan blinked.

Tao You wasn’t wrong. After awakening to the plot, it was only natural that she seemed like a changed person.

Ning Yuxuan asked, "How so?"

Tao You thought for a moment. "How do I put it? Your personality hasn’t changed much, but it’s like you suddenly know exactly what you want. You’re so determined now—nothing seems to shake you."

Ning Yuxuan smiled faintly. "Maybe so. My biggest goal right now is making sure my family stays healthy, and after that, it’s managing the hotels under my mom’s name well."

After her awakening, the most profound realization she had was this: nothing mattered more than family—than her mother.

Tao You nodded. "That’s great."

Just then, Ning Yuxuan’s phone suddenly exploded with notifications, one after another.

Tao You couldn’t help but glance over. "What’s going on? Is the apocalypse finally here so I don’t have to go through with the engagement party?"

Ning Yuxuan laughed. "Even if the world were ending, after all the time you’ve spent preparing for this, would you really want to skip it?"

Tao You conceded. "True… All that effort picking out the perfect dress would’ve been wasted."

Still amused, Ning Yuxuan picked up her phone and skimmed through the messages.

After a moment, her expression grew serious.

Tao You, watching her, tensed. "Xuanxuan, is it good news or bad? Can I ask?"

Ning Yuxuan relaxed her expression and gave Tao You a small smile. "Good news."

All these messages were about the same thing.

News had just broken that Beicheng’s Tongxing District had been officially designated as a resort area. As a result, land and property values in the entire district had skyrocketed.

The hotel industry, already closely tied to tourism, was no exception.

The four new branches of Huayuan were now conservatively estimated to be worth at least 30% more than when Ning Yuxuan first took them over.

Thanks to her knowledge of the plot, Ning Yuxuan had known this would happen—though she’d only been aware of the general timeline, not the exact date the news would drop.

She hadn’t expected it to be today.

Tao You asked curiously, "What’s the good news?"

Ning Yuxuan summarized, "Beicheng just announced some news related to the hotels under my mom’s name. To put it simply, Huayuan is about to make a lot of money."

Tao You’s eyes lit up. "Really? That’s amazing!"

Ning Yuxuan smiled. "Mhm. So lunch is on me today, okay?"

Tao You didn’t hesitate. "Deal! Let me bask in your good fortune!"

…

After lunch, Xie Zhiyan’s Rolls-Royce was already waiting outside the mall.

The driver dropped Tao You off at home first before taking Ning Yuxuan to her office at Huayuan’s headquarters.

The moment Ning Yuxuan settled into her chair, Zhou Lin practically stormed into her office, barely bothering to knock.

"Yuxuan," Zhou Lin cut straight to the point, "I assume you’ve seen the news by now?"

Ning Yuxuan remained composed. "Yes. That’s why I came in."

Originally, she’d taken the whole week off, planning to return only after the variety show wrapped up next Monday.

Zhou Lin couldn’t hide her excitement, her voice trembling slightly. "Then you must already know that our four new branches—before they’ve even opened—have seen their valuations jump by at least thirty percentage points. And they might keep rising in the coming days."

Ning Yuxuan replied, "Mhm."

Zhou Lin stared at her intently, finally asking the question that had been on her mind since she saw the news: "Yuxuan… did you know this was going to happen?"

The moment she read the announcement, Zhou Lin’s first reaction had been exhilaration—followed immediately by the memory of the bet Ning Yuxuan had made with her half a month ago:

"Let’s bet that the value of these four new branches will double within a year of us taking them over."

At the time, Zhou Lin had dismissed it as the naive boasting of a young person who didn’t understand the realities of the industry. But now, she couldn’t stop replaying those words in her head.

The whole situation was so unbelievable that Zhou Lin couldn’t help suspecting Ning Yuxuan had foreseen it.

In response, Ning Yuxuan simply smiled. "Auntie Zhou, with all the influential figures in Beicheng’s business world, none of them got wind of this early. How could my sources be better than theirs?"

Zhou Lin: "…"

That was true. She’d initially thought the same.

But the facts spoke for themselves. Back when that hotel chain was struggling, dozens of its branches across Beicheng had been up for sale.

Yet Ning Yuxuan had specifically chosen only the four in Tongxing District, dismissing all the others.

Before today’s announcement, both outsiders and Huayuan’s own staff had struggled to understand her decision.

After all, apart from their lower price, those four branches had no advantages—neither in location nor surrounding amenities.

Initially, Zhou Lin had strongly opposed this decision for one reason: she believed that even if they were to open a new branch, they should choose a location in a more bustling area, even if the price was higher, as it would at least offer greater growth potential.

Now, with this news breaking, Zhou Lin realized just how wrong she had been.

Lost in thought, Zhou Lin looked at Ning Yuxuan and asked, "So back then… you really had no idea about the resort project?"

Ning Yuxuan smiled faintly. "I truly don’t have the kind of influence to make high-ranking executives involved in the project notify me personally."

Zhou Lin sighed. "...Right."

If the Ning family had such powerful connections at the top, Huayuan wouldn’t have remained at its current scale for so many years.

Yet, this matter was still utterly baffling.

Seeing Zhou Lin’s puzzled expression, Ning Yuxuan chuckled. "Auntie Zhou, maybe I just got incredibly lucky—like a blind cat stumbling upon a dead mouse?"

Zhou Lin snapped out of her thoughts and laughed. "Even if it’s luck, you’re no blind cat. You’re a clever and daring one."

……

The shockwaves from this news rippled through the elite circles of Beicheng, leaving many just as stunned as Zhou Lin.

Even Wang Yahui caught wind of it.

Gu Yunhao was summoned to his mother’s room.

"Yunhao," Wang Yahui said, looking at her perpetually underachieving son with rare patience. "I called you here to ask about your recent activities. I heard that after receiving the funds from your father, you’ve been preparing to open a hotel?"

Wang Yahui knew her son all too well.

Mediocre talent, glaring personality flaws, and, most critically, a lack of business acumen.

She had long given up hoping that this son of hers would accomplish anything noteworthy—let alone help her and her husband gain an edge in the power struggles within the Gu family.

Placing her bets on him was futile. It was better to rely on herself.

Once she and her husband secured their position and took control of the Gu family’s assets, they could always toss their son a few scraps later.

For years, they had kept Gu Yunhao away from the core operations of the family business, giving him only small sums to dabble in whatever caught his interest.

Recently, his father had handed him another lump sum to invest in an industry of his choice.

The amount wasn’t substantial, and Wang Yahui had barely paid attention—until today’s news broke.

Her assistant had mentioned that her son was working on something hotel-related, coincidentally in Tongxing District, where the resort was located.

That was why she had called him in for details.

At his mother’s question, Gu Yunhao’s expression turned uneasy. "Yes… I did invest in a hotel."

Wang Yahui, unusually amiable, pressed further. "Oh? Where exactly? I heard it was in Tongxing District?"

Gu Yunhao’s gaze wavered. "No…"

Wang Yahui frowned. "No? I distinctly recall my assistant mentioning that you were planning to acquire a chain hotel in Tongxing District."

Seeing his mother’s displeasure, Gu Yunhao’s heart lurched, and he instinctively averted his eyes.

Afraid of angering her further, he stumbled over his words. "Y-yes. That was the original plan. But then… due to various reasons, I thought it might not be the best fit…"

His halting speech and disappointing answer drained the last of Wang Yahui’s patience.

"So, in the end, you didn’t invest in a hotel in Tongxing District?" she asked coldly.

Gu Yunhao kept his head lowered, not daring to meet her gaze. "...No."

Wang Yahui: "..."

She wasn’t so much disappointed as resigned—this was exactly what she had expected.

Just when she thought her son might have finally shown a glimmer of sense, he had let a golden opportunity slip through his fingers.

She had always known he was incapable of achieving anything significant. Even if luck handed him a chance, his poor judgment and lack of resolve would ensure he’d never seize it.

Same as always—more trouble than he was worth.

"Fine," Wang Yahui waved him off. "Since that’s the case, forget it. I have a banquet to attend later and need to rest. You may leave."

Gu Yunhao heard the disappointment in her voice and clenched his jaw in silence.

He had been so close to earning her approval.

If only Ning Yuxuan hadn’t snatched that property out from under him…

His fists tightened, hatred for Ning Yuxuan burning hotter than ever.

Why did that woman always ruin everything for him?

Wang Yahui noticed he hadn’t moved and frowned. "What, didn’t you hear me? Get out. I need to rest."

Gu Yunhao gritted his teeth. "Mother, believe me. Even though I missed this opportunity, I… I’m negotiating a major deal right now. Once it’s done, I won’t let you and Father down."

Wang Yahui massaged her temples. "Understood. Tell me when it’s finalized. Now go."

It was clear she hadn’t taken his words seriously, but Gu Yunhao didn’t dare push further. He could only nod and quietly exit the room.

Back in his own quarters, Gu Yunhao summoned his assistant.

"Did you manage to contact Chairman Lin this morning?"

Still seething from his mother’s dismissal, his tone was icy.

The assistant trembled slightly. "President Gu, yes. Chairman Lin’s secretary said he had a meeting this morning but could speak with you in the afternoon."

Gu Yunhao snapped, "Call him now."

The assistant hurried to comply. "Right away!"

Two minutes later, the call was connected to Lin Yuanfeng.

Gu Yunhao dismissed his assistant with a wave and forced a smile. "Chairman Lin, it’s me, Yunhao."

Lin Yuanfeng’s voice was as genial as ever. "Ah, Yunhao. What can I do for you?"

Gu Yunhao spoke with deference. "I’m calling to follow up on our collaboration. About the contract we discussed earlier…"

Lin Yuanfeng chuckled. "Ah, yes. As my secretary informed you, the board is still deliberating. With so much going on lately, we need a bit more time."

Same old excuse.

In the past, Gu Yunhao would have backed off, afraid of annoying Lin Yuanfeng.

But now, his patience had worn thin.

Every day, his funds dwindled, the project timeline loomed closer, and yet the contract with the Lin family remained unsigned.

Under normal circumstances, he might have waited another week.

But today’s news about the resort, coupled with his mother’s attitude, had pushed him to the edge.

He needed to restore his mother’s faith in him—and make that insolent woman regret crossing him.

Gu Yunhao clenched his teeth and exhaled deeply. "Chairman Lin, here's the thing. It's not that I want to rush you, but my situation is quite urgent. If... if the contract isn't finalized within this week, then I might have to..."

He didn’t dare finish the sentence.

Merely speaking this much had already pushed him to his limit.

Gu Yunhao held his breath, waiting for a response from the other end.

After a brief silence, Lin Yuanfeng's voice came through the phone. "Oh? Why the sudden urgency? Care to explain?"

His tone didn’t sound angry at all.

Gu Yunhao first let out a quiet sigh of relief, then felt a surge of hope—had his persuasion finally worked? Was Chairman Lin actually considering his request?

"Chairman Lin," Gu Yunhao said, forcing his voice to remain steady, "my competitor has already made their move. I need to open my business before they do to gain the upper hand. Any further delay would be disastrous."

Lin Yuanfeng's tone remained unreadable. "Is that so? What competitor has you so worked up?"

Too eager to think straight, Gu Yunhao blurted out, "Huayuan!"

Silence.

Assuming Lin Yuanfeng wasn’t familiar with the name, Gu Yunhao quickly explained, "You might not know them, Chairman. Huayuan is a small chain hotel in Beicheng. Their scale isn’t large, but... the owner’s daughter has a grudge against me and has been targeting me relentlessly."

"Targeting you?"

Under normal circumstances, Gu Yunhao might have questioned why Lin Yuanfeng was probing into such details.

But now, with success seemingly within reach, he was too desperate to care.

He spilled everything without restraint. "Ning Yuxuan—that’s the daughter I mentioned—she’s been holding a grudge ever since I broke up with her. And after I poached her family’s suppliers, she..."

Then, he suddenly realized he had said too much.

He cleared his throat awkwardly. "Chairman Lin, I apologize for my outburst. The point is, I truly need this partnership to be finalized as soon as possible. It’s absolutely crucial for me!"

Lin Yuanfeng let out a slow, indifferent hum.

Gu Yunhao tightened his grip on the phone, unable to decipher the man’s intentions.

Then, Lin Yuanfeng spoke again, his tone almost casual.

"Yunhao, what makes you think I would help you go after my own daughter?"

...

The words were so casually delivered that it took Gu Yunhao several seconds to process them.

His fingers trembled, and the cigarette between them fell to the floor.

Staring blankly at the intricate antique wallpaper in front of him, he realized Lin Yuanfeng hadn’t hung up yet—but he couldn’t utter a single word in response.

Daughter?

How was that possible?

Ning Yuxuan was Lin Yuanfeng’s daughter?

After the initial shock, a creeping dread settled over him.

Because now, he realized the signs had been there all along.

His grandfather and Lin Yuanfeng were close friends despite their age difference, and his grandfather had always favored Ning Yuxuan—even pushing for her to marry into the Gu family.

Given the Ning family’s modest wealth, the only reason his grandfather would consider Ning Yuxuan as a suitable match was if her father’s status was extraordinary.

But back then, Gu Yunhao had been too obsessed with his own desires, convinced that his grandfather was just being sentimental, charmed by Ning Yuxuan’s flattery.

A flood of emotions crashed over him—realization, regret, fear...

Then, it hit him.

If Ning Yuxuan was Lin Yuanfeng’s daughter, then what had he just admitted to over the phone?

"Chairman Lin, I—" he finally stammered, "This is all a misunderstanding!"

But the only response was the dial tone.

Gu Yunhao stood frozen, his face paling to a sickly gray.

Now, Lin Yuanfeng’s attitude made perfect sense.

From the very beginning, he had never intended to work with him.

The opportunity Gu Yunhao had desperately clung to—the chance to regain his parents’ approval and prove himself to the elite circles—had been nothing but an illusion.

And he could have avoided this disaster.

If he hadn’t arrogantly pursued the deal alone, if he had consulted his mother beforehand, if...

But there were no "ifs."

He had already poured all his money into the hotel, but the supplies Lin Yuanfeng had promised would never arrive.

His parents, already disappointed in him, wouldn’t bail him out.

In other words, his entire investment was lost, and he would become nothing but a laughingstock.

Gu Yunhao collapsed into his chair, defeated.

It was over. Everything was over...

...

Ning Yuxuan walked along the street when her phone rang.

Glancing at the caller ID, she turned to the man beside her. "I need to take this."

She had been working all afternoon. After the news about the resort was announced, it had affected Huayuan’s existing plans.

She, Chen Jun, Zhou Lin, and the management team had held several meetings to adjust their strategy.

They didn’t finish until past seven in the evening.

Xie Zhiyan had texted her, asking if she wanted to have dinner.

She agreed.

So Xie Zhiyan drove her to a nearby restaurant.

After dinner, they took a leisurely stroll instead of heading straight back to the car.

Ning Yuxuan put on her headphones and answered the call. "Dad, what is it?"

Lin Yuanfeng’s voice came through. "Can’t I just call to check on you, Yuxuan?"

She responded with silence.

Raised by Ning Fei, Ning Yuxuan didn’t resent her father.

But she couldn’t bring herself to act like a normal daughter, exchanging warm words and casual affection with him.

Lin Yuanfeng seemed to realize his awkward phrasing and coughed lightly. "So... are you busy?"

Ning Yuxuan replied, "No, I just finished dinner. Taking a walk now."

Lin Yuanfeng’s tone turned hesitant. "I called because... I heard you got engaged?"

At his age and with his busy schedule, Lin Yuanfeng rarely paid attention to online gossip.

The news of Ning Yuxuan’s possible engagement had reached him through his current wife, Yan Qinrui.

When she told him, her voice dripped with sarcasm. "Honestly, what kind of father are you? Learning about your own daughter’s engagement from her stepmother?"

Lin Yuanfeng’s first instinct was to call his ex-wife, Ning Fei, for confirmation.

But after hesitating, he decided to call Ning Yuxuan directly.

"Yuxuan," he asked carefully, "is it true?"

Ning Yuxuan instinctively glanced at the ring on her finger.

"I... haven’t gotten engaged."

After a pause, she added, "But the relationship is real. I might be getting married soon."

After all, Lin Yuanfeng was her biological father.

Once her marriage became public, she couldn’t completely hide it from him.

On the phone, Lin Yuanfeng fell silent for a long time.

So long that Ning Yuxuan almost thought the call had dropped due to poor signal.

Finally, Lin Yuanfeng spoke, his voice thick with emotion, "Congratulations, my daughter."

Ning Yuxuan smiled faintly. "Thank you."

Their exchange was so polite it hardly sounded like a conversation between father and daughter.

After a few seconds of silence, Lin Yuanfeng spoke again, "It’s Xie Zhiyan, right? I’ve heard of him. We even met once two years ago. He’s a good man."

Ning Yuxuan gave a quiet "Mm."

Lin Yuanfeng hesitated before asking, "...Does he treat you well?"

Ning Yuxuan was momentarily stunned.

She turned her head and met Xie Zhiyan’s deep gaze.

Ning Yuxuan replied softly, "He does."

Father and daughter fell silent again.

When Lin Yuanfeng spoke next, his voice was nearly choked with emotion. "Then your father can rest easy."

After another pause, he added, "When the wedding day comes, I’d like to give you a gift."

This time, Ning Yuxuan didn’t refuse. "Alright."

Lin Yuanfeng said, "I won’t keep you any longer. Go ahead and enjoy your walk."

...

After hanging up, Ning Yuxuan was quiet.