Chapter 10

Page 1/3

The first episode of "Dear Mom" was set up for three groups of guests to live together in a villa for two days and one night.

As the livestream began, viewers saw a modern, simply styled two-story villa.

The camera slowly moved into the second-floor living room, where the first group of guests appeared: the acclaimed actress Qin Man and her daughter Jiang Ning’an.

“Wow, the first to appear is Teacher Qin and Ning’an!”

“Teacher Qin looks so intellectual and elegant in that white blouse—truly a timeless beauty!”

The livestream chat was lively, but on-site, only Qin Man and her daughter were present, creating a somewhat quiet atmosphere.

Those who had seen the preview knew the two weren’t especially close.

After giving birth, Qin Man had been busy with filming, so Jiang Ning’an was raised by a nanny during her childhood and went to study in North America after she turned fifteen.

It was only two years ago that Jiang Ning’an returned to China and entered the entertainment industry, beginning her acting career.

Every move they made under the camera was closely scrutinized by the audience.

“Even though they haven’t said a word, I noticed Ning’an has been quietly observing her mother.”

“Yes, just now when Teacher Qin coughed, Ning’an immediately went to get her some water.”

“Teacher Qin must love her daughter; I hope this show will help them gradually open their hearts to each other.”

A rustling sound came from the stairs, drawing both Qin Man and Jiang Ning’an’s attention.

The second group of guests, Cen Meng and her mother Qiao Yazhen, were upstairs.

Seeing the two sitting in the living room, Cen Meng quickened her pace as she approached.

“Hello, Teacher Qin, I’m your fan, my name is Cen Meng,” she said with a bright smile. “I really love the roles you’ve played. It’s finally an honor to meet you today!”

Qin Man stood and shook Cen Meng’s hand, nodding slightly. “Hello.”

As a veteran in the entertainment circle, Qin Man had encountered many who called themselves fans, so Cen Meng’s words didn’t elicit any special reaction.

To be frank, Qin Man’s reason for joining this show was purely for her daughter.

She wasn’t particularly interested in the other guests nor did she intend to befriend them.

Cen Meng, accompanied by her mother Qiao Yazhen, greeted Jiang Ning’an as well.

“Hello, Ning’an! I really enjoyed your recent drama ‘Legend of Caixin.’ I stayed up late to watch it all! You acted wonderfully!”

Like her mother, Jiang Ning’an was reserved, responding with a faint smile and a simple “Thank you.”

After the chilly reception, Cen Meng felt a little uncomfortable inside.

But she didn’t show it, maintaining a warm smile—after all, fans in the chat were watching and would naturally defend her.

Sure enough, Cen Meng’s fans began to voice their discontent in the chat.

“That mother and daughter are way too cold. We gave so many compliments, and this is the response?”

“Yeah, even if she’s a top actress, she shouldn’t act so high and mighty toward a newbie.”

Immediately, some viewers defended them.

“I think they were quite polite. They even smiled and said thank you. Some people just nitpick.”

“Exactly, everyone’s strangers at first, this attitude is perfectly fine. Cen Meng’s fans, don’t be so sensitive.”

Meanwhile, a nanny’s car slowly pulled up outside the filming site.

Guided by staff, Ning Yuxuan and Ning Fei, the last group of guests, walked up to the villa’s second floor together.

As Ning Fei stepped forward, Qin Man stood as well.

“Long time no see, Qin Man,” Ning Fei smiled and extended a hand.

“Long time no see, Ning Fei.”

Page 2/3

The director gave a close-up of their handshake, then cut to their exchanged glances.

“This must be the first time they’ve appeared on screen together in fifteen years. I wonder what they’re thinking right now?”

“Former rivals reunited, and both now have daughters—how fascinating!”

“The director really knows how to capture a moment. The sense of destiny is off the charts!”

In the chat, fans of the two actresses who disliked each other clashed, but most viewers were excited about this long-awaited reunion, drowning out the quarrels.

Elsewhere, Ning Yuxuan and Jiang Ning’an exchanged greetings.

Ning Yuxuan introduced herself first.

Like before with Cen Meng, Jiang Ning’an’s response was polite but slightly distant: “Hello, I’m Jiang Ning’an.”

Just as everyone thought their conversation had ended, Ning Yuxuan spoke again.

“There’s a question I’ve been holding back for so long, and now I finally have the chance to ask you.”

Jiang Ning’an was slightly taken aback and immediately became guarded.

She knew her mother’s temperament well. When Qin Man lost the Best Actress award to Ning Fei years ago, there might have been lingering regret and dissatisfaction.

But many years had passed, and Qin Man had since achieved the grand slam of awards; the past was long gone.

Jiang Ning’an had no intention of making things difficult for Ning Yuxuan. After the show, they would go their separate ways.

But if provoked, she was not one to back down.

She stood quietly, waiting for Ning Yuxuan’s question.

The chat exploded with excitement.

“Here it comes! Mom’s side seems calm for now, but the daughters are ready to throw down!”

“Haha, I love this! Let the fight begin!”

“Let me guess, is Ning Yuxuan going to ask: Does your mom truly accept losing to my mom back then?”

With everyone eager, Ning Yuxuan solemnly asked, “I want to know—does Caixin love her master more, or the Demon Lord?”

Jiang Ning’an was speechless.

Caixin is the protagonist Jiang Ning’an played in the hit drama “Legend of Caixin,” a surprise success in the fantasy genre this year, which had just concluded recently and sparked intense online discussion.

Caixin’s love for two men had been a hotly debated topic between fans shipping different couples.

The camera captured Jiang Ning’an’s stunned expression, mirroring the audience’s surprise that Ning Yuxuan would ask such a question.

“Hahaha, as expected from Ning Yuxuan, always on top of the latest drama buzz!”

“I have to admit, I’m curious about her answer too.”

“It’s definitely the Demon Lord! Anyone who ships the master and disciple is a heretic; I won’t listen!”

“This is hilarious; Jiang Ning’an is totally caught off guard. Give us shippers an answer!”

Jiang Ning’an regained her composure and looked at Ning Yuxuan thoughtfully.

Ning Yuxuan met her gaze sincerely. “It’s okay, just say it boldly! Even if you choose the wrong ship, I can handle it!”

It seemed she genuinely wanted to know the answer, not just using it as an excuse to start a conversation.

Jiang Ning’an cleared her throat.

“Both men are the most important in Caixin’s life. The master is the guide who helped her mature from naivety; Caixin’s heart has always held her master—from love at first to a deep friendship later on—”

Speaking of her role, Jiang Ning’an became more expressive.

“—But the Demon Lord was the first to make Caixin feel she could be firmly chosen, and he stood by her through the hardest times. What they shared was irreplaceable; they were true soulmates.”

After her explanation, the chat was split between cheers and groans.

Page 3/3

“Ahhh, so this is admitting the Demon Lord is Caixin’s true love? I’m crying for my master!”

“Hahaha, I knew it was the Demon Lord! Thanks, Ning Yuxuan, my ship is complete!”

“Who would’ve thought we'd get post-show content for my ship on a variety show! Let’s all say: Thank you, Ning Yuxuan!”

Ning Yuxuan beamed at Jiang Ning’an’s answer.

“Thank you!”

Then, she winked at Ning Fei.

“Mom, you heard that! I told you my ship was real!”

Ning Yuxuan had stumbled upon the drama on a video platform’s recommendation last weekend and casually started watching.

A few episodes in, she was hooked but had no one to discuss it with, so she invited her mother to watch together.

Mother and daughter watched through to the finale, each rooting for a different couple.

Ning Fei shook her head helplessly.

“Alright, I heard you, but I still prefer the master’s quiet, protective love.”

“Hahaha, Ning Teacher and Ning Yuxuan are like me and my roommate—it’s so real.”

“Shipper battles while the protagonists watch the chaos—haha!”

Ning Yuxuan blinked, then suddenly turned to Qin Man.

“Teacher Qin, have you seen the drama? Which couple do you support?”

Caught off guard by the question, Qin Man paused.

Jiang Ning’an unconsciously pursed her lips.

All along, Jiang Ning’an had regarded her mother as her goal and role model.

But she wanted to make her own way, not rely on her mother’s connections.

Therefore, Qin Man starred in major directors’ films, while Jiang Ning’an, a newcomer, acted in a fantasy idol drama.

Jiang Ning’an thought her mother probably hadn’t watched her drama since, despite its popularity, it was still just an online idol series, not high art.

Just as she was about to smooth things over, Qin Man suddenly spoke.

“I prefer Caixin and the master’s pairing,” Qin Man smiled. “Especially the scene where the master watches Caixin walk away and chooses to let her go—I found it very touching.”

Jiang Ning’an’s eyes widened slightly.

So… her mother had actually watched her drama?

“Hahaha, Teacher Qin likes the master too. My broken heart is soothed!”

“I declare 2 to 1—the master ship wins!”

“No, no, the lead actress herself supports the Demon Lord! It’s a tie!”

The chat buzzed with lively debate between the two ship sides.

Some viewers noticed Cen Meng and her mother had remained silent.

“Hey, didn’t Cen Meng say she liked this drama too? Why isn’t she saying anything?”

Earlier, Cen Meng had mentioned how much she admired Jiang Ning’an’s performance in the drama.

But now, watching the others discuss the show, she couldn’t join in.

The reason was simple: she hadn’t actually watched Jiang Ning’an’s drama; her earlier praise was just polite flattery.

Cen Meng wanted to speak but worried she might reveal her lie by misstating the plot.

She signaled her mother, and they both pretended to listen attentively.

Fortunately, the production staff soon approached to move the program along.