Chapter 11

At Cen Meng’s suggestion, the three of them first went together to the bookstore on the fourth floor of the mall.

Meanwhile, the three mothers set out together to buy gifts for their daughters.

Ning Fei was graceful and gentle by nature, Qin Man was cool and reserved, neither being very talkative. Qiao Yazhen was appearing on the show for the first time and, without her daughter by her side, was extremely nervous.

Compared to the lively atmosphere on the daughters’ side, the mood among the mothers was somewhat awkward.

Fortunately, the production team had prepared in advance. A staff member stepped forward to lighten the mood: “Based on your understanding of your daughters, what kind of gifts do you think they would like to receive?”

The staff member gestured for Cen Meng’s mother to answer first.

Qiao Yazhen spoke slowly: “My daughter has loved literature since she was little and often reads various classical works from both Chinese and foreign authors. Her father and I have always emphasized cultivating her literary taste. I think she would probably like to receive a book as a gift.”

[As expected from a family of literary scholars, both mother and daughter love literature.]

[Just came from the daughters’ side, and Mengmeng also wants to buy a book for her mother—such touching mother-daughter affection!]

[This is a textbook example of a mother-daughter relationship: mutual understanding and shared interests.]

Amid the flood of praise in the comments, some skepticism also appeared.

[It’s not that liking books is bad, but Cen Meng has been emphasizing this since the preview episode—it’s starting to feel overdone.]

[From what I know, entertainment industry students or bookish personas often end up disappointing.]

However, Cen Meng’s fans seemed especially fierce today, flooding the comments with praise and drowning out dissenting voices.

The staff then asked Qin Man the same question.

Qin Man smiled, with a hint of self-mockery: “For the past few years, Ning An has been studying abroad. I usually just send her living expenses directly and haven’t really bought her gifts. I honestly can’t think of an answer right now.”

Ning Fei smiled beside her, offering comfort: “That’s okay. Luckily, today it’s just the two of us moms here, so we can pick out gifts for Ning An together.”

Qin Man looked at Ning Fei with mild surprise before nodding.

In earlier years, Qin Man and Ning Fei had met a few times at events; Ning Fei was not known to be particularly sociable. Qin Man hadn’t expected Ning Fei to take the initiative to be friendly.

In fact, Qin Man’s assumption was correct—normally Ning Fei wouldn’t engage in conversation. But today, Ning Fei was in an exceptionally good mood.

The night before, before going to sleep, she had gently inquired about her daughter’s romantic situation.

It had been a week since the preview was filmed, so logically, Ning Yu Xuan and Gu Yunhao had been broken up for a week.

To avoid upsetting her daughter, Ning Fei had held back for a week, but finally couldn’t resist asking.

She had been nervous before asking but was surprised when Ning Yu Xuan answered decisively: “Yes, we broke up, and we definitely won’t get back together.”

“Really?”

“Absolutely.”

Ning Fei had seen her daughter’s previous “breakups,” which were always accompanied by lingering sorrow, clearly written on her face.

But this time, her daughter’s tone was firm and clear, with no trace of sadness or hesitation.

Ning Fei knew her daughter well and understood she wasn’t a great actress—this time, she truly had let go.

Relieved, she slept more soundly that night and woke up this morning radiantly happy.

Even the director and crew noticed and asked, “Ms. Ning, did something good happen?”

Ning Fei just smiled without answering.

Her good mood lasted right up to the present moment.

***

Ning Fei was the last to answer the production team’s question.

Her brows curved with a smile: “Xuan Xuan has liked so many things since she was little. I always say she wants everything but loses interest quickly. I think as long as the gift is pretty and nice, she would like it.”

[You can tell Ms. Ning truly loves her daughter; the smile in her eyes when she talks about Ning Yu Xuan is unmistakable.]

[Exactly; even when she talks about her daughter’s fleeting interests, it’s clear she’s indulgent and fond.]

However, discordant voices soon appeared in the live chat.

[Honestly, the contrast is obvious... Cen Meng likes literature, but Ning Yu Xuan likes pretty things.]

[That’s the difference—a family of intellectuals versus a divorced mother who’s always acting. The upbringing must be different.]

[Besides, Cen Meng’s family is no worse off financially. Her house in the preview episode was a mansion!]

Sharp-eyed netizens noticed that from the very start of the show, a group of people seemed to be elevating Cen Meng by disparaging Ning Yu Xuan and her mother.

Though Ning Fei was popular nationally, her fan base tended to be older and less likely to follow live streams.

Most defenders of Ning Yu Xuan were casual viewers.

[There’s nothing wrong with liking pretty things. Does Cen Meng like ugly stuff?]

[Right, loving books is fine, but don’t belittle other people’s preferences.]

Meanwhile, in the bookstore, Cen Meng wandered among the shelves, sharing stories from her childhood about reading.

Ning Yu Xuan received a message from Xie Zhiyan.

Xie Zhiyan: “What’s up?”

Since Cen Meng was talking nonstop, the camera focused solely on her.

Ning Yu Xuan typed: “I heard that the special signed edition of Yi Xin’s novel is very rare. Do you know if anyone else in China has this book besides the one you sent back?”

Xie Zhiyan: “There should only be two copies in China. One was bought by a lady in Jiangcheng, said to be a gift for her grandfather. The other is the one you have.”

Ning Yu Xuan thought to herself, that copy wasn’t even in her possession anymore.

Yi Xin’s novel was gripping. Even though Ning Yu Xuan wasn’t a fan, she was captivated and carried the book everywhere.

Though she couldn’t remember exactly how, she guessed she must have left it somewhere in the Gu household after finishing it, and Gu Yunhao had given it to Cen Meng.

Ning Yu Xuan: “Thanks, got it.”

The camera wasn’t filming her, but she felt it was awkward to keep texting.

She was about to put her phone away when another message popped up.

Xie Zhiyan: “Why the sudden question?”

Ning Yu Xuan’s finger hesitated.

She thought, it wasn’t entirely her fault—who could have expected a wealthy scion like Gu Yunhao to do something so petty as giving away someone else’s belongings?

But now, with Xie Zhiyan as her fiancé and Gu Yunhao as her ex, the whole situation felt a little strange.

Ning Yu Xuan: “It’s a long story. I’m filming a show now. I’ll tell you later. You’re busy, Mr. Xie!”

After sending that, she quickly slipped her phone into her pocket.

At last, Cen Meng finished speaking, and the three left the bookstore to find a restaurant for lunch.

After eating, Ning Yu Xuan and Jiang Ning’an also found gifts in the mall.

At three in the afternoon, the guests took the production team’s car back to the villa, and the director announced the start of the gift presentation segment.

First was Cen Meng’s group. Both Cen Meng and Qiao Yazhen chose books as gifts.

Cen Meng said her mother loved reading poetry at home, so she picked a poetry collection. Qiao Yazhen chose an English original novel.

The comments naturally burst with praise again.

Jiang Ning’an bought a pair of sunglasses for Qin Man.

“My mom likes collecting all kinds of sunglasses,” Jiang Ning’an explained. “She really likes this brand, but there aren’t many stores in China. I saw a new one opened in this mall, so I picked a pair.”

Qin Man’s gift was a rabbit plush toy.

“Ning An likes to keep stuffed animals on her bed to sleep with,” Qin Man briefly explained.

Actually, she hadn’t planned to buy that at first; Ning Fei had reminded her to think about any special habits her daughter had.

Jiang Ning’an seemed very fond of the plush toy, hugging it tightly and never letting go.

When the camera panned to others, the purchased gifts were placed beside them.

When it came to Ning Fei, her side was empty.

“Sorry,” Ning Fei smiled, pointing to the tea table across the room. “I bought a little too much.”

The camera shifted, and staff pushed over a small trolley piled high with colorful shopping bags.

To protect the guests’ privacy and maintain suspense, the shopping was paid for by the staff, so viewers only knew what items were considered gifts, not what was actually bought.

Only now did everyone realize that Ning Fei had bought almost everything she liked.

There were three designer handbags alone: a white cloud-shaped bag, a pink bucket bag, and a classic black chain bag.

There were also necklaces, bracelets, hair clips, and rings from luxury brands and trendy retail stores, all in various styles.

Additionally, she bought hats, belts, and other accessories.

Altogether, there were more than twenty items, enough to fill the entire trolley.

Ning Fei looked a little embarrassed but smiled as she explained, “I thought Xuan Xuan likes everything, and I just couldn’t resist buying a bit more…”

In truth, Ning Fei had another thought: her daughter had just ended a deeply invested relationship. No matter how carefree she appeared, she must still be a little heartbroken.

In times of heartbreak, what one needs most is family’s comfort and company. Ning Fei wanted to buy more things her daughter liked as a gesture of consolation.

The viewers in the live chat were stunned by the sheer volume of gifts.

“Ms. Ning, you’re too modest—you went a little overboard!”

“Shocked! Ms. Ning is actually a shopping maniac!”

“LOL, Ms. Ning is so elegant, but when she shops, she’s this wild!”

“Hahaha, you can really feel Ms. Ning’s wealth and overwhelming love for her daughter!”

“Can I ask again, Ms. Ning? Do you still need a daughter? I want to sign up!!!”

“Everyone’s too subtle—I’ll just say it outright: Mom! From today on, I’m Ms. Ning’s long-lost daughter!”

Even Jiang Ning’an couldn’t help but sigh: “Ning Yu Xuan, I’m a little jealous of you.”

The two had spent several hours shopping together, growing quite familiar.

As for Cen Meng, who kept saying she wasn’t very interested in shopping and just liked reading, she didn’t interact much with the others on the way.

Ning Yu Xuan and Jiang Ning’an teased her: “If you say that, Teacher Qin probably regrets not buying you five plush toys.”

Jiang Ning’an laughed: “One is enough. If I had too many, I wouldn’t have space to hug them all at night.”

Ning Yu Xuan blinked and caught the key point: “You like to sleep hugging a stuffed animal?”