Chapter 5

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Cen Meng’s alternate account was very discreet; she never posted daily updates, didn’t fill out any personal information, and the phone number used for registration wasn’t even hers. Yet Cen Meng still felt that as a public figure, she had to be especially cautious—netizens nowadays were extraordinarily resourceful, and if anything about her was uncovered, it wouldn’t be pleasant. Although she had this Weibo account, she seldom used it to express her opinions. Today, she couldn’t help herself and left a single comment.

Unexpectedly, Ning Fei’s first variety show appearance after more than a decade away from the spotlight attracted many viewers who usually avoided such programs, and the buzz was extraordinarily high. Moreover, Ning Yuxuan’s performance on the show was genuinely engaging, and with her outstanding looks, the trending topic climbed from sixth place to fifth, with signs of continuing to rise.

As more netizens clicked on the trending topic, naturally many saw Cen Meng’s comment. Watching the waves of replies attacking her, Cen Meng trembled with anger. Then, a notification popped up with fresh messages—more insults aimed at her. Cen Meng’s presence in entertainment circles wasn’t that prominent, and with fans moderating comments, she rarely encountered such negativity online. This was the first time she faced so much maliciousness from netizens directly.

Her vision blurred, and she nearly struggled to catch her breath. Cen Meng locked her phone screen and tossed it aside, her hatred growing deeper. Ning Yuxuan—wasn’t she just blessed with a good mother? Gu Yunhao was already hers; one day, everything Ning Yuxuan now possessed would belong to her.

…

On set, Ning Shiyue had just finished filming a scene and heard a fellow actor calling him. “Teacher Shiyue, congratulations,” said a young actress, not yet twenty, in her first drama. Ning Shiyue wasn’t the biggest name on set, but he was undoubtedly the top draw, and many younger actors were enthusiastic toward him.

Not fond of chatting with strangers, he glanced at the actress coolly. “Congratulations on what?”

She raised her phone, showing him: “Your mom and sister are trending on Weibo; everyone is praising them.”

Many had tried to strike up conversations with Ning Shiyue before, but he was always polite yet reserved. This time, the actress didn’t expect much either but, being outgoing and formerly a casual fan of Ning Shiyue before entering the industry, she wanted to share the news.

Unexpectedly, Ning Shiyue looked at her and, for once, leaned in a little closer. To maintain his focus, he usually handed his phone to his assistant during filming. The assistant had gone to the van to fetch something, so this was the only way for Ning Shiyue to see the trending topic.

Surprised for a moment, the actress quickly held the phone higher and enthusiastically explained, “This is the first trending topic. Look, everyone’s saying your family atmosphere is great!”

“And this one—netizens really love Teacher Ning’s gaze!”

“Teacher Shiyue, once you finish, tell me. I have a second trending topic to show you; someone made a really good fan video!”

She rattled off eagerly, only realizing afterward that Ning Shiyue hadn’t interrupted her, allowing her to chatter on beside him.

Normally, he would have quietly slipped away by now.

Turning his head to glance at him again, she was stunned. Ning Shiyue was still focused on the phone screen, his features soft and the corner of his lips faintly lifted. Except during filming, she had never seen such tenderness in his eyes.

Her heart stirred. Such a moving look—those two people on the screen must be the most treasured in Ning Shiyue’s life.

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She suddenly felt genuine envy for Ning Shiyue’s sister.

Only after dusk fully fell did Ning Shiyue finish shooting all the retakes.

Assistant Ding Yan helped pack up and asked, “Shiyue, heading back there again today?”

The drama filming was wrapping up, but there was a commitment the next afternoon. According to Ning Shiyue’s usual habits, if he had work the next day, he typically returned to his apartment.

His voice was calm: “Going home today.”

Ding Yan paused with the thermos cup in hand, surprised, looking toward Ning Shiyue.

He responded with a soft “Hmm,” lowering his gaze to the phone screen showing the trending video.

A barely perceptible warmth crept into his voice as he repeated, “Going home.”

…

At nine o’clock in the evening, the ring road in North City was still bustling with traffic.

After exiting the overpass and passing several traffic lights, the car slowly entered the villa district.

Opening the door, Ning Shiyue heard Ning Fei and Ning Yuxuan chatting.

He changed clothes and slippers at the entrance, then walked into the living room to see the two squeezed on the sofa.

Ning Fei praised the scene on the TV: “That last part, Xiao Yue acted well—very natural.”

Ning Yuxuan replied, “True, but it’s probably thanks to the co-actor. The actress playing mom is a veteran.”

Ning Shiyue was speechless.

“Ning Yuxuan,” Ning Shiyue’s eyelid twitched slightly, “can’t you just say something nice about me?”

He glanced at the TV and suddenly felt his vision darken.

The show airing was a youth drama he filmed two years ago, where he played the second male lead.

It was his first major role, and due to nervousness and lack of experience, his performance wasn’t great.

Though his looks garnered him many fans and boosted his fame, Ning Shiyue considered this drama a black mark in his career.

“You two—” he looked at his mother and sister, wanting to be angry but unable to, “Can’t you watch the dramas I acted well in? Why pick this one?”

Seeing her son’s helpless and slightly embarrassed expression, Ning Fei couldn’t help but laugh.

Ning Yuxuan winked, “Isn’t that your own fault? Look at our Ms. Ning Fei—any of her works are flawless in acting!”

Ning Fei laughed even harder.

Ning Shiyue was at a loss for words for two seconds before mustering a retort: “Are you serious? Look at your own acting…”

Just as the two were about to bicker, Ning Fei interrupted: “Alright, alright, you two siblings can argue later. Since you’re both here, I have something to tell you.”

In fact, seeing her son and daughter teasing each other like this made Ning Fei feel comforted.

For a long time, Ning Yuxuan and Ning Shiyue had ignored each other when they met; it had been ages since such a scene occurred.

But Ning Fei had her chronic insomnia; if she didn’t wash up and rest by ten, she might not sleep all night.

So she cut off their bickering to address the matter.

“Next week, your father is coming to North City for business talks,” Ning Fei said softly, “If you two aren’t busy, you can have dinner with him.”

Upon hearing this, Ning Yuxuan and Ning Shiyue exchanged a glance.

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After their parents’ divorce, the two siblings lived apart and saw no reason to meet without necessity.

Their father had remarried; Ning Yuxuan hadn’t met his current wife but heard they got along well.

Their mother hadn’t remarried but had dated several men and seemed to have moved on.

Ning Fei believed that after divorce, they were strangers with no need to disturb each other.

Yet she insisted that regardless, he was the father of her two children, and Ning Yuxuan and Ning Shiyue should not deny their biological father.

So whenever her ex-husband came to North City, Ning Fei arranged for the children to meet him when possible.

“I understand, Mom,” Ning Yuxuan replied.

Ning Shiyue remained silent.

When Ning Fei divorced, Ning Yuxuan was just over seven, Ning Shiyue five.

If Ning Yuxuan retained some fond memories of their father, Ning Shiyue’s recollections barely included him.

Ning Fei sighed and let it go: “I’m going to bed now. You two should rest early.”

After seeing Ning Fei back to her room, Ning Shiyue rose from the sofa and headed to his room.

Ning Yuxuan called after him, “Ning Shiyue.”

He paused, turning to look at her. “Ning Yuxuan, you don’t need to persuade me.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Persuade you about what?”

Ning Shiyue said nothing.

She beckoned him over: “Come here.”

He pursed his lips, reluctant but still walked over.

“What is it?” He avoided her gaze.

Ning Yuxuan smiled gently. “Be honest with me—did you skip an audition you prepared for a long time to rush home and film the variety show?”

Ning Shiyue had been deliberately avoiding her eyes but was stunned and looked at her in disbelief. “How did you know?”

She replied calmly, “I’m very resourceful. I know everything.”

Ning Shiyue was speechless.

She switched to a serious tone: “I mean, missing it is missing it. Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise? I heard there’s a costume drama casting now, and I really like the original story. Want to try out?”

In the original plot, Cen Meng, wanting to show generosity in front of Gu Yunhao, arranged a backdoor through the production team to get Ning Shiyue a minor role in the drama he missed the audition for.

Ning Shiyue was unaware he was chosen because of Cen Meng, and since the director was famous, he agreed.

However, that drama flopped terribly. The only standout was a supporting role played by Cen Meng.

Ning Shiyue’s character attracted harsh criticism for poor characterization and acting.

Later, Cen Meng “accidentally” exposed his bad behavior on set—throwing tantrums and multiple takes—further damaging his reputation.

In truth, Cen Meng repeatedly insulted Ning Yuxuan in front of Ning Shiyue, causing Ning Shiyue’s emotional breakdown on set.

His role was also criticized because Cen Meng used her connections to alter Ning Shiyue’s script, transferring his best scenes to her own character.

After seeing this part of the story, Ning Yuxuan decided to prevent Ning Shiyue from participating in the original drama.

The other drama she mentioned, though with a less prestigious crew, became a dark horse and achieved impressive ratings.

Yet most thought missing the audition for the original drama was a pity, as it seemed a big opportunity lost.