Mom

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Luan Xiaoping (栾晓萍)
Alias(es)	Mom; Madam Luan
Gender	Female
Occupation/Role	Teacher at Huitian Township Middle School; later Mayor Yang Zhaode's wife
Affiliation	Dong family; Yang family
Status	Alive
First Appearance	3

Background / History

Luan Xiaoping raised Dong Xuebin alone for years. In his early life, she worked as an ordinary middle-school teacher while the family struggled financially; Dong later describes her salary as roughly 2,000 yuan per month. She and Dong had lived together in Beijing for four or five years before his career took him elsewhere. 31 616 621 945

She remains deeply affected by memories of Dong's father. After Dong narrowly survives a dangerous incident, he finds her privately crying over old wedding photographs. 32

While Dong works in local government, Luan lives and teaches in Huitian Township. Dong hopes to improve her circumstances, planning to bring her to live with him once he receives better housing. 173

Relationship with Yang Zhaode

Luan begins seeing Yang Zhaode, the Municipal Party Committee Organization Department Minister. Though initially reluctant to tell Dong, she openly admits that they have been meeting and agrees to arrange a meeting between the two men. 361

Dong initially worries that Yang's rank, age, and family background make the match unequal. After meeting Yang and seeing his sincere, unpretentious treatment of her, he accepts their relationship. 395 396

Yang's relatives look down on Luan's rural background, reducing her to tears. She nevertheless remains composed and insists on continuing her relationship with Yang rather than yielding to their disapproval. 616 617

Dong supports her by arranging an extensive makeover and luxury wardrobe. Luan gains confidence during the Yang family meeting, gives Yang Zhaode's niece a valuable jadeite ring, and ultimately earns the family's respect; the marriage is subsequently approved. 399 617 618 621

By the time of Sun Kai's transfer to Lü'an City, Luan is married to Yang and established in the Municipal Party Committee Family Compound. 946

Appearance

After Dong's makeover arrangements, Luan is described as looking seven or eight years younger, with her wrinkles largely concealed by professional makeup and her hair dyed black and styled in large curls. 618

• Wears a light shirt, thin jacket, light-colored skirt, fashionable high heels, and a red handbag during the Yang family meeting. 618
• Completes the outfit with a necklace and earrings. 618
• Is short enough that she asks Dong to wipe windows she cannot reach. 616
• Adopts a restrained, dignified public bearing as the mayor's wife. 946

Personality

Luan is practical and nurturing. She cleans Dong's home, prepares meals, fusses over his health, massages him after exhausting work, and readily scolds him when he behaves badly. 361 848 1550

She is modest about her appearance and uncomfortable with extravagant spending, but gradually accepts Dong's efforts to make her feel valued. 617 618

Despite being hurt by Yang Zhaode's relatives, Luan does not allow their contempt to dictate her choices. Her insistence on maintaining the relationship reflects quiet resolve rather than submission. 616 617

Relationships

• Dong Xuebin — Her son. They are fiercely close: she worries over his safety and conduct, while he is intensely protective of her dignity and happiness. 32 617 848
• Yang Zhaode — Her boyfriend, then husband; a senior municipal official whose affection and support win Dong's approval. 361 395 946
• Qu Yunxuan — Close family associate and mother of Luan's granddaughter. Luan welcomes her into the household and appreciates her care for Dong. 3 1550
• Xiao Qianqian — Her granddaughter. Luan is openly emotional when the child returns safely, helps care for her, and later takes her back to the city. 616 919
• Sun Kai — Xie Jing's boyfriend. Luan helps Dong arrange his job placement in Lü'an City. 946

Story Role / Major Arcs

Early family life

Luan's modest life as a teacher and single parent establishes Dong's strong sense of filial responsibility. He sends her money after making profits and repeatedly seeks to improve her living conditions. 31 173

New relationship and marriage

Her relationship with Yang Zhaode forces Dong to confront his protectiveness and worries over class differences. She withstands criticism from Yang's family, gains their acceptance, and becomes Yang's wife. 361 395 616 621

Mayor's wife

Luan adjusts quickly to public life. During an earthquake-relief charity event, Dong sees her on television standing beside Yang with a dignified, reserved demeanor. 946

She later publicly identifies Dong as her son during a confrontation at the Lü'an Municipal Party Committee Family Compound, immediately altering the political balance of the dispute. 951

Grandmother and family organizer

Luan is deeply involved in caring for Dong's children and grandchildren. She takes charge of the Hundred Days Banquet for Dong's son despite his reluctance and is protective of Xiao Qianqian. 919 2021

Trivia

• Dong calls Luan “the smartest in the world” while helping her prepare for the Yang family meeting. 399
• When Yang Zhaode remarks that her makeover outfit cost more than a million yuan, Luan says Dong is merely “messing around,” though she is touched by his support. 618
• She openly calls Dong “Plague God” when criticizing his notorious reputation. 396