After a Top Idol Married the Sickly Young Master of a Wealthy Family to Bring Him Good Luck - Chapter 23

The public chat was refreshing with a frantic, dense thicket of bullet comments.

【Holy crap, holy crap! Hubby! Hubby! You’re so handsome! [Screaming and rolling around]】

【Brother Pei insta-kills the entire entertainment industry! His face is the realm itself.】

【Is that a metal chain swaying on his black jacket? No, it’s my heart that will love Brother Pei for ten thousand years without changing!】

【Don’t say it, just don’t say it—he really has that vibe of a cold e-sports god. I’m dreaming of a script for this.】

【Upstairs, Brother Pei is actually super good at gaming. I’ve always felt that if he hadn’t entered the entertainment industry back then, he would have become a professional player.】

【Bragging without a draft; Pei-dog really stops at nothing to build a persona.】

【Pei-dog should just stick to acting his roles well. He shouldn’t always think about getting a slice of every pie. Does he really think e-sports don’t have fans?】

【This is a celebrity exhibition match, okay? What can you actually see from this? I’m guessing the result: everyone sucks up to Pei-dog, a happy celebration, and peace throughout the land.】

【Chen Er is also pitiful, being a foil and a background plate [Withered green leaf]】

【Jealous haters are out; probably Yufens (fish fans) who are obsessed and making a comeback. Everyone, don’t give them the time of day, ha.】

【Friends in the livestream, my girlfriend is going crazy. She says she wants to buy me a matching outfit to instantly turn me into a high school hunk. Is it for real?】

【Be cautious. Just that jacket alone costs 30,000 yuan on the official website.】

【Crying in a storm!】

…

Affected by the atmosphere, Ling Suiyao also posted a few bullet comments, feeling he had to praise Brother Pei for being tragically handsome.

In the livestream, Pei Xinglu had already stepped to the center of the team, raising his hand to greet the live audience and the camera.

“Hello everyone, I am Pei Xinglu. I am very happy to be here at Qingti TV and at the livestream of ‘Conquest of the Bright Moon’ today.”

Another burst of excited shouting erupted in the venue, lasting for a full ten seconds.

The host teased, “Our Teacher Pei truly lives up to being a top star. Xiao Chen, what are your thoughts?”

Chen Er spread his hands and shrugged. “There’s nothing to be done; after all, he is Pei Xinglu.”

“Teacher Pei, what do you think of Xiao Chen’s answer? Are you satisfied?” the host asked Pei Xinglu.

Pei Xinglu smiled slightly. “It’s just alright. Anyway, I won’t be taking it easy. We’ll see the truth in the arena.”

“…Just you wait.”

Chen Er turned and looked at the players on his team with great expectation. “My dear teammates, can you teach him how to be a person later, please?”

“Since Brother Chen said so, then we’ll have to say sorry to Brother Pei later!”

The scene was filled with bursts of merriment.

In the livestream, they chatted for a while about the game and heroes. The e-sports players and Chen Er talked eloquently, while Pei Xinglu remained silent and quiet, cool enough to have no friends. When he was cued, he would give a smile.

“What position is Teacher Pei good at? Do you have any favorite heroes?” the host asked.

Pei Xinglu replied, “Assassin, I suppose. My favorite is the Water-Severing Sword Spirit.”

【Assassin… ooh, I’m thinking of Meng Ce!】

【Is Hubby going to bring out the Sword Spirit today? Sword Spirit is very difficult.】

【…It’s starting, it’s starting. Pei-dog is going to start posing again.】

【I can already predict the script: Pei-dog as ADC, playing a bottom-tier trash character, supported by teammates, enemies going easy, harvesting a wave of praise from brainless fans.】

【No, can the haters just get lost? If you don’t like it, why are you contributing to the traffic? Is hate longer-lasting than love? [Hardcore hating.jpg]】

Ling Suiyao searched for the hero “Sword Spirit” on his phone. It was an assassin with high difficulty, great operability, and strong mobility.

As soon as the high-definition image of the character jumped out, Ling Suiyao understood why Pei Xinglu liked this hero.

An assassin walking in a rainstorm, dressed in black with a long sword, deep eyes, and faint bloodstains on the hem of his clothes; the aura was mysterious and charming.

It perfectly matched Pei Xinglu’s taste.

The livestream briefly mentioned their ranks. The camera cut, and the two teams took their seats. There was a preparation period of about twenty minutes for the teams to discuss tactics.

Then, it officially began.

During the hero selection phase, Pei Xinglu got his wish and took his best hero, the Water-Severing Sword Spirit.

The screen was flooded with countless identical bullet comments again.

【Pei-God, initiate!】

【Pei-dog, start the show!】

【Holy Sh**, the haters are truly everywhere [Fly swatter.jpg]】

The commentators analyzed the situation and strategies, occasionally cutting to full-screen shots of the players.

The camera focused most on Pei Xinglu, showing him from all sorts of angles.

Like a natural star, he was the center of attention.

Dressed in casual black clothes, wearing headphones, his left hand dancing over the keyboard and his right hand gripping the mouse. His fingers were slender with distinct joints; the silver ring on his index finger and the watch on his wrist were both very eye-catching.

He wasn’t sitting very upright; his body was slightly tilted, leaning back. However, it didn’t look sloppy; instead, it exuded a sense of calm from someone in full control of the situation.

“Rong-God has placed a ward. Brother Pei has cleared the jungle creeps on this side. Let’s see where Brother Pei is going next?”

“Oh? A chance encounter. Will Brother Pei choose to start a fight?”

“Even though there’s support, there are three people on the other side. Moreover, our Forest has a strong meta hero that counters agile melee assassins like the Water-Severing Sword Spirit. So, practically speaking, it’s not a suitable time to fight. It’s best to avoid their edge for now…”

On the game interface, amidst the gurgling streams and lush mountain forests, the black-clad Sword Spirit used his second skill to strike the enemy, forcefully starting a team fight. The support followed quickly, providing plenty of shields and healing.

Ling Suiyao couldn’t understand these team fights; he kept his eyes fixed on the only hero he recognized. He saw a single sword turn into multiple swords, the moves as swift as the wind, shifting back and forth. The enemy’s health bars plummeted.

Double kill.

Only the last thick-blooded support remained, standing over two corpses, dazed and confused.

The black-clad Sword Spirit wiped the blood, sheathed the sword, and left after the deed was done, hiding his merit and fame.

【Holy crap!】

【Sword Spirit is this strong? Watching this makes my hands itch; I’m opening the game for a round right now [Numb from being killed.jpg]】

【!An e-sports fan passing by, this operation has some real skill. Pei Xinglu even knows how to manipulate vision to bait skills and dodge damage?? So he actually knows how to play???】

“What just happened? Am I hallucinating? Did Brother Pei enter the fray? Have I been slapped in the face?!”

Matching the commentator’s voice, which was cracking with excitement, the camera quickly cut to Pei Xinglu.

Dark, quiet pupils; a perfect jawline slightly raised.

A nonchalant expression, casual movements, and a steady, calm demeanor.

The aura of a Great God—wasn’t it showing now?

Chen Er maintained a fake smile while clicking on his “corpse.” Fine, fine, go ahead and show off. Just who are you showing off for?

Ling Suiyao was completely confused, but he was still infected by the passionate atmosphere.

It seemed that in the discussions of the commentators and the bullet comments, Brother Pei’s level of play was very high, comparable to a professional player.

An hour later, the enemy’s defensive tower shattered.

Pei Xinglu’s team won. Aside from Pei Xinglu himself, everyone was exceptionally excited.

Pei Xinglu merely pulled off his headphones with one hand and lightly flicked his wrist.

【Heavens, they played for an hour.】

【Me??? [Eyes wide open.jpg] Am I watching a celebrity exhibition match or some professional promotion match?】

【A friend who follows e-sports said this match was even more impressive than pro matches. It was truly a meeting of equals, hearty and dripping with sweat. When will the livestream end? I want to watch the replay of Pei-dog’s operations.】

【Awesome, awesome. Pei-dog’s operations are truly top-tier! I’m convinced!】

【Brother Pei! Brother Pei! You’re super amazing!】

【Where are the haters? Why aren’t the haters coming out to talk now? [Hands on hips.jpg]】

【I declare! Pei Xinglu is a paradise for those who worship the strong!】

The anniversary livestream continued.

Pei Xinglu and Chen Er could leave the stage early.

Back in the lounge, Pei Xinglu took off his jacket, loosened the collar of his hoodie, and drank half a bottle of mineral water in one go.

Xiao He and the makeup artist looked at him with admiration in their eyes.

Just as Pei Xinglu took his phone, the door was kicked open. Chen Er rushed in aggressively, shouting, “Pei-dog, you’re really something! Not only did you break your word, but you killed me ten whole times! I’m not finished with you. I’m going to post on Weibo, I’m going to expose your shame—”

Pei Xinglu hooked the rolling chair with his leg, blocking Chen Er’s fierce advance.

Since he was the one who went back on his word after all, Pei Xinglu’s attitude was slightly better. He said, “Director Zhang told me a few days ago that there’s an insert song for ‘Chronicles of the Folded Blade.’ The crew has changed several singers and isn’t satisfied; they haven’t settled on anyone yet. I recommended you to him. Probably in the next two days, the crew will contact you. Keep an eye out for calls from A City.”

Chen Er: “!!!”

That was the big production “Chronicles of the Folded Blade,” and that was a palace-level director in the country!

Chen Er changed his tone from violent to amiable. “…Your selfless conduct! I’ve thought about it—for a singer, whether they are bad at games or not doesn’t matter. The key is the singing ability! Give me a hint, what style does Director Zhang want?”

Pei Xinglu transferred a double red envelope to him. “A sense of grand, desolate destiny. It needs to be ‘knife’ enough (heart-wrenching). But whether it works out or not, I can’t guarantee it.”

Chen Er accepted it happily and pondered, “Grand and desolate… so abstract.”

After sending Chen Er away, Pei Xinglu looked at his watch. It was already past eight o’clock.

After Yang Xing finished negotiating with the organizers, he looked at Pei Xinglu with great relief. “You performed very well tonight. You survived the tribulation smoothly, not only slapping the haters’ faces but also attracting a wave of strength-worshipping fans. But it was just an exhibition match; why were you so serious?”

Pei Xinglu didn’t speak; he closed his eyes and pressed the corners of his eyes.

Yang Xing said, “You’ve been staring at the computer screen for too long. Go back and rest quickly. The hotel is booked for you. Don’t stay up late tonight. You have to catch a flight back to A City early tomorrow morning. I’ll send you the event flow for tomorrow night’s banquet later; remember to take a look.”

Pei Xinglu suddenly opened his eyes, tapped his phone, and turned it off again. Although his face was expressionless, this series of small movements showed that the owner was clearly very conflicted, hesitating to speak several times.

“That… cough, are there any flights back to A City tonight?”

Xiao He went to check. “There are, Brother Pei. There’s one at eleven.”

Yang Xing was puzzled. “You’re going back tonight?”

Pei Xinglu stood up, put on his jacket, and wore a hat, sunglasses, and a mask, making it impossible for Yang Xing to see his face clearly.

“Yeah.”

Yang Xing was even more puzzled. “To Pingye Residence?”

Pei Xinglu tucked his hands into his pockets. “Yeah.”

Yang Xing and Xiao He were completely dumbfounded.

Yang Xing: “Is it the Ling…”

…Did the Ling family call?

Before the words were out, Pei Xinglu immediately interrupted, “No!”

Yang Xing looked at him meaningfully and sighed.

Xiao He followed with a sigh.

Sigh, even marrying into a wealthy family has its troubles.

It’s already so late, yet he’s still forced to go home.

Sigh, a tough nut like Brother Pei is still no match for the evils of capital after all.

But why does it always feel like something is a bit strange?

Pei Xinglu: “…”

One more sigh and I’m out.

Pei Xinglu took the eleven o’clock flight. It took two hours to reach A City, and then about forty-odd minutes to drive to Pingye Residence. By the time he arrived, it was estimated to be past two o’clock. Ling Suiyao should have gone to sleep long ago… coming back now would seem inexplicably strange.

At this time, a post popped up in the inner-circle gossip group of a certain Douban platform.

Title: Hiss—am I the only one who thinks Pei-dog’s livestream tonight had a bit of a ‘peacock spreading its tail’ vibe?

Many trending topics on Weibo have their screenshot origins in Douban. Pei Xinglu has always been a “high-rise owner” here, with a constitution that attracts storms. Any random post—even something as small as him casually adjusting his sunglasses—would generate various conspiracy theories and subsequent bickering between haters and fans. This had become the norm.

1L: [Screenshot *6] Various poses of being handsome, Mr. Strong.

2L: The person upstairs has skill with these screenshots. This face of Pei-dog is truly peerless. Stolen.

3L: +1 I think so too!

4L: +1 Pei-dog isn’t right. Although he usually loves to pose, tonight feels different. Emmm, a feeling I can’t quite describe.

5L: You guys are here for a group tour again, hhh. Many familiar faces. You’re actually more attentive than the fans. I can see you have a love-hate relationship with Pei Xinglu [Looking at an idiot.jpg]

6L: Just talking nonsense. Can the haters stop making things up? Brother Pei has been filming ‘Chronicles of the Folded Blade’ continuously; where would he have the time for scandals???

A large number of Pei Xinglu’s fans arrived, and since this speculation was groundless and purely catching shadows, it was quickly suppressed.

At this time, Pei Xinglu had also just arrived at Pingye Residence.

Everything was silent. He hesitated at the door.

It was already August, with a succession of high-temperature days. The temperature at night had dropped slightly, but it was still like a furnace; the occasional breeze was dry and hot.

Pei Xinglu looked up at the window; Pingye Residence was pitch black and quiet.

He took out his key to open the door.

Putting his luggage in the living room, he was about to head upstairs.

Suddenly, he heard Butler Zhou’s drowsy voice from behind, “Is that Mr. Pei?”

The floor lamp in the living room lit up.

It was so late, and Butler Zhou was getting on in years, so Pei Xinglu inevitably felt some guilt. “Sorry for the disturbance.”

“I got up in the night and happened to hear something, so I came to take a look.” Butler Zhou let out a yawn. “Why is Mr. Pei back?”

“There’s work tomorrow, and time is tight, so I needed to rush back overnight.” Pei Xinglu glanced upstairs toward the room and said nonchalantly, “Ling Suiyao should be asleep at this hour. Should I sleep in the guest room?”

Butler Zhou waved his hand. “Ah, no need. The Young Master went back to the old residence this afternoon and probably won’t be back for three days. You can sleep in the master bedroom. The guest room is also fine, as you wish; both have been cleaned very thoroughly.”

Pei Xinglu frowned subconsciously. “He’s not here?”

“Yes.”

Switching on the light in the master bedroom, Pei Xinglu sat on the edge of his bed.

The room was quiet. Ling Suiyao’s quilt was folded into a square tofu shape, with a bunch of plush dolls either sitting, lying, or leaning against the quilt.

Pei Xinglu exhaled wearily, suddenly feeling a bit empty.

And also a bit irritable.

There was even a tiny bit of confusion.

—Just why did he have to rush back to A City overnight? Clearly, flying back tomorrow morning would have been more than enough.