After a Top Idol Married the Sickly Young Master of a Wealthy Family to Bring Him Good Luck - Chapter 6

Dressing Room.

The atmosphere was solemn and silent, save for the sound of rapid, increasingly irritable page-flipping and sharp inhalations.

Rustle—

Yu Zhihan tossed aside the several script outlines his manager had handed him. He reached for a cup of coffee on the table, took a single sip, and his expression instantly soured. He spat it all out and barked at his assistant, “Why is this cold?”

His assistant, Cheng Xiaorong, whose clothes were now mostly splattered with the liquid, replied aggrievedly, “It was bought two hours ago. You left it sitting there without drinking it, Yu-ge, and with the air conditioning on, it went cold.”

Yu Zhihan snatched a tissue to wipe his mouth, eyeing her sideways. “And you couldn’t think to replace it with a hot one? Do I really have to remind you about such trivial things?”

Xiaorong stood frozen in place, biting her lower lip hard.

“Alright, it’s not a big deal. Is all this necessary?” His manager, Zhou Wan, finally spoke up. “Xiaorong, go buy another one. I’ll reimburse you when you get back.”

Xiaorong’s face was pale. She nodded woodenly and pushed the door open to leave.

There was a very obvious brown coffee stain on her white dress. She lifted the hem, dabbing it with a tissue, the heavy scent of coffee filling her nose. This was her favorite dress; she had saved up for a long time before finally gritting her teeth to buy it. She’d only worn it a few times with such joy, and now it looked like this…

Xiaorong took a photo of the glaringly large coffee stain.

Inside the dressing room, the conversation continued.

“I know you’re frustrated, but no one saw this coming. If you want to blame someone, blame that fan of yours. Of all times to post a film review, they chose right now. Now look—you originally had the upper hand in public opinion, but you’ve let Pei Xinglu take all the spotlight.”

Yu Zhihan’s tone was full of loathing. “Can a person like that even be called a fan? Setting aside how many people have jumped ship, the fact that they stan both me and Pei Xinglu at the same time is honestly disgusting.”

Zhou Wan picked up the papers scattered across the floor, tidying them into a stack. “The people online are just watching the drama and waiting for your response. You need to post another Weibo to put the ‘Suisui De Xiao Nian Gao’ matter to rest before it spirals further. I had Xiao Wen write a paragraph for you; copy it to your Weibo.”

Yu Zhihan glanced at WeChat, looking reluctant. “Post it now?”

“Of course,” Zhou Wan said. “If you handle it promptly by restraining your fans’ comments and advocating against cyberbullying, you can gain another wave of goodwill from the general public. We need to maximize the benefits of this situation.”

Yu Zhihan did as he was told and posted on Weibo, then tossed his phone aside irritably. “There. Happy now?”

“Mm. I’ll have people follow up with the PR,” Zhou Wan said, waving the documents in her hand. “None of these scripts I brought over caught your eye?”

Yu Zhihan shook his head. “They’re all trash. Or they’re ‘gentle’ type characters. I’ve been playing those for so many years, I’m sick of them. Sister Zhou, is there any news on the casting for Zhe Dao Xing?”

“Auditions are next week. Study the original novel thoroughly. I’ve contacted the higher-ups at Maisui; the original author, Sui Ning, will be involved in the casting. If you can get his approval, your chances of winning will be much higher.”

Yu Zhihan, however, lacked the patience. “That book has three volumes, nearly a million words. Where would I find the time to read it? Besides, the wording is obscure and pretentious; I really can’t get through it. I don’t even know how it got famous. What’s Sui Ning’s background? Do they have family connections? Must have been marketed into popularity.”

Zhou Wan could no longer hide her dissatisfaction, her tone becoming stern. “Stop complaining. If you want this role, you have to do as I say. I’ll have Xiao Wen send you a few book reviews later. You’d better memorize them all.”

The phone rang. Zhou Wan gave Yu Zhihan a few more instructions—”Watch your manners during the interview”—before adding, “I’ll go handle the online situation.”

She then walked away while answering the phone, the clack-clack-clack of her high heels fading into the distance.

Xiaorong emerged from around the corner, staring down at a five-minute recording on her phone. She felt conflicted; her thumb accidentally brushed the red “Delete” button, but catching a glimpse of her stained dress, she quickly restored the recording from the “Recently Deleted” folder.

After having dinner and taking a walk with his mother and brother, Ling Suiyao went home, took a shower, and snuggled comfortably into his warm bed.

The moment he picked up his phone and logged into Weibo, countless notifications popped up.

Yu Zhihan V: Congratulations to @PeiXinglu on the movie box office surpassing 3 billion. Xiao Pei possesses incredible talent and relentless effort; he is serious and never half-hearted. Seven years ago, I had a premonition that Xiao Pei would shine brightly in the future, and I am so glad you did it. Wishing you a brilliant future and even greater heights! I also hope everyone stops dwelling on old matters and spreading rumors. Endless quarreling only hurts others and consumes oneself.

Yu Zhihan V: @SuiSuiDeXiaoNianGao, I failed to restrain my fans, resulting in some irrational comments disturbing your normal life. I am deeply troubled. I am very sorry, and I want to say “I’m sorry” to you here. I also solemnly call upon everyone: the internet is not a lawless place. I hope everyone can treat others with sincerity and kindness, respect one another, and build a beautiful online environment together.

【Yuyu is still so gentle QAQ】

【Did you hear that? Stop fighting with Pei fans, and don’t DM Suisui De Xiao Nian Gao anymore. Listen to Yuyu, don’t make him troubled.】

【Suisui De Xiao Nian Gao really doesn’t deserve…】

【Upstairs, I suggest you delete that.】

【I feel like Yu Zhihan is a good person; his way of speaking and acting is very appropriate. Even as a passerby, I know Pei and Yu don’t get along, but he still gave Pei Xinglu plenty of face. He’s a man of great vision. I want to fan him.】

【Welcome to invest in our Yuyu [Link]. These are all of Yuyu’s film/TV works and materials. Welcome, welcome】

The internet was filled with praise for Yu Zhihan.

Ling Suiyao liked the post and reposted it with his own commentary, maintaining his “little essay” style, his words tinged with apology.

Half an hour passed, but the other person who had been tagged showed no movement at all, only making a brief appearance in his official fan group to tell his fans not to cause trouble anymore.

The curtain temporarily fell on this “century-long” farcical battle between the fans of the two top-tier stars.

Ling Suiyao turned his head to look at the empty side of the large bed.

He opened Pei Xinglu’s WeChat, typed a line, thought about it, and then deleted it.

He pulled the agreement out of the drawer.

Rule Number Four: Party B is prohibited from excessively intervening in Party A’s life.

Um… simply asking when a “roommate” is coming back shouldn’t count as “excessive intervention,” right?

At the exact moment the WeChat message was sent, a “ding-dong” sounded—he had received a Weibo private message.

Pei Xinglu: The production team asked me to ask you: Do you have time to watch the livestream tomorrow night?

What a coincidence, at the same time.

Ling Suiyao was easily moved by these subtle but clever little coincidences, feeling a faint sense of joy in his heart.

Suisui De Xiao Nian Gao: I will definitely watch on time!

Pei Xinglu: Good. The director also asked me to ask if you can join the voice chat during the stream?

If he joined the voice chat, wouldn’t his voice be exposed?

Ling Suiyao hesitated as he studied the “Luck-Changing Marriage” agreement again; this seemed to slightly violate Rule Four.

On the other side, in a hotel.

Pei Xinglu was sitting on the edge of the bed, drying his hair. Seeing that “Suisui De Xiao Nian Gao” hadn’t replied yet, he waited a moment before exiting to the WeChat interface. The first message that jumped out was from Ling Suiyao.

Suisui Nian Nian: Pei-ge, when are you coming back to City A? [Dog peeking.jpg]

Pei Xinglu frowned, but he still replied.

It would save this frail, sickly little thing from going to the Ling family to tattle just because he didn’t reply to a message.

PXL: In three days. Something wrong?

Ling Suiyao replied instantly: [Just asking. Pei-ge, can you let me know in advance before you come back? I’m afraid of being caught off guard.]

PXL: Mm.

Pei-ge is so cold to me.

Ling Suiyao felt a bit discouraged and switched back to the Weibo interface.

Forget it, he wouldn’t reveal his identity. He’d just treat it as his own little secret of happiness.

Suisui De Xiao Nian Gao: I’ve been sick lately, and my throat is uncomfortable, so I can’t do voice chat [Crying.jpg]

Pei Xinglu finished drying his hair before seeing the message. He clicked on the emoji, hit by the cuteness of the Samoyed.

Pei Xinglu: Okay, remember to take your medicine. The production team wants you to suggest a box office milestone benefit; you can think about it.

Suisui De Xiao Nian Gao: Received! I’ll think about it carefully! I definitely won’t suggest anything like showing abs or fan service! [Firm belief.jpg]

Pei Xinglu let out another chuckle. He put away the hairdryer and adjusted the stray hairs on his forehead in the mirror.

Suisui De Xiao Nian Gao: That, Pei-ge… do you mind singing and dancing?

When Ling Suiyao was eating, he had dug up a boy group survival show from seven years ago. At that time, Pei Xinglu was only eighteen—green, introverted, and restrained—but that sharp, cool, “don’t mess with me” aura was the same as it was now.

He had picked out Pei Xinglu’s clips and felt like he’d discovered a new world.

Pei Xinglu’s singing and dancing were also so handsome.

No wonder so many fans in the DMs were asking for this as a benefit.

Ling Suiyao had sent it in a moment of excitement, but then he feared Pei Xinglu might be unhappy about remembering things from seven years ago. He regretted it the second he sent it and rushed to withdraw the message.

But Pei Xinglu had already seen it.

Singing and dancing?

Many people were mentioning this under the movie’s official Weibo as well, but primarily because Pei Xinglu hadn’t performed like that in many years, he was actually a bit afraid of embarrassing himself.

However, since “Suisui De Xiao Nian Gao” had suggested it, perhaps he could give it a try.

Ling Suiyao arranged his panda, rabbit, and fox plushies on the bed, just like a kindergarten teacher tucking children in for a nap, straightening each one before covering them with the quilt.

Their round little heads—black and white, white, and pink—peeked out.

Ling Suiyao was very satisfied.

This way, even if Pei Xinglu wasn’t here, he wouldn’t be all alone.

Ling Suiyao padded back to his own bed in his slippers and picked up his phone, only to see that Pei Xinglu had replied three minutes ago.

Pei Xinglu: I don’t mind.

He doesn’t mind?

Does that mean I can look forward to tomorrow night?!

Ling Suiyao felt a little thrill of excitement.

Suisui De Xiao Nian Gao: [Spinning in place.jpg] Pei-ge is so nice! It’s getting late, goodnight Pei-ge!

It wasn’t even ten o’clock yet; he went to sleep quite early.

Pei Xinglu replied, “Goodnight,” then pulled up a few singing and dancing videos to start getting a feel for it.

The next day, 9:00 AM.

After finishing the meeting and signing the partnership with Luming Jewelry, Pei Xinglu postponed his afternoon work, carving out half a day to practice his performance.

In the practice room, Pei Xinglu was going over movements with an invited dance teacher.

Chen Er, holding a folding fan and squatting in the corner by the speakers, teased with a click of his tongue, “When did our iron-hearted Pei-ge become such a fan-pleaser? I begged you for a whole week to do a segment for my concert, and you didn’t budge an inch. I was heartbroken.”

Pei Xinglu let the words go in one ear and out the other.

Chen Er continued, seemingly entertaining himself, “I bet ‘Xiao Nian Gao’ suggested the singing and dancing, right? He’s quite capable—a role model for fans. Ah, I’m jealous. Thinking back, ‘Xiao Nian Gao’ used to be a fan of mine too…”

“Let’s go through the beat.”

Pei Xinglu didn’t want to waste his breath on him and cut him off directly.

“You got it, bro.”

Chen Er hit play on the speakers.

Pei Xinglu followed the tune, marking the movements. In a baseball cap and all-black clothes, his posture was tall and straight. His hands suddenly swung forward in a push, followed by a step back and a sharp turn.

Chen Er filmed a 3-second video and posted it to Weibo.

@Chen Er: [Video] Come on, let me see who isn’t showing up to the Ding Feng Bo livestream tonight.

【!!! Ahhh! I’m not dreaming, am I?】

【Wuwuwu, it’s singing and dancing Pei-ge! My youth is back!】

【Is that Xiao Chen’s song?!】

【Why is it only three seconds! I want to see the whole thing!】

【Xiao Chen, play more! Report more!】

Expectations instantly reached a fever pitch; the fans were boiling with excitement.

Ling Suiyao clutched his phone, replaying those three seconds on an infinite loop, squeezing the screaming chicken toy in his hand so it “ga-ga-ed” non-stop.

So handsome, hubby is too handsome!

I really wish! The clock hands! Would move to seven right now!