Everyone Regrets It After My Death - Chapter 20

Chapter 20: The Trap

The videos were filmed exactly according to Li An’s requirements. Li An was the cameraman, Su Mingran was the face of the channel, and the editing was left to Wu—though Su Mingran was unaware that a third party was involved.

They filmed a total of three videos. The agreement was an 80/20 split, with Li An taking the lion’s share.

In less than a week, Su Mingran unexpectedly went viral. With just three videos, he secured his position as the internet’s newest “male god.” His follower count surpassed one million within seven days, and marketing accounts everywhere were promoting him.

Li An found it strange; Su Mingran’s popularity was rising like a rocket. Analysts online speculated there was a massive push behind him, as it was nearly impossible for a total amateur to explode so quickly. Su Mingran felt uneasy too, but he figured he was just helping a friend and didn’t overthink it.

At the same time, another “male god” was trending: Qi Xinghe. He had gone viral with a piano performance, and his heat rivaled Su Mingran’s.

As the mastermind, Su Mo knew that viral fame was fleeting. He was currently stressing over how to push Qi Xinghe to the next level. However, Qi Xinghe had his own plans.

…

One afternoon, Qi Xinghe cornered Li An outside the university. Li An was stunned; everyone in their circles knew Qi Xinghe was the “other” viral star. They sat in a milk tea shop where Qi Xinghe was immediately recognized by students asking for autographs. He played the part of the “approachable idol” perfectly.

While signing, he eavesdropped on the nearby gossip. “Su Mingran from our school is the real deal. He’s a top student and actually poor. This Qi Xinghe looks like a corporate product.” “Exactly. Su Mingran went viral with just three videos. He’s way more impressive.”

Li An felt awkward and tried to speak, but Qi Xinghe cut him off. “You’re close with Su Mingran, right?”

“Yes,” Li An nodded. “What do you want?”

Qi Xinghe took a sip of his tea, then set it aside with a look of disgust. “Did you know Su Mingran is actually very wealthy and has been faking his poverty?”

Li An looked lost. “What?”

Qi Xinghe looked him up and down with an air of superiority. “Su Mingran’s family is rich. Wu is actually the assistant to Su Mingran’s older brother. The whole ‘scouting’ thing was just a stunt to create a narrative.”

“That’s impossible… he’s broke, he—”

“I investigated him because we’re competitors. Su Mingran is a professional liar. He wants the ‘poor but brilliant’ persona because it wins him sympathy and scholarships.”

Qi Xinghe leaned in. “I heard your department always gives him high marks and helps him get scholarships because you pity him. This viral ‘accidental’ entry into the industry? It was a calculated move by his family to make his rise look organic so his school reputation wouldn’t be ruined by ‘rich kid’ rumors. He’s using you, Li An.”

Li An bit his lip. The story had no obvious holes, and it arrived just as Li An was beginning to feel a flicker of resentment over Su Mingran’s massive success compared to his own. The idea that he’d been helping a “liar” for years felt like a slap in the face.

“Are you content being a stepping stone?” Qi Xinghe asked. “Join me. Let’s expose him. Let the world know he’s a fraud.”

…

The next day, Su Mingran arrived at the coffee shop. He had been delivering food late into the night and hadn’t realized the sun had come up. He made himself an iced Americano and swallowed his medication. His headaches were becoming more frequent, and his right hand felt increasingly weak. He told himself he’d work a bit longer before seeing a doctor.

The shop was packed with fans filming his every move. The manager was ecstatic, telling Su Mingran to just go greet the fans while Li An did all the heavy lifting.

“Look at that,” the manager sneered at Li An. “Some people just have the face for it. Others just try to ride their coattails and slack off.”

Li An glared at the manager, slamming his rag down. “I’m quitting after today. You’re short-handed, so you better watch your mouth, or I leave right now.”

The manager immediately backed down, grumbling as he went to serve customers.

Su Mingran, surrounded by people, felt out of place. “Is it true you’re a top student who gets all the scholarships?” “A senior said you’re really poor. Are you filming to pay for tuition?” “You’re so cool. Can you play the piano for us?”

Su Mingran explained patiently, “My hand… had an accident recently. I can’t play right now. The videos were just to help a friend, and I don’t plan on making any more.”

The fans didn’t care about his hand; they treated him like an animal in a zoo. The news of his “retirement” hit the internet instantly, sparking even more debate.

…

That evening, Li An invited Su Mingran out for supper. “I quit the shop,” Li An said after a large gulp of beer. “I’m going to focus on my social media account. I want to film one last video with you to drive traffic to my page, then you can do whatever you want with yours.”

Su Mingran felt guilty. “I should be thanking you. I was desperate for money, and the video income saved me. This dinner should be on me.”

“Can you still be short on money?” Li An’s tone was sharp.

“What?”

“Nothing. Let’s talk business. You were writing a song, right? Your professor said it was great. Original works are in high demand. If we film you playing your original song, we’ll secure the top spot for traffic. I can bring in advertisers and we’ll make a killing.”

Su Mingran hesitated, glancing at his right hand. “My hand really can’t handle it right now.”

“Doesn’t matter. I’ll get a hand double. You just pose and look pretty.”

“That doesn’t feel right…” Su Mingran frowned. “It’s deceiving the audience.”

“Fine, then you play the left hand, and I’ll have someone else play the right as a collaboration. Deal?”

“Deal,” Su Mingran sighed in relief. “All the income from this video goes to you. If you ever need anything in the future, I’ll help.”

Li An curled his lip into a smile. “You said it.”

…

The video took two days to film and edit. Su Mingran posted it at 7:00 PM. He had wanted to tag Li An, but Li An refused, which Su Mingran found odd.

Ten minutes after the upload, an account named Qi Xinghe posted a video featuring the exact same composition. Both accounts claimed the work was their own original piece.