The Cannon Fodder 'Seme' is the Center of Attention Again (Quick Transmigration) - Chapter 37

 

Li Qingran kept his eyes lowered, feeding Qin Yanyun one spoonful at a time. The latter was surprisingly well-behaved; whenever the spoon reached his lips, he would open his mouth. For a while, the room was so quiet that the only sounds were the scraping of the spoon against the yogurt cup and Qin Yanyun chewing the large blueberries in the jam.

 

The heavy atmosphere from a moment ago seemed to have completely vanished from the man. However, after finishing the last bite of yogurt and watching Li Qingran turn around to throw the cup away, Qin Yanyun could not resist asking one more thing:

 

“Is the reason you saved that photo really because of me?”

 

The slender figure in front of the trash can paused. Two seconds later, Qin Yanyun heard Li Qingran’s usual cold voice.

 

“Of course.”

 

When Li Qingran answered, he did not turn around to face Qin Yanyun, so the man could not see his expression. Likewise, after saying those words, Li Qingran could not immediately capture the look on Qin Yanyun’s face.

 

As a result, neither of them knew that after the answer was given and heard, both of their faces showed a complicated expression.

 

Li Qingran was exhausted by this undercover game.

 

As for Qin Yanyun, it was because he realized that even though he knew Li Qingran was clearly lying, he still felt happy because the other chose to say those words to him.

 

“I told you long ago, you were definitely going to fall for it,” Brother Zhang said coldly from the other end of the phone.

 

“After I investigated his background, I told you to fire him, but you would not listen. You even said something about life being too dull and wanting to find some fun for yourself; you said you wanted to see how this little ‘anti-fan’ would endure hardships to dig up dirt on you.”

 

“And now, no dirt has been found, but your heart has been snatched away by him,” Brother Zhang remarked sarcastically to Qin Yanyun while signing documents.

 

“So, how is it, Great Movie Star Qin? Are you satisfied with this result?”

 

Qin Yanyun: “Why are you bringing this up?”

 

Brother Zhang gave a cold snort. “If I do not talk to you about this, what should I talk about? Oh! There is something else. That travel variety show you’re doing with Chu Yu has a Pre-show Gathering this Saturday. Prepare yourself ahead of time.”

 

“Prepare for what?” Qin Yanyun asked suspiciously.

 

Brother Zhang: “Prepare your temper in advance. Do not go starting a fight with Chu Yu at the gathering. The cameras will be there, so mind your image.”

 

Qin Yanyun: “I appreciate the reminder, but is this gathering mandatory? Can’t I just skip it and do a follow-up interview later?”

 

He really did not want to see Chu Yu’s face right now.

 

Because of the photo incident on Li Qingran’s phone, Qin Yanyun rarely went online these days. Even if he saw a photo of Chu Yu on the street, he would immediately put on sunglasses, as if one more look at the other’s face would cause a stye in his eye.

 

The fact that Qin Yanyun and Chu Yu had been at odds since childhood was something basically everyone close to them knew.

 

Xiao Wen expressed understanding; after all, no one is perfect, and who does not have a rival they’ve hated since they were kids? Especially since this rival was also a competitor in the entertainment industry, it was only natural they could not stand each other.

 

Li Qingran, on the other hand, did not care at all. He was like a diligent worker who kept his head down and focused only on his job. Unless necessary, he would not participate in the comparison contest between Qin Yanyun and Chu Yu.

 

And Brother Zhang had a whole other perspective on the competition between them, sometimes he would agree with them, sometimes he would be sarcastic, and if necessary, he would even ship them a little.

 

These three states usually depended on Qin Yanyun’s work attitude.

 

For instance, hearing Qin Yanyun’s reluctant voice on the phone, Brother Zhang smiled slightly.

 

“That’s definitely impossible. If other guests truly have something going on, they might be able to miss it, but for you, thanks to the recent viral CP edits of you and Chu Yu, the production team has been confirming your schedule with me a month in advance. You could say that besides me, the people who know your schedule best in this world are the production team.”

 

“Before I called you, I coordinated with their staff. If you suddenly say you have work now, forget the production team; would you even believe that yourself?”

 

Qin Yanyun: “I would believe it!”

 

As long as he did not have to see Chu Yu’s face, what was a little lie?

 

However, upon hearing Qin Yanyun’s stubbornness, Brother Zhang was not speechless or confused like Xiao Wen. He simply gave a cold laugh.

 

“The fact that you believe it just proves you’re a huge idiot!”

 

Qin Yanyun: “No, that’s”

 

“Don’t give me that. The work is settled. Spend the next few days mentally preparing yourself. Once the cameras are on, you must maintain your image. If I see you rolling your eyes at Chu Yu, Li Qingran’s bonus for this month is gone.”

 

Qin Yanyun: “Are you toxic? What does this have to do with Li Qingran?!”

 

Brother Zhang maintained his polite smile. “Of course it has nothing to do with Li Qingran, but I feel that currently, you would be more proactive and hardworking when it comes to things involving Li Qingran than things involving yourself.”

 

“…”

 

“By the way, here is a heads-up: there might be a segment where you and Chu Yu play games together at the gathering.” As he spoke, Brother Zhang dropped another bomb.

 

It left Qin Yanyun seeing stars. “Why!”

 

Qin Yanyun was not very familiar with the filming process of variety shows.

 

Due to his branding, combined with his sharp-tongued and foul-tempered personality in private, Qin Yanyun had basically never participated in variety shows since his debut, except for interview-style programs.

 

Joining this time was partly because the show was produced by their company, and partly because Brother Zhang had a new plan for his image. After all, since his debut, Qin Yanyun was known to the public as a cold, noble young master, someone who spoke little and felt distant.

 

This image certainly helped accumulate a large number of fans who loved his looks and aura, and it made it easier to get scripts with similar roles. But as his career progressed, the branding needed a slight shift toward being more down-to-earth to make his image more real and vivid. This would pave the way for more serious dramas or historical roles in the future.

 

But clearly, this real and vivid image had certain requirements.

 

At the very least, Brother Zhang would absolutely not allow Qin Yanyun to bring his private, bratty temper onto the screen.

 

So, amidst Qin Yanyun’s breakdown and questioning, Brother Zhang patiently explained:

 

“Because the CP of you and Chu Yu is popular! For the sake of the show’s ratings, the production team will definitely keep pushing you two together.”

 

“…”

 

At this moment, Qin Yanyun felt like Brother Zhang’s voice was coming from hell.

 

The man was like a demon whispering in his ear:

 

“Actually, it likely will not just be the pre-show gathering. You will be traveling together later: airplane seats, hotel rooms, partners for meals and tasks. You might have to be with Chu Yu for all of it.”

 

Stop talking.

 

He did not want to participate anymore.

 

Qin Yanyun suddenly felt a massive headache. He felt a sense of suffocation, as if the whole world was trying to bind him to Chu Yu.

 

God knows, they had been rivals since childhood.

 

Why did they have to pair two mortal enemies as a CP?

 

Qin Yanyun did not understand.

 

Brother Zhang did not need him to understand; he just needed Qin Yanyun to participate obediently so the audience could have a new, better perception of his image.

 

Thus, he once again brought up the person who had recently become very effective at swaying Qin Yanyun:

 

“You can only bring one assistant for this travel show. Originally, I planned for you to take Xiao Wen, but as long as you behave well at the pre-show gathering, I can consider letting Xiao Li go with you.”

 

As expected, upon hearing this, Qin Yanyun’s voice changed instantly.

 

“Really?”

 

Brother Zhang twitched the corner of his mouth. “When have I ever lied to you? But don’t go overboard in front of the lens. Besides, you still don’t know if Xiao Li likes you back. Oh wait, I should say, you don’t even know if he still hates you. After all, he is your little anti-fan.”

 

Qin Yanyun: “Would it kill you not to mention that?”

 

“It would not kill me,” Brother Zhang smiled, “but I would be much less happy.”

 

Qin Yanyun: “…”

 

“Alright, I’m done teasing you. That is about all I had to say. Anything else? If not, I am hanging up. I have a meeting soon and need to slack off for a bit before it starts.”

 

“There is nothing else,” Qin Yanyun said hesitantly, “I’m just debating whether or not to bring Li Qingran to the pre-show gathering.”

 

Brother Zhang was puzzled. “Why are you debating that?”

 

“It is because of that Chu Yu.” Qin Yanyun got a headache just thinking about that photo.

 

Brother Zhang felt there was nothing to worry about.

 

“Just bring him. It is the perfect chance to see his actual attitude toward Chu Yu. It will save you from guessing all day and harassing me because you cannot figure it out.”

 

Qin Yanyun: “Has anyone ever told you that you have a really sharp tongue?”

 

“If you do not work hard, my tongue will get even sharper!” Brother Zhang chuckled twice into the receiver and made the final decision:

 

“Alright, it’s settled. You’ll bring Xiao Li. Behave well at the gathering; if I see you giving anyone attitude, you’re dead. End of call, goodbye.”

 

Click. Beep.

 

The call was cut off.

 

Qin Yanyun, who was not even finished speaking, rubbed his throbbing temples. He stood on the balcony to calm down for a while before turning back to the living room.

 

Xiao Wen and Li Qingran had already set out the food and were currently huddled together discussing what to watch while eating.

 

It was mostly Xiao Wen talking; Li Qingran acted as a listener, as quiet and silent as he always was with everyone.

 

Qin Yanyun stood still, silently staring at his back for a long moment before walking toward them, asking with forced casualness:

 

“What are you two talking about?”

 

“About what movie to watch while we eat,” Xiao Wen replied with a smile. “Brother Qin, is there anything you want to watch?”

 

“I don’t have anything specific. Just pick whatever you like.”

 

As he spoke, Qin Yanyun’s gaze landed eagerly on Li Qingran. Sensing it, the latter looked up. As their eyes met, Qin Yanyun’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly.

 

“I just got off the phone with Brother Zhang,” he said, looking at Li Qingran. “There’s a pre-show gathering for a variety show this Saturday. You both should know by now.”

 

Li Qingran nodded, and Xiao Wen followed suit.

 

“Then” Qin Yanyun’s lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but the words took a turn at his teeth and were swallowed back down. In the end, all Li Qingran heard him say was:

 

“Then the two of you get ready. You’re coming with me.”

Actually, what Qin Yanyun said was quite redundant. As assistants, Li Qingran and Xiao Wen were bound to stay by his side unless there were exceptional circumstances.

System 888 did not understand why Qin Yanyun felt the need to tell Li Qingran specifically, especially while staring intensely into his eyes.

 

“Maybe he is afraid I will ask for a last minute leave,” Li Qingran offered as an answer to 888.

 

But 888 did not buy it. “But host, you haven’t taken a single day off in the past two months, have you?”

 

“Is that so?” Li Qingran did not even look up, replying indifferently, “Then I wouldn’t know.”

 

“I have an idea!” 888 suddenly had a flash of inspiration. “Host, do you think he is still hung up on that photo he found in your phone gallery?”

 

Li Qingran raised an eyebrow. “How so?”

 

“He is the lead male, after all. Even if things seem fine now, he will still mind it later when he remembers a cannon fodder character keeping a photo of the other lead male.”

 

888 analyzed further, “Plus, the lead male, Chu Yu, will definitely be at this pre-show gathering. He is probably afraid you are lusting after the guy!”

 

Li Qingran’s eyelashes lowered again. “You are right.”

 

Just do not say it next time.

 

Li Qingran was too lazy to guess the lead male’s thoughts, especially since his own troubles were not yet fully resolved. He was currently looking at the plot updates 888 was giving him in real time.

 

According to the original plot, the cannon fodder sees Chu Yu’s true appearance up close for the first time at this gathering. Compared to the distance of the internet, the private Chu Yu is naturally more vivid, delicate, and beautiful than in photos or videos.

 

The cannon fodder was already an extreme fan. Seeing Chu Yu so full of life, he essentially planted his flag in a dark corner. Afterward, he secretly ran to the staff bathroom, recalled the accidental glance Chu Yu gave him, and engaged in a soul-stirring hand-centered activity.

 

Those parts of the plot were easy to handle since the cannon fodder did them alone. No one else knew, so Li Qingran did not actually have to go through with them.

 

The hard part was what came next. Li Qingran stared at the line of text the system had highlighted in red:

 

“After the release, out of a certain perverted mentality, *** sneaks into Chu Yu’s room and smears the substance on the jacket he just took off. Then, he takes a photo and sends it to Chu Yu as usual.”

 

Li Qingran: “…”

 

Is it absolutely necessary to take that kind of photo?

 

Li Qingran closed his eyes in pain. Xiao Wen, sitting nearby, thought he was feeling unwell and asked with concern:

 

“Are you motion sick? Do you need a patch?”

 

Qin Yanyun, sitting in the very back, also looked over. Li Qingran did not notice the gaze from behind; he just waved his hand weakly at Xiao Wen. “I’m fine. I just didn’t sleep well last night.”

 

After all, coming up with a plan to sneak into the room of a rival artist without being seen, smearing ice cream on his jacket, and taking a photo was not nearly as easy as the system’s two-sentence description made it sound.

 

The plot is just one sentence, but the task-taker has to run until their legs break! Li Qingran could not help but sigh.

 

Lost in his own thoughts, he did not notice the darkening expression on Qin Yanyun’s face behind him.

 

Qin: “I knew he liked Chu Yu!”

 

Zhang: “What makes you say that?”

 

Qin: “He just told Xiao Wen he didn’t sleep well last night.”

 

Zhang: “So?”

 

Qin: “This means he was so excited about seeing Chu Yu today that he couldn’t sleep all night!”

 

Zhang: “I’ll find time to book you a psychiatrist.”

 

Qin: “What do you mean by that?”

 

Zhang: “Nothing much. I just think you’ve become a bit obsessed lately. Instead of worrying about whether Xiao Li likes Chu Yu, you should think about whether he is still your anti-fan. Otherwise, no matter how much you try to stop them from meeting or how crazy you get, you will never achieve the result you actually want.”

 

Qin: “? The result I want?”

 

Zhang: “Don’t tell me you’ve been agonizing over Xiao Li for so long just to find out if he likes Chu Yu. Since you like him, work hard to make him like you back. Otherwise, what use is knowing his feelings for Chu Yu? You’ve reached the age where you want to be a matchmaker, is that it?”

 

Qin: “…”

 

Zhang: “[Smile Emoji]”

 

Qin Yanyun did not reply to Brother Zhang’s sarcastic emoji, and the other did not send any more messages. Being a manager was tiring enough; he was too lazy to act as a love coach for his artist during his break.

 

Brother Zhang placed his phone face down on the desk and stretched his aching neck. When he looked back at the documents on the table, his eyes accidentally grazed a photo at the edge of the desk.

 

His eyes blinked twice behind his gold-rimmed glasses. He stared at the photo for two seconds, then picked it up. Looking at the four people with different expressions, his gaze finally settled on the beautiful young man standing on the far side. Seeing that impactfully beautiful face and the indifferent aura that completely contradicted his looks, he could not help but sigh:

 

“If I’d known, I would have signed him as an artist instead.”

 

With that indifferent, world-weary aura radiating from his bones, he would be a perfect “Buddhist-like noble” of the capital in a modern CEO drama!

 

If he had signed Li Qingran, he wouldn’t have to worry about an artist’s messy private life like other managers do. He might not even have to play the role of a love coach. The youth looked like someone who simply would not fall in love; such a person would only attract others, but whether anyone could actually attract him back was hard to say.

 

Brother Zhang looked at the photo, took a deep breath, and mourned for Qin Yanyun’s difficult road to love for a second. Falling for someone who seemed so hard to move meant Qin Yanyun would have a rough time ahead.

 

Changing his image in the other’s heart was one thing, but he feared that during the process, Qin Yanyun would have to compete with others. No wonder Qin Yanyun was obsessed with whether Li Qingran liked someone else.

 

Brother Zhang understood, but he did not respect it, because Li Qingran looked like someone who found it very difficult to like someone or feel good about them. In fact, many times, Brother Zhang felt he wasn’t just indifferent toward the people around him, but toward the whole world.

 

He didn’t care, didn’t notice, and just carried out his work every day like he was completing a mission. Without excessive emotional fluctuations, naturally, no deeper feelings would arise.

 

So, how could someone who didn’t care about the world easily fall for someone else just because of a photo? Brother Zhang found it hard to believe.

 

However, while Brother Zhang was analyzing whether Li Qingran was a man who had severed all worldly emotions, the youth in question was holding an ice cream cone, wondering how to pass through the dense crowd to sneak into Chu Yu’s dressing room.

 

Yes, he had once again chosen to use ice cream to replace a certain special white liquid. But now that he had the liquid, how was he supposed to get the jacket?

 

Standing outside the crowd, Li Qingran was at a total loss.

 

“If it doesn’t work, host, just pretend to be a staff member, go in, smear it, and leave!”

 

“Setting aside the fact that everyone just saw me get off Qin Yanyun’s van,” Li Qingran said expressionlessly, “for the act of smearing ice cream itself, do you think the people in the dressing room are blind?”

 

“Then what do we do?” 888 was also in despair.

 

Li Qingran: “If all else fails, then”

 

Thump!

 

Before Li Qingran could finish planning his next move, a powerful impact hit him from behind. He staggered forward uncontrollably for several steps. The scoop of ice cream rolled off the cone and landed right in his other palm.

 

At the same time, a heavy thud of someone hitting the ground came from behind him. Li Qingran turned around instinctively, his gaze falling naturally. Coincidentally, the person who had just fallen looked up. Their eyes met, and both of them froze.

 

In Li Qingran’s mind, 888 screamed with excitement:

 

“Ahhh! Host, that is the lead male! Hurry and pull him up, and use the chance to smear the ice cream on his jacket!”

 

That was actually a good idea.

 

Li Qingran’s eyes flickered slightly. He reached out to Chu Yu, his eyes curving slightly with a hint of obvious concern.

 

“Are you alright?”

 

“Huh? Oh! I’m fine, I’m fine. I just accidentally tripped.”

 

Chu Yu snapped out of it and immediately gave Li Qingran an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, I bumped into you.”

 

“It’s fine. Let me pull you up first.” Li Qingran moved his hand closer to Chu Yu.

 

The latter had originally intended to just push himself up because of the awkwardness, but seeing Li Qingran’s persistence, he could not keep refusing. He could only smile at Li Qingran again.

 

“Then I’ll trouble you.”

 

As he spoke, he reached out his hand toward Li Qingran, his gaze happening to land on their clasped hands.

 

Then, the clasping of hands wasn’t the big deal. The problem was…

 

Chu Yu looked at the guy’s right hand, which had a drop of cream on it.

 

Why did it feel like he had seen this somewhere before?