The Vicious Cannon Fodder Despised by Everyone Really Doesn't Want to Go Viral - Chapter 41

The plan to sleep until the world ended went down the drain. The next day, Lin Zhiyu barely managed to reach the company before lunchtime.

Sunlight flooded the office through floor-to-ceiling windows. As Lin Zhiyu stepped into Xu Dongdong’s territory, he felt his run of good luck had come to an abrupt end.

Xu Dongdong was buried in documents behind his desk. Hearing the movement, he looked up and gave Lin Zhiyu a smile that could only be described as malicious. “You’re here, Superstar Lin. Let’s talk about your ‘retirement’ plan.”

“…”

Lin Zhiyu flopped onto the sofa, wearing an expression that screamed I have no idea what you are talking about. “Haha, Brother Xu, surely you didn’t take a casual remark seriously?”

Since when were managers not allowing their artists to have simple dreams?

Xu Dongdong’s smile was chilling. He tossed the documents onto the table and said to Lin Zhiyu, “I told you long ago to be careful with your words and actions. Do you have any idea how many calls I received last night? All because of one ‘joke’ you cracked.”

Lin Zhiyu’s eyelid twitched. He thought to himself: You didn’t seem to care much when I was being cursed out before, but now you’re putting on an act?

Still, he maintained a calm facade. “Hey, that kind of persona is popular these days. I was just giving it a little try. The response wasn’t bad, and people have mostly stopped scolding me. Besides, having finally finished a drama, I really do want a short break to adjust my state.”

“Oh,” Xu Dongdong propped his chin on his hand, looking at him lazily. “A short break, is it? How long? Do you plan to push away all upcoming endorsements? Or reject every variety show and script? Zhiyu, your reputation has just started to improve and resources are rolling in. Are you sure you want to ‘rest’ at this critical juncture?”

What endorsements?

What scripts?

Lin Zhiyu scratched his head, looking completely lost.

“Don’t waste time. In this industry, the most important thing is to strike while the iron is hot.” Xu Dongdong slapped down a stack of contracts. “These are resources that contacted me recently which fit your current image. Endorsements, variety shows, scripts…”

“Wait, wait!” Lin Zhiyu scrambled up to press down on his hand. “Let me see them first. Other things can be discussed, but this script…”

Xu Dongdong let out a light snort and said, “It is good enough that work is coming to you, and yet you are getting picky! This drama is a big-budget historical idol IP. The lines are dense and the emotions are complex. Six months ago, we wouldn’t even have been considered for it.”

Lin Zhiyu glanced at him and tentatively opened the first page of the script. After scanning a few lines, his brow furrowed. “Wait, Brother Xu. A male lead who hits, scolds, and abuses the female lead? And then gets a forced redemption at the end? Do you think I haven’t been cursed at enough?”

“Do you have a choice?” Xu Dongdong sneered, tapping the script cover forcefully. “These scripts are only here because of the hype around Xie Yunce. If you don’t take it, do you plan to sit at home and pick at your toes?”

Lin Zhiyu thought: That wouldn’t be so bad.

“This character is similar to your previous image, so it’s perfect for riding the heat,” Xu Dongdong said as if it were an afterthought.

Lin Zhiyu felt like he had been insulted for no reason. Who wants to have an image similar to this kind of male lead?!

Lin Zhiyu rubbed his temples in frustration. “Let me think about it.”

He peeked at Xu Dongdong’s expression. Having a sudden stroke of inspiration, he added, “But Brother Xu, I think we should wait and see regarding film and television. I feel like I did a good job with Xie Yunce. Maybe after it airs, I will be ready to move up a tier. If we are too greedy and rush in now, wouldn’t we just be letting others take advantage of us?”

“This script is not on the same level as a Zhao Jinyu project. I feel like it would be a loss,” Lin Zhiyu said, tapping the table nonchalantly.

Sure enough, a thoughtful look appeared on Xu Dongdong’s face.

Lin Zhiyu, an expert in the psychology of “painting a pie” (making empty promises) for the boss, breathed a sigh of relief. He knew he had made the right gamble.

“Then this script… we won’t rush it for now,” Xu Dongdong suddenly relented, his tone steady. “You can go home and rest today.”

Lin Zhiyu celebrated inwardly.

However, before his happiness could last more than a few seconds, Xu Dongdong took a deep breath and said, “But you cannot push away the other appearances! There is still some time before The Blue Bird airs. You have to maintain your popularity; we cannot have a gap in your schedule.”

Lin Zhiyu’s face fell, his heart turning to ash.

“That is all for now. I will contact you once I have organized your itinerary.” Xu Dongdong looked at him. “By the way, I have never been as demanding as other managers. I didn’t say much when you wanted to act out before, but do not cause any more trouble for me. Especially regarding Jiang Yubai—stay away from him.”

“…” Lin Zhiyu rolled his eyes secretly and said, “Haven’t the two of us been getting along well lately? Brother Xu, didn’t you see the hot search?”

Xu Dongdong stared at him gloomily, clearly not believing Lin Zhiyu’s words.

“Do not overestimate your current fan loyalty, and do not underestimate the public’s passion for gossip. Your anti-fans are watching you closely. Don’t let them catch you in anything. Right now, you cannot afford to offend Jiang Yubai.”

“Understood, understood,” Lin Zhiyu nodded perfunctorily, while complaining wildly in his head: What trouble could there be? Who has the energy to do anything else while they’re at work!

Xu Dongdong glanced at him, and Lin Zhiyu turned to leave.

However, just as he reached the door, he received a message from Jiang Yubai:

[Mom saw the hot search. She wants to have dinner with you and asked me to see if you are willing.]

Lin Zhiyu’s expression froze for a moment. His feet felt glued to the floor. He stared at Jiang Yubai’s message for a long time, countless thoughts racing through his mind.

Jiang Yubai was likely referring to his biological mother, who was the original Lin Zhiyu’s adoptive mother.

The Lin father had started out in real estate and was a well-known entrepreneur in City A. Although they were a far cry from the Mu family, the original Lin Zhiyu had grown up in luxury and never lacked material comforts. Even later, when he chased his dreams in the entertainment industry for the sake of love, he had the support of his family.

If he hadn’t repeatedly targeted Jiang Yubai and then insisted on marrying into the Mu family to “seek revenge” on Mu Yunji completely breaking the hearts of his parents, he wouldn’t have ended up being disowned.

But now, Mother Lin said she wanted to see him.

Lin Zhiyu’s palms began to sweat. His first instinct was to refuse, but he felt it would be inappropriate. Since she had reached out, rejecting her directly would seem too cold.

He thought for a few seconds, his finger hovering over the screen, unsure of how to reply.

Just then, the office door pushed open. Xu Dongdong peeked out, frowning. “What are you doing standing at the door? Why haven’t you left yet?”

“I’m going, I’m going.” Lin Zhiyu hurriedly typed a response, put his phone away, and walked out without looking back.

[Paper Fish: Sure. Is it at the Lin house, or are we eating out?]

The reply came almost instantly: [Mom said she would book a restaurant. Tonight at six. I’ll come pick you up.]

At five-thirty in the evening, Lin Zhiyu changed his clothes three times before finally settling on an outfit. He wasn’t sure what Mother Lin’s current attitude toward him was. Wearing something formal felt exaggerated, but wearing something too casual seemed disrespectful. After picking back and forth, he finally threw on a sweater, making himself look like a college student who hadn’t graduated yet.

As he opened the door to Jiang Yubai’s car, he adjusted his collar, his heart pounding.

Jiang Yubai glanced at his trembling shoulders, turned up the car’s heater, and said warmly, “It is so cold. Why are you wearing so little?”

Lin Zhiyu smiled at him but did not speak. He was thinking: It is because I hope your mother sees how pitiful I look so she goes easier on me, whether she’s criticizing me or hitting me.

“Mom actually has missed you very much.”

During a red light, Jiang Yubai suddenly turned his head and spoke softly.

If it were the old Lin Zhiyu, Jiang Yubai would never have dared to say such things. It would have been misinterpreted as bragging. He could imagine that as soon as he spoke the first word, the other would have snapped back with a certain look and tone.

But after spending more than a month together, he knew Lin Zhiyu had changed. He would no longer be as sharp, sarcastic, or abusive as before.

“She didn’t dare tell me before, fearing I would be unhappy or that you would be unwilling. But after seeing the hot search yesterday, she suddenly asked if our relationship had improved lately. I knew then that she wanted to see you,” Jiang Yubai continued. “But she feels Dad is still angry, so she didn’t ask him to come. It is just the three of us today. You do not need to be nervous.”

Lin Zhiyu smiled. “Thank you.”

“Speaking of which, I asked about my birth time yesterday. It was more than an hour later than yours. Even outside of the drama, you are actually my ‘big brother’.”

Hearing Jiang Yubai’s subtle teasing, Lin Zhiyu couldn’t help but laugh out loud. “Then I definitely don’t want a troublemaking younger brother like Xie Zhuoyu. I couldn’t handle it.”

Jiang Yubai looked at him and laughed as well.

“I have always been very obedient.”

The car stopped in front of a restaurant specializing in private home-style cooking. As they got out, Jiang Yubai picked up a coat from the back seat to lend to Lin Zhiyu, but the latter politely declined.

However, seeing the disappointed look on Jiang Yubai’s face, Lin Zhiyu felt a bit soft-hearted and reached out his hand anyway. “Give it to me. I’ll put it on if it gets cold later.”

Jiang Yubai’s expression instantly brightened.

Lin Zhiyu suddenly felt that his understanding of him was a bit off. The way Jiang Yubai looked now was exactly like a large dog begging for affection.

At that thought, he let out a light laugh. Jiang Yubai, walking ahead, heard the sound and turned back with a puzzled look. Lin Zhiyu shook his head, pretending nothing had happened.

The decor of the private room was understated and elegant, with warm yellow lighting that felt cozy and soft. Mother Lin had already arrived. She was wearing a well-tailored champagne-colored overcoat with delicate makeup, looking gentle and dignified.

As they pushed the door open, Mother Lin looked up. Her gaze landed on him, lingering as if she were unwilling to look away.

Lin Zhiyu’s pace slowed involuntarily, and his muscles tensed. He followed cautiously behind Jiang Yubai until he sat down opposite Mother Lin. Only then did he raise his eyes to meet her gaze.

He found that Mother Lin was staring at him with an intensity that was almost overwhelming, her eyes clouded with complex emotions he could not decipher.

“Mom… long time no see,” Lin Zhiyu’s voice was raspy. It took him a long while to force the words out.

Mother Lin’s fingers trembled slightly, and the water in her cup rippled, reflecting her gentle yet complicated expression.

After a moment, she pulled at the corners of her mouth. Her tone was soft but held a hint of a sob. “Zhiyu, you’ve lost weight.”