The dimly lit room was filled with gusts of eerie wind, while countless pairs of eyes greedily peered through the window, densely packed together as if they might riot at any moment and tear them to shreds.
Su Ran glared coldly at Jiang Qiao, his voice sharp but lacking true confidence as he questioned, “A honey trap? Do you think you can scam money from me? Do you even know who my great-great-grandfather is? You think I’d be scared of your little tricks?”
With that, he strode toward the door and shoved it open with force.
Jiang Yimian widened his eyes at his companion’s actions, his expression as if witnessing the descent of a god. He hadn’t expected that at such a terrifying moment, Su Ran could actually give him such an overwhelming sense of security.
Su Ran’s hand pushed roughly against the door—
At that exact moment, a massive, crimson hand outside suddenly slammed against the door with a resounding BANG.
Jiang Yimian shuddered in fear. Su Ran let out an instinctive yelp, his body recoiling backward. In an instant, the two of them huddled together, trembling like a pair of frightened quails.
“Stop knocking—! I’ll pay!” The top idol changed his tune at lightning speed. “But we only brought a hundred thousand in cash. Open the door and we’ll go withdraw more from the bank right now!”
Jiang Qiao, seated cross-legged in meditation, didn’t even turn his head. He spoke in an unhurried tone, “No need. Just throw your bank cards into the fire as an offering.”
“Burn the bank cards?”
Before they could process what was happening, the pounding on the door intensified. Startled, they reflexively flung the bank cards from their pockets without hesitation. “Here! Take them all!”
The green flames devoured the cards completely. At the same time, the chilling wind vanished without a sound. The room suddenly lit up, becoming bright as day.
Having narrowly survived the ordeal, the two of them collapsed onto the floor.
“Wait a second—what we burned just now wasn’t cash, it was bank cards?” Jiang Yimian’s brain finally kicked back into gear. He quickly pulled out his phone and opened his mobile banking app, laughing nervously. “Uncle, you really love messing around. You scared us to death just now!”
He lowered his head—
Bank balance: 0.49 yuan.
Su Ran checked his own account as well—25 yuan, just enough to call a ride home.
“…”
This was truly supernatural!!!
The two frantically scrolled through their transaction history, trying to find out where their money had gone. But then the most terrifying discovery emerged—according to the bank records, there had never been any deposits to begin with.
They had checked their balances before coming here. They had clearly remembered the funds. Everyone had. But now, their deposits had simply vanished into thin air.
No—not vanished. They had never existed.
Jiang Qiao calmly said, “Whether it’s cash or bank cards, as long as you offer it voluntarily, it can be delivered to the Star Lord in any form.” He patted them both on the shoulders with a sigh. “It’s been many years since the Star Lord last demonstrated a divine miracle. You two are quite lucky to have received a response.”
“Don’t worry, since the Star Lord has accepted your offering, he will certainly fulfill your conditions. Your new drama will no longer face any obstacles; from now on, everything will go smoothly!” Master Jiang enthusiastically gave his assurance.
The two of them stared at him blankly.
The way to solve the obstacles in filming was to directly eliminate the source. As long as they had no money, they wouldn’t need to film. Naturally, there would be no obstacles, right?
What kind of absurd joke was this?
Su Ran closed his eyes for a moment, still feeling utterly hopeless. He even regretted getting involved in this mess. If he had known, he would have preferred to take the money back and offer it to his ancestor instead of giving it to this ridiculous Star Lord.
The way this deity fulfilled his followers’ wishes was so twisted—it was more like dealing with a devil than a god!
Jiang Yimian, feeling completely broken, complained to his uncle: “You said that a hundred thousand would be enough! Even the Star Lord can’t just raise the price on the spot, right?”
Jiang Qiao looked at his nephew, his fate spiraling out of control, and sighed helplessly. “Blaming me won’t help. You should be thinking about which god you offended. I can’t do anything about it.”
“Which god did we offend?” Jiang Yimian was stunned for a moment. In his mind, the image of the blogger named 【Lucky Money, You’d Better Behave】 flashed across his mind. He quickly opened Weibo and checked the messages. The comment from that person was still there, unchanged.
【Zhao Cai, be more spirited!】 replied 【Jiang Yimian】: “Your drama won’t succeed. Not only will Su Ran’s money be wasted, but your money won’t be safe either.”
It was a perfect match, word for word.
Jiang Yimian felt a chill run down his spine. Trembling, he pushed Su Ran. “It’s over. This person seems to be a really powerful master. Everything he predicted came true. Oh, and I remember, didn’t you make a bet when you came here?”
【If you can’t film, you should change your name to Zhaocai.】
Su Ran’s face turned green.
—
“Great-Grandfather, you need a sturdy suitcase, right? Alright, I’ll send it right now.”
On the other end of the phone, Bai Songyin was always full of energy and enthusiasm. Su Weisheng muttered an “mm” and added, “Also, buy a good set of the Four Treasures of the Study. I’ll send you the store name on WeChat. The style is already chosen; just buy it and I’ll reimburse you.”
From this, it was clear how deeply the cheap brushes had left an impression on him—he had no intention of using them again.
Bai Songyin chuckled awkwardly, quickly agreeing to the request.
After hanging up the phone, Su Weisheng lazily leaned against the balcony wall. He looked down at his palm, clearly feeling the new spiritual energy flowing through his meridians. Though it wasn’t much, the warm, comforting sensation improved his mood significantly.
I wonder what kind of tribulation test the new ruler of the netherworld will give? He propped his chin, thinking curiously. Before he could get anywhere with his thoughts, he was interrupted by his incessantly buzzing phone, still about that Weibo business.
After his bet with Su Ran, countless fan girls and bystanders flocked to his Weibo, checking in. Now, there were those mocking him for seeking attention, some eager to see the outcome, and others convinced that his account would soon be reported and banned.
He was in a good mood now and decided to reply to a few lucky netizens.
Netizen A: Why isn’t that shameless marketing account saying anything? Hahaha, could it be banned? [Sticking out tongue]
Lucky Money, You’d Better Behave: I wasn’t banned, but you shouldn’t be sticking out your tongue while speaking. It’s very rude. If you keep doing it, you might end up with a big tongue.
Netizen A: ?? Stop talking like that, it’s so fatherly!
Netizen B: You’re just trying to gain attention by causing trouble. You even took a dog’s name to disgust Su Ran. Aren’t you embarrassed?
Lucky Money, You’d Better Behave: Who says “Zhaocai” must be a dog’s name? “Zhao Cai Jin Bao” is an auspicious phrase. Stop slandering it. Besides, it was always supposed to be his name. It’s just right for him to go back to it now.
Netizen B: You’re crazy!!! Why hasn’t this idiot marketing account been banned yet?
Su Weisheng didn’t understand what made them so upset.
According to his naming convention, the name “Zhaocai” was just right for this generation, so why was it considered disgusting?
He sighed, realizing there was still a gap between his understanding and modern thinking. He was about to explain it to the frustrated girl when he found that his account had been banned.
“…?” Is account banning this casual now?
As his Weibo was locked, all the fan communities went wild with joy, especially the “Little Sparks” fan group, who seemed to celebrate the most.
【Hahaha, Weibo finally did something right! This troublemaking account shouldn’t have been allowed to stay during the holidays.】
【For half the entertainment circle to report it, “Lucky Money, You’d Better Behave” must really be someone important.】
【Feels so good! Really satisfying, Little Sparks are awesome. Hopefully, Ran-sui will arrange a new song. He doesn’t need to focus on online drama anymore. We’re here to take care of it, he doesn’t need to worry, we’ll deal with the small stuff for him.】
“Are you going to acknowledge this bet, or just play dead?”
Back at Jiang Yimian’s place, the two exchanged looks, unsure of what to do next.
Su Ran paced back and forth with a dark expression. Should he acknowledge it? He was thinking about that too. If he did, he’d be humiliated all over the internet, but if he didn’t… could he escape it? Still hesitating, he absentmindedly scrolled through Weibo and happened to see a comment from his fans celebrating the situation. He instantly felt awful.
“Who the heck reported that account? Are they crazy? Why are they causing trouble now?!”
Jiang Yimian was equally stunned. “Shit, shit, shit! Are we going to be blamed for this?”
“Quick, quick, quick, get the company to fix it and restore the account!” Su Ran urgently called his manager, explaining the situation. After much pleading, He Heng agreed to take care of it.
In the end, the two exchanged a look, both filled with despair.
This had escalated so much that there was no way to back out now.
Face or life?
In less than an hour, before the celebrations of the various fanbases had even ended, the account of the blogger 【Zhao Cai, be more spirited】 was restored to normal.
【?】
【What happened? Isn’t Weibo supposed to stand by its word?】
【Wow, the power behind this blogger is huge, getting restored like this… it’s chilling to think about…】
【Did capital intervene? How disgusting. They have to resort to such dirty tricks just to support a marketing account. All the filthy words they spread onto others should’ve been punished, yet nothing happens to them?】
【Wait, what did I just see????? Sisters, am I blind, or was the top star hacked?】
Before the outraged netizens could finish their condemnations, they discovered that the usually rebellious top celebrity, who wouldn’t even bow to capital, had changed his name:
— Su Zhaocai.
What a name, both trendy and tacky at the same time.
The entire internet was stunned.
Someone nervously asked: 【What happened? Did the top star get cursed or something?】
But the bizarre situation didn’t end there. The screenwriter Jiang Yimian, who had always been in lockstep with the top star, also changed his name. And as if that wasn’t enough, he shamelessly went to leave a comment on a certain marketing account:
【Jiang Jin Bao】 replied to 【Lucky Money, You’d Better Behave】: Master thinks “Zhao Cai Jin Bao” is very auspicious, and I agree. What do you think of our names, @Su Zhaocai @Jiang Jin Bao? Aren’t they nice?
Netizens: “…”
It was over. The entertainment industry’s most stubborn and hopeless duo had now been cursed.
“Grandpa, I got the suitcase you wanted!” Bai Songyin walked in with a large black suitcase and handed over the new set of stationery. He casually complained, “Wow, this set cost three thousand. The seller even said this was just an average-priced set. Good thing I had money on my card, or I’d have had to apply to the company for funds.”
Su Weisheng lightly weighed the brush in his hand, it was fine. He nodded and said indifferently, “You don’t need to have He Heng pay for this set of ink and paper, I’ll reimburse you.”
Bai Songyin froze for a moment, instinctively about to ask where Su Weisheng had money, especially since he remembered that all the shared film compensation had been used by Su Ran for investing in a new film. But then he saw Su Weisheng wave him over and gesture for him to bring the suitcase into the bedroom.
Once inside, Bai Songyin was stunned to see bundles of brand-new cash scattered everywhere.
Su Weisheng casually grabbed five bundles and tossed them at him, saying nonchalantly, “Apart from the money for the stationery, the rest is your pocket money.”
“F-for me…?” Bai Songyin was completely stunned, overwhelmed by the surprise.
Su Weisheng couldn’t help but laugh, reaching out to ruffle his hair. “What else? Do you think I’d let you just call me Grandpa for nothing?” He sighed a little, his tone turning slightly melancholic. “According to tradition, the gift a senior gives to a junior should either be a precious spiritual treasure or something like a jade pendant. Unfortunately, I don’t have anything of value to give…”
He thought for a moment, then casually folded the talisman he had drawn earlier into a paper crane and handed it to Bai Songyin. “It’s been used once, but there’s still some spiritual energy left in it. It should ensure everything goes smoothly for you in the near future. Consider it a gift for our meeting.”
Bai Songyin took the delicate paper crane with both hands and froze for a full minute. His cheeks turned slightly red as he scratched his head, seemingly unsure of how to react. His usual sharp wit was nowhere to be found.
“This is the first time I’ve received a gift like this from an elder…” He bowed respectfully. “Grandpa, I will keep it safe. Thank you!”
Su Weisheng looked at him thoughtfully. Judging by the boy’s features, it was no surprise he could get along so well with Su Ran, who had such a bad temper. They were both like star-crossed souls, destined to be alone.
— No father, no mother, and no relatives to rely on.
However, he didn’t say this out loud. There was no need to bring up the boy’s past wounds.
“Put the rest of the money into the suitcase and place it in a corner of the room,” Su Wei said, walking out to give him time to digest.
Not long after he sat down in the living room, he heard the sound of a door opening. His great-great-grandson poked his head in cautiously, just in time for their eyes to meet. Su Ran shrank his neck and then casually walked in as if he hadn’t been away for days. “Grandpa, have you eaten?”
Su Weisheng didn’t expose him. While fiddling with his phone, he responded indifferently, “I’ve eaten. What about you?”
“… I’ve eaten too.” He had a stomach full of anger.
Su Ran ground his teeth, walking past the spare bedroom just in time to see Bai Songyin dragging a large suitcase into a corner. He glanced at it curiously. What was that?
Su Weisheng gently reminded, “Songyin, remember to close the door after you’re done.”
“Got it, Grandpa.” Bai Songyin placed the suitcase properly and seriously shut the door of the spare bedroom, blocking Su Ran’s curious gaze.
Su Ran gritted his teeth, his gaze darting between Bai Songyin and Su Weisheng. The more he looked, the more he felt like they were hiding something from him. Could it be that there were still some burial items in Grandpa’s tomb that he hadn’t told him about? Did he send Bai Songyin to retrieve them?
Damn it, when did Grandpa and Bai Songyin get so close! Two traitors, hmph! Trying to hide things from him? No way! His great-grandson sulked, growing more and more curious about what was in the suitcase.
But he didn’t dare to ask directly, so he pretended nothing was amiss and went back to his own room. When night fell and after Bai Songyin left, he confirmed that Grandpa was meditating on the balcony. Only then did he quietly sneak into the spare bedroom.
Upon entering, Su Ran was stunned.
He suddenly realized that the spare bedroom where Grandpa stayed used to be his old storage room. It wasn’t big. It just had a simple single bed, a wardrobe, and a desk. It was even simpler than Grandpa’s tomb room.
Su Ran suddenly felt a wave of shame.
He had taken all the advanced payments and had been scammed by a devil, leaving not a cent for Grandpa. He truly was a scumbag…
While cursing himself, he couldn’t resist his curiosity and opened the suitcase in the corner.
In an instant, stacks of dazzling cash filled his vision.
“Damn… Grandpa is actually this rich?” Su Ran was completely stunned by the sight. He casually picked up a bundle and shook it. Suddenly, something felt off. “Why do the serial numbers on these bills look so familiar? I feel like I’ve seen them somewhere before.”
Wait! These are the bills I took out to offer to that Star Lord, right?!
“You idiot.”
The sudden voice startled Su Ran. He quickly turned around, only to see Su Weisheng leaning casually against the door with his arms crossed, a smirk on his lips, staring at him like he was amused.
Su Weisheng shook his head with a look of regret, commenting, “How did someone like you even come from the Su family? Which generation’s genes went wrong? This is bad luck.”
“Forget it, you should go change your name at the household registration office as soon as possible. Maybe you can fix your IQ. Su Zhaocai.”
Su Ran went mad: “…” Damn!!!
Double kill lol