MMLDU Chapter 38

Pei Lang merely smiled and didn’t take the matter to heart. “It’s fine. I’ve heard plenty of this kind of talk. It’s always the same few lines—nothing new.”

“Don’t take it seriously. You’re not like the rumors they spread around,” Zhong Yixiao wanted to comfort him. But seeing Pei Lang’s indifferent demeanor, the words stuck in his throat. Saying more would just seem over the top. “Can I treat you to dinner tonight? Consider it an apology.”

Before Pei Lang could respond, a phone call came in. Zhong Yixiao’s assistant handed him the phone—it was that woman. Zhong Yixiao’s brow furrowed involuntarily as he glanced at Pei Lang out of the corner of his eye.

“Let’s leave it for today. Take the call—I won’t disturb you,” Pei Lang said as he moved to sit a bit farther away.

Zhong Yixiao felt a twinge of disappointment but answered the phone. On the other end, the woman immediately began pleading for help. “Zhong Yixiao, please help me.”

As Zhong Yixiao’s manager, the woman had always been decisive, efficient, and unyielding. Her sharp tongue and cold demeanor made her feared by many in the company, including quite a few artists. Never before had he seen her so panicked or frightened.

Now, her voice trembled, fragile, and on the verge of collapse, as if someone had seized her lifeline and she could stop breathing at any moment.

Regardless of the situation, they had worked together, so Zhong Yixiao didn’t hang up. “What happened?”

“I don’t know why, but I was suddenly fired by the company without reason and blacklisted forever. No other management companies will hire me either. I was the one who built your career from scratch—you have to help me!”

The news was shocking. The woman held a high-ranking position in the company and was regarded as the strongest manager in the industry. It was hard to imagine why the company would abruptly dismiss her. It seemed she had offended someone.

The entertainment industry, as vast as it seemed, was filled with people wielding power and influence. A single action or word could invite calamity.

But who could have orchestrated this? Someone with such extensive influence that they could completely erase her from the industry, leaving her no chance of future employment. If even she had been dealt such a severe blow, what could Zhong Yixiao possibly do to help?

“Although I sympathize with you, there’s nothing I can do right now. You should think carefully about whether you’ve offended someone,” he replied.

The woman fell silent, her sobs barely audible as she wracked her brain, unable to think of anyone she might have crossed.

Suddenly, she screamed, “It must be Pei Lang! I said those things yesterday. He must’ve been offended! He may be a washed-up scumbag, but the sponsor backing him isn’t! I’ve said all along that he has someone behind him. That despicable man, that disgusting sissy—I want to see him!”

Her hysterical rant was filled with venom, as though she wished she could tear Pei Lang apart limb by limb. Zhong Yixiao’s heart sank. He turned to glance at Pei Lang, who was sitting not far away with his eyes closed, resting from exhaustion.

Irritation welled up within him. The woman’s sharp, grating voice further wore down his patience. “If it really is him, do you think you’d even stand a chance against him?”

“I can’t accept this! I worked hard for over a decade, and now it’s all gone because of that bastard. How could I possibly accept this!” the woman roared, though she had already realized the futility of her position. There was no way she could take on Pei Lang. But how could she swallow this humiliation? “If worse comes to worst, I’ll go down with him! If he won’t let me live in peace, I’ll make sure he can’t use his sponsor to clean up his reputation. I’ll expose him for what he truly is and let everyone see his ugly face!”

The woman had completely lost her composure and rationality.

Zhong Yixiao’s lips pressed into a cold line as he offered her a reminder. “In the eyes of the public, he’s never been a clean figure. Exposing something like this won’t cause any real waves. On the contrary, if you anger him, things might get even worse for you.”

Someone already covered in mud and ink wouldn’t care about a little more dust.

Even if the woman didn’t expose anything, in the eyes of the public, wasn’t Pei Lang already seen as a shameless man clinging to a wealthy sponsor? Any revelation would merely confirm what people already believed. Pei Lang’s reputation was already in shambles—this wouldn’t pose any significant threat to him. Instead, it would only offend the person backing him.

She had already paid a heavy price for a single moment of loose words. If she escalated things further, who could predict what kind of consequences she might face?

Hearing this, the woman was utterly defeated.

She broke down in tears, sobbing uncontrollably. The sound grated on Zhong Yixiao’s nerves even further. Just as he was about to hang up, the woman clung to him like a drowning person grabbing onto a life raft. “Please help me! Aren’t you two working in the same production? Can you plead with him for me? I’ll apologize to him in person and beg him to have his sponsor call this off and spare me. I can’t lose everything I’ve worked so hard for. Zhong Yixiao, I’ve been with you since you were a nobody. You can’t just abandon me now!”

“This isn’t a joke. Do you think someone with that kind of power would take back their words just because of a small fry like you?” Zhong Yixiao’s tone remained calm, though his patience was waning. Out of respect for their years of collaboration, he added another reminder, “If you hadn’t said something you shouldn’t have, those people wouldn’t even know who you are.”

Even if he wanted to help her, there was nothing he could do. Besides, he didn’t want to help.

Pei Lang wasn’t the person people thought he was. Having spent time with him, Zhong Yixiao saw the truth clearly. Yet, the thought of someone standing behind Pei Lang, shielding him, left a sour taste in Zhong Yixiao’s heart.

The woman fell silent as if nailed to the spot by his words, unable to speak for a long time. Zhong Yixiao’s remaining patience finally wore out and he hung up.

Pei Lang had overheard bits and pieces of the conversation. He turned his head, meeting Zhong Yixiao’s probing gaze. In response, Pei Lang gave him an earnest smile.

He didn’t realize how striking his smile was—pure and alluring, a captivating contradiction. “Did your friend run into trouble?” he asked softly.

“It’s nothing major,” Zhong Yixiao replied with a faint smile, watching as Pei Lang stood up. “Are you heading back now?”

“Yeah, I’ve packed up and am heading out,” Pei Lang said as he stripped off his costume layers, leaving only his white undergarments. The simple clothing revealed his slim waist and long legs, his figure fully apparent.

It wasn’t until Pei Lang walked out that Zhong Yixiao finally retracted his gaze, holding his phone and falling into deep thought.

【. : Yan Xiuyuan is getting engaged.】

Returning to his room with Lu Lu, Yan Han sent this message to Pei Lang.

Pei Lang, lying in bed after washing up, only responded after a while.

【Lang: When?】

【. : Three days from now.】

【Lang: Oh.】

Pei Lang wasn’t particularly interested in the news. The two protagonists were finally reaching this stage. Afterward, no matter how many minor characters stirred up trouble, they wouldn’t be separated, each shining brilliantly in their respective fields.

Wait a minute—if I, the biggest antagonist, am no longer causing trouble, who’s going to drive the plot forward?

The realization hit Pei Lang. The system had only tasked him with filling the role without affecting the storyline. So… did it assign the troublemaking duties to someone else?

Whatever. It has nothing to do with me as long as it doesn’t hinder my development.

【. : The Yan family knows about our marriage. As the elder generation, Father hopes we can attend the engagement banquet together.】

【Lang: Sure. I’ll inform the director tomorrow to request leave. So, am I now officially his… aunt-in-law?】

Pei Lang’s eye twitched, clearly dissatisfied with the feminine title.

【. : Theoretically, yes.】

【Lang: ……】

【. : If you don’t like it, I’ll have them call you the same thing they call me—Little Uncle. Take a day off for the banquet. Come home the night before. I’ll help you pick a decent outfit.】

【Lang: Who’s attending the engagement banquet?】

【. : Both families’ elders will be there. It’s a small gathering, so don’t worry.】

【Lang: Fine.】

Actually, you’re the one who should be worried, bringing me home without fear of being ridiculed by your family. Still… why do I feel slightly uneasy? All the elders will be there—my father too? And Yan Xiuyuan’s father as well?

Even though this isn’t a real marriage, meeting so many elders at once still feels a little strange.

The next day.

Pei Lang approached Director Jin to request leave. The director was understanding and readily approved it.

After a full morning of filming, Pei Lang finally had a rare break. Lu Lu came over with a stack of lunch boxes in his arms. “Brother Lang, someone brought you lunch.”

The containers weren’t typical takeout boxes, which piqued Pei Lang’s curiosity. “Who sent it?”

“I don’t know.” Lu Lu shook his head. “A kind-looking auntie brought it over and told me to take good care of you. Is she one of your relatives?”

“I don’t have any relatives who would bother bringing me lunch,” Pei Lang replied coldly. It’s a miracle they don’t kick me while I’m down. “You just accepted food from a stranger?”

“She didn’t seem like a bad person. Plus, she knew a lot about you. It’s just food, so I brought it over,” Lu Lu explained as she placed the lunch box in front of Pei Lang. The aroma wafted up, and he immediately understood.

“Later, ask if it was sent by my aunt. Also, I’m out of body wash—help me pick some up.”

“Alright,” Lu Lu agreed and left.

Once alone, Pei Lang took out his phone and made a call. “Aunt Lin, did you bring me lunch?” The familiar aroma had already confirmed his guess, and Aunt Lin hadn’t gone far.

“It was Mr. Yan who asked me to bring it over. He said you’d been craving it,” Aunt Lin replied warmly, her gentle tone filling Pei Lang’s heart with warmth.

“Mr. Yan?” Pei Lang suddenly remembered casually mentioning that he missed Aunt Lin’s cooking. He hadn’t expected Yan Han to remember, let alone have the food prepared and delivered. “I really did miss it. Thank you, Aunt Lin. Sorry for the trouble.”

“Oh, it’s no trouble at all! If you ever want more, just let me know, and I’ll bring it over again,” Aunt Lin said kindly.

“Alright, take care on your way back. I’ll come visit you when I have time.”

After hanging up, Pei Lang eagerly opened the lunch box. It was filled with all his favorite dishes. Surrounded by good food and the feeling of being cared for, the fatigue from filming seemed to disappear.

Unable to resist, Pei Lang started eating right away, not even waiting for Lu Lu. As he ate, Yan Han came to mind, so he snapped a picture and sent it over.

【Lang: (Photo)】

【Lang: Aunt Lin brought me lunch. It’s delicious—thank you, Mr. Yan.】

There was no immediate reply. Yan Han was likely busy at this hour, so Pei Lang set his phone aside and focused on his meal. Lu Lu returned halfway through and the two of them finished the food together. While eating, Lu Lu couldn’t stop marveling at how incredible the dishes were, far surpassing his expectations.

Later, when Yan Han finally had a moment to check his phone, he saw Pei Lang’s message. Holding the phone, he seemed lost in thought for a while before sending back a photo of his own—a view from a window showing towering skyscrapers, blue skies, white clouds, and bright sunshine.

By then, Pei Lang was already back to filming and didn’t see the reply.

Not receiving a response, Yan Han turned his attention to a book his friend had recommended. It was about how a domineering CEO should pursue their delicate little partner. The book emphasized the importance of creating surprises—not necessarily through displays of power or wealth, but by catering to the other person’s preferences and ensuring their satisfaction.

“Cater to their preferences? Create surprises?” Yan Han pondered over the meaning of these words, and suddenly, understanding dawned on him.

He got it.

Cater to their likes. Create surprises.

This was simple enough—he knew exactly what Pei Lang liked.

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