MMLDU Chapter 7

Graduating from a music academy, debuting as a singer in a variety show, and then entering the entertainment industry as an actor without formal training, becoming the youngest Best Actor, Pei Lang truly had no other skills besides acting and singing.

Could it be that he’s going to become a martial arts coach?

In his past life, his mother died during childbirth and he was left to rely on his father. To prevent him from being bullied for being from a single-parent family, his father forced him to learn martial arts. It was because of this that he became the best actor for action scenes in the entertainment industry. But in his past life, he had a very solid foundation. Now, in this body, although not bad, he is not muscular enough.

Right now, he’s living for free – eating, drinking, and staying without paying. First, he’ll work on getting his body in shape, and then find a somewhat decent-paying part-time job to bridge the gap. As for entering the industry and acting, he needs to be fully prepared.

So, these past few days, Yan Han has seen Pei Lang jogging outside the villa in the morning, wearing loose and comfortable sportswear. The villa’s landscaping is beautiful.  As Pei Lang runs towards the morning sun, his figure becomes captivating to the point that one can’t look away.

Yan Han stared at the figure in the distance. Su Jia walked over holding a folder.

Yan Han: “What is he doing?”

Su Jia: “He’s exercising, Boss.”

Yan Han: “Exercising?” Strange. The person who used to spend every day thinking about seducing my nephew and dressing up has suddenly changed.

Su Jia: “Yes. Mr. Pei said this is a world full of gay people. If your body isn’t strong enough, in case one day you turn gay and meet a cute bottom, you might not be able to handle it. So, that’s why he started working out. Mr. Pei said he wants to become big and strong 1¹ If I remember it correctly, 1 refers to top or gong and 0 refers to bottom or shou..'”

Su Jia explained with a tone full of disdain. Yan Han’s mouth twitched with irritation. “Did he really say that?”

So, he’s sticking to Yan Xiuyuan because he wants to dominate him?

An image flashed in his mind of Pei Lang pinning the muscular Yan Xiuyuan down on the bed, his lips curling into a malicious smile as he bullied the man until he was crying. At this thought, Yan Han’s expression darkened immediately, as if something dirty had clung to him. He quickly and somewhat flusteredly wheeled himself away. “To the company.”

“Boss, you haven’t had breakfast yet?” Su Jia caught up with him. As Yan Han’s personal assistant, it was his job to handle everything, big or small. Breakfast was crucial to starting the day right. Since his boss was busy, every meal had to be nutritious and on time.

“Disgusting. I feel like vomiting, no appetite.”

“Boss, are you feeling unwell? Should I call Dr. Liu to come check on you?” Su Jia was concerned and took out his phone to make the call.

“No need.”

Pei Lang had no idea how much psychological trauma his words had caused Yan Han. After finishing his morning jog and doing some stretches, he slowly walked back, took a shower, and changed into clean clothes.

He spent time in his room looking for a part-time job. One article about depression caught his attention. The website, focused on mental health, was large and well-known. Originally, Pei Lang had just been browsing. But at the very end of the page, he found a job listing. They were hiring illustrators and singers, with the requirement of a healing style. After being hired, the songs or artwork produced would be published on the website. Earnings would be based on clicks and views.

He didn’t know how to draw, but singing was something he could try.

Singing here was anonymous. Pei Lang didn’t want to follow a singer’s path. He planned to be an actor once he had adjusted his body. The anonymity was exactly what he wanted. He could do charity work while earning money, and without exposing his identity. No one would know that he was the despised “madman” by the public. So far, this part-time job seemed to be the best fit.

However, he didn’t have any music-related qualifications here, so when he sent his resume, he simply described himself. Perhaps there were too many applicants, as he hadn’t received any reply yet.

Looking for a job couldn’t be rushed, so he decided to wait patiently.

It wasn’t until after he had lunch that he received a text message inviting him to join a group chat. There would be an online interview, and he would need to sing a song. Only those whose voices met the requirements would be accepted. After joining the group chat, he found that the others were mostly unknown singers, some even college students. It was no wonder the threshold was so low and didn’t require much in terms of music qualifications to get an interview.

To prepare for the interview, Pei Lang decided to go out and buy some equipment.

“Are you all ready?” In a luxurious entertainment venue in Nanfeng, a man in a suit sat on a leather sofa. With his grand and handsome features, his face was now cold and stern, his brows furrowed, and he looked ruthless.

He was the male lead, Yan Xiuyuan, Pei Ziqing’s official boyfriend.

“It’s all ready,” one of his subordinates replied.

Pei Ziqing sat next to him, with a shallow scar on his face, looking as if he had been scratched by a fingernail. The wound wasn’t deep, just a small bead of blood trickling down, leaving a long blood streak. The injury wasn’t serious, but as an actor, his face needed to be insured, especially with how much Yan Xiuyuan loved him. A small injury was enough for Yan Xiuyuan to turn the world upside down for him.

“Xiuyuan, what are you going to do?” Pei Ziqing was very beautiful, even more so than many women, with willow-leaf eyebrows and peach-blossom eyes. He probably had been crying, as his eyes were moist and tinged with red, making him look pitiful, like someone you just wanted to hold and comfort. “Brother is like that, sometimes he can’t control his emotions. I don’t think he meant it. Xiuyuan, he’s my only brother, you can’t hurt him. Mom and Dad would be upset, too. Although my brother doesn’t always listen to Dad, he’s still family.”

The words Pei Lang had said that day had deeply hurt Pei Ziqing. He wanted nothing more than to kill Pei Lang. As long as Pei Lang was dead and gone, his family would finally be whole, and the fact that he was an illegitimate child could be erased.

Pei Lang’s existence was a constant reminder to him that he was an illegitimate child who could even be mocked as a useless person.

So, he had deliberately scratched his own face, pretending to avoid meeting Yan Xiuyuan. He waited until Yan Xiuyuan grew anxious and worried, then appeared fully armed, making sure Yan Xiuyuan noticed the injury on his face. After that, he cried and complained, blaming it on Pei Lang. Yan Xiuyuan would definitely seek revenge for him.

But the kind persona couldn’t fall apart, so he said these words to portray his kindness and Pei Lang’s maliciousness vividly.

Sure enough, Yan Xiuyuan was heartbroken and pulled him into his arms. “Ziqing, you’re just too kind. If one doesn’t look out for oneself, heaven will punish them. What does it matter if they’re family? He treats you this way, and yet you still consider him your brother.”

“But, he’s my only brother.” Pei Ziqing said, feeling wronged, tears welling up and leaving wet marks on Yan Xiuyuan’s clothes.

“Okay, okay, stop crying, my good baby. I promise you it’s not too much, but there still needs to be some discipline. I can’t believe he didn’t learn his lesson after being detained for half a month. As soon as he’s out, he goes after you. Do you know how much it pains me?” Yan Xiuyuan comforted him while kissing away the tears, placing Pei Ziqing at the highest point to cherish and protect.

“The camera, the medicine, the men—everything’s ready. I promise you, we’ll only take photos in positions, no real action. This time, we’ll make sure he has no face to show and won’t be able to rise again. My good baby, please don’t beg for his life anymore. I’ve already spared his life out of consideration for you.” After repeatedly hurting Pei Ziqing, even if Pei Ziqing begged, Yan Xiuyuan still intended to discipline Pei Lang.

“Thank you, Xiuyuan. You’ve been so good to me, I don’t know how to repay you.”

“I’m your future husband, of course, I need to treat you well.” Yan Xiuyuan gently cupped Pei Ziqing’s face, his touch tender and affectionate. He leaned in, pressing his lips just right, creating an intense, unsettling feeling, yet not crossing the line.

Sure enough, Pei Ziqing’s face instantly turned red, speaking vaguely. “I… thank you. I kept you waiting for so long. I’m just from an ordinary family. The reason I rejected you so many times was because I didn’t feel I was good enough. I just wanted to be able to walk beside you, to be outstanding enough that everyone would truly bless us.”

“I understand, Ziqing. You didn’t make me wait in vain.”

The two of them were flirting and confessing to each other on the sofa, ignoring the surrounding subordinates, while Pei Lang had no idea that a trap was waiting for him.

Having almost exhausted his savings, he bought the music creation equipment. He had already made up his mind—if he didn’t pass this interview, he would become an anonymous online singer. Since he would need the equipment, either way, he decided to buy everything at once. The staff helped him move the equipment into his home. Pei Lang started tinkering with the setup, unaware that danger was quietly approaching.

The house Yan Han provided was spacious enough and soundproof. Even with all the equipment in the room, it still felt roomy. While he was busy, his phone rang with an unfamiliar call. The caller ID didn’t have a name, and since he didn’t know many people here, Pei Lang hesitated for a moment but still answered. “Hello, who’s this?”

“Pei Lang, it’s me.” The voice on the other end was arrogant and even carried a hint of disdain. Pei Lang frowned, trying to figure out who it was. Could it be someone he had offended in the past?

Not wanting to reveal that he didn’t recognize the person, Pei Lang decided not to dwell on it. “What’s the matter?”

“Heh~ You’ve been pestering me for so long, and now you’re acting all high and mighty. Didn’t you want to see me? Tonight at 8 PM, Lingyan Bar. Let’s talk.”

Pei Lang suddenly understood.

It was the male lead.

He had already had doubts about the male lead’s persona in this world, and now he was sure. The man on the phone was nothing like the gentle and considerate male lead from his memories. He was clearly an arrogant and overbearing rich heir.

The original owner was truly pitiful—he had been entangled with this person for so long and didn’t even have the guy’s phone number. But thinking about it, it made sense. Yan Xiuyuan’s status was not one where his personal number would be available to just anyone.

“We have nothing to talk about, right? Didn’t you avoid me like the plague?” At this point, Pei Lang didn’t think this was just a casual meeting. Thinking of Pei Ziqing’s fallen persona and scheming nature, Yan Xiuyuan’s sudden invitation probably meant a trap. “Yan Xiuyuan, I won’t bother you anymore. People like you should be bound to Pei Ziqing for life.”

The genius in business warfare, who would actually trust Pei Ziqing for love, probably had something to do with the original owner’s flawed background. Anything extreme would seem normal for the original owner, who would naturally believe in it without a doubt. Moreover, the two protagonists were so in love and trusting.

Not wanting to get involved in the protagonists’ drama, Pei Lang hung up the phone. Hearing the busy tone, Yan Xiuyuan was furious, his jaw clenching with rage. Pei Ziqing nervously asked, “Xiuyuan, what did he say?”

“Heh, just playing hard to get. He will come for sure.” After being hung up on by Pei Lang, Yan Xiuyuan gritted his teeth in frustration, but when speaking to Pei Ziqing, he resumed his gentle demeanor. “Ziqing, are you tired? Do you want to rest?”

“I’m not tired, Xiuyuan. Can I watch tonight? I’m afraid those men might get too rough and hurt my brother.”

Worrying about Pei Ziqing’s kindness and fearing his character might cause him trouble later, Yan Xiuyuan sighed lightly. “Alright, we’ll watch from next door. If it gets too disgusting, we won’t watch.”

“Okay, Xiuyuan is the best.” You bastard, this time I’ll make sure you never rise again!

The malice in Pei Ziqing’s eyes flashed quickly, almost unnoticeable to anyone.

After hanging up, Pei Lang threw his phone aside and continued with his tasks.

Time passed quietly, the sunset painted the sky with patches of clouds and afterglow. As the evening glow faded, the city’s lights flickered, contrasting with the stars above. The bustling city and the still night sky stood in harmony.

Having been busy all day, Pei Lang felt hungry and went to the kitchen to cook. He happened to run into the aunt who usually cooked. She hadn’t liked Pei Lang much, but recently he had changed. He could even chat a bit with Yan Han, so she hadn’t shown her dislike as obviously, at most just ignoring him.

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  If I remember it correctly, 1 refers to top or gong and 0 refers to bottom or shou.