Chapter 19 - The Supporting Villain Is Raising a Cub Online

Translator's Note:

Hello, I hope you've all been doing well.

Here you go, and I wish you a good read.

And, as I said before, if you wish to read ahead, you can head over to my Patreon to get early access to all the translated chapters.

Good Teammates Stick Together, Whoever Starts Trouble First is the Dog!

 

 

The place Ji Yanxiu had arranged for the meeting was a private Japanese restaurant, tucked away in the deepest part of a small alley near the second ring road*.

 

[T/N: Second ring road is a major circular road in many Chinese cities, typically representing an area close to the city center.]

 

Tan Qing, unfamiliar with the area, circled around the entrance several times before Ji Yanxiu's agent came out to guide him inside.

 

By the time they finally met, nearly half an hour had passed since the originally scheduled time.

 

The coffee shop, modest and artsy, suited the tastes of literary types. There were only two small Japanese-style private rooms in the corners.

 

Ji Yanxiu's agent slid open the door and politely gestured to Tan Qing, "Mr. Tan, please."

 

Tan Qing glanced inside.

 

And immediately saw Zhao Cong, sitting on a tatami mat, across from a strikingly handsome man.

 

Half a foot in, Tan Qing instantly withdrew, firmly declaring, "Let's find another place!"

 

Ji Yanxiu's agent was taken aback for a second and tried to reassure him, "Mr. Tan, you don't have to worry about being photographed here. Yanxiu is..."

 

"Nope."

 

Tan Qing furiously pointed at Zhao Cong's black socks. "His feet stink!"

 

Ji Yanxiu's agent: "..."

 

Zhao Cong: "..."

 

Ji Yanxiu: "..."

 

Caught in front of the award-winning actor, Zhao Cong didn't dare act too out of line, but his face darkened as he turned to Tan Qing, threatening, "What nonsense are you spouting?! You're already late, hurry up and come in!"

 

Tan Qing clung stubbornly to the doorframe, refusing to budge. "I'm not going in! Why haven't you been laid off yet?"

 

Zhao Cong: "..."

 

Unable to persuade Tan Qing, Zhao Cong awkwardly smiled at Ji Yanxiu. "Please don't mind him, Mr. Ji. Tan Qing is just… not very refined."

 

Ji Yanxiu, his expression calm and gentle, nodded to his agent. "It's alright. If Mr. Tan doesn't like it here, let's change locations."

 

He stood up, taking his coat from the side, and asked Tan Qing, "Do you have any recommendations?"

 

Tan Qing thought for a moment and decided to suggest KFC.

 

Or maybe McDonald's. If that didn't work, even Dicos would do.

 

Ji Yanxiu's expression became complicated, hesitating for a long moment after hearing that.

 

The two walked out of the coffee shop, one behind the other. Before Ji Yanxiu could respond, Tan Qing heard a rustling sound coming from a nearby corner.

 

Ji Yanxiu's agent, following behind, immediately urged them to get into the car.

 

Once the car had driven some distance, Ji Yanxiu turned and smiled apologetically at Tan Qing, "I'm sorry, there have been a lot of fans and reporters tailing me lately. Fast food might be difficult."

 

Tan Qing, disappointed, lowered his head. "Fine. Then just find a place with lots of meat."

 

After driving for a while longer, Ji Yanxiu finally brought Tan Qing to a barbecue restaurant.

 

"I used to come here a lot; the food's great."

 

Ji Yanxiu handed his coat to his agent and gestured for Tan Qing and Zhao Cong to sit down. "We'll be working on the same film, so if you like it here, we can come after work."

 

Tan Qing wasn't interested in chatting with Ji Yanxiu. He focused intently on the sizzling, greasy meat, licking his lips.

 

Zhao Cong, sitting next to him, pinched his waist hard and whispered, "Ji Yanxiu is talking to you!"

 

Reluctantly tearing his gaze away from the fatty pork, Tan Qing pouted and asked, "Mr. Ji, what did you want to talk to me about?"

 

Ji Yanxiu seemed to carefully choose his words. "Director Cheng Ye's new film is announcing its cast today. Did President Rong of Shengjing Entertainment tell you about it?"

 

Only then did Tan Qing remember the matter. He quickly fumbled for his phone from his pocket. "Has the cast been announced? Sorry, I totally forgot!"

 

Ji Yanxiu smiled warmly. "No need to rush, the official account hasn't posted anything yet. But online, fans of Ran Anluo and your fans... have been arguing. Are you aware of that?"

 

Tan Qing blinked, surprised. "Huh? I have fans?"

 

Ji Yanxiu: "..."

 

In the midst of the awkward silence, Ji Yanxiu's agent, Lina, stepped in, "I'm really sorry, Mr. Tan. Here's the thing."

 

"Yanxiu had already recommended an actor for the second male lead to Director Cheng Ye, and the director had agreed."

 

"However, due to some miscommunication on our end... since President Rong invested in the production, they gave the role of the second male lead directly to you. This has caused a conflict with the actor Yanxiu and the director had previously selected."

 

Lina glanced at Zhao Cong, smiling like a fox. "Since Zhao Cong is currently your agent, it seemed appropriate to discuss this with him present. I hope you don't mind."

 

Tan Qing: "Oh..."

 

He picked up a piece of grilled meat with his chopsticks, rolled it in the sauce, and popped it into his mouth, savoring the flavor.

 

"What exactly are you trying to say?"

 

Lina, seeing no hint of understanding on Tan Qing's face, braced herself. "We know President Rong invested ten million yuan for you to secure the second male lead role. Yanxiu was hoping..."

 

"Wait, wait, wait!"

 

Tan Qing was so shocked that the meat slipped off his chopsticks and fell back into the sauce, sending chili flakes flying everywhere.

 

His eyes widened. "Ten million?!"

 

Ji Yanxiu paused for a few seconds, equally surprised. "You didn't know?"

 

Feeling a pang of regret, Tan Qing picked up the piece of pork that had fallen on the edge of the bowl, his eyes sparkling as he looked at Ji Yanxiu. "If you're suggesting you want to return that ten million and take away the second male lead role, I hereby officially agree."

 

Ji Yanxiu: "..."

 

Lina shook her head. "Mr. Tan, if we did that, we wouldn't be able to explain it to President Rong."

 

"Yanxiu was hoping you'd agree to switch to the third male lead instead. Of course, the ten million investment would be fully compensated by our company."

 

Tan Qing: "…"

 

That's a lot of money.

 

Too bad it had nothing to do with him.

 

Feeling disheartened, Tan Qing sighed, as if watching shiny stacks of cash slip away before his eyes. "I understand, but this doesn't seem to benefit me at all… uh, do the third and second male leads make the same amount?"

 

Perhaps because he was used to dealing with fans, Ji Yanxiu remained incredibly calm and gentle.

 

It seemed like he had anticipated Tan Qing's reaction, smiling softly. "It is a big concession, so if you need anything, I will try my best to accommodate."

 

Tan Qing tilted his head, pondering for a long moment.

 

Before he could respond, Zhao Cong interrupted, "If we were to pair up Film Emperor Ji and our Tan Qing in a CP (couple pairing), would Film Emperor Ji agree to it?"

 

What CP?

 

While Tan Qing was using his long chopsticks to snatch more meat from the grill, he grumbled in displeasure, "No way, I don't do couple pairings. I'd rather have a large sum of money… or a sugar mommy."

 

Zhao Cong, exasperated, pinched Tan Qing's side and lowered his voice, "Idiot! Don't you want to make money? Pairing up with Mr. Ji is a shortcut!"

 

After saying that, he immediately plastered on a fake smile and fawned over Ji Yanxiu. "Mr. Ji, as you know, my dear Tan Qing… after those rumors, his career could really use a boost."

 

Zhao Cong continued, "If you're willing to help him out, we'd be eternally grateful. We'd even inform President Rong of your kindness."

 

Lina, sitting beside Ji Yanxiu, couldn't take it anymore. "Zhao Cong, considering you know all about Tan Qing's past with Director He, how can you even suggest this?"

 

Zhao Cong replied with a sneer, "Lina, we're in the same business. Everyone knows how things work here. Why is Mr. Ji so intent on fighting for this second male lead? Let's not say things that would sound unpleasant."

 

Lina: "…"

 

Seeing that Ji Yanxiu remained silent, Zhao Cong became even more confident.

 

Straightening his posture, his grin grew more slimy. "Mr. Ji, President Rong was willing to invest ten million to get Tan Qing the second male lead. Even if the deal doesn't go through, it's not like your actor will be left without any projects, right? So, how about…"

 

"Alright."

 

Ji Yanxiu cut Zhao Cong off, "I understand that Tan Qing needs exposure and popularity, and I can accept your approach."

 

After a brief pause, he added, "But the negative press that comes with it… can Tan Qing handle it?"

 

Tan Qing: "…"

 

With his mouth full of greasy meat, Tan Qing put down his chopsticks, licking a stray sesame seed from the corner of his lips. "Now that the ship has sailed, you guys finally remembered me?"

 

Zhao Cong gave Tan Qing a nudge. "Get your head straight. You haven't had any gigs in two months. Have you even paid off what you owe the company?"

 

Tan Qing earnestly shook his head. "No."

 

Zhao Cong sighed. "Then hurry up and agree!"

 

Tan Qing wiped his hands with a napkin, then looked at Ji Yanxiu with a mischievous smile. "Mr. Ji, can I ask you one question? Your answer will determine whether I agree to your proposal."

 

Ji Yanxiu responded warmly, "Of course. What do you want to ask?"

 

Tan Qing asked, "Who do you want to cast as the second male lead?"

 

Ji Yanxiu hesitated for a moment. "I recommended Ran Anluo to Director Cheng Ye. Mr. Tan, I understand you used to be very close teammates…"

 

"Ran Anluo, huh? No problem, I agree."

 

Tan Qing's eyes sparkled with excitement, a mischievous grin lifting his brows. "A good teammate should stick together."

 

Whoever starts trouble first is the Dog!

 

Though he could barely recall how the story had played out, he vaguely remembered Ran Anluo doing some pretty scummy things.

 

After all, when he'd been reading that book while cultivating, it had mentioned that the original owner of this body was staying in the hospital arranged for him by Ran Anluo, and he and the baby in his belly both died.

 

Tragic.

 

So, so tragic.

 

In terms of intelligence, emotional capacity, and even his taste in men—everything was lacking.

 

Given such a rare opportunity, Tan Qing decided to make it his mission to infuriate Ran Anluo.

 

If he couldn't anger him once, he'd do it a second time—just keep going until it felt satisfying.

 

Besides, playing a fake couple (CP) with Ji Yanxiu was far more interesting than playing the third male lead and bullying Ran Anluo.

 

But before that…

 

He needed to resolve his debt issues.

 

Wasn't this a fat sheep presenting itself at his doorstep? It would be foolish not to shear it.

 

Tan Qing flashed Ji Yanxiu a radiant, mega-watt smile and said with open sincerity, "You don't know this, Mr. Ji, but I'm someone who's especially kind to my teammates—really genuine and kind. If it's for their sake, I'm happy to give up the role. However…"

 

Ji Yanxiu couldn't help but laugh. "However?"

 

Tan Qing patted his pockets and chuckled. "However, I've been losing money lately, and I was counting on this second male lead role to make some hard-earned cash. But now…"

 

Ji Yanxiu, with gentle eyes, used the public chopsticks to offer Tan Qing some fruit. "I understand. How much do you need? I'll compensate you."

 

Not bad.

 

What a generous man who gives money so readily.

 

Tan Qing decided to show mercy. "One and a half million will do."

 

Zhao Cong, the only one aware of his situation, panicked at the thought of losing this cooked deal. He quickly interjected, "Mr. Ji, don't listen to him. He's just..."

 

But Ji Yanxiu shook his head and responded graciously, "It's only fair. It was indeed presumptuous of me to ask."

 

The sound of a money transfer notification chimed from Tan Qing's phone.

 

Instantly, the Ji Yanxiu sitting across from him seemed even more handsome, now surrounded by a glowing halo of saintly purity.

 

Tan Qing clasped his hands together, stars in his eyes, and exclaimed, "Thank you, Mr. Ji! You're such a good person."

 

Ji Yanxiu was silent for a moment before smiling and saying, "No need to be so formal. Though, this is probably the first time I've received a 'good person card.'"

 

Money always makes people passionate.

 

With his bank account replenished, Tan Qing decided to uphold his professional integrity.

 

He winked at Ji Yanxiu across the table and, with a shy, bashful expression, asked, "So, Mr. Ji, how do we go about faking a CP? Should we flaunt our love like a pair of sweethearts?"

 

Ji Yanxiu: "..."

 

Lina, Ji Yanxiu's agent, could no longer stand by and watch her pure-hearted artist get fleeced for 1.5 million, only to be led down such a bizarre path. She spoke up, "Mr. Tan, what you're describing isn't called 'faking a CP,' that's called coming out of the closet."

 

Tan Qing immediately corrected himself, "Oh, right! So should we first add each other as friends on that chubby penguin app? Then leave a footprint in each other's space*?"

 

[T/N: In this line, Tan Qing suggests a playful, somewhat outdated way of connecting online. Fat Penguin is a nickname for QQ, a popular Chinese social media platform. This is a reference to old QQ features, where users could "leave footprints" by visiting each other's profiles.]

 

Back when he was cultivating in the mountains, the youngsters in the village below loved to play those flirty games.

 

Lina: "…"

 

Ji Yanxiu smiled warmly. "Let's start by following each other on Weibo. Tan Qing, I'm the latest addition to your follower list."

 

Tan Qing, quick to adapt, opened his Weibo and found Ji Yanxiu in his list. "Got it, followed you!"

 

Next.

 

Ji Yanxiu casually snapped a photo of the grilled meat on the table and posted it.

 

Tan Qing refreshed his feed and immediately saw the brand-new post from just a tenth of a second ago.

 

[Ji Yanxiu V*: Great sunshine, delicious BBQ (photo).]

 

[T/N: The "V" next to Ji Yanxiu's name indicates a verified account on Weibo (similar to a "blue check" on Twitter).]

 

After pocketing his phone, Ji Yanxiu smiled at Tan Qing. "Go ahead and like the post. Since we haven't interacted publicly before, doing too much at once would raise suspicion."

 

Tan Qing obediently liked the post, adding a little flattery, "Wow, no wonder you're the best actor—you're so professional!"

 

A flicker of subtle awkwardness crossed Ji Yanxiu's face. After a brief pause, he replied softly, "Not really. I've never faked a CP with anyone before."

 

Author's Note: Mini Theater:

He Mingyu: Where's my wife?! Where's my wife?! I just left her here for a moment! How did she disappear so fast?!

Rong Sheng: Bro, your wife just used another man's money to pay off her debts, and now she's flaunting their relationship on Weibo! Ugh, so frustrating!

He Mingyu: ...

Today's mini-theater is titled: The Lush Greenery Growing on He Mingyu's Hat Just Can't Be Stopped.

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