Chapter 27 - 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.

Sugar Daddy #1???

 

 

On Lin Yu's phone screen, the latest trending topic was the evidence netizens had dug up from Ji Yanxiu's Weibo post, revealing that the person opposite him in the photo was indeed Tan Qing.

 

For instance:

 

"Look at the reflection in the window—it's the exact same bag and sunglasses that Tan Qing used before."

 

"And the body shape looks really similar too! Tan Qing has worn that outfit before!"

 

"Damn! Can he have a little self-respect? He's irrelevant now and still clinging to Yanxiu's fame! Get lost!"

 

"Take our Yanxiu away, and tell the leech to leave. We're not interested!"

 

Tan Qing stared at the phone screen for a moment before genuinely exclaiming, "Wow, they're really harsh with the insults."

 

He Mingyu: "..."

 

Rong Sheng: "..."

 

It seemed that Tan Qing's peculiar personality would never quite fit into the norms of this industry, and because of that, he appeared unusually resilient.

 

As an artist under Shengjing Entertainment, Rong Sheng's phone was already flooded with calls within minutes of the news reaching the trending list, all asking if the post should be taken down.

 

Normally, Rong Sheng would have paid to take the trending topic down after the first call. But today, with He Mingyu present—and Tan Qing—

 

Rong Sheng hesitated, moved his phone slightly away, and turned to He Mingyu. "Should we take the headline down?"

 

He Mingyu responded coolly, "Right now, the online momentum is all in Ji Yanxiu's favor. If we pull the trending topic, all the backlash will immediately shift to Tan Qing."

 

Rong Sheng nodded in agreement, but after a moment of thought, added, "True, but what else can we do? How do we fix this?"

 

He Mingyu withdrew his gaze from Tan Qing and said coldly, "It's simple. Find something even more explosive that can completely overshadow this trending topic."

 

Rong Sheng snorted and hung up his phone. "He Mingyu! Do you think netizens are that stupid? You can't just change the subject like that. Ji Yanxiu is an award-winning actor, and it's rare for such big news to break! What could possibly cover this?"

 

"Ran Anluo."

 

Rong Sheng: "??? What does this have to do with Ran Anluo?"

 

Tan Jiji, nestled against He Mingyu, let out a tiny yawn, his little head resting familiarly on his father's shoulder.

 

He Mingyu's voice softened significantly but still remained cold. "Ran Anluo is very interested in the Ji family, isn't he? Such a golden opportunity should be handed to him on a silver platter."

 

Rong Sheng: "..."

 

Great.

 

After all these years, this guy's heart had only gotten darker.

 

Rong Sheng couldn't help but recall all the times, growing up together, that He Mingyu had outsmarted people. In his mind, he lit a candle for Ran Anluo.

 

After some thought, he turned to He Mingyu with a word of caution: "Just… go easy on him, alright? He's got a few endorsement deals and contracts on the line. If he takes too many hits, I'll be eating instant noodles at home."

 

He Mingyu wrapped Tan Jiji in his coat like a little dumpling and, without lifting his eyes, said, "I'll cover any losses for you. As for the rest, it's up to his fate."

 

Rong Sheng: "..."

 

With a grim expression, Rong Sheng bid farewell to Tan Qing and walked away, deep in thought.

 

Meanwhile, Tan Qing remained completely unfazed, unaffected by any of the online attacks. At this moment, he was busy mischievously tickling Tan Jiji's feet, intending to disturb his little cub's sleep.

 

He Mingyu called Lin Yu over to give a few instructions.

 

When he turned back, he saw that Tan Jiji, who had only been asleep for a short while, was now awake, rubbing his teary eyes because of Tan Qing's teasing.

 

He Mingyu: "..."

 

And then, as if that weren't enough, he saw Tan Qing lift his guilty finger from Tan Jiji's foot, ready to bring it to the child's mouth as if offering him a feet-flavored snack.

 

He Mingyu: "..."

 

He took a deep breath, grabbed Tan Qing's mischievous hand before he could succeed, and clasped it in his palm. "Let's go. There'll be reporters all afternoon. I doubt you'll have time to rehearse your lines."

 

Hmm.

 

Tan Qing curiously glanced at their joined hands.

 

Human fingers had five digits too, much longer than a fox's. So, he figured they could do that interlocking fingers gesture he'd seen in TV dramas.

 

With one arm holding Tan Jiji and the other holding Tan Qing's hand, He Mingyu asked, "What's wrong?"

 

Tan Qing playfully traced a finger across He Mingyu's palm and winked at him. "Do you want a kiss?"

 

He Mingyu: "..."

 

The ever-stoic He Mingyu declined the kiss and handed Tan Jiji over to Tan Qing. "Hold him properly. Get in the car."

 

After saying this, as if recalling something, he added, "And hold him just like that. Stop carrying him by the neck—"

 

Tan Qing expertly lifted his cub by the scruff and looked up. "Like this?"

 

"Perfect."

 

He Mingyu followed Tan Qing into the car, closing the door behind him. "We'll have a vegetarian breakfast tomorrow."

 

Tan Qing: "..."

 

Tan Qing felt a wave of despair.

 

He grudgingly hugged his soft little cub, who now served as his personal heater, and before long, fell into a peaceful, fragrant sleep.

 

He Mingyu reached over to turn off the soft music playing in the car, draped his cashmere coat over the two slumbering figures, and then turned to Lin Yu, saying, "Drive slower."

 

After a day of trials and tribulations, Niohuru* Lin Yu had no emotions left to express.

 

[T/N: The Niohuru were a prominent Manchu clan during the Qing dynasty. The clan had inhabited the Changbai Mountains since as early as the Liao dynasty. The clan was well known during the Qing dynasty for producing a variety of consorts of all ranks for emperors, several of whom went on to become mothers to reigning emperors.

Here, the author is humorously comparing Lin Yu's exhaustion to the heavy burdens those consorts had to endure when facing the emperor (He Mingyu).]

 

His face was blank as he gripped the steering wheel. When they stopped at a red light, he glanced at his phone. "Boss, the trending topic is already live. Ran Anluo is more popular than Mr. Tan, so the clicks are climbing fast."

 

He Mingyu looked at Tan Qing's face, still puffed up in anger even in his sleep, and chuckled lightly. "If no other major news breaks, just buy enough time to keep it up until tomorrow morning."

 

Lin Yu nodded. "Got it, boss."

 

He Mingyu added, "No rush. Leak the story about Ran Anluo saving Ji Yanxiu's brother. Use it as a hook, and guide the netizens step by step into the trap."

 

Lin Yu: "..."

 

After a moment's hesitation, Lin Yu couldn't help but ask, "Boss, won't that make Ran Anluo look better in the public eye?"

 

"Yes."

 

He Mingyu's gaze dropped to Tan Qing's hands, which were resting on the two little butt cheeks of Tan Jiji. "On the first day, he's a hero. By the second day, he'll be seen as someone with ulterior motives. The deeper they dig, the more fun it will get."

 

Lin Yu: "..."

 

Lin Yu tentatively asked, "Then... boss, should we release the surveillance footage tomorrow morning?"

 

He Mingyu calmly buttoned his sleeve, which Tan Jiji had just wrinkled moments before. "Has the person sent to the Ji family's hospital returned yet?"

 

Lin Yu replied, "Not much has come up so far. But they just sent me a registration record—Ran Anluo also went to that hospital the day after you submitted the DNA test, claiming he wasn't feeling well."

 

He Mingyu: "Is that so?"

 

Lin Yu: "Uh, yes, I think so..."

 

He Mingyu's tone shifted. "Once Ran Anluo's trending topic is set, take Tan Qing's down."

 

Lin Yu: "???"

 

Lin Yu said, "Boss, didn't you just say we wouldn't pull Mr. Tan's trending post?"

 

He Mingyu raised an eyebrow. "Is it the same if I pull it or if Rong Sheng does it?"

 

Lin Yu: "..."

 

For the sake of his paycheck, Lin Yu swallowed his pride and agreed, "No, no, it's completely different. You're right to pull Mr. Tan's post."

 

He Mingyu gave a nod of approval, looking quite dignified.

 

Just as he was about to speak again, Tan Qing's phone rang.

 

How did they know it was Tan Qing's phone?

 

Because, aside from him, no one in the car had a knock-off phone with that distinctly ear-piercing 360-degree surround sound ringtone.

 

Tan Qing, who had been fast asleep using his cub as a pillow, was startled awake by his own ringtone. Groggy and half-asleep, he fumbled to pull his phone from his pocket and brought it to his ear. "Hello?"

 

The knock-off phone's speaker was practically on loudspeaker mode at all times.

 

Sitting beside Tan Qing, He Mingyu clearly heard the familiar gentle tone of Ji Yanxiu's voice coming through the other end.

 

"Tan Qing, did you see the trending news?"

 

Tan Qing propped himself up in his seat and rubbed his eyes. "Yeah, I saw it. It's just people accusing us of conspiring over a meal."

 

Ji Yanxiu: "..."

 

Ji Yanxiu chuckled softly, "If we ever stand in front of reporters together, please don't use that phrase."

 

Tan Qing, annoyed at being woken up, ground his teeth in frustration. "Forget it. You'd be in the spotlight, and I'd probably be in the back row anyway. What do you need?"

 

Ji Yanxiu's voice remained gentle. "I was worried you'd be upset about the trending topic and wanted to comfort you, but judging by your tone, you seem fine. You're not angry?"

 

Like most mammals, Tan Qing was naturally grumpy when woken up from sleep.

 

He shifted the little cub in his arms to a more comfortable position. "Do you talk this much when you're chatting with Ran Anluo too?"

 

Ji Yanxiu: "..."

 

Ji Yanxiu rubbed his nose. "Alright, is He Mingyu with you? I'd like to speak with him."

 

Now Tan Qing understood the real reason Ji Yanxiu had called.

 

He shoved the phone into He Mingyu's hand but then paused to add, "For someone so young, why do you make everything so complicated?"

 

Ji Yanxiu: "..."

 

After several failed attempts to reach He Mingyu directly, Ji Yanxiu had finally resorted to calling through Tan Qing's phone.

 

The Ji family's network of private hospitals had branches all over the country and had worked with the He family for years. During holidays and events, the families would often get together, introducing their younger generations to one another.

 

Though Ji Yanxiu and He Mingyu weren't particularly close, there was always a certain level of respect between them.

 

But today was different.

 

When Ji Yanxiu requested to pull the new trending topic, the response from He Mingyu's team was unwavering—

 

"Mr. Ji, the He family is behind this trending post. You carry more weight with the He family than we do, so why don't you ask them yourself?"

 

The He family.

 

At this point, the He family was practically He Mingyu's personal domain.

 

Feeling a bit helpless, Ji Yanxiu sighed, "Mingyu, the trending topic about Ran Anluo and Ji Chen—was that your doing?"

 

Seeing that Tan Qing was about to wake up the still-sleeping Tan Jiji, He Mingyu sighed and took the child into his arms. "Why? Does it bother you that I'm helping Ran Anluo gain some fame?"

 

Ji Yanxiu hesitated, "Mingyu, you know Ji Chen has always had... mental issues. We try to keep him out of the public eye as much as possible. Now his name is all over the top search. How am I supposed to explain this to my parents?"

 

"And what about Tan Qing?" He Mingyu's voice, cold and distant, echoed in the quiet car. "The trending search about you and Tan Qing was up for half an hour. Half an hour, and you couldn't even manage some PR?"

 

Ji Yanxiu: "..."

 

With a sigh, Ji Yanxiu admitted defeat, "Alright, I was wrong. Mingyu, the thing is... Tan Qing had specifically asked me to collaborate on a fake relationship for publicity, so…"

 

He Mingyu's voice turned sharp. "What did you say?"

 

Ji Yanxiu, confused for a moment, replied, "Tan Qing asked me to help create some buzz around us. Didn't he tell you?"

 

He Mingyu: "..."

 

Tan Qing: "..."

 

And from the driver's seat, Niohulu Lin Yu: "..."

 

Caught red-handed.

 

That's a lethal blow.

 

He Mingyu turned his icy gaze toward Tan Qing, locking on him for several long moments without saying a word.

 

Tan Qing's eyes darted nervously, and in desperation, he lifted little Tan Jiji, using the child as a makeshift human shield to block He Mingyu's piercing glare.

 

In such a brief span of time...

 

He Mingyu had no choice but to temporarily let Tan Qing off the hook. He picked up the phone again, allowing the loud, outdated ringtone of the knockoff phone to fill the awkward silence.

 

Lin Yu glanced in the rearview mirror, witnessing his boss clench his jaw once more.

 

With a barely contained breath, He Mingyu spoke heavily, "I understand."

 

Lin Yu: "..."

 

Tan Qing: "..."

 

Tan Qing felt a chill run down his spine and looked toward Lin Yu for help.

 

Leaning forward, he tapped the back of Lin Yu's seat and whispered anxiously, "Am I going to be beaten to death by He Mingyu?"

 

After a moment of silence, Lin Yu tried to reassure him, "No, the boss doesn't hit people."

 

Tan Qing breathed a sigh of relief.

 

Lin Yu: "..."

 

That's only because the boss is far better at making their life feel worse than death.

 

On the other end of the line, Ji Yanxiu also seemed to relax a little, his voice softening. "As long as you understand. When the trending topic first appeared, I had it checked out. It wasn't the fans who dug it up—it was deliberately leaked. Care to guess by whom?"

 

He Mingyu responded flatly, "I'm busy."

 

Ji Yanxiu: "…Fine. Zhao Cong. Ever heard of him?"

 

He Mingyu paused for a moment. "Tan Qing's manager?"

 

Ji Yanxiu chuckled, "Wrong. To be precise, former manager."

 

He Mingyu: "Got it. Hanging up."

 

Ji Yanxiu: "???"

 

Just as He Mingyu was about to end the call, Ji Yanxiu quickly shouted, "Wait, wait, wait! He Mingyu, I've given you the intel, I've apologized—can you please take down the trending topic now? Are you targeting Ran Anluo or the entire Ji family?"

 

The knockoff phone's poor sound quality was grating on He Mingyu's nerves. He frowned, "During the time I sent you that DNA sample for testing, did Ran Anluo contact you?"

 

That was quite some time ago now.

 

Ji Yanxiu, puzzled by the sudden shift in conversation, thought for a moment, "No, I don't think so..."

 

"Wait!"

 

Ji Yanxiu suddenly paused. "I remember now—he mentioned a distant relative had come to visit. He said he lost his parents at a young age and wasn't sure if he had any close family left, so he wanted to check his genetic ties at the hospital."

 

He Mingyu's eyes narrowed. "Did he enter the lab?"

 

Ji Yanxiu shrugged, "How would I know? Mingyu, I'm an award-winning actor; I can't exactly spend my days camped out at the hospital!"

 

He Mingyu: "I'll handle the trending topic. Hanging up."

 

Ji Yanxiu: "…"

 

After a brief phone call, Tan Qing's knockoff phone battery dropped by 26%.

 

He Mingyu exited the call and handed the phone back to Tan Qing, who was eagerly waiting to play Landlord Showdown.

 

The old phone lagged terribly.

 

Just as He Mingyu was about to pass it over, his eyes caught a glimpse of the contact name Tan Qing had saved for Ji Yanxiu.

 

"Sugar Daddy #1???"

 

[T/N: This phrase, "男富婆一號," playfully refers to a man being called a "富婆" (which means "rich lady" or "sugar mama"), implying that this Ji Yanxiu is acting as a financial provider or benefactor.]

 

He Mingyu: "???"

 

Tan Qing: "???"

 

Tan Qing saw the contact name too and, realizing what was happening, frantically reached for his phone filled with compromising evidence.

 

He Mingyu easily held Tan Qing's hand down and opened the contact list.

 

The number for "Sugar Daddy #1" belonged to Ji Yanxiu.

 

"Sugar Daddy #2" was Rong Sheng.

 

And scrolling further...

 

Sugar Daddy #3 (Pending).

 

Sugar Daddy #4 (Needs to Be Added).

 

Sugar Daddy #5 (Crying, Still Haven't Found One Yet).

 

He Mingyu: "..."

 

He continued scrolling to the very bottom of the contact list.

 

Finally, he found his own number.

 

153XXXX6666.

 

The note attached:

 

"The Long-Term Meal Ticket* That Can't Get It Up."

 

[T/N: 長期飯票 (cháng qī fàn piào): Translates to "long-term meal ticket," which refers to a stable source of income or support.]

 

Author's Note: Mini-Theater

Tan Qing: Here I am, soloing from dawn till dusk.

Tan Qing: Now let me call roll—who will be the next sugar daddy in my life?

He Mingyu: …I'm not even worthy of being a sugar daddy?

Author: Dear readers, the male lead has passed away from rage. This story is now complete. Thank you for your subscription! See you in Chapter 28 >3<

        

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