Li Qianxing had just received the boxed meal Xiao Zhu brought back when he heard his phone chime with a message notification. He pulled it out to see a WeChat from Qi Jingnian.
[Brother: I knew the show was going to stir up trouble. Did you see the trending topic?]
While typing a reply, Li Qianxing asked Xiao Zhu, “What trending topic am I on, Xiao Zhu?”
Xiao Zhu hurriedly checked her phone. “I haven’t looked yet.”
Hearing this, Jiang Lin also opened Weibo on his phone and couldn’t help but chuckle. “Well, well, we’re trending for divorce before we even trend for marriage.”
Sure enough, high on Weibo’s entertainment section was a tag: #Wonderful Weekend Li Qianxing Jiang Lin Divorce#.
Li Qianxing tapped on it. Pinned at the top was the show’s official Weibo account, praising their impromptu performance without a specific script or prior communication.
The attached video featured snippets from earlier—Jiang Lin mentioning divorce, Li Qianxing’s silent tears, Jiang Lin carrying him. It also included yesterday’s scene of Boss Li “toasting” Young Master Jiang, though it omitted the subsequent knife-drawing.
Xiao Zhu quickly checked various statistics. “Our ranking on the main chart is rising too. The CP super topic gained so many fans. It increased by several tens of thousands just this morning.”
Xiao Ding added, “Since yesterday when Li-ge agreed to join the variety show, the CP super topic has gained over a hundred thousand fans. Lin-ge’s personal Weibo also increased by seventy or eighty thousand.”
Xiao Zhu clicked her tongue. “Seems like even Li-ge’s last Best Actor win didn’t bring such a rapid increase. No wonder everyone’s into hyping CPs nowadays.”
Jiang Lin calmly remarked, “The show’s well-funded. They’ve bought several trending topics since yesterday. Besides, without our two performances to back it up, this CP hype wouldn’t have taken off. Most importantly, it’s all thanks to the reputation Li-ge has built over the years.”
Li Qianxing had been famous for twenty years, with numerous awards to his name. Many might not recognize his face or recall his specific works, but almost everyone had heard of his name.
The show hyping his first variety show appearance to showcase his acting skills aligned with the public’s impression of him. Add in a powerful CP of two Best Actor winners, and it easily attracted attention from all sides.
Xiao Ding continued, “The edited video the show released last night has already doubled the view count of previous episodes. The company’s data department predicts that by next week’s new episode, this week’s two videos will likely reach over five times the average views.”
Jiang Lin remarked, “They’ve really hit the jackpot this time. Feels like even if you bundled all the others together, their draw wouldn’t match Li-ge’s.”
This show did not solely focus on popularity but also emphasized quality. The five main guests originally selected were all powerhouses among the new generation of actors.
Jiang Lin, with two major international awards, was at the top tier, but he focused more on the big screen, making him slightly less well-known. The other four guests, conversely, had done more TV series, giving them wider recognition, though their awards did not match up to Jiang Lin’s.
Li Mingsi was later brought in, not for his top-tier celebrity status, but because he could invite Huang Zongxin. Unexpectedly, due to a twist of fate, Li Qianxing agreed to come, and Huang Zongxin actively avoided the show.
Now, Li Qianxing has become the most talked-about guest.
Li Qianxing furrowed his brow slightly, looking at Jiang Lin earnestly. “You just started later and haven’t accumulated as much. In ten years, you won’t be any less accomplished than me.”
Jiang Lin was momentarily stunned, then smiled. “Of course. Don’t worry. I never underestimate myself. I won’t be anxious about this.”
Xiao Zhu, scrolling through comments, muttered, “I see some people accusing Lin-ge of riding coattails1抱大腿 (bào dà tuǐ) – (coll.) to cling to sb influential or famous. Clicking through, they’re all Li Mingsi’s fans. What nonsense, if that’s the case, isn’t he trying to ride Huang Zongxin’s coattails? Oh, he hasn’t even managed that yet.”
Seeing Li Qianxing’s brow furrow again after just relaxing, Jiang Lin chuckled and patted the back of his hand. “Let Li Mingsi’s fans be. It’s an old grudge with me. No worries, Yan-jie will hire some troll accounts to suppress it.”
Xiao Ding chimed in with a smile, “We don’t even need to hire trolls this time. Li Mingsi’s fans are mindlessly bashing in the comments of the trending video, triggering a backlash from many casual viewers who’ve come to watch. They’re directly countering them. Moreover, since they’re also dragging Li-ge down, screenshots of their comments are being posted across multiple apps, drawing more mockery from onlookers, who are in turn showing support for the 99 CP.”
Xiao Zhu gloated, “It’s hilarious. Li Mingsi’s two trending topics yesterday and today were both bought by his company, which most people would typically ignore. But because his fans are putting down two Best Actor winners to overhype his acting skills, now many are going in to mock them. If you lack ability, you should know to keep a low profile. Serves them right!”
Jiang Lin touched Li Qianxing’s boxed meal, urging him, “Li-ge, eat while it’s hot. We don’t know what the directors have in store for us this afternoon. You’ll need energy to handle it.”
Li Qianxing opened his meal, saying, “I suspect it might be a period drama.”
Jiang Lin nodded. “Possibly, probably with a background of conflicting loyalty and righteousness. Feels like the directors are aiming for a big tragic ending.”
Li Qianxing finally smiled. “No worries, we’ll find a way to turn it around.”
*
The afternoon indeed brought a big surprise, though not from the directors.
Huang Zongxin, who had deliberately avoided Li Qianxing yesterday, unexpectedly showed up for the final performance. As soon as the livestream began, the host invited him on stage to introduce him to the audience.
Jiang Lin was still seated with Li Qianxing on a double sofa. He glanced at the smug-looking Li Mingsi and whispered to Li Qianxing, “Looks like Li Mingsi has some serious dirt on Huang Zongxin.”
Li Qianxing: “Li Mingsi can’t stand on his own. Huang Zongxin’s presence won’t help.”
Jiang Lin smiled. “True, we’ll just focus on our performance.”
At this moment, the host led Huang Zongxin over to be seated.
However, after politely greeting the other guests, Huang Zongxin surprisingly engaged Li Qianxing in a friendly conversation.
“Teacher Li, I’ve always admired your acting skills. It’s a pity we haven’t had the chance to work together all these years. I’d love to seize this opportunity to collaborate with you on the show. Would you be willing to grant me this small wish?”
This was so unexpected that not only Li Qianxing, but even Jiang Lin and the host were momentarily stunned, unable to respond immediately.
Huang Zongxin quickly continued, “You’re paired with Xiao Jiang, and I’m with Mingsi. Why don’t both our pairs perform together? I’ve brought character cards. Each of us four will draw one, and we’ll play whatever we draw. No discussions allowed, and the plot will be completely improvised.”
As he spoke, he pulled out a deck of cards, expertly shuffled them into a circle with both hands, displaying them to the camera before turning to Jiang Lin and Li Qianxing.
Though the cards were stacked, it was clear they were indeed character cards.
Huang Zongxin swiftly gathered the cards again, smiling earnestly. “What do you say? If you don’t like the character you draw, you can draw again. Of course, if you two aren’t willing, we can stick to the show’s original plan.”
Despite his words, he had thrown down the gauntlet, live on air. For an entertainment variety show, refusing such a challenge would surely cause Li Qianxing and Jiang Lin’s recently gained popularity to plummet.
Not only did they have to accept, they couldn’t even change cards.
The chief director was already apologizing quietly through Li Qianxing and Jiang Lin’s earpieces. “I’m sorry, teachers. Teacher Huang was brought by the producer. I had no idea he’d propose this.”
Li Qianxing and Jiang Lin exchanged a glance before calmly replying, “Alright. A change of rules could be refreshing.”
Huang Zongxin: “Excellent. Then, Xiao Yao, why don’t you shuffle the cards?”
He handed the character cards to the host.
The host, having received instructions, shuffled the cards while making small talk to keep the audience engaged.
Huang Zongxin spoke again, “Since they’re my cards, I won’t draw. Mingsi, please draw one for me.”
Li Mingsi adjusted his glasses, glancing at Li Qianxing and Jiang Lin. “Yao-jie, could you please spread all the cards out? I’ll draw at the same time as Teacher Li and Teacher Jiang.”
A staff member wheeled over a small cart, and the host laid out the cards face-down on it.
Li Qianxing patted Jiang Lin’s shoulder. “Go ahead, draw mine too.”
Jiang Lin stood up, smiling as he gestured to Li Mingsi. “After you, Teacher Li.”
Li Mingsi didn’t hesitate, stepping forward and running his hands over the row of cards.
Watching Li Mingsi’s hands hover, Jiang Lin raised an eyebrow. “If Teacher Li hasn’t decided yet, I’ll draw first. I think the one under your hand looks good. If you don’t want it, I’ll take it.”
As he spoke, he reached towards Li Mingsi’s hand.
Li Mingsi glanced at Jiang Lin, but just as Jiang Lin’s hand was about to touch a card, Li Mingsi’s hands swiftly moved to both sides, quickly drawing two cards.
Jiang Lin moved equally fast, his hand sliding to draw a card five or six spaces away from his original target, then drawing another from the opposite side.
Both revealed their cards simultaneously.
Jiang Lin’s two cards were: Hacker and Bodyguard.
Li Mingsi’s two cards were: Police and Police.
Jiang Lin smiled calmly. “Teacher Li has good luck.”
Li Mingsi couldn’t hide his satisfaction. “Not at all, Teacher Jiang’s cards are quite interesting too.”
The host, sensing a subtle tension, quickly interjected, “But how should we prepare the scene?”
Huang Zongxin said, “Draw one card from these four. Whoever’s card you draw gets to decide the scene.”
The host then gathered the cards, drew one, and got “Hacker”. She turned to Jiang Lin.
Jiang Lin smiled. “Bodyguard is easier to play. I’ll take the simple one and leave this to Li-ge. Yao-jie, you can ask him.”
He then added, “However, I have a suggestion. The roles for our two groups are clearly set up for a small competition. So, whichever group wins gets to perform an extra scene as a reward. We can discuss now what scene we’d like to add. How about that?”
Since he and Li Qianxing had accepted the challenge earlier, Huang Zongxin and Li Mingsi naturally couldn’t show weakness by objecting.
Huang Zongxin glanced at Li Mingsi and quickly said, “No problem. Mingsi, you can decide the scene. I’m fine with anything.”
Li Mingsi nodded, “Then I’ll trouble Huang-ge to work with me when the time comes.”
Jiang Lin didn’t discuss with Li Qianxing either, simply saying, “Li-ge, leave the extra scene to me.”
Li Qianxing: “Alright.”
Thus, Sunday afternoon’s livestream began with a thick atmosphere of tension.
During the four’s preparation time, a battle had already erupted in the comments.
As a top celebrity, Li Mingsi had a massive fan base. Both Li Qianxing and Jiang Lin’s fans were scattered and not as militant, seemingly at a disadvantage. However, many casual viewers had been drawn in over the past two days, and with the show buying a trending topic for the four-way battle, engagement numbers soared. Even a top star’s fanbase paled in comparison to the general public.
While neutral netizens didn’t take sides, the general consensus was that in terms of acting skills, Huang Zongxin, burdened by Li Mingsi, was unlikely to beat the dual Best Actor team. This infuriated Li Mingsi’s fans, leading to indiscriminate attacks. Many accounts were banned for foul language, while the rest were overwhelmed by the sheer number of other netizens.
Finally, after the other three groups finished their performances, it was time for the four to take the stage.
◆
The stage lights brightened, revealing a server room setting with rows of blinking machines surrounding the area.
Li Qianxing stood at the center of a circular arrangement of tables, with five or six computers—both desktops and laptops—spread across them.
His face expressionless, eyes downcast, he swiftly moved his hands between several keyboards.
Jiang Lin stood by the door, vigilantly watching it, occasionally clenching his fists.
After a moment, he turned to look at the quietly busy Li Qianxing. “How much longer?”
However, before Li Qianxing could answer, a dark figure suddenly rushed past outside.
Bang. The door was kicked open.
Huang Zongxin burst in, raising his gun. “Police! Hands on your head, turn around and kneel down!”
But Jiang Lin seemed to have anticipated this.
As Huang Zongxin kicked the door, Jiang Lin had already stepped back and to the side. When Huang Zongxin entered with his gun raised, Jiang Lin’s roundhouse kick struck the gun perfectly.
Clatter. The gun was kicked away.
Ignoring Li Qianxing for now, Huang Zongxin crouched low, sliding forward with raised fists to attack Jiang Lin.
In the blink of an eye, the two exchanged a flurry of blows, their punches and kicks resounding with loud thumps.
However, Huang Zongxin seemed to be at a slight disadvantage due to his age; his reactions were not as quick as Jiang Lin’s. After two exchanges, he was visibly at a disadvantage.
The moment Jiang Lin subdued Huang Zongxin, Li Qianxing’s hands left the keyboard, pulling out a USB drive from beside a laptop.
He called out to Jiang Lin, “Finish him. We’re leaving now.”
But just as Li Qianxing turned, a figure suddenly dropped down from above.
Li Mingsi aimed his gun at Li Qianxing’s forehead, shouting, “Hands up! You over there, don’t move either, or I’ll shoot him!”
Li Qianxing froze, his eyes fixed on Li Mingsi as he slowly raised his hands.
Li Mingsi’s heart skipped a beat, his chest heaving slightly before he reached out. “Give me the device.”
Li Qianxing’s right hand, clutching the USB drive, slowly extended…
Suddenly, he flung his hand, tossing the USB drive towards Jiang Lin without even looking.
Li Mingsi’s gaze reflexively followed.
In that instant, Li Qianxing swiftly grasped Li Mingsi’s gun-wielding wrist, forcefully yanking it aside. Simultaneously, he slid to Li Mingsi’s side like a fish, hooked his knee, and twisted his arm behind his back.
Li Mingsi cried out in pain as he slid to the ground, pinned by Li Qianxing pressing on his lower back, his arm twisted behind him. He was utterly helpless, his gun long since dropped and lost.
Li Qianxing quickly pulled the handcuffs from Li Mingsi’s waist and cuffed him directly to a table leg.
Almost simultaneously, Jiang Lin applied more force, subduing the struggling Huang Zongxin once again.
Li Qianxing picked up a gun, walked to Huang Zongxin, and pointed it directly at his face.
Huang Zongxin looked up, sighed, and ceased his struggle.
Li Qianxing pulled out a phone from his pocket and held it to his ear.
“The traitor has surfaced. Close the net.”
As his words faded, the stage lights abruptly went out.
◆
The lights came on again, revealing a rooftop scene with a gentle breeze blowing past the railings.
Li Qianxing leaned on the railing, his gaze unfocused as he stared into the distance.
With a creak, the rooftop door opened, and Jiang Lin walked over.
“Li-ge, I knew you’d be here.”
Jiang Lin stood beside Li Qianxing, leaning sideways against the railing. He reached into his pocket, fumbling before pulling out a pack of cigarettes.
He put one in his mouth and offered the pack to Li Qianxing. “Want one? To celebrate successfully completing the mission.”
Li Qianxing glanced at him and took a cigarette.
Jiang Lin pocketed the pack and took out a lighter. He leaned in to light the cigarettes, shielding the flame with his other hand.
The two cigarettes extended into the small flame together, their tips gently touching.
The cigarettes lit with a soft hiss.
Jiang Lin closed the lighter, tossed it once, and pocketed it.
The two smoked together, their elbows almost touching, as smoke swirled around them.
The stage lights slowly faded.
Then, Li Qianxing’s voice broke the silence, “Jiang Lin, about what you mentioned earlier… I agree.”
Jiang Lin’s excited voice followed. “Really? Then I’ll submit the personnel request right away… No, come with me to see the bureau chief now! Tell him yourself!”
Two sets of footsteps sounded, followed by a closing door.
◆
Rows of [Hahaha] once again flooded the comment section.
[The director cut the lights so quickly both times.]
[Afraid of hearing Teacher Li say ‘It’s over, please turn off the lights’ again.]
[I wanted more! The cigarette lighting scene was so ambiguous!]
[In my mind, they were kissing.]
However, no one saw that in the darkness just moments ago, after Li Qianxing said “I agree,” he leaned in and gently kissed Jiang Lin on the lips.
TL Notes
- 1抱大腿 (bào dà tuǐ) – (coll.) to cling to sb influential or famous
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