Things on Rong Yi’s end weren’t going as smoothly either. The reality is, some people will never wake up no matter what you do.
When he saw some people confidently saying, “If they can’t handle this, why be a star? It’s just entertainment, why hold them in such high regard?” he couldn’t help but smirk.
But this outcome was predictable, so he didn’t dwell on it. Those who understand will naturally understand. No one can truly be a savior, and Rong Yi wasn’t some moral ethics teacher; he had other things to do.
All for his dream machine!
The next few days were bound to be exciting—reflecting, arguing, watching the “prince,” observing the academic family oddities, fans quitting, new fans joining. It was livelier than the New Year.
The entertainment companies caught stirring up the issue, after one bravely posted a bluffing statement and got slapped down by Rong Yi, went completely silent.
They were waiting for the storm to pass. Sometimes, ignoring the issue is the best way to handle it. People are forgetful; once the hype dies down, who will remember what happened over these days?
What made them anxious was offending Tianyun. Although RAN had Tianyun’s strong backing, their combined forces wouldn’t be easily intimidated.
However, they didn’t expect a severe blow to come so quickly!
When Chi Jun received an almost frantic call from a certain company president, he calmly replied, “It wasn’t my doing.”
The other party clearly didn’t believe him. “This issue just came out, and now I’m being audited for tax problems. If it wasn’t you, then who?!”
Tax issues have always been a significant problem in the entertainment industry. Being audited so suddenly was unbearable!
Chi Jun, despite not wanting to admit it, had to acknowledge his son-in-law had some abilities.
Feeling a bit uncomfortable but annoyed by the other’s tone, he bluntly said, “I didn’t initiate this, but since you called, I’ll inform you: expect a letter from my lawyer.”
He hung up without wasting more time.
Daring to use his son as a pawn and smear his son-in-law!
Thinking about it made Chi Jun upset again, though he tried to console himself that apart from the wrong gender, everything else was fine…
On Rong Yi’s side, he received an upgraded version of his dream machine from his sister-in-law, reportedly more professional and tailored for tech enthusiasts, with a super cool design!
Hugging the computer, Rong Yi was moved to tears and wanted to sleep with it that night!
Seeing his brother’s expression on screen, Rong Jin felt speechless for a moment and glanced at Chi Feiran.
Chi Feiran smiled softly, and when Rong Yi repeatedly thanked him, he said, “As long as you like it.”
Like it? Rong Yi’s eyes sparkled with joy, and unable to contain his excitement, he blurted out, “Sister-in-law, I’ll love you forever!”
Rong Jin: “…”
Rong Jin coughed, making Rong Yi realize his words were problematic. He quickly corrected, “No! I love my dream machine!”
Rong Yi: “…”
Damn, that didn’t sound right either!
Chi Feiran couldn’t hold back and laughed out loud, making Rong Yi scratch his head in embarrassment, finally saying, “Anyway, thanks, Sister-in-law!”
Chi Feiran didn’t correct his title but instead said, “I should be the one thanking you for your help.”
Rong Yi was thrilled to be helpful but felt embarrassed after receiving such an expensive and rare gift.
Moreover…
Rong Yi frowned, “Sister-in-law, without me, my brother might have become self-taught…”
So, there’s no need to keep thanking him.
Chi Feiran was taken aback and looked at Rong Jin, wondering if he understood correctly.
Rong Jin: “…”
Rong Jin said, “That’s not true. I’m human too; I’m not that capable.”
Rong Yi shouted from the video, “Sister-in-law! Don’t be fooled by him!”
After learning about Rong Jin’s past achievements, Chi Feiran asked softly, “Is he really that amazing?”
Rong Jin objectively said, “There’s some exaggeration.”
Chi Feiran nodded, “So, most of it is true.”
Looking at Rong Jin with a new perspective, Chi Feiran found it novel facing a true genius, especially since this genius was his boyfriend.
He randomly picked a newly released music-related book, thinking Rong Jin hadn’t read it yet, to test his abilities.
Rong Jin, slightly helpless but seeing the eager look in Chi Feiran’s eyes, took the book and quickly skimmed through it, page by page.
A few dozen seconds per page, soon, he handed it back and asked, “Shall I start?”
Chi Feiran quickly opened the book, signaling he could begin!
Rong Jin started his recital, and as Chi Feiran listened, his initial excitement turned to astonishment. He recited it word for word, like a computer inputting data!
The most impressive part was that Rong Jin didn’t just recite the text plainly; he adjusted his voice according to the context, adding nuances that made the recital more dynamic.
Seeing Chi Feiran’s eyes widen in amazement, Rong Jin stopped and gently pinched his cheek. “Snap out of it.”
Chi Feiran looked at him and said, “You’re incredible… Memorizing lines must be a breeze for you.”
Rong Jin paused, then laughed softly, “Yes.”
He had been slightly apprehensive, fearing that Chi Feiran might ask why, with such talent, he hadn’t followed in his family’s footsteps. Fortunately, he didn’t.
Leaning against him, Chi Feiran changed the topic to the script.
To many, they might seem extraordinary, but they were just two ordinary people among billions.
Despite the flood of offers after his identity was revealed, Chi Feiran didn’t intend to alter his career plans. He was still aiming for the role of Ji Yunsheng in Director Zheng’s new film.
Chi Feiran took a week off to handle various issues post-revelation. Besides work adjustments, the most noticeable change was the addition of several bodyguards around him. Although he had bodyguards before, they had always remained inconspicuous.
Given the importance of personal safety, Chi Feiran couldn’t recklessly tell his family that such measures restricted his freedom. He just hoped the security personnel wouldn’t follow him into the classroom, which would be too awkward.
Even without the bodyguards in class, returning to school, Chi Feiran had to face the different attitudes from his classmates.
Some, who used to be close, now seemed hesitant to talk to him.
Sighing, Chi Feiran asked Xia Wen and the others, “Just because my family is rich now, I can’t be your ‘Chi Ge’ anymore?”
They all shook their heads vigorously, as if to say, “Of course not!”
Chi Feiran pulled out his phone. “Wanna play?”
His friends instantly got excited, “Yes, yes! Chi Ge, lead us to victory!”
After a game, the familiarity returned, and they relaxed a lot more.
Xiang Fei asked, “Chi Ge, do you sprinkle gold flakes on your food every meal? Drink mineral water from crystal bottles?”
Ding Jie added, “What about maids? Do they wear maid outfits?”
Even Xia Wen couldn’t hold back, “Chi Ge, I heard your whole family has noble titles?”
Ba Shan joined in, “Chi Ge, is it true that your family backed the current president of A country?”
Chi Feiran felt embarrassed by their questions, “No gold flakes, no maid outfits, no family-wide noble titles. Only my stepfather has a title, and no, we didn’t back any president…”
Or at least, probably not?
Looking around at other classmates eavesdropping, Chi Feiran knew if he said yes, it would become big news.
However, the situation was better than he had expected. At least his friends seemed unchanged. They were curious about his affluent lifestyle but didn’t let it affect their friendship, which made Chi Feiran feel much more at ease.
Unexpectedly, the issue he had worried about didn’t arise, but another problem caught him off guard.
Li Yuan spoke with some difficulty, “The role of Ji Yunsheng… might not consider you.”
Despite many new offers, Chi Feiran’s current status as the hottest topic meant more than just his persona; he represented endless investment opportunities. Directors wanted him in their projects just for the guaranteed funding his involvement would bring.
But Director Zheng wasn’t short on investment. Her focus was on the film itself, and while having a notable actor could be beneficial, too much notoriety was detrimental.
Chi Feiran’s notoriety had reached a level that could overshadow the film, which was a concern for a director with artistic integrity.
Chi Feiran opened his mouth, wanting to say something but found himself speechless.
What could he say? Claim it’s unfair? The world was never fair.
Taking a deep breath, Chi Feiran asked, “Is there no chance for an audition?”
Li Yuan hesitated, “Not exactly, but…”
It was likely just a formality before choosing someone else. Refusing Chi Feiran’s audition outright would be too disrespectful.
Li Yuan knew Chi Feiran wouldn’t be selected because Director Zheng had already decided on Qi Ming as the male lead. Their long-standing relationship allowed for this inside information.
Chi Feiran said, “Then still schedule the audition.”
He needed to try to be at peace with himself.