The Whole Empire Raises Me - Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Meeting a celebrity like Xu Qianqian, for example, in the entertainment industry isn’t unusual. When fans recognize her, they usually greet her politely and ask for an autograph.

But Chi Yan is different.

Firstly, Chi Yan has an incredibly wide fan base. It’s no exaggeration to say that practically every citizen is a Chi Yan fan. Secondly, Chi Yan is usually shrouded in mystery.

There was even a media joke that “the probability of encountering Chiyuanyan on the street is lower than stumbling upon a prehistoric Tyrannosaurus rex.” So, it’s understandable that the group of high school students got so excited just now, and their shouts echoed through the entire street.

Wen Xingze led Chi Yan, running through three streets and taking several turns to finally shake off the overly enthusiastic fans.

“Huff.” Wen Xingze leaned on his knees, catching his breath. “Teacher Chi..." What about your glasses, assistant, and manager?

After that intense sprint, Chi Yan was also slightly out of breath, but he fared much better than Wen Xingze. Succinctly, he explained, “Forgot them. Lost track.”

Wen Xingze: "?" Could Chi Yan read minds?

Chi Yan replied, “Yes, your expression is quite transparent.”

Wen Xingze rubbed his face hurriedly.

Throughout the escape, Chi Yan, who was severely nearsighted, held Wen Xingze’s hand. Only now did he release it.

Chi Yan glanced at his empty left hand, his eyes glazed over. He remained silent.

Midway through their run, Chi Yan had taken the candied hawthorn skewers from Wen Xingze’s hand. Now, he held all seven strands. The hot weather made the syrup melt easily. Wen Xingze hesitated and asked, “Do you like candied hawthorn?”

Although Wen Xingze was Chi Yan’s fan, there was limited information about Chi Yan’s preferences. Fans didn’t know much about what he liked or disliked. However, during their last dinner, Chi Yan seemed to enjoy the sweet Jiangsu-Zhejiang cuisine.

Chi Yan, who wasn’t fond of sweets, promptly replied, “I like them.”

“Really?” Wen Xingze teased. “There’s a candied hawthorn stall at the corner. Shall I get you two skewers?”

Chiyuanyan remained silent: “…”

Wen Xingze playfully tugged at his sleeve, but Chi Yan didn’t budge.

Wen Xingze raised an eyebrow.

Chi Yan maintained his calm demeanor, but Wen Xingze sensed a hint of frustration in his dark eyes.

After a few seconds of standoff, Chi Yan said, “Forget it.”

As soon as he spoke, a skewer of candied hawthorn was offered to his lips.

Wen Xingze chuckled, “Just kidding. Open up—”

Wen Xingze found Chi Yan surprisingly amusing.

Expressionless, Chi Yan bit into the candied hawthorn, as if afraid Wen Xingze might change his mind. In the blink of an eye, he devoured the entire strand. What surprised Wen Xingze even more was that Chi Yan didn’t spit out any seeds.

When Wen Xingze asked about this, Chi Yan suspiciously fell silent for a few seconds before saying, “Forgot.”

“You’re not eating candied hawthorn for the first time, are you?” Wen Xingze teased.

Chi Yan denied it: “No.”

Wen Xingze chuckled. “Alright, alright. You should call your manager or assistant.”

Chi Yan hesitated but, under Wen Xingze’s persistent gaze, reluctantly took out his phone and dialed Lin Binlin’s number.

The person on the other end immediately started yelling, clearly aware of the chaos Chi Yan had caused in the entertainment city. Chi Yan held the phone away, and after a while, they asked where he was. Chi Yan replied into the receiver:

“In an alley.”

Lin Binlin: “?”

Chi Yan continued, “Wen Xingze is with me. There’s an orange cat at the corner of the alley, and two trees outside.”

Wen Xingze: “???”

Lin Binlin: “???”

Wen Xingze thought that Chi Yan must be the type of passenger that rideshare drivers disliked the most.

Finally, after direct communication between Wen Xingze and Lin Binlin, they managed to clarify the location with great difficulty. Lin Binlin arrived promptly, not in Chi Yan’s Maybach, but in a more discreet Bentley.

Lin Binlin asked Wen Xingze if he wanted a ride, but Wen Xingze declined. The hotel was nearby, and he preferred to walk back.

Before parting ways, Wen Xingze handed over the remaining candied hawthorn to Lin Binlin, saying, “I accidentally bought too many. If you don’t mind, feel free to take them. You can give them to Chi Yan’s assistant.”

With a grin, Lin Binlin graciously accepted the offer. Back in the car, he pulled out a strand of candied hawthorn and exclaimed, “Ah, little Wen is quite considerate—”

Chi Yan cut in, “Give it to me.”

Lin Binlin raised an eyebrow. “Wait, didn’t you say you don’t like sweets?”

Chi Yan retorted, “I never said that.”

Lin Binlin’s eyes twinkled as he quickly understood the situation. He chuckled, “Hehe…”

Chi Yan collected the candied hawthorn and coolly stated, “Enough chitchat.”

“…”

In the afternoon and evening, with no filming scheduled, Wen Xingze returned to his hotel. As he prepared for a shower, he discovered a small box in his pocket.

Inside the charging case were a pair of wireless earbuds — exquisitely designed and unlike any commercially available model. The inner side of the charging case bore the subtle pattern of Wind and Star, suggesting it was custom-made.

On a card tucked into the corner of the box, familiar characters spelled out four words: “Happy filming.”

The signature consisted of a single letter: “y.”

________________________

Ding-dong! Congratulations, parents! The cub has obtained a crucial item, [Nebula]*1. When worn, it randomly triggers an exclusive buff for paying users!

This item allows you to contact the key character [Chi Yan] at any time. Please use it cautiously.

Blood Clan Filter activated! Current level: lv1 (Initial Possession).

[His Majesty is an Elf: ???]

[Strawberry Pudding: ???]

[267716: Not accepting!! Keep the rival away from our Majesty, ahhhh!!!]

[Summer Ignorance: …Nebula? Blood Clan Filter?]

________________________

The Blood Clan Capital.

To understand terms like “side quests,” “key items,” and “paying users,” the Blood Clan mobilized nearly all its planetary resources. They painstakingly studied the sparse cosmic newspapers and magazines received over the past few years, learning how to operate the StarNet and terminals.

Two hours later, after the steward explained everything and removed his reading glasses, he realized that none of the thirteen princes were paying attention.

— They didn’t even know the rules of the Cub Raising Program, yet they were diligently and intently staring at the screen. It had been twenty-eight hours already.

Moreover, each prince had their servants holding cameras. They recorded every second, later editing out unrelated individuals. These videos would be watched repeatedly by the princes, stored in the safest depths of the castle.

Once, they treated interviews and news featuring the Emperor the same way. Although the Bloodline lagged behind the times, their cameras were always cutting-edge and sophisticated.

The reason each prince recorded a copy was simple: never expect the Blood Clan to share anything about His Majesty with others, even among their own kind or brothers.

Being chosen as the servant responsible for recording by the princes was a tremendous honor. Every member of the Blood Clan aspired to play this role.

After all, it meant they could see the Emperor.

On the screen, the Emperor was having dinner.

The crew’s dinner was nothing special — just boxed meals — but the auntie who prepared them secretly added an extra chicken leg to Wen Xingze’s box. The Emperor held a thermos cup and sipped milk, which looked as if it were prepared by his manager.

The sky had already darkened, and the set was illuminated. Wen Xingze sat on a small stool under the light, his long legs curled up in discomfort. Since there was no scene tonight, he hadn’t changed into his costume and was wearing regular clothes.

In the eyes of the Blood Clan, there was nothing more endearing in the world than their Emperor.

At this moment, a stray lock of Wen Xingze’s hair lifted, and he squinted contentedly. A milk stain adorned his upper lip.

…Almost simultaneously, all thirteen princes reached out, cautiously attempting to wipe away the milk stain.

It was only when their hands passed through the projection that they froze, realizing their mistake. Soren coughed first, nonchalantly retracting his hand. Lilith and another female prince, Isabella, simultaneously raised their black feather fans to cover their faces. (Note: Sorry, I don't know why the author used 'female prince' instead of just 'princess'??? I'll keep it for consistency.)

The steward smiled knowingly.

Just then, a crow flew in from outside, flapping its wings and emitting a hoarse cry: “Caw, caw—”

The crow clutched a small bamboo tube in its talons. The steward caught it, opened the tube, and found a single sheet of paper with blood-red writing: “Blood Clan, I won’t spare you.”

It seemed to be from the Merfolk Capital, Lancerstar. The Dragon Clan had received a similar message not long ago.

Presumably, they resented the Blood Clan for activating His Majesty’s second filter ahead of them.

The steward cleared his throat, flames igniting at his fingertips, swiftly consuming the paper.

For universal peace, amen.

When it came to jealousy, the Blood Clan wouldn’t lose to any other race. It was just that their technological backwardness left them unaware of many aspects of the game. Otherwise, they might end up fighting…

The steward knew the princes wouldn’t listen at this moment, so he remained silent, affectionately watching the screen.

Only when the Emperor fell asleep and the screen displayed “Cub resting~” did the princes gradually emerge from their blissful state of seeing the Emperor all day. Now they could discuss serious matters.

Lilith lifted her teacup and took a sip, asking the steward, “How’s the progress on the side quest?”

The reward for the side quest was the “Light Tower Universal Delivery System officially opening.” In other words, they could send items from this universe to another…

This reward was practically guaranteed.

And the quest wasn’t difficult; they didn’t need to beat around the bush.

They could be direct. Soren had proposed it.

The steward replied, “Everything is prepared. Tomorrow night will be suitable, and His Majesty’s schedule is clear.”

The Light Tower had always been under the Blood Clan’s control.

After all, without leverage, how could they allow anything of uncertain origin to be so close to His Majesty?

Soren agreed, “Fine, tomorrow night.”

________________________

The next day, on set.

“Cut! Xiao Wen performed well. Take a break.”

Director Zheng Xiao wasn’t one to frequently praise actors, but Wen Xingze truly acted well. His camera presence and emotional expression were spot-on, not to mention he was good-looking.

They had just finished filming Heng Zhi’s solo scene in a a deserted, dilapidated old house. The wounded young man lay alone in the ruins, struggling from despair to surrendering his will to survive.

The next scene to be filmed is the one where Heng Zhi encounters the Immortal Lord. However, the actor playing the Immortal Lord hasn’t arrived on set yet due to some overseas matters. Consequently, most of Heng Zhi’s scenes will be postponed.

Director Zheng Xiao reviewed the playback.

Solo scenes are quite challenging because there are no other actors to help evoke emotions. But Wen Xingze’s performance was undoubtedly outstanding.

He didn’t rely on exaggerated movements; instead, he focused all his energy on his eyes. Originally, this scene’s ending would involve post-production effects to transform the lying Heng Zhi into his dragon form.

Yet, as Zheng Xiao watched the playback:

At the moment when Hengzhi’s consciousness dissipated, the sinking ship was beyond salvation. A faint glimmer of daylight and fireworks fell into his eyes. His light-colored irises suddenly seemed to burn, with a halo spreading around the pupils.

Even the wounds created by makeup on his cheeks and body seemed to reveal hidden dragon scales.

“Wow!” The assistant director marveled, “It’s incredible! Such a beautiful wounded youth.”

“What are you thinking?” Zheng Xiao playfully tapped the assistant director’s head.

The assistant director grinned, “I’m just saying we’ve struck gold…”

This time, Zheng Xiao didn’t argue.

Initially, the producers thought Encounter with the Dragon was a lottery win for Wen Xingze. But now, upon closer inspection, they were the ones who had struck gold.

________________________

In the rest area

“Heng Zhi,” Xu Qianqian slipped up momentarily, “Uh, Xingze.”

Wen Xingze cooperatively addressed her by her character’s name: “Sister Ling Yao.”

Xu Qianqian’s face lit up, and she couldn’t contain her joy. She took off the jade bracelet from her wrist, saying, “Hengzhi is so well-behaved. Have this for now, and Sister will find something else for you later.”

Wen Xingze replied, “…No need, Sister!”

Wen Xingze could now control the Dragon Clan Filter lv2. During filming, the filter remained active, and he assumed it was still on. Although he couldn’t control it directly, the parents had a good sense of discretion, so he wasn’t worried.

“What are you saying?” As they conversed, Zhu Bo, who played the male lead ‘Yan Xun,’ approached them, handing each of them a bottle of mineral water. “Hey, Heng Zhi!”

He wasn't as familiar with Zhu Bo as he was with Xu Qianqian, but Zhu Bo was a dedicated actor. After all, he was the male lead chosen by Director Zheng at first glance.

In the original novel “Wealthy Koi and His Lavish Life,” Zhu Bo’s character suffered just as much as Wen Xingze’s. He was also caught up in a CP frenzy by Xu Baijing’s fans due to their roles in Encounter with the Dragon. Not only did he endure harsh criticism, but he was also blacklisted because he made one of Xu Baijing’s wealthy dads, who happened to be the real gong, jealous… (Note: CP = couple pairing, Gong = seme/top)

Fortunately, Xu Baijing wasn’t in Encounter with the Dragon this time, so Zhu Bo wouldn’t face such issues again.

“Uh?” For some reason, everyone was role-playing their characters today. Wen Xingze continued to play along, “Brother Yan Xun.”

Zhu Bo beamed, taking off the jade pendant from his waist. “Heng Zhi is so well-behaved. Have this for now, Brother will find something else for you later.”

Xu Qianqian chimed in, “I was the first one!”

Wen Xingze sighed, “Really, no need!”

What’s going on with our male and female leads?

They had some time before their next scene, so the three of them chatted in the rest area. Zhu Bo shielded his face with a magazine and then lowered his voice:

“By the way, do you know about the Blood Clan?”

Xu Qianqian quipped, “Of course! I debuted in an idol drama called ‘The Arrogant Vampire Count Falls for Me.’”

Zhu Bo remained silent.

Wen Xingze: “…”

That didn’t sound like a typical idol drama.

“No, not that,” Zhu Bo mysteriously continued, “I’ve heard that the Blood Clan actually exists. They possess unimaginable wealth, but their reclusive practices keep them hidden from the public eye.”

Wen Xingze played along, “Wow.”

Xu Qianqian asked, “So?”

“Well,” Zhu Bo adjusted his collar, “Isn’t it said that being bitten by a Blood Clan member turns you into one? Do you think I have a chance? I’m tired of working so hard. Director Zheng is relentless — I got stuck twelve times just now!”

Wen Xingze sighed, “…”

Xu Qianqian added, “…”

Three seconds later, Zhu Bo was dragged away mercilessly by Director Zheng, wailing as he went.

His cries faded into the distance.

Wen Xingze muttered, “Amitabha.” Hopefully, he’d be okay.

Due to the delay caused by the actor playing the Immortal Lord, most of Heng Zhi’s scenes would be postponed.

Wen Xingze had no work scheduled today or the next two days. The crew was heading into the mountains to film the childhood memories of the male and female leads. The focus would be on supporting characters and two child actors. Essentially, Wen Xingze, Xu Qianqian, and Zhu Bo — the three main leads — were on a short break.

After reviewing the script during lunch, Wen Xingze took a nap. When he woke up, someone knocked on his door.

“Mr. Wen,” the attendant bowed slightly, an unexpectedly respectful demeanor, “Your delivery.”

Wen Xingze instinctively said thank you. But then he remembered he hadn’t ordered anything online.

Next, a uniformed foreigner entered, pushing a rack of clothes. The tailor who had measured Wen Xingze’s size during the Munich trip accompanied them.

The tailor had rushed over with the clothes specifically from Munich.

Wen Xingze recalled now.

It was the custom-made suit. He hadn’t expected them to work overtime on it. He was flabbergasted. But he had no occasion to wear these formal clothes.

“Mr. Wen, considering various occasions, we’ve made a set for each style,” the tailor explained.

On the clothes rack hung a row of meticulously tailored high-end suits—three-piece, two-piece, and tailcoats in various shades from light to dark. Judging by the fabric design and craftsmanship, each set likely cost a hefty sum.

“…,” Wen Xingze touched the sofa and sat down slowly.

Another attendant entered, carrying a different package. It had arrived overnight from Italy, and they opened it in front of Wen Xingze. Inside the gift box lay a pair of dark leather ankle boots, exquisitely sculpted with clean lines — a masterpiece that seemed custom-designed by a master.

Additionally, there were other accessories like a top hat, a cane, and a tie.

Wen Xingze took a deep breath, “…”

Then another attendant walked in with a third package.

Wen Xingze exclaimed, “Really? There’s more?”

The attendants all lowered their heads respectfully and confirmed, “Yes.”

The third package was also a gift box adorned with a crimson inverted cross pattern. But this time, it didn’t contain suits or accessories.

Instead, it held an emerald gemstone.

The gemstone’s transparency and saturation were exceptionally high. Placed on velvet, it radiated an almost dazzling deep green color without appearing gaudy.

It looked somewhat familiar, but Wen Xingze couldn’t recall where he had seen it before.

Baffled, he closed the lid of the gift box.

The attendants bowed to him and left one by one. The head attendant closed the door, and Wen Xingze finally breathed a sigh of relief. Surely, nothing more extravagant would happen now.

However, in the next moment…

Wen Xingze’s phone vibrated, notifying him of a new text message from a familiar yet unfamiliar number:

[Light Tower Logistics] Mr. Wen, greetings! The private island purchased for you by the Blood Clan parents is now registered in your name. Please check it out…

Wen Xingze: “?”

A private island?

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