Chapter 16
At ten o’clock in the evening, the recording site of “Ghost 100%.”
Xu Bianzhou had just instructed his assistant to bring the unconscious Xu Baijing out when he was swarmed by the media. Camera flashes illuminated the scene like a half-lit sky.
“Mr. Xu Bianzhou, can you respond to the controversy surrounding your adopted son, Xu Baijing, on the show?”
“Mr. Xu, is your son particularly fearful of ghosts and spirits due to a guilty conscience from his daily misdeeds? Will Xu Baijing continue with his entertainment career?”
“Mr. Xu…”
Xu Bianzhou had reached his limit. He forcefully pushed away the microphones thrust in front of him and shouted, “Enough!”
The journalists fell silent momentarily, but within two seconds, they surged forward again, fueled by adrenaline.
“Mr. Xu…”
“Mr. Xu, about your son…”
“Please address this directly, Mr. Xu!”
“I’ll pay this amount to buy your silence.” Xu Bianzhou gestured, “Your bosses should have received the notice. Tomorrow, I’ll have the production team, the female host, and the so-called ghost publicly apologize to Xu Baijing. It’s all their orchestrated drama for publicity.”
Xu Bianzhou had been handling Xu Baijing’s aftermath for quite some time.
However, this was the first time it had blown up on such a large scale, and during a live broadcast, no less. Witnessed by millions of viewers, there was no room for redemption. Fortunately, Xu Bianzhou was wealthy.
He silenced the media, suppressed trending topics, and ensured apologies from relevant parties.
Xu Baijing was so high-profile, practically shouting to the world that he had a CEO dad named Xu Bianzhou. These actions were necessary. Otherwise, Xu Bianzhou’s reputation would suffer. He couldn’t lose face in front of his subordinates and peers.
With a grim expression, Xu Bianzhou said, “So now, take your cameras and microphones and leave!”
The journalists were in shock.
Paying so much just to keep the media quiet — how extravagant.
Xu Bianzhou’s statement temporarily halted their snapping, but they didn’t back down. Instead, they waited for further instructions from their superiors.
Almost as Xu Bianzhou finished speaking, a cacophony of ringing phones echoed through the venue.
“Hello? Boss, I’m at the ‘Ghost 100%’ set… Yes, I’ve met Mr. Xu… Should we stop filming?”
Xu Bianzhou’s expression eased slightly.
See? Money could move mountains.
In this era, the so-called media were merely megaphones for capital, especially entertainment media.
“Once you’re done with the call, leave,” Xu Bianzhou said arrogantly. “I need to get back to the office. The U.S. stock market opens in half an hour, and I can’t afford any delays.”
The journalists hesitated, unsure how to proceed.
They exchanged glances and then said:
“My boss says filming continues.”
“Same here. Filming continues, and the news will be broadcast promptly tomorrow morning.”
“What a coincidence…”
Xu Bianzhou’s expression changed. “What’s going on? You took the money and won’t do your job? Or is it not enough money?”
The reporter closest to Xu Bianzhou whispered, “Mr. Xu, my boss says the funds you transferred have already been refunded to your original account because another client, someone named Muse, offered ten times your price to buy the news for timely reporting.”
“We got the same message.”
Xu Bianzhou: “…”
Impossible!
His initial offer was already outrageous. To multiply it by ten, he’d have to sell property just to cover the cost.
Muse? A foreigner?
“Perhaps, on top of this amount, could you multiply it by ten for us?” one of the entertainment reporters suggested, their eager expressions evident. “Then we’ll leave immediately.”
Other reporters chimed in, “Exactly! Or is it that you don’t have enough money?”
Just as Xu Bianzhou had anticipated, these reporters were indeed mere mouthpieces for capital. Whoever had the money held the power.
If Xu Bianzhou lacked funds, they wouldn’t even pay attention to him.
Xu Bianzhou: “…………”
Veins bulged on Xu Bianzhou’s forehead. It was precisely at this moment that Xu Baijing, carried by his assistant, groggily regained consciousness.
With a swollen face resembling that of a pig, Xu Baijing looked at Xu Bianzhou and whispered, “Dad, will you help me? It’s just a hundredfold increase. Don’t you have that kind of money?”
That kind of money?
He considered billions as “that kind of money”?!
Xu Baijing continued, growing more assertive, “Before… Before my role in Encounter with the Dragon was snatched away, and you did nothing. A few days ago, I merely wanted to take friends to play on a private island in the Pacific, but you said that island had been bought at an exorbitant price!”
“Clearly, you’re my dad, yet you can’t do anything. Now I’m going to be ridiculed by the entire nation!” Xu Baijing choked back tears. “I know it’s because I’m not your biological son…”
Both “I’m not your biological son” and “like when I was a child” were sensitive spots for Xu Bianzhou.
After a moment of contemplation, he reluctantly said, “Twentyfold. I’ll increase my offer by twentyfold from my original amount to buy your silence.”
The reporters fell silent.
A moment later, one of them whispered, “The client says that no matter how much you offer, they’ll match it tenfold.”
Money was clearly not an issue.
Xu Baijing grew frantic. “Dad!”
Suddenly, the assistant handed Xu Bianzhou a pair of headphones, speaking cautiously, “Mr. Xu, a stranger called just now, wanting to talk to you. It might be… them.”
This was the smart move. Xu Bianzhou finally breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed the other side wasn’t foolish either, perhaps they were just bluffing. Who could genuinely produce that much money?
As Xu Bianzhou put on the headphones, he felt an odd sensation. Despite the summer heat, it was as if he’d stepped into an icy abyss, sending a chill down his spine.
From the other end of the line came the voice of a young boy, both distant and near. He didn’t speak; instead, he hummed a peculiar tune.
It was an eerie nursery rhyme.
Hearing that voice, Xu Baijing trembled all over, his face turning pale. He reached out, clutching his head. “Dad, it’s… it’s a ghost. Save me…”
“Enough!” The voice made Xu Bianzhou’s skin crawl too. He interrupted sharply, “Speak plainly; no need for cryptic messages.”
On the other end, the nursery rhyme ceased.
Another person seemed to have taken the call. Soon, Xu Bianzhou heard a man’s voice:
“Are you Xu Baijing’s guardian?”
The voice was exceedingly polite, with a tone reminiscent of medieval nobility.
Even to someone accustomed to giving orders like Xu Bianzhou, the other side exuded an aura not to be underestimated. The bone-chilling sensation persisted, if not intensified.
Xu Bianzhou involuntarily weakened his stance. “Yes, what is it? No need to beat around the bush. I know your funds might not be enough…”
“Money?” The man suddenly chuckled. His tone carried a hint of pity, saying, “No, sir. Don’t mention a hundredfold. Even if you offered a thousandfold or ten thousandfold, we wouldn’t be lacking.”
“I merely pity you,” the man said.
Xu Bianzhou, infuriated yet incredulous, retorted, “Pity? Damn it, what do I need your pity for? I’ve achieved success in my career, have a happy family life— I am—”
“Apologies, Mr. Xu,” the man had to interrupt, asking, “Are you Xu Baijing’s guardian? Does Xu Baijing feel the same way?”
Xu Baijing interjected, “What the hell do you mean…”
“You truly evoke sympathy,” the man sighed lightly. “In my eyes, you’re nothing more than an ATM in human form.”
A fully automated one, at that.
“I’m also a parent, and I understand well. My child is a hundred times better than your social trash.” Soren’s tone lost its mercy, and he snapped his fingers. “If you doubt it, why not try now?”
The next second, a streetlamp snapped off, plunging the entire block into darkness.
“What’s happening? Power outage?” The journalists remained composed, slightly panicked but not pushing each other.
However, Xu Bianzhou saw something different.
Just before the streetlamp went out, Xu Baijing’s feet clearly reflected two shadows.
“Ah! Ah! Dad, help!” Xu Baijing must have recalled the recent incident, his legs giving way as he cried desperately, “Dad!”
Xu Bianzhou softened. Indeed, Xu Baijing still relied on him. He took a couple of steps toward Xu Baijing. “Don’t be afraid, Dad will protect you.”
But Xu Baijing stared at him in horror. “Behind you…”
A chill ran down Xu Bianzhou’s spine. He suddenly realized that something heavy clung to his shoulder. Turning, he faced a stitched cloth doll.
The doll’s expression was eerie, smiling while emitting an infant’s wailing. Xu Bianzhou tugged, but it clung to his back, unyielding.
Now Xu Bianzhou was genuinely scared. The other people around them had vanished without a trace!
Approaching Xu Baijing, Xu Bianzhou said, “Don’t worry, Baijing, I—”
Unexpectedly, Xu Baijing screamed, “Monster, don’t come near me! Stay away!”
Stunned, Xu Bianzhou muttered, “Absurd.”
His car was parked nearby. Xu Baijing scrambled into it, and Xu Bianzhou hurried after him. But his son locked the car door right before his eyes.
“Xu Baijing, I’m your father!” Xu Bianzhou couldn’t believe what he was witnessing. Xu Baijing’s eyes held only fear and resentment. “Are you leaving me alone in this haunted place?”
Xu Baijing replied, “I’m sorry, Dad. I’m still young. I really don’t want to die… Since you’re my father and won’t defend me, silence the media, or remove the trending topics, just think about me one last time.”
“I’ll visit your grave, and I’ll remember you forever. Rest in peace.”
With those words, trembling, Xu Baijing stepped on the gas pedal, and the car shot away like an arrow.
Xu Bianzhou stood there, staring at the disappearing car.
The old doll that had clung to his back had somehow loosened. Upon closer inspection, it was just a worn-out electric doll with a speaker, endlessly repeating a monotonous audio clip.
A mere broken doll had led Xu Baijing to abandon him completely.
Xu Bianzhou finally understood that disappointment in someone could happen in an instant.
At this moment, he didn’t feel sadness or anger — just exhaustion. He tossed the doll aside and took a couple of steps forward, unknowingly returning to his original spot.
The entertainment reporters had gathered enough material and were leaving the scene in small groups. Tomorrow’s news would undoubtedly be sensational. Surprisingly, even the reporters seemed to have a conscience. When Xu Bianzhou appeared disoriented, one paparazzo handed his assistant a pack of tissues, while another bought two bottles of water, urging the assistant to console him.
Even strangers were capable of such kindness. Xu Baijing, on the other hand, had never done anything like it. He only knew how to demand money, resources, and relentlessly accuse Xu Bianzhou of failing to accomplish everything.
Suddenly, Xu Bianzhou felt like bursting into laughter.
The assistant looked at him with concern. “Mr. Xu, where did you go just now? And where is Young Master?”
Xu Bianzhou didn’t want to elaborate.
The assistant continued, “Regarding the media situation, should we continue increasing the offer, or—”
Xu Bianzhou closed his eyes, fatigued, and waved his hand. “No need to raise it further. Let them do as they please.”
“And from now on, don’t call Xu Baijing ‘Young Master.’”
________________________
On the other side:
The Maybach glided smoothly, and Wen Xingze sat in the passenger seat, glancing down at his phone:
Three People Seeking Death (3) (Note: Name of chat group for Xu Qianqian, Zhu Bo, and Wen Xingze)
[Won't Change My Name Until I Weigh 80 Pounds: Xiao Wen, Zhu Bo and I have been taken away. Do you want us to pick you up on the way?
[bobo: Damn it, do you know whose car we’re in? Judging by the license plate and model, it seems to be Chi Yan’s car!!!]
[I See Xingze: It’s fine, someone’s picking me up too.]
Wen Xingze put down his phone and looked at the person in the driver’s seat.
Chi Yan’s eyes were deep and indifferent. He stared ahead, expressionless. It was past ten, and the entire city lay in slumber. Inside the car, the dim light created a small parallel universe.
Rain began to fall outside.
Chi Yan didn’t seem inclined to talk much, probably avoiding the questions Wen Xingze wanted to ask.
But Wen Xingze couldn’t resist teasing Chi Yan a bit. He asked, “Teacher Chi, did you specifically come to pick me up?”
Chi Yan paused, then replied, “The road—”
Wen Xingze interjected, “You just happened to pass by this road? Quite a coincidence.”
Chi Yan’s expression remained unchanged. “The road is smooth here. I came to test the new car.”
Wen Xingze thought it wasn’t a bad idea.
Chi Yan seemed to be trying hard, so Wen Xingze decided not to make things difficult for him.
Chi Yan gestured toward the compartment in front of Wen Xingze. When Wen Xingze opened it, he found an assortment of candies, chocolates, and snacks — all flavors he liked.
This surprised Wen Xingze. He looked at Chi Yan. What was this?
Chi Yan succinctly explained, “I have a child at home.”
“Oh,” Wen Xingze unwrapped a lollipop. “A child.”
Probably a niece or nephew. Chi Yan didn’t strike him as someone who’d keep a marriage secret.
But Wen Xingze had initially thought the treats were for him.
“You can think of it that way,” Chi Yan said without looking at Wen Xingze.
Wen Xingze chuckled. “Teacher Chi, please stop reading minds for now. I surrender.”
As expected, Chi Yan fell silent. He turned his head slightly, a faint curve appearing at the corner of his eyes.
He seemed to be in a good mood. Wen Xingze thought.
The film studio was small, and the drive from the visitor area to the hotel took just over ten minutes. As it started raining outside, Chi Yan took an umbrella and escorted Wen Xingze to the eaves.
The night was deep, and only a drowsy doorman stood in front of the hotel entrance.
After bidding farewell to Chi Yan, Wen Xingze suddenly had a question. He turned back to Chi Yan. “Are you going to sleep when you get back?”
It was indeed a strange question, and Wen Xingze expected Chi Yan to give a casual answer.
But Chi Yan lowered his gaze, then reached out to touch Wen Xingze’s head. “I'm not like some children.”
Wen Xingze felt that Chi Yan’s gesture of patting his head was remarkably similar to petting a cat or playing with a dog. He even suspected that Chi Yan was subtly mocking him.
However, Chi Yan’s expression remained so composed and serious that even his jokes felt like a math teacher explaining a problem.
Wen Xingze protested, lollipop still in his mouth, “Mumble mumble mumble.”
“…,” Chi Yan fell silent for a moment, then reached over and took the lollipop from Wen Xingze’s mouth. “What were you saying?”
Wen Xingze repeated, “I’m twenty-four this year. Don’t malign me.”
It was rare to see Chi Yan’s expressions so varied outside of acting.
His lips flattened, but his eyes clearly held amusement. Now, when he smiled at Wen Xingze, he didn’t avoid it.
Chi Yan said, “Is that so? I thought you were four.”
“Enough, stop making me angry while laughing,” Wen Xingze mumbled, then playfully snatched the lollipop back from Chi Yan’s hand. “Goodnight, Teacher Chi.”
With one hand in his pocket, Wen Xingze walked away.
After a couple of steps, he turned back, winking one eye at Chi Yan in a mock shooting gesture — a clear threat not to laugh. It did remind Chi Yan of the neighbor’s child who had bought a toy gun for the first time.
But one thing had to be acknowledged.
Even if Wen Xingze wielded an inflatable toy gun with rainbow gummy bullets, he could still precisely target Chi Yan.
As Wen Xingze’s figure disappeared completely around the corner of the corridor, Chi Yan finally turned.
The child’s mischief had ended. The adults' war was just beginning.
But the child didn’t need to know about that.
________________________
The secretary and driver were already there, both giving Chi Yan slight bows. Chi Yan nodded indifferently, settled into the back seat, and the driver stepped on the gas.
Two or three minutes later, the clock was about to strike half-past ten.
And at that moment, Chi Yan’s phone rang. He casually tapped the screen and answered, “Hello.”
At this very moment, Xu Baijing had two adoptive fathers in China — one was Xu Bianzhou, and the other was the person currently on the phone with Chi Yan, Xu Yan.
Whenever Xu Baijing encountered any trouble, these two were always at the forefront. But today, Xu Bianzhou seemed unusually quiet.
Remaining in the picture was Xu Yan.
“Mr. Chi, I don’t recall ever offending you or the Chi family,” Xu Yan seethed, “We’re all doing our own business. I merely wanted to help my child blow off some steam. Why bother with an insignificant D-list celebrity like Wen Xingze?”
Facing someone he deemed insignificant, Chi Yan preferred not to waste words.
Xu Yan, on the other hand, was the complete opposite — irritable and talkative.
Initially, Chi Yan had the call on speaker, listening half-heartedly. But eventually, he couldn’t be bothered anymore and muted it, flipping through a magazine.
When he felt Xu Yan had said enough, he unmuted the call. Chi Yan didn’t respond to any of Xu Yan’s questions. He glanced at his watch and said only one thing:
“At half-past ten, the U.S. stock market opens. You might want to take a look.”
He hung up.
That day was just the beginning. For the next three months, Xu Yan would be consumed by a certain matter, unable to spare any attention for Xu Baijing.
—That same night, at half-past ten, the U.S. stock market opened. The publicly traded companies under Xu Yan’s name plummeted at the opening.
As if manipulated by unseen forces or as if he’d angered the wrong people, the scandals the company had once concealed were suddenly exposed overnight. Shareholders fled with their money.
They narrowly avoided bankruptcy proceedings.
Wen Xingze saw this news in the morning paper the next day, reflecting on life’s unpredictability. He couldn’t have guessed that this turn of events would be related to him.
________________________
That evening, in Cub Raising Program:
Congratulations, parents! We’ve successfully reached a 20% impact on the original book. The closed beta phase is complete! Starting tomorrow, Cub Raising Program will enter public beta, with an additional ten thousand player slots and ten million live channel viewers.
Congratulations, parents! The side quests have been successfully completed! The Light Tower Delivery System is now officially active!”
“To ensure the smooth operation of the cosmic delivery system and the game beta, the system will undergo a twelve-hour upgrade. The beta version, including the delivery system, will launch officially tomorrow at 9:00 AM. Here are the rules.”
Light Tower Delivery System
System Description: Are you heartbroken because you can’t physically interact with your cub? Do you want to personally change your cub’s life? Do you wish to surprise your cub in their everyday routine? The Light Tower Delivery System fulfills all your dreams!
System Fees: Base price of 100,000 star coins per delivery, additional charges based on specific circumstances.
System Rules:
Cannot mail living organisms.
Cannot mail items that endanger parallel universe stability (including but not limited to particle cannons, heavy nuclear weapons, and spacecraft).
Only one item can be mailed per week, during the time slot from Monday 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
…
Remember, moderate gaming is beneficial for both mental and physical health. Enjoy!
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Thank You!!! I can't wait for the next chapter!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the hard work~
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