When Qin Sizheng returned to Room Five, he had to pass Si Qianqiu’s door. Si Qianqiu was speaking low on the phone, sounding irritable:
“Who the hell knew Lu Xianqing was protecting Qin Sizheng at every turn? I thought they were true rivals! Now that bastard clings to Fourth Brother—I don’t even know what potion he slipped him—and now he wants to chop off my hand?”
His manager, understanding his temper, cautioned, “Keep calm. Don’t confront him head-on. No good comes of it. This variety show is only one episode for Xu Jinhan’s sake. Endure a bit. Being in the same frame won’t hurt.”
Si Qianqiu grew angrier, “Why should I endure? I just won a few more awards—does that make me nobler than anyone else?”
“Lu Xianqing’s reputation wasn’t perfect either: changing scripts, directing actors, yet the final effect is so good no one dares say. That ‘Godly Hand’ title—he knows it! I don’t believe Lu Xianqing won’t screw up eventually! Acting all high and mighty, it’s bound to backfire!”
“On set, he’s as difficult as an ancestor. Can’t someone with a respiratory issue smoke? He’s fragile; can’t anyone raise their voice? So delicate—why not quit, go home as a young master, and stop filming?”
Si Qianqiu’s anger boiled over, cursing recklessly until the tension in his chest eased.
Qin Sizheng hadn’t been eavesdropping, but hearing his own name and the insults toward Lu Xianqing, he couldn’t help but push open the door.
“Hey, done with the cursing?”
“Why are you here?” Si Qianqiu hung up the phone with a snap, his face drained of color. When had he gotten here? No way had he been recording, right?
Qin Sizheng’s eyes were cold. “Talking behind my back—what kind of person does that make you?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about! Who insulted anyone? Don’t make things up!” Si Qianqiu stammered nervously. Seeing Qin Sizheng turn to leave, he lunged, grabbing his arm. “Hey! I’m warning you—don’t talk nonsense! Or I’ll make sure you can’t survive in the entertainment industry!”
Qin Sizheng frowned. “Let go!”
Startled, Si Qianqiu almost released him but then laughed, stepping closer. “Are you protecting yourself, or Lu Xianqing?”
Qin Sizheng didn’t bother answering, brushing his hand off and moving to leave—only for Si Qianqiu to grab his shoulder again. “Oh right, aren’t you so tough? Strong, right? How dare you humiliate me on the show! I haven’t settled this with you yet!”
Since coming to film the show, Si Qianqiu hadn’t had a single comfortable day. Unable to take it out on Lu Xianqing, he targeted Qin Sizheng instead. “Save it. No matter how much you pretend, you won’t ever rise again. Do you even know how many enemies you’ve made in this circle? How many people have you offended?”
Tapping Qin Sizheng’s face mockingly, he sneered, “What? Want to hit me? Come on, hit my face. Make it a good one! Tomorrow everyone will know Qin Sizheng hits people on set. Come on, hit me.”
Qin Sizheng clenched his fists, barely restraining himself. The other pressed closer, his face almost touching Qin Sizheng’s, full of arrogance and insolence. “If you’ve got the guts, hit me. Too bad it’s unlucky for you! Don’t dare? Then behave! Don’t think you’re untouchable just because Lu Xianqing is protecting you. Xu—the company—won’t let you get away.”
Qin Sizheng remembered Xu, the executive in the original story, who had tried to exploit the original protagonist and almost died from a bottle to the head. That incident led to the protagonist being blacklisted, and perhaps even partially explained why he later attempted suicide.
A chill ran down Qin Sizheng’s spine—the plot was still unfolding exactly as in the original book.
“I’m telling you, I’m not your stand-in. You’re the fake. Got it?” Si Qianqiu tilted his eyes at Qin Sizheng like he was looking at trash. “You really don’t get this circle. Even if you speak the truth, when has the industry ever allowed that? Fans’ gifts aren’t used—aren’t people afraid of that? You’re the only one who dares say it. What counts as plastic surgery here? For actors, it’s as common as makeup.”
Qin Sizheng was still dazed. Thinking he was intimidated, Si Qianqiu grew bolder, leaning near his ear. “Even if you quit the industry, Xu might support you—no need to act. You won’t get laughed at…”
Bang!
A sudden punch hit his stomach. Si Qianqiu’s body buckled in pain, muscles contracting as though twisted by lightning. The blow was merciless, and he suspected Qin Sizheng had used full strength.
“You dare hit me?!”
Before he could speak, Qin Sizheng grabbed his collar, pressing him to the ground. His shaking fists hovered near Si Qianqiu’s face. Up close, all he saw was Qin Sizheng’s face, pale with anger, lips trembling.
Si Qianqiu’s pupils shrank; his eyes reddened. The pain had struck him deeply.
Seeing him suffer gave Qin Sizheng a twisted satisfaction. On the floor, ignoring cleanliness, he glared at Si Qianqiu. “Come on, hit me in the face! I’ll make you regret it! Don’t hit? Then you’re my grandson!”
Qin Sizheng’s fist hovered just half an inch from his face. Si Qianqiu didn’t believe he would actually strike. Tomorrow, no one could explain it—the company was currently favoring him, not Qin Sizheng, the discarded one with zero net reputation.
“Oh right, Lu Xianqing seems interested in you too, but maybe he can’t… So when the two of you are… doing things, is it you taking charge? I wonder what he’s like down there. And if you can’t do it, what then? Buy some toys?”
Bang!
A fist struck his face. Pain shot through his bones, nearly knocking him unconscious. He couldn’t believe Qin Sizheng really had the guts to hit him.
Qin Sizheng’s voice was cold and sharp. “You can insult me, but you don’t get to insult Fourth Brother. If I hear you disrespect him again, I swear I’ll beat you to death!”
“I hit you, I’ll take responsibility. But you’re not yet worthy to kick me out of the industry! Go ahead, tell everyone why I hit you. I’m not mute—I won’t endure you forever. Even if I end up with half no fans, Lu Xianqing has them. His fans could tear you apart. Guess who leaves the industry first—you or me?” Qin Sizheng pressed, for the first time asserting himself so fully on the show, speaking more than he ever had.
Si Qianqiu froze.
Qin Sizheng grabbed his collar, touching the reddened spot from the hit. “I’m not afraid of leaving the industry. If you’re not afraid, keep insulting. I can’t kick you out, but if I maim this face of yours, you won’t last in the industry either!”
He stood, not sparing another glance at Si Qianqiu, still writhing in pain.
If the plot truly followed the original book and he couldn’t change it, he might only have less than half a year to live. He had just come back to life, just started meeting decent friends, and now… he might die again.
If he could, he wanted to live longer, to see Lu Xianqing and Jiang Zhen happy as in the book—not moody, not lonely under a shadowed sky.
He drew in a long breath and exhaled heavily, staring at the starry sky.
It’s okay. Each day is a gift.
When he saved people under the oil tanker, he hadn’t expected to live. Now, having been granted so much extra time, it was enough.
He just didn’t know—when he died, would Fourth Brother come see him? Or, like in the book, disdain him?
When he was gone, besides Xu Zhao and You Si, would anyone care?
He wanted Fourth Brother to feel sad, yet didn’t want him to feel sad. In his previous life, many mourned when he died saving people, bearing the pain of his death—so maybe it was better if no one mourned this time.
He wanted everyone to be happy.
**
Outside the camera’s view, a young man stared at his phone, lost in thought.
The screen was frozen on the moment Lu Xianqing shielded Qin Sizheng beneath him. In the “Qingshan You Si” super topic, fans were clamoring, begging for updates.
Some had even started writing fanfiction and drawing fan art of them, and a few were already editing videos—making it feel as though they were truly about to get married!
Since the variety show aired, Qin Sizheng had been trending almost every day. From being universally criticized online, he was slowly starting to gain fans; even some of his haters were beginning to switch sides.
This was unacceptable!
Jiang Zhen gritted his teeth, holding his phone. Qin Sizheng… who did he think he was?!
A ridiculous supporting character in the book, a cannon fodder who competed for men and ended up committing suicide, and yet here he was, gaining fans on this show.
Jiang Zhen had originally thought it was just a low-tier variety show. Romance shows had been all the rage the past two years, while family-themed shows were bland and unremarkable. He had scoffed when Qin Sizheng took this program, thinking he was desperate and grasping at straws. But fate had clearly smiled on him!
Lu Xianqing had even gone! The immortal, high-tier actor who usually refused television dramas and only did one film a year had descended to join this pitiful variety show and take care of kids.
Why was Qin Sizheng so lucky? He was the main character of this book; Lu Xianqing was supposed to be his. The fame and fortune belonged to him!
Even if there were any “cheat codes,” the protagonist’s buffs should be his. A cannon fodder like Qin Sizheng was only supposed to be an obstacle to make his life more exciting, not steal such good resources!
Having been reborn once, he intended to seize the script this time. He would never endure the setbacks of his previous life again. Lu Xianqing was dark, nihilistic, a little insane, right?
A high-cold, untouchable movie star on the surface, but secretly a lonely, tormented madman—no one could understand him or reach his inner world. And he… he was destined to be the one who could.
Jiang Zhen was brimming with confidence: only a madman could understand another madman. All he had to do was send the right signals, and Lu Xianqing would fall for him!
His chance for stardom was right in front of him. Once he was with Lu Xianqing and it went public, wouldn’t the entire entertainment industry be at his feet? Why bother gaining fans in various minor supporting roles?
The lead role in scripts would be his to choose! A “chosen one”? That was him!
Jiang Zhen called his agent: “Shu Ge, I want to join Traveling With Adorable Kids. You make sure I can appear for an episode.”
**
Xu Shu had just arranged a contract for him—a highly popular supporting role in a costume film. He had been planning to stay home, study the script, and practice his poise. Before the good news had even been delivered, he got the call.
“You’re just going? Right now, everyone wants to sneak into the show. And I just got you a script—you should stay home and study it. The lead might be Lu Xianqing; if you don’t perform well, he’ll rip into you!” Xu Shu warned, mixing a strict and gentle tone. Jiang Zhen, obedient as ever, listened dutifully; it was easy to manage him with a little fear compared to more rebellious types.
They said variety shows were like mirrors exposing your true nature. Lu Xianqing would inevitably be criticized—what could Jiang Zhen gain by going? Qin Sizheng’s known shortcomings aside, how many truly capable people were there in this industry? He was just an up-and-comer, not exposed yet.
“If the lead is Lu Xianqing, that’s even better. Appearing on the show will help me gain followers. I won’t be like that useless Si Qianqiu—don’t worry!” Jiang Zhen said, suddenly composed and persuasive, shedding his previous impulsiveness.
As long as he worked to get in front of him, all the struggles from his previous life would be resolved. While others had to suffer for years to find true love, he would have it all smooth and easy!
He knew exactly what kind of person Lu Xianqing was. Glancing at his own hands—long, slender fingers, so fine the pores were barely visible, a teasing distance—he was certain Lu Xianqing would be tempted.
Xu Shu laughed. “You think I don’t know? But it’s not that simple. I have to find a way to contact them first. You’re not going independent, right? You have that much confidence?”
Jiang Zhen fell silent. He wasn’t truly established yet. Even with Lu Xianqing’s future protection, he was still a third-tier actor. He couldn’t confront the company directly—he needed to secure Lu Xianqing first.
He softened his tone to Xu Shu. “Shu Ge, Shengyu is promoting two artists this time. Qin Sizheng is another matter. Si Qianqiu was already more popular than me, but he’s getting roasted on the show. If I appear as a guest, I can gain followers and reduce one competitor. What do you think?”
Xu Shu found his reasoning sound. Unlike before, when Jiang Zhen would be molded completely by others, he was now thinking ahead—though controlling him might be tricky.
But as long as the contract remained, it wasn’t a big deal. He wouldn’t run off and cause a breach, which would cost a fortune in damages. “Fine. I’ll contact them. But I think it’s risky. At most, you can be on for two or three hours. Just show your face and come back.”
Jiang Zhen agreed eagerly. “Thank you, Shu Ge. I won’t force myself in front of Lu Xianqing, don’t worry.”
**
Qin Sizheng hadn’t slept all night. Though he felt hitting Si Qianqiu had been impulsive, he had no regrets. Given the choice ten thousand more times, he would hit him again.
The things Si Qianqiu had said were unbearable. If he weren’t too weak to endure it, a person with a boxer’s physique would have picked him up and broken him long ago.
He dug under his pillow for the tiny bracelet made from hair. If Lu Xianqing knew what had been said, he would be angry. Even if he himself were powerless, it was only because of his body; he couldn’t help it.
Being sick wasn’t shameful. Even if he couldn’t act, he could still have normal feelings!
The mushrooms from Yehu Village could nourish the kidneys. He had also made a lot of jam and dried fruits. He would give them to An Ning to take back, using the excuse of treating his nerve weakness to coax him into eating more. Maybe next time, it would work.
Yes. This was exactly the plan.
“Daddy, what are you thinking about?” Little Tomato suddenly woke up, soft and squishy, stretching a long yawn while leaning in Qin Sizheng’s arms. He wiped the physiological tears from the corners of his eyes, then pulled out a glowing little stone and held it up: “Daddy, why does this stone glow?”
Qin Sizheng answered him, and then he asked again: “Then why does something fluorescent glow?” After getting the answer, he followed up: “Why don’t ordinary stones glow?”
Qin Sizheng patiently replied, but Little Tomato kept going: “Then why doesn’t the table glow? Why can’t we eat grape leaves? If grape seeds go into your stomach, will they sprout? If they sprout, will they grow into a grapevine? Then if I eat the seeds, do I not have to eat grapes?”
“….” Qin Sizheng finally understood—this was a ten-thousand-whys spirit incarnate. He pinched Little Tomato’s nose to forcibly stop the endless questions.
Little Tomato struggled a bit, climbed on Qin Sizheng again, and asked: “Daddy, why are you so nice to me?”
“Because I really like you, so I treat you well.” Qin Sizheng held him steady with one hand while answering. When he pressed further, he added, “Because you’re good, I like you.”
Little Tomato pointed a tiny finger at his chin, thinking through the cause-and-effect, and asked again: “So if I’m not good, you won’t like me? Daddy, do you only like good kids?”
Qin Sizheng was taken aback. He thought for a moment and carefully chose his words: “Daddy likes Little Tomato because you’re good, but even if you weren’t, I’d still like you. But I hope that when you grow up, you become a good person—someone who treats others with sincerity and doesn’t do harm. That way, you’ll always be Daddy’s treasure.”
Little Tomato seemed to understand a little. He nodded vigorously: “Mm! I’ll grow up to be as awesome as Daddy!” He even threw a few playful punches: “Ha! Superman!”
Qin Sizheng thought to himself: I’m not a superman… just last night I hit someone impulsively. Don’t follow my example.
“Alright, time to get up!”
The two of them washed up in the yard and practiced some boxing. Once they felt it was about time, Qin Sizheng led Little Tomato to the village entrance to collect food.
Chen Yue whispered, “Si Qianqiu got up in the middle of the night yesterday, and because it was dark, he bumped into a door and hurt his face. Strangely, he didn’t make a fuss this time—just took some medicine for swelling and bruises and that was it.”
Qin Sizheng instinctively glanced at the house where Si Qianqiu stayed. He hadn’t made a scene? Probably because he felt guilty and was afraid of offending Lu Xianqing. But he might try other tricks later.
No matter. What comes, goes. He had vented his anger, and future matters could wait.
“That’s fine.” Qin Sizheng muttered. He hoisted Little Tomato onto his shoulder. “Want to ride a plane?”
“Yes!” Little Tomato grabbed his ear excitedly. “Take off!”
“Diligent and brave Chinese, march into the new era with spirit…” Qin Sizheng ran forward with Little Tomato on his shoulder, even twirling him around. Little Tomato laughed uncontrollably.
Chen Yue: ? What is he singing? A revolutionary song festival?
Could this man respect his own image just a little? Even if he didn’t want to sing his own songs to attract fans, he could at least pick something that fit his persona. But no—he was either walking on a country path or running into the new era. Chen Yue could only resign herself.
The two reached the breakfast area. Wan Lai froze for a moment, especially when he heard what Qin Sizheng was singing, then genuinely gave a thumbs-up: “From revolutionary classics to children’s songs, your repertoire is impressive.”
Qin Sizheng winked. In his previous life at the orphanage, they only ever played these two types of music. He had learned them so well that he hadn’t forgotten them even now.
“Is no one else here?” Qin Sizheng asked, looking at the baskets full of food.
Wan Lai explained, “Rongrong seems to have a slight fever. Mianmian Jie just got some cooling patches and is taking care of her. Director He will probably arrive soon.” No need to mention Si Qianqiu; everyone tacitly knew about Lu Xianqing and avoided bringing it up.
Qin Sizheng remembered what Lu Xianqing had told him, so he didn’t bring it up. Though he arrived first, he only took food for Little Tomato, choosing just steamed buns and white porridge for himself.
Wan Lai found it odd: “Just this? The first to arrive and not picking the best?”
“I’m not very hungry.” Qin Sizheng smiled at him and led Little Tomato away.
[Sob, my heart aches for my baby. He’s clearly not hungry; he barely ate last night. He must feel guilty that Fourth Brother saved him and wants to leave the good stuff for him.]
[Qin Sizheng is so obedient—doesn’t fear dirt or fatigue, pulls carrots, milks cows, gives two hundred to Liu Mianmian first, keeps murmuring about giving two hundred to Fourth Brother, and in the end only has one hundred left—it’s not enough. Watching this variety show makes me heartache. You’re going to get fined for not having enough startup money, why be so kind!]
[Now that the episode is almost done, some plan to do live streams of eating. Can we request a live room? My baby hasn’t quit and even took care of everyone else. Face hurting?]
As Qin Sizheng led Little Tomato back, a horn suddenly sounded. He glanced sideways and saw a young man stepping down from a car, sunglasses hiding half his face, tall and straight like a column.
The man seemed to notice him too. He quickly removed his glasses, walked briskly over, and smiled warmly: “Sizheng, long time no see. What a coincidence.”
“Ah? Haven’t I been here recording the show the whole time? Not really a coincidence… right?” Qin Sizheng was speechless for a moment. Was this man still half-asleep? The show had been airing for so long—this was clearly a blatant lie.
Jiang Zhen didn’t feel embarrassed at all. He smiled gently and warmly: “Oh, right. I’m today’s guest star. The production invited me to film for a day. I’ll need you to take care of me a bit.”
Qin Sizheng paused. “I’m not very good at this. I’m afraid I can’t take care of you.”
Jiang Zhen smiled softly: “It’s fine. You’ve already done very well. I’ve been following the show these past few days. That part where you kicked the wooden stick—so cool! I want to learn from you, though I definitely can’t do it, haha.”
The original character’s reputation was abysmal—almost universally hated in the industry. The first person to show any kindness was Xu Jinhang, and now this man before him. No matter who it was, Qin Sizheng felt deeply grateful.
“It’s actually not that hard. Just practice more. If you want, I can teach you, or we can get a coach,” Qin Sizheng said. Jiang Zhen immediately half-jokingly responded, “Well, if I ask you, you can’t refuse me, okay?”
Qin Sizheng studied him for a moment—thin, weak, lacking vitality—but listening to him speak was surprisingly pleasant. He reached into Little Tomato’s basket and handed him some dried wild mushrooms: “Here, have these. They’re good for your energy. Take care of yourself.”
Jiang Zhen stared at the fruit for a long moment, then gently tore one open and popped it into his mouth with a soft smile: “Not bad, these dried mushrooms are pretty tasty—worthy of being a specialty of Yehu Village. Oh, are you heading to eat now? I won’t bother you then; I’ll just check in with the director first. See you later.”
Qin Sizheng withdrew his gaze, while Little Tomato bounced ahead, calling out that he was hungry. Back home, Qin Sizheng didn’t let Little Tomato eat first; he prepared a pot of milk and fried a few eggs until golden on both sides.
Lu Xianqing was picky with food—this he wouldn’t eat, that he wouldn’t eat. No wonder his night blindness was so severe. Qin Sizheng thought for a moment, chopped up the carrots he had brought back yesterday, and added a few greens. He mixed them into the egg batter and made vegetable pancakes.
He cut off a small corner to taste—it had no carrot flavor. Lu Xianqing should eat it, right?
Smelling the aroma, Little Tomato leaned on the window, making smacking sounds with his mouth: “Daddy, I’m so hungry! Are we eating pancakes today? Didn’t we get steamed buns from Uncle Host? Are we not eating buns?”
“The buns are for Daddy. Little Tomato will have eggs.” Qin Sizheng placed the vegetable pancakes on a plate and lifted the white porridge. “Let’s go eat at Uncle Lu’s house, okay?”
Lu Xianqing was just about to leave and saw Qin Sizheng approaching with the food. He leaned against the doorframe, smiling lightly: “Oh, Little Snail has arrived.”
Qin Sizheng wanted to ask if he was still in pain, but with the cameras around, he couldn’t. He just nodded: “You’re not very good at cooking. I happened to make too much, so I brought some for you to eat together.”
Lu Xianqing glanced down. The moment he saw the carrots, his brows furrowed. Qin Sizheng, worried he might refuse, hurriedly said: “The carrots accidentally got mixed in. They don’t taste much—try it, you’ll see.”
Lu Xianqing’s eyes moved back and forth between Qin Sizheng’s face and the vegetable pancakes. Now he had some skill in lying without blushing—accidentally mixed in?
Mixed in like glue?
The man looked at him and smiled: “These carrots are really persistent—once in, they won’t come out. Honestly, how many did you put in?”
Little Tomato raised both hands, innocently betraying his dad: “Daddy said Uncle Lu likes carrots, so he picked the biggest one!”
“The biggest, huh?” Lu Xianqing nodded, the smile deepening.
Qin Sizheng nearly wanted to smack Little Tomato. Gritting his teeth, he threw the pan at the innocent child: “Little Tomato and Little Tangyuan are still small. They should get enough nutrition and not be picky.”
Lu Xianqing leaned on the door with one hand, pressing closer and asking relentlessly: “I like carrots?”
Qin Sizheng shook his head like a rattle drum: “I! I like carrots!”
Lu Xianqing snorted, bored of teasing, and said, “Come in. Standing at the door like you’re giving a report. Later, your Little Qin Xian will say I bullied you.”
Qin Sizheng led Little Tomato inside. Little Tangyuan had just woken up. Lu Xianqing went in to dress him; the sting from the bee on his back still hurt a little, making him gasp.
Damn, that bee was vicious.
He moved his shoulders to catch his breath, hiding the discomfort. Fans generally have little principle, especially if they knew he was hurt—they probably wouldn’t go easy on Qin Sizheng.
Even though he had protected him, any credit would go to Qin Sizheng. He hadn’t even teased anyone himself—strangers didn’t matter.
“Dressed? Wash your hands and face by yourself.” Lu Xianqing patted Little Tangyuan’s forehead, brushed the sweat from his temple. His back still burned, missing the sensation of that hand applying ointment.
He glanced outside and saw the boy hesitating, then efficiently divided the food for the two children and went inside: “Fourth Brother.”
Lu Xianqing picked up the small blanket covering Little Tangyuan’s belly, tossed it over the camera, and touched Qin Sizheng’s lips with his finger, signaling him not to speak.
[What’s happening? My phone’s broken? Why is the camera suddenly gone? Director team! Do your job! I need to see my couple on screen—don’t cover it with a blanket!]
[Are you going to do something I can’t watch for free? Can I pay to watch? Crowdfund the removal of the blanket!]
[Plus one, at least let me hear the sound if I can’t see it. Don’t mute anyone—who mutes is a little dog!]
Qin Sizheng gestured, silently asking if the wound on his back still hurt. Lu Xianqing mouthed: It hurts, can’t sleep from it.