Category: I’m Afraid I’m Now a Salted Fish

I'm Afraid I'm Now a Salted Fish

I’m Afraid I’m Now a Salted Fish Chapter 44

LiLi041

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Translator: LiLi041

Editor: Aji

Chapter 44: Parents’ True Thoughts

　　Chi Song, who had followed the whole process of Brother Harry’s public display of affection, was even happier than he would be if he was the one receiving the proposal. If Song Zhihuai hadn’t stopped him, he would likely have gone onto Brother Harry’s Weibo and clicked ‘like.’
　　Zhou Yaming was as responsible as expected, and didn’t forget to call Song Zhihuai and remind him even though it was the middle of the night, “I saw what’s happening on Weibo. Hold Chi Song back, and tell him not to post on Weibo or like the post. We’ll come back to this tomorrow.”

　　In this matter, Chi Song wasn’t just a passerby here to watch the show.
　　He and Brother Harry were good friends. Not long ago, he had even thrown some fujoshi bait with him in a play.
　　The spectating crowd was stunned stupid by the huge barrage of information. When they returned to their senses, they immediately wanted to get a hold of Chi Song to ask him the following three questions:
　　What about Chi Song?
　　Did Chi Song know about Brother Harry’s sexual orientation?
　　Chi Song and Brother Harry were such close friends. Was Chi Song also gay?

　　Chi Song was currently in the growth phase of his career. With the current society, if he didn’t want to leave the entertainment circle, it was best for him to not get involved with things like homosexuality.
　　No matter how tolerant people online were of homosexuality, in the real world, there were still an enormous number of people who felt that letting homosexuals be famous figures was an indication of public moral decay.
　　This was a cruel statement, but it was the unavoidable reality.

　　Zhou Yaming sighed, “Don’t just look at how lively it is right now. Harry will probably have to leave the circle.”
　　Song Zhihuai was hiding in the bathroom to take this call. He was silent for a moment, before saying, “Retiring while he’s middle-aged, and already has his own house and car, is already pretty good. But don’t tell this to Chi Song, he’s very happy for the two of them right now.”
　　Zhou Yaming smiled, “Chi Song isn’t ignorant of reality. You don’t have to protect him like he’s a child.”
　　Song Zhihuai said, “The two of us will probably never have children. That means that Chi Song is the youngest in our family. If I don’t protect him, then who should I protect?”
　　Zhou Yaming was truly worthy of being called experienced. Even after being stuffed with an earful of PDA during New Year for no reason, she didn’t even bat an eye as she said, “Take good care of him. The next two days, I’ll be too far away to help with anything. When he comes back, I’ll tell him how he should answer the questions about his relationship with Harry.”

　　After Song Zhihuai hung up, he left the bathroom, only to be startled by a figure shrouded in the dark. “…Aunt Chi?”
　　Mother Chi’s expression carried a bit of subtlety with it, “You haven’t gone to sleep yet?”
　　Song Zhihuai answered, “No, and you…”
　　Mother Chi said, “I always get up at night to use the bathroom.”
　　Song Zhihuai immediately stood to the side to let her pass.
　　Mother Chi walked forward two steps, before turning her head and asking, “Who were you calling just now?”
　　Song Zhihuai replied smartly, “My colleagues.”
　　Mother Chi made an “oh” sound and didn’t say anything more. Then, she shut the door, leaving Song Zhihuai outside the bathroom.

　　Mother Chi sat on the toilet, without lifting up the cover.
　　Her ears were filled with Song Zhihuai’s voice saying, “…Chi Song is the youngest in our family. If I don’t protect him, then who should I protect?”
　　She covered her face, and sobbed silently.

　　When Song Zhihuai returned to the bedroom, Chi Song excitedly got up from the bed, supporting himself on his knees. He told Song Zhihuai, “Zhihuai Zhihuai, I gave Zhirong a red packet with 521 yuan, to wish them a happy marriage!”
　　…His whole face seemed to say, “I’m holding myself back from praising myself, but aren’t I amazing?” His little expression seemed to be asking for rewards. To Song Zhihuai, it was extremely cute.
　　Song Zhihuai sat down on the edge of the bed, and lightly pressed a kiss to Chi Song’s hair whorl. “Very good.”
　　Chi Song also kissed back. “Zhihuai, when we announce our relationship to the public in the future, I also want to propose to you like this.”
　　Song Zhihuai didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “I should be the one to propose though.”
　　Chi Song didn’t give in. “You confessed to me first, so I should be the one to propose to you.”
　　After he said this, Chi Song was caught off guard and pressed down by Chief Song.
　　Chi Song knew that he wouldn’t do anything to him in this house, so he felt rest assured as he boldly continued, “I want to be like Brother Harry, putting all the parts of my bride price together.”
　　Song Zhihuai good-naturedly didn’t correct him. “What would I want a bride price for?”
　　Chi Song said, “We can spend it together. We’ll travel around the world, go see shows in Milan, the scenery in Northern Europe, the snow in Russia, and then we’ll have a house by the sea. When we’re tired of traveling, we’ll go back home, and in front of the fireplace, I’ll act out Hamlet for you.”
　　Song Zhihuai asked, “Why “Hamlet”?”
　　Chi Song puffed out his chest in pride. “When I was an undergraduate student in England, I would be scolded by the teacher no matter what I acted. The only time the teacher praised me was when I acted out Hamlet… I acted out Hamlet very well.”
　　As he said that, he turned around. Under the faint warm light of the small night light, his eyes looked at Song Zhihuai scorchingly, and he said very solemnly, word by word, “When that time comes, there will be only you in the audience. I will be acting for only you to watch.”
　　 Song Zhihuai said gently, “Then, I’ll really have made a profit.”

　　Chi Song thought that he wouldn’t be able to fall asleep, but as he laid in Song Zhihuai’s embrace, he unconsciously fell asleep.

　　The next day, he woke up even earlier than Song Zhihuai.
　　He snuggled in Song Zhihuai’s arms for a while as he woke up fully. Then, he picked up his phone and signed into his newly registered side account, scrolling through Weibo for a time with slitted eyes.
　　Someone on the internet had already summarized the ‘coming out of the closet’ event last night, and hailed it as the ‘great New Year’s drama.’
　　Chi Song had wisened up after yesterday’s mistakes, and no longer read those heart-wrenching comments.
　　He put down his phone and quietly slipped out of the room, planning to wake Song Zhihuai up after he washed up and finished breakfast.
　　Who knew that as soon as he stepped out of the room, he would discover Chi Yang kneeling outside the door with a bitter expression.
　　When he saw Chi Song, Chi Yang looked like he had just seen his savior. “Brother, you finally got up. Mom’s crying in her room.”
　　Chi Song was startled. “What happened to Mom?”
　　Chi Yang replied, despondent, “…It’s my fault for letting my hands wander. I got up early to use my phone and read up on last night’s events, and Mom asked me what I was reading, so I handed the phone to her. I don’t know what she saw, but as soon as she saw it, she started to cry…”
　　Chi Song felt anxious, so he quickly walked to his parents’ room. As soon as he pushed open the door, he saw Father Chi sitting by Mother Chi. Meimei was holding the child as she continuously consoled her, “Mom, don’t think too much into it…”
　　As soon as she saw Chi Song, Meimei took the initiative to make way for him, and even stopped Chi Yang, who was just about to enter, from coming in, “Out, let’s go out.”
　　Chi Yang was a little puzzled at first, but after he met his wife’s eyes, he understood. Before leaving, he carefully closed the door for the elderly couple.

　　Now, Chi Song was completely sure that the reason why his mother was sad was because she saw something related to him.
　　He quickly went through last night’s events in his mind.
　　…He didn’t have anything going on last night, though.
　　Could there have been some new news that popped up early this morning? Something related to him?

　　Just as Chi Song was guessing himself into a state of anxiety, Mother Chi waved him over, “Little Song, come here.”
　　With the utterly fearless mentality of someone who would brave any dangers without hesitation, Chi Song took a deep breath and sat down beside the bed.
　　A pair of warm hands wrapped around his shoulders, caressed him, and patted him a few times.
　　Mother Chi wiped at the corners of her eyes, and said, “…I saw what happened with that Henry.”
　　Mother Chi hadn’t ever been able to say Brother Harry’s name right, even when he was a child. She was always calling Brother Harry ‘Henry.’ Chi Song had also corrected her many times before, but it never worked, so he just gave up trying and followed his mother’s pronunciation, calling Brother Harry ‘Henry’ in front of his parents.
　　Mother Chi looked at Chi Song with tears in her eyes and said, “That’s a good kid. He’s even come over to our house to play before, but I saw that there’s so many people cursing him right now.”
　　Chi Song bit his lip, trying to carefully word his next sentence in order to comfort Mother Chi. “Mom, homosexuality isn’t accepted by everyone.”
　　Mother Chi patted Chi Song on the shoulder, her voice sounding like she was about to start sobbing at any moment. “…I feel uncomfortable whenever I see it… I think, if these words were cursing my son, I wouldn’t be able to take it…”
　　Chi Song was completely shaken.
　　Mother Chi gnashed her teeth. “What reason do they have to curse you guys? My son’s the best son in the whole world. Just because he likes men, he deserves to get cursed like this behind his back? What’s wrong with being gay? Can homosexuals not be good kids?”
　　Chi Song’s eyes heated up, and he whispered, “…Mom.”
　　Mother Chi pulled Chi Song into her embrace, her tears streaming down. “Mom’s been researching these issues the past few days, and the more I research, the more uncomfortable I feel… Little Song, how hard it must’ve been on you, how difficult…”
　　Chi Song clenched his teeth and forced himself to not cry. “It’s nothing, Mom, it’ll pass with endurance.”
　　Mother Chi rubbed Chi Song’s hair, and said, “Mom’s made up her mind. No matter how difficult this road is, Mom will walk it with you.”
　　Father Chi had stayed silent up until now, but when he heard her say this, he weakly added from the side, “…And me, too.”
　　Chi Song laughed out loud, and his tears also started to flow out freely.
　　Leaning into Mother Chi’s embrace, he cried like a child.

　　Chi Yang and Meimei went to make breakfast.
　　Half an hour later, Song Zhihuai woke up. After a quick shower, he went to help Chi Yang serve breakfast, asking Meimei as he did so, “Where’s Chi Song?”
　　Meimei looked like she was in a pretty good mood. “Brother’s talking with Mom and Dad right now. Let’s wait until they come out to eat.”
　　Song Zhihuai was very puzzled.
　　They finished placing food on the table. Following the practice of not being allowed to eat before the elders did, Song Zhihuai, Meimei, and Chi Yang waited for another dozen or so minutes before Chi Song and the two elderly came out from the room together.
　　Song Zhihuai noticed that Chi Song’s eyes looked red, like he had been crying. He looked like a little white rabbit.
　　His heart suddenly shook violently. Had he been scolded?

　　Mother Chi also looked like she had just cried, but her aura was as strong and imposing as usual.
　　She stuffed the phone in Chi Yang’s hands and said, “I couldn’t have been more angry just now. I told a person who was cursing Henry to comment on other people’s business less, and he actually dared to curse me. Here’s the phone, curse him for me.”
　　Chi Yang said very innocently, “I don’t know how to curse people, though.”
　　Mother Chi grumbled, “What was the use of me giving birth to you then?”
　　Chi Yang, who had just been given an earful, looked up at Chi Song.
　　Mother Chi sensed his intentions. “Don’t look at your brother. He doesn’t know how to curse others at all.”

　　Song Zhihuai used his eyes to ask Chi Song whether anything was wrong. Chi Song shook his head. There was even a look of joy in his slightly red and swollen eyes that Song Zhihuai couldn’t understand.
　　All of these amorous glances naturally fell into Mother Chi’s eyes.
　　Her eyebrows furrowed, and she turned to Song Zhihuai. “Zhihuai, do you know how to curse people?”
　　This was the first time that his name had been called so intimately. Song Zhihuai trembled once, but he answered, “…I can try?”
　　Mother Chi finally showed him a satisfied smile. “Eat, eat. After you finish breakfast, I’ll leave it to you.”

　　Although he didn’t know what happened exactly, Song Zhihuai instinctively realized that it was a good thing.
　　Everyone took their seats. Song Zhihuai sat down directly across from Chi Song.
　　After a while, Song Zhihuai felt, from across the table, Chi Song’s foot lightly covering his instep as he massaged his toes with his own, with a little playfulness.
　　Those soft toes were quickly captured and brought to justice. Song Zhihuai turned from passive to active, and immediately started to tickle Chi Song’s warm foot.
　　Cupping their rice bowls, they smiled at each other through the steaming heat of their food.

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Translator’s Note: Aww, Mother Chi… I’m so happy for you ❤

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I'm Afraid I'm Now a Salted Fish

I’m Afraid I’m Now a Salted Fish Chapter 43

LiLi041

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Translator: LiLi041

Editor: Aji

Chapter 43: Public Proposal

　　The first time Chi Song called Brother Harry, he got a busy tone.
　　Heart aflame with anxiety, he waited for five minutes before calling again, only to find that the other had already turned off his phone.
　　Bai Zhirong also seemed to have vanished off the face of the earth. He couldn’t contact him at all.
　　The rims of Chi Song’s reddened with worry and his teeth started chattering. He could only incessantly scroll through the comments on Weibo.
　　In the comments, there were already many intense quarrels. Some people scolded the paparazzi, while others scolded Brother Harry.

　　“Damn homos, how disgusting. All the homos should just get out of the entertainment circle.”
　　“Are you saying homosexuals are disgusting because your mom was left by one?”
　　“The things that the rich get up to, smh.”
　　“Brother Harry’s 10-year-long hardcore fan congratulates Brother Harry on finding a partner!!”
　　“No wonder Brother Harry hasn’t found a Mrs. Harry in all these years, so this is why?”
　　“Isn’t this most likely just hype? Isn’t the second season of that “Brilliant Starlight” or something show about to air? Don’t worry, I won’t watch that kind of brainless idol drama no matter how much hype there is.”
　　“This Hong Kong star’s been past his time for 800 years already. He can only use these kinds of vulgar scandals and grandstanding to get attention.”
　　“The melon-seed-eating crowd has rushed over to the scene at top speed, and are already furiously fighting over this year’s first mouthful of melon seeds!”
　　“I’ve seen the photos. Isn’t it just two people holding hands as they go into a hotel? From how large the fuss was, I thought that the pictures were of them in bed. Maybe they’re just good friends going out to play?”
　　“They would not return home for New Year’s, and instead choose to go out and play with their good friend? Previous poster, are you stupid?”

　　Chi Yang had long already muted the TV.
　　A comedic scene was being acted out on the TV. The person in charge of playing the fool said something, their facial expression extremely exaggerated, causing the entire audience in the TV to silently laugh uproariously. However, the three people sitting in front of the TV had all sunk into a deep silence.
　　Song Zhihuai slung an arm over Chi Song’s shoulders and pulled him closer to himself. “Lean on me.”
　　Chi Song obediently leaned on Song Zhihuai, and asked, “Will they be okay?”
　　Song Zhihuai couldn’t give him a reply.
　　Chi Yang, who had never been in the entertainment industry and didn’t know about how harsh it was, comforted, “They will be fine, brother. Don’t worry.”
　　Just then, Chi Song’s phone vibrated.
　　Chi Song looked down, and his spirits rose.
　　It was a message from Bai Zhirong.

　　Bai Zhirong had written, “Chi Song, don’t call me. My phone is about to blow up. I’ve already blacklisted all my phone contacts.”
　　Chi Song jumped up and replied, his fingers going tap, tap, tap on the screen. “How are you doing? How were you photographed?”
　　Bai Zhirong was silent for a while before replying, “There was a problem on Xuming’s side.”
　　Brother Harry’s real name was Wen Xuming. Chi Song had to think for a bit before figuring out who “Xuming’ referred to.
　　Bai Zhirong said, “I went out with him last night. These photos were from last night. Xuming already returned to Hong Kong earlier today. He explained the situation to me just a little while ago- his agent secretly tracked him using his phone’s location, and sold the location of Xuming’s and my date to the paparazzi.”
　　Chi Song was shocked, “He didn’t discuss this with Brother Harry beforehand?”
　　Bai Zhirong smiled bitterly, “Chi Song, you have Song Zhihuai to protect you, so you might not understand this. In this circle, there are some agents who will act on their own initiatives. The only thing they care about is whether the artists under them are famous or not; they don’t care whether it’s good fame or bad fame. The only thing they’re afraid of is their artists not getting talked about enough.”

　　While Chi Song conversed with Bai Zhirong, Song Zhihuai walked out onto the Chi family’s small balcony.
　　He fiddled with the potted pomegranate’s flowers and leaves as he dialed the number of Nebula Entertainment’s public relations department head.
　　He got straight to the point as he asked, “Where are you?”
　　Song Zhihuai could already imagine the other’s bereaved expression through the phone as he said, “Boss, just tell me straight if you want me to work overtime.”
　　Song Zhihuai said, “Have you seen the news about Wen Xuming?”
　　The department head answered, feeling aggrieved, “Boss, Wen Xuming doesn’t work for our company.”
　　Song Zhihuai said, “I will pay you three times the overtime rate, plus 10 days of annual leave. Gather a few of your staff, buy a few marketing accounts with more than 1 million followers, and steer the news in a good direction. All the expenses will be paid for by my personal account.”
　　When the department head heard this, he became curious. “Is Wen Xuming your friend? You’re going to this extent to help him?”
　　Song Zhihuai thought, what friend? Brother Harry was Chi Song’s friend, so naturally, he should do his duty to help.

　　Inside the house.
　　Chi Song couldn’t respond for a while. Then, he asked, “How is Brother Harry planning on taking care of this?”
　　Bai Zhirong’s response was succinct. “I can’t contact him.”
　　Chi Song asked, “He won’t even pick up your calls?”
　　Bai Zhirong made a noise of agreement.
　　Chi Song had a bad premonition.
　　He had been friends with Brother Harry for so many years. Though Brother Harry was tough on the outside and soft on the inside, he was always able to think of an idea at the critical moments. Him being unresponsive now might mean that he was thinking about creating some big news.
　　Of course, Chi Song wouldn’t show off his knowledge of Brother Harry in front of Bai Zhirong for no reason, so he could only say a few comforting words, like ‘everything will be fine,’ ‘these are just groundless accusations,’ and ‘this won’t affect your careers.’
　　But when Chi Song said this, even he felt that he was being falsely chipper.
　　Bai Zhirong’s career would be fine, but Brother Harry…

　　After Chi Song sent out those words of comfort, Bai Zhirong didn’t reply for a long time.
　　Chi Song squeezed his phone tightly. He couldn’t really describe what exactly he was feeling right now.
　　Chi Yang shot a worried glance towards Song Zhihuai, who had just returned from the balcony.
　　Song Zhihuai understood, and kneaded the tense muscles in Chi Song’s shoulders. “Chi Song, let’s go. We should sleep now.”

　　Mother Chi had attentively changed the single bed in Chi Song’s room to a double bed.
　　Chi Song couldn’t fall asleep. He tossed and turned, like a pancake being flipped in the pan.
　　He only settled down after Song Zhihuai hugged him from behind.
　　Song Zhihuai pressed a light kiss to his ear and said, “Don’t worry, don’t be scared, that won’t happen to us.”
　　Chi Song murmured, “Many of Brother Harry’s fans are scolding him, calling him a disgusting homo, and saying that all that time they spent chasing after him was for nothing, and that he has let them down… but Brother Harry also has his own life, and he’s been alone for so many years…”
　　Song Zhihuai covered Chi Song’s mouth, “Hush, hush. Enough, don’t think about it so much.”
　　Chi Song curled up in Song Zhihuai’s arms. His next words were very vague, and Song Zhihuai didn’t even know who they were directed at, “We aren’t that evil, really… I simply like him, and he just happens to be a man.”
　　Song Zhihuai’s heart ached. He kissed Chi Song gently and comfortingly, “Alright, let’s sleep…”
　　As soon as his words fell, Song Zhihuai’s phone rang.
　　He picked up the phone. Nebula Entertainment’s public relations department head’s excitement and astonishment practically oozed out from the other side, “…Boss, quick, look at Weibo!”
　　Chi Song also turned over and sat up. He asked, “What happened?”
　　Song Zhihuai faithfully conveyed his wife’s question, “…What happened?”
　　The department head said excitedly, “He’s out, he’s really out!”
　　Song Zhihuai asked, “…Who’s out?”
　　The department head said, “Brother Harry’s out of the closet! Just thirty seconds ago, Harry opened Weibo and posted a message saying he’s gay!”

　　Rewind to thirty seconds ago.
　　Bai Zhirong hadn’t replied to Chi Song because he had gotten a call from Brother Harry’s personal phone.
　　On the other end, Brother Harry’s tone was as calm and gentle as every other time he contacted him.
　　However, this time, he said, “Bai Zhirong, let’s get engaged.”
　　At first, Bai Zhirong wanted to say, “have you gone crazy?” But the words hadn’t passed his lips yet when he felt a wave of sweetness rush over him, turning his limbs soft.
　　Brother Harry apologized, “I know, it’s better to ask this sort of stuff in person, but I couldn’t wait any longer.”
　　Bai Zhirong said with difficulty, “…Where are you?”
　　Brother Harry said, “I’m at the airport. I already have the ring with me, and I’m getting ready to go find you right now.”
　　Bai Zhirong said, “You silly fool. You’ve thought it through?”
　　Brother Harry said, “I have.”
　　Bai Zhirong wanted to cry and laugh at the same time. “…We’ve only known each other for four months…”
　　Brother Harry said, “I’m 36 this year. I’m already old enough, and I don’t have any more time to waste. I love you, so please consider accepting me.”

　　And thirty minutes later, Bai Zhirong gave his response.
　　After Brother Harry heard, he used his newly registered Weibo account to clumsily send out his first ever Weibo post.

　　Wen Xuming: Hello everyone, I am Harry. In this post, I want to apologize to my company, my fans, and the crew of “Brilliant Starlight’s” second season, for causing you all so much trouble. I am extremely sorry, and am willing to take full responsibility. What I want to say now is that I met my true love. He is different from me in countless ways, but he has the same gender as me. I love him, and that’s just how it is.

　　After he sent this post, Brother Harry brought out the few things he had taken with him and spread them out onto the table in the VIP lounge. Then, he snapped a picture.
　　His agent called, but Brother Harry calmly rejected it and continued to take pictures.
　　In less than 10 minutes, the post by this (v)-less Weibo account had been reposted over ten thousand times.
　　Below the post, there were all sorts of exclamations, insults, blessings, and doubts.
　　Most of the skeptics suspected that this wasn’t actually Brother Harry, and that it was just a throw-away side account of someone who wanted to entertain the masses.

　　However, these skeptics were quickly slapped in the face as this new account sent out post after post.
　　Wen Xuming: These are my real estate certificates. I have four properties under my name, one in Vancouver, two in Hong Kong, and one in the capital. Whichever one you like, I will add your name on it. Any of them are fine.
　　Below that, he posted four pictures of real estate certificates. The certificate information was all blurred out, but under the head of the household title, the name written was clearly “Wen Xuming.”

　　Wen Xuming: I have three cars, but I don’t like to drive very much. From now on, you can drive the cars, I’ll just sit in the passenger’s seat.
　　Wen Xuming: If you don’t like the decoration in the houses, you can change them however you want. We can discuss it together.
　　 Wen Xuming: I don’t like to smoke, play cards, or gamble. I occasionally drink a little alcohol, and most of my money is spent on fitness. Other than that, I don’t have any other hobbies, so over the years, I’ve saved up a lot of money. You can be in charge of all the money from now on.
　　 Wen Xuming: I love you. @Designer Bai Zhirong

　　After the last message, he posted a picture of the engagement ring that he had bought a long time ago.

　　Soon after, Bai Zhirong called.
　　His voice was very soft, “…What did you send all that for?”
　　Brother Harry said honestly, “I want to let them all see some PDA.”
　　Bai Zhirong smiled, and said, “You big fool.”

　　About five minutes later, Designer Bai Zhirong sent out a message, replying to Brother Harry’s confession.
　　Designer Bai Zhirong (v): “What a coincidence, I love you too.”

　　Brother Harry smiled from the bottom of his heart.
　　At this time, his agent called him for the 95th time.
　　Brother Harry finally picked up.
　　On the other end, the agent had already gone half mad. “Harry, have you gone crazy?! What the heck are you posting?”
　　Brother Harry calmly said, “I’m posting the big news you wanted me to.”
　　The agent gritted his teeth, “Harry, this isn’t the time to get all huffy…”
　　Brother Harry looked outside the airport as fireworks exploded sporadically in the dark sky.
　　Brother Harry said, “I’m not angry. Thank you for making this decision for me. Also, you are fired. I reserve the right to sue you for breaching the contract and selling my private information without permission.”

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Translator’s Note: Go Brother Harry! 😀

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I'm Afraid I'm Now a Salted Fish

I’m Afraid I’m Now a Salted Fish Chapter 42

LiLi041

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Translator: LiLi041

(unedited)

Chapter 42: Coming Out in Public

　　The next day, Chi Song was awakened by the weight of Handsome Song pressing down on him.
　　She laid on Chi Song’s chest with her eyes closed, curled up into a soft, sleeping dango.
　　As soon as Chi Song shifted a bit, Handsome Song woke up.
　　After a big stretch, she slowly padded over with tiny steps. Then, she gave Chi Song a kiss, successfully stealing Chi Song’s first kiss that day from Song Zhihuai.
　　Song Zhihuai had already gotten up. The loud noise of the frying pan being flipped could be heard from the kitchen.
　　The aroma of vinegar potato shreds was causing Chi Song’s mouth to water. He flipped over and got out of bed, running into the kitchen barefoot.

　　While Song Zhihuai stir-fried the potato shreds, he cast a glance at the kitchen door out of the corner of his eye, and saw Chi Song peeking out and glancing around.
　　He smiled slightly and acted like he hadn’t seen anything.
　　Chi Song, who still thought that he hadn’t been discovered, carefully felt his way over before hanging onto Song Zhihuai’s back like a little monkey.
　　To Song Zhihuai, someone who exercised year-round, this bit of weight wasn’t anything worth mentioning. However, he still frowned a little. “How come you’ve gotten thinner?”
　　Chi Song thought that Song Zhihuai was just trying to be romantic, so as he plastered himself to Song Zhihuai’s back, he said, “…Thinner? I haven’t.”
　　Song Zhihuai voiced his evidence. “Last time, when I carried you on my back, you weren’t this light.”

　　Chi Song was ushered onto a scale by Song Zhihuai. The reading on the scale indicated that he had indeed lost four pounds.

　　For this reason, during breakfast, Song Zhihuai gave most of the potato shreds to Chi Song.
　　Deeply worried, he looked at Chi Song and said, “When we go back to see your mom, she’ll definitely say that I haven’t been taking good care of you again and give me a good scolding.”
　　Chi Song looked stunned as he held his bowl. “Are you going back with me?”
　　Song Zhihuai asked back, “Where else would I go?”
　　Chi Song had gotten very busy recently, so he only had these few days of vacation. He definitely didn’t want to waste them.
　　However, he still felt hesitant as he bit his chopsticks. “Are Mom and Dad not coming back from abroad this year for New Year’s?”
　　“Mom and Dad” referred to Song Zhihuai’s parents.
　　Song Zhihuai shook his head. “They’re still in their own world of two abroad. They told my brother and I not to disturb them.”
　　Chi Song looked at the two playing cats. “Handsome Song and Big Loyal…”
　　Song Zhihuai said, “I’ll call people over to feed them. If you’re still worried, we can take them back with us.”
　　They had just settled the matter of them going back to his house. Chi Song hadn’t even had the time to notify his parents when his phone rang.
　　When he saw the name of the caller, Chi Song choked on his mouthful of potato shreds.
　　While he swallowed with difficulty, he gestured at Song Zhihuai. “…It’s my mom.”

　　Chi Song picked up the phone and said very cautiously, “…Mom.”
　　As he answered the call, he kept looking at Song Zhihuai from the corner of his eyes, very carefully.
　　When Song Zhihuai noticed the subtle changes in Chi Song’s expression, he felt his heart ache for Chi Song.
　　…If Chi Song hadn’t been with him, when Chi Song answered his mother’s call, he definitely wouldn’t have this kind of expression.
　　Thinking of this, Song Zhihuai sat down next to Chi Song and stretched out a hand, covering his palm.

　　Mother Chi asked perceptively, “Is Song Zhihuai next to you?”
　　Chi Song was like a bunny who puffed up its fur in an attempt to seem strong and unruffled. He tightened his jaw. “…Yes, he is.”
　　Mother Chi immediately felt a wave of disappointment. “…I thought so. You were talking like you were a thief.”
　　Little Thief Chi Song immediately straightened up a little. “…”
　　Mother Chi asked, “Last time, you said your vacation this year would only last until the second day after New Year’s, right?”
　　Chi Song replied honestly, “Yeah.”
　　Mother Chi inquired especially severely, “Your father told me to ask you whose family you would be spending the New Year with.”
　　Chi Song was taken aback, “…Huh?”
　　Mother Chi said, “What ‘huh’? Have you met Song Zhihuai’s parents yet?”
　　Chi Song started rolling up the tablecloth using his index finger as he stammered, “…I have.”

　　More than two years ago, just as Chi Song and Song Zhihuai had established a relationship, Song Zhihuai’s parents returned from abroad.
　　Song Zhihuai took him to meet with Song’s parents in the private restaurant opened by the Song family.
　　Chi Song was extremely nervous. Luckily, not only was Aunt Song gentle, she also had a good impression of him. As soon as she saw him, she placed some food into his bowl. She didn’t mind even when Chi Song refused, and instead just stuffed a big red packet into his hands.
　　According to Aunt Song, her son had a good eye for people. If he wasn’t sure that his lover was someone he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, he would never bring them in front of his parents. Hearing this, the tips of Chi Song’s ears turned red.
　　However, the Song family’s values were still pretty old-fashioned. When Uncle Song had first learned of his son being gay, he had sternly forbid him from seeking out those pretty but brainless little celebrities.
　　When he found out that Chi Song was an unknown little classic actor in the entertainment circle, Uncle Song felt very dissatisfied. For the first half of the meal, his face was set into an unforgiving, severe expression. It made Chi Song’s heart tremble.
　　Halfway through the meal, Uncle Song probably wanted to make Chi Song look bad, so he asked, seemingly casually, “How much do you know about Brecht’s epic theater theory?”
　　Chi Song replied timidly, “I’ve only read “Buying Brass” and “Alienation Effects in Chinese Acting” and wrote a thesis on them. I don’t really know much.”
　　Uncle Song: “…”
　　Song Zhihuai immediately made a “See, isn’t my wife amazing?” expression.
　　Uncle Song shot a subtle look at his son before turning to Chi Song and asking, “Then, just tell me what you know.”
　　He thought that Chi Song was one of those people in the entertainment circle who just liked to show off their knowledge, and even dared to declare that they had a deep knowledge of these theory books just because they were able to recite the book title.
　　He hadn’t thought that Chi Song was actually able to discuss the plot and theater techniques in “The Good Person of Szechwan” and “The Caucasian Chalk Circle” with him.
　　After the meal, Uncle Song concisely expressed his fondness for Chi Song, “…Excellent, let’s talk again next time.”

　　Mother Chi asked, “Were his parents nice to you?”
　　Of course, Chi Song had to put in some good words for them. “Song Zhihuai’s father is very knowledgeable, and his mother gave me a really big red packet.”
　　…It was so big that he didn’t even dare to spend it. He could only deposit it into his bank account to collect interest.
　　Mother Chi was silent for a moment. “Does this mean that you plan on spending Chinese New Year’s with the Song family?”
　　Chi Song immediately seized the opportunity and started to act like a spoiled child. “How could that be? Of course I’m going to spend New Year’s with Mom, Dad, and Little Yang.”
　　Mother Chi was obviously relieved. “You still have a conscience. …Right, how much money was in the red packet Song Zhihuai’s mother gave you?”
　　Chi Song didn’t respond for a while. “Why… are you asking this?”
　　Mother Chi decided to just mind her own business. “You’re right, there’s no need for me to ask this. …You should come back with him for New Year’s. After that, on the thirtieth and first, you two can go pay his parents a New Year’s visit.”
　　Chi Song’s mind finally settled down. He was so happy, he wanted to just fly up on the spot. “…Okay!”
　　Mother Chi said sourly, “Are you really happy? How come when you picked up the phone just now, you weren’t in this mood?”
　　Chi Song hurriedly defended himself. “No, no, Mom, I love you the most! I’ve already bought the train tickets, so I’ll arrive home tonight.”
　　Mother Chi complained with satisfaction, “…Don’t flatter me so much.”

　　After she hung up, Father Chi put down his newspaper and hurriedly asked, “Is Little Song coming home for New Year’s this year?”
　　Mother Chi purposely made a sullen expression and said, “Yes, and he’s bringing Song Zhihuai.”
　　As soon as he heard that Chi Song was coming back home, Father Chi became happy. “Look at you, always scaring the child. This past half year, Chi Song didn’t even dare to come home..”
　　Mother Chi snorted, “Are you blaming me?”
　　A wailing sound came from the baby’s room. Mother Chi immediately got up and took the child into her arms to comfort him.
　　Father Chi asked, “Did Little Song tell you how much money was in the red packet the Song family gave him during their first meeting?”
　　Mother Chi didn’t even look up from the baby. “Who cares? We should just mind our own business. I’m planning on giving Song Zhihuai ten thousand and one yuan, to represent him being ‘the special one in ten thousand’.”
　　After she said this, Mother Chi said with remorse, “…We’ve really cheaped out on him this time.”

　　On the other end, Chi Song was so excited he stopped eating and ran around the whole house. Then, he repeated what Mother Chi had told him over the phone to Song Zhihuai.
　　Chi Song’s phone’s signal wasn’t very good, so Song Zhihuai had long already heard the two’s conversation crystal clear. However, he still listened to Chi Song repeat everything patiently.
　　After he finished, Song Zhihuai took Chi Song, who was still running around in excitement, and pressed him onto lap and smoothed his hair. “Your parents have finally come around.”
　　Chi Song turned around, and looked at Song Zhihuai very seriously. He said, “They haven’t just come around. My family will like you.” Then, he added, “…As long as they get to know you, everyone will like you.”

　　Song Zhihuai chuckled.
　　Chi Song was probably the only person in the whole world who would be so certain that “everyone would like Song Zhihuai.”
　　No one can be money itself, but as long as he thought about how there was a little fanboy who would foolishly think that his lover would be liked by the whole, wide world, Song Zhihuai’s heart would quickly start to melt.
　　He took off his gold-rimmed glasses, and gently kissed Chi Song’s neck. “…Chi Song, let’s go home.”

　　The third time Song Zhihuai went to Chi Song’s hometown, he was finally able to openly walk into the Chi family’s home, carrying a big bag and a small bag, with the identity of their son-in-law.
　　Chi Song pulled at the sleeve of Song Zhihuai’s suit. With both excitement and shyness, he said, “Mom, Dad, let me officially give you guys an introduction. This is Song Zhihuai.”
　　According to Song Zhihuai’s observations last time, he bought tea and American ginseng for Father Chi, and a set of gold jewelry for Mother Chi. He also bought the old couple each a Fitbit.
　　Of course, he also brought a toy for his little nephew.
　　After all was said and done, Mother Chi still loved her son dearly. She didn’t nitpick at Song Zhihuai, and for the New Year’s Eve dinner, she even specially asked Song Zhihuai which dishes he liked the most.
　　Handsome Song and Big Loyal Li also returned home with the two.
　　Handsome Song wasn’t afraid of the growing crowd. She peacefully curled herself on Chi Song’s knees and licked her claws, while Big Loyal Li habitually went to his windowsill, where he could gaze over the city ablaze with flickering lights that was his vast territory.

　　Chi Song is filled with happiness.
　　 This is the first Chinese New Year together after Chi Song and Song Zhihuai are together. Chi Song’s eyes always follow Song Zhihuai greedily, and he sneaks his fingers under the table with him, and he can’t see enough.
　　 Chi Yang could see that Chi Song’s undisguised love look towards Song Zhihuai, and coughed several times to remind his brother not to be so explicit.

　　At the dinner table, the family clinked glasses happily, as the opening song of the New Year’s Gala played cheerfully from the TV behind them.
　　Chi Song was filled with happiness.
　　This was the first New Year that Chi Song and Song Zhihuai spent together. Chi Song’s eyes were glued to Song Zhihuai the whole time, and he sneakily hooked their fingers together under the table. No matter what, his eyes couldn’t get enough of Song Zhihuai.
　　Chi Yang had seen Chi Song’s gaze towards Song Zhihuai, which was filled with a deep, undisguised love, and he coughed several times to remind his brother not to be so explicit.

　　Father Chi and Mother Chi were already too old to stay up until midnight, so they went to sleep early.
　　Meimei had gone to coax the child and had also already fallen asleep.
　　The moment twelve o’ clock struck, there were only three people left in the living room: Chi Yang, Chi Song, and Song Zhihuai.
　　Chi Yang habitually spread his arms to hug his brother. “Big brother, Happy New…”
　　While he was starting to talk, Song Zhihuai and Chi Song had already gotten together and started kissing.
　　Chi Song quietly said, “Zhihuai, Happy New Year.”
　　Song Zhihuai smiled back and said, “Happy New Year.”
　　Chi Yang desolately stood in place, feeling like he had been abandoned by the whole world.

　　However, this warm and sweet atmosphere didn’t even last two full minutes.
　　With a wronged expression, Chi Yang took out his phone, planning to respond to the flood of New Year’s greetings from his colleagues and old classmates.
　　He had been scrolling through Weibo right before he turned off his phone last, so after he unlocked his phone, what popped up was the hot search ranking list.
　　With only a glance, Chi Yang saw the big “explosive” label at the top of the list.
　　After he took another glance at the hot search content, Chi Yang couldn’t care about etiquette anymore and hurriedly shoved his phone in front of Chi Song, “…Brother, look!”
　　Chi Song stared at it. He was starting to hear a buzzing noise in his ears.
　　——“A Certain Famous Actor is Suspected to Come Out of the Closet.”

　　Chi Song speedily opened the hot search, and found that the pictures that the paparazzi had taken of the back view of two figures holding hands weren’t of him and Song Zhihuai. He hadn’t even had time to release a sigh of relief when his expression became even uglier.
　　…Wait a second.
　　…The main stars of the show here seemed to be Brother Harry and… Bai Zhirong?

Author’s Note: I didn’t write about the Valentine’s Day gift Chief Song prepared for Song Song, but he did secretly gift Song Song something! He gave Song Song a share of an insurance company! 

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Translator’s Note: LOL wait I’m so dumb lol I miscounted
I guess I had an extra one laying around here all along lol

Also poor Chi Yang!! XD

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I'm Afraid I'm Now a Salted Fish

I’m Afraid I’m Now a Salted Fish Chapter 41

LiLi041

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Translator: LiLi041

Editor: Aji

Chapter 41: Tiny Conflict

　　…This circle really was just naturally full of shous, wasn’t it?
　　Within a few seconds, Chi Song’s bad premonition quickly came true.
　　Qian Qi flirtatiously bit Chi Song’s ear. “Chi Song, I can tell that you don’t hate the idea of being with other men… Your relationship with Li Qiuli is so good. Do you know how jealous I was…”
　　Chi Song looked like he had nothing left to live for. “Let go of me, I’ll explain everything to you slowly.”
　　Qian Qi’s grip was tight as he held Chi Song in his embrace. Chi Song was afraid after he explained that he already had a boyfriend, Qian Qi might get so emotional that Chi Song would be strangled on the spot.

　　Qian Qi was not on the same wavelength as Chi Song at all.
　　From his point of view, the fact that Chi Song hadn’t slapped him and called him a pervert was already a great act of tolerance.
　　Didn’t this prove that he was right?
　　That Chi Song really was someone in this circle?
　　He’d gone to gay bars for many years already. He was very clear on who in the circle could really play around.
　　He heard that there was a man called Liu Che, who was the only son of the boss of some conglomerate. After he returned from studying in the UK, which was known for its decadent attitude towards homosexuals, he turned from a prodigal son who had a burning passion for big-breasted beauties to a huge collector of male idols. Qian Qi attentively made inquiries, and found that Liu Che and Chi Song had gone to the same university. In fact, they were even roommates.
　　Qian Qi heard a story from some others in their circle while they were drinking, with his own ears: Once, when Liu Che was drunk, he had called out Chi Song’s name while he embraced a delicate, pretty-looking friend.
　　Although Liu Che strongly denied it afterwards, this story still spread all the way to Qian Qi’s ears.

　　Before hugging Chi Song, Qian Qi hadn’t dared to believe that he was also a kindred spirit. But after hugging him, the wondrous feeling that came from finding someone like him caused the flower in Qian Qi’s heart to blossom.
　　He continued his affectionate confession. “Chi Song, won’t you try going out with me?”
　　Chi Song said helplessly, “…Let go.”
　　Qian Qi, who was intoxicated by the little pink cloud of love, still wasn’t able to tell the implication behind Chi Song’s words. “No. Since I’ve hugged you, I won’t let go for the rest of my life.”
　　Chi Song took a deep breath, gritted his teeth, and resolutely stomped on Qian Qi’s foot.

　　With a pained-filled screech, Qian Qi finally let go of the hand that he had just sworn to not let go of for the rest of his life.

　　About five minutes later, Qian Qi’s pink little dreamland was ruthlessly torn to pieces by two facts.
　　…First, his secret crush of many years already had a steady boyfriend.
　　…Second, his secret crush of many years, who could push him down and beat him up when he was little, who he had always seen to be a gentle and considerate top, was actually a frickin’ shou.

　　Qian Qi cried like a little girl.
　　Qian Qi’s face was truly at an earth-shattering level of beauty. Although the tip of his nose was a little bulbous, his overall foundation was outstanding. His face was one that would make a girl’s heart pound and start sprouting with love after a second glance.
　　And this tear-stained, beautiful face stabbed into face-con Chi Song, making him feel a twinge of guilt.
　　He handed over a tissue. “Alright, stop crying now.”
　　Qian Qi sniffled aggrievedly and said, “I can’t, I don’t feel well.”
　　There was a mirror hanging on the wall next to the bed. Chi Song looked up, saw their reflection in the mirror, and thought that this situation was really quite mystifying.
　　The one whose room had been forcefully broken into about fifteen minutes ago was Chi Song. When he saw Qian Qi with a threatening look, looking like he was here to overcomplicate things and vent his anger, Chi Song had instantly worried that they would be enacting a violent rape scene from a GV.
　　But now, Qian Qi was crying like he was the one who’d been topped.
　　Once again, he had to use the sentence: the ups and downs of life were just too stimulating.

　　Chi Song said apologetically, “See, I really can’t satisfy you. I’m sorry.”
　　Qian Qi wiped his eyes. “Have you tried being the one on top before?”
　　Chi Song was speechless for a while.
　　Qian Qi immediately saw a bright little spark of hope. “You haven’t tried it yet, right? You can try it out on me…”
　　As soon as Chi Song realized that the conversation was veering off course, he immediately snuffed out that little spark. “No thanks, my husband and I get along really well.”
　　Qian Qi’s eyes were about to water again. Chi Song could suddenly feel a headache coming on. “Really, stop crying.”
　　Qian Qi: “…I want to cry.”
　　Chi Song showed a despairing expression. “If you keep crying, I can only cry with you.”

　　However, his threats were of no use. Qian Qi’s hopes and dreams had been shattered, and he was unable to control himself in his grief. His tears kept flowing intermittently for the next three hours.
　　Chi Song wasn’t actually able to cry with him, so he could only try to comfort him from the side. He couldn’t even play games on his phone during this time. It was a very painful period of time.
　　Finally, right before Qian Qi’s manager blew up his phone with all the incoming calls, Qian Qi finally relinquished his prided stubbornness and got up to leave as he sobbed.
　　When Chi Song half pushed, half hurried him out the door, both of Qian Qi’s eyes were swollen like peaches.
　　All the crying caused Chi Song to have auditory hallucinations. After Qian Qi left, he laid down on his bed, but he could still faintly hear Qian Qi’s aggrieved sobs.
　　However, after being enlightened by Qian Qi, his imagination conjured up a scene where he and Mr. Song would be doing bedroom activities. His imagination was going into overdrive.
　　He rolled over on his bed, grabbed his phone, and contacted Song Zhihuai.

　　Song Zhihuai answered in seconds. “Wife? Have you already finished all your events for today?”
　　Chi Song’s voice softened by the minute. “Yep.”
　　Song Zhihuai asked, “Was it tiring?”
　　Chi Song replied, “No.”
　　…The events didn’t tire him out, but dealing with all these emotions did.
　　Though he felt emotionally drained even now, Chi Song still shared his grand idea with Song Zhihuai.
　　Of course, he hid his source of inspiration.

　　They had already been together for over two years, so Chi Song thought that he already knew Song Zhihuai very well.
　　He was a bit of a male chauvinist, but at the same time, he was very petty. No matter how crappy Chi Song’s shows were, Song Zhihuai would watch them all from beginning to end, with only one exception: every single time Chi Song was in a kiss scene or romance scene, he would skip without a doubt.
　　This was displayed especially well when he watched the first season of “Brilliant Starlight” with Chi Song. As soon as he reached an affection scene between either Chi Song and the female lead, or him and Brother Harry, he would start skipping through the scenes as fast as lightning.
　　Chi Song had even stopped him once then. “Hey hey, there’s no more kissing here.”
　　Song Zhihuai’s expression was cold. “It doesn’t matter even if there’s no kissing. I can’t watch this, or I’ll get angry.”

　　From this, Chi Song could tell that if Song Zhihuai were to know that someone in the entertainment circle harbored affection for him, he would explode. Therefore, it was better for him to not know.

　　After Song Zhihuai finished listening to Chi Song’s idea, he felt slightly incredulous. “You want to be on top?”
　　Chi Song felt quite embarrassed, “Yeah.”
　　Song Zhihuai laughed uproariously. “A little toy poodle wants to be on top?”
　　Chi Song: “…”
　　He looked down at his legs, and then thought about Song Zhihuai’s long legs, and felt that his ego had been dealt a great blow.
　　When Song Zhihuai heard Chi Song go silent, he stopped laughing. “Were you serious about this?”
　　Being called a toy poodle hurt Chi Song’s feelings pretty deeply. “…It doesn’t matter, just forget about it.”
　　Song Zhihuai said, “Wife? Don’t be angry, I was just joking with you.”
　　Chi Song said angrily, “I’m not angry.”
　　He immediately realized that his tone was rather harsh, so he apologized to Song Zhihuai. “Sorry, I’m just a bit tired today…”
　　This was actually Song Zhihuai’s first time facing Chi Song throwing a temper tantrum. He only felt that this was quite novel and cute. “What’s wrong? If you feel too tired, I can come see you.”
　　Chi Song sprawled on his bed and buried his face in his pillow. He said in a muffled voice, “Nothing’s wrong. I’ll be returning home tomorrow.”

　　The emotional roller coaster today seemed to have put his mood all out of sorts.
　　He hastily hung up before laying down spread-eagled on his bed. He missed the days he spent with the cast and crew like never before.

　　Oh, please just give him a role to act. He was going to die without work.
　　Once he started working, he wouldn’t have to worry so much anymore.

　　The next day, he took part in another local event. This time, it was an interview meant to generate more publicity for a local university.
　　After that was done, his days of running everywhere, making announcements, would finally come to an end.
　　This was completely different from his salted fish way of life before. Even after over a month of nonstop hard work, Zhou Yaming still only gave him a measly six and a half vacation days.
　　These six and a half days included Valentine’s Day, Chinese New Year, and New Year’s Eve. In other words, the second day after New Year’s, Chi Song would have to come back to film advertisements and host his first ever fan meeting.

　　Chi Song was racing against time. He returned to the Song Residence as soon as his plane landed. He didn’t even unpack his luggage before he put on an apron and started making his long-awaited Valentine’s Day chocolate flowers.
　　After he finished making the chocolate flowers, he felt very tired and his eyes were sore, but he still forced himself to get up and get some ice bags from the freezer. Then, he placed the carefully packaged chocolate flowers and ice bags on the living room table before burrowing into the big bed and slipping into a comfortable sleep.

　　As soon as Song Zhihuai returned home and opened the door, he received an onslaught of sweetness.
　　Soon after, he caught a little wife, whose cheeks were still rosy from sleep, in the bedroom.
　　On his left was Big Loyal, and on his right was Handsome Song. The two rather heavy cats took up all the remaining space, leaving none for Song Zhihuai.

　　With one hand carrying each, Song Zhihuai put the two cats down on the floor. Then, like a cuckoo occupying a magpie’s nest, Song Zhihuai laid down next to Chi Song.
　　He didn’t try to tease Chi Song. He simply quietly watched him sleep.
　　For some mysterious reason, as soon as Song Zhihuai got on the bed, Chi Song started to dream. In his dream, Song Zhihuai was there, being especially romantic.
　　He dazedly rested his head on Song Zhihuai’s shoulder in his dream. Except, with this movement, his head was actually now resting on something warm.
　　Chi Song opened his eyes and saw Song Zhihuai himself. Unwilling to say more than necessary, he hooked his arms around Song Zhihuai’s neck and leaned into his embrace. Then, he softly apologized for his temper tantrum the day before. “…I’m sorry.”
　　Song Zhihuai drew him closer, and asked in surprise, “Why are you apologizing?”
　　Chi Song kissed Song Zhihuai’s face, and apologized sensibly, “I wasn’t in a good mood yesterday. I wasn’t mad at you.”
　　Song Zhihuai turned Chi Song around to face him, and said earnestly, “Even so, since you’ve brought up this topic, I should discuss this with you.”
　　Chi Song lowered his head uncomfortably.
　　Song Zhihuai asked, “Are you uncomfortable being with me?”
　　Chi Song: “…Huh?”
　　Song Zhihuai pinched his cheeks, and said sternly, “If you really don’t like it, we… we can switch positions.”
　　Chi Song was startled.
　　He remembered that Song Zhihuai seemed to have broken up with his first love over a disagreement over positions.

　　Chi Song stuttered, “No, it’s not- it’s not like this. I…”
　　Song Zhihuai said, “I thought about it all night. You’re also a man. It’s very normal for you to request this. I’m your husband, so shouldn’t I try to accommodate you?”
　　Chi Song looped his arms around Song Zhihuai’s neck, and said quietly, “But in the past, didn’t you…”
　　Song Zhihuai kissed his lips in exasperation. “You’re different from him. I’m happy to do this with you.”

　　Chi Song felt his eyes starting to tear up.
　　“I was just bringing it up casually.” In order to hide how moved he was feeling, Chi Song hugged Song Zhihuai tight. He bit his ear, and said quietly, “Every time you’re on time, it’s really, really comfortable. Really.”
　　Song Zhihuai didn’t say anything more.　　
　　Chi Song cried very late into the night that day. From outside, Big Loyal Li diligently scratched at the door during the middle of the night, while Handsome Song jumped onto the table and padded over, gracefully going around the chocolate flowers that Chi Song had made for Song Zhihuai.
　　The scent of chocolate wafted through the whole house.

Author’s Note: Song Song caused a tiny bit of trouble… I hope that he won’t be disliked by anyone QWQ I’ll just secretly say this in passing, today, Song Song and Chief Song unlocked a new posture, it’s that 69 (/ω＼)

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Translator’s Note: Translator’s Note: Aaand second male lead exits the scene. Fastest entry and exit by any second male lead ever, perhaps? XD

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I'm Afraid I'm Now a Salted Fish

I’m Afraid I’m Now a Salted Fish Chapter 40

LiLi041

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Translator: LiLi041

Editor: Aji

Chapter 40: I Am A Shou

　　In the face of this “mysterious guest”, Chi Song put on a “completely dumbfounded expression,” immediately settling right into the act.
　　Qian Qi, who had played the role of a domineering CEO countless times before, easily took a step forward, reducing the safe distance that had existed between the two into a mere dozen centimeters. “What, you don’t recognize me anymore?”
　　Qian Qi was half a head taller than Chi Song, so his aura was very overwhelming.
　　A few seconds later, Chi Song broke out of his daze and his brain finally started working again. “Brother Qian Qi? How come you’re here?”
　　Qian Qi smiled. “I’m your fan, you know.”
　　Chi Song showed a very professional smile. “I am too.”
　　After he said this, he took the initiative to shorten the distance between the two, standing on tiptoe to hug Qian Qi.
　　
　　Qian Qi obviously hadn’t expected Chi Song to be so proactive.
　　With this hug, Chi Song discovered that Qian Qi’s shoulder muscles were all stiff. Both his hands were just outstretched stiffly for a good while, before he remembered that he should loop them around Chi Song’s back.
　　
　　Realization suddenly dawned upon Chi Song.
　　This surprise attack by Qian Qi was of the same nature as the commentary on Weibo last time; most likely, it was to generate some male-male CP hype.
　　The reason he didn’t inform Chi Song beforehand was undoubtedly because he wanted to throw off Chi Song’s rhythm.
　　Clearly, Qian Qi wanted to firmly grasp the initiative when generating hype.
　　However, Chi Song didn’t like being led around by the nose by others.
　　…Though if the person leading him around was Mr. Song, Chi Song would gladly accept after some careful deliberations.
　　
　　According to the host, Qian Qi was attending as a special guest. Two years ago, he had also served this green tea brand as an ambassador for a season.
　　Being hugged by Chi Song had affected Qian Qi’s mentality for a few seconds, but after so many years of experience in these kinds of situations, he quickly adjusted his mental state and started chatting cheerfully with the host. He had a precise grasp of boundaries, so he didn’t try to steal Chi Song’s spotlight. He even purposely tossed many good joke opportunities to Chi Song.
　　The atmosphere became hotter and hotter. Finally, under the starry eyes of the fans, the two each held up a goblet filled with green tea and clinked glasses with each other.
　　
　　When the cups clinked together, one of the popular memes on Weibo from a while back suddenly popped up in Chi Song’s mind.
　　“Cheers to our fake plastic sisters friendship.jpg”
　　
　　Qian Qi left as soon as the event ended.
　　Meanwhile, Chi Song put on his coat and walked towards the parking lot under the protection of Liu Shu.
　　Some fans who had failed to enter the event venue were waiting in the parking lot for Chi Song. As soon as they saw him appear, they rushed up in a swarm.
　　
　　Though buying a drink for his fan at the airport last time earned Chi Song the favor of many passersby and the title “A Hotshot Who Pampered His Fans,” Zhou Yaming reminded Chi Song afterwards that barring any mishaps, his fans would only grow more and more in number. If he bought lemon tea for his fan this time, would he have to buy an entire milk tea shop for his fans next time?
　　Due to both safety and time concerns, Zhou Yaming asked Chi Song to keep a proper distance from his fans.
　　
　　And so, Chi Song decided to be an aloof idol.
　　Liu Shu slung one arm around Chi Song’s shoulders, while the other was used to politely ward off the swarm of little fans. “Please make way, Chi Song still needs to rush to his next event… Please make way.”
　　This group of fans was pretty understanding. As soon as they heard that Chi Song still had work to do, they immediately dispersed.
　　The unwilling little fans were quietly persuaded to leave by the girls next to them and also stopped fussing. However, their faces still showed clear regret.
　　On the contrary, it was actually Chi Song, who had been acting as an aloof idol for an entire minute already, who was the first to cave.
　　The heater at the event venue was on, making it very warm, but the parking lot was quite chilly, with gusts of wind blowing through. These girls had dressed very warmly, but their cheeks inevitably still started to redden from the cold.
　　He got to his private van, but didn’t hurry to close the door. He bent down, his butt sticking out as he searched around the back seat for a while. Then, he brought out a few boxes of chocolate.
　　Song Zhihuai didn’t like eating most sweets, but there was a type of chocolate called “Tache” that he was willing to eat a few pieces of.
　　This kind of chocolate wasn’t cheap. Although it wasn’t comparable to the champagne truffle chocolate of the same brand, each small piece of chocolate still cost more than 40 yuan.
　　Chi Song had imported several boxes from overseas. Valentine’s Day was coming soon, so he had originally planned to melt them and make them into chocolate flowers for Song Zhihuai.
　　His heart ached so much he couldn’t bear to continue watching. With his eyes half shut, he handed a box of chocolate to Liu Shu and said, “Here, pass these out.”
　　Liu Shu said disapprovingly, “Sister Yaming said…”
　　”They waited for me for so long and became this frozen. If they eat some chocolate, they can feel a little warmer.” Chi Song’s face was filled with pain. “Quick, pass these out. Otherwise I’ll regret it. These are so expensive.”
　　Liu Shu, “…Pfft, cough cough, okay.”
　　
　　On the way back to the hotel, Chi Song ordered another box of chocolate. Then he closed his eyes again and rested for a long while before the pain started to fade a little.
　　Song Zhihuai sent over a text. “What are you doing?”
　　After Song Zhihuai interrupted his thoughts, Chi Song’s dejection immediately dissipated like smoke. “I’m thinking about you.”
　　Song Zhihuai: “What a coincidence, I’m thinking of you too.”
　　Chi Song suddenly wanted to hear Song Zhihuai’s voice, so he dialed his phone number.
　　…The line was busy.
　　He tried again. Still busy.
　　Ten seconds later, Song Zhihuai sent another text. “Who are you trying to call?”
　　Chi Song couldn’t stop smiling. “I’m trying to call my husband.”
　　As long as they weren’t face-to-face, Chi Song could call Song Zhihui “husband” very smoothly.
　　Song Zhihuai said, “Don’t call me yet. Wait for me to call you. Husband has enough money to pay for the call cost.”
　　Chi Song held the phone and obediently waited five seconds before Song Zhihuai called. “Chi Song.”
　　He had only called his name, but Chi Song’s face had already turned extremely red. “Zhihuai.”
　　Even through the phone, Song Zhihuai could still imagine Chi Song’s bashful little appearance. He couldn’t help but smile. “How come you turn shy so easily? When I see you act, you seem pretty relaxed.”
　　Chi Song thought about it and replied, “…During those times, I’m someone else, not Chi Song.”
　　
　　It was a very mysterious feeling that was hard to describe. When acting or conversing with others, Chi Song had never had such a vehement reaction towards his name being called.
　　During those times, both his body and soul were someone else. He was Xue Yunyang, he was Jian Ning, he was the luxurious youth in “Elegy of Jianshan.” But in front of Song Zhihuai, Chi Song was that lame little salted fish who would soften down to his very bones after a single call from his husband.
　　Song Zhihuai liked this response very much, and gave Chi Song a “mwuah” over the phone.
　　
　　After the initial overturning of his three worldviews, Liu Shu very calmly accepted the fact that Chi Song was gay.
　　The sweet phone call continued all the way to the first floor of the hotel. It was finally about time for it to end.
　　After listening to lovey-dovey words the whole way, Liu Shu’s ears felt extremely tired.
　　
　　After Chi Song hung up, he returned to his room. Then, he hesitated over whether he should first take a shower or whether he should just flop down on his bed for an hour.
　　Just as he was feeling very uncertain, his doorbell rang. “Room service.”
　　Chi Song hadn’t noticed that this deep male voice was a little familiar, so he reached out and opened the door. “Sorry, I didn’t call for…”
　　The second half of his sentence got stuck in his throat.
　　Outside stood Qian Qi, wearing a peaked cap. His hand instantly shot out and prevented the door from closing. “Brother Chi Song, hello.”
　　After his greeting, he shamelessly used his height advantage to push open the door and enter the room.
　　
　　Chi Song looked outside and saw that Qian Qi had come alone. Loud alarm bells instantly started ringing in his mind.
　　Qian Qi didn’t stand on formality at all, directly sitting down on Chi Song’s only bed before surveying the whole room. “…Your accommodations are pretty good, huh. When I was the ambassador for this green tea brand, the organizers had me live in a four star hotel.”
　　Chi Song forced a laugh. “…Yeah, it’s decent.”
　　With that said, he chose a stool that was the furthest from the bed and sat down. “What are you here for?”
　　Qian Qi took off his sunglasses and clasped a hand to his chest. “Do I need a reason to come see you?”
　　Chi Song rapidly started thinking about how to respond.
　　…What did this mean?
　　Qian Qi had suddenly come to pay a visit. Had he brought a reporter over?
　　Did he maybe want a scandal with the headlines “Two men share a room and ‘read scripts at night’ for over four hours”?
　　Even if he wanted to hype up their CP, he didn’t have to go to these lengths, did he?
　　
　　Qian Qi seemed to read Chi Song’s mind. He smiled, “No one knows I came here. I even had my manager drive my private van away first to lead those paparazzi away. Here, there’s only us two.”
　　Chi Song: “…”
　　…Chi Song suddenly felt that the atmosphere wasn’t quite right.
　　In this situation, in this moment, it seemed like there should be godly gay song playing, to complement Qian Qi’s sudden shy expression.
　　
　　Chi Song had to say something to try and correct this weird atmosphere. “Why did you suddenly come to the press conference today?”
　　“What do you mean, ‘suddenly’?” With familiar ease, Qian Qi used the face that had mesmerized countless girls from the TV screen to give Chi Song a light smile. “…I’ve gone to your press conferences several times in the past. You just didn’t see me.”
　　Chi Song: “…I-Is that so?”
　　Qian Qi said, “Yes, I also went to that press conference you had about yogurt. I was just sitting in the very last row.”
　　Chi Song vaguely recalled the knockoff yogurt brand “Shannon.” That was the first advertisement he did after he returned to China.
　　There weren’t many people at the press conference. There were even twice as many reporters as fans. Because there were so few people, Chi Song could vaguely remember that in the very back row, there had been a very weird man who wore sunglasses, a beret, and looked like he was trying to maintain a cool appearance. However, he never spoke a word, from beginning to end.
　　
　　After this revelation, Chi Song felt even more stupefied.
　　His relationship with Qian Qi had always been bad, and after he went abroad, they had zero contact.
　　Even if he died, he wouldn’t be able to understand why Qian Qi would come see his press conference for no reason.
　　Even though his brain was about to crash from all the thinking, he still had to say his part. “Thank you.”
　　Qian Qi stood up. “…All you’re going to say is ‘thank you’?”
　　
　　…Chi Song could pretty much confirm that the atmosphere was getting weirder and weirder.
　　
　　He turned around, his back facing Qian Qi, and said, “I’ll pour you a cup of water.” If he drank some water, he might calm down some.
　　As it turns out, a man should never, ever, turn their back on a gay guy exuding gay energy.
　　When Qian Qi hugged him from behind, Chi Song bitterly accepted the truth.
　　
　　Qian Qi once again forcefully used his height advantage to suppress Chi Song.
　　He drew Chi Song closer and whispered his name. “Chi Song.”
　　Chi Song suddenly got goosebumps all over. “What are you doing?”
　　Qian Qi said, “I like you.”
　　Chi Song: “…”
　　
　　The only part of his body that Chi Song could freely move right now was his feet. According to common sense, he should be using his foot to stomp on Qian Qi’s foot as hard as possible, making Qian Qi feel pain.
　　However, Chi Song clearly remembered that when Qian Qi was young, his foot had been crushed by a car when he was crossing the road. His bone was fractured, and he had stayed in the hospital for a very long time.
　　The really annoying thing was that Chi Song had forgotten which foot was injured. With his conscience condemning him, it was hard to actually stomp his foot down.
　　When Qian Qi noticed Chi Song’s fierce resistance, he felt a little wronged. He quietly explained, “…The first time I saw you when I was little, I thought you were a girl, so I had a crush on you. I even told my dad, I like the girl who’s filming a milk powder ad with me. In the future, I’ll ask her for her hand in marriage.”
　　Chi Song: “…”
　　Qian Qi said, “My dad said that you were a boy. I refused to believe him, and said that clearly, you were wearing a dress, so you must be a girl. Because of this, I fought with my dad for a very long time.”
　　Chi Song continued to be stupefied: “…”
　　Qian Qi hugged Chi Song tighter. “Later, when I found out that you were a boy, I was super angry, so I bullied you a lot… but after I grew up, I discovered that I seemed to like men. I didn’t feel anything for women… Even though when I was little, I clearly still liked girls.”
　　After this unexpected confession, not only did Chi Song feel dizzy and confused, he also felt like he had gravely sinned.
　　Qian Qi continued to mumble, “…If only you didn’t return from abroad, how good would that be? After you came back, I kept wanting to go see you. But our relationship was always so bad when we were younger, and I was also really busy, so I couldn’t find the chance to talk to you. If it weren’t for Aden choosing their ambassador, I still wouldn’t know how to tell you my feelings…”
　　
　　Qian Qi’s aura softened more and more. The more Chi Song heard, the more wrong it felt.
　　…Senior Brother, wait a second. Have you misunderstood something?
　　I am also a shou!

Author’s Note: Real·Beautiful Sisters w

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Translator’s Note: Second male lead might have joined the game late, but he sure moves fast, haha…

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I'm Afraid I'm Now a Salted Fish

I’m Afraid I’m Now a Salted Fish Chapter 39

LiLi041

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Translator: LiLi041

Editor: Aji

Chapter 39: The Strange Him

　　The words sounded nice, but no matter how Chi Song looked at it, there seemed to be a hidden sarcastic “hehe” accompanied by a doge face behind the phrase, as if it was said in ridicule.
　　Yet, neither sides’ fangirls seemed to notice.
　　“Brother Qi, mwah! Brother Qi and Song Song are both our idols ahhh!”
　　“Brother Qi has already issued a statement, so his little wives should quickly back off and stop scolding Song Song about becoming the ambassador.”
　　“Brother Qi’s so magnanimous.”
　　“Brother is practically using his strength to protect his wife!”
　　
　　The more he read, the more Chi Song felt that this tone wasn’t quite right.
　　How come a CP had suddenly appeared? And even the movie they had acted in when they were little, “Coming and Going,” had been brought up?
　　Also, what was this about “German orthopedics”1? Was that a new phrase?
　　Just as he was sucking on the straw in his mouth while going to search up what “orthopedics” meant on Baidu, the ever taciturn man, Liu Shu, handed his phone to Chi Song.
　　On it was displayed the reply Qian Qi sent 13 seconds ago in response to the “Brother Qi is using his strength to protect his wife!” comment.
　　Qian Qi (v): “Oh, we were just good friends from childhood. [doge.jpg]”
　　
　　Chi Song puffed up his cheeks and blew into his lemon tea through the straw until bubbles appeared.
　　
　　This advertisement was very important, so Zhou Yaming was constantly monitoring Chi Song’s Weibo. The moment she realized the direction the comments were going wasn’t quite right, she immediately called Liu Shu, “Is Chi Song asleep?”
　　Liu Shu concisely said, “No.” Then he gave the phone to Chi Song.
　　Chi Song took the phone. “Sister Yaming, about the matter on Weibo…”
　　Zhou Yaming said, “It wasn’t arranged by us. Has Qian Qi told you anything?”
　　Chi Song, “Oh, nope.”
　　
　　Chi Song was very puzzled.
　　After he returned to China, he essentially hadn’t interacted with Qian Qi at all. Regardless of whether it was on Weibo or in private, there was no kind of communication between them whatsoever.
　　If he took the initiative to go online and interact with Chi Song, what could it mean? Was he trying to use that to get some more hype?
　　Zhou Yaming also thought this way, “I think that he wants to promote himself through the media. Qian Qi has been a promoter of Aden for a very long time. After all that time, the spokesperson Aden chose was you. If he didn’t show any response, he would be mocked and public opinion of him would fall, so he took the initiative to stick to you.”
　　Chi Song hesitated. “Um…”
　　Zhou Yaming said, “I have a way to deal with this. No matter how tightly he sticks to us, we can’t just let him freeload off of us for nothing. Right now, you indeed need a partner to generate hype and increase your presence. Qian Qi would make a very good partner in every aspect.”
　　Chi Song didn’t speak.
　　
　　From the business standpoint, Zhou Yaming’s choice had no faults.
　　In recent years, a large amount of data has proven that the amount of discussion about a celebrity on the Internet is directly correlated with their popularity in reality, and one of the most effective means to increase the amount of discussion is precisely to collaborate with another celebrity to generate hype.
　　Creating a popular CP is one of the types of collaboration. Of course, they could also rely on attacking others and other negative methods to advance their goals.
　　For example, after a man and woman in their circle date and then separate for various reasons, they can both make use of this relationship to get attention.
　　For the woman, the water armies and promotional accounts will lament about how much work she had to have put in for that relationship, and reminisce about the past. For the man, the water armies and the promotional accounts would also reminisce about their relationship, the time he first fell in love with his girlfriend, how tender and sweet the feelings between the two were, and how they were the ideal couple.
　　Little by little, the two’s exposure and the amount of attention they have on the Internet will virtually double.
　　The best result that they can get is if in the end, whenever one person is mentioned, the audience will think of the other as well.
　　Regardless of whether these two had parted amicably or their relationship devolved into a battlefield, in this day and age where information reigns supreme, exposure is the only thing they need.
　　
　　Chi Song sighed. “…Sister Yaming, how about you handle this matter?”
　　Chi Song wasn’t trying to act aloof or pretend to be disdainful of generating hype like this, he just felt that it was rather troublesome.
　　…Especially if it was Qian Qi he was supposed to do this stuff with. That was even more troublesome.
　　There were others who were specialized in using these tactics. He was only responsible for doing his own job well.
　　Zhou Yaming was very understanding and said, “In a bit, we’ll use your account to reply to Qian Qi. If it were you, what would you say?”
　　Chi Song thought it over. “…Thank you for your support?”
　　Zhou Yaming laughed in spite of herself. “Alright, we should probably leave this matter to the public relations department… have you been to the capital? How’s the new assistant?”
　　Chi Song glanced at Liu Shu. Liu Shu was looking outside at the scenery. His side profile was perfect and he looked extremely cool. He was 1.7 meters tall and radiated a strong aura.
　　Chi Song said, “He’s pretty good. When I bring him out with me, it feels like I’m bringing around a big shot. I feel very safe.”
　　Zhou Yaming laughed, “You don’t think he’s too uncommunicative?”
　　After two days of interaction, Chi Song had basically already completely understood Liu Shu’s character.
　　He silently said in his heart, it’s not a problem if he’s uncommunicative. He just has to be handsome.
　　
　　After hanging up, Zhou Yaming told the staff of the public relations department, who were working overtime on short notice, “We have to send a reply to Qian Qi in a bit. What should we say?”
　　A rather young girl thought for a while before suggesting with bright eyes, “Let’s send a finger heart?”
　　Zhou Yaming rejected the idea. “That won’t work. This is an official advertisement. It needs to have a little bit of seriousness. It can’t look too ambiguous.”
　　“Then, what about just a thank you, thanking Brother Qian Qi for his support? It conforms with the norms of society, and no one will find faults with that.”
　　Zhou Yaming said, “No, just a simple ‘thank you’ won’t get any special attention. The media and promotional accounts won’t like it.”
　　
　　After another fifteen minutes of discussion, the fresh-out-of-the-oven response that was the product of the public relations department’s blood, sweat, and tears, was sent out.
　　Chi Song (v): “Thank you, brother.”

　　Unknown to Chi Song, Qian Qi’s studio’s public relations department was currently a mess. A cloud of distress had fallen over them.
　　His manager was so worried that he almost pulled off the few remaining hairs on his head, nearly becoming bald.
　　The head of the public relations department walked in from outside the room. Throwing the cigarette butt into the ashtray, he asked Qian Qi’s manager, “Are you still unable to contact Brother Qian?”
　　The manager was about to cry, “I still can’t. He ran out to play, and he’s not answering his phone now.”
　　The young girl sitting in front of the computer turned over, and with a look of boredom, said, “I just checked, Brother Qian’s main account is still idle on Weibo. He’s most likely scrolling through the comments as they come.”
　　The manager’s expression turned unsightly. “What am I supposed to do about this?”
　　The head of the public relations department decided that he may as well just stay inside, so he lit a cigarette inside the room. “What can we do? Didn’t I already tell you last time to take away his phone? He’s always been childish. Last time, he posted a selfie of himself going out to play in a bar. People dug out the fact that it was a gay bar, and he was smeared by the whole Internet as gay. Was that not enough to make you hurry to take his phone away?”
　　The agent scowled miserably. “I’ve already taken away eight of them. For every phone I take away, he buys another two.”
　　The department head was so angry he puffed up like a pufferfish, but he didn’t know who he should be complaining about, so he just gritted his teeth and sternly lectured at the computer screen, “If he just didn’t respond to Aden’s endorsement post, then this wouldn’t even be a problem! What’s he doing picking up guys in his free time? Does he think that he doesn’t have enough problems on his plate already?”
　　The manager asked, “What should we do now?”
　　The department head took a big drag of his cigarette, wishing that he could just fill his lungs up completely with smoke. “What can we do? We locked his account just now, but he can just unlock it again. It’s no use, just let him do what he wants. Just as long as he doesn’t overdo it…”
　　He didn’t say the second half of his sentence aloud.
　　The agent sighed empathetically.
　　…Even if he overdoes it, what can we do?
　　In this studio, Qian Qi was the undisputed boss. He got the first pick of all the studio’s resources and everyone had to indulge him. He had been spoiled since he was a child, and he only grew more unrestrained and undisciplined as time went on. Even at his current age, he still acted like a willful little kid.
　　
　　After completing the press conference, Chi Song went to participate in variety shows again. The schedule was completely packed. As soon as he was free, he would either flirt with Mr. Song or entertain himself in his room by acting out roles from old classic dramas, for fear that as time passed, his acting skills would deteriorate.
　　 Weibo was indeed entertaining, but after the sudden strike by Qian Qi last time, Chi Song lost interest in Weibo.
　　 Fortunately, sometime before the last fan meet and greet, he had gotten a call from Lu Yuan, who said, “Little Song Song, will you be busy in a month? Join the group and come have fun with us.”
　　
　　The first season of “Kong Ming Lock” had already officially ended after a total of forty episodes and more than 3 billion views. When the last episode was released, the exclusive broadcast site’s server experienced some unexplainable lagging and crashes, which caused the headline “Kongming Lock caused the broadcasting website to freeze” to make it onto the hot search.
　　 “Kongming Lock” was considered a screen masterpiece during this period of time. It was often a topic of discussion and the number of fans of all the new actors and actresses had increased sharply. Chi Song’s acting skills gained even more widespread acknowledgement by the young audience.
　　 His character, Jian Ning, was a very clever person, and as each layer of the plot unfolded, the audience learned that this person had completely lost all his memories from before he turned fourteen and was picked up by the funeral home uncle.
　　Jian Ning seemed to be well-behaved, but he obviously had a very dark side to his heart. He could copy the digits of pi down like a machine and suffered from recurring migraines. When facing criminals, there wasn’t a single shred of benevolence in his heart. He would just directly knock down his opponents, who never even had a chance of escaping. He handled things cleanly and nimbly. At times, he was very gentle, but at other times, he’d be as sharp as a scalpel; as soon as he saw blood, he would show no mercy.
　　The first season ended with the drowning of someone who was suspected to have found out about his past.
　　Chi Song, who was playing Jian Ning, stood in front of the drowned girl’s corpse. For the first time, he took off his gentle mask and showed an angry expression, but the corner of his mouth rose into a cold smile that would make people feel numb if they saw it.
　　The upper half of his face and the lower half of his face looked completely different.
　　Screenshots of this extremely challenging expression rapidly flooded Weibo. Lu Yuan didn’t even know how many times he’d been tagged.
　　The audience members all requested for Lu Yuan to quickly film the second season of “Kongming Lock,” so that they could continue to appreciate Song Song.

　　
　　Lu Yuan told Chi Song, “I’ve already sent the script to your manager. We’re going to add a few new people to the original cast.”
　　Chi Song checked his schedule and found that he would have time, so he happily said, “Okay. If Sister Yaming doesn’t have any objections, I’ll start reading the script as soon as possible.”
　　Lu Yuan breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank goodness, it’s great that you have time in your schedule.”
　　If Chi Song didn’t participate, the reaction to the second season would definitely be bad. He didn’t know how many shows he’d seen where the main lead was changed for the second season, and the show’s ratings started dropping like crazy.
　　
　　With a proper job, Chi Song felt that life was full of light and beauty. The fans in the subsequent meet and greet all felt that he looked very amiable.
　　However, he would never have guessed that halfway through the event, the host would say mysteriously, “Today, a very special guest has decided to appear onstage. Chi Song, can you guess who it is?”
　　A suspicion sprouted in Chi Song’s heart.
　　——He didn’t remember a scene like this in “Brilliant Starlight.”
　　But regardless of his suspicions, he still had to play along with the scene.
　　He showed an interested expression. “Really? Who is it?”
　　The host pointed a finger, and a man with sunglasses sitting in the very back row stood up.
　　
　　Before he came onstage, Chi Song had absolutely no idea who he was.
　　But once the man took off his sunglasses, Chi Song sucked in a big gulp of air.
　　Qian Qi took off his sunglasses. Amidst the fans’ screams, he smiled, “Brother Chi Song, hello.”

Author’s Note: My heart hurts for Chief Song, who didn’t get to appear in this chapter. The second male lead arrived late, but he must come online at one point or another.

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Translator’s Note 1 (time of translation): So Qian Qi’s the second male lead? He really did come late, we’re almost two thirds of the way through the story already XD

Translator’s Note 2 (time of posting): Hey guys, sorry for not posting for over a year! Unfortunately, Salted Fish is still definitely on hiatus for me, but I figured since I did have 3 chapters that were completely translated (the third’s unedited, though), I may as well post them instead of holding out until I translate more for a mass spree to the end lol, since that might not happen.

I may still update from time to time if no one else decides to pick this up (please let me know if you do, so I can link the next chapters here and also stop translating any in-progress chapters!), but this isn’t guaranteed. So if anyone wants to pick this up, please feel free to do so!

And for those who are still following these translations, enjoy the next two chapters! 😀

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Footnotes:

[1]: German orthopedics (德国骨科, dé guó gǔ kē)- this is an online buzzword that’s used to refer to the medical institutions that can treat *cough* incest. It can also refer to the love between siblings, and I think it’s used here because Chi Song and Qian Qi played the roles of brothers in “Coming and Going”, so the netizens are joking about their “incestuous” relationship that needs German orthopedics lol. Here’s the Baidu page: https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E5%BE%B7%E5%9B%BD%E9%AA%A8%E7%A7%91/22206578 ↩

I'm Afraid I'm Now a Salted Fish

I’m Afraid I’m Now a Salted Fish Chapter 38

LiLi041

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Translator: LiLi041

Co-Translator: Aji

Thank you so much to MlleAdler for the very generous Ko-Fi donation! <333

Chapter 38: “Fame Follows Merit”

　　Chi Song was stunned for a moment. Then, he leaned forward and whispered in Song Zhihuai’s ear, “…Then, I’m a popular star. Do you like that?”
　　Song Zhihuai couldn’t help but suck in a cold breath, “…”
　　Soon after, he lamented, “Chi Song, you’ve been influenced by bad examples.”
　　He’d actually used such an innocent tone to say such vulgar things!?
　　Who had he learned these bad things from?
　　Chi Song, who had simply wanted to say some words of endearment, “…???”
　　
　　Next, Chi Song got a very long itinerary from Zhou Yaming. According to the itinerary, he would need to bustle about in every city, participating in all kinds of activities for brand ambassadors.
　　Just as Chi Song was about to embark on his forced touring career, his long-lost personal assistant finally arrived, late.
　　
　　Due to time constraints and his packed schedule, Chi Song and his new assistant Liu Shu decided to meet up at the airport. After they met, they would directly fly to Shanghai to participate in the green tea advertisement’s first press conference.
　　In the airport’s VIP waiting room, Chi Song was looking downwards as he confirmed his itinerary. A pair of plain sneakers hovered around in his sight for a long time before finally walking forward.
　　The man asked, “Are you Chi Song?”
　　As soon as Chi Song looked up, he became dumbstruck.
　　The visitor nodded to Chi Song in greeting. “Hello, I am your new assistant, Liu Shu.”
　　They had just met, so it wasn’t good for Chi Song to overreact. Therefore, he just nodded reservedly. “Hello.”
　　After a moment, he took out his phone and sent Song Zhihuai a WeChat message excitedly. “My new assistant is so handsome.”
　　In order to increase his persuasiveness, he secretly took several photos of Liu Shu’s side profile as he took care of Chi Song’s luggage. “When did our company get such a handsome assistant?
　　“His skin’s a bit tan, but his body’s lines are really nice, I’m drooling over them!
　　“He’s just a little bit shorter than me, hehehe. Minus one point for height. I’ll give him nine points.
　　“He looks so good, he must definitely be a good student.
　　“…He hasn’t spoken yet. Should I find something to talk to him about?
　　“What should I do? He just sat down next to me, I’m so nervous.”
　　
　　Song Zhihuai was in a meeting. He accidentally flipped over his phone and saw dozens of messages in WeChat of his wife being smitten over someone else.
　　…Not only were the emotions Chi Song expressed sincere, the pictures and words sent also complemented each other well.
　　Song Zhihuai: “…”
　　In the second half of the meeting, all the subordinates trembled in fear.
　　Clearly, the report of the past six months had been done well, but Boss’s expression was so ugly. Had they seen wrong?
　　
　　After the meeting finished, Song Zhihuai sent a series of ellipses to Chi Song. Then, feeling stifled, he sent a WeChat message to Zhou Yaming. “…Didn’t I ask you to find someone taciturn and careful for Chi Song?”
　　Zhou Yaming’s reply came in seconds. “Little Liu speaks very little. The previous two people he worked for shunned him for being so taciturn and returned him.”
　　Song Zhihuai: “…”
　　But damn, he’s so handsome. He was like a shrunken version of Takuya Kimura.
　　
　　Just as Song Zhihuai was feeling depressed, his phone vibrated again.
　　Chi Song said, “I’m about to board the plane.”
　　Song Zhihuai felt stifled as he replied, “Stick close to your nine-point man. Don’t lose track of him.”
　　
　　After Chi Song sent the last message, he became occupied with boarding the plane. It was only when he found his seat and sat down that he took out his phone again.
　　Upon seeing Song Zhihuai’s reply, Chi Song fell into contemplation. He scrolled through his messages again and found that his reaction really did seem a bit over the top.
　　With a guilty conscience, he replied, “Zhihuai, I’ve boarded the plane.”
　　Song Zhihuai said sourly, “Are you with your nine-point assistant?”
　　Chi Song: “…”
　　The fumes of jealousy from across the screen made Chi Song stagger.
　　On the other end, Song Zhihuai was still being unreasonable. “Rate my attractiveness.”
　　Chi Song originally wanted to give him ten points, but then he thought, no, that would be too fake. Song Zhihuai wouldn’t believe it.
　　So, he visualized Song Zhihuai’s appearance in his mind, and commented impartially, “…Seven points, very handsome.”
　　Song Zhihuai: “…” Why don’t you coax me and give me nine and a half points?
　　He felt very angry. Then, he asked, “What about my height?”
　　Mr. Song was quite confident about his figure. With a height of nearly 190 cm, he was simply born to wear a suit. He stood out no matter where he was.
　　Then, he received a critical hit from his wife. “…Oh, six points.”
　　Song Zhihuai couldn’t believe it. “Why?”
　　Chi Song said reasonably, “You’re too tall.”
　　Song Zhihuai: “…”
　　Chi Song added, “It’s hard to kiss you. I have to stand on tiptoe.”
　　Song Zhihuai said, “…Chi Song, you’re just relying on the fact that I can’t sort you out right now, aren’t you?”
　　Chi Song wasn’t afraid of death. He sent an emoticon of Handsome Song sticking her tongue out: “Nyah nyah nyah.jpg”
　　
　　His wife was becoming more and more disobedient. Song Zhihuai’s heart became dead like ashes.
　　
　　Song Zhihuai said, “I won’t ask anymore. If I ask any more, your husband will be a failure.”
　　Chi Song was writing a message on his phone with a sweet expression as a flight attendant walked over and smiled at Chi Song, “Mr. Chi, the plane is about to take off. Please turn off your phone.”
　　Chi Song said, “I’m almost done.”
　　
　　A few seconds later, Song Zhihuai got a new message on his phone.
　　Chi Song had said, “You won’t. My husband’s 100 points.”
　　
　　Song Zhihuai immediately became satisfied and spun a big circle in his office chair.
　　Chi Song said, “The plane’s about to take off. I can’t chat with you anymore. I’ll contact you when I land.”
　　Song Zhihuai exhorted, “Fine, remember to send me a selfie when you get off the plane. Your husband had already started to miss you.”
　　
　Chi Song turned off his phone and asked the flight attendant to bring over two small blankets. He placed one on his lap and handed the other to Liu Shu. “You must’ve gotten up pretty early today, right? Take this time to sleep for a bit. We’ll be really busy in Shanghai. You might not be able to sleep well then.”
　　Liu Shu spoke sparingly, treating his words as if they were gold, “Thanks.”
　　Chi Song didn’t shun him for speaking so little. He just covered Liu Shu with a blanket and went to sleep with his eyes closed.
　　 Liu Shu observed him quietly.
　　The current TV screens were extremely harsh for celebrities, widening people’s faces to the extent that it gave the average viewer this illusion: celebrities don’t look like much, and those cheeks and large faces weren’t very exquisite. If I tidied myself up, my products would also sell out in seconds, at worst.
　　 However, the cameras for TV were 360 degree ones. It wasn’t like BeautyCam, which would adjust the angle and photoshop the dermabrasion for people.
　　 People who could appear extremely beautiful on TV would definitely appear breathtaking in real life.
　　Chi Song looked delicately handsome. He had never been someone who relied on his face to win over his opponents, and he was often dissed by people on Weibo for having an unremarkable face. However, his biggest advantages were that his skin was so pale it shined, his face wasn’t much bigger than a palm, and his nose and lips were also naturally beautiful. When he fell asleep with his eyes closed, he looked like a cute little puppy.
　　…In short, his appearance made people feel very comfortable. He also didn’t seem to have a disagreeable temper.
　　
　　Liu Shu had worked for two celebrities before. The first was an eighteenth tier celebrity who was lively and loved to laugh, never treating acting as something serious. The second was a third tier actor, who was very good in all aspects other than the fact that her obsession with cleanliness was too severe. When it came to hygiene issues, she would easily lose control of her emotions. Although she wouldn’t go as far as to vent her anger on Liu Shu, the words she said in a rage would also inevitably hurt people’s feelings.
　　At present, Chi Song seemed quite normal and didn’t have any pretentiousness about him. But, Liu Shu still hadn’t completely probed Chi Song’s character, so he didn’t dare to say more to him.
　　…Of course, even if Liu Shu had felt Chi Song out, a taciturn person like him still wouldn’t become very talkative.
　　
　　After they got off the plane, Chi Song walked into the airport terminal. While he waited for his luggage, he grabbed his phone and took a selfie with a ‘snap’ sound.
　　He beamed as he opened WeChat and started to talk with someone. He also sent that person his selfie.
　　
　　Liu Shu raised his eyebrows.
　　Before he boarded the plane, he had discovered Chi Song passionately chatting with someone. He could hear the tapping sounds that were made as Chi Song typed on his keyboard. The smile contained in the corner of his lips could be considered tender, virtuous, and reminiscent.
　　…Were they lovers? Their relationship was very good.
　　
　　——Today’s Little Assistant Liu Shu was also observing silently.
　　
　　After the first small press conference, Chi Song didn’t return to the capital. Instead, he flew straight from Shanghai to Chengdu without stopping, preparing to participate in another event.
　　 Suitcase in hand, he walked through the individual travelers’ passage after he got off the plane out of habit.
　　 Then, he saw several flashing neon signs with his name on them, quite a distance away.
　　 After having worked nonstop for a whole day, Chi Song was very tired. The gears in his mind couldn’t turn fast enough. When he saw his own name, not only did he not retreat, he even curiously took two steps forward.
　　 Liu Shu, who had a little experience with this, got a shock and quickly dragged Chi Song back.
　　“Ah!! It’s Chi Song!!!”
　　After this scream, Liu Shu fell into despair, realizing that it was already too late.
　　
　　After Chi Song became surrounded by a group of fans, he also quickly accepted reality.
　　Fortunately, he had taken the evening flight. There were only about 30 fangirls waiting for him.
　　He called Liu Shu over and whispered a few words in his ear. Liu Shu nodded before turning to leave.
　　As Chi Song signed autographs for his fans, he asked their leader, “How did you guys know that I was on this flight?”
　　The little girl said proudly, “We calculated it! Song Song, your news conference in Chengdu will start at 6 pm tomorrow. Your news conference in Shanghai today will start at 9 in the morning, so you would definitely rush here on a flight!”
　　Chi Song sincerely praised, “Very smart.”
　　He was just complimenting this group of fangirls casually. He never thought that this would make them so blissed out. Each and every one of them stared at him dazedly.
　　Chi Song felt very apologetic, “How long did you guys wait?”
　　The leader said, “Actually, around a hundred of us had come before noon. But, when it became evening, some of the high school girls were called back home by their parents for dinner, leaving only about the thirty of us to wait for you.”
　　Chi Song felt pretty moved, so he put extra effort into signing autographs. He even racked his brains to write a dedication for every person. It was like a middle school teacher giving each student some parting advice.
　　After he finished signing the autographs, Liu Shu came back with about thirty drinks in his hands.
　　Chi Song handed the drinks out to the fangirls and said, “This is warm lemon tea. It won’t make you fat. I drank it last time I came to Chengdu, and it was pretty good. You guys should drink some warm stuff. It’ll be good for your bodies. If you don’t like it, you can just use it as a hand warmer since it’s cold outside.”
　　
　　Under the fangirls’ moved and excited watch, Chi Song was picked up by the people sent by Host Fang. He waved goodbye to the fangirls through the window.
　　It was only until the fangirls were no longer in sight that Chi Song stopped waving. Then, he rubbed his palms and gave one of the remaining lemon tea cups to Liu Shu.
　　Liu Shu nodded and took it, “Thanks.”
　　Chi Song shrieked in his heart, ahhh such a handsome temperament!
　　Liu Shu felt a little bit nervous inside. What should he do? He decided to just take a look at his phone and pretend to be taking care of work.
　　He didn’t think that by looking at his phone, he actually found something to do.
　　
　　Chi Song’s autograph signing at the airport had interrupted their schedule, and he had lost a lot of sleep. As he casually stared outside the window at the scenery flashing by, Liu Shu handed Chi Song his phone, “…Here, Aden’s official announcement. Very heated discussion below.”
　　Eight words, concise and complete. There wasn’t a single extra or missing word.
　　Chi Song had long prepared his heart in advance as he took the phone.
　　Ten minutes ago, the company had helped him forward Aden’s Official Weibo’s post. However, right under that was a post that had gotten more than 6000 likes and 600 comments.
　　This post only had 3 words, but made all the posters call out Chi Song in surprise.
　　Chi Song (v): “Fame follows merit.”

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Translator’s Note: Hey everyone! I come bearing good news~ I have a co-translator, Aji, on board now! She’ll translate some whenever she has free time. Please check out her debut work, “A Little Mushroom”, a cute little one-shot, here! https://lilistranslations.wordpress.com/a-little-mushroom/

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I'm Afraid I'm Now a Salted Fish

I’m Afraid I’m Now a Salted Fish Chapter 37

LiLi041

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Translator: LiLi041

Chapter 37: Endorsement Crisis

　　After leaving Zhou Yaming’s office with a copy of the contract in his hand, he found Chief Song, who had just finished dealing with all his work and was planning on coming downstairs to invite him to eat.
　　The assistant manager had gone out to run some errands, so it was Chief Song who had opened the door for his own employees.
　　As soon as he walked through the door and ascertained that there was no one around, Chi Song flung himself over extremely fiercely and kissed Song Zhihuai on the lips.
　　Two days ago, he had seen Bai Zhirong kiss Brother Harry like this. Brother Harry seemed to have been restrained by Bai Zhirong’s momentum and became well-behaved.
　　Chi Song, who had watched the whole process from the sidelines, felt that this action was particularly manly.
　　
　　As an actor, Chi Song perfectly reenacted all of Bai Zhirong’s actions on Song Zhihuai’s body. He felt that he had learned the essence of the actions and that his moves could score a full ten points.
　　However, Song Zhihuai wasn’t Brother Harry, who seemed fierce on the outside but was actually soft on the inside.
　　The big bad wolf was stunned for a moment by the little white rabbit’s action of baring his fangs and brandishing his claws. Then, he cupped the face of the little white rabbit who rarely took the initiative and barbarically kissed back.
　　
　　After several turns, Chi Song had been kissed dizzy and was dazedly lifted onto the desk by Chief Song.
　　
　　When Chi Song was pressed down onto the streamlined desk, all he could feel was that the large and sturdy table top fit against his back really well. It wasn’t uncomfortable in the slightest.
　　Seeing Chi Song’s thoughts, Song Zhihuai kissed his nose. “When I re-renovated the office, I specially asked someone to design the table according to your height. It’s comfortable to lie down on, right?”
　　Chi Song: “…”
　　Great Ruffian Mr. Song, well, you really weren’t lying.
　　
　　…He had originally just wanted to kiss a bit, but he was actually pressed down onto the table to do the full set. Chi Song expressed that even though it was very comfortable, he still felt like he was losing out somehow.
　　
　　After they became full from eating the pre-dinner dessert, Mr. Song opened up the office’s ventilation window and took Chi Song downstairs. Then, he settled him down in the car and went to the little restaurant nearby to bring back a serving of free-range chicken soup, a serving of stir-fried vegetables, and two servings of rice.
　　The two people hid in the car, sweetly enjoying their lunch for two.
　　Chi Song was a bit nervous as he said, “Being Aden’s ambassador might be a bit too much.”
　　Song Zhihuai ladled some chicken soup over Chi Song’s rice before reaching out to pat the back of his head. “Don’t worry. There’s no way for you to spend your birthday at home this year, so you’ll definitely be unhappy inside. This can be considered your husband’s early birthday gift to you, so you won’t be unhappy.”
　　Chi Song bit the spoon and thought, I was almost scared to death, where would I have the energy to care about being unhappy or not?
　　
　　When Song Zhihuai saw that Chi Song didn’t say anything more, he also secretly released a sigh of relief.
　　…He was just afraid that Chi Song would clearly draw a line between them.
　　
　　When the two had just gotten together, Song Zhihuai watched as Chi Song ran back and forth between various sets all day long, volunteering his services just to ask for only a little role in exchange, one that he could only act for a dozen or so days before it was finished. He wished he could just stuff all of his best resources to Chi Song.
　　He knew a friend who had actually dumped 200 million into a TV show in the past in order to indulge his mistress and let her become the female lead.
　　However, that script was very average, one that was all just Mary Sue.
　　Song Zhihuai had even laughed at that friend, “In any case, you should have given her a better script.”
　　He hadn’t expected that friend to say, “She was a dancer at a dance academy before. She won’t be able to act out a good script anyway, so it’s a waste to give one to her. It’s better to just let her doll herself up beautifully and let her realize her dream of becoming a star.”
　　Song Zhihuai thought, who said that women were prone to doing foolish things in love; once men became lovestruck fools, they weren’t any worse than women.
　　Unexpectedly, not even a few years had passed when the wheels of fate turned. Now, Song Zhihuai was the lovestruck fool.
　　
　　But when Song Zhihuai asked Chi Song for his thoughts, he was met with opposition.
　　Chi Song said, “I don’t want it. I’m not together with you for this.”
　　Song Zhihuai was afraid that Chi Song would misunderstand and softly coaxed him, “If Husband doesn’t take care of you, then should he take care of other people?”
　　At that time, Chi Song still wasn’t used to Song Zhihuai calling himself ‘Husband’ and would blush as soon as he heard it.
　　“That’s not what I meant…” said Chi Song. “It’s just that after I got together with you, I feel that being unpopular is pretty good too.”
　　
　　And now, Salted Fish Chi Song could pretty much already shed his ‘Salted Fish’ label.
　　Since the situation was already different from before, Chi Song also had to make some small adjustments to his goals.
　　
　　As Chi Song ladled a scoop of rice soup, he said softly, “I have to save up money.”
　　Song Zhihuai was very astonished. “…What are you saving up money for?”
　　Chi Song said, brimming with confidence, “I want to buy a house for us, the kind that faces the sea. When I can’t act anymore, we’ll go there to live.”
　　Song Zhihuai didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “If you want one, I can buy one for you right now.”
　　Chi Song gravely used the plastic ladle to jab at Song Zhihuai’s bowl. “I’ll buy my own house. When we grow old, I’ll be the one taking care of you. When the time comes, you’ll have to listen to everything I say: if I tell you to be on top, you’re not allowed to be on the bottom.”
　　Song Zhihuai laughed, “Hahahahaha.” What a grand dream.
　　Chi Song said a bit aggrievedly, “…Every time I’m on top, my knees start to hurt from kneeling. It’s very tiring too.”
　　Song Zhihuai placated Chi Song, “Okay okay, you can be on the bottom every time in the future.”
　　As soon as Song Zhihuai placated him, Chi Song become hesitant once more. “…But it really is pretty tiring to be on top. I’m afraid of tiring you out.”
　　Song Zhihuai didn’t say anymore. He rubbed Chi Song’s forehead and gave him a chicken soup-flavored kiss.
　　
　　Chi Song was full of motivation as they discussed his house. The entire meal, he went through the account books with Song Zhihuai, meticulously picking out the colors they would use for the roof tiles and wallpaper. Song Zhihuai also very seriously discussed this over with Chi Song.
　　After they finished their meal, Song Zhihuai drove Chi Song back home.
　　On the road, Song Zhihuai watched the traffic light in front of him as he said, “Speaking of which, about being a brand ambassador for Aden, you really do have to prepare yourself mentally.”
　　Chi Song had just gotten such a big windfall and hadn’t yet had the time to systematically process Aden’s matter when he heard Song Zhihuai say this. He couldn’t help but become nervous. “What’s wrong?”
　　Song Zhihuai said, “You know Qian Qi, right?”
　　
　　Chi Song fell silent.
　　Qian Qi was also a child star that had acted in “Coming and Going” with Chi Song.
　　Speaking of which, he was the person who knew Chi Song the earliest out of the entire entertainment circle.
　　During the years when child stars were still allowed to act in advertisements, Little Chi Song and Little Qian Qi had acted in the same milk powder advertisement.
　　Since Little Chi Song looked rather delicate and cute, he acted as a girl in the advertisement.
　　Little Qian Qi was older than Little Chi Song by a year and had acted in several advertisements before. He could already be considered a veteran at this.
　　He had always believed that Little Chi Song was a girl. He even sneakily kissed Little Chi Song’s cheek and said, ‘Little sister, you’re really pretty.’
　　Little Chi Song had never met a delinquent like this before. He touched the cheek that had been kissed and said in confusion, “You’re also good-looking.”
　　
　　After the two had grown up some more, they met once again on the set of “Coming and Going”.
　　After Little Qian Qi arrived at the set, he excitedly went to find Little Chi Song, full of expectations. He couldn’t find him anywhere, so he decided to just go to the bathroom to wash his hands and freshen up before going to woo girls.
　　Even if Little Qian Qi died, he would never have thought that he would meet Little Chi Song in the bathroom. He even had the same exact little instrument of crime that he himself had.
　　Little Qian Qi’s worldviews collapsed.
　　
　　Most likely because Little Qian Qi felt that he had been cheated big time, he started to bully Little Chi Song.
　　In the show, Little Qian Qi, Little Chi Song, and Little Zhu Ziqi acted as siblings who loved and supported one another. Little Li Qiuli acted as the neighbors’ brat. His character in the show was similar to that of Takeshi Goda from《Doraemon》. Little Chi Song rather liked him.
　　On the contrary, Little Qian Qi, who acted the role of his older brother, disliked him very much.
　　Though Little Qian Qi’s methods of bullying others were rather childish, such as hiding Chi Song’s lunchbox or tossing the shredded carrots Chi Song hated the most into his bowl, Chi Song still became very unhappy.
　　The fuse was when filming ended on a certain day and Little Qian Qi wanted to pour water on Little Chi Song’s head, but accidentally poured it onto Little Zhu Ziqi, who was wearing Chi Song’s down jacket.
　　It was in the middle of winter. When Little Zhu Ziqi was splashed full in the face with this cup of cold water, she started to cry with loud wails. Little Chi Song became enraged. He pulled up his sleeves and started to fight with Little Qian Qi.
　　
　　Since then, Little Chi Song refused to say another word to Little Qian Qi, other than when the script required him to.
　　When Chi Song had just gone abroad, pretty much all of the actors he had filmed with before had sent him postcards one after another. He didn’t know where Qian Qi had gotten his school’s address, but Qian Qi had also sent him a postcard.
　　On his postcard was written: When you come back, you’ll be begging for me to protect you.
　　
　　The Chi Song at that time was no longer the little kid who would start a fight at the slightest provocation. He put Qian Qi’s postcard, which was just brimming with chunni-ness, at the very bottom of all his postcards and preserved it.
　　After Chi Song returned from abroad, Qian Qi hadn’t contacted him, and nor had he contacted Qian Qi.
　　During the past nine years Chi Song had been abroad, Qian Qi had never stopped acting. All the shows he acted in were idol dramas. His acting skills were average, but he had full points in attractiveness. He had never been ugly from childhood to adulthood, which was extremely rare.
　　
　　Chi Song never thought that he would hear this person’s name again through Song Zhihuai. He became absent-minded for a moment before asking, “What about him?”
　　Song Zhihuai replied succinctly, “…He’s always been Aden’s promoter.”
　　
　　As soon as Song Zhihuai said this, Chi Song understood.
　　There were only around two hundred celebrities in the entertainment circle whose names and roles were widely known by everyone. However, the number of people who were really involved in this circle and lived this kind of life were as numerous as the sand at the bottom of the Ganges River. There were only so many resources like advertisements, TV shows, movies, and spokesman positions for brand names. When people really started fighting, they would even want to just bash each others’ heads in.
　　A compelling endorsement was infinitely helpful to a celebrity’s career. However, incidents where ‘people can just sit at home and a brand ambassador offer drops out of the sky’ were very rare. Most of the time, the only way to get these opportunities was for celebrities and their teams to take the initiative in contacting a brand and actively recommend themselves for the job.
　　Certain big brand names definitely didn’t lack celebrities willing to promote for them.
　　Being a so-called promoter was different from being an ambassador. When put nicely, the brand had invited you to collaborate. When put not-so-nicely, promoters were just there to fill in the numbers.
　　
　　…So, this was where it became awkward.
　　Qian Qi had been a promoter for Aden for so long, but the big fruit of his labor, the ambassador position, had been plucked away by Chi Song.
　　
　　Aside from Qian Qi and his personal grudges, what made Chi Song most worried was that Qian Qi could be considered a popular star. He only needed to say the word to get an immense amount of support.
　　He… was he going to have to go against a very popular star’s influence?
　　
　　When Chi Song thought of the scenes of bloody carnage on Weibo, his heart felt emptied out. “…Oh, Qian Qi.”
　　Song Zhihuai smiled. “What’s wrong?”
　　Chi Song said, “He’s a popular star.”
　　Just as Chi Song was silently deciding to stop using Weibo for a while, Song Zhihuai stopped the car in front of a red light and asked back smilingly, “…Aren’t you also one right now?”

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Translator’s Note: Happy February everyone! Long time no see~ This is a chapter that took me… a whole month to translate lol. I don’t know if I can go back to a normal schedule for this novel, but I’m not dropping this btw! I’m just a bit busy still with school. As for that Chinese competition… I did horrible QAQ but I’ve put it behind me! More competitions ahead! (✿◡‿◡)

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I'm Afraid I'm Now a Salted Fish

I’m Afraid I’m Now a Salted Fish Chapter 36

LiLi041

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Translator: LiLi041

Chapter 36: First-Rate Endorsement

　　Chi Song, who had made way for Brother Harry to use the bathroom to express himself, acted as a doorman at the bathroom entrance for a long time. When people came, he would explain that the drainage facilities here werespok broken.
　　It wasn’t until the sucking sounds of the French kiss from the stall ceased and Bai Zhirong walked out of the stall with a red and swollen mouth that Chi Song left hurriedly. He left without a trace once his work was done, letting his good deed remain unknown.
　　
　　As the main lead of the final feast, Chi Song felt it wasn’t very proper to leave his seat for so long. Even though he hadn’t gotten to call Song Zhihuai yet, he still hurried back to the private room.
　　Naturally, Meritorious Official Handsome Song also participated in the final feast, threading back and forth between the forest of legs. After she played until she was tired and ate until she was full, she waited for Chi Song to sit down again before laying down at his feet. Then, she hugged his calves like a pair of hairy ugg boots before falling asleep.
　　
　　After the final feast ended, Chi Song returned the room and travelled back to the capital overnight.
　　At 3 am, with Handsome Song in one hand and his suitcase in the other, he quietly felt his way back into the house.
　　As soon as he entered, the lump of orange cat named Big Loyal Li arched his back vigilantly on the sofa. A pair of heterochromatic eyes gleamed in the dark.
　　Handsome Song jumped down onto the ground and meowed.
　　Big Loyal Li’s ears pricked up and he immediately fell down and pretended to be asleep, spreading out into a giant cat cake where he lay.
　　Handsome Song was also friends with Big Loyal Li. She silently and nimbly leapt onto the sofa and circled him twice while pawing at his furry belly.
　　As Chi Song’s cat, Big Loyal had tapped into the truest essence of master actors and was unflinching from all influences as he continued to play dead.
　　Handsome Song leaned forward and pecked Big Loyal on the mouth.
　　The two cats immediately rolled intimately into a ball. The scene instantly became very chaotic.
　　
　　A few months ago, when Big Loyal Li had just entered the Song Residence, the Boss Handsome Song was unhappy and went on a hunger strike for two days. When Chi Song tried to feed her her favorite fish bibimbap for cats, she didn’t even glance at it.
　　——Hmph, so you actually had other cats.
　　Later, it was Big Loyal Li who carried over a piece of beef to curry favor with her. Only then did she reluctantly accept this newly arrived fatty.
　　Then, the newly arrived fatty kissed her shamelessly and was scratched by her until he fled in disarray around the entire house.
　　However, Handsome Song finally allowed Big Loyal Li into her territory.
　　As for Big Loyal Li, though he was very simple-minded most of the time, he still protected his owner with a bit of an imposing manner. The first time he watched Chi Song and Song Zhihuai rolling around in the sheets, he thought that Chi Song was crying out so pitifully because he was being bullied. And so, he rushed forward with great momentum and exerted all the strength in his body to stomp on Song Zhihuai’s back.
　　22 pounds of cat stomped down on Song Zhihuai’s back, making him nearly spit out blood.
　　In the end, Big Loyal Li was thrown out of the room by a dark-faced Song Zhihuai while Chi Song rolled around on the bed, laughing. He couldn’t get hard anymore.
　　
　　Chi Song put down his luggage and quietly went to wash up and change into his pajamas before finally feeling his way towards the bed.
　　Only when Song Zhihuai was hugged from behind by his little wife did he slowly wake up.
　　He pinched the arms that were looped around his waist and identified who the person was. “…Chi Song?”
　　Chi Song made a sound of agreement and kissed Song Zhihuai’s ear lovably.
　　Song Zhihuai turned over and took the little Chi Song into his arms, blissfully rubbing his chin against Chi Song’s forehead. “Did you come back today? Why didn’t you tell me? I could’ve picked you up at the airport.”
　　Chi Song said, “You’ll have to attend an all-day conference on Monday. You’ll be really busy.”
　　Song Zhihuai laughed hoarsely. “I really am pretty busy. I haven’t even shaved yet. Is it prickly?”
　　His stubble brushed across Chi Song’s forehead, creating a numb feeling.
　　Chi Song also spoke in a quiet voice, afraid that if his voice was too loud, he would frighten the two cats playing happily outside. “…It’s not prickly. It’s pretty comfortable.”
　　Song Zhihuai said, “Sleep.”
　　Chi Song agreed, “Okay.”
　　
　　It wasn’t until Song Zhihuai woke up the next morning and found that he was indeed holding a sleeping little wife in his embrace that he was sure last night had not been a dream.
　　
　　As soon as Chi Song woke up, he found that he was being eaten by Song Zhihuai over and over again. After dazedly trying to refuse a few times, he simply decided to close his eyes and enjoy it.
　　After taking advantage of the good momentum in the early morning and being affectionate for a long time, Song Zhihuai turned over and got out of bed. Then, he gave cat food to the two cats, rummaged through the refrigerator, and found a handful of vegetables and some frozen meat.
　　He put all the simple ingredients he found together, planning to make some noodles for Chi Song to eat.
　　
　　While waiting for the water to boil, the person in charge of Tianle Studio, Chen Cunyun, called him to discuss the matter of Xindu Entertainment merging with Tianle.
　　According to Chen Cunyun, the photographer who filmed Song Zhihuai and Chi Song’s car shaking was making trouble.
　　He not only righteously asked the new boss to double his salary, but also wanted to leave Xindu Entertainment and directly enter Tianle with his own team of photographers. He acted a bit like he had all the power because he had something over the boss.
　　Song Zhihuai said unyieldingly, “The salary can be negotiated. However, it is impossible for him to directly join the Tianle team.”
　　Chen Cunyun also understood this reasoning.
　　The photographer’s inner qualities and professional skills were very average. He didn’t seem to know when to retreat or advance at all. After getting some benefits and the boss’s information, he actually wanted to blackmail the boss. He had clearly been dropped on his head as a baby.
　　
　　The paparazzi also had their own professionalism and rules they couldn’t break. professional, and they can’t break the rules.
　　If they let him enter Tianle and get more information, they couldn’t guarantee that he wouldn’t sell out his boss and Chi Song for profit.
　　
　　Song Zhihuai needed to ensure that any news that would be unfavorable to Chi Song would be strangled to death in its infancy.
　　
　　Chen Cunyun asked, “How should it be dealt with?”
　　Song Zhihuai said, “Does this photographer have any problems in private?”
　　Chen Cunyun replied, “Yes. He likes to gamble. He’s lost a lot of money and is still hiding it from his family right now.”
　　Song Zhihuai said, “Alright. Tomorrow… no, today, take Xindu Entertainment’s boss with you and pay a visit to his home.”
　　Chen Cunyun paused. “…A home visit?”
　　Song Zhihuai sneered. “Yes. Give his parents a mahjong set. It must be a good set, made of ivory. Tell him, this is employee welfare.”
　　
　　After Big Loyal Li ate his fill, he smelled the fragrance of noodles and ran into the kitchen eagerly.
　　Song Zhihuai heard movement at the doorway and turned back to look. His gaze was still severe and terrifying, which scared Big Loyal Li. With a twist of his buttocks, he took to his heels and ran out of the kitchen.
　　
　　After Song Zhihuai hung up, he continued to cook.
　　Soon, the noodles were ready. Song Zhihuai ladled some into a bowl and carried it to the bed along with a pair of chopsticks. Then, he tapped the bowl and said gently, “Mrs. Song, time to get up and eat.”
　　When Big Loyal Li, who was observing in secret, saw this scene, he suspected that there were actually two people living in his new owner’s body.
　　
　　Chi Song had started sleeping on his stomach just a moment ago. When he smelled the noodles’ fragrance, he was about to get up. However, he got stuck halfway through. “…Zhihuai, I can’t, waist, my waist.”
　　The posture just now would indeed injure his waist a little. Song Zhihuai hastily pushed him back down and rubbed his lower back. “Don’t get up in a hurry, take your time.”
　　Chi Song laid on the bed, blinking his drowsy, sleepy eyes at Song Zhihuai. “I was just dreaming about you.”
　　Song Zhihuai asked, “What did you dream about me?”
　　Chi Song became embarrassed. He fiddled with his fingernails as he said, “I seem to have dreamed about the two of us doing that…”
　　Song Zhihuai: “…”
　　A long while after that, he laughed helplessly and kissed Chi Song’s eyes. “…Silly.”
　　
　　Only after devouring half a bowl of noodles did Chi Song realize that he hadn’t been in a dream just now.
　　He felt extremely embarrassed and shrunk his neck, letting Song Zhihuai rub his hair and joke with him. His face was terribly red.
　　
　　But the two’s good times didn’t last long.
　　Because Chi Song’s new work was here.
　　
　　After calling Chi Song to the company, Zhou Yaming pushed a bunch of business contracts in front of him.
　　Chi Song couldn’t help but stare at the numerous contracts.
　　Zhou Yaming comforted, “…We won’t sign all the contracts.”
　　Chi Song released a sigh of relief with some difficulty.
　　
　　Zhou Yaming casually flipped open the contract on the top. “Do you still remember Taikoo?”
　　Of course Chi Song remembered. Taikoo was the first commercial he received after being placed under Zhou Yaming. It was also the most stylish commercial he shot after returning from abroad.
　　Zhou Yaming said, “Taikoo wants you to be the ambassador for Seventeen’s newest model of men’s watches. The company has already accepted it for you.”
　　Last time, he had just been there to advertise for others. Now, he had been promoted to the product’s ambassador. This could be counted as Chi Song making considerable progress, so when he thought about it, he felt a bit of happiness.
　　But soon, he couldn’t be happy anymore.
　　
　　“The company plans to let you take the ‘people’s celebrity’ route. This is a green tea commercial. I’ve already signed it. The filming will start this Sunday. You should prepare a bit.”
　　“Other than this one, you are currently tentatively scheduled to film a beer commercial, a chocolate commercial, a men’s shampoo commercial, and a sportswear commercial. In addition to filming, you’ll also have to participate in each advertising companies’ news conferences. I’ll check the itinerary for you and contact you by phone when the time comes. Don’t delay in the slightest.”
　　“You’ll also participate in four variety shows this month. There’s an online variety show related to “Kongming Lock”, where you’ll just be playing some games. There is also an online interview and a TV interview, both for the early stages of publicity for the second season of “Brilliant Starlight”. Oh right, there’s also “Generation”, which exerts a certain amount of influence on TV platforms. The first few are just formalities, but you have to prepare diligently for this last show.”
　　
　　Chi Song acted like a good student and listened earnestly, even taking notes.
　　When Zhou Yaming had just about finished checking through all the contracts with him once, Chi Song asked, “Sister Yaming, have there been any good scripts recently?”
　　Zhou Yaming said, “Good scripts can only be found through luck. There’s only so many resources. Who wouldn’t want to snatch some? If there’s any suitable ones for you, I will give you the priority.”
　　Zhou Yaming had given Chi Song a carrot. Before he could even feel grateful, the stick swung down right after. “Isn’t your birthday almost here?”
　　Chi Song was surprised. “Huh? Yeah…”
　　Zhou Yaming said, “On your birthday this year, you’ll hold a fan meet.”
　　Chi Song: “???”
　　Zhou Yaming said, “The pre-sale tickets are being typeset and will be ready to sell in a week. Remember to entertain your fans well when the time comes.”
　　
　　Chi Song knew that the so-called ‘celebrity economy’ meant that a celebrity’s everything could be used as a consumable for business, including birthdays.
　　A celebrity’s birthday party could be used to make a quick buck through selling tickets. The celebrity only needed to sing, dance, and chat with fans to make a fortune. At the same time, they could also receive sincere blessings from their fans. Many celebrities were very interested in this.
　　
　　But Chi Song really just wanted to spend his birthday with Mr. Song.
　　He had even planned it out. For his birthday this year, he was going to go back to his hometown with Song Zhihuai and have a meal with his parents.
　　
　　However, the company had already arranged everything. They only came to inform Chi Song.
　　Chi Song’s mood turned gloomy for a while. Then, he weakly raised his head and asked, “Can the ticket price be made a bit cheaper?”
　　Zhou Yaming was taken aback. “…Huh?”
　　Chi Song replied, “I’m afraid no one will buy them. That’d be pretty awkward…”
　　Zhou Yaming nearly laughed aloud. “Okay, I’ll discuss it with the staff involved.”
　　As she said so, she struck the last contract she was holding against her palm. “Okay, so after we finish discussing this, we can call it a day.”
　　Chi Song was discontent. “Huh?”
　　Zhou Yaming pushed over the contract. “Look at this script.”
　　This unusual attitude startled Chi Song. He took it, and just as he flipped it open, the big, bronzed words on the contract’s title made him suck in a cold breath.
　　
　　…Aden?
　　…Was it that Aden? The Aden that ranked within the top 20 cosmetics brands worldwide?
　　Zhou Yaming clasped her hands and the corners of her lips lifted up into a smile. “Aden has a face cream that’s targeted at young men, and they need a ambassador from Asia.”
　　She paused and said, “…It just so happens that Chief Song wants to give a birthday gift to his lover, so he asked me to give this contract to you.”
　　With that, she stood up and said, “Chi Song, I wish you a happy birthday in advance.”

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Translator’s Note: Sorry guys, it’s really late. I’m just going to say something real quick, which is that I have been signed up for (by my mom) this Chinese Culture competition (I’ll need to spend the next month preparing) and the workload is so heavy (I had to read 120 pages of one of the three textbooks yesterday morning… harsh), plus I’ve got a competition tomorrow so wish me luck~ Anyway, I may or may not be able to keep updating on Wednesdays/once a week. I’ll try to stick to the schedule, but no guarantees for the next few weeks.

Also, one of the commenters said, “Sorry, I always thought Big Loyal Li was a dog… I was even worried about their reproductive isolation…” LOL I was amazed. Also I do ship Handsome Song x Big Loyal Li~~ They’re so cute!!

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I'm Afraid I'm Now a Salted Fish

I’m Afraid I’m Now a Salted Fish Chapter 35

LiLi041

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Translator: LiLi041

Chapter 35: Angrily Fed Dog Food

　　Even when filming for the second season of “Brilliant Starlight” ended, Chi Song still didn’t know that he had almost made the headlines for making love.
　　During the banquet, a group of people at the heart of the scandal were taking pleasure in the misfortune of others to haul in more gossip.
　　Cai Qingqing took the lead in bringing up the topic, “You guys all know, right? About Lin Xun’s affair.”
　　
　　Last night, Lin Xun cheated with his mistress. The picture of him kissing his mistress in front of their private love nest had a row of “Xindu Entertainment’s” logo. stamped on it, causing the entire internet to explode.
　　Because Cai Qingqing and Lin Xun were from the same company and were under the same agent, without her taking the lead, no one else would dare to talk about this in front of her.
　　Cai Qingqing curled her lip, feeling disdainful. “Who in our company doesn’t know about his affair? He had bragged that he loved his wife and was an extremely rare good man as well. He even brought his wife on camera to make a public display of affection. So repulsive and shameless.”
　　One person summoned up his courage and gossiped, “Did his wife know before?”
　　When this was mentioned, Cai Qingqing became even angrier. “His wife is someone from outside the circle, so she didn’t know anything. She thought that he went out every night to participate in events.”
　　Chi Song, who was sitting next to Cai Qingqing, bumped his elbow against her and placed a chopstickful of veggies into her bowl. “Qingqing, eat some veggies.”
　　
　　Cai Qingqing had a well-off family and a solid background. Naturally, she wouldn’t fear anything. She could scold people however she wanted. However, Chi Song was afraid that someone with a low sense of presence and didn’t know how things worked would pass her words on. What if her words got passed out? She wouldn’t even know how she’d offended people.
　　Lin Xun was from a powerful group. He was different from those little idols who relied only on their looks and had no works. Even with his scandal, there would be no shortage of career fans chasing after him.
　　The affair might injure his image, but it would never destroy him. He still had the capital and opportunity to make a comeback.
　　Cai Qingqing also wasn’t a fool. As soon as Chi Song interrupted, she immediately avoided the topic and began to take the lead in discussing how cringy dramas were dominating the market.
　　
　　There was much to say about this matter. No matter whether they were eighteenth-rate, second-rate, or third-rate, everyone in the room had bitter complaints to make. With the help of the wine, everyone’s inner chatterboxes were revealed and they talked about all the cringy plots they’d acted in, some of which were so cringy they couldn’t even bear to look at their own lines.
　　While everyone was chatting feverently, Cai Qingqing hooked her finger towards Chi Song.
　　Chi Song thought she had something important to discuss with him, so he obediently lent her his ear.
　　Cai Qingqing asked very mysteriously, “I’ve watched “Kongming Lock” up to the thirty-eighth episode. Who’s the murderer that hung the forensic student’s classmate? Is it really the forensic investigator’s brother, right?”
　　Chi Song felt embarrassed. “You also watched “Kongming Lock”?”
　　Cai Qingqing took out her phone, pulled up the video software, and sent the click rate page of “Kongming Lock” to Chi Song. “The total number of clicks is over 2 billion. You won’t even let me follow the trend?”
　　Chi Song was startled. Then, he took Cai Qingqing’s phone and counted the number of clicks carefully.
　　…It had actually reached ten digits.
　　Cai Qingqing was surprised. “…You actually don’t follow your own show?”
　　Chi Song rubbed the back of his head. “…I originally wanted to look, but I was afraid being scolded would affect my state of mind. This show also wasn’t filmed well, so I blocked everything related to “Kongming Lock”.”
　　Cai Qingqing patted his shoulder understandingly. “I was also like this when I first became famous. It’s a good habit.”
　　
　　These few days, Chi Song had already gotten some first-hand experience with “fame”.
　　The number of his fans and anti-fans had risen sharply in proportion. In the Weibo comment area, there were more and more sarcastic comments spitting that he was ugly and that his acting skills could only tower over dwarves. The amount of fighting and tearing into each other increased by the day.
　　One of the most peculiar points that Chi Song had seen was that he schemed to use his pet to become famous while abusing her, draining her of all her remaining value in order to make himself look better. Simply heartless.
　　Of course, Chi Song’s fans also became much more unyielding.
　　…They had long changed from that group of fans that would be criticized until they became speechless by Bai Shaoding’s fans.
　　They directly dumped a screenshot of the webcast click rate of “Kongming Lock” under this comment, proudly saying that even without Handsome as a mascot, their family’s Chi Song would still be the male lead of a web drama with 2 billion clicks. Even if they were still unconvinced, they could just hold it in.
　　Next, they started to say that the click rate had been forged, the fans were too bold, etc. It was best to not mention this.
　　
　　However, there were also lots of benefits.
　　Chi Song’s treatment in the crew was visibly getting better and better. People often came by to ask Chi Song if he wanted to drink some lemonade. The box lunches given to him were carefully replaced with dishes made by southern chefs. When the weather became cold, there were even people who gave him sugar roasted chestnuts and heating pads. Even Handsome’s usual rations increased accordingly.
　　The Handsome who could eat salmon every day gained a lot of weight. Seeing how her build was getting closer to Big Loyal Li’s, Chi Song started worrying about how to get her to lose weight.
　　
　　In brief, there were both good and bad points.
　　The only expectation Chi Song had towards fame was to receive even more, even better scripts and make more even money. Then, he would retire after the age of forty. He would use this money to travel around the world with Mr. Song, before buying a seaview house in Linhai city, staying together with Mr. Song, cooking at home, watching sports games, and going to the food market, hand in hand.
　　
　　When he thought up to here, Chi Song suddenly missed Song Zhihuai a lot.
　　He wanted to make a call.
　　Chi Song stood up. After he took a few steps, he noticed Lu Yuan, who was sitting at a different table than him.
　　
　　As the uncrowned king of the “Kongming Lock” that had 2 billion clicks and the assistant director of “Brilliant Starlight’s” second season’s Group A, Lu Yuan had to suffer through being forced to drink alcohol by everyone in the crew. He was currently humming while sprawled on the table like a dead pig.
　　Ling Lixing, who was sitting at another table, kept looking back frequently. However, his mood couldn’t be seen from his indifferent face.
　　But, Chi Song was able to recognize the coat that had been draped on Lu Yuan’s shoulder at some point. It seemed to be Ling Lixing’s.
　　
　　Lu Yuan was sprawled on the table, repeating unclearly, “Script supervisor, script supervisor, where’s Little Li?”
　　Group A’s head script supervisor’s last name was Li. He was also the one who forced him to drink the most fiercely.
　　Filming had already finished, so Script Supervisor Li also wasn’t afraid of his retaliation. He grinned, “What are you doing?”
　　Lu Yuan said muddle-headedly, “Call Old Wang over.”
　　Old Wang was Group A’s lighting expert. He answered, “Hey, Lu Yuan, I’m here.”
　　Lu Yuan ordered again, “Old Wang, where are the costumes? Where did the costumes run off to?”
　　Old Wang looked around the whole private room. “Designer Bai just left.”
　　Lu Yuan started repeating, “Never mind then.”
　　He turned a full circle before finally coming upon Chi Song’s name. “Where’s Chi Song? Come out!”
　　Chi Song walked over and helped him tuck Ling Lixing’s coat a bit higher. “What did you call me for?”
　　Lu Yuan threw his arms around Chi Song neck and laughingly buried his face next to Chi Song’s ear.
　　Just as Chi Song was suspecting that he was being forcefully kissed, Chi Song heard Lu Yuan whisper, “Help me call Ling Lixing into my room. I miss him.”
　　Chi Song: “…”
　　
　　He would never have thought that the result of this game of ‘beat the drum, pass the flowers’ would end up with him eating a big, expired mouthful of dog food.
　　Chi Song felt like he was about to get indigestion.
　　
　　On that side, Ling Lixing’s expression looked like he wished he could just swallow Chi Song up in one bite.
　　Chi Song broke free from Lu Yuan’s embrace, which was reeking of wine. Then, he summoned up his courage and walked to Ling Lixing’s side. He bent down and told him about Lu Yuan’s invitation.
　　Ling Lixing was taken aback. Then, he showed an expression that said “Oh, so it was like this. I had thought it was some big deal or something.”
　　But Chi Song clearly saw the corners of his lips and cheeks trembling slightly with joy.
　　…Truly cold on the outside, but passionate on the inside.
　　
　　Chi Song, who was fed dog food, walked out of the private room with his phone. He planned to find a bathroom and talk to Song Zhihuai.
　　As soon as Chi Song walked into the men’s bathroom, he unexpectedly saw the Bai Zhirong who had just been called for by Lu Yuan rush out of the bathroom.
　　Chi Song wanted to go over and say hello, but Brother Harry, who was following behind Bai Zhirong, made Chi Song back out of the bathroom with a quiver.
　　
　　Bai Zhirong, whose wrist had been grabbed, looked extremely angry. “You’re crazy!”
　　Brother Harry’s face was full of helplessness. “Don’t be angry.”
　　Bai Zhirong swatted away Brother Harry’s hand. “Don’t touch me!”
　　
　　Chi Song was shocked.
　　….Huh? They’re fighting?
　　He remembered that Brother Harry had a really good temper. He pretty much wouldn’t get angry at anyone.
　　
　　He stretched his head out from his hiding spot and watched them secretly.
　　Unexpectedly, Harry rudely embraced Bai Zhirong’s waist and pushed him against the partition without a single word. He confined Bai Zhirong between the crooks of his own arms. His actions were very overbearing president-like. “Don’t you leave.”
　　After he finished speaking, he seemed to feel that he was being a bit too fierce, so he fawningly rubbed his forehead against Bai Zhirong’s, looking exactly like a husky.
　　How could Bai Zhirong’s little body ever beat Brother Harry’s body, which exercised all year round? He could only grit his teeth, turn his face away, and repeat weakly, “…You’re crazy. We might not even stay together until the end”
　　Brother Harry said, “I know. That’s why I’ll announce it after some time passes.”
　　Bai Zhirong clenched his teeth. “You’re not acting anymore?”
　　Brother Harry said, “I’ve earned enough money.”
　　Bai Zhirong reached out and grabbed his collar, looking straight into his eyes. “Don’t you like acting?”
　　Brother Harry was silent for a long time before saying, “I like it.”
　　Bai Zhirong felt very annoyed. “Then don’t you know…”
　　Brother Harry’s very deep voice seemed especially attractive. “…I want to give you a proper identity.”
　　
　　Chi Song: “…”
　　He found that he seemed to have discovered something extraordinary.
　　
　　The rims of Bai Zhirong’s eyes reddened and he ferociously punched Brother Harry’s full, well-defined pecs with his fist a few times.
　　Brother Harry also didn’t move. He just looked tenderly at Bai Zhirong.
　　Soon, the fierce little tiger Bai Zhirong brought the big dog-like Brother Harry into the bathroom. The two became caught up in kissing, practically about to merge into one person.
　　
　　Chi Song hurriedly backed out and nearly bumped into a man who was about to enter the bathroom.
　　He hurriedly pushed the yellow “under repair” sign over with his feet as he said to the person, “Sorry, sorry. The toilet inside is broken and can’t be used.”

Author’s Note: It’s been updated~ (LiLi041’s Note: I am assuming the author means chapter 32 has been updated- on JJWXC, it shows that chapter 32 has been updated, presumably after it was locked for some inappropriate content.)

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Translator’s Note: Love is in the air~~ So many couples! Ngl, when I first read the chapter title, I thought that it would be Chi Song and Song Zhihuai forcefully feeding dog food to everyone else >.>

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