Mr. Zhou Doesn’t Want to Work Hard Anymore!

Advertisement

Boarding the elevator to go downstairs, Zhou Chenxi asked Lu Ji, “What new collaboration do you want to discuss with me?”

Lu Ji replied, “When it comes to collaboration, someone from your management team will naturally get in touch with you. You just need to have a meal with me.”

Zhou Chenxi understood that his role as a frontman was just for show, called upon by the wealthy benefactor’s father.

After the show, Lu Ji escorted Zhou Chenxi back home.

He had no idea that under the Weibo post he had made earlier, there were suddenly new comments.

【@LittleStar237: I really don’t understand why so many people like someone who relies entirely on a wealthy benefactor to get ahead.】

“Little Star” was the collective term for fans of Luo Xinghe, and his fans often prefixed their IDs with “Little Star.”

This comment, with its built-in fan base, immediately received a barrage of replies: 【What can you expect from someone who relies on their benefactor? Here’s “Iron Bars and Tears” for you, go do whatever you want!】

This “Little Star237” seemed to be quite eloquent and quickly found an angle with this reply: 【So, does that mean you agree with what I said?】

Zhou Chenxi’s Weibo had been experiencing a surge in traffic lately. He was gaining followers rapidly and had strong appeal. He had just been named the most promising newcomer by a certain marketing account.

The fan of Zhou Chenxi who had left the original comment meant no harm, just wanted to express that “Little Star237” was not qualified to judge Zhou Chenxi. But after “Little Star237” engaged in an argument, the original comment naturally came under fire from Zhou Chenxi’s fans.

Due to the flood of responses, “Little Star237’s” comment was pushed to the top comments section.

Advertisement

Zhou Chenxi had heat, and marketing accounts naturally kept an eye on him. So, a particularly attention-seeking marketing blogger, upon seeing this comment, quickly wrote an article titled “Why Is Zhou Chenxi So Popular?”

The article detailed Zhou Chenxi’s journey from being an extra to entering the entertainment industry, closely resembling the resume listed on Baidu Baike.

However, there were some personal twists added.

For example, the author analyzed why Zhou Chenxi’s luck improved after leaving “The Acting Troupe.” It was because he had met Lu Ji during the recording of “I Am an Actor.” The author described Lu Ji as a CEO who acted on impulse. Impressed by Zhou Chenxi’s good looks, he directly brought Zhou Chenxi into the show “Carp,” taking great care of him.

Subsequently, whether it was several advertising endorsements related to Lu’s company or the resources for “Journey to the Immortals” and “Dream of Destiny,” they were all projects led and invested in by Lu’s company.

Even when Luo Xinghe snatched Zhou Chenxi’s role, Lu Ji was so infuriated that the official account of “Dream of Destiny” had to come out and apologize, clarify the situation, and even resort to legal means to protect their rights.

Recently, after director Luo had just finished shooting “The Tale of the Cat Demon,” there was also additional investment from Lu’s company. They claimed it was just a coincidence, but the author expressed disbelief.

The article also included a small video that was secretly taken when Zhou Chenxi had just decided to leave “The Acting Troupe.”

Advertisement

The video had been deliberately cut off halfway by the author, and below the link, there was a small note: 【Since you think you’re not good enough, why don’t you just leave the entertainment industry? Is it because you met Lu Ji, this wealthy benefactor, that you’ve changed your mind?】

This author used to often imitate a sensational style when writing entertainment news, aiming for provocative content, using vulgar language, and often speculating about celebrities in the entertainment industry with the most malicious intentions. Ironically, many people used to enjoy this style.

However, because it didn’t align with societal values, the gossip tabloid he worked for had shut down, and he had been summoned by relevant authorities several times, resulting in hefty fines. Now, to make a living, he had started working in self-media, and his articles still reflected his crude nature.

But many people were no longer buying into his style.

Most of the comments below were like this:

【Chenxi doesn’t solely rely on Mr. Lu. Dare you say he didn’t act well in “Liu Li”?】

【I’ve seen “The Acting Troupe.” Zhou Chenxi isn’t lacking in talent, it was just bad luck. If it weren’t for Luo Xinghe playing dirty in the background, he might have been the champion of that season.】

【Damn it, talking about this still makes me angry. Have you all forgotten that it was Luo Xinghe who instigated someone to trip him up back then?】

【The program’s apology announcement is still up, and the person who tampered with things has been identified. We won’t mention who instigated it, but doesn’t this indirectly prove that Chenxi didn’t leave the show because of a lack of talent?】

【If you want to show the video, show the whole thing! Chenxi said at the time, “My life was threatened just to record this show!” The program and the investor, Lu’s company, should take responsibility for this matter. What’s wrong with compensating him with “Carp”? Don’t take things out of context!】

Advertisement

【Umm… let me speak up. I recorded that video. I just thought Zhou Chenxi was so cute when I saw this handsome and adorable guy on the street, so I couldn’t resist picking up my phone… If Chenxi minds, she can have someone contact me, and I’ll take responsibility for the video. I also want to apologize to Chenxi for any negative impact this incident may have caused.】

Since that marketing account published a short piece, Zhou Chenxi had been monitoring online developments. When she saw this comment, she privately messaged the girl and said that the company didn’t mind her sharing the video online but hoped she could also repost the original to clarify things for Zhou Chenxi.

The girl was more than willing to help.

She had originally posted that video casually, but it got dug up and shared by someone else. Everyone had taken a sip of Zhou Chenxi’s “poisoned chicken soup,” so she pinned the video on Weibo with the caption: 【Have another sip of the “poisoned chicken soup”!】

The “@Zhou Chenxi Global Fan Club” was the first to repost this Weibo.

This fan club account was quite mysterious. Many fans who followed the account sent direct messages to inquire if it was Zhou Chenxi’s official fan club. The reply was: 【No.】

However, the account owner was very professional, consistently producing content, actively updating, whether it was Photoshop, video editing, finding similar styles, or coordinating with official promotions. It was all done quickly and promptly. Even Zhou Chenxi’s manager had reposted and liked many of the account’s pictures and videos.

Later, as more fans began to follow this account, they suddenly discovered that the account owner was actually a die-hard shipper of Zhou Chenxi, and he didn’t ship Zhou Chenxi with Zhuang Jingle, Zhou Chenxi with Ren Qian, or Zhou Chenxi with Gong Rui. He didn’t support any CP (couple pairing), and he particularly despised the Xi Ji CP shippers. Any other CP fans who followed him on Weibo were met with comments being deleted. Xi Ji CP fans had it even worse; they couldn’t even follow him. As soon as he spotted any IDs or profile pictures related to “Xi Ji,” he would immediately remove them from his followers and block them. He also liked to report posts, advising deletion, card issuance, and blacklisting in three steps for content related to CPs, making him the epitome of a die-hard shipper.

Die-hard shipper fans were the first to repost this video, attracting many new fans. Everyone was charmed by the slightly chubby-faced Bai Xi Xi in the video. They all eagerly sipped the “poisoned chicken soup” and vowed to work even harder to earn money and buy the skincare products endorsed by Xi Xi.

The marketing account’s attempt at taking things out of context failed, and they quietly deleted the article.

Zhou Mingxuan breathed a sigh of relief, having completed his mission. He shut down his computer, left work, and headed home. His younger brother’s birthday was coming up, and he couldn’t let these troublesome matters affect him.

For several days in a row, Zhou Chenxi was busy shooting commercials for Lu’s company. From promotional photos to videos, Lu’s company worked efficiently. After the final products were ready, they were quickly distributed offline. All malls and beauty stores associated with Lu’s company were adorned with large posters featuring Zhou Chenxi’s smiling face.

The streets were filled with images of Zhou Chenxi, his teeth white and his cheeks slightly chubby, and Zhou Mingxuan couldn’t help feeling envious. He thought about the possibility of expanding his own business during a company meeting, but due to the recent surge in workload and his numerous responsibilities, he pushed that thought aside.

Another week passed, and it was now Zhou Chenxi’s birthday.

Those days happened to coincide with a weekend holiday, and many people were traveling. Fortunately, the Zhou family’s hotel in the southern city had not yet opened, so the whole family could celebrate Zhou Chenxi’s birthday on their private little beach.

Advertisement

Zhou Father had arranged for a private small plane from somewhere, and the family of four departed from H City and flew to the southern city.

On the day Zhou Chenxi’s character Liu Li from “Journey to the Immortals” was written off, the show’s ratings on Watermelon TV reached a new high. Zhou Father and Zhou Mother sat on the private plane, holding iPads, and watched that particular episode together. After finishing it, Zhou Mother wiped away tears and sighed, “Liu Li is just too pitiful, carrying such a burden at such a young age.”

Zhou Chenxi, munching on potato chips, said casually, “He’s already lived for hundreds of years. There’s nothing interesting left for him. He’s completed his storyline, so he should exit the stage.”

Zhou Chenxi’s cold and unfeeling tone didn’t resonate with Zhou Mother, who gave her son a reproachful look and said, “You don’t understand.”

With that, she left her real-life son behind and continued to empathize with the paper-thin character on the TV screen.

Zhou Chenxi, being scorned by his mother, had no choice but to continue lazily devouring his potato chips.

Zhou Chenxi had already finished watching the latest episodes of “Journey to the Immortals.” Since these two episodes were focused on his character, he felt uncomfortable and fast-forwarded through them, not taking much time to watch.

His older brother sat in a nearby chair, engrossed in his computer, clearly working. Zhou Chenxi, on the other hand, had nothing to do.

After getting off the plane, Zhou’s parents went to visit the hotel’s private beach, while Zhou Mingxuan went to discuss matters with the hotel’s management regarding the opening. Zhou Chenxi went back to his room alone, put down his luggage, and sent a text message to Lu Ji:

【Have you arrived yet?】

Lu Ji was in the office listening to a report from his subordinates. When he saw the message, he couldn’t help but suppress a chuckle and replied discreetly: 【Not yet, but I’m on my way.】

He still hadn’t departed!

Zhou Chenxi felt like he was being too impatient. He checked the time and indeed, it was still early. So, he sprawled out on the spacious hotel bed and took a nap.

When he woke up, it was already evening, and tonight his parents and brother would celebrate his birthday. The family of four dined at the hotel’s top-floor revolving restaurant. Zhou’s brother had the waitstaff bring out a birthday cake, and Zhou Chenxi, wearing a paper golden crown, sang the birthday song with his family. Then, he made a wish and casually blew out the candles.

After blowing out the candles, Zhou Chenxi wondered why Lu Ji hadn’t arrived yet.

After finishing the birthday cake, his parents began to engage in some goofy antics. His mother picked up the microphone in the background music of the restaurant and sang a popular square dance song. The elegant atmosphere of the five-star hotel’s revolving restaurant was instantly lowered. The couple even danced a square dance on the small stage nearby as if they were in their own world.

His older brother was still busy with work. Midway through, his mother called him over, and the family of four took a group photo.

At first, Zhou Chenxi found their antics amusing, but family is family after all. When you spend a long time together, the significance of getting together in a different place is nothing more than having a meal together. Once everyone was full, they all wanted to do something else separately.

His brother went to make a phone call with people from his company. After finishing the call and returning, he apologized to Zhou Chenxi, explaining that the company had an impromptu video conference to attend, and he needed to go back to his room and use the computer.

His parents wanted to go swimming in the outdoor heated pool downstairs, so they asked Zhou Chenxi if he wanted to join them.

Zhou Chenxi, the ultimate couch potato, had no interest in any form of exercise, including swimming, so he shook his head.

With his parents gone, Zhou Chenxi became bored once again.

He took out his phone once again and sent a message to Lu Ji: “Not there yet?”

This time, it seemed like he had heard Zhou Chenxi’s inner thoughts, and Lu Ji finally replied: “I’ve arrived, just got off the plane.”

Zhou Chenxi was overjoyed and immediately replied: “Do you want me to come pick you up?”

Lu Ji replied, “No need, I have a car. Where are you? I’ll come find you.”

Zhou Chenxi said, “I’m in the south city! Here! There! Anywhere! Wherever you want to meet, I’ll go there!”

Lu Ji couldn’t help but smile, thinking, “I want to meet you in your heart.”

But he typed seriously: “Then I’ll wait for you downstairs at your hotel. I’ll be there soon.”

“Great!”

Zhou Chenxi quickly stood up, still wearing a shiny little crown on his head. A restaurant server approached him and said, “Young master, there’s still half a cake left. Would you like us to pack it for you?”

“No need! I just cut the cake a moment ago, and there’s half left. I haven’t touched it. It’s already in a storage box. You can share it among yourselves.”

Zhou Chenxi thought for a moment, turned back, took off his crown, and “crowned” the server, saying, “It’s for you, wishing you a happy weekend!”

The server, infected by his generosity, also smiled and said, “Happy birthday and have a great weekend.”

Zhou Chenxi thanked him and happily revealed a bright smile, then went downstairs to meet Lu Ji.

Author’s note: President Lu is really a sweet-talker.

Thanks to “46604152” and “47462637” for the landmines!

Thanks to “噠啦啦,” “小夕,” “Pan,” “南瓜一隻帥炸天,” “myh7412010,” “雨雪霏霏,” “砂侑,” “Pan,” and “花朝” for the nutrients!

1TL: YSIAD  “You can support me if you like my translations by leaving a comment below, or by sending me a Ko-fi. Thank you ️” 

1TL: YSIAD  “You can support me if you like my translations by leaving a comment below, or by sending me a Ko-fi. Thank you ️”