Chapter 29: A Dedicated Wingman
Back in his dilapidated old apartment, Xi Leng, after checking his bank balance, started thinking about moving again.
The new apartment needed at least two bedrooms, preferably with a separate studio…
Thinking of this, Xi Leng scrolled through his contacts, found “Rong Xingyi,” and sent a text message: 【Are you on summer vacation yet?】
It wasn’t until bedtime that he received a string of ellipses in reply: 【…】
Xi Leng locked his phone screen after reading it, not bothering to engage any further.
His relationship with his younger brother, Rong Xingyi, had gone from inseparable to freezing point, marked by Xi Leng running away from home at the age of 17.
That year, he went to take the art entrance exam without saying goodbye. He stayed in a hostel during the college entrance exams and never went back after starting university.
His father, Rong Haigao, used to be a businessman, and their family lived in a decent apartment building. He squandered their family fortune after getting into gambling. As their wealth dwindled, his temper became increasingly volatile. During those dark days, his first wife died of illness, and not long after, he coaxed another woman into marriage.
Xi Leng’s stepmother only realized what kind of hellhole she had married into after the fact. But for the first time in her life, she found someone to rely on, she didn’t have the courage, nor was she willing to leave this man. She compromised, naively hoping that one day her husband would change his ways.
But Rong Haigao would hit anyone when he lost his temper, his frail wife, his kindergarten-aged son. Of course, he hit Xi Leng the most, because Xi Leng never cried, never begged, only staring at him with bloodshot eyes that resembled his birth mother’s, filled with hatred.
After Xi Leng ran away, Rong Haigao’s anger was directed entirely at his wife and younger son. To protect her young child, the woman, who had been timid her whole life, finally mustered the courage to cut ties with Rong Haigao.
Xi Leng’s sudden departure was also equivalent to severing his relationship with Rong Xingyi. Rong Xingyi didn’t block him, but his resentment was evident in his indifferent attitude.
But when they were young, Rong Xingyi was completely attached to his older brother, chattering non-stop, like an annoying little fly. His brother was the person he trusted most, the towering mountain that protected him.
After leaving home at 17, Xi Leng met Rong Xingyi fewer than five times.
And those few meetings were from his past life, two years in the future from now.
Two years later, Rong Xingyi was involved in a car accident while racing with some delinquents and had to have his leg amputated. The once proud and carefree teenager would have to spend the rest of his life on crutches. He became despondent, even suicidal, and his mother had no choice but to call Xi Leng for help.
Xi Leng visited him a few times, but they barely spoke each time. And then, Xi Leng died. He didn’t know if that troubled kid ended up living well. In the novel’s outline, Rong Xingyi wasn’t even mentioned, less significant than a supporting character.
Receiving a call from Zhu Minglang, Xi Leng thought it was about the show.
But Zhu Minglang said excitedly: “The boss asked me to send you some of his merchandise, many limited editions that are no longer available. You’re home today, right? The courier will arrive soon, remember to check. Our boss is quite fan-serving, right? Hey, he personally asked to send these to you.”
Xi Leng wasn’t sure how to react, only replying with an “okay.”
The courier delivered a huge cardboard box. Xi Leng opened it and saw that half of it was filled with Min Zhi’s albums, the latest one from three years ago, the rest of the space filled with posters, calendars, photocards, and other merchandise.
Xi Leng took out one item after another, all the autographs bearing a line of small print: To. Xi Leng.
His thought of reselling the merchandise was instantly extinguished.
In his past life, his stepmother had privately told Xi Leng that Rong Xingyi seemed to have a dream of becoming a celebrity, secretly collecting merchandise at home, besides posters and CDs of idol groups, there were also Min Zhi’s old rock albums.
Perhaps because of this, the blow of the amputation was particularly devastating, a fatal blow to his celebrity dream, the path to his dream ending before it even began.
Xi Leng lowered his eyes and sent him a photo of all the merchandise, Min Zhi’s precious autographs everywhere.
It was Saturday, and Rong Xingyi wasn’t at school, he immediately replied with a row of question marks.
【？？？？？】
Xi Leng didn’t elaborate, not wanting to talk too much with this rebellious teenager.
The waves, the sea breeze, the rustling of leaves, the long-haired young man’s face, his smile, his ear, all lingered in his mind even after returning to Beijing.
A few days later, at four in the morning, Min Zhi was once again startled awake from a dream.
But the person in his dream wasn’t a beautiful girl, but a young man as cold and pure as snow. When he smiled, it was like ice melting, more captivating than any flame.
Once he woke up, the image disappeared without a trace.
But the lingering warmth in his chest and his erratic breathing remained.
Min Zhi suspected he might be a little abnormal.
The next day, at the studio, Zhu Minglang, arriving at work full of energy, saw this scene—
Min Zhi, facing the makeup mirror, holding something that looked like a gun against his ear.
Zhu Minglang’s face turned pale with fright, and he rushed over: “B-b-b-boss!”
Min Zhi easily pushed him away, frowning and asking: “What?”
“Y-you…” Seeing that the thing in Min Zhi’s hand was just a piercing gun, Zhu Minglang still didn’t let go, anxiously sweating. “You can’t do it! Why do you suddenly want to get another ear piercing? Didn’t you say only gays pierce their right ear??”
Min Zhi was silent for a moment: “My left ear is too crowded.”
“Too crowded… No, that’s not the point. If it’s crowded, then don’t pierce it.” Zhu Minglang nagged like a mother hen. “Don’t pierce it anymore, don’t you remember how troublesome it was for makeup during filming because of these piercings? Especially for historical dramas…”
“I’m telling you again, if you want to be rebellious, go back to playing your rock music!!”
However, Min Zhi was surprisingly good-tempered today. Even after being told this, his expression remained calm, his eyelashes lowered, a thoughtful look in his eyes.
“If not my right ear, then a lip piercing?”
“…” Zhu Minglang was silent for a few seconds. “Why don’t you pierce me instead?”
The two stared at each other for three minutes.
Min Zhi was unexpectedly patient today, but also unusually stubborn, completely unmoved.
“If I don’t pierce something…”
He wouldn’t put down the piercing gun, raising his other hand and pressing it against his chest, over his beating heart.
“I feel like this is going to explode.”
“…”
What the hell was wrong with this guy?
“Why don’t you pierce it somewhere less visible?” Zhu Minglang compromised. “Like your navel, or further down… you know.”
Inexplicably, Min Zhi actually nodded: “Mm-hmm, that’s a good idea. Next time.”
Zhu Minglang: “…?”
The area around Xi Leng’s apartment complex was still the same dilapidated mess, looking even more desolate and bleak during the day, with barely any elderly people strolling and chatting.
Min Zhi, wearing a mask, got out of his car.
After taking a few steps in the deserted area, he suddenly ran into a drunk man, looking around for something. Seeing the masked figure ahead, he rushed over.
The middle-aged man, without any courtesy, and without even a greeting, held up his phone and asked: “Hey, have you seen this person?”
Min Zhi wasn’t planning to pay him any attention, but his gaze inadvertently fell on the phone screen, and he was transfixed.
He frowned slightly, staring intently as the man held the phone closer to his face.
“Have you seen him? He should live around here.”
The teenager in the photo was wearing a high school uniform, but not very compliant with the school rules, his bangs covering his delicate features, his skin pale and almost sickly, looking gloomy and unapproachable.
His messy hair looked permed, but Min Zhi knew clearly that it was naturally curly.
Seeing Min Zhi’s reaction, the man’s excitement was almost uncontainable, pressing on: “He’s in his early twenties now, about your height…”
Min Zhi finally looked away from the phone, sizing up the man in front of him.
His features were actually quite decent, but due to years of indulgence in alcohol and pleasure, his eyes were cloudy, filled with an unconcealable greed and malice.
“Hey, you’ve seen him, right?” The man urged impatiently.
After thinking for a moment, Min Zhi finally spoke, uttering one word: “No.”
“You motherfucker…”
The man cursed, almost instinctively raising his hand towards a stranger.
Min Zhi saw his every move, neither retreating nor flinching, his movements calm and unhurried: “The cheapest thing on me is this shirt, twenty-eight thousand, touch me if you dare.”
He then showed him his wrist, revealing his watch: “Twenty million.”
“…”
Honestly, the watch clearly looked expensive. If it was worth a few thousand or tens of thousands, Rong Haigao would be willing to take the risk and try to rob him.
But twenty million.
This price indicated that this person wasn’t just rich, but also powerful, someone from a social class he could only look up to, someone he absolutely couldn’t afford to offend.
Thugs like him, who lacked education, were best at bullying the weak and relying on powerful connections. Seeing this, his arrogant attitude instantly subsided. He gave a forced smile, turned around silently, and ran away.
“Wait.” Min Zhi called out to him.
Rong Haigao stopped, reluctantly turning back slowly.
“I remember now, I think I’ve seen that person.” Min Zhi’s eyes were calm, but his words brought good news.
Hearing this, greed filled the man’s eyes. Min Zhi raised his arm, pointing towards the entrance of the complex: “Over there… across the street, at the intersection, then further ahead, I think it was over there.”
The man was overjoyed, not doubting his words at all, rushing off like a debt collector.
Min Zhi watched him leave, then, after a while, found the building where Xi Leng lived.
He didn’t contact him in advance, but Xi Leng was home. He had quit his job at the archery range, devoting himself to the role of a fan.
Now the idol himself appeared at his door, unannounced.
Fortunately, Xi Leng was prepared and let him in generously.
“Have a seat.”
This time, there were places to sit in Xi Leng’s small apartment. The paintings on the sofa and the walls were all gone.
Min Zhi didn’t sit down immediately, noticing a tall glass cabinet by the wall, sleek and modern, completely out of place in the shabby little apartment.
Inside… was all the merchandise the idol personally gave to his little fan.
Carefully collected, almost like offerings.
Min Zhi noticed that Xi Leng had also bought a CD player and speakers.
Stacked on top of the CD player were his opened albums.
The albums he gave Xi Leng were all brand new and sealed, the autographs signed on the plastic wrap.
Min Zhi frowned slightly and asked: “…Why did you open them all?”
“How can I listen to them if I don’t open them?” Xi Leng didn’t understand, hesitating for a moment. “You gave them to me… to listen to, right?”
He wouldn’t dare resell autographed albums, and Min Zhi definitely wanted him to cherish them.
Moreover, Min Zhi’s rock music unexpectedly calmed his mind, treating his hallucinations and tinnitus.
He thought, if he went to Ren’ai Mental Hospital again, he probably wouldn’t imagine the adult Zhu Gongping as a small, thin boy when he went on a rampage.
He then found the discarded plastic wraps and showed them to Min Zhi: “Don’t worry, the autographs aren’t damaged.”
Min Zhi didn’t look at the autographs, his concern wasn’t about that, only saying: “You can listen to them if you’re not afraid of dying.”
“What?” Xi Leng frowned. “So many other fans also listen to your songs, is it because… these CDs you gave me are different?”
Not explaining might cause unnecessary misunderstanding, so Min Zhi had to say: “No.”
“Only for people… close to me.” Min Zhi’s eyes flickered, still speaking vaguely. “My music is a curse.”
A flicker of confusion crossed Xi Leng’s eyes, but he didn’t dwell on it, nor did he pry, instead saying: “Then it’s just right.”
Meeting the man’s questioning gaze, Xi Leng smiled nonchalantly: “I’m not afraid of anything, especially curses.”
He was someone who lived under a curse.
As Min Zhi was momentarily stunned, he suddenly heard Xi Leng ask: “Did you get a new piercing?”
“Mm-hmm.” Min Zhi touched the silver stud on his right earlobe, where a scab had formed, then, after a pause, abruptly changed the subject. “Right, I met someone before coming up…”
Xi Leng looked up, his expression changing slightly at Min Zhi’s words.
Min Zhi tentatively guessed: “A creditor?”
But Xi Leng smiled again, seemingly lightheartedly: “No, I don’t have any debts. Thanks to you, I now have enough money to move.”
“…Move?”
“Mm-hmm, I’m moving.” Xi Leng said. “The new place is in a high-end complex, very safe, no strange people.”
Speaking of which, besides saving enough for the rent, being able to find a suitable place was also thanks to Min Zhi.
Or rather, thanks to his childhood friend, Qiao Yusen.
In the novel, Qiao Yusen was a pure wingman, with no romantic entanglement with the protagonist shou, and also a friend approved by the protagonist gong, so Xi Leng naturally trusted him.
Right after returning from filming, Xi Leng sent Qiao Yusen a message, asking if he knew of any suitable apartments for rent.
Qiao Yusen came from a wealthy family. Finding an apartment through people in their circle was definitely more reliable and safe than going through an agent. This way, he wouldn’t have to keep hiding like in his past life.
The only problem was money.
However, Qiao Yusen was very enthusiastic, telling him to state his requirements first and not worry about the rent, then introducing him to a luxurious high-end complex he wouldn’t even dare to dream of, a top-floor duplex apartment with a private rooftop garden.
Xi Leng frankly said he couldn’t afford it, but Qiao Yusen said on the phone with a smile: “You know, rich people have a bunch of empty properties. Houses deteriorate if left unoccupied for long periods, and the owner would have to hire someone for maintenance, so it’s better to rent it out to someone trustworthy. Let me tell you, the owner is also an artist, and he’s very willing to help struggling young artists, and I’m the one making the introduction, that’s why you’re getting this price.”
“But, he also finds short-term rentals troublesome, so he’ll waive the deposit, only one requirement, a one-year lease, thirty-six thousand.”
Qiao Yusen’s one requirement actually eased Xi Leng’s concerns, and he decisively signed the lease agreement, transferring most of his savings, planning to pay the rest after the next recording.
Qiao Yusen was quite straightforward, giving him the access code and telling him to move in directly, changing the code afterwards. Even if the owner came personally, he wouldn’t be able to enter without the code.
They trusted each other enough to skip the apartment viewing, and Xi Leng packed up his paintings that night, preparing to move.
Min Zhi’s unannounced visit interrupted his packing. Just as they were talking about moving, he asked: “Is there something you need?”
That night, Qiao Yusen said similar words.
Min Zhi looked at Qiao Yusen, still finding his face punchable. Qiao Yusen was probably self-aware, his non-prescription glasses were for protecting his fragile eyes, and also to look cool.
Min Zhi had initiated this meeting, but he was silent, so Qiao Yusen, not bothering to care, went to practice archery.
But he was just an amateur, far from being as professional as a coach. His best result was hitting the target, maybe three or four out of ten arrows.
After a while, a slightly plump middle-aged man entered, wiping the sweat from his forehead: “Um… I’m the owner here, my surname is Tang.”
Tang-ge, as he spoke, glanced at the two people inside, the one wearing glasses looked refined and scholarly, the one wearing a mask looked somewhat familiar, but he couldn’t recall who it was.
“Sorry about this.” He apologized sincerely, forcing a smile. “The receptionist who arranged the coach for you is on the night shift, he wasn’t aware. What a coincidence, Xiao Xi just resigned yesterday afternoon. I’ll waive the fee for you two and arrange another professional coach, you’ll just have to wait a bit. Is that alright?”
Qiao Yusen froze for a moment, asking: “Xiao Leng resigned?”
“Yes, he did.” Tang-ge couldn’t help but feel regretful, eager to vent, and he poured out everything once prompted. “He said he found a new job, his new boss is a celebrity, treats him very well, and is also his idol. I didn’t know he chased stars, I mean, doesn’t he himself look like a celebrity? But it’s also the first time I’ve seen him so obsessed with someone, wearing headphones all the time, listening to that… whoever’s songs…”
“I can’t remember the singer’s name, but he looks…” He then noticed the masked man again, suddenly slapping his thigh and exclaiming, “Hey! He looks a bit like you.”
Their second encounter was by the roadside. The conversation in the car let Xi Leng know that Min Zhi had also been to the archery range and discovered his part-time job there. Just in case, he chatted with Tang-ge before resigning.
Except for the “chasing stars” part, everything else was true. Wearing headphones wasn’t just for show, he genuinely listened to rock music as a form of therapy.
Min Zhi remained silent for a while.
Qiao Yusen chuckled and politely showed Tang-ge out, declining the offer of a free coach, then locked the door.
Min Zhi then removed his mask, revealing his face.
Qiao Yusen smiled without saying a word, calmly continuing his archery practice.
Min Zhi’s voice suddenly came from behind him: “If a friend moves, how do you find out their new address?”
“If they’re a friend, can’t you just ask directly?” Qiao Yusen didn’t even turn his head, replying matter-of-factly.
“He’s not really a friend.” Min Zhi didn’t beat around the bush. “He’s a fan.”
“Speaking of your fan, I suddenly remembered something.”
Qiao Yusen put down his bow and arrows, walked back with a smile, and took out his phone.
“Xi Leng, he sent me a WeChat message…” Qiao Yusen deliberately dragged out his words, bringing up the main point just before Min Zhi lost his temper, “He asked if I knew of any apartments for rent.”
“So, I asked him what his requirements were.” Qiao Yusen said. “He said it had to be safe, with good security, not letting strangers in easily, that’s all. I asked if he had any requirements for the size or layout, he said preferably three rooms, he wanted a separate studio. If not, two bedrooms would be fine…”
Perhaps tired of typing, their subsequent conversation switched to voice messages.
Min Zhi listened while picking up his bow and arrow, casually nocking an arrow.
Qiao Yusen’s annoying voice came from behind him: “Yo, just made some money and already preparing for a marital home?”
From Xi Leng’s few words, he guessed that Xi Leng might not be living alone, or perhaps preparing for future cohabitation.
Min Zhi’s movements paused.
Qiao Yusen continued fiddling with his phone, playing Xi Leng’s reply on speaker.
He didn’t deny Qiao Yusen’s outlandish assumption, only briefly replying: “Just renting for now.”
“?”
Min Zhi’s arrow missed the target, whoosh! Lodging itself firmly in the innocent artificial turf.
Qiao Yusen suddenly sensed impending doom and quietly took a step back: “Hey, right…”
The low pressure surrounding Min Zhi was like a dark cloud, intensely pressing down on him.
“You’re still living in Cloudtop One, right?”
Min Zhi’s brows furrowed slightly, and he said irritably: “None of your business.”
“Don’t you have so much money you don’t know what to do with it, buying an entire floor?” Qiao Yusen pushed his glasses up, saying casually, “Remember to change the password next door to six eights when you get back tonight, and register Xiao Leng’s information with the property management. It wouldn’t be good if he shows up with all his belongings tomorrow and the security stops him from entering.”
“…You…,” Min Zhi paused, unable to believe his ears, “rented out my apartment!?”
Another moment passed.
Min Zhi’s face darkened even further.
“…Qiao Yusen.”
“Do you know how short of money he is? And you have the nerve to charge him thirty-six thousand??”
Oh, surprise surprise 🙀✨