CH 19

The soiree was approaching day by day, and people from all walks of life had begun to demonstrate their talents to create momentum.

Xia Xingchi scrolled through Weibo, and the names of the people on the hot search were all familiar. In the past few days, he had clearly distinguished the people inside the circle.

The original owner had already been made miserable enough by Xia Yu, and had countless enemies and black materials everywhere. If he received another charge of deliberately pretending not to know people, having bad manners and putting on airs, he would die unjustly.

Bored, he scrolled through the pages and casually clicked on a trending search for #Xia Yu, I prefer to depend on hard work#.

He was worthy of being a popular idol, and various marketing accounts and water armies[1] overwhelmingly praised his character model of “clearly a wealthy young master, but wants to keep a low profile and rely on his own efforts.”

Although his fame was all due to his family spending money and resources, and although he was so “low-key” that he wanted people all over the nation to know that he was a rich second-generation child, any voices of doubt were drowned out by crazy fans until they disappeared. Xia Yu alone was inspirational and beautiful.

Xia Xingchi tilted his head, recalling the tragic ending of the original cannon fodder:

As the real rich young master, the Xia parents forced the original owner not to reveal his identity, just to avoid affecting Xia Yu’s stardom.

It got to the point that when the original owner died, he was still infamous for the original sin of “suspected to be an illegitimate child of the Xia family.” Xia Yu, a fake who had taken over the magpie’s nest, instead became the “pitiable” victim and the “real” rich young master.

The original owner timidly endured this grievance until his death, but Xia Xingchi really couldn’t bear it. Leaving aside other things for the time being, coffee position[2] and reputation were critical to the process of making money.

As the saying went, cutting off someone’s financial resources was like killing their parents. Whoever dared to influence a little money-grubber’s path to stardom and making lots of money, he would fight them with all of his strength on the spot.

– – –

“What exactly is going on?” Xia Yu pointed to the soiree invitation list on his phone and asked angrily, “When did his name appear?”

In front of him was his ace manager, Feng Yingxu, who was also one of the very few people who knew the truth about his and Xia Xingchi’s identities.

Most of Xia Yu’s ingenious persona marketing came from Feng Yingxu’s hand, so he naturally knew what he was anxious about.

The purpose of suppressing Xia Xingchi all this time was not just for pleasure, but also because he must not become popular or appear in the public eye —

Otherwise, it would be hard to hide who the real and the fake young masters were.

“Don’t worry.” Feng Yingxu analyzed, “Even if this soiree is highly publicized, there are so many people on the red carpet every year, and no one has ever become popular because of this.”

“But Xia Xing……!” Xia Yu was so furious that he opened his mouth and found himself speechless.

He wanted to say, “But Xia Xingchi looks so good, if people see him, there will definitely be enthusiasm.”

But it felt wrong. He clearly remembered that this person looked mediocre, very similar to his cheap father, Xia Pingjian, unsophisticated and thick. He could only be used as a foil in the entertainment industry.

It was precisely because of this that he had “generously” helped him enter the circle and gained a good reputation for helping others in front of all his relatives and friends. In any case, that ugly Xia Xingchi could only play the role of an extra for a lifetime.

Xia Yu thought about it carefully again, but the appearance in his memory instantly blurred, and only the manifestation of this handsome, pure, pretty boy remained……it seemed like he had always been like this?

Simply so good-looking that he made people jealous.

“Then continue to buy his black materials and splash dirty water! His name can only be followed by disgrace! He must not gain popularity!” Xia Yu gritted his teeth.

Feng Yingxu did not approve this time and was hesitant to speak: “Xiao Yu, it must be because of Mr. Li that an exception was made and he was issued an invitation.”

The implication was that Xia Xingchi was likely favored by Li Chengyuan and could not be touched anymore. Otherwise, if he offended someone who could not be provoked, no one would be able to afford the consequences.

Xia Yu replied decisively: “Impossible!”

He had paid special attention to the changes in Xia Xingchi’s resources after his engagement, but they were still pitifully scarce, and Li Chengyuan didn’t provide him with anything.

If he was aided by the company, he would not be ignored and idle away at home.

Li Chengyuan must have just wanted to attend this soiree, and the organizer knew about their relationship, so they just accepted Xia Xingchi as his plus-one. 

That sort of lofty and fickle madman couldn’t be tempted by anyone.

Xia Yu gritted his teeth and comforted himself that it was okay to lose this chance at marriage. Anyway, Li Chengyuan was stubborn and frosty in relationships, so it was useless to marry him.

– – –

Although it was a fashionable “late” banquet, many people arrived early at noon. Not only could they carefully adjust their looks, but it was even better to meet some big bosses from other social circles who didn’t usually appear in public. Perhaps they could meet some high-ranking people.

Xia Xingchi was too bored at home and had long wanted to go out, like a prisoner released for exercise. After staying at home for ten days, one more would result in mushrooms growing on his head.

“Sister Mengmeng, what do you think!” He jumped out of the changing room and turned around in a little circle, excitedly showing off his achievements in wool gathering.

Lin Meng immediately gave a thumbs up and praised without hesitation: “It’s really great!”

The tailoring of the white suit was extremely high-end, and looking at it under the light, there were diamonds that were luxurious but not tacky. Especially alongside Xia Xingchi’s youthful temperament, it made him look more upright and dazzling, like a noble young master.

At first, she had been very worried about the vile old man who didn’t give any resources to her silly didi and received services without paying. However, this outfit actually fit well and looked so good?

Although small artists who could only afford food and clothing couldn’t pursue the most luxurious new styles to compete for beauty, at least now he could be the most well-dressed young man.

Lin Meng was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief: “It seems that your benefactor has good aesthetics, and is at least still a little bit reliable.”

The reason why it was only “a little bit” was because she was very angry just now – someone who was rich enough to afford to drive a limited edition supercar actually made Xia Xingchi come here himself by bus?!

They were already living together, was it difficult to send a driver? She really wanted to ask where that incredible-looking driver brother went, but it suddenly occurred to her that this outfit was bought through pleasing the benefactor.

Therefore, Lin Meng’s rich imagination immediately conjured up a picture of Xia Xingchi making out with the benefactor while the driver could only watch helplessly from the sidelines with a pale face, and then be sad and heartbroken all alone.

— My god, what human suffering is this! What a vile old man!

– – –

Li Group Headquarters building.

Li Chengyuan, who had no idea that he was “one person playing two roles,” was furiously reprimanding several bodyguards who couldn’t even watch one person, and just let Xia Xingchi leave the driver and slip away by himself.

Just as he went to confirm with the person in charge of the venue if Xia Xingchi was there, he sneezed.

It just so happened that Dr. Zhao Yinhe pushed the door open and walked into his office. Seeing this, he raised his eyebrows and said: “Oh? It seems someone scolded you behind your back?”

Li Chengyuan: “……..”

On the other side, Lin Meng had enough of the sadomasochistic love triangle and began to study Xia Xingchi’s clothes with satisfaction, but as she looked at them, she experienced a sense of familiarity.

“Wait a minute?” She hesitated before taking out her cell phone to look it up. “Why do I think this suit looks a bit like —”

On the screen, the latest style from a certain top luxury brand suddenly appeared.

Lin Meng gasped. She remembered how Xia Xingchi had called a few days ago to report that the clothing situation had been resolved, and that his benefactor had bought him a super beautiful and expensive outfit.

Bought……how could this benefactor be rich and loving enough that it was possible for him to spend millions on haute couture?

Then there was only one truth. When this thought occurred, she instantly turned into the famous painting ‘The Scream’: “Xingchi, you can’t wear knockoffs on the red carpet, if you are noticed by the brand, you’ll have to pay for it!”

Although the cut was high-end and the details were exactly the same, with this type of luxury brand that had attracted much attention, he might bump into the genuine product as soon as he arrived, even before the brand found out.

Xia Xingchi wasn’t on the same channel, but he heard the word “pay” and quickly asked in horror: “Why would we lose money?”

Facing his big, dazed eyes, Lin Meng was at a loss for words. She really wanted to overthrow this benefactor and roar: How did you choose these clothes! My didi is ignorant, don’t you understand that?

The two stared at each other for a few seconds, and Xia Xingchi finally understood her string of words, explaining happily: “Don’t worry, Sister Mengmeng. This one of mine is genuine, and my sponsor is super rich.”

The type of rich that was one of the top in the country. You could pluck so much wool in one go.

Contrary to expectations, this not only did not bring Lin Meng peace of mind, but instead made her even more depressed and unable to bear it: This is too much, how can an old man deceive a child who doesn’t know anything?

Not to mention spending millions, more importantly, even if you wanted to spend the money, not everyone was qualified to buy it. Ordinary rich brands didn’t even sell them.

But Xia Xingchi couldn’t be stripped down to his naked body now. Guessing that the brand would not come to sue, Lin Meng could only comfort herself that there were too many lice to be afraid of being bitten, and that there would be plenty more people wearing fakes.

– – –

As night fell, the outdoor red carpet extended all the way to the street, with countless cameras erected on both sides.

Countless fans stood excitedly outside the venue next to the red carpet, waiting for their idols and waving support lights in various colors.

The live broadcast was ready as well. Although there was only the logo of the organizer of the soiree on the screen, the broadcast was already full of eager fans.

Relying on being so obscure that no one knew him, Xia Xingchi wandered around to pass the time and, at a glance, saw the face of the “popular idol Xia Yu” in the crowd —

Not only were his support lights overwhelming, but the fans even practiced shouting their slogans for a while.

He was worthy to be called the universally loved protagonist in the book, who could always be pampered and adored by everyone, all evil deeds justified and forgiven.

There were also sweethearts among the fans, and if one day he were to suffer heaven’s retribution and be killed by lightning, many people would shed tears for him.

Xia Xingchi blinked, thinking that he didn’t know how long it would take for someone to notice that he was missing. And if he disappeared from here, perhaps only Li Chengyuan would look for him.

The likely reason was that this person’s paranoid character would not allow anyone to escape his control.

Speaking of this terrifying desire for control, Xia Xingchi couldn’t help frowning:

Secretary Ye had just tipped him off that his slipping away to take the bus had been discovered, and that Li Chengyuan was furious. The atmosphere was so terrifying that nobody even dared to send him documents, and they begged her to take them all in with her.

In the end, she came to a conclusion: Mr. Li is in a rage, you should either coax him or stay away. The driver had already arrived, and it was estimated that Mr. Li would be at the soiree soon.

Xia Xingchi was dumbfounded after receiving this news. Li Chengyuan was coming soon?! Was he planning to attend, or was he coming to angrily arrest someone? 

In all honesty, Xia Xingchi hadn’t wanted to sneak away.

But for a dark coffee[3] like him to be made a fuss about and be seen with a dedicated driver and a luxury car, it would cause a lot of trouble. What’s more outrageous was that there were four bodyguards tailing him.

The fashion soiree would look like the outing of a prince. Not to mention the anti-fans who disliked him anyway, even he himself thought that it would look like he was putting on airs.

Who would have known that it was actually because of his paranoid, overly-controlling fiance who was always somehow afraid that he would run away?

Xia Xingchi suddenly didn’t dare to continue wandering around. It was better to calm Li Chengyuan down now before he arrived, and at the same time, slip away and hide so as not to get his head viciously bitten off after he was found.

– – –

Li Chengyuan was sitting in the car when messages from a certain person exploded like a cannonball, causing his phone to continuously flash:

[Dear Boss Li~ Are you happy today? Are you cheerful? Are you satisfied?]

[By the way, were the snacks of love that I made you delicious? They’re Chef Xia’s newly developed salty cheese-baked soda cookies!]

[Do you feel like the forecast is good now? You’re not angry with anyone?]

Then he posted a favorite popular science article of the elderly: “The Disadvantages of Being Angry: Can anger really drive people crazy? 5 major hazards of frequent anger – do you still dare to be angry after reading it?”

Li Chengyuan smiled softly and looked up at the night sky outside the car window. It was clear that he couldn’t see whether the forecast was good or not.

Of course he understood why Xia Xingchi was chattering non-stop, but he just pretended to be angry and indifferently refused to reply to his messages, taking cookies from the little hedgehog-patterned box.

The mellow cheese and milk flavor bloomed on the tip of his tongue. Li Chengyuan pursed his lips, seeing a hand quietly stretching out from the seat next to him, also wanting to take a piece to taste.

So he immediately closed the lid of the box expressionlessly, and even the box could not be touched by another person.

Zhao Yinhe, who was shameless enough to sit in the car, had no choice but to withdraw his hand angrily, rolling his eyes and saying: “You don’t even want to give me one cookie, why are you so stingy! You can’t put it down, how delicious must it be, ah?”

After thinking about it, he spoke again: “Didn’t you dislike these before? I heard that you’ve been eating them every day recently?”

Indeed, Li Chengyuan was not very interested in any desserts, but he still finished eating the snacks every day and then placed the empty box on the table.

So Xia Xingchi misunderstood that he had discovered a secret recipe that was “exactly what he liked,” and excitedly changed up the pattern every day to create various flavors for him to eat.

Zhao Yinhe lowered his voice mysteriously and asked: “Are you switching your affection to someone else? It’s not your fault. After all, little friend Xia is really cute, but it’s a pity that he’s already engaged to you, or I would……”

Li Chengyuan abruptly gave him a cold look, and the latter quickly shut up to express that he did not dare to speak.

After a pause of two seconds, Zhao Yinhe continued to have a misbehaving mouth: “Let me just say, if you can’t find him after searching for so many years, you should give up. There are plenty more fish in the sea —”

“It’s him.”

“Oh……Ah?” Zhao Yinhe was stunned.

He wasn’t stunned because Li Chengyuan had actually found that person, but because it was absolutely impossible for Xia Xingchi to be the person he was looking for.

Back then, the Xia patriarch and his wife were on a business trip in a small city, and their child, after less than nine months of pregnancy, was born prematurely.

It was precisely because of this unexpected rush that “Xia Xingchi,” the true young master, had his life wrongly changed due to a conspiracy, and ended up living in that small city thousands of miles away from the capital.

However, although his life was tragic and impoverished, it was possible to trace step-by-step. When Li Chengyuan was seven years old, the other had never set foot in the capital, so how could he be the person he was looking for?

Thinking of this, Zhao Yinhe didn’t know what to say for a long time.

He understood that according to Li Chengyuan’s keen and meticulous character, he must have investigated the other party’s background before getting engaged, so he must be perfectly aware of the impossibility of this.

The reason why Li Chengyuan said such a thing……could it be that he was not only deceiving himself, but also using Xia Xingchi as a substitute?!

Zhao Yinhe felt that his three views had been shattered in an instant. Where was the iron tree blooming?[4] This was simply the iron tree growing crookedly and bearing poisonous fruit, ah.

He immediately wanted to reprimand him for this scumbag behavior, but when he turned his head, he found that Li Chengyuan’s eyes were filled with a faint smile. He had put away the hostility that had always been difficult to dispel, showing an expression that he had never worn before.

— Forget it, the matter of other peoples’ love lives had nothing to do with himself.

After all, even if this was a stand-in situation, whether his so-called White Moonlight existed or not was still a mystery.

Now no one would raise any doubts in front of him, but at that time, little Li Chengyuan had really paid a price and endured hardships in order to grit his teeth and insist on the existence of “him.”

It was good that Li Chengyuan was happy now, and to beat a mandarin duck[5] with a club would be a great crime. What if he was condemned by god to be a single dog for the rest of his life?

[1] “Water armies” are paid online commentors and/or trolls who are hired to influence public opinion. ⮐

[2] “Coffee position”  refers to the status of a star in the entertainment industry, and a celebrity with status is called a “big coffee.” ⮐

[3] “Dark coffee” = an unknown or unwelcome star. ⮐

[4] “The iron tree blooms” is an idiom that describes a highly improbable or extremely rare occurrence. ⮐

[5] To “beat a mandarin duck” is to meddle in a love affair. ⮐