Chapter 60: CH 57

Chapter 57: What do you want to eat, I’ll make it for you.

Shi Rou was speechless and said, “Copy it again? Um, by the way, how many characters are there in the ‘Twenty-Four Histories’ altogether?”

Yu Nian helplessly replied, “40 million.”

Shi Rou gasped—so you all are that fierce?

In no time, a large wave of fans who caught wind of the situation rushed in, and the comments and reposts on Zeng Hongying’s Weibo account skyrocketed.

[Hahaha, why do I really hope that Nian Nian forgets all this knowledge and cries while copying the ‘Twenty-Four Histories’? Hahaha, I must be a devil!]

[Haha, Teacher Zeng is awesome! This roast is so satisfying! @JiChaode, come out and answer the questions! If you have the ability, criticize Yu Nian! If you can’t answer, then apologize to Yu Nian quickly!]

[Teacher, do you need any more students? I can use a small shovel to dig sand! I dream of getting a Ph.D. under your guidance!]

[Oh my god, I can’t believe my Nian Nian actually a real straight-A student? Oh my, is the team dead? Can we promote it a bit? Also, why didn’t I have such a handsome, high-achieving, intelligent, and talented little guy in my university?]

When Ji Chaode remained silent as if struck dumb, fans of Yu Nian and onlookers flocked to Ji Chaode’s Weibo to join in the fun and joyfully flood the comments section.

[#JiChaodeComeOutAndAnswerTheQuestions# Stop taking photos, stop posting on Weibo, stop sneakily peeping, and come out and answer the questions! It’s time to show your true level of knowledge!]

[#JiChaodeComeOutAndAnswerTheQuestions# Sigh, some people act all flashy and arrogant on the surface and casually insult others, but they don’t even know how to explain three terms. It’s really pitiful!]

[#JiChaodeComeOutAndAnswerTheQuestions# Weren’t you so eloquent when you were criticizing Yu Nian? Why are you suddenly silent as a mute? Ah, it’s really worrying! I really want to crowdfund a box of Golden Voice Throat Syrup and send it to you!]

[#JiChaodeComeOutAndAnswerTheQuestions# Hahaha, the sand sculpture netizens of this era are outstanding! This comment section is my source of joy today!]

Until the hashtag #JiChaodeComeOutAndAnswerTheQuestions# trended, Ji Chaode’s Weibo remained silent. Just when Shi Rou thought Ji Chaode would stay silent until the heat died down, it turned out that his face was even bigger than she expected.

“He actually has the nerve to play the victim and claim that he only spoke the truth, but his Weibo was besieged by Nian Nian’s brainless fans? He even said that today’s brainless fans are truly terrifying. What’s even scarier is that popular stars’ professional standards don’t meet the mark; their looks are mostly reliant on photo editing and makeup, and they don’t have any noteworthy works, yet they are idolized by their fans. People like him who are disgusted by the current situation speak a few truths and suffer from online violence.”

Shi Rou widened her eyes in anger, “Who is he trying to appeal to with this pitiful appearance?”

While Yu Nian was removing his makeup, he heard Shi Rou reading the contents of Ji Chaode’s updated Weibo post. “He’s clever, not directly addressing the questions and accusations related to his own words, but instead starting from a topic that the general public enjoys discussing, arousing resonance in many people.”

Shi Rou pondered for a moment, “He himself has won numerous gold and silver awards in photography competitions, so he can be considered talented. That’s why he chose the attack points of popular stars lacking skill, brainless fans, and online violence?”

“Yes, by doing so, he shifts the focus of attention to these topics and gains sympathy from others. Whether his words were inappropriate or whether he answers the questions or not is no longer the main focus.”

Shi Rou gripped her phone and bit her lip, “So what should we do?”

“It’s simple, we just need to bring the focus back to us,” Yu Nian smirked cunningly. “Back then, when we were taking photos, didn’t Brother Meng secretly record a few videos? And my medical records are also there. This incident was originally in our favor, so why should we endure insults and mockery?”

As Yu Nian arrived at Anren Hospital wearing a mask and a baseball cap, a prominent internet celebrity had already released a video.

“It’s said to be a video from the shooting scene, and the person who provided it claimed that they couldn’t bear it anymore, so they sent the video to me privately. I took a look, tsk, if I were Yu Nian, I wouldn’t be able to bear it either. Ji Chaode’s behavior is truly beyond words! [Video]”

[I’m in tears! Haven’t finished watching yet! In this weather, filming outdoors for over two hours in a thin, breathable outfit, cooperating throughout without a single complaint! And he’s accused of being unprofessional? @JiChaode, do you have any misunderstandings about professionalism? If you can, why don’t you try not wearing a down jacket!]

[Aaaah, I’m so furious! I can’t even eat my meal! Yu Nian didn’t receive a single cent, cooperated fully during the entire filming process, and instead of being appreciated, he’s subjected to cold mockery! Yu Nian is just too kind-hearted. If I had known, I would have let that surname Ji experience what it means to act high and mighty! What it means to have no professional integrity! What does it matter if he gives you a bad face!]

[Hug me, my baby! Mommy feels so heartbroken! I went through this photographer’s past Weibo posts, and they are all sarcastic and critical of popular artists. Truly narrow-minded, thinking that all the popular ones are just popular because of their fanbase? Such a narrow heart and limited vision!]

After passing through the corridor with standing bodyguards, Yu Nian pushed open the door to the hospital room and couldn’t help but smile first. He asked Xie You, “Have you had dinner?”

Seeing Yu Nian, Xie You relaxed and paused his typing on the keyboard. He replied, “Yes, I’ve eaten.” Then he tentatively added, “The pork rib soup didn’t taste good.”

Yu Nian curved his lips. “Wasn’t it delicious when I made it?”

“Um,” Xie You averted his gaze, not daring to look at Yu Nian directly. “Yours was more delicious.”

Hanging up his thick coat and removing his hat and mask, Yu Nian naturally agreed, “Then tomorrow, I’ll bring some stew over, alright?”

Xie You’s eyes brightened. “Okay.” He observed Yu Nian’s expression and asked, “Are you feeling good today?”

“Are you referring to what happened with Ji Chaode?” Yu Nian sat down on the sofa next to the hospital bed and spoke in a relaxed tone. “I discussed it with Brother Meng, and it’s not a big deal. I have evidence to refute the things he said about me. Brother Meng was quite happy and said that it coincided with the promotional period for my EP, so we can generate some buzz with this incident.”

“The EP is entering the promotional period?”

Yu Nian nodded. Seeing Xie You lost in thought, he casually peeled an apple, cut it in half, and they both ate a piece. “What did the doctor say today?”

“They said I can be discharged in two more days.” Xie You finished eating the apple handed to him by Yu Nian. Seeing a hint of worry in Yu Nian’s eyes, he lowered his voice and elaborated, speaking more than usual. “It’s okay. During this time, Ding Zhaoxian’s influence has been eliminated from the Xie family’s internet finance, cutting-edge technology, banking, metallurgy, and automobile manufacturing sectors. The real estate sector is deeply rooted, but it’s also being dealt with. I won’t have any problems being discharged now.”

Since the incident, Yu Nian hadn’t asked where Ding Zhaoxian was or how badly he was injured. After all, in their struggle, Xie You had emerged victorious. As for whether Xie You had used his own life as a gamble during the car accident to deliberately provoke Ding Zhaoxian, it was no longer important.

It had always been a case of winner takes all.

Changing the topic, Yu Nian smiled and said, “By the way, I received news today that the EP has passed the review without any issues.”

“That’s good.” Reluctantly finishing the apple in his hand, Xie You hesitated for a moment. “The doctor said to eat more fruit.”

Yu Nian concealed the smile that was about to overflow from his eyes. He tucked away the apple peels and handed Xie You another slice, reminding him, “Eat more, but don’t eat too much.”

“Okay.”

By the time Yu Nian left Anren Hospital and returned home, it was already dark outside. He went into the kitchen, opened the refrigerator, and checked if there were enough ingredients to stew the pork rib soup. He realized that he hadn’t cooked at home for several days, and there was no ginger, scallion, or garlic left. He made a shopping list and sent it to Shi Rou, asking her to buy some the next day.

In no time, Meng Yuan called.

“I think the fire is about right, we can add some more firewood.” Meng Yuan couldn’t help but ramble, “Ah, speaking of which, this Ji Chaode has achieved so little yet he’s already so full of himself. He judges everything by his own standards and is arrogantly ridiculous! If he had done his homework before insulting you, he wouldn’t have dug such a deep pit for himself.”

“Biases always blind people’s eyes and limit their thinking.” Yu Nian was tidying up the refrigerator. He asked,”Brother Meng, the production team for Ri Yao Mobile’s brand event is coming tomorrow afternoon for the shoot, right?”

“Yes, remember to mention your album a couple of times. It’s a great opportunity for promotion, don’t forget.” Meng Yuan paused for a moment and asked, “After you finished work today, did you go to the hospital?”

Knowing what he wanted to ask, Yu Nian answered honestly, “Yes, I went to see Xie You.”

Meng Yuan cleared his throat. “Um… Nian Nian, be honest with me. Are you really becoming friends with Xie You? It’s not because he previously criticized you, and you felt unwilling, so you deliberately approached him and—”

“Brother Meng,” Yu Nian chuckled as Meng Yuan’s thoughts went further astray. “Your line of thinking is too convoluted. Real life isn’t that melodramatic.”

“Okay, okay, I won’t say anymore.” Meng Yuan added, “Later, I’ll release the medical records and photos. If you’re interested, you can take a look at the situation.”

After 11 p.m., Meng Yuan released the news through the marketing account, revealing that on the night of the promotional shoot, Yu Nian had a high fever of 40 degrees Celsius, causing another wave of discussions.

Yu Nian glanced through it briefly and was about to put down his phone to write songs when he suddenly realized something was off.

[Not interested in copying books Ling Qinghe: @YuNian, junior, the entertainment industry is boring. Come on, pick up your little sand shovel, and follow your senior to dig archaeological sites at the Bilan River! Let’s not play with them anymore!]

[Addicted to sewing Xu Lianyan: @YuNian, junior, don’t listen to your senior brother. There’s a lot of sand and wind at the Bilan River, and that ancient city site will take years to excavate. Come and restore ancient paintings with your senior brother! You’re very skillful, and I’ll feel at ease with you here!]

[Rejecting socialization Zheng Shaomeng: @YuNian, there’s been controversy surrounding some tombs discovered in Moyang. Since they say you’re arrogant, lacking professionalism, and uneducated, and that you shouldn’t be a singer, why don’t you come and help your senior brother determine which dynasty and era these tombs belong to and the identity of the tomb owners?]

[No signal Qiu Chuyue: My junior brother, who used to be so healthy, is now suffering from a fever! Brothers, should we snatch him back? After all, since he ran off to become a singer, our teacher takes it out on us every day. It’s so heart-wrenching!]

Under this Weibo post, several comments in agreement followed one after another.

Yu Nian’s fans were momentarily stunned.

[Damn, are they starting to snatch people? Suddenly getting nervous!]

[This is probably… being the favorite of the group?]

[I searched up these names, they’re all big shots! History majors are kneeling. The Diamond Deluxe Senior Brothers Group is worth having!]

Yu Nian felt warmth in his heart. He switched pages and sent messages to his seniors, suggesting that they should have a meal together when they’re free. However, each of his seniors replied promptly, uniformly saying, “Busy, no time.”

Just then, Meng Yuan suddenly sent a screenshot along with a message that read, “Ji Chaode is about to vomit blood.”

The screenshot displayed an announcement from the Photographer Association. It clearly stated that after receiving a report against Ji Chaode, an overnight investigation was conducted, confirming that the evidence submitted by the reporter was true. It was determined that Ji Chaode’s winning works in the 61st, 65th, and 66th Photography Competitions were not taken by him.

[? This turn of events. Relying on stealing others’ works to establish his own position and then turning around to accuse those who genuinely have talent and knowledge. When it comes to having a big face, I admire him! He should have a spot in the Annual Big Face Awards!]

[Officially confirmed? Delighted to hear that, @JiChaode, you’re in big trouble!]

[It’s probably because all his reputation and awards were stolen, so he thinks everyone else is just as incompetent as he is. Sorry, but our Yu Nian truly has talent and knowledge and won’t accompany you in playing around.]

After finishing the story, Yu Nian stood still in place for a while. Without much hesitation, he directly dialed Xie You’s phone number.

“Is that you?”

Xie You quickly denied, “It’s not me.”

His smile widened as Yu Nian put his hands in his pockets, his voice filled with undisguised amusement. “How did you know what I was asking about? Why are you so eager to deny it?”

Xie You remained silent.

With only the sound of the other person’s breathing in his ear, Yu Nian looked at his slanted shadow on the ground and spoke gently, “Is there anything else you want to eat besides the pork rib soup tomorrow?”

After several seconds, Xie You finally whispered, “I still want to eat the steamed perch fish you make.”