Marrying the Rich Man's Ex-Brother - Chapter 4

 

The esteemed eldest young master of the Wu family, Wu Yan, extravagantly spent 700 million…

 

 

Under the torrential night rain.

 

 

The driver failed to catch up with Bai Chi as intended; even after driving three laps around the villa area, he never again saw that pitiful, frail figure.

 

 

In truth, Bai Chi had exited directly through the back gate of the villa area and gotten into a limited-edition supercar that had been waiting for him for a long time.

 

 

In the driver’s seat sat an exceptionally handsome long-haired young man with captivating peach-blossom eyes that seemed almost able to ensnare one’s soul with just a glance.

 

 

This unforgettable appearance would stand out even in today’s entertainment industry, a truly divine level of attractiveness.

 

 

Unfortunately, he was not some celebrity idol but Bai Chi’s close friend and manager from his previous life, Xu Qing.

 

 

Seeing Bai Chi drenched like a drowned rat, Xu Qing frowned slightly and tossed a brand-new disposable towel from the passenger seat to him.

 

 

“Hurry up and wipe your snot and tears. Anyone who didn’t know better would think you’d just come from a funeral.”

 

 

Bai Chi instantly broke into a smile through his tears. “Speaking of which, how are the arrangements for my funeral going? I definitely want to go cry at it myself when the time comes.”

 

 

Xu Qing: “…”

 

 

He truly didn’t know what to say.

 

 

Only an optimist like Bai Chi could utter such heartless words.

 

 

“There are actually some arrangements regarding your funeral that I need to discuss with you. I’ll tell you when we get to our destination.”

 

 

Bai Chi nodded. After drying himself off with the towel, he tossed the two checks and bank cards—one holding twenty million and the other thirty million—to Xu Qing.

 

 

“I’ve already taken care of fifty-million of the two hundred million breach of contract penalty.” Progress is good, but my current identity is rather inconvenient, so you hold onto these for now.”

 

 

Xu Qing didn’t refuse. After glancing at the checks and bank cards, he tucked them into his suit pocket and started the car.

 

 

Bai Chi lazily sprawled across the back seat, opened his phone, and began scrolling through Weibo.

 

 

Bai Chi was currently using the original host Bai Xi’s phone, so naturally, he was logged into Bai Xi’s Weibo account.

 

 

The online scandal involving the bed-hopping and explicit photos was still fermenting, now entangled with the love-hate relationship between the original host and his sugar daddy.

 

 

Although the sugar daddy’s identity hadn’t been fully exposed online, within the industry, there were only a few wealthy young masters whose background and age matched, sparking widespread speculation.

 

 

Bai Xi’s Weibo was now flooded with vile attacks, calling him a shameless male prostitute. It was already low enough to be kept by someone, but to climb into bed for resources? Utterly despicable!

 

 

Bai Chi expressionlessly scanned the replies and comments under Bai Xi’s Weibo, then opened the private message inbox to look at the overwhelming barrage of insults.

 

 

There was a time when his own inbox was just as full, but back then, it was filled with fans’ greetings and concern.

 

 

Bai Chi cleared the private message dialog with one click, then went to check his own Weibo.

 

 

His studio had already changed his profile picture and background to black-and-white photos.

 

 

Under each of his posts were candles and crying emojis.

 

 

It formed a stark contrast with Bai Xi’s Weibo.

 

 

He even noticed a few familiar IDs—users who had just been weeping and wailing on his own Weibo, only to turn around and curse up a storm on Bai Xi’s.

 

 

“Bai Xi, how dare you still use the surname Bai!? You’re an insult to Bai Chi!”

 

 

 

I hate people like you who engage in malicious hype! Clearly just trying to ride on our Da Bai’s popularity for clout!

 

 

No way! No way! Don’t tell me there are still people who don’t know Bai Xi used the “Little Bai Chi” label when he first debuted!

 

 

[Karma’s a b1tch! Heaven spares no one! You climbed to fame by stepping on Da Bai’s shoulders back then, and now Da Bai has gone to ask the King of Hell to punish you! You totally deserve this!]

 

 

Bai Chi frowned slightly.

 

 

It was true that the original host had leveraged his fame when debuting.

 

 

But there was more to the story behind this.

 

 

In fact, the original host, Bai Xi, was originally named Bai Chi as well. However, after Bai Chi became famous, to avoid confusion, the original host changed his name to Bai Xi.

 

 

When the original host first debuted with an obscure boy band, his agency had marketed him as “Little Bai Chi.” But the original host had been unwilling to capitalize on Bai Chi’s fame and had refused the agency’s arrangements for shady networking events involving drinking. Ultimately, with Wu Yu’s help, he resolutely terminated his contract, thoroughly offending the agency in the process.

 

 

Unfortunately, these netizens, swayed by manipulative marketing accounts, remained unaware of the truth. They simply followed the crowd, believing whatever they heard, convinced that the original host had shamelessly and maliciously ridden on Bai Chi’s coattails.

 

 

But it didn’t matter. Bai Chi was determined to find a way to clear the original host’s name of all misunderstandings and grievances, and to live well on his behalf.

 

 

–

 

After collecting his thoughts, Bai Chi carefully read through the comments under his Weibo post.

 

 

Not only had industry colleagues he had worked with reposted the obituary, expressing deep sorrow, but even former rivals with whom he had publicly feuded had joined in to mourn him, acting as if they had been close.

 

 

If these people were genuinely mourning him, that would be one thing. But while their words spoke of grief and sadness, their faces were adorned with glamorous makeup, and they even took the opportunity to promote their own new dramas or films. It was utterly nauseating.

 

 

Bai Chi refused to believe these people would dare to exploit his death for clout so shamelessly if they knew he was still alive.

 

 

They were essentially feasting on his bl00d, and each one of them was doing it so grotesquely, without any fear of choking on it!

 

 

In contrast, his true friends in the industry had all remained silent, unanimously refusing media interviews, likely to avoid breaking down emotionally when reminded of him.

 

 

If Bai Chi didn’t have more important matters to attend to right now, he would immediately create a burner account to crash these bastards’ comment sections. Using his signature “Xiao Bai roasting technique”—which could tear people apart without a single curse word—he’d drag them straight onto the trending list.

 

 

Faced with a screen full of insincerity, Bai Chi took a deep breath and tried to convince himself not to get angry.

 

 

This was what he had always hated most about the entertainment industry—it was a cutthroat world of fame and fortune where everyone wore a beautiful mask, but you never knew whether a human or a monster lay beneath.

 

 

In this world of vanity, everyone wanted to climb higher, everyone wanted to succeed, but Bai Chi just wanted to live with integrity, not skulk around like a ghost.

 

 

Yet the original host, who had also wanted to live with integrity, had been forced into becoming a ghost.

 

 

Heartless agencies, cold-hearted lovers and family, shameless gossip media, ignorant netizens and bystanders.

 

What was most terrifying was that these netizens and passersby who now proclaimed themselves as the embodiment of justice were actually among the culprits who had pushed the original host into hell.

 

 

But these netizens didn’t realize it—they had merely become unwitting blades wielded by unscrupulous gossip media, misled into committing harm.

 

 

Each word pierced the heart, killing without a trace.

 

 

Cyberbullying might seem like nothing more than a fleeting comment, painless and harmless through the screen, but when thousands of people casually dump their trash and malice onto you, even the strongest person would eventually crumble.

 

 

Thinking about the immense injustice and pressure the original host had endured, Bai Chi felt a tightness in his chest.

 

 

He rolled down the car window to take a breath of fresh air, glancing briefly at the street scene outside before returning to his Weibo to check the comments.

 

 

Although Bai Chi’s status in the domestic entertainment industry was at the absolute top tier, he had never put on airs. He was famously known as a fan-devoted idol, frequently interacting with fans through live streams, and enjoyed a very positive reputation among casual observers.

 

 

So, beneath Bai Chi’s Weibo posts, aside from his original fans and movie enthusiasts, there were also messages from netizens and passersby who had only taken notice of him because of news of his death.

 

 

Rest in peace. God must have called you to act in heaven. flower sun

 

 

It’s truly such a pity. I never thought I’d get to know you this way… crying candle

 

 

I just binge-watched all your previous films and became your fan, but you’re already gone. Tear broken heart

 

 

My mom and grandma both loved watching your dramas. I don’t even dare tell them you’ve passed—I’m afraid they’ll be heartbroken. sigh sad

 

 

Reading these messages, Bai Chi couldn’t help but sigh.

 

 

No wonder these netizens and passersby were saddened by news of his death.

 

 

He was only twenty-seven, at the prime of his life. He had just received the most prestigious Golden Laurel Cup, becoming the youngest Grand Slam actor in domestic entertainment, yet his life had ended at its brightest moment.

 

 

If it weren’t for this pitiful original host giving him a second chance at life, Bai Chi would never have had another opportunity to see this world again.

 

 

–

 

Half an hour later.

 

 

Xu Qing drove Bai Chi to a top-tier luxury residential complex named Fang · Yuan.

 

 

This project was the latest high-end real estate development by the Wu Shi Tian Di Group. Located in Xiaoqing Bay in the southeastern suburbs, it boasted mountain and sea views, breathtaking scenery, a private golden sand beach, and faced Hong Kong across the water. Even the cheapest units started at around three to five hundred million.

 

 

Bai Chi sat up with interest, gazing at the classically elegant Chinese-style streets outside the window, almost feeling as if he had time-traveled back to Hengdian.

 

 

The residential complex, inspired by the concept of “round heaven and square earth,” featured neo-Chinese-style courtyard architecture. Only high-profile individuals who passed identity verification were eligible to purchase properties here—it wasn’t something one could buy with money alone.

 

 

This particular house was newly purchased last year by Xu Qing and his husband, originally intended as an investment. But since Bai Chi currently had no place to stay in Shenzhen, the couple discussed it and decided to lend the property to him temporarily.

 

 

Most importantly, the security in this complex was exceptionally tight—absolutely no paparazzi or entertainment reporters could get in. For Bai Chi, who was currently at the center of a media storm, it offered an added layer of protection.

 

 

 

After all, Bai Chi was quite difficult to please. Even if he lived elsewhere, it might not satisfy him, so it was better to directly arrange the best for him right from the start.

 

 

After parking the car in the garage, Xu Qing took Bai Chi around their detached courtyard house before entering through the ornate bronze front gate.

 

 

As soon as Bai Chi stepped over the threshold behind Xu Qing, a fluffy figure came rushing toward him and pounced squarely on him.

 

 

“Ah! Little Blackie?! You came too?!”

 

 

Xu Qing hadn’t mentioned bringing Little Blackie along beforehand, so Bai Chi was pleasantly surprised.

 

 

Little Blackie was Bai Chi’s beloved “son,” a three-year-old black Labrador that stood almost as tall as him when on its hind legs.

 

 

Originally, Bai Chi had wanted to ask Xu Qing to bring Little Blackie along, but he was worried the pup might not recognize him in his new body, so he hadn’t brought it up.

 

 

Reunited with his owner after a long separation, Little Blackie wagged his tail joyfully, diligently washing Bai Chi’s face with his soft, big tongue.

 

 

Usually aloof with strangers, Little Blackie had clearly recognized Bai Chi’s true identity, nearly licking his daddy’s delicate skin raw.

 

 

Holding the fluffy Little Blackie, Bai Chi felt his nose sting, tears welling up in his eyes.

 

 

No wonder people said pets were perceptive—even though he had been reborn in someone else’s body, Little Blackie still knew exactly who he was.

 

 

Sniffling, Bai Chi hugged Little Blackie and rolled around with him on the grassy garden lawn, kissing and cuddling for a long time until they were both covered in grass. It was only when Xu Qing urged them that they reluctantly parted.

 

 

“Come on, let’s head inside first. Your Little Blackie isn’t going anywhere; he’ll be here with you all the time. We still have a lot to discuss.”

 

 

–

 

After settling in, Bai Chi first checked the express delivery packages that the property manager had just signed for on his behalf. Confirming that the original owner’s belongings were all intact, he took a hot shower.

 

 

Then, changing into comfortable, soft pajamas, Bai Chi went to the study to discuss serious matters with Xu Qing.

 

 

Little Blackie followed closely at Bai Chi’s feet, lying on the floor with wide, alert eyes, insistently resting his fluffy head on Bai Chi’s feet. If not, he would whine and fuss, afraid that Bai Chi might disappear from his sight again.

 

 

Bai Chi chuckled softly, reaching down to ruffle Little Blackie’s head before opening his laptop and starting the discussion with Xu Qing.

 

 

Xu Qing said, “Your parents won’t be back from Antarctica until next month, just the week before the funeral. Your uncle, Bai Yang, has already booked his ticket to return from Africa and should arrive in Shenzhen next week.”

 

 

Bai Chi nodded. Xu Qing understood him well—family matters were naturally his top concern right now.

 

 

For now, Bai Chi had only told Xu Qing and his uncle, Bai Yang, about his return from the dead. As for his parents, he planned to wait until they finished their research project and returned from Antarctica before breaking the news.

 

 

After all, they were getting on in years, and extreme emotional swings could easily take a toll on their health.

 

 

Xu Qing continued, “The investigation into your accident at the Golden Moon Awards has concluded. The stage collapsed because several screws weren’t tightened properly, which is why you fell through when you stepped on it.”

 

 

Bai Chi frowned slightly.

 

 

 

Before the Laurel Cup was awarded, industry insiders had already circulated rumors that he was predetermined to win this award, so many people had caught wind of it in advance.

 

 

According to the Golden Moon Awards ceremony procedure, the Laurel Cup has always been presented last, with about a half-hour interval separating it from the preceding awards.

 

 

This meant that the stage collapse was very likely not an accident, but a deliberate attempt to frame Bai Chi.

 

 

Although Bai Chi had always been amiable in the industry and rarely initiated conflicts, there were quite a few who viewed him as a formidable rival and competitor.

 

 

Bai Chi winning the Laurel Cup and becoming the first actor in domestic entertainment to achieve a grand slam actually blocked the paths of many others.

 

 

Since the Laurel Cup is awarded only once every seven years, many renowned veteran actors and skilled performers had high hopes for this honor.

 

 

Yet, in the end, the trophy was taken by the relatively young Bai Chi—how could that not provoke envy and resentment?

 

 

Bai Chi raised a hand to rub his throbbing temples. Having cried for a long time today, his eyes now felt sore and uncomfortable.

 

 

Xu Qing pulled a bottle of artificial tears from his backpack and tossed it to Bai Chi.

 

 

“Even though your body has become younger, you still need to take good care of it. Don’t end up like before, with minor ailments from head to toe.”

 

 

Bai Chi nodded, murmured a thanks, and applied the eye drops himself.

 

 

While resting with his eyes closed, Bai Chi reflected on the details of the day of the incident but found nothing unusual. He finally said calmly, “Let’s continue investigating this matter, but keep it low-key. Don’t let anyone catch on. It might… just be a simple accident after all.”

 

 

Xu Qing nodded. “Don’t worry, I know how to handle things discreetly.”

 

 

Bai Chi gave a soft “Mm,” then asked, “Have Spring Breeze and Spring Thunder made no progress? And what about Yan Nan Gui’s concert?”

 

 

“I’ve put both new companies on hold for now. Yan Nan Gui’s concert has been postponed. After what happened to you, everyone’s been too upset to focus on work.”

 

 

Bai Chi and Xu Qing had newly established an entertainment company last year—Spring Breeze Entertainment.

 

 

Under Spring Breeze Entertainment, there is also a music label called Spring Thunder, which signed an independent band named Yan Nan Gui and was preparing to begin commercial operations.

 

 

Bai Chi and Xu Qing had originally planned to focus on developing these two companies in the latter half of the year after the Golden Moon Awards, signing a few promising newcomers and musicians. However, due to Bai Chi’s accident, these plans were temporarily shelved.

 

 

Bai Chi sighed. “It’s just too coincidental that Spring Breeze and Spring Thunder were only getting started when this happened to me… If the organizers had known I’d have an accident, they’d probably be more afraid than anyone. Has the compensation from the Golden Moon Awards organizers been settled yet?”

 

 

Xu Qing shook his head. “We’re still negotiating. I won’t let them brush this off easily.”

 

 

“Alright, then I’ll leave it to you. I’ll probably need to stay in Shenzhen a while longer, at least until I’ve sorted out the original host’s matters.”

 

 

Xu Qing nodded and tossed a mini car key from his pocket. “Okay, I’ll leave a car for you.”

 

 

After watching Bai Chi put away the car keys, Xu Qing continued, “By the way, let’s get down to business. Recently, someone contacted me wanting to sponsor your funeral with naming rights.”

 

 

Bai Chi?

 

 

Sponsor my funeral with naming rights???

 

 

Even after I’m fucking dead, I still have commercial value???

 

 

Bai Chi frowned, “Which company? So tasteless? They won’t even let me rest in peace?”

 

 

Xu Qing shrugged, “Wu’s Universe Group.”

 

 

Bai Chi: “…”

 

 

Damn it!

 

 

Ever since his rebirth, Bai Chi felt like he was somehow locked in a battle with this Wu’s Universe Group.

 

 

Bai Chi took a deep breath and asked, “How much are they offering?”

 

 

Xu Qing raised his hand and lightly gestured a seven. Bai Chi’s brow furrowed slightly, “Seventy million?”

 

 

Xu Qing shook his head and said calmly, “Seven hundred million, plus a seven-year exclusive business contract that can be signed to other artists under your studio.”

 

 

Bai Chi!!!

 

 

Not seventy million, but seven hundred million!!!

 

 

For the broke Bai Chi, this seven hundred million was like a timely rain!!!

 

 

After a moment’s hesitation, Bai Chi immediately made the decision, “This seven hundred million is too good to pass up! Agree to it. The business contract can go to Su Mo—it’ll help raise his profile.”

 

 

However, Xu Qing showed a somewhat complicated expression, hesitating to speak, “Wait, don’t get too excited about the money just yet. I haven’t finished. They’re not offering such a high price for nothing. There’s an additional condition: they want their CEO to be one of your pallbearers.”

 

 

Bai Chi: “…?”

 

 

The CEO as my pallbearer!? Is my coffin lined with gold or something!?

 

 

“Is it Wu Shuiyun?” Bai Chi frowned.

 

 

Wu Shuiyun was the father of Wu Yan and Wu Yu, and the current CEO of Universe Group, though he had largely stepped back from frontline operations, delegating most matters to his eldest son, Wu Yan.

 

 

Xu Qing shook his head, “No, it’s Wu Yan. And he personally handled the negotiations with me.”

 

 

Bai Chi: “…!?”

 

 

Wu Yan, the esteemed eldest son of the Wu family, splurging seven hundred million just to carry my coffin!?

 

 

Bai Chi recalled the mourning hall he had seen at the Universe Building and the white daisy Wu Yan had worn on his suit lapel.

 

 

So, it really wasn’t just his imagination back then—Wu Yan had indeed been mourning him!

 

 

Bai Chi finally understood an obvious fact—the eldest son of the Wu family was not only his fan but an extremely fanatical, perverse-level die-hard fan!