Bai Mao stared at Yu Xiangchen’s reply and slowly typed a question mark.
What the heck?
Was Yu Xiangchen seriously saying that in a few years, he’d be that big too?
Bai Mao’s expression was that of a subway grandpa staring at his phone in disbelief.
His mind, unhelpfully, recalled certain impressions from last night. Heat crept up his face until his ears were red. Trying to stay composed, he opened Baidu and typed:
“Can a man’s body still grow another 6cm after age 22?”
Unsurprisingly, Bai Mao wasn’t alone. Many curious souls had asked similar questions before him.
He clicked on one, scrolling down until he found the doctor’s response:
“Hello, after around age 20, growth basically stops.”
Bai Mao frowned.
Scrolling further, another reply read:
“Hello, you cannot have a second growth spurt after adulthood. You may exercise to improve your physique. If you are dissatisfied with your size, surgery is an option.”
And yet another:
“Hello, surgery is possible in your case… ”
Bai Mao: “…”
After a moment, he muttered softly, “That’s not necessary.”
Height is fine, there’s a saying that goes “at 23, you’ll grow a lot,” but no one has ever said that at this age, your lower body will also grow a lot. And even if it did grow, it wouldn’t be that long!
That was true enough. Growing taller was one thing but growing like that at his age? Impossible.
He reread Yu Xiangchen’s message. Something felt off.
Was the sponsor… showing off?
Bai Mao huffed and tossed his phone aside, “Liar!”
Aunt Wang had prepared a hearty lunch two hours early. “Mr. Yu said this morning that you’ve gotten too thin,” she said fondly. “He told me to make sure you eat well.”
Bai Mao raised his chopsticks, curiosity flickering, “What else did Mr. Yu say?”
Aunt Wang thought for a moment. “Nothing much. Just that I should keep an eye on you for a few days.”
Bai Mao pursed his lips, smiling. “Mr. Yu worries too much. When have you ever not kept an eye on me?”
Aunt Wang chuckled, her wrinkles deepening with joy, “Then I’ll make a few desserts later, too. Young Master Bai should eat more.”
Bai Mao groaned dramatically. “Aunt Wang, that’s too much… ”
“If you can’t finish, give some to your agent,” she said cheerfully. “It won’t go to waste.”
Unable to refuse her enthusiasm, Bai Mao brought two boxes of snacks when he got into Xu Dongming’s car.
“Aunt Wang made these,” he said. “One for you, one for my teacher. She’s unstoppable. I told her not to bother, but she insisted.”
Xu Dongming caught Bai Mao’s reflection in the rearview mirror. His tone was mock-serious. “Yes, yes, it’s all Aunt Wang’s fault.”
Bai Mao laughed. “You can’t say that!”
Xu Dongming rolled his eyes. “You’ve already said all the good and bad parts yourself.”
Their laughter filled the car.
Watching Bai Mao grin, Xu Dongming couldn’t help but sigh.
He remembered how Bai Mao once thought joining the Bai family meant security, only to discover it was another trap.
The real person who’d helped him climb out of that darkness was Yu Xiangchen, a man who barely owed him anything at all.
Mr. Yu truly was a good man.
“By the way, Xiaobai,” Xu Dongming asked, “Have the Bai family contacted you lately?”
Bai Mao lazily scrolled through his feed, “Nope.”
Since cutting ties, he’d been thorough, blocking every number and ignoring all unfamiliar calls. Unless the Bai family wanted to cause a public scene, they had no way to reach him.
Xu Dongming frowned. “That Bai Sheng kid, the adopted one, they say he’s in Director Wang’s new film. He got killed off early in the story. Have you hear about that?”
Bai Mao blinked. “Didn’t know.”
He hadn’t paid attention to the Bai family in ages. But now that Xu mentioned it, it made sense. So that was why Bai Sheng hadn’t taken that sure-hit TV drama, he’d gone for a movie instead.
Well, that drama had ended up in Bai Mao’s hands.
Bai Mao smiled to himself, thoroughly pleased.
Xu Dongming cautioned, “Still, be careful. The entertainment industry’s like a pot of boiling soup. Backgrounds, rivalries, gossip, they all mix together. If you get popular, they’ll dig up your past. The Bai family might twist the story and turn you into the villain.”
Bai Mao’s voice was calm. “Don’t worry. I have Mr. Yu.”
“…That’s true,” Xu Dongming admitted.
“Also,” he added, “The company arranged a variety show for you, a travel program. Hiking, swimming, games. You’re just a guest for one episode. Treat it like a mini-vacation and you’ll get paid.”
Bai Mao nodded. “Okay.”
After parting ways, he went straight to class at the company.
CDL Entertainment wasn’t a big firm, but it treated its artists well. They offered weekly lessons that anyone could attend. Bai Mao was one of the most diligent.
That day, he’d brought Aunt Wang’s snacks for the instructor. They were chatting happily when noise erupted at the door.
A small entourage entered and at the center was someone familiar.
Bai Sheng.
He smiled shyly as he chatted with others, but when his gaze landed on Bai Mao, his smile froze. His eyes flickered with uncertainty before softening into something almost apologetic.
That hesitation drew attention.
“Bai Sheng? Why’d you stop?” asked a man beside him. He followed Bai Sheng’s gaze toward Bai Mao, “You two know each other?”
“We…” Bai Sheng bit his lip.
He didn’t finish. His eyes lingered on Bai Mao, expectant, as if waiting for him to say something, anything, that acknowledged their connection.
But Bai Mao only looked away.
Humming a tune, he muttered under his breath, “We’re supposed to cooperate, but I’d rather just pretend I don’t see you…”
The teacher overheard and burst out laughing.
Bai Mao grinned, “How was that? Sounded good, right?”
“It’s catchy,” the teacher said, “but you sing like it’s karaoke. Be glad the vocal coach isn’t here, you’d be in trouble.”
Bai Mao puffed up. “That’s why I’m practicing secretly.”
The people around them chuckled, but Bai Sheng’s assistant or “flower protector” looked annoyed.
“Hey, Bai Mao, can’t you see someone’s talking to you?” he snapped, stepping forward to grab his arm.
Bai Sheng quickly held him back. “Forget it,” he said softly. “He probably doesn’t want to see me. I did him wrong.”
The flower protector frowned, confused. Wasn’t Bai Mao the one who’d run away from home? Why did Bai Sheng sound like the victim here?
Before anyone could respond, the teacher clapped. “Alright, everyone take your seats. Class is starting.”
After the session, Bai Mao packed up his notes, snapping photos to send to Yu Xiangchen as proof of his “hardworking canary” progress.
Just as he stood to leave, Bai Sheng’s group approached again.
Bai Mao sighed. Seriously? Round two?
He grabbed a bench. “Hey, no fighting in the company building.”
The flower protector froze. Getting hurt was career suicide here, no one wanted a visible bruise before an audition.
Bai Mao calmly sat down and added, “Relax. I’m not violent. I just don’t like wasting time.”
Bai Sheng’s expression twitched. He still remembered the slap Bai Mao once gave at the Bai residence, one that left a grown man stumbling and red-faced.
Not violent, huh?
The flower protector’s eyes softened at Bai Sheng’s nervous flinch. What on earth happened between them?
Before anyone could speak, Bai Mao pulled out his phone and opened his recorder app.
Expression smooth, voice steady, he said, “Alright. Let’s make this simple. A quick chat costs 100 yuan. A question costs 500. Straightforward, fair price. You ask, I answer, truth guaranteed.I guarantee no fraud, no adulteration. It’s a great deal, worth asking. What do you think”
Everyone: “???”
“Are you serious?” someone muttered.
Bai Mao smiled sweetly. “Since you’re my first customers, I’ll give a free consultation. I really am short on cash these days. So? Are you in or not?”
Silence.
No one wanted to look stingy or get scammed.
Finally, Bai Sheng’s eyes reddened. He stepped forward. “Second brother… If you need money, I have some. I’ll give it to you.”
Bai Mao’s smile vanished. “No thanks, I can’t afford Bai family money.”
After he finished speaking, he glanced at the crowd and saw that most of them were just there to watch the fun. He stood up and said, “Since no one wants to ask, I’ll close my stall. If you need anything, feel free to contact me. I support Alipay and WeChat transfers, but not POS machines because I don’t have any. Thank you.”
He put the stool back in order and said to Bai Sheng’s protector, “Brother, there’s a discount for monthly subscriptions.”
The flower protector gawked. “…You’re insane.”
But as Bai Mao turned to leave, the man suddenly called out, “Wait. Add me on WeChat. I’ll take the monthly plan.”
Bai Mao blinked, amused. “Really?”
“Really.”
Gasps filled the room.
Bai Sheng was startled. “Shang Tongrui, you don’t have to… ”
“It’s fine,” the man said.
They exchanged QR codes. Bai Mao saved him as Flower Protector No. 1 and said cheerfully, “Red envelope first, then questions. Don’t ask if I’m free, that costs extra.”
Shang Tongrui muttered, “Scammer.”
Later, sitting in the passenger seat, Bai Mao couldn’t stop smiling at his phone.
Xu Dongming glanced over at the red light, “What’s got you grinning like that?”
“New business venture,” Bai Mao said proudly, showing him the screen.
The chat read:
Flower Protector No. 1: [Sent 500 yuan red envelope]
“Did you ever hit Bai Sheng?”
“Be honest. You promised.”
Xu Dongming nearly choked. “…Who is that?”
He scowled. “You didn’t hit Bai Sheng! It was his family who hurt you!”
Bai Mao accepted the red envelope with a smile and typed while replying to Xu Dongming, “Brother, don’t be angry. See? I’m not angry at all.”
Xu Dongming grumbled, “You might not be, but I am.”
Bai Mao’s heart warmed. “It’s fine. Sooner or later, they’ll pay for it.”
When a butterfly flaps its wings, it sets off a chain of change.
And Bai Mao, who knew how the story was meant to go, was that butterfly.
In the original timeline, he was trapped under Yu Wantian’s control, passed from one person to another. Bai Sheng had secured the TV drama through Yu Xiangchen.
But now, everything was different.
This time, things would go right.
That evening, after Aunt Wang left, Yu Xiangchen arrived.
Bai Mao had tasted the sweetness before, and now when he saw Yu Xiangchen, he immediately pounced on him like a fledgling swallow flying into the forest, his eyes shining brightly on Yu Xiangchen, and he rubbed his head against him,
“Mr. Yu, you’re here!”
To be a qualified canary, you must learn to act like a spoiled child!
Yu Xiangchen supported Bai Mao’s waist with both hands.
The corners of his mouth curled up a little, and he raised his eyebrows and asked, “Miss me so much?”
Compared to last night, the little canary was much more forward today.
Clearly, he was very satisfied with how thingshad gone.
Feigning calm, Yu Xiangchen leaned closer, voice low. “Tell me, did you miss me, or did you miss my skills?”
Bai Mao blinked.
Skills?…
Mr. Yu has those?.
He shot him a quick, skeptical glance
This man was so smug, yet so ordinary
Unbelievable,
That subscription for answer thing! That’s so genius😂😂 Free money plus chance to bully the person!
Also made me laugh when I read last lin of Bai Mao’s thought! Yu Xiangchen need to work hard
✦ ✧ ✦
Cresvynia
[Translator]
☕ A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE TRANSLATOR
The coffee spirits are watching. 👁️☕
☕ BUY THEM A COFFEE →
✧ (づ｡•ㅅ•｡)づ ☕ ✧
✦ thank you for reading ✦
← PreviousNext →
ChaptersChapter 1 · A Nightmare or Reality?Chapter 2 · Yu family’s BanquetChapter 3 · I know your Secret..Chapter 4 · Becoming A Stand-InChapter 5 · Real IntentionChapter 6 · Yu XiangchenChapter 7 · Moved into new houseChapter 8 · Why he’s so perfect?!Chapter 9 · Role stolenChapter 10 · Four Times a WeekChapter 11 · Wrong Message?Chapter 12 · Flower protectorChapter 13 · Study MaterialChapter 14 Part 1 · I don’t have that kind of worldly desireChapter 14 Part 2 · I don’t have that kind of worldly desireChapter 15 · Four thousand yuan has arrived in AlipayChapter 16 · In the River?Chapter 17 · Boss like him, People would ready to do OvertimeChapter 18 · Does Mr. Yu have two faces?!Chapter 19 · Now we can begin to express our gratitude.Chapter 20 · Split Personality!Chapter 21 · Mr. Yu is busy and may not have time to comeChapter 22 · Call duration: 0:12Chapter 23 · He’s not Worth itChapter 24 · Mr Yu on film setChapter 25 · You can consider me if you decided to leave Mr. YuChapter 26 · Big Sister has unique hobbyChapter 27 · Really? I’m actually the young master of the Bai family?Chapter 28 · Bai Sheng is Pitiful?Chapter 29 · Someone took a picture of themChapter 30 · Your little one is hereChapter 31 · Mr. Yu asked me if I had a stiff neckChapter 32 · The little lucky butterfly’s wings flutteredChapter 33 · Mr. Yu, you came here just once at the beginningChapter 34 · The door wasn’t lockedChapter 35 · You’re an adult nowChapter 36 · Are rooms still available by scrambling?Chapter 37 · I’m definitely going to watch this variety show!Chapter 38 · Who asked Bai Sheng for money to support Bai Mao?Chapter 39 · How many zeros are there?Chapter 40 · You have to be careful with your methodsChapter 41 · Let’s get MarriedChapter 42 · I’m obviously just coveting your body!Chapter 43 · Does what we’re doing count as Sneaking?Chapter 44 · You want to change rooms?Chapter 45 · Isn’t Bai Sheng’s scheming way too deep?Chapter 46 · Mr. Yu in front of me has become calm and composedChapter 47 · You care a lot about Yu Yutian?Chapter 48 · Bai Sheng has found someoneChapter 49 · How to fall in loveChapter 50 · Uncle Long LegsChapter 51 · Bai Mao, I’m a little scaredChapter 52 · I simply told them the truthChapter 53 · That was far too mercilessChapter 54 · Your fans mention it in your fan forumChapter 55 · In your dreamsChapter 56 · Hello, UncleChapter 57 · Verified account had repliedChapter 58 · Maomao, you don’t need to be afraid of themChapter 59 · What a headacheChapter 60 · It’s a bit… tragicChapter 61 · I’m waiting for you at homeChapter 62 · That’s just too much!Chapter 63 · Is this watch really that expensive?Chapter 64 · Tian CityChapter 65 · They’re easy to get along with.Chapter 66 · Want to have a relationship with marriage in mind?Chapter 67 · Is this the joy of being someone’s “little uncle”?Chapter 68 · Has the protagonist finally figured it out?Chapter 69 · I miss youChapter 70 · That whole family is something else.Chapter 71 · Then comfort meChapter 72 · What about sincerity?Chapter 73 · There’s also 10% of the company’s sharesChapter 74 · So called conservativeChapter 75 · I thought you’d be walking with a limpChapter 76 · They’ve been brainwashedChapter 77 · We got marriedChapter 78 · CongratulationsChapter 79 · You already knew it was me?Chapter 80 · You look very good in a shirtChapter 81 · Did you used to like Bai Sheng?Chapter 82 · I never liked himChapter 83 · Uncle is super niceChapter 84 · Extra 1Chapter 85 · Extra 2Chapter 86 · Extra 3