Chapter 102 – Slandering Controversy
Originally, the release of Sour, Sweet, Bitter, Spicy had little to do with Xiao Fang. However, because he hadn’t had a new project in nearly six months and had made very few appearances on screen, coupled with the Hot Search he was on before filming began, the media and the audience were paying close attention to him for this movie’s release.
In the first few days of its release, the film broke the domestic box office record. With Ruan Tan’s fame, the addition of a Film Emperor, and the buzz Xiao Fang had previously generated, many people were willing to buy a ticket from the start. Furthermore, the film’s plot and production were exceptionally well-done, ensuring that plenty of moviegoers would be willing to pay. According to information from his agent, Sister He, the box office had already surpassed two hundred million yuan in just three days and was still on the rise. This movie was definitely the biggest dark horse of the year.
The film’s success brought a considerable share of profits to both Xiao Fang and his current company. A gratified smile appeared on Xiao Fang’s face as he looked at his personal savings.
However, just as everyone was celebrating, certain voices emerged, once again pushing Xiao Fang into the eye of the storm.
It started with a film critic who ranked among the top three in his field in terms of followers. When discussing the movie, he suggested that if Xiao Fang had been the protagonist, the film would have achieved even greater success. He didn’t just mention it casually; he presented solid evidence to back up his claim. The most obvious example was the scene with Xiao Fang, where he bluntly stated that Xiao Qi was completely overshadowed by Xiao Fang. He argued that Xiao Fang’s understanding and depth in portraying his character were on a different level compared to the still somewhat stiff Xiao Qi.
He even went on to say that the lead actress’s performance in her scenes with Xiao Fang seemed to outshine Xiao Qi’s. The critic then brought up Xiao Fang’s ability to elevate his co-stars’ performances, with Wen An’an serving as the best example. After all, Wen An’an herself had called him her master, and based on her various performances in the film, there was absolutely no doubt about the truth of that statement.
As soon as this video was released, many people voiced their opinions, including Xiao Fang’s fans and neutral viewers who simply appreciated good acting. If the impact had been limited to that, it would have been one thing. However, the reaction from Xiao Qi’s massive fanbase was a completely different story. With that, the hype around Sour, Sweet, Bitter, Spicy reached a new high.
Xiao Fang initially paid it no mind, believing that the public should be the judge of who was better. But an online flame war was entirely different from a film review. Although Xiao Fang couldn’t care less about how upset Xiao Qi was at the moment, he couldn’t let this incident tarnish the film itself.
Just then, Sister He happened to call. Her thoughts aligned with Xiao Fang’s: they needed to stop this promptly to avoid drawing fire upon themselves and pull his fans out of the mud before any greater damage was done.
Xiao Fang acted immediately. In his current situation, he had no need for so-called infamous fame or shameless clout-chasing. This was the best protection Fei Xiangnan had given him.
At ten in the morning, Xiao Fang posted on Weibo: Work hard to be your best self. Reject slandering others to elevate yourself.
To keep the topic from getting too serious, he also posted a picture of Nuomici that he had sneakily taken while the cat was contemplating life, complete with a pair of cat glasses. The cat looked serious yet adorable, cute with a hint of playfulness, making one want to plant a kiss on it.
As expected, as soon as the Weibo post was up, his fans rallied to his call. The Super Topic fan groups that had just been established for the online fight were all deleted. Everyone gathered under Xiao Fang’s Weibo post.
[I almost lost my head. It’s up to the audience to say who acted well and who didn’t. Why should we slander others?]
[I agree with the post above. It would be embarrassing if we ended up damaging Fangfang’s reputation.]
[That’s right! We’re not here for popularity contests! We must always remember that Fangfang is an actor!]
[Agreed +1. Also, Fangfang’s Nuomici is so cute, I want to pet it~]
[Forming a cat-napping group here. Press one to sign up.]
The comments below echoed the sentiment, and in just a few short hours, the online tide had completely turned.
No matter how viciously Xiao Qi’s fans attacked Xiao Fang’s fans, they didn’t retaliate. They even brought up the previous incident and apologized, each one being incredibly polite. This left some of Xiao Qi’s more rational fans at a loss for words, and they just let it go with a laugh. Some of the more extreme fans went to attack the original video that started the fight. By the next day, only a few of Xiao Qi’s fans were left jumping up and down, and their online reputation took an immediate hit.
However, the main subject, Xiao Qi, remained silent. He was absolutely furious. Xiao Fang had only played a supporting role, yet he was being compared to him, the protagonist. On what grounds? The more Xiao Qi thought about it, the angrier he became. He cancelled all his recent activities and stayed home to cool off.
He now harbored a pathological hatred for Xiao Fang, unable to stand seeing him do better in any way. This incident had nearly crushed his pride. Why? Why was it always him who won? What was he lacking? As a Third Gender, he clearly had more options and far better conditions than others. Yet he had entered the entertainment industry with nothing, done all sorts of things, even sold his body for a role. Why couldn’t fate be a little kinder to him? Why did it insist on propping up that good-for-nothing Xiao Fang?
It was ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous!
Xiao Qi paced back and forth in his living room. Everything in the house seemed so offensive to his eyes. He wanted to destroy it, destroy it all. Smash it, smash it all! None of this was his anymore!
Xiao Qi’s eyes turned red with fury, his chest heaving violently. His body trembled, and the murderous intent in his mind was almost uncontrollable. This was a stark contrast to his appearance. Beneath his cold and handsome exterior was a heart full of holes, and his twisted worldview made him loathe the person he was thinking of.
When Yan Yunyang arrived at Xiao Qi’s place after work, he was greeted by the sound of things being smashed inside. Yan Yunyang’s expression changed. He took out his key, opened the door, and saw the chaotic state of the living room.
Xiao Qi had been having significant problems recently, and Yan Yunyang had seen it all. But an outburst like this was a first. Seeing Xiao Qi smashing things like a madman, a trace of displeasure rose in Yan Yunyang’s heart.
“What are you doing!” Yan Yunyang watched as a glass cup shattered at his feet. If he hadn’t moved quickly, he would have been cut.
Only then did Xiao Qi seem to regain some clarity. He looked at Yan Yunyang. All that separated them were shards of glass. Yan Yunyang stood not far away, just watching him. Xiao Qi stared blankly for a moment, then placed the glass he was holding on the bar counter.
He felt that he must look an absolute mess right now. Unfortunately, there was no mirror in the living room, so he couldn’t see his own pathetic state. Xiao Qi pretended to be casual as he tidied the fringe of his hair.
“You’re here.” Xiao Qi forced his usual smile, but to Yan Yunyang, it looked somewhat chilling. It felt as if this person had changed completely, apart from his appearance, rotting from the inside out.
“Are you trying to tear the house down?”
Xiao Qi glanced around and only then realized how much he had smashed. But it didn’t matter. He wasn’t the same person he used to be. He could buy it all back. “I was in a bad mood, so I smashed a few things. Don’t move, I’ll clean it up.”
“Is it so hard to just go your separate ways with Xiao Fang?” Yan Yunyang said as Xiao Qi turned around. Xiao Qi’s face stiffened, and he froze in place.
“Do you know what they’re saying about me online?” Xiao Qi said slowly, word by word.
“I know, but the media loves to nitpick just to make a quick buck. You don’t need to pay it any mind. You’re still the youngest Film Emperor.” Yan Yunyang’s understanding of these matters was completely different. He spoke from the perspective of a capitalist, thinking Xiao Qi would surely understand.
However, that was the Xiao Qi from before Xiao Fang entered this world. The current Xiao Qi had completely changed.
How wonderful. There was so much glass between them, and now there was glass between their hearts too. No need to clean it up.
“I don’t care about others, but the other party is Xiao Fang, who shares half of my blood. Since I was a child, I’ve had to give way to him. Shoes, pocket money, clothes, game consoles, my room, my father’s affection, friends. And now that I’m grown up, you, and the fame I worked so hard to earn—I have to give it all away,” Xiao Qi’s tone grew more intense as he spoke, his eyes turning red with anger. “What am I, some kind of great saint, giving everything away!”
After being silent for so long, Xiao Qi had another major outburst. This time, he saw an emotion called disappointment in his lover’s eyes.
Xiao Qi wanted to laugh, but no sound would come out of his throat. He knew he looked like a madman right now, but he no longer cared. He straightened up and glared fiercely at Yan Yunyang. “Wipe that sanctimonious look off your face! You’re such a saint! You never do manual labor, letting others do all the dirty work. Why is your company still running? Whose credit is that? It’s Xiao Fang’s, so you’re constantly speaking up for him. I’m really curious, if I had refused Xiao Fang back then and personally got the company back for you, would you still be saying these things now? My great saint, Yan?” Xiao Qi bit out the word “personally” with extra force, as if intentionally trying to provoke Yan Yunyang.
Yan Yunyang was now truly angered. “Xiao Qi, you have to take responsibility for what you’ve said!”
Xiao Qi smiled bleakly. “I am taking responsibility, can’t you see?”
“To me, my career is far less important than you. But now,” Yan Yunyang looked at Xiao Qi with disappointment, “I have nothing more to say. Enjoy living your ‘real’ life alone!” With that, he strode out of the wrecked living room.
Xiao Qi slowly sank to the floor, his face devoid of any emotion. On the ground lay an ugly-shaped shard of glass. Xiao Qi picked it up and gripped it tightly in his hand, his eyes tinged with a red madness.
***
Xiao Fang counted the dividends he had received these past few days. He first donated a tenth to the orphanage and then securely deposited the rest into his personal savings. He was due back on set tomorrow. Before that, he decided to take his good little brother to the supermarket and a clothing store.
After a slight disguise, he took Xiao Xu to the supermarket. The procedures for Xiao Xu were almost complete. After discussing it with Fei Xiangnan, Xiao Fang decided to add Xiao Xu to his own household register and change his name to Xiao Xu. In Xiao Fang’s arms, Xiao Xu was always well-behaved, carrying the same milky scent as Lang Lang.
But once they left the residential complex, Xiao Xu asked Xiao Fang to put him down. A boy still had his pride. Although Xiao Xu looked like he was only five, he was very conscious of his actual age.
At the supermarket, the two brothers ran into two unexpected people: Fei Yishan and her mother, Liu Qian.
The moment he saw Liu Qian’s face, Xiao Fang’s first instinct was to think of trouble. He even had the thought of pretending not to see them and leaving immediately, but that idea was shattered by Fei Yishan.
“Brother Xiao,” Fei Yishan called out, the first time she had ever addressed him so politely. Xiao Fang had no choice but to stop. A grip tightened on his leg as Xiao Xu instinctively hugged Xiao Fang’s thigh.
Fei Yishan nudged her mother. Liu Qian coughed, her expression a little awkward. “Xiao Fang, there have been many misunderstandings in the past. I’ve pretty much learned about what happened. That boy Xiangnan rarely comes back to the main family branch even once a year, so I can’t say anything to him in person. It’s the same if I tell you. I’m very sorry for many things that happened before, and for what I did to Xiangnan. I hope you can convey that to him.” Compared to last time, Liu Qian’s attitude towards him had improved by more than just a little.
Xiao Fang knew what Liu Qian had been angry about and could understand it in his heart. Now that the misunderstanding was cleared up, and since Fei Xiangnan wasn’t dwelling on it, there was nothing more for him to say.
“It’s nothing. We can understand many things. I will be sure to pass on your words.”
Liu Qian nodded, her expression much better. She then turned her gaze to her daughter. Now that she was getting old, she was starting to rely more on this very dependable daughter of hers.
Fei Yishan took the initiative to speak. “We will keep an eye on Second Aunt’s movements at home now. If anything comes up, my mother will message you. But for now, there’s nothing. Zhang Yuliu has also been much more restrained than before. You don’t need to worry too much about the main family anymore.”
Xiao Fang nodded. With the animosity from Fei Yishan and Liu Qian resolved, he could indeed relax his guard regarding the main family’s affairs. It seemed the previous threats had been effective.
“By the way, is this a child from one of your relatives?” Fei Yishan’s gaze fell on the little leech clinging to Xiao Fang’s leg.
Xiao Xu hugged Xiao Fang even tighter, his nervousness palpable. Xiao Fang could immediately understand what the child was thinking.
He smiled and said with great pride, “This is the younger brother I adopted from the orphanage. He’s a very smart kid named Xiao Xu. Xiao Xu, say hello to the sister and the auntie.”
Fei Xiangnan’s words were like a piece of candy placed in Xiao Xu’s heart. Xiao Xu cautiously peeked out, revealing his incredibly delicate features. With some effort, he managed to force out a few words from his throat: “Sister, Auntie.”
His somewhat milky voice was irresistible to women of any age.
Liu Qian’s heart melted. She immediately smiled as sweet as honey and kept praising the child’s cuteness. Xiao Fang’s tail of pride was about to stick straight up. The meeting of the three ended on a pleasant note. This also indirectly helped train Xiao Xu. Before leaving the supermarket, Liu Qian stuffed several large bags of candy into Xiao Fang’s hands, saying it was a meeting gift for her little nephew. Xiao Fang accepted it all without refusal. He also heard that Fei Yishan’s friend was a big fan of a certain singer, who happened to be the one who sang the opening theme for his last drama. He immediately promised to help them get a few autographs.
In less than an hour, the three went from initial awkwardness to a harmonious farewell. A scar hidden in Fei Xiangnan’s heart had finally begun to heal.
With everything settled, Xiao Fang officially embarked on his journey back to work.