Chapter 39 Part 1
Lóu Tíng was standing by the window, contemplating the strength of He Yúnzhōu’s grip.
The stubborn tail lights kept flashing, emitting a sense of resolute defiance.
He Yunzhou returned carrying breakfast and happened to see Lóu Tíng staring at the recently deceased wheelchair outside.
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Tlyakdt vbl essa srld, Nów Mídt vwadle bkp blye yde ypjle okvb y bkdv sq xlzydnbszu, “Yu obllznbyka…”
“Gqvla usw qlzz ypzllr zypv dktbv, kv pllxp zkjl vbl obllznbyka oldv swv sq nsdvasz,” Tl Zwdgbsw pyke okvb y rlaqlnvzu nsxrsple lmralppksd, okvbswv y vaynl sq twkzv. Tl oyzjle kd, rzynle vbl calyjqypv sd vbl vyczl, yde nyzxzu alnswdvle obyv byrrldle zypv dktbv: “Ls sdl ynvkhyvle kv, cwv vbl obllznbyka oyp cydtkdt kdvs oyzzp sd kvp sod swvpkel. Ju vbl vkxl R dsvknle, kv oyp yzalyeu iwkvl cyvvlale.”
Tl qkdkpble prlyjkdt yde nswzed’v alpkpv yeekdt y nsxxldv, “Gavkqknkyz kdvlzzktldnl kp zynjkdt kd vbkp yprlnv. Xdnl y nlavykd eyvy nsddlnvksd tslp yoau, kv pvyavp tskdt byuokal. Jwv nsdpkelakdt vbyv vbkp obllznbyka kp uswa clzshle rspplppksd…” Tl kdvldvksdyzzu lxrbypkgle “clzshle rspplppksd,” tkhkdt y ckvkdt wdelavsdl.
Tl Zwdgbsw nsdvkdwle, “R eked’v csvbla okvb kv, yde obld R nblnjle vbkp xsadkdt, kv bye vwadle kdvs y rkzl sq pnayr xlvyz.”
Lóu Tíng: “…”
If the wheelchair could talk, it would surely scold you.
You’ve dismantled it to this extent and even mockingly called it “suicide,” you really are damaging my own beloved belongings, hurting them until they cry.
He Yunzhou didn’t think there was anything wrong with the story he had concocted. After all, Lóu Tíng wouldn’t likely investigate what happened last night out of curiosity; after all… he had disabled the surveillance system overnight.
No evidence of damage to property.
He Yunzhou disdainfully glanced at the wreckage outside the window, hmph.
Lóu Tíng shook his head. He had originally brought back the wheelchair with a probing mindset, expecting the effect to manifest after he had left the wheelchair. He didn’t anticipate results showing up in just one night.
Although the wheelchair’s demise was a bit brutal, he had achieved the result he wanted through his experiment, so the wheelchair didn’t die in vain.
Lóu Tíng said, “Let’s eat first.”
“Alright.”
After finishing their meal, they headed to the classroom. He Yunzhou carried him there on his back.
Lóu Tíng had initially intended to move there on his own, but He Yunzhou’s unusually enthusiastic behavior seemed like an attempt to compensate for breaking the wheelchair, almost as if he was offering himself as a replacement mode of transportation.
Lóu Tíng rested his chin on He Yunzhou’s shoulder, thinking that this arrangement wasn’t bad either.
However, this notion lasted only until He Yunzhou brought him to the entrance of the training room. Seeing that He Yunzhou’s steps didn’t halt, Lóu Tíng quickly said, “Just leave me by the door.”
He Yunzhou turned a deaf ear and walked directly into the training room.
“Hey…” Lóu Tíng abruptly straightened up, but before he could say anything, he was met with the gazes of several trainees inside the training room.
In an instant, Lóu Tíng froze stiff in place.
The trainees were just as dumbfounded, if not more so, than Lóu Tíng.
They looked at He Yunzhou, then at the Lóu Tíng he was carrying on his back.
What’s going on?!
These four words seemed to be flashing across their minds.
In bold uppercase, the laser-sharp lightning font raced through, blinding them with its bright whiteness.
For a moment, no one dared to speak a word.
He Yunzhou had grown accustomed to these kinds of gazes, not feeling out of place. He went inside and fetched a chair to set Lóu Tíng down, advising him, “Your injury hasn’t fully healed yet. Save some strength during training.”
Lóu Tíng: “???”
Why bring this up now?
Curiously tugging at his sleeve, Lóu Tíng refrained from speaking aloud and gestured with his eyes instead.
He Yunzhou patted his hand reassuringly, indicating for him not to worry, then turned his attention to the trainees.
When Boss Huò’s gaze swept over them, the trainees straightened their postures instantly, resembling employees awaiting an inspection by the company CEO.
He Yunzhou said, “I’ll trouble you all to help take care of Lóu Tíng.”
“…” The perplexed trainees seemed slow to catch on, but in the next moment, they began to speak up one after another.
“No problem at all.”
“I’ve got it covered!”
“This is what we should do.”
Responses echoed one after another.
He Yunzhou nodded. “Thank you.”
Lóu Tíng, observing the situation, finally understood the implication behind He Yunzhou bringing him in.
Assisting with care was one aspect, but more importantly, it was a warning.
Lè Chéngzhé was willing to do whatever it took to secure the center position. He dared to act this way because, partially, Lóu Tíng had no background, no backstage support, and nothing that could make him fearful.
Previously, He Yunzhou had always followed his wishes, avoiding the public eye wherever possible, except for certain individuals.
This time, he had walked in with Lóu Tíng on his back, which was also a form of warning.
Lóu Tíng looked down at the gauze on his right foot. After his second injury, even though He Yunzhou hadn’t said much verbally, he must have had thoughts and concerns.
After all, if something happened, if He Yunzhou directly confronted Le Chengzhe with force, the subsequent harm wouldn’t occur. Even though it might trigger a butterfly effect that led to the emergence of a possible rival, the physical injuries and bloodshed wouldn’t be present.
Because… He Yunzhou’s identity alone was enough to make everyone on the program team wary.
Lóu Tíng thought, who said He Yunzhou was simple-minded? He was just… not sensitive when it came to emotions.
After He Yunzhou left, the trainees who had been sitting there were at a loss for words. Finally, one of them couldn’t resist approaching and asking, “Lóu Tíng, do you know He Yunzhou?”
Lóu Tíng nodded and said, “Friends.” It was a rather general description.
“That’s great.” Envy that couldn’t be concealed appeared in the person’s eyes.
They didn’t have much popularity, but Lóu Tíng was different. With the show airing, his name had been trending continuously. Now, with He Yunzhou’s support, Lóu Tíng’s future was nothing to worry about.
Just as they were talking, Gǔ Yì entered.
He was holding a loaf of bread, perhaps intending to eat in the training room.
However, upon opening the door and seeing a number of people inside, along with Lóu Tíng sitting on a chair, Gǔ Yì pursed his lips, turned around, and left without saying a word.
Gǔ Yì wasn’t someone with airs, and he had a helpful personality. He got along well with everyone. So, seeing him leave so abruptly left everyone perplexed.
“What’s wrong with Gǔ Yì?”
“Is he in a bad mood? Did someone upset him, or…?”
Lóu Tíng thought for a moment, then got up and followed after him.
Once outside, however, he realized Gǔ Yì hadn’t actually left. He was standing at the doorway, eating his bread.
When Gǔ Yì saw Lóu Tíng coming out, he seemed ready to leave, but Lóu Tíng said, “Don’t run away. I have something I want to say to you.”
Gǔ Yì paused upon hearing this and said, “I was the one who planted the items. I already apologized to you.”
Although Lóu Tíng didn’t understand why Gǔ Yì was still holding onto this secret for Le Chengzhe at this point, he didn’t want to get too involved in the matter. He just needed to know the truth as he perceived it. “It’s not about that. About what happened on stage, I haven’t had the chance to thank you yet.”
Gǔ Yì kept his head down as he continued eating his bread, not offering a response.
Lóu Tíng said, “If you’re being threatened, you can let me know where you need help. I’ll do my best to assist you.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
After a night of strong winds, the thick clouds were blown away, and the morning sunlight spilled down the hallway, casting a warm glow.
Lóu Tíng leaned against the doorway, his right leg slightly bent, and extended his hand towards Gǔ Yì. “Go for your training.”
Gǔ Yì’s chewing motion froze for a moment. After a while, he chewed rapidly a couple of times, swallowed the bread in his mouth, casually crumpled the bread packaging into his pocket, trembled as he raised his hand, and firmly held onto Lóu Tíng’s hand.
“Yeah.”
—
The news about Le Chengzhe being taken away by the Imperial military was eventually leaked to the media.
At the moment, “Youth Returns” was gaining immense popularity. Every media outlet was eager to seize this explosive piece of information.
Fāng Huāndōng considered suppressing the news, but he didn’t dare to employ water armies.
He Yunzhou’s intention to deal with Le Chengzhe was already a confirmed matter. Regardless of Le Chengzhe’s dwindling popularity, he was, after all, a figure in the entertainment industry with fans. Destroying the reputation and popularity he had worked hard to build would undoubtedly be the most effective blow.
Thinking this way, Fāng Huāndōng refrained from acting.
He didn’t really have any reason to protect Le Chengzhe, and it wasn’t necessary to offend He Yunzhou further over such a minor issue.
Such behavior would be irrational and nonsensical.
Since this matter involved the Insect Race, it would take some time from approval to court proceedings.
Although there were various speculations online, no one from within the industry dared to come forward with inside information.
After all, this matter involved too many parties.
If the information leaked, losing one’s job would be the least of the consequences.
While various conspiracy theories and calculations were being discussed online, the second episode of “Youth Returns” was released on schedule.
During the airing of the first episode, the participants were still actively practicing for the group dance of the second episode. As a result, Fāng Huāndōng didn’t arrange for everyone to watch the show together.
For the second episode, Fāng Huāndōng immediately contacted all the participants and gathered them in the viewing room.
Due to Lóu Tíng’s mobility constraints, he was granted special permission to watch in his dorm room.
Lóu Tíng opened up virtual projection, casting the variety show onto the ceiling above his head. He turned off the lights in the room, creating a cinema-like atmosphere.
What’s more, he didn’t have to sit up; he could watch while lying down.
The second episode took the group division as its focal point. It first resolved the suspense left from the previous episode, followed by training content. It included the moments when Le Chengzhe vied for the center position with him.
【Not a professional dancer, but even from this perspective, it’s clear Lóu Tíng learned faster and danced better. Such an obvious turning point—do we really need a competition for the center position?】
【Ahhh, Little Tíng is so amazing! Want to kiss him.】
【It’s just a bit more thrilling when there’s a competition for the center position. Look at the other groups, they simply got a center without any effort.】
Although a significant portion was edited out, the essence of the episode was retained, capturing the most crucial parts.
Their diligent training scenes and the complete performance of the group dance were showcased.
【Ah, ah, ah! Little Treasure is way too handsome! Can’t handle this pose.】
【My heart is racing. He truly is my child’s father, knows how to make my heart flutter.】
【Huh… is this part not right? I think Yán Zigē’s dance wasn’t like this.】
【Right, it’s not the same, but the change is quite energetic. Is this to highlight their individuality?】
【Pay close attention to Lóu Tíng’s movements when he lands. A professional interstellar doctor tells you, Lóu Tíng is definitely injured. The severity of the injury isn’t apparent through the screen, but a twist that heavy doesn’t leave one unscathed.】
【What? What’s going on?】
Lóu Tíng had been watching the show with the barrage of comments enabled, but at this moment, he vaguely felt that something was off with some of the comments passing by.
Just based on this footage, he was certain he hadn’t shown any obvious mistakes.
Even from a doctor’s perspective, adjusting the speed in post-production and carefully examining his landing movements would be necessary to notice anything.
But…
With a sense of doubt, Lóu Tíng opened his personal information.
His profile picture displayed the unique interstellar identification of a doctor.
That photo…?
Lóu Tíng inexplicably found it familiar. He wanted to enlarge it to take a closer look, but the website prompted that zooming in wasn’t allowed.
Scrolling further down his personal information, he discovered the person’s phone number.
Lóu Tíng entered the number on his own phone. The screen displayed that this contact was in his address book, with the note: “Dr. Zhào.”
Lóu Tíng: “…”
Wasn’t this the doctor that Hè Yúnzhōu had brought in to treat his injury?!
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