TCFOTKB 42 PART 2

Chapter 42 Part 2

There were also some younger fans who only knew how to defend their idol, and Lou Ting’s fans didn’t hesitate to respond in kind.

Every comment was met with a barrage of insults.

This incident, starting with Xu Yuanmeng’s apology for the accidental like, reached its climax when she became a trending topic as a scheming woman.

Many onlookers, unaware of the real situation, clicked in to see. Under the informative comments from Lou Ting’s fans, they understood how Xu Yuanmeng was a deceitful white lotus.

One trending topic completely destroyed the image that Xu Yuanmeng had carefully built since her debut.

While everyone was having a lively time gossiping, Xu Yuanmeng posted another Weibo.

Xu Yuanmeng (Verified Account): The shooting went wrong against my will. When pouring water, I felt pain in my hand and couldn’t hold the basin. Afterward, I went to the hospital for a check-up, and the report clearly states that I have a fractured hand. I hope everyone can be rational, not to attack and harm others casually, and not to be easily swayed by the rhythm.

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Nsw Mkdt pyo vbkp Elkcs cwv eked’v pyu yduvbkdt.

Jlnywpl… obyv Dw Zwydxldt pyke oyp vawl.

Mbl qsanl Nsw Mkdt wple yv vbyv xsxldv oyp jdsod sdzu vs bkxplzq, yde vbl qydp eked’v jdso.

(Valvldekdt vs cl rkvkqwz? Gal usw vyzjkdt ycswv uswaplzq? Tyhl psxl pbyxl. Ebyv usw eke oyp ps schkswp, vaukdt vs xyjl lhlausdl xyzknkswpzu prlnwzyvl yde czynjld Mkdt Mkdt’p kxytl. Mbl hkels kp nzlya, kd bktb elqkdkvksd. Zsw jdso lmynvzu obyv usw’hl esdl!)

(Wyzpl kdqsaxyvksd, alrsavle.)

…

Mbl Elkcs vbyv pbswze byhl tyadlale puxryvbu kdpvlye alnlkhle xsal xsnjlau qsa kdvldvksdyzzu rzyukdt vbl hknvkx.

Dw Zwydxldt oyp ycswv vs lmrzsel.

She had indeed suffered an injury, so why didn’t these people believe her?!

Lou Ting didn’t know how Xu Yuanmeng felt right now, but he was quite content at the moment.

The boring afternoon was filled with the self-directed drama by Xu Yuanmeng.

Having finished the bread, Lou Ting sipped on ice water, observing as Xu Yuanmeng posted one clarification Weibo after another. Her demeanor shifted from initial strong defiance to later appearing pitiful and crying in a helpless manner.

What a great show.

Lou Ting placed the water cup down, picked up the nearby lyric book, put on his headphones, and started listening to music while memorizing the lyrics.

The song was a simple and sweet love ballad, somewhat leaning towards a cute style.

A stark contrast to Lou Ting’s usual style.

But there was no choice; once selected, he had to sing it.

While Lou Ting was diligently practicing, someone suddenly knocked on his door.

The sound was urgent but not too forceful.

Lou Ting, with his headphones on, didn’t hear it at first.

After a while, he realized something was off.

He put down the lyric book, took off his headphones, and opened the door. It was Yu Senze …

Yu Senze finished speaking and felt that his words might be misunderstood. It’s not good to make people suspicious of their own parents, but the words were already spoken, and he did feel something odd about those parents. However, he didn’t say much to avoid making things worse.

Lou Ting knew that these parents were not easy to deal with. “I understand, thank you.”

Seeing that Lou Ting didn’t misinterpret his intentions, Yu Senze smiled and said, “No need to be polite! Let me take you there.”

Lou Ting declined, “No need, they probably want to talk to me alone. It’s not easy for them to speak with others around.”

Yu Senze nodded, “True, then call me if you need anything. I’ll go back to practice dancing.”

“Okay.”

When Lou Ting reached the door, only Fang Huandong and the three people were there.

Listening to Yu Senze’s words earlier, there should have been other trainees at the door. Fang Huandong must have sent them back.

As Lou Ting approached, mother Lou burst into tears without saying a word.

Qu Shulan said with grievance, “You child, it’s been so long without a letter from home. Your mom was really worried.”

Lou Wenjiang sighed along, “As elders, we just want the younger ones to be happy. I’ve said it many times, don’t send money home all the time. Keep some for yourself, and don’t overwork. Come home more often. Look at your mom crying; she misses you a lot.”

Lou Ting had just arrived, hadn’t said a word, and these two were already pointing out his filial shortcomings.

Although their words were well-intentioned, not sending letters home and not visiting parents could lead to various interpretations.

Fang Huandong had a good impression of Lou Ting, and with He Yunzhou adding points, he didn’t dare to speak harshly to Lou Ting. However, the current situation seemed a bit off. He carefully said, “Lou Ting, you…”

Lou Ting interrupted, “Director, you go back first. I’ll handle this.”

Fang Huandong wanted to say more, but then thought that family matters were private. Who would want to talk about their family issues in front of others? So, Fang Huandong gave up on speaking, nodded at Lou Ting, and left.

After taking a few steps, he took out his phone and sent a message to He Yunzhou.

Lou Ting said, “It’s getting late; you guys haven’t eaten yet, right? I know a good restaurant nearby. Let’s eat and chat.”

Lou Ting maintained a calm expression throughout, showing no signs of impatience or disdain.

Apart from the lack of a smiling face, there was hardly any difference between him now and the filial son from before.

Qu Shulan wiped away her tears and nodded, “We’ll follow your lead.”

Lou Yu remained silent throughout, playing the role of an invisible person, letting his parents converse with Lou Ting.

He didn’t speak, and Lou Ting was not in the mood to pretend to be a respectful brother.

Lou Ting found a relatively quiet restaurant nearby and booked a private room, just in case things got heated and wouldn’t disturb other diners.

Wearing sunglasses and a mask on his face, Lou Ting took them off when entering the private room. Qu Shulan smiled and remarked, “Our Lou Ting is really popular. Even when going out, he has to wear a mask.”

Lou Wenjiang patted his chest, saying, “Our son has made a name for himself.”

Lou Yu pursed his lips, holding Lou Wenjiang’s hand, and coquettishly said, “Dad, just let Lou Ting follow you. How can you praise your son and still leave one out?”

“Alright, alright, little Yu is also Dad’s good son. Both of you, in the future, will have great achievements.”

Seeing this situation, Lou Ting couldn’t help but marvel at their performance.

If he didn’t know the plot, he might genuinely believe that these parents sincerely loved their two sons and were dedicated to their family.

No wonder the original host was deceived; this deception was too sophisticated.

No stealing, no robbing, no anger, no violence—playing the card of family affection, making you unconsciously hand over your money.

And…

Weren’t these two divorced?

When they divorced, they even left Lou Yu for the original host to take care of.

How… how could they still have such a good relationship after divorce? What was the point of divorcing then?

Lou Ting sat on the side, quietly sipping on a glass of ice water.

Too many tricks and for a moment, I didn’t know which one to focus on.

After thinking for a moment, Lou Ting smiled and said, “Seeing how well Mom and Dad get along, I’m relieved. I used to think that divorce would affect your relationship, but it turns out it’s even better after divorce. If I knew earlier, I would have advised Mom and Dad to divorce sooner.”

He spoke with an entirely naive and uninformed tone, seemingly deceived.

Qu Shulan, upon hearing this, showed no change in her expression. She spoke with a serious tone to Lou Ting, “We divorced for a reason. You’re still young; you’ll understand in the future.”

Lou Ting didn’t expect her to explain, so he just nodded, “Hmm.”

“Come, let’s order first.” Lou Yu handed the menu to Lou Ting, tilting his head cutely, “Big brother, you go first.”

Lou Ting pushed the menu back, saying, “Just order a few dishes you like, I’ve already eaten.”

Lou Wenjiang said, “Oh my, these two brothers are still so polite. Come on, Dad will order.”

While Lou Wenjiang was ordering, Qu Shulan suddenly stood up and sat next to Lou Ting, “Little Ting, I heard that the variety show you recorded is quite popular recently. I don’t understand your line of work, but I’m curious about your face…”

Qu Shulan paused and asked him, “Why did you change your makeup?”

Lou Ting didn’t explain too much, keeping it concise, “Director’s request.”

After all, Qu Shulan wouldn’t go and inquire if the director really made such a request. Besides… did Qu Shulan really not understand?

Perhaps she pretended not to understand, asked casually, and then, while he answered, guided him step by step to put those disgusting things back on his face.

Lou Ting wouldn’t fall for that.

Sure enough, when Qu Shulan heard Lou Ting’s response, she was momentarily speechless.

If the director made a mandatory request, there would be a contract, and Qu Shulan couldn’t say much.

“Alright then.” Qu Shulan awkwardly smiled, “My son, no matter how you look at it, you’re handsome.”

Lou Ting nodded and casually asked, “By the way, Mom, has anyone in our family differentiated into a beast form?”

“Huh? Why suddenly ask about this?” Qu Shulan said helplessly, “That’s something only high-ranking nobles with strong spiritual power can do. We’re just ordinary folks; how could we have beast forms?”

After submitting the electronic order, Lou Wenjiang said, “The way you asked makes it seem like you’ve differentiated already.”

Upon hearing this, all three pairs of eyes in the room focused on him.

Lou Ting remained composed and said, “I read online about the differentiation of beast forms. There’s this claim that injecting a certain drug can induce the transformation. I was just curious and thought of asking. If it’s not possible, I was even considering buying that drug to try.”

“Don’t buy it; it’s all a scam,” Qu Shulan said. “Beast forms are determined by the parents’ genes. Your dad and I are just ordinary people, so don’t dwell on these things.”

Lou Ting obediently nodded, “Okay.”

Lou Wenjiang glanced at Qu Shulan, had a brief eye contact, and suddenly said, “Alright, let’s stop talking. Let’s eat. The dishes are here, and if we don’t eat now, they’ll get cold.”

Lou Yu agreed, “Mmm.”

Everyone picked up their chopsticks, and Lou Ting also pretended to do so, joining the meal with the three others at the same table. He was afraid of choking himself.

Except for Lou Ting, everyone else was in high spirits.

Without using public chopsticks, they shared dishes, Qu Shulan even shaved some fish for Lou Yu and handed a chicken wing to Lou Ting.

Lou Wenjiang said, “Eat, don’t just sit there.”

Lou Ting picked up a chicken wing with chopsticks, swayed it in front of his mouth, but didn’t take a bite.

“Oh right, Lou Ting, how’s your income lately?” Lou Wenjiang suddenly asked while eating. “According to common sense, if your popularity is high, your salary should be high, right?”

“Our salary is determined by the contract from the beginning,” Lou Ting replied. Although he did have a considerable amount of money now, thanks to advertisements and due to his popularity, he couldn’t disclose everything to them.

Lou Wenjiang nodded, chewing on his chicken. He didn’t press further, seemingly waiting for Lou Ting to speak voluntarily.

Not asking, Lou Ting played dumb and didn’t respond. If it were the original host, he would have asked, “Is the family out of money now?” Then Lou Wenjiang would smoothly take away the remaining money from his son who already had very little.

Lou Ting wasn’t falling for that.

After waiting for a while and Lou Ting remaining silent, Lou Wenjiang cleared his throat and said, “Um, about our illness, you’re aware of it. I’ve been lying in the hospital for a long time, and it cost a lot of money. Recently, after being discharged,I still feel discomfort in the chest, but the hospital bills are draining us, so we haven’t gone for a check-up.”

The meaning behind these words was very clear.

Lou Ting thought about continuing to play dumb, waiting to see what other tricks Lou Wenjiang had up his sleeve.

However, Lou Yu spoke up, “Dad, are you out of money? I have some pocket money that my brother gave me. Take it for emergencies.”

Lou Ting couldn’t help but coldly smirk at this good guy.

These three hadn’t seen each other for who knows how long, and now they decide to show filial piety and offer money at this moment? Quite comical.

Just as Lou Ting was about to speak, the door to the private room opened.

He Yunzhou walked in, looking a bit disheveled from the rain outside. It was lightly raining, and perhaps due to the hurry, he was a bit wet.

He Yunzhou furrowed his brow, expressionless as he surveyed everyone in the room, “Family gathering? Why didn’t you invite me?”

Lou Wenjiang asked, “Who are you?”

He Yunzhou adjusted his cufflinks and walked slowly to Lou Ting’s side. “Allow me to introduce myself…”

Standing behind Lou Ting, he leaned on the back of the chair, a perfectly timed smile appearing on his face. “I am Lou Ting’s husband, He Yunzhou.”