Chapter 3: Infuriating yet Alluring

Since there were only 168 days left, not a single day could be wasted.

“I remember last month there was a play called ‘Into Magic’ that approached me. Do you still have the script for ‘Into Magic’?” he asked Xiao Pangzi.

Xiao Pangzi hesitated for a moment. “Into Magic?”

“Yes, it’s a fantasy martial arts drama,” Jin Yanliu explained. “Do you know where it is?”

Jin Yanliu had difficulty managing his own affairs, so Xiao Pangzi often took care of script-related matters for him.

Xiao Pangzi headed to his study and retrieved the script for ‘Into Magic’.

With a puzzled expression, he sat across from Jin Yanliu. After Jin Yanliu had glanced at the script for a while, he looked up at him.

Xiao Pangzi spoke, “Yanliu ge, you’re not considering taking on this role, are you? It’s a boys’ love drama.”

The director of ‘Into Magic,’ Liu Qichang, had approached them multiple times with the script, but they had rejected it from the very beginning.

The entertainment industry had an unspoken hierarchy, where film actors looked down on TV drama actors, serious actors looked down on idol drama actors, and at the bottom of this chain of disdain were boys’ love adaptations. Actors who participated in boys’ love dramas were mocked by netizens, often referred to as “selling out.”

In the entertainment circle, there were newcomers who acted in boys’ love dramas to gain recognition, as well as faded male actors attempting a career revival, but A-list actors taking on boys’ love roles were unprecedented.

Considering Jin Yanliu’s current flourishing career, his logical move should be towards the big screen.

He couldn’t understand why Jin Yanliu suddenly recalled this particular play.

Lately, Jin Yanliu had been acting unusually, but he was too timid to inquire further.

Jin Yanliu rose to fame soon after his debut, having been born into privilege. He navigated the entertainment industry with ease, even managing his own affairs. In their studio, only his manager Cheng Fei held some sway, but ultimately, Jin Yanliu had the final say.

Jin Yanliu possessed a strong and assertive personality, having grown accustomed to being in the spotlight. He was a bit hot-tempered at times.

Jin Yanliu fully understood Xiao Pangzi’s sentiments, yet he himself couldn’t explain his own motivations.

Fortunately, his capricious nature had become commonplace, and those around him had grown accustomed to it.

He skimmed through the scripts of the first ten episodes of ‘Into Magic’ and then delved into the original novel online, focusing on the character of Mu Huaying.

Mu Huaying was the “villainous younger brother” in a side story, notorious for his wickedness. He was the most malevolent and twisted antagonist in the novel—beautiful, malicious, morally bankrupt, and responsible for killing his father and imprisoning his brother.

Apart from not being the male lead, this character carried a lot of tension and exhibited a wickedness that suited him well in the present.

You see, he was currently simmering with anger, damn near wanting to take someone’s life.

After watching all of Mu Huaying’s scenes, his heart refused to calm down, and all he could envision is Mu Huaying with bloodshot eyes and disheveled hair.

The story of “One Leaf Blocking the Woods” is incredibly impactful, reminding him, for no apparent reason, of his complex and eerie brotherly relationship with Zhou Beiyang.

His heart continued to race, and he turned his head to gaze out the window. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the master he hired was trimming the rain-damaged rose bushes.

Yesterday, an unexpected torrential downpour wreaked havoc in the garden, leaving several flower petals clinging to the glass. He leaned in slightly, pressing against the bay window, fixated on those scattered petals.

Lu Yao, Zhao Sili, and those nameless men pose no significant challenge to him. Dealing with them was a walk in the park.

The real challenge lied with Zhou Beiyang.

But what should he do if he follows Xiao Ai’s suggestion and confronts Zhou Beiyang as an impostor?

Yet, he couldn’t bring himself to sever ties with Zhou Beiyang immediately.

Having lost his mother at a young age and with his father, Jin Weinan, constantly absent, reflecting on the past decade revealed that Zhou Beiyang alone had been his enduring companion, offering the most solace and affection.

Suddenly, the idea of attending Zhou Beiyang’s fan meeting crossed his mind.

Zhou Beiyang recently completed a talent show produced by Starry Sky Video. He was now the center and captain of a seven-member debut group. Tonight, the debut group was holding their first fan meeting in the city.

This marked Zhou Beiyang’s first public appearance since his debut, and he yearned to be there.

“The tickets for their fan meeting sold out long ago,” Xiao Pangzi remarked. “My cousin paid over four thousand to purchase a front-row seat from a scalper. I’ve heard the inner-circle tickets are going for nearly twenty thousand!”

“Can I still manage to secure tickets?”

“If you’re attending their fan meeting, do you really need to buy tickets?” Xiao Pangzi chuckled. “Just give Yang Ge a heads-up, and you’re good to go.”

“I’d like to go incognito,” Jin Yanliu confessed. “I prefer him not to know.”

Thanks to his financial resources, the plump guy quickly procured two tickets.

Before heading out, Jin Yanliu underwent a complete transformation.

He dyed his hair red, applied striking makeup, and adorned himself with a sparkling ear cuff, showcasing an irresistible charm.

“Do you still recognize me?” he asked, glancing at Xiao Pangzi.

The chubby guy stared at him for a while. “Well, I wouldn’t be able to recognize you anyway.”

Normally, Jin Yanliu maintained a positive and clean image, so his sudden transformation into such a glamorous and provocative appearance made him feel a bit out of place.

But, damn, he looked stunning.

He exuded a vibrant and stylish aura. Jin Yanliu believed that there were people in this world who, with just a little bit of effort, became completely different from the average person.

Jin Yanliu hopped into his flashy red Lamborghini and drove with Xiao Pangzi to Qiuming Mountain.

The fan meeting for “THE SEVEN,” the seven-member group, was taking place at the sports arena in Nancheng’s new district. The weather that day was exceptionally pleasant, with the moon already hanging in the sky, casting a gentle glow. Amidst the crowd, Jin Yanliu’s red hair made him stand out.

However, the dimly lit surroundings provided him with some cover. He and Pangzi joined the queue, and surprisingly, nobody recognized him.

Well, it made sense. When celebrities attend fan meetings like this, they usually have special entrances. It was indeed rare to see someone like him, humbly waiting in line with the fans.

For the first time, he experienced the joy of being himself, and he even decided to take off his mask.

Come to think of it, apart from attending public events, it had been at least three or four years since he appeared in public without wearing a mask.

The feeling of liberation was exhilarating.

“Hello…”

Jin Yanliu immediately turned his head to look.

He was being addressed by a charming guy wearing a floral shirt, with fair skin and a radiant smile. “Are you… Jin Yanliu?”

Xiao Pangzi’s heart skipped a beat, and he quickly interjected, “No, no, he’s not.”

However, Jin Yanliu remained composed and spoke in a somewhat clumsy Sichuan dialect, “Nah, I’m not him, but many people say I resemble him.”

The guy’s friend chimed in, “I told you! A big star like him wouldn’t be sitting so far away.”

Jin Yanliu noticed the light boards in their hands, and it struck a chord with him. “Are you fans of Zhou Beiyang too?”

Xiao Pangzi couldn’t help but facepalm. “Come on, dude, not all Sichuan people say ‘nah’ all the time.”

To their surprise, the other guy got extremely excited. “You guys too?!”

It was an instant connection, and realizing that Jin Yanliu and Pangzi didn’t have any fan merchandise, the guy promptly handed them an extra light board and a bunch of glow sticks. “Why haven’t you joined the fan club? If you join, you can get support items!”

“We’re actually new to being star fans,” Jin Yanliu replied.

“We’re fans of Zhou Beiyang, so we’re like one big family!” the other person exclaimed with fiery enthusiasm.

Jin Yanliu breathed a sigh of relief, feeling safe and free to let loose.

He couldn’t help but notice how incredibly popular Zhou Beiyang was.

The venue, with a capacity of twenty thousand, was packed to the brim. Among the seven-member group, Zhou Beiyang had the largest fan base, with a level of popularity that overshadowed the rest. Immersed in a galaxy of light boards and glow sticks, Jin Yanliu felt a sense of contentment akin to “watching a loved one grow.”

It was truly wonderful.

Previously, Jin Yanliu had only watched Zhou Beiyang’s performances on his phone, but seeing him live was a whole different experience. A row of seven young men, all blessed with striking looks and stature, stood on stage. However, it was Zhou Beiyang, positioned in the center, who garnered the most attention.

With a height of 186 centimeters and a perfectly proportioned physique, his legs exuded a subtle allure. Clad in a loose white shirt and tailored charcoal gray suit pants, he stood tall and elegant. His fair complexion resembled cold white jade, and when his well-defined abdominal muscles appeared on the large screen, the surrounding screams could drown out the entire world.

The adorable guy next to Jin Yanliu seemed to be gay, and his reaction was excessively animated. He squealed, “Ahhh!”

He then grabbed Jin Yanliu’s arm and exclaimed, “Brother, isn’t he incredibly handsome?”

“Yes, yes,” Jin Yanliu replied, nodding enthusiastically.

It was no wonder the fans were so ecstatic. Zhou Beiyang, on stage, exuded a cool and captivating charm.

The cute guy tugged at his friend’s arm and gushed, “Did you see that? Eight-pack abs and even a V-line. His waist looks so powerful!” He squealed again, “I’m weak in the knees.”

Jin Yanliu couldn’t help but burst into laughter. Yet, this surge of excitement was undeniably contagious. He found himself joining the fans in their screams and, in the end, became so overwhelmed with emotion that he cried without even realizing it.

Jin Yanliu once had a fulfilling life, complete with an exceptional younger brother. But now, not only was his own existence being overshadowed by an imposter, but even in the remaining hundred-plus days, he couldn’t fully savor his life and had to maintain a distance from his own family.

Xiao Pangzi, observing Jin Yanliu’s tears, sat frozen in his seat, too petrified to move.

Oh my, even Jin Yanliu could shed tears.

It seemed that this seemingly invincible and haughty Jin Yanliu, who had always appeared to have never experienced the taste of tears, was proven wrong.

Their bond as brothers ran deep. Witnessing his younger brother’s radiant success, didn’t it evoke a surge of excitement within him?

With that thought, he immediately raised the light board in his hand and joined the surrounding fans in shouting, “Zhou Beiyang, Zhou Beiyang!”

After the fan meeting, both of their voices grew hoarse. The cute guy and his friend even invited them for supper, but they politely declined. The cute guy concluded, “I’ve noticed how handsome you are. You really resemble Jin Yanliu. No wonder his fans are all so good-looking.”

Her friend pulled at his arm, saying, “Let’s go, don’t take this chance to brag about yourself.”

As they walked away, Jin Yanliu overheard the girl saying, “Only sisters like Zhou Beiyang, so don’t even bother.”

“What about that chubby guy? He looks pretty manly.”

Xiao Pangzi remained silent.

Jin Yanliu burst into laughter.

He felt so good tonight.

It was a mix of exhilaration and a tinge of sadness. Once he unleashed himself, it was hard to pump the brakes. He decided to head to a bar for a drink.

If he happened to find someone appealing, maybe a one-night stand wouldn’t hurt.

Damn it, he hadn’t even had his fair share of pleasure. It had all been taken by that impostor and the gang of perverted bosses?!

Enough!

“You go back to the hotel first,” he told Xiao Pangzi.

With a raspy voice, Xiao Pangzi asked, “Where are you going so late?”

“I’m going for a drink.”

“Then I’ll come with you,” Xiao Pangzi said.

Jin Yanliu, sweaty and with tears streaming down his face, his heavy makeup a bit smudged, especially around the corners of his eyes. With half of his brows and eyes hidden by his hair, he appeared particularly mysterious and alluring in the night. “No more chit-chat. If you stick close behind me, how am I supposed to have fun?”

Xiao Pangzi hesitated to speak.

No, he was still a little scared of Jin Yanliu.

While he hesitated on the roadside, he saw Jin Yanliu already getting into a nearby taxi.

“Yan… Jin ge!” Xiao Pangzi ran a few steps after him, but soon stopped to catch his breath.

In the past few days, he felt that Jin Yanliu hadn’t been acting like himself, and he was very concerned.

He quickly hailed a taxi and followed closely behind.

The car drove all the way to a bar called “1937.” Xiao Pangzi watched as Jin Yanliu entered but didn’t dare to continue following.

He was afraid that Jin Yanliu would get angry.

With Cheng Fei currently vacationing abroad, the other members of their studio couldn’t provide much support.

He immediately thought of Zhou Beiyang.

If there was anyone in this world whom Jin Yanliu would listen to, it would undoubtedly be Zhou Beiyang.

The bond between the two brothers was strong. While Jin Yanliu had a temper with everyone else, he was particularly gentle and patient with his younger brother.

Upon entering the bar, Jin Yanliu headed straight to the restroom.

Inside the restroom, he glanced at himself in the mirror. His makeup had smudged a bit, making his appearance more blurred. He still looked attractive, but not quite like himself.

He ran his fingers through his hair and then left the restroom.

Late at night, as the city was about to fall asleep, the bar was buzzing with energy. The vibrant lights and booming music created a lively atmosphere. Jin Yanliu got caught up in the excitement, taking a few sips of strong liquor before joining the frenzy on the dance floor.

In the chaotic world resembling the apocalypse, nobody knew who he was, and nobody cared. He danced wildly to the music, becoming the wildest person on the dance floor. With his red hair, he stood out in the lights and shadows. His exceptional physique and looks quickly caught the attention of many.

Xiao Pangzi secretly hid in a corner, astonished by what he saw.

This was madness.

He had never seen Jin Yanliu this wild before. It was incredibly striking. Jin Yanliu’s alluring beauty combined with his savage and frenzied movements left Xiao Pangzi convinced that Jin Yanliu must be drunk.

Jin Yanliu was drenched in sweat, feeling only one thing—pure ecstasy.

Letting himself go felt so amazing. He saw many people, both men and women, casting heated yet evasive glances at him. Perhaps, after more than 160 days, the impostor would be just like him now, attracting these lustful individuals.

With bloodshot eyes, swaying under the influence of alcohol, his T-shirt slightly rolled up, revealing his toned and fair abs. People began to approach him, both greedy and fearful, moving closer to him.

He was too wild; a handsome guy like him couldn’t be held by just anyone.

After the music stopped, the crowd dispersed, and Jin Yanliu leaned on the bar counter. Three or four people immediately surrounded him, eagerly offering him drinks.

This exquisitely delicate yet non-effeminate handsome rebel was simply outstanding.

Jin Yanliu looked around but didn’t find anyone appealing.

Even though he had a promiscuous mindset, he still had his own aesthetic standards. He found all the men and women surrounding him to be distasteful just by looking at them.

It was hard to imagine that his body, in the future, would end up on so many men’s beds while he remained the passive partner.

Jin Yanliu, feeling dejected, consumed a few more drinks to shake off the people who were bothering him. He stumbled out of the bar.

The bar’s entrance was inconspicuous, dimly lit by streetlights and surrounded by parked cars. He made his way to the intersection and slumped against a utility pole, unable to walk any further.

A taxi pulled up in front of him, and the driver leaned out, asking, “Hey handsome, need a ride?”

Jin Yanliu shook his head, pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, and lit one.

Deep down, he couldn’t help but feel a tinge of sadness.

His time in this world was running out.

He sensed someone approaching him again, and through his haze, he vaguely recognized them as the individuals who had been pestering him at the bar. Despite his unsteady state, he felt no fear. He smirked and casually exhaled a puff of smoke toward the person’s face. The bluish-gray smoke lingered in the air, simultaneously infuriating and alluring.

His disheveled yet captivating makeup adorned his face as he leaned his head against the utility pole, brazenly sticking out his tongue.

Author’s note: They were supposed to be lifelong brothers, but as soon as the roles were reversed, one began to neglect the other. The younger brother has finally erupted (two “hehe” should be inserted here in the following part).