CH 8

Chapter 8: Arch Enemies

After Ye Hengyang settled down, it was time for the duo known as “The Devil’s Disciple and the Charming Mistress” to step forward.

In fact, this pair was the central couple in the original novel “Entering the Demonic Path,” and their presence was felt throughout the story. “The Divine Brother and the Wicked Younger Brother” were more like an opening act, while “The Ascetic Monk and the Dandy” made a late appearance, arriving much later in the narrative.

The casting for this disciple and mistress duo was crucial, given that if they became popular this season, the second and third seasons would undoubtedly follow suit. Although this pair was initially in supporting roles during the first season, they would take center stage in the subsequent seasons.

The first season could be seen as laying the groundwork for their characters.

Fortunately, Jin Yanliu was more than willing to undertake this task.

As for the mistress, Lu Fanglin, who was the primary male protagonist in the original novel, the role had already been cast.

“Take a look at him,” he said, showing Liu Qichang a photograph.

The man in the picture appeared to be in his early twenties, with features that were not exceptionally refined. However, he possessed a remarkable distinctiveness. His demeanor exuded an artistic yet aloof aura, with rosy lips and a full lower lip that added color and a touch of wildness to his otherwise clean-cut facial features.

Liu Qichang’s eyes widened upon seeing the photo. “Isn’t this…?”

It was Lu Yao, the renowned Lu Yao.

Lu Yao’s fame wasn’t merely due to his past as a major star; it was also because he was the most famous arch-enemy of Jin Yanliu within the entertainment industry.

Rumors abounded that Lu Yao and Jin Yanliu had known each other since childhood. They came from similar backgrounds and had similar appearances. During their school days, they were constantly vying for the position of most popular student. Later, they both entered the entertainment industry, becoming notorious rivals. Their respective fan bases were like oil and water, never mixing.

However, in the entertainment industry, success and longevity were determined by fate. Although both entered the industry at different times, Jin Yanliu maintained his top position for years, unchallenged, while Lu Yao’s fame lasted only a few months before fading away.

Initially, Jin Yanliu held no particular fondness for Lu Yao. He couldn’t understand why Lu Yao had been his constant opponent since their early years.

It seemed that they had inexplicably clashed during their middle school days.

At first, Jin Yanliu didn’t pay much attention to Lu Yao. Their enmity truly took root because of Zhou Beiyang.

That scar on Zhou Beiyang’s brow was the result of an attack by Lu Yao and his companions.

Zhou Beiyang was dear to Jin Yanliu, and that incident marked the definitive start of their feud.

Later, as they both entered the entertainment industry, they didn’t hesitate to engage in smear campaigns against each other. Neither of them could claim to have clean hands.

But those were all events of the past. Now, as Jin Yanliu once again laid eyes on this person, he felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity.

He had no idea that Lu Yao would end up so pitiful.

In “Rotation of Affection,” he continued to exist as “Jin Yanliu’s arch-nemesis.” The author didn’t incorporate the clichéd plot of his nemesis falling in love with him. Instead, Lu Yao was depicted as a recurring antagonist, repeatedly defeated but always coming back for more, like an indomitable underdog. He refused to surrender, yet remained perpetually defeated.

This portrayal aligned perfectly with Lu Yao’s character. He would never bow down in his lifetime.

Following the principle that the enemy of his enemy is his friend, he found himself sympathizing with and even liking Lu Yao’s resilient persona.

He resolved to cultivate and enhance Lu Yao’s skills as an antagonist.

After a moment of endurance, Liu Qichang couldn’t resist asking, “…I’ve heard rumors that you two have never quite gotten along. Are those rumors true?”

“Indeed,” Jin Yanliu responded nonchalantly, “We can’t stand each other.”

Liu Qichang: “…”

His idol was truly exceptional! Such magnanimity and broad-mindedness!

Jin Yanliu had chosen Lu Yao simply because he believed that Lu Yao was well-suited for the role. He set aside personal grievances in order to create an engrossing drama!

Liu Qichang was about to shower him with praise, but Jin Yanliu interjected, “That’s why I brought him in to be my co-star and to rile him up.”

Liu Qichang: “…However, considering that Lu Fanglin might become the male lead in the second season, he won’t just be a supporting character.”

“True, now that you mention it, it does bother me a bit,” Jin Yanliu admitted. “How about this: when he comes for the audition, you play the good cop, and I’ll play the bad cop. Let’s give him a good scare.”

Liu Qichang glanced at Jin Yanliu. Jin Yanliu’s voice was casual, with a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, making it difficult to discern whether he was joking or serious.

Lu Yao had just finished filming an online variety show and was now sitting in the car with his manager, Ming Jie, ready to head home and rest.

This recording session had lasted for seven to eight hours, consisting of indoor games that left him utterly drained.

Yet, this was the only job he had landed in the past two weeks. He couldn’t afford to be lackadaisical.

“Have any new projects reached out to me recently?” Lu Yao asked wearily.

Letting out a sigh, Ming Jie replied, “Remember that crime thriller film you auditioned for? Unfortunately, they gave the male supporting role to someone else. So, for now, there’s nothing on the horizon.”

As the car emerged from the TV station’s underground parking lot, an LED screen on the television building showcased a TV advertisement. Jin Yanliu’s face, exuding radiance and flawlessness, held a bottle of facial cream. His eyes sparkled with clarity, emanating an ethereal charm.

Feeling exhausted and dispirited, Lu Yao closed his eyes upon catching a glimpse of Jin Yanliu’s face. He truly detested how Jin Yanliu seemed to be omnipresent, unable to escape his presence no matter where he turned!

Why is he so popular?

Is it just because he’s good-looking?

“He managed to land that endorsement,” Ming Jie leaned against the car window, her expression filled with slight admiration and longing. Sensing Lu Yao’s disdainful snort, she quickly withdrew her gaze and awkwardly cleared her throat.

She couldn’t hide the fact that she was a fan of Jin Yanliu much longer.

As she contemplated this, her phone suddenly rang. It was her work phone, and she couldn’t afford to neglect it. She promptly retrieved it from her bag.

Lu Yao also opened his eyes and straightened his posture.

Ming Jie hesitated as she saw the caller ID on the screen. The phone number seemed familiar.

“Is Lu Yao there?”

The voice was all too familiar, and Ming Jie instantly recognized it as Jin Yanliu’s.

“Who is it?” Lu Yao asked.

“It’s Jin Yanliu,” Ming Jie whispered into the phone, “He’s looking for you.”

Lu Yao paused for a moment, and Ming Jie inquired, “Should I answer?”

Jin Yanliu calling him?

That was truly unexpected.

Lu Yao extended his hand.

Ming Jie handed him the phone and eagerly watched from the side.

“Hello?” Lu Yao’s tone lacked enthusiasm.

Jin Yanliu’s voice, as infuriating as ever, reached his ears, “I heard you haven’t been filming for a while. I have a role over here that I think suits you perfectly, so I called to recommend it. Would you be interested in giving it a try?”

“‘Entering the Demonic Path’?” Lu Yao asked.

“Yes,” Jin Yanliu confirmed, “I’ve already had the script for the first few episodes sent to your email. Take a look first and then decide if you want to give it a shot.”

With that, Jin Yanliu hung up.

Ming Jie anxiously inquired, “What did he want?”

Lu Yao glanced at her and replied, “He wants me to act in a film with him.”

“Ah?”

Not only Ming Jie was surprised, but Lu Yao himself was also taken aback.

He checked his email and indeed found a message from Jin Yanliu, containing the script for the highly acclaimed drama “Entering the Demonic Path” that had been making waves in the industry.

But why would Jin Yanliu approach him for a role in the film?

It seemed so unreasonable, offering help for no apparent reason, like a thief scheming something!

“He wants me to be his supporting actor, doesn’t he?” Lu Yao gritted his teeth as he finished reading two episodes of the script. “He’s delusional!”

Ming Jie, a devoted fan of the original “Into the Abyss” novel, was ecstatic. “Lu Fanglin, he’s the male lead in the original story. This character has a massive following!”

Lu Yao looked up at her.

That… made it even more irrational, more peculiar, and more like a deceitful plan!

“It’s true, I swear! Lu Fanglin’s character is truly remarkable!” Ming Jie exclaimed with excitement. “If you don’t believe me, you can read the original novel. I’ve done some research, and it seems this show is planned for three seasons. Lu Fanglin will be an absolute star in the second season. You should consider it. This is truly the best opportunity we can get right now. I’ve heard it’s a top-tier production, rated S+.”

Lu Yao furrowed his brow, biting his lip hard, and decided to read the original novel of “Enchanting Demonic Lord.”

Today, Jin Yanliu had interviewed many people. It was his first time doing such work, and he hadn’t expected that simply selecting candidates would be so exhausting.

Glancing at his phone, there was still no reply from Yan Huihua, as he had anticipated.

Jin Yanliu tossed his phone aside, closed his eyes, and drifted off to sleep in the car. He had been overwhelmed with fatigue these past few days.

When he woke up, the car was already parked in the courtyard. The evening sun cast its warm rays through the ancient pine tree in the front yard, creating a slanted illumination on the car. Xiao Pangzi was engaged in conversation with a figure of tall and slender build, dressed in black trousers and a white shirt—Zhou Bei Yang.

Xiao Pangzi had always been fearful of Zhou Bei Yang; Jin Yanliu was aware of that. However, at present, Xiao Pangzi sat there composedly, his hands rubbing against his knees.

Jin Yanliu sat up, leaned against the seat, and rested for a while, relishing the idleness of a summer afternoon. It gave him a fleeting illusion of a peaceful and contented time.

Unable to hold back his emotions, he sighed softly. His younger brother was undeniably handsome.

Fair complexion, striking features, and long, well-proportioned legs—his entire being radiated the pristine charm of a twenty-something heartthrob. Regardless of the occasion, he always carried himself with impeccable posture, exuding an extraordinary aura of elegance and distinction.

The car window was slightly ajar, allowing intermittent gusts of cool breeze to waft in. Suddenly, Zhou Bei Yang stood up, apparently noticing Jin Yanliu had awakened.

Stepping out of the car, he spoke, “Why didn’t you call me?”

“Go ahead,” Zhou Bei Yang said as Jin Yanliu walked away.

Zhou Bei Yang watched his figure recede and then lifted his hand. He noticed the traces of water residue on his fingertips where they had brushed against Jin Yanliu’s lips.

Bringing his hand to his mouth, he took a sip and then turned around to prepare fresh clothes for Jin Yanliu.

Author’s Note: In the eyes of an older brother, even the plainest person becomes beautiful: My little Zhou is such a gentleman.

The cover image for this story is now online. The one in red is the “uke” (bottom), and the one with trimmed eyebrows is the “seme” (top). Yes, in this story, Zhou Bei Yang is the seme with trimmed eyebrows. There’s no stock market involved; the “Yang Liu CP” is solid. The presence of other semes is only to create jealousy and dramatic conflicts, which ultimately lead to Zhou Bei Yang’s transformation.

But don’t worry, the seme won’t be too dark. I have a feeling that Zhou Bei Yang is the kind of person who encourages his partner in bed, saying things like, “You’re amazing, keep going, my love.” (What am I even saying?)

**************

Translator’s note: 

This is a bonus chapter. For this novel, the update will be Mon-Fri, one chapter a day.