Chapter 164: Life Doesn't Have a Second Playthrough (Double Vote Beg for Monthly Tickets)

Little Sister Zhao is also the type to show off and then run.

After giving Bai Liang a wave of "don't ask a single question, I'll lay it out crystal clear for you two," she cheerfully went to take over from Hu Ge and teach the students.

But she hadn't spoken two sentences before, looking at the "new blood of the entertainment industry" below, she couldn't help but use Bai Liang as a comparison.

They're all about the same age, after all.

But after comparing just a bit, she thought... forget it, there's no point comparing.

Each and every one of them so respectful and proper—compared to the calm composure when they first met Bai Liang, the gap really did feel huge.

It's not just the gap in professional skill and raw hardware; the whole "mentality" thing might be a bit mystical, but Little Sister Zhao genuinely felt that Bai Liang was leagues ahead in that department.

Of course, this assessment is highly subjective—maybe it's preconception, for her own consumption only.

After she gave up her seat, a very familiar face, with a slight smile and curiosity, appeared before Bai Liang.

Hu Ge.

"Hey there, Great Immortal, I'm Hu Ge, I've admired your reputation for a long time! You don't mind me calling you that, right? I've heard Sister Cai mention you many times."

Hu Ge's interest in Bai Liang was clearly far greater than in those students from the production crew, even though many of them were his juniors from the Shanghai Theatre Academy.

Can't be helped—the name "Great Immortal" was just too legendary at their company, Tang Ren.

The wild legend "Good thing Liu Shishi got married first" was still going around to this day.

How could anyone not be curious?

Even Liu Shishi herself knew about it. A few days ago, when she met up with Hu Ge at Tang Ren, she joked with Cai Yinong, asking her to introduce her to that outrageously charming Great Immortal when she got the chance.

A married woman really is different from an unmarried young lady—bold and uninhibited, that's the word for it.

Too bad, when Bai Liang was pulling off his "rampaging" moves at Tang Ren, Hu Ge happened to be busy.

*The Disguiser*, *Nirvana in Fire*, *Wonderful Time*.

One could say that last year, his shows exploded and he exploded with them—when would he have had the time to run back to the company to watch the show?

So busy he didn't even attend Liu Shishi's wedding in person.

People online were even spreading rumors that he was lovesick and heartbroken.

But Hu Ge really had heard plenty about Bai Liang, and his nickname "Great Immortal."

That "I've long admired your fame" carried absolutely no pleasantry whatsoever—sincere through and through.

"Sister Cai's been talking smack about me behind my back?" Bai Liang asked casually.

"No, no, she was praising you." Hu Ge held back a laugh—just from that one line, he could tell this young brother was indeed a very interesting person.

"I heard from Na Zha that she didn't hold back calling me a little bastard and whatnot."

Hu Ge's eyes immediately turned strange. "Heard from Na Zha?"

"Ahem—heard it from Jiang Jinfu!" Bai Liang sensed something was off and immediately tossed the pot to the Tang Ren rogue ninja who hadn't escaped yet.

Hearing the name that popped out of his mouth, Hu Ge felt like something was a bit off somewhere.

Jiang Jinfu.

"Jiang Jinfu, what a shame." Hu Ge suddenly sighed.

Bai Liang thought for a moment. "Yeah, his head's all pointy now~"

"Head's all pointy?"

"Have you heard of the Nine Dragons Pulling a Coffin?" Bai Liang said with a straight face.

Hu Ge listened to the term and felt it sounded very impressive, his eyes lighting up: "Do tell!"

"Achoo!"

At this moment, Jiang Jinfu, who had long since slinked back, inexplicably felt something was off, a chill running down his spine, so he prepared to do a few more sets before going to sleep.

Mmm... a scoop of protein powder~

And Hu Ge, chatting more and more with Bai Liang, inexplicably opened up his floodgates.

Maybe because he'd won an award today and was in high spirits, he even blurted out, "I've reached a crossroads in life, I feel very confused, I don't know where the road leads."

Luckily it was Bai Liang sitting in front of him—swap in anyone else and they'd probably think this brother was being passive-aggressive or showing off his superiority.

How could he even say such pretentious nonsense?

So red-hot all of last year, then started racking up awards left and right, and finally drops a "I'm so confused."

Textbook Versailles!

Anyone who didn't know would think he and that host surnamed Sa came from the same school.

Some people would be too embarrassed to post something this melodramatic on their social media.

But happening to Hu Ge, it really wasn't strange—he'd always been the type with a bit of a literary youth, conflicted streak.

Mmm... he also liked treating Weibo like a Moments feed, letting himself go more times than you could count.

Even the carefree capybara Bai Liang didn't do stuff like that.

See, just a few sentences in, he started talking about his "study abroad dream" again.

So Bai Liang earnestly recommended a few schools abroad, saying these ones were all pretty solid.

Hu Ge: "Ah, you know this well?"

"Know a little bit. I have quite a few 'friends' who've gone abroad to study. If you're interested, once you pick a school, I can see if I can introduce you to some alumni."

"No rush, no rush..."

Bai Liang: You're not in a rush, but plenty of people are rushing on your behalf, my dude.

Na Zha once taught him that after becoming an actor, there are things you can't just say willy-nilly—you need the self-awareness of a public figure.

Whether she herself managed to do that or not, let's not mention for now—anyway, Bai Liang was a good student, he remembered.

That saying applied to Hu Ge as well.

Dragon TV: I will personally orchestrate your "retirement ceremony."

Bai Liang figured he ought to get on good terms with Hu Ge — that way, when the TV station threw him a "farewell party" later, they'd definitely invite him along too.

This bit of fun was a must-see!

The whole thing was just like Uzi in the esports scene — you go to an event all excited, only to find out when you get there that it's actually your own retirement ceremony.

Faced with this situation, the person involved was, of course, immediately put on the spot.

The guy was completely dumbfounded.

In the end, Hu Ge was forced into going abroad whether he liked it or not; he went overseas with a stiff upper lip, and when he couldn't help but come back not long after, he still got roasted for it.

So when you're out in the world, you can't just run your mouth off willy-nilly.

Bragging carries risks.

"You're that close with Hu Ge?"

After the recording of "Grade One" wrapped, seeing Hu Ge grinning and walking off arm-in-arm with Bai Liang, Dou Dou Xiao Zhao Jie asked curiously.

"I'm on pretty good terms with Tang Ren's company in general."

"For real? I heard you played Cai Yi Nong."

"Sister, how do you know everything?"

Dou Dou Xiao Zhao Jie spread her hands — she'd actually picked up that gesture from Bai Liang — and giggled: "By asking around~"

Bai Liang gave a thumbs-up. "I don't usually make enemies, so I'm on good terms with Boss Cai too."

"No wonder you get along with Hu Ge as well."

"Not bad, the guy's got a lot of material." Bai Liang gave Hu Ge high marks — generally, among his friends, only those Northeastern bros had that much material.

"What kind of review is 'got material'? Alright, I'll send you the address for dinner in a bit. Bring people or not, up to you~"

Dou Dou Xiao Zhao Jie swept off stylishly, heading back first to change out of her evening gown.

The thing was sponsored by the brand — she couldn't exactly wear it to a late-night snack; getting it dirty would be a hassle.

With no cameras filming at this point either, after Zhao Liying left, Mencius hopped over to Bai Liang in three steps bound into two.

Didn't say a word, just stared at him with wide eyes.

Paired with the smile on her face, she actually looked quite well-behaved.

Yu Shuxin next to her widened her eyes even more, and being quite the social butterfly, she cooed with a grin: "Male god~ hi there, I'm Meng Meng's good friend!"

"Hello."

Bai Liang knew this Miss — famously a little squeaker, rumored to be full of qi and blood.

Last time Li Yitong had complained to him, saying something about being surrounded by little squeakers.

But in fact, she'd been infected by the little squeakers.

Every voice message she'd sent him those few days was squeaking from start to finish!

Gave him goosebumps all over.

"Shall I take you two for a late-night snack later?"

"Oh, sure!"

Mencius was quite familiar with this rhythm — it felt like being back on set.

She didn't forget her good sister either, but when she turned her head, Yu Shuxin was already fifty meters away, waving goodbye to her.

Bai Liang offered a professional critique: "Those two little short legs really move fast! Whoosh, and she was gone in a flash."

Actually, Yu Shuxin was fairly tall — close to 170 cm — probably just thrown off by her face shape.

Quite sensible of her, knowing she should make herself scarce at this point.

Not disturbing your little world for two~

Originally Mencius thought it would be just her and Bai Liang sneaking out for a late-night snack, and she'd been wanting to discuss what to eat with him.

But then Bai Liang said, "Zhao Liying's treating, so let's leave it to the host."

"Huh? With her?!" Mencius got nervous, but not because she didn't dare go — she just said: "Then let's hurry!"

"No worries, if she gets there first, let her wait a bit. You want to go back and change?"

"Who am I to make her wait for me?"

Hearing that slip out, Bai Liang found Meng Jie had quite a bit of self-awareness.

But when it came time to eat, though nervous, Meng Jie's mouth still couldn't be fully reined in.

Her brain hadn't figured out what to say yet, but her mouth had already blurted it out.

Yet strangely, the famously sharp-tongued Zhao Little Saber of the industry apparently quite liked her personality.

In no time the two of them were holding hands, chatting away happily — leaving Bai Liang out in the cold instead.

Great! That way he could happily eat all by himself.

"What are you two chatting about, having so much fun?"

"Mm, Liying Jie told me she's a bit envious of me~"

On the way back to the hotel, Mencius walked on tiptoes with her hands clasped behind her back, sweeping away all the negative emotions of the recent period, looking positively upbeat.

"Envious of you?"

"Really, she said she'll never forget the helplessness she felt when she first debuted, including the sting of being mass-blackened online."

Saying this, Mencius couldn't help looking at Bai Liang, her voice trembling a little, and the tears came on cue:

"Thank you, Little Hedgehog~"

"Thank me for what?"

"Thank you for showing up! I actually know you didn't have to do all this. But you just showed up, and it made me so touched — even Liying Jie is envious of me!"

This book's latest updates are at ##!! Update!

An entertainer — especially a top-tier one who can weather all kinds of pressure and still stand firm — can safely be said to be far from ordinary.

Bai Liang's acquaintances Yang Mi and Zhao Liying are among the best of them.

Even the most notoriously disliked "precious one" is a ruthless survivor from the ranks of rookie models.

Compared to them, let alone newcomers like Meng Jie, even Na Zha and Di Lireba fall far short—not just by one level.

But Zhao Liying's envy probably isn't fake—after all, women are inherently emotional.

If there were an easy mode, who wouldn't want someone to stand beside them at their most vulnerable, blocking gossip and hidden daggers?

Life doesn't have a second playthrough.

But some things are simple to say and hard to do, especially in the entertainment industry—a field of fame and fortune.

Everyone overthinks, burdened by concerns and constraints.

This makes Bai Liang's "reckless" nature all the more unusual.

If one did this while still unknown, it'd be fine—but doing it right in the midst of explosive fame? That's truly rare.

Dou Dou Xiao Zhao Sister doesn't say it, but she's genuinely a little envious.

"Then she asked me how long my contract is—I told her mine's about to expire next year, and I might go independent."

Meng Jie chattered nonstop, spilling every detail of her chat with Dou Dou Xiao Zhao Sister.

"Are you planning to stick with her?"

"I don't know… I'll tell you secretly—there's another company reaching out to me. During our CP days, they contacted me most frequently; lately, their voice has quieted a bit."

"Which one?"

"Kaiyue."

"Sounds familiar." Bai Liang scratched his ear, as if he'd heard the name somewhere before.

"This company has Yang Yang and Song Qian—very famous."

Aah~

Now he remembered—no wonder it sounded familiar.

Before the filming of "Wei Wei," Lin Yufen mentioned it to him a few times; later, Li Xin also brought it up slightly.

Rumor has it the company's boss, Jia Shikai, is a bit eccentric.

"So what are your own plans? Your current company doesn't seem very good."

"I don't know… could you give me some advice? I'll listen to you!"

At barely twenty, Meng Ziyi clearly hadn't reached the stage of having strong convictions; her future still felt hazy.

But that's normal—even many in their thirties or forties struggle with this.

Age doesn't necessarily correlate with experience or wisdom.

Some grow wise young; others live half a lifetime and remain as if they've lived nothing.

Though Meng Jie lacks decisiveness, she clearly trusts Bai Liang completely.

But this guy just spread his hands, admitting this truly hit his knowledge blind spot.

No wonder you're you, Meng Jie!

Life planning is undoubtedly Bai Liang's "treasure" player's greatest weakness.

Because in both his lives, he's never made any life plan.

Just set sail—that's enough. Where the ship goes? Doesn't matter.

There'll be beautiful scenery along the way, and he'll reach where he wants to go.

"Actually, life doesn't need so much advice—I never like meddling in others' choices."

Meng Jie scratched her head, cheeks puffed into little buns: "Even me?"

"You're young—you don't need any so-called life advice or guidance. No matter which direction you go, you're still moving forward."

Let's learn about positive reinforcement.

Meng Jie had somehow forced Bai Liang to use parenting experience.

But she misunderstood entirely, blinking her eyes, thinking the little hedgehog was truly… wonderful!

She felt respected!

As if no matter what decision she made, he'd support and encourage her.

"I'm here~"

The hotel was right ahead; tonight's evening breeze in Xingcheng felt unusually gentle, as if trying to hold something back.

Meng Ziyi bit her lower lip, "Um… come up for a bit?"

Bai Liang wouldn't be pretentious, but he was curious: "Has Chocolate learned to do somersaults lately?"

Somersaults?

She clearly didn't get the joke, explaining seriously: "Nope, it only snores—sound like a power drill~"

"You taught it."

Meng Ziyi naturally denied it—how could a delicate little girl be tagged with "snoring"?

But proving whether or not she snores was indeed difficult.

She couldn't record herself while sleeping.

Yet she'd "slept" with plenty of people—Li Yitong, Yu Shuxin, and others could testify.

One hour later.

Meng Jie admitted she might indeed have "corrupted the child."

Because Bai Liang had recorded it—just to let her hear how shrill her own voice was.

Of course, this recording would be deleted afterward.

Meng Jie had to admit: her home now had two "power drills."

That sound came from me? Unbelievable!

But why didn't her singing sound so clear, bright, and piercing?

"Chocolate, baby, can you go sit on the toilet?"

She flopped twice beside the bed, then gave up on getting up, reaching out to pat Chocolate's head.

The dog was well-behaved, even licking her fingers.

But this normally sweet, obedient display of affection felt strange now.

She suddenly felt something was off—why was her foot tingling, when the dog was licking her hand?

She turned her head.

"Hey, don't tickle my feet."

"Alright~"

Bai Liang still respected girls, so he patted her butt.

The girl instinctively rolled over, pressing both hands flat against her sides.

"What's that move?"

"Habit. At the bathhouse back home, the masseuse always makes us do it when she tells us to turn over."

Bai Liang knew a bit about Northeastern bathhouse culture—he'd heard complaints from his Northeastern buddies about the "lantern-lifting" during massages.

He didn't know what the process was like at her bathhouse.

When Meng Jie had already stuck her butt up, assuming the big frog pose, he couldn't resist saying:

"When the masseuse pats you again, will you just instinctively stick your butt up again?"

Before Meng Jie could fly into a rage, Bai Liang didn't give her a chance to speak—her only sound became a single syllable, slightly altered.

This was also a good way to "silence" someone.

Late at night, Li Yitong was scrolling through trending topics on the Golden Eagle Awards.

She mainly checked the trending post about that guy's brief appearance, which had made the live audience scream and cheer; she was about to send Bai Liang a teasing message: "Big star, take me with you~"

But then she received a message from Meng Ziyi first:

"Tongtong, you're eating again? I feel like I'm getting addicted, aaaaaa."

Li Yitong:????

She threw her phone away, pulled the blanket over her head, and wriggled on the bed like a giant maggot—but couldn't fall asleep.

Finally, in annoyance, she picked up her phone again, staring at the string of "aaaaa" at the end of the message, feeling as if sounds and images had already taken root in her mind.

After all, she'd slept with Meng Ziyi, and she'd seen Bai Liang's swimsuit-only photos on TV.

Imagining some scenes was effortless.

"Eating grass?"

"Mmm~"

"I suggest you stop telling me, a single 'old' woman with no boyfriend, things like this. Push me too far, and I'll go steal him from you!"

"Besties, under one blanket."

"Go to hell!" Li Yitong didn't believe a word of it—these were just empty words.

Girls' conversations often had wide boundaries.

But when girls actually fought, the boundaries were even wider!

After Bai Liang's last stunt left her sleepless for a night, Meng Ziyi's late-night harassment made sleep impossible again.

To be precise, both consecutive nights of insomnia were caused by the same person.

—

Five thousand four hundred characters this chapter.

I woke up late today, so the update is late, but the word count won't be less.

Requesting monthly votes.

(End of chapter)