Chapter 257: This Is Today's Frustration Fee

On the day of the Spring Festival Gala, backstage at CCTV.

Bai Liang finally found out who had given his WeChat to Liu Shishi.

That's right — it was Nazha.

This silly girl.

"She asked for it and you just gave it to her?" Bai Liang asked while knocking on Nazha's skull.

Of course, his force was very light, but Nazha put on a pitiful little look, hugging her head and pouting defiantly: "She insisted!"

"She insisted and you just gave it to her?"

"She insisted!"

"She insisted and you just gave it to her?"

"."

"Ahem! You two can stop now~" Yang Yang said, a bit speechless.

Damn it, these two were putting on a show for him, as if he hadn't watched *Legend of Chu and Han*.

And the acting wasn't even that good~ It was painful to watch.

Nazha put her hands on her hips and glared at him, thinking this guy really had no sense of awareness — he'd definitely never find a girlfriend in the future!

Still, she wouldn't be so rude as to blast Yang Yang directly. Instead, her eyes lit up as she came up with a clever idea: "Your performance is still a long way off, why don't you go out for a stroll~"

You really are a wise and brave Miss of intelligence!

Yang Yang felt Nazha's suggestion was quite reasonable. Although this place wasn't her dressing room, Nazha clearly intended to take over the magpie's nest, and there wasn't much he could do about it~

What if these two started hugging and kissing in a bit — was he supposed to stand there watching the live broadcast?

Going out for some fresh air sounded pretty good too.

The moment he stepped out, he wandered around for a couple of laps. Before going far, he spotted Li Yifeng at the door of another dressing room.

The two glanced at each other, then simultaneously turned their heads away, with no intention of greeting each other.

Both wanted to pretend they hadn't seen the other.

Back then, after Yang Yang terminated his contract with Rongxinda, he joined Huanrui. At the time, his current agent and company boss, Jia Shikai, was already the vice president of Huanrui.

Of course, Jia Shikai had a rich resume. Before joining Huanrui, he had also worked at Tang Ren, Rongxinda, and other companies — you could say his connections reached across the entire entertainment industry.

And getting Yang Yang moved from Rongxinda to Huanrui was clearly Jia Shikai's doing.

He was also one of the producers of that *Daomu Biji* later on.

However, when Yang Yang went to Huanrui at the time, Li Yifeng was already there.

One mountain can't even hold two tigers, let alone two artists with such similar career trajectories.

Just like many companies — take the famous Huayi in the industry, for example. Back then, Deng Chao and Huang Xiaoming fought tooth and nail for the position of Huayi's top star.

Similarly, inside Huanrui, the open and covert rivalry between Yang Yang and Li Yifeng was about the same.

Fighting for the top spot, tearing at each other for resources.

Even at the *Daomu Biji* press conference back then, there was a war between the two sides' fans.

Some of Yang Yang's fans said: "The treatment is completely different from Li Yifeng's fans. Not only were there no good seats, we weren't even allowed to hold signs or bouquets, while Li Yifeng's fans could — and a large number of Yang Yang's fans weren't even allowed to enter."

So, the moment *Daomu Biji* finished its first broadcast, the contract termination news broke.

Fans fighting is out in the open; artists fighting is behind the scenes.

Then mixed in with the tactics and power struggles of different factions within the company.

Why has Yang Yang always scoffed at Jia Shikai's previous idea of signing Bai Liang?

Because he knew it was simply impossible.

Back then, Huanrui didn't have the capacity to satisfy two male artists of that caliber at the same time, let alone the current Kaiyue.

It was purely Jia Shikai this guy dreaming like a pig~

Of course, the matter at Huanrui back then is already in the past.

As the "loser" who left at the time, Yang Yang didn't have much to say — it was the company's choice. Following Jia Shikai out did give him more autonomy though.

Like today, coming to record the Spring Festival Gala — damn it, Jia Shikai didn't even bother to show up. This guy sure knows to go home for the New Year though.

After internally grumbling a few times, Yang Yang walked past Li Yifeng, brushing shoulders.

But just at that moment, the person beside the other — whether an assistant or an agent — let out a snicker for no apparent reason.

That sound wasn't very loud, but it was clear enough to be heard.

Yang Yang:???

He couldn't help but turn his head for a look, only to find a smile had also appeared on Li Yifeng's face, not knowing what he was saying to his assistant.

He did, however, glance his way too.

The more he thought about it, the angrier he got.

There was a real sense of shame — once a rival, now not doing as well as the other, and being "mocked to his face" on top of it.

Honestly, from this angle, he should blame Bai Liang.

If it weren't for his sudden appearance, Yang Yang should have been able to stand toe-to-toe with Li Yifeng right now.

Instead of the current situation, where one is one of the Four Top-Tier Stars, and the other is the doorman of the Four Top-Tier Stars.

Sounds like it's still pretty good, just below the Four Top-Tier Stars. Doesn't that still prove he's a tier below the other guy?

So the question is, who should Yang Yang be more annoyed at?

Reason told him: he should be annoyed at Bai Liang.

But then again, being annoyed at Bai Liang wasn't something new — as if it ever did any good.

That capybara just smiled and steamrolled right over him.

Huh?!

Yang Yang's mind spun quickly — he was the gatekeeper just below the Top Four, so facing Li Yifeng he inexplicably felt a head shorter, and even the other's assistant could pull this kind of petty stunt to mock him.

Mm. The entertainment circle is "strictly hierarchical," right?!

But what you need to know is, Bai Liang is now the undisputed leader of the Top Four!

He consecutively took down Wu Yifan and Lu Han — what do you call that? That's solid combat record!

Just like the rabbit among the UN's five permanent members.

This buddy Bai Liang only sat in the Top Four seat after beating everyone else~

Since he's already beaten two, isn't dealing with the remaining one just a matter of course?

Without the slightest hesitation, Yang Yang glanced back at Li Yifeng's lounge and found that Miss Jing Tian and Jiang Shuying, the two performing the same segment as him, had already arrived.

His two not-so-long legs immediately sprang into action, running toward his own segment's lounge.

Just you wait! I'm getting Bai Liang to deal with you!

Anyway, he's already used to being "bullied" by Bai Liang — he even gave up his lounge earlier, which counts as paying today's "doormat fee."

Rounding up, isn't this basically like the protection money the school bully collected back in school days?

Since the protection money's already been paid, then you've got to stand up for him!

Very reasonable!

However, Bai Liang states he has final say: the protection money you pay means I won't bully you after you pay — not that I'll help you bully others.

Yang Yang: But you're still bullying me!

Bai Liang: Fair point — where is he? Take this buddy over there!

These count as the simplified translation version of their conversation.

This guy Yang Yang actually went around in a huge circle with Bai Liang, pulling words from here and there — amazing he could come up with that much rhetoric~

He bored Bai Liang to the point of drowsiness, and still nobody knew what this bleating sheep actually wanted.

He only got to the point at the very end: "Hey, Miss Jing Tian didn't come find you here today, why don't you go look for her? Let's hang out together?"

After saying this, he noticed Bai Liang looking him over with a smile, a gaze that seemed to carry some deep meaning.

The capybara smile inexplicably put enormous pressure on Yang Yang.

His expression had the guilty look of someone whose little schemes had been seen through.

"Sure."

Nazha, who had just been busy touching up her makeup and applying lipstick, hadn't heard what the two were mumbling about over there.

She only vaguely heard Yang Yang babble something, and then the two of them were about to head out together.

She casually asked, "Where are you two going?"

"Going to help him get his face back — he just got bullied outside." Bai Liang said casually.

"Huh!?"

That line left Nazha dumbfounded — what the heck? She felt like she could barely understand Chinese anymore.

Yang Yang's face flushed a little. "I'm not, I didn't, don't talk nonsense!"

"Oh oh, my bad — just going out for a stroll, get some air, I was just kissed by you and couldn't catch my breath~"

The first half was said to Yang Yang, the second half to Nazha.

"Oh my!" Nazha immediately felt a bit embarrassed, then glared at Yang Yang again. All this guy's fault — why'd he come back so early~ She hadn't finished kissing yet.

Yang Yang: This is all "doormat fee."

However, he suspected whether this guy Bai Liang would actually throw his weight around — when they weren't that close, Bai Liang was actually quite polite to him.

He didn't "bully" him like he does now.

The later "climbing all over him" also happened because the two of them had more contact and grew increasingly familiar.

Only then did Yang Yang discover that this seemingly harmless capybara was actually a bit of a rascal.

Bai Liang: Whatever way I bully you, that's how I'll bully him~ Same thing, just a matter of course.

"Knock knock~"

"Who?"

"Snake flicking its tongue~"

"What the heck?!"

No errors in any chapter, no missing content!

Obviously, the one asking wasn't Miss Jing Tian, nor any of her staff.

But Bai Liang's voice wasn't quiet, so Miss Jing Tian naturally heard it too.

Just... utterly helpless and mortified.

To prevent Bai Liang from continuing to say weird things at the door, she hurriedly got up and ran to the door to open it. "Why are you here?"

Bai Liang tilted his head. "Password."

"... No footprints."

"I came to see you — why didn't you come find me to hang out today?"

While speaking, Bai Liang kept craning his neck to peek inside.

"Hey~ Great Immortal!"

Jiang Shuying also spotted Bai Liang at this moment and called out in pleasant surprise.

This nickname was clearly the one Jing Boran had "popularized" on the show back then.

Apart from a few people, everyone quite liked calling Bai Liang that.

On one hand, his status was high — people who weren't doing as well as him calling him "Dou Xiao Bai" always felt a bit off.

But calling him "bro" would seem a bit too sycophantic.

A relatively widely recognized nickname would clearly be appropriate.

However, Nazha and Song Zuer didn't really like using that title on that show.

Especially the latter — every other word out of her mouth was "Oppa," sweet as honey.

But netizens' eyes were sharp, and that Miss didn't escape the label of "green tea bitch."

Playing these games right in front of Nazha.

Nazha: I can be a green tea bitch too! It's all stuff I've already played out~

Jiang Shuying was comparatively normal — although she also loved crowding around Bai Liang, she was mainly after camera time and traffic.

As for shipping or whatever, she could just eat her ex-boyfriend Hu Ge's.

Often missing him, bringing him up daily — being an ex-girlfriend was still pretty useful.

At least she didn't have to take part in such absurdly intense competition over on Bai Liang's side.

Bai Liang also beamed and waved at her, "Long time no see~ Did you miss me?"

"Miss you taking me along for the ride again. Whatever show you're on next, give me a heads-up — even if there's no appearance fee, I'll still come mooch."

Jiang Shuying seemed to know that Miss Jing Tian and Nazha weren't exactly on good terms, and stubbornly hadn't mentioned Nazha's name even now.

After finishing the greetings, Bai Liang finally spotted Li Yifeng not far away.

So he turned his head and glanced at Yang Yang: This is the guy, right?!

Yang Yang:. Damn it, can you not be so obvious?

He felt he was really being way too childish — what was this, having an episode? What he'd done was exactly like an elementary schooler throwing a tantrum.

But turns out Bai Liang wasn't any better — he actually agreed~

"Men die young at heart" — that's not how you use it, is it?

Jiang Shuying noticed something slightly off — mainly, both Yang Yang's and Li Yifeng's expressions were a bit strange.

One was a little awkward, the other a little guilty?

What did Li Yifeng have to feel guilty about? Did he have some grudge with Bai Liang?

Jiang Shuying was paying too much attention to the main parties — if she'd glanced once more at the assistant beside Li Yifeng, she'd have noticed that assistant's face was even worse.

When you've been bad-mouthing someone behind their back or to their face, and then they show up in front of you with someone even more impressive, you instinctively feel guilty.

Those who bad-mouth others will themselves be bad-mouthed.

How did Bai Liang help Yang Yang vent this frustration?

He just had to show up in this room, and that was enough.

He didn't have to do anything — just go about his business as usual, and glance at Li Yifeng every now and then.

Even if he was smiling the whole time, all the pressure that needed to be delivered was fully delivered.

Want to ask where the pressure came from?

All from the other side's own imagination.

Of course, if Yang Yang had been bullshitting him, then he'd feel guilty himself — what if Bai Liang suddenly called for an "audit"? He'd immediately be a man with no face on either side.

Today, someone was going to feel guilty no matter what!

"You guys are so childish."

Miss Jing Tian, hands on hips, delivered her criticism to Bai Liang and Yang Yang.

At this moment, there was no longer any trace of Li Yifeng in the lounge.

That guy got a little creeped out by Bai Liang's gaze, couldn't take it, said a quick hello and slipped away.

His assistant even came over to apologize.

Yang Yang: A very strange sense of satisfaction.

Very childish, very chuunibyou, but it really did feel pretty good — that "useless pushover" really hadn't suffered in vain.

But the moment he turned his head, he got lectured by Miss Jing Tian — fine, lecturing Bai Liang was one thing, but why did he have to get dragged into it too?

When it's time to get lectured, he's there; when it's time to get screwed, he's not — is that fair?

Bai Liang: Bro, I didn't get any either, don't talk nonsense!

Yang Yang: If you didn't get any, why'd you let her lecture you?

Bai Liang:. Right! Bro, you make a fair point!

He was instantly fired up.

"Take you along next time?" Bai Liang extended an invitation to Miss Jing Tian.

"I don't want that." Miss Jing Tian said with disdain.

But Bai Liang didn't believe her. "Last time during the cheating bust, you were so eager."

"How is that the same?" Miss Jing Tian rebutted.

At this point Jiang Shuying said something fair: "I can testify — it really is different. If it were me, I'd definitely want to go watch a cheating bust too. Who could hold back?"

"M-me too, I want to go~" Yang Yang quietly raised his hand.

Bai Liang rubbed his chin. "Next time there's an event like this, shall we make it a team-building thing?"

"Can we?" Miss Jing Tian's eyes lit up.

"Can my ass! Who's the cheating bust for?"

The moment the words fell, Bai Liang noticed that all three of their gazes seemed to have focused on him.

Oh wait — the gaze of the entire nation had focused on him.

On the Spring Festival Gala stage, Bai Liang and Yang Yang worked hard to deliver today's performance for everyone: lip-syncing!

Consider it a New Year's greeting to the whole nation~

"Oh my, my grandson is so handsome!"

In front of the television, Bai Liang's grandmother, watching the Spring Festival Gala with the whole extended family, let out a heartfelt sigh of admiration.

Mm. She's used to it.

From childhood on, she had always praised Bai Liang like this — Grandma truly doted on her eldest grandson.

Then, not long after, the younger cousins started stirring up trouble.

"Grandma, that's my brother's girlfriend~"

Pointing at the dancer on the TV, they sold Bai Liang out without the slightest hesitation.

——

Three watches past midnight, thirteen thousand 【words】, muah~

Begging for monthly tickets.

(End of chapter)