Chapter 401: My Illness Is Worse Than Yours

What's so spicy?

Chen Duling stared at Bai Liang as he gnawed on a rabbit head, her eyes wide open, as if utterly astonished.

Bai Liang met her gaze and suddenly realized something, "Oh, that doesn't seem quite right—I used to call you Little Rabbit."

The moment he said it, the rabbit head in his hand suddenly lost its flavor.

So he quickly shifted blame, "Xiao Ye bought it—go punch her for me."

Finally, Bai Liang added, "Rabbits are so cute—how can you eat rabbits?"

"Puff~"

This three-part combo broke Chen Duling's composure—she burst out laughing, "Senior, is it good?"

"It's okay, just a bit dry—still worth trying for the novelty."

He said it was okay, but he still put down the rabbit head, since he genuinely felt something was off.

But now Chen Duling picked up a rabbit head herself, took a bite, and nodded seriously, "It really is pretty good~"

Now the rabbit was eating its own kind.

Bai Liang naturally felt no psychological burden—he just ate.

While he gnawed on the rabbit head, Chen Duling didn't join him; she only took a bite to ease his unnecessary guilt.

This girl was quite thoughtful.

She herself sat there, propping her chin, watching Bai Liang eat.

Hmm. Watching an eating stream up close.

As she watched, she grinned—wow, he eats so deliciously~

"Why are you staring at me?"

"Senior, you're kind of cute~" Chen Duling remarked, chin in hand.

"Really~"

The word "cute"—coming from a girl—seems fairly neutral.

Everything can be cute.

Men usually don't describe other men that way, unless they're little boy-girls.

Bai Liang wasn't surprised, since he'd been told this by girls before.

Sometimes he'd even play along.

To be honest, Bai Liang had once been a "clown spirit."

When a relationship with a girl reaches a certain point, and they're alone together—especially in private spaces—it's easy to slip into that "cloying" mode of conversation.

At such moments, even the toughest, most macho men might turn into clowns.

The tone of voice—if recorded—could make a tough guy curl his toes in social death.

In short: it's nauseating~

Bai Liang felt strange, because Chen Duling saying that seemed like an invitation to get cloying with him.

But their relationship hadn't reached that level—he couldn't bring himself to do it.

So he just kept gnawing the rabbit head, gazing at her innocently.

As if to say: you go first—I'm just warming up.

But this "warming up" dragged on until the premiere of Ne Zha: The Rise of the Devil Boy.

Yanjing.

Bai Liang, who had just gotten off the plane, looked at Dapao and Dou Xiao Qi, both glaring at him with suspicion, and thought these two were a bit off.

"What's going on?"

"Bro, be careful—what if someone stabs you?"

Dapao insisted he wasn't being paranoid; he never realized the entertainment industry was this "high-risk."

Just a few days ago, Ren Dahua was stabbed during an event.

The scene video was clear—his hands were completely covered in blood.

It wasn't the first time a celebrity was attacked at a public event.

For example, Liu Yifei was tackled to the ground during a movie premiere, and you could even hear a thud—she must've hit hard.

He Tao was punched by a female fan who rushed the stage during a play.

Han Xue was forcibly hugged by a shirtless man and fell down during an event.

Li Yuchun was forcibly kissed by a male fan during a variety show—yes, that really happened.

But being stabbed with a knife was just too extreme.

After this incident, many celebrities raised their security levels—Yang Zongwei's concert stage was surrounded by guards, and Zhang Xingzhe even wore a stab-proof vest to events.

Of course, most didn't go that far, but increasing security personnel and hiring more bodyguards was common.

Sister Yanzi really wanted to get Bai Liang several bodyguards—at least four or five—otherwise she couldn't relax; given the ratio of crazy people in the population, her little Bai brother was far more likely to encounter one than others.

He had so many fans~

Bai Liang: It's fine—I'm not exactly normal myself.

When you're already a "crazy person," why fear other crazy people?

My illness is worse than yours~

It wasn't that he was deliberately showing off by refusing security; normal public events with large crowds already had security on-site, so there was no need to arrange his own.

And the real threats—the ones that could hurt you—were almost always sudden attacks.

Regular security couldn't stop those kinds of people anyway; when Ren Dahua was stabbed, there were plenty of guards on-site, and it did no good.

Bai Liang figured he'd be better off just kicking the attacker or running away.

Sister Yanzi could accept this theory—it was far better than that nonsense about "as long as I'm also crazy, I won't fear other crazies."

But she still warned Dapao and Dou Xiao Qi, the two who constantly stayed by Bai Liang's side, to stay alert.

Hmm. So these two got a raise.

Just as the three were walking out, Dapao, ever observant, suddenly reminded Bai Liang: "Bro, Lu Han is behind us."

"What a coincidence?"

Bai Liang responded, but didn't turn around—after all, today they were supposed to "face off."

He was probably in Beijing for the premiere of that movie, *Shanghai Fortress*.

Both films were scheduled for the same release date, so their premiere events would naturally be close together.

So running into each other at the airport wasn't surprising at all.

Though Bai Liang had no idea why he'd somehow ended up "clashing" with Lu Han—he'd just done voice acting.

But online, everyone acted like two generations of top idols were about to settle their feud once and for all.

Fans on both sides were highly active, tallying up scores as if settling old grudges and new ones together.

At first, Bai Liang's Capybara fans were quite enthusiastic—after all, such an event was rare.

But after tallying up the scores, they just went silent.

Where's any new or old grudge, huh~?

It's just Bai Liang unilaterally "bullying" him.

The Capybara's past misdeeds are too numerous to record.

But he'd bullied plenty of top idols—Lu Han wasn't even particularly notable among them. Compared to the poor fool Yang Yang, Lu Han had taken far fewer blows.

The two's main conflict was actually kind of absurd.

Many of Lu Han's fans hated Bai Liang for one big reason: he stole Lu Han's CP, Di Li Re Ba.

That sounded like total nonsense—TV show CPs and drama CPs, they're all CPs; what's there to steal?

But that's just how weird these fan creatures think.

They believed that if Bai Liang hadn't taken Di Li Re Ba, Lu Han wouldn't have officially announced his relationship with Guan Xiaotong, so Bai Liang had to take the blame.

Bai Liang: Makes sense.

Fine, bring me all the blame—I can carry it.

The atmosphere was already set—so let's fight~

Lu Han was already giving up anyway; let's just give him a push, no thanks needed.

So even when they met normally, Bai Liang could still joke around with Lu Han and collect friend fees.

But today, Bai Liang declared himself a heartless killer.

How could they chat together? That wouldn't fit today's vibe.

After knocking him down, he could treat him to dinner.

Plan complete.

But Bai Liang hadn't expected so many media members to be waiting at the airport—he was blocked the moment he stepped out of the corridor.

Seeing Dapao and Dou Xiao Qi struggling to hold back the crowd, Bai Liang quickly shouted: "Lu Han is behind you! Go block him—he's about to run!"

The effect was immediate—the media instantly split up.

Lu Han:???

You bastard!

Of course, this trick was useless.

The two, who had silently agreed to pretend they didn't know each other, were still forced together by the media.

These media people, always eager to stir chaos, had been waiting for this exact moment—when they learned both flights arrived in Beijing around the same time, they wanted nothing more than a photo of the two together.

As for how they got their flight info—do you even need to ask why?

The two, forced together, stared at each other. Bai Liang smiled warmly and greeted Lu Han: "What a coincidence—I ran into you here!"

"Bro, stop pretending—we saw each other already. What do we do now? These people won't let us leave."

Bai Liang thought for a moment: "I'll teach you a trick—go act like a diva and yell at them."

Lu Han looked like he'd just swallowed a dog: "Why don't you yell at them?!"

"I've never yelled at the media."

"You have?"

"I've seen you online cursing at paparazzi—don't pretend you didn't."

"Who hasn't cursed at paparazzi?"

"I really haven't. Those paparazzi are kinda pitiful—I've even felt like giving them money when I ran into them," Bai Liang said honestly.

Some of the paparazzi following him were familiar faces—he noticed they'd grown thinner over time.

Clearly, they weren't doing well.

The Capybara was kind-hearted and couldn't stand seeing them suffer—he sometimes even sent them food and drinks.

But those paparazzi were ungrateful, claiming they wouldn't be humiliated this way—they'd still get his scoop no matter what!

Under the media's relentless pursuit and blockade, Bai Liang and Lu Han were effectively forced into an impromptu interview.

The media were blunt.

"What's your take on this competition?"

"No opinion. Let's all do our best," Lu Han said helplessly.

The media clearly weren't satisfied with this evasive answer, but before Bai Liang could speak, they temporarily let Lu Han off the hook.

Bai Liang checked the time and wanted to wrap it up quickly: "How about we keep it simple—let's make a bet."

Upon hearing this, Lu Han felt a slight numbness at the crown of his head, a strong sense of foreboding.

But he still forced himself to ask: "What are we betting on?"

"How about a bet on box office revenue?"

Instantly, the media erupted—Yes! Yes! Exactly right, bro!

That's the way to do it~

Lu Han had no choice; the reporters before him were like a girlfriend who'd just finished her period—she wouldn't stop until she got what she wanted.

So he simply said: "Let's bet on first-day box office—it's faster. A meal as the stake?"

Hmm, this guy's actually pretty smart~ First-day box office? His chances of losing just dropped a lot.

And if this bet goes public, his fans will definitely roar in support.

Even if he loses, he'll still get a decent first-day box office—maybe even a win-win.

But Bai Liang thought this wasn't exciting enough: "No, meals cost money. We're public figures—betting can't involve money."

Oh no! This guy's about to cause trouble!

Lu Han eyed Bai Liang warily: "Bro, you're not gonna say the loser has to strip naked, are you? That's not bettable!"

"Then what? Something a bit healthier, okay?"

"How about something romantic? Live-stream a kiss on your girlfriend's lips?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Han exhaled in relief—okay, this guy wasn't going too far, and he knew how to stir up headlines.

Wait—no!

Lu Han's eyes widened: "You have a girlfriend?"

The media's eyes lit up too—No way! Are they really landing this explosive news?

Live announcement?

But Bai Liang spread his hands: "My mom's been nagging me about this lately. I just made a bet with her—about finding a girlfriend."

Everyone:. How much do you even like making bets?!

In the end, Bai Liang still didn't reveal anything about his girlfriend's actual status.

It had a bit of Schrödinger's vibe.

But the topic would definitely go viral—this was Bai Liang's "final ripple" for the movie Director Jiao Zi, since he had no time to help with the roadshow; he'd just create an interesting topic instead.

Who won or lost between him and Lu Han didn't matter—once this guy lost, everyone would still talk about Bai Liang's girlfriend.

"Bro, our car hasn't arrived yet—looks like it's stuck in traffic."

"Ride with me! Ride with me! I'll drop you off wherever you're going!" Hearing this, Lu Han became eager, like a wild boar hopping around in a melon patch.

Bai Liang naturally wouldn't turn down the kindness.

But once they got in the car, Lu Han started pressing: "If you lose, who are you announcing it to? Reba?"

Holy shit, bro, how dare you say that—who's losing?

Bai Liang looked at Lu Han with interest, thinking: I never realized he was this mysteriously confident~

But he didn't crush the guy: "We'll see when the time comes. Why rush?"

Even if a meteor actually hit Earth and Bai Liang lost, he figured he could still fulfill the bet.

He guessed quite a few girls would eagerly sign up.

By the time he dropped Bai Liang off, Lu Han still hadn't gotten any answers out of him.

He could only sigh inwardly—what a pity.

He couldn't explain this to his girlfriend~

After all, what happened at the airport today—his girlfriend Guan Xiaotong would definitely pester him nonstop once she found out.

She was just too nosy.

Lu Han's eagerness was all to satisfy his girlfriend's craving for gossip.

But dealing with a guy like Bai Liang? Totally helpless.

Of course, there was still one way—beat him!

Force him to make an official announcement~

Honestly, before this, Lu Han hadn't been that motivated—he'd truly wanted to give up.

But now he actually wanted to beat Bai Liang—not for the movie or his career, but for his girlfriend.

A very powerful reason!

So before parting, he threw down a "threat" to Bai Liang:

"Wait till I beat you~"

Bai Liang:. Good luck.

Actually, Lu Han's "confidence" wasn't entirely baseless.

The Shanghai Fortress and Ne Zha: The Rise of the Devil Boy both held early screenings recently; Ne Zha's reception was just slightly better.

Yes, The Shanghai Fortress's early screening reception was actually decent.

Above average.

Many film critics online were defending it, saying the visual effects reached near-international-blockbuster standards.

Especially scenes like Shanghai sinking, the giant mothership, and drone aerial battles were described as "shocking," "magnificent," and even compared by some to the climax of The Wandering Earth.

Plus, the battlefield set in Shanghai, incorporating Chinese elements like the "Shanghai Cannon," was seen as a breakthrough attempt in domestic sci-fi war films; some viewers felt this localization was innovative and inspiring.

Even Lu Han's acting drew discussion during the early screenings, with some viewers saying his performance exceeded expectations.

Though no one knew how this early reception was achieved, it definitely whetted many appetites.

After all, The Wandering Earth really opened the door to Chinese sci-fi~

Many netizens said they'd wait until the official release, then decide whether to support the film at the cinema if it's at least average.

These sci-fi fans were even willing to set aside their "prejudice" against Lu Han.

But~

From a certain perspective, The Wandering Earth opened China's door to sci-fi while also raising audience expectations.

If it's just a little short, that's fine—but if it falls far short, or worse, if it's all show and no substance

Tsk~

When Bai Liang arrived at the premiere of Ne Zha: The Rise of the Devil Boy, while not drawing a crowd of ten thousand, he nonetheless single-handedly elevated the guest lineup of this premiere.

There's no helping it—Jiao Zi has a damn good network.

Only directors and animators from Big Fish & Begonia and The Monkey King: Hero Is Back came specifically to support him.

As for common celebrities and artists, Light Line had to help him find people to fill the seats.

Like Chen Jianbing, Yao Dazui, and others.

Besides, Light Line isn't good at this anyway; their most famous own artists are Liu Yan and Bao Beier.

Of course, there's also Xie Nan, but right now she's fully devoted to being Wu Jing's supportive wife.

Neither Liu Yan nor Bao Beier showed up today—they're unlikely to appear on the same stage.

After all, there was that whole bridesmaid incident not long ago, which stirred up quite a fuss.

As he was greeted and exchanged pleasantries along the way, Bai Liang finally reached the front and saw today's most important person.

Naturally not Jiao Zi—he's "not worthy."

Today's most important person is undoubtedly Bai's mother.

What Weibo movie king, dominant top streamer, box office number one—even when Bai Liang just entered, everyone stared at him, everyone in the industry smiled and greeted him warmly—

But before his own mother, he has only one identity.

Mom's good big boy.

"Handsome boy, you're late!"

Everyone was fawning over Bai Liang, but Bai's mother came right up and pointed out his "acting like a diva" nature.

"Wrong, wrong~" Bai Liang didn't even bother explaining—he didn't say he'd been stuck with Lu Han by the media for a long time; he just apologized and that was it.

He meant to cheer his mom up, but after all these years of dealing with him, Bai's mother still knew exactly what he was thinking.

Let's get to the point.

"How's the girlfriend situation? Put a little more thought into it—those girls are all quite good, settle down already."

"Who's getting the most support from you right now?" Bai Liang asked curiously.

This tactic of shifting the focus left Bai's mother momentarily speechless.

She liked them all—what's a mother to do~

And just now she met another girl, thought the little miss was especially well-behaved.

Bai Liang: No wonder she gave birth to me!

Falls for every girl she meets.

He'd long known this flaw was inherited.

(End of chapter)