Chapter 138: Online Brawl and Liu Tianxian and Her Daughter

Cheng Chen's online post stirred up a storm.

Many netizens flocked to his blog to leave comments.

"I heard you're in love—who is it, and why haven't you announced it yet?"

"You, a good-looking guy, have ties with so many women!"

"Please those female stars, show some self-respect—don't ride our boss's coattails, thank you!"

"To be honest, I'm jealous…"

"Hahaha, this statement of Cheng Chen's is hilarious—is the parenthetical pinyin supposed to be 'bullshit'? So funny!"

Cheng Chen's cryptic "pinyin" statement, fueled by his scandal, went viral online.

Some silly netizens immediately unleashed their creativity.

"Certain people, please (qu) you (ni) self (ma) respect (de)!"

"Thank you to those who helped me; all I want to say is three words: Xie (gun) Xie (du) Ni (zi)."

"As a long-time fan of Cheng Chen, I've noticed the pattern he invented."

"I have only one comment: What (te) a (bie) piece (hao) of (yong) shit."

But others showed disdain; many haters left abusive comments on Cheng Chen's blog.

Most of these people were fans of the female stars entangled in Cheng Chen's scandal.

"This? Does he even deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as our Yan Zi? Wake up!"

"Kid, I warn you—don't be a toad dreaming of swan meat; Bai Zhi is a woman you'll never get!"

"Think you're untouchable just because you sang a few songs? How old are you, acting so wild? Watch out for kidney failure!"

Cheng Chen's comment section was gradually overrun by this group, and the situation escalated.

Seeing this, Cheng Chen quickly targeted the most aggressive keyboard warrior and replied to the netizen with ID "Spring Wind":

"When the doctor recommended your discharge, I strongly opposed it—alas, so young, why give up treatment?"

Netizens huddled by their computers immediately refreshed to see Cheng Chen's reply.

"Holy shit,

Cheng Chen himself jumped in!"

"This reply… I don't get it—what's 'why give up treatment'? @Cheng Chen."

Seeing the @ mention, Cheng Chen smiled slightly and typed:

"Why give up treatment."

"'Why give up treatment'? Hahaha, this is hilarious—Chinese culture is truly profound!"

"So it means the guy who insulted Cheng Chen, Spring Wind, is crazy? Cheng Chen's insult is wrapped in layers."

"Laughed to death—the Heavenly King is awesome; he insults without even using foul language…"

"Total trash—a public figure actually cursing people."

"If someone like this is the Heavenly King of Chinese-language music, then I can only say: Chinese entertainment is finished!"

"Indeed, as a public figure, you should set a good example."

"Fans don't elevate you to curse people—show some self-respect…"

Cheng Chen's counterattack drew even more insults, and the abuse grew increasingly vile.

More and more people joined this online brawl.

Of course, there were plenty of onlookers too.

Cheng Chen quickly typed on his keyboard:

"Xunzi said: at birth, human nature is evil."

"I understand everyone's life is hard and needs emotional release."

"But when you turn into keyboard warriors online, spewing obscenities and cyberbullying,"

"look at your own face in front of the screen—look in the mirror."

"See your grotesque, shrew-like face and the filthy aura clinging to you."

"Is this the person you once hoped to become?"

"Is this who you want to be—or already have become?"

"The you that speaks violence has become part of you."

"You are turning into a more and more bitter shrew."

"This has nothing to do with others, and nothing to do with the celebrity you hate."

"Born as a human, I urge you to be kind!"

After posting this long passage, Cheng Chen immediately received a flood of comments from onlookers.

"Written so well—truthfully, more and more public figures are being cyberbullied these days."

"Many stars choose to stay silent; I think that's wrong."

"Learned something—hope Cheng Chen's words make those people wake up. Also, the term 'keyboard warrior'? Yeah, perfect for this crowd!"

"Let me explain: Cheng Chen's final line comes from Japanese poet Uchimura Kanzō's work 'Last Will.'"

"Later, it was borrowed and widely spread in Dazai Osamu's novel 'No Longer Human.'"

I have to say, Cheng Chen has a very broad range of interests, even paying attention to such niche literature.

Terms like "keyboard warrior" and "born as a human, I urge you to be kind" quickly became internet buzzwords.

Cheng Chen's remarks were framed as advice—his words weren't sharp, but carried warmth.

But some people didn't see it that way.

"He's backed down, guys—he's too scared to curse now!"

"You're standing so high, thinking you're above us? Where do you get this sense of superiority? Such stars are garbage!"

"I really can't understand how someone like this could have fans? How failed must you be to idolize such a star!"

Seeing the chaotic commenters, Cheng Chen typed:

"Friends, don't argue with them anymore. I once heard a story."

"It says never to fight with beasts."

"If you win? You become even more of a beast than they are!"

"If you lose? You're worse than a beast!"

"If it's a draw? What's the difference between you and a beast!"

"So you can never win against beasts—you can't reason with them."

"Because they'll drag your IQ down to their level."

"Then beat you with their experience!"

"Of course, I'm not cursing— I'm just telling a story."

"Hmm, a fable. Everyone's heard fables, right?"

As soon as this reply was posted, the comments exploded!

"Holy shit!"

"Boss is fighting back!"

"Awesome! No wonder he's my man!"

"I really want to crack open Cheng Chen's head and see what's inside!!!"

"He can compose, write lyrics, sing—and now he even insults people in the most classic way!"

I'm in love, I'm in love! This kind of man is perfect! So dominant!

"A fable? Not cursing? Hah! Cheng Chen is rubbing our IQs on the ground! Hahaha!"

The key is Cheng Chen creates memes— as soon as one appears, many fans immediately mimic his phrasing to counter the trolls.

The trolls were left speechless—you keep repeating the same few insults.

Try to come up with new phrasing like Cheng Chen? They simply couldn't.

Use Cheng Chen's meme?... This is fucking insulting!

Thus, under the massive fanbase, the trolls hopping around Cheng Chen's blog comments were completely purged.

Online flame wars usually have no end.

Both sides endlessly hurl insults back and forth—boring, with no clear winner.

But this time, Cheng Chen led his fans to a decisive victory, leaving onlookers astonished.

At home, Cheng Chen stretched.

He'd been arguing all morning—he was a bit tired.

As for what people say—that public figures must maintain their image, shouldn't insult others, and so on—

Just listen. If you're being attacked head-on and still act like a turtle hiding its head?

That's not Cheng Chen's style!

…

Zhe Sheng, Hengdian World Studios.

After vanishing from the set for a full month, Cheng Chen finally appeared at the "Immortal Sword I" production team.

The moment he showed up, he was surrounded by a large group of media.

These were reporters who had rushed over upon hearing the news:

"Cheng Chen, some say the woman you confessed to at the concert is a certain female star. What's your take?"

"As a public figure, you personally jumped into an online argument. Have you considered the consequences?"

"When's your next concert? What are your plans in the near future?"

Reporters surrounded Cheng Chen, firing question after question.

Cheng Chen, trapped in the center, smiled and said:

"Sorry, I'm here today to film. Please don't ask questions unrelated to 'Immortal Sword I.' Thank you."

Seeing Cheng Chen surrounded by reporters, director Li Guoli stepped forward to shoo them away.

Then he pulled Cheng Chen over to rehearse.

"Xixi, your Xiaoyao Gege is here."

Liu Pinyan, watching Cheng Chen being led away by the director, teased with a smile.

Beside her stood Liu Tianxian, wearing a green maple-pattern top and sporting cute braids.

She was in costume, her look delicate and adorable, naturally radiating purity.

"Mm, I saw him."

Liu Tianxian turned her gaze away and nodded.

The girl was thoughtful—ever since she, Liu Pinyan, and Jiang Xin had spoken ill of Cheng Chen,

she had worried over it for a long time.

Fortunately, her mother Liu Xiaoli noticed her daughter's odd state and promptly asked—only then did she learn what had happened.

Hearing her daughter's words, Liu Xiaoli smiled and said:

"He's probably still in character. He acted too deeply before and unconsciously brought the role into his life."

"Don't worry—Cheng Chen isn't a drama tyrant. His reputation is good now, and besides, Mom's right here on set with you."

Liu Xiaoli had a face no less beautiful than her daughter's, though she was twenty-eight years older than Liu Tianxian.

But if mother and daughter ate at the same table, most men's eyes would land squarely on the mother.

Her beauty and the mature allure radiating from her body carried a magnetic power.

It firmly drew everyone's gaze, and people vied to take photos with her, regarding it as an honor.

This woman had trained in dance since childhood, even divorced her former husband over dance, unwillingly letting her daughter inherit her dancing career.

Unfortunately, she ultimately failed—her daughter still chose the film and television industry.

To care for her daughter, though she had a professional management team, she insisted on accompanying her daughter.

In fact, this choice of hers was wise, especially with next year's filming of Big Beard's Return of the Condor Heroes.

During a group scene, Liu Tianxian was taken advantage of by background actors.

After that scene finished, the young Liu Tianxian dared not speak up but sulked alone.

Liu Xiaoli sensed something was off and asked why; only then did Liu Tianxian tell her mother the background actors had been handsy.

After hearing this, Liu Xiaoli angrily confronted Director Big Beard with the truth, and through his intervention, justice was won for her daughter…

After her mother's guidance, Liu Tianxian realized she had misunderstood Cheng Chen.

But the three of them had indeed spoken ill of Cheng Chen—there is no wall that doesn't let wind through.

And the production set was like a sieve, with countless rumors circulating daily.

The rumors about Cheng Chen being a diva naturally spread.

The strongest evidence was that Cheng Chen, as the male lead, had not appeared on set for a month.

The entire production team adjusted shooting schedules to accommodate and cater to his time.

Moreover, Cheng Chen's identity as one of the investors of Immortal Sword I further confirmed the rumors of him being a diva.

After all, he held real power.

Of course, some people didn't care—after all, he was a big star, an investor, and the lead; if he was a diva, so be it.

The ones who suffered were the minor actors who shared scenes with Cheng Chen—what if they provoked this diva and he flew into a rage?

"Xixi, what are you worried about?"

Seeing Liu Tianxian's delicate face scrunched up, Jiang Xin asked proactively.

"Sister Jiang, do you think he'll find out we were talking behind his back? The rumors on set are spreading so badly now…"

Jiang Xin frowned and said:

"It probably won't be a problem—your mom said Cheng Chen has a decent reputation; he shouldn't make things hard for us."

She had originally planned to call Liu Tianxian's mother "Auntie," but then she thought.

The woman didn't look much older than her—calling her "Auntie" would make her seem old.

"I hope that's true. But his singing really is amazing, especially that song Confession Balloon—it's so beautiful."

Liu Pinyan added from beside them.

The two girls nodded silently—no matter what they speculated about Cheng Chen's character,

his talent was undeniably high.

…

Li Guoli chatted with Cheng Chen for a while, then felt reassured.

Seeing that Cheng Chen had not let his concert interfere with his acting, he was deeply relieved.

He even, unusually, patted Cheng Chen on the shoulder and encouraged him to act well.

There was no scene scheduled for Cheng Chen in the morning, so he observed others' performances nearby.

Since the main actors of Immortal Sword I were all young, their acting lacked standout moments.

Compared to his previous set, The Dyeing Workshop, overall they were merely adequate.

There were actors who stood out, like Xu Jinjiang, who played the Moon Worshipping Cult Leader, and Xie Junhao, who portrayed the Wine Sword Immortal.

Both were recognized as acting pillars in the industry—the former, needless to say, was well-known among veteran fans of Gang Sheng's restricted-action films.

Despite his rugged appearance, he was actually an artsy youth.

When he first entered Gang Sheng, he held art exhibitions, worked as a model, and sang in nightclubs.

Cheng Chen had previously collaborated with him—in Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre, Xu Jinjiang portrayed the Golden-Haired Lion King Xie Xun.

But back then, the two had little interaction, and Xu Jinjiang had spent little time in the Mainland.

They were barely acquaintances—now, reunited, they had many scenes together.

So as soon as Cheng Chen arrived on set, he struck up a conversation with this veteran many envied.

And Xie Junhao was also a seasoned actor—he debuted in 1989 and won the Golden Horse Award for Best Actor in 1997.

He was a classic example of a drama-famous but personally obscure actor.

Like his film The Five Years Stolen, co-starring with "One-Finger Zen" Bai Baihe.

Or his dramas like The Splendid Adventure with the Cult Leader.

The dramas became hits, yet when the public saw him, they only felt they recognized him—but couldn't recall his name.

What most people knew about him was that in 2009, during the filming of The Secret History of Yang Guifei, a fire broke out on set.

He rushed into the flames to rescue the young actress playing his daughter, suffering facial burns that required surgery…

…