Chapter 40

There were many media present at the charity auction, and as soon as Zheng Rui started introducing the first auction item, someone couldn’t help but start leaking information online.

At first, only a few small bloggers posted some vague tweets. They had few followers, and since the tweets were cryptic, they didn’t attract much attention or discussion.

Until a well-known entertainment blogger named Guatian secretly started a live stream at the charity auction.

Guatian, being a famous entertainment blogger who only posts verified information, was quite popular among netizens. Plus, whenever he started a live stream, it usually meant a big scoop, so many netizens regularly waited in his live stream room.

Today was no different; as soon as the live stream started, people flooded in, and the netizens immediately began recording.

—”It’s starting, it’s starting!”

—”What’s the scoop today?!”

The timing of Guatian’s live stream was quite coincidental, just as Zheng Rui began introducing the backstory of each auction item.

So many netizens, upon entering the live stream, immediately heard Zheng Rui’s line—“The bracelet is my mom and my uncle’s love token.”

The comments exploded:

—”????”

—”Wait, your mom and your uncle?”

—”Starting off with such excitement?”

—”Huh? So today’s scoop is about an affair?”

—”Who are the main characters today? Who’s the person on stage?”

Guatian explained briefly: “His name is Zheng Rui, the son of the Zheng couple.”

As soon as he finished, the comments started flooding in even faster.

—”?! It can’t be the Zheng couple I know, right?”

—”Is this for real? I actually kinda shipped them…”

—”So this is the son exposing his parents?”

—”It really is Zheng Rui; he’s appeared in the Zheng couple’s videos before!”

—”No way, the Zheng couple seemed so loving!”

—”Unbelievable.”

Hearing such shocking news, the netizens’ first reaction was skepticism.

Guatian didn’t explain further, because soon the netizens saw Zheng Xiu losing control and rushing onto the stage, only to be restrained and taken away by bodyguards.

After the introduction of the second auction item, the netizens felt their minds couldn’t keep up.

—”The aunt’s watch… just mentioning the name is impressive, but that’s not the point. So Zheng Xiu and his wife’s sister are really involved?”

—”Oh my god, this isn’t just a one-sided affair, it’s both of them cheating?!”

—”Huh??? Then why do they keep up the pretense of a loving couple? Could it be just to deceive gullible fans like me?”

The comments paused for a moment.

Then the netizens got angry:

—”I can be an idiot, but you absolutely can’t deceive me!”

—”I hate it when people treat others like fools, I’m unfollowing!”

—”Hahaha, so we got angry all at once!”

—”Unfollowing is already very angry, okay!”

The comments were noisy, and Zheng Rui was still on stage, continuing to introduce the backstories of the auction items.

After hearing the story behind the third auction item, the netizens finally couldn’t take it anymore:

—”This is explosive!”

—”I’m really a bit angry now, the Zheng couple really treated us like fools!”@@novelbin@@

—”I even genuinely shipped them, but they’re more messed up than I am!”

—”Hahaha, is it really okay to compare yourself?”

Just when the angry fans of the Zheng couple were seething, the netizens suddenly noticed a guy in the center of the screen turning his head to look behind.

The guy had bright eyes and an uncontrollable smile at the corner of his mouth. His gaze seemed to focus on someone for a moment, and then the next moment, he turned back, leaving only the back of his head for the audience.

The guy was really handsome, with a bright smile. Just one look made many netizens’ hearts skip a beat, and their attention drifted.

It was just—

Why did this person look so familiar? Like they had seen him somewhere before!

Until a comment exclaimed: “Isn’t this Ye Leyao?”

The comments exploded once again:

—”Ye Leyao?!”

—”It really does look like him!”

—”If it’s Ye Leyao, then it’s no surprise.”

—”Seriously, Ye Leyao, why are you here gossiping again?!”

—”Huh? Ye Leyao, you got the scoop before me again? I’m not happy about this!”

—”Not only did he beat us to it, but he’s also there in person, who wouldn’t be envious?”

—”Alright! We’ve found our new Gossip King!”

Netizens familiar with Ye Leyao were both amused and a bit frustrated, wondering why they were always a step behind him!

And isn’t Ye Leyao an artist?

Why isn’t he on set, why isn’t he recording shows, and why is he always first to the gossip?!

The netizens who didn’t know Ye Leyao were confused.

Who is Ye Leyao? A celebrity?

Why call him the new Gossip King?

Seeing this, some netizens quickly provided explanations in the comments:

—”Remember Feng Ziqi’s scandal? And the drama with Ning Xu and her brother being scammed by a jerk? Did you watch the live broadcast of ‘Let’s Go Traveling Togehter’? Well, I can tell you, in all these seemingly unrelated incidents, Ye Leyao was present at each one!”

Hearing this, the netizens who just learned about Ye Leyao were stunned:

—”What? He’s a celebrity, and he’s even better at gossip than I am?”

—”I’m upset, I can’t allow anyone to be better at gossip than me. Someone contact Ye Leyao’s manager and make sure his schedule is fully booked!”

Netizens liked this suggestion and expressed their approval by liking the comment.

They simply couldn’t stand a celebrity with so much free time!

Get on set! Quickly get on set!

After the charity auction, the scandal of the Zheng couple’s double infidelity shot up to the top ten on the trending list, closely followed by Ye Leyao’s name with the title “New Gossip King.”

Many curious netizens clicked in and left laughing.

Even Ye Leyao himself didn’t expect that just by looking at the He family’s drama, he would end up trending.

Under Ye Leyao’s latest Weibo post, netizens flooded in, some even teasing him to get on set immediately because they couldn’t stand a celebrity with so much free time.

Ye Leyao, who was happily eating the Zheng couple’s gossip, didn’t expect the attention to turn to himself.

Unable to resist, he replied to a comment telling him to get on set:

“I’ve only had a week of acting classes; I can’t join a set just yet. And aren’t I already filming a variety show? The next recording is in two days!”

He really wasn’t that free!

He needed to work hard to earn money and support his family! He was genuinely career-driven!

To this, netizens replied: “No, that’s not enough! Who’s your manager? I need to talk to them and make sure your schedule is packed!”

Spectators: “Hahahahahaha—”

Another netizen said:

—”Ye Leyao, I’m different from them. I think your current schedule is just right. As long as you take me along for gossip next time, I won’t complain to your manager, how about that?”

—”Yes, yes, I’m the real deal with you, others are just pretending.”

—”Really love Ye Leyao! (It’s not just because of the gossip)”

Ye Leyao’s reply was just two words: “Don’t believe.”

This made the netizens laugh even harder.

—”Really! You have to believe me!”

—”Yes, how could we possibly deceive you?”

—”No worries, whether you tell me or not, I’ll keep following you! Because I really like you! (I love gossiping with you)”

…

The Zheng couple’s scandal trended on Weibo for an entire day, with Ye Leyao’s name hanging around for half a day as well.

By the end of the day, the Zheng couple’s account lost numerous followers, while Ye Leyao gained quite a few, though these new followers were mostly there for the gossip.

The night before Ye Leyao was set to film his variety show, the Zheng couple’s account suddenly went live.

Netizens didn’t expect the Zheng couple to dare to live stream at such a sensitive time!

Angry netizens rushed into the live stream, ready to demand answers, only to see a familiar yet unfamiliar face—

Zheng Rui.

Why was Zheng Rui live streaming?

Where were the Zheng couple?

Netizens were puzzled.

The only one who knew the truth, Ye Leyao, was incredibly excited:

[It’s here, the final live stream is finally here!]

[Since Zheng Rui dared to expose his parents at the auction, there’s no way he wasn’t prepared. The gossiping netizens probably don’t know that those bloggers live-streaming at the auction were arranged by Zheng Rui, right?]

Downstairs, Papa He and Mama He also opened the live stream, pausing at Ye Leyao’s words.

Papa He said, “Looks like we guessed right.”

Though the charity auction was charitable, it wasn’t open to just anyone, and regular media wouldn’t cover such entertainment gossip, let alone live stream it from inside the auction.

But not only was it live-streamed yesterday, but the videos and photos also spread everywhere.

If someone said there wasn’t a mastermind behind it, they wouldn’t believe it. When they saw the trending topic last night, Papa He and Mama He guessed it was Zheng Rui’s doing.

Mama He nodded, “It can only be said that Zheng Rui had a hard life.”

If he had someone to support him, he wouldn’t have to plan everything by himself at such a young age and consider every detail.

“But now there’s no need to worry,” Papa He said, “With the Zheng couple losing their inheritance rights, Zheng Rui’s life will be much better in the future.”

Mama Huo nodded, and the two continued watching the live stream.

The comment section was very lively, with many netizens coming to mock Zheng Xiu and Zhuang Lin, but they were surprised to see Zheng Rui instead.

The previously aggressive netizens suddenly quieted down.

Their tone became cautious:

—”What are you going to live stream?”

—”Is the account yours now?”

—”Where is this? It looks familiar.”

Ye Leyao was much more observant than the viewers in the live stream and immediately recognized Zheng Rui’s background.

[Hospital! Zheng Rui is in the hospital!]

[Could it be that Zheng Xiu and Zhuang Lin haven’t been discharged yet?]

And the next second, Ye Leyao’s guess was confirmed.

Zheng Rui didn’t respond to the comment section’s questions. He turned the camera to the VIP hospital bed behind him, then put down his phone and walked slowly to the bedside.

“Dad, are you awake?” Zheng Rui spoke slowly.

Zheng Xiu slowly extended a hand, “You…you have the nerve to come see me? Get out!”

Zheng Rui remained seated by the bed, unmoved, and even took Zheng Xiu’s hand, gently placing it back under the blanket, looking very considerate: “The doctor said you and mom fainted from anger and need to rest; you can’t get angry.”

Hearing this, Zheng Xiu became even angrier. Who was it that made him faint from anger?

Zheng Xiu couldn’t hold back any longer. He grabbed the side rail of the bed and slowly sat up, his chest heaving: “Get out! Get out of here— I don’t want to see you! And I don’t want to hear your crap…”

Zheng Rui looked at Zheng Xiu, a faint smile on his lips: “Dad, are you sure? Are you sure you don’t want to listen to Lawyer Ma?”

Mentioning Lawyer Ma, Zheng Xiu froze.

[Lawyer Ma? The one entrusted with Mr. Zheng’s inheritance?]

Ye Leyao’s mouth curled up, instantly understanding what Zheng Rui was planning.

Papa Huo and Mama Huo also guessed, smiling.

“He should be here to announce their loss of inheritance rights,” Mama Huo said.

Papa Huo nodded, looking at Zheng Rui with admiration: “This kid has what it takes.”

As Zheng Rui’s words fell, the hospital room door opened from the outside.

A man dressed as a lawyer walked in. He was Lawyer Ma.

The Zheng couple’s scandal was huge online. Netizens, while gossiping, were curious about how this couple, devoid of affection, could still post loving videos online.

Soon, someone analyzed that the couple did this for one thing—money.

Some bloggers even analyzed the income this account brought them, making netizens even angrier.

Leaving other things aside.

That money was earned from them!

Zheng Xiu and Zhuang Lin not only deceived their fans but also profited off them!

Who could tolerate that?

Soon after, a netizen revealed: “I remember Mr. Zheng left an inheritance when he passed away. Could it be related to that?”

Combining the revelations with Lawyer Ma on the live stream, many netizens realized:

—”So it was all about money!”

—”But I heard Mr. Zheng’s inheritance had many stipulations, haven’t the couple already lost their inheritance rights?”

Zheng Xiu, on the hospital bed, seemed to understand this too. He looked pale, staring at Zheng Rui in disbelief: “What…what did you do?”

Zheng Rui smiled deeply: “Dad, don’t you understand? You and mom have already lost the right to inherit grandpa’s estate.”

Zheng Xiu’s pupils constricted, and he hurriedly turned to Lawyer Ma: “You…Lawyer Ma, let me explain…it’s not like that; the rumors online these past two days are…”

“Mr. Zheng,” Lawyer Ma calmly interrupted Zheng Xiu.

Then he said: “I have all the evidence of your and your wife’s extramarital affairs during your marriage, so there’s no need to explain. I am here to inform you and your wife that you have lost the right to inherit the estate. This is a confirmation document, please sign.”

A document was handed to Zheng Xiu.

Zheng Xiu stared at the document, then looked up at the two men in front of him, unable to react for a while.

Seeing this, Zheng Rui sighed helplessly, then turned to Lawyer Ma and said: “Look, my dad is so happy he’s speechless.”

[Hahahahahahaha—]

[You call that being happy? Hahaha, Zheng Rui really knows how to talk!]

Ye Leyao laughed heartily.

Netizens laughed even harder:

—”Great! This is the quickest retribution I’ve ever seen!”

—”You deserve it, both of you!”

—”But what if Zheng Xiu refuses to sign?”

Someone said: “Even if he refuses to sign, it doesn’t matter. They’ve already lost their rights. This document is just a confirmation notice. Not signing doesn’t change anything.”

Realizing this, netizens finally understood.

—”So Zheng Rui called Lawyer Ma here on purpose?”

Ye Leyao laughed.

[You just figured it out!]

[Zheng Rui’s live stream today is just an after-sales service!]

[Gossip needs a beginning and an end, right?]

Realizing the truth, netizens were even happier, calling out:

—”Zheng Rui! You’re my hero!”

—”Thank you for the follow-up!”

—”I’m really moved. This is the first time a gossip subject has voluntarily given me a follow-up!”

—”Alright, I was going to unfollow, but now I won’t!”

The live stream was lively and harmonious.

Zheng Xiu trembled all over as he looked at the document in front of him, but Zheng Rui didn’t give him any time to react. He stood up and said, “I have things to do. Dad, remember to sign the document later. I’ll go to the next room first.”

After saying that, Zheng Rui got up, took his phone, and went to the adjacent ward with Lawyer Ma.

As soon as they entered the hallway, before Zheng Rui could open the door to the next room, he heard an angry shout from behind: “Zheng Rui—you little bastard—”

Zheng Rui chuckled lightly, completely unconcerned, and entered the next room.

When the door opened, the viewers saw Zhuang Lin sitting on the bed with a sorrowful expression. A man was sitting by her side, holding her hand, and comforting her. Upon hearing the commotion, the man immediately stood up and walked towards the balcony.

Ye Leyao raised an eyebrow at this scene:

[No way? Even now, Zhuang Lin’s lover dares to come and take care of her?]

The viewers in the live stream were also stunned:

—”So, they were this bold all along?”

—”The way you two openly flaunt your affair makes me feel like a fool!”

—”Damn it! You two are truly despicable!”

Zhuang Lin obviously didn’t expect Zheng Rui to come at this time. Her face changed dramatically: “What are you doing here—”

“Don’t worry, Mom,” Zheng Rui interrupted her, smiling, “I won’t disturb your cozy time with your lover. I’m just here with Lawyer Ma to deliver a document.”

At the mention of Lawyer Ma, Zhuang Lin’s blood ran cold. She looked in disbelief at Zheng Rui, and indeed, she saw Lawyer Ma, whom she hadn’t seen in a long time.

“Madam, please sign this document.” With that, Lawyer Ma placed the document beside Zhuang Lin.

After completing this task, Zheng Rui said, “Mom, please carry on. I won’t disturb you.”

Zheng Rui turned and walked out. As he walked, he said, “See, I’m so considerate, not disturbing my mom.”

Ye Leyao laughed out loud.

[Yes! Who could be more considerate than you, Zheng Rui!]

[Zhuang Lin and Zheng Xiu are already bedridden with anger, and you bring a whole bag of salt to rub into their wounds. They’re practically marinated now!]

As Zheng Rui reached the door, ready to close it, he heard Zhuang Lin’s anguished scream: “Zheng Rui! You bastard! I should never have given birth to you—”

The voice was so loud that the live stream audience heard it clearly.

Zheng Rui smiled slightly and said to the viewers, “Looks like my mom is really happy with the gift I brought her.”

After saying this, without waiting for the viewers to react, Zheng Rui ended the live stream.

Ye Leyao was laughing so hard he could hardly breathe.

[Zheng Rui really knows how to talk, hahaha.]

[Great, I’m very satisfied!]

Downstairs, Papa Huo and Mama Huo were also nodding in agreement.

They were very satisfied too; this drama was incredibly satisfying!

Not only did they witness it live, but they also got to see the aftermath in the live stream.

Naturally, the most excited and happy ones were the netizens.

If every piece of gossip in the future could be as complete as this one, netizens couldn’t imagine how lively and cheerful they would be!

Many netizens even sent private messages to Ye Leyao.

—”Gossip King, we’ll rely on you for future gossip!”

—”Ye Leyao, if you ever become rich, don’t forget us. Make sure to include us in the gossip!”

—”You’re starting the second episode of the show tomorrow, right? Any gossip?”

There were so many private messages that Ye Leyao’s inbox was flooded with 999+ messages. So, Ye Leyao didn’t really check his private messages. If he had seen the last one, he might have replied—

“Yes.”

Given Qin Yao’s unlucky nature, how could there not be any gossip with the new guests?

Early the next morning, Ye Leyao had to catch a flight.

This time, Papa Huo and Mama Huo didn’t go with him.

It wasn’t that they didn’t want to go, but the company’s affairs had been overwhelming recently.

Huo Jing couldn’t handle it alone and still had to manage the cooperation with the He family, so Papa Huo and Mama Huo had to help at the company.

This benefited one person—

Thinking of this, Papa Huo and Mama Huo’s gazes became even more wistful.

Ye Leyao didn’t know what they were thinking and thought they were worried about him going to film the show alone: “Don’t worry, Mama and Papa Huo, I’m just filming for two days, and Sister Li is with me. I’ll be back soon!”

Two days meant they would miss out on so much interesting gossip!

Papa Huo and Mama Huo felt even more heartache but could only wave goodbye to Ye Leyao.

The second filming location for “Let’s Go Traveling Together” was on the grasslands.

After the plane landed, the guests had to take a bus to the destination.

Ye Leyao was the first to arrive. After getting on the bus prepared by the crew, he didn’t see anyone else.

Only a lonely camera was pointed at him. Ye Leyao waved at the camera out of habit and then casually found a seat to sit down.

It didn’t take long for Song Zhehan to arrive.

Ye Leyao greeted him, and Song Zhehan sat in the seat in front of Ye Leyao.

They hadn’t talked much when Li Siyuan got on the bus. Seeing the two of them, he nodded and then, wearing his baseball cap, headed to the back row.

Ye Leyao glanced back at Li Siyuan, thinking:

[Why does Li Siyuan seem to be in a bad mood?]

Song Zhehan maintained his indifferent attitude, and Ye Leyao didn’t ask further.

Soon, Zhou Zijian and a gentle female voice were heard from outside the bus.

Ye Leyao became interested immediately.

[Brother Zhou and his girlfriend are here!]

Song Zhehan obviously thought of this too. He sat up straighter and looked outside.

Soon, Zhou Zijian was seen getting on the bus, holding a woman’s hand. The woman was dressed in casual sportswear, looking very young.

Ye Leyao couldn’t help but marvel:

[Wen Xiangyue is really so young. If Wen Huai wasn’t this old, who could guess her age!]

Wen Xiangyue had a very good temper. As soon as she got on the bus, she greeted each guest warmly.

Even Li Siyuan, who had been radiating hostility, felt embarrassed to show a bad face to her.

Ye Leyao couldn’t help but sigh:

[No wonder Brother Zhou likes her! Who wouldn’t like such a gentle older sister!]

Just as he finished his sigh, Qin Yao boarded the bus.

Ye Leyao waved at Qin Yao, who then came over and sat next to Ye Leyao.

Ye Leyao was about to chat with Qin Yao when suddenly he saw a figure standing in front of them.

Ye Leyao was stunned for a moment and looked up.

The man was wearing a baseball cap, exaggerated sunglasses, and a mask, and stood in front of Ye Leyao and Qin Yao. He spoke very rudely to Qin Yao, “Move, I want to sit here!”

The familiar voice made Ye Leyao’s eyes widen.

Qin Yao raised an eyebrow and responded just as rudely, “No.”

As the atmosphere grew tense, all the guests turned their eyes towards them, and then Ye Leyao shouted in utter shock, “Second Brother?!”

[What are you doing here?!]

Huo Yan took off his sunglasses and winked handsomely at Ye Leyao.

Of course, he was here to witness the drama live!

______________________

TL NOTE: Please don't skimp on the stars for the translation - it inspires me and gives me the strength to write more. Thank you~!

If you want to buy me a /santos_28