Chapter 28: “Forced Into Vice”

Chapter 28: "Forced Into Vice"

An average person without any fanbase typically earns around a hundred thousand yuan for a variety show appearance, rarely exceeding two hundred thousand. However, Li Changhong offered Ying Li a price three times that amount: six hundred thousand yuan.

Given the choice between several tens of thousands and six hundred thousand, Ying Li chose the latter.

That afternoon, Ying Li returned to Bishui Bay to sign the contract with Li Changhong.

The living room was bustling with people, including members from the production team and the likes of Zhang Shaoling. All eyes gravitated toward Ying Li.

Seated on the sofa, Ying Li still wore yesterday's clothes, his hair a disheveled mess, and his usually upright posture slightly hunched.

Two drafted contracts lay on the table. Li Changhong professionally explained their terms to Ying Li.

Zhang Shaoling was left agape upon hearing Ying Li's decision to join the group show. He repeatedly questioned, "Have you truly considered this? Once you set this in motion, there's no turning back."

"I've thought it through," Ying Li responded gravely, a sense of finality in his voice. He took up a pen and signed his name on the designated line.

Staring at the bold signature on the contract, Li Changhong found it hard to believe. Previously, despite all persuasions, Ying Li had declined to participate. But now, not only had he changed his mind, he seemed in a hurry to sign. Curiosity piqued, Li Changhong inquired, "May I ask why you've suddenly agreed to join the show?"

Licking his parched lips, Ying Li replied in a raspy voice, "I need the money."

He had consulted doctors the night before. A conservative estimate for stem cell transplantation would be around three hundred thousand yuan, and subsequent treatments would also incur significant costs.

Li Changhong nodded, "I see..."

Everyone has their secrets. While Ying Li remained reticent, Li Changhong didn't press for details, only clarifying, "After signing, we'll pay a third of the total upfront, amounting to two hundred thousand. Halfway through the show's airing, another third will be paid, with the balance settled at the end. Is that acceptable to you?"

The video featuring Ying Li had gone viral. Netizens were curious about his identity. If Ying Li were to participate in the show with the group 'Number', it would boost their viewership. Although the compensation offered to Ying Li was generous, Li Changhong couldn't shake off a feeling of exploiting him. The signed contract seemed less like a business agreement and more like an indenture. Thus, he felt the need to clarify everything.

Ying Li nodded, "I accept."

Li Changhong added, "Don't stress. We won't focus on you too much. No need for audience interactions. Just be yourself. Think of this as an all-expenses-paid trip."

Ying Li bowed deeply, "Thank you."

Once Li Changhong left, a hush settled over the living room.

After the contract signing, the promised two hundred thousand was promptly transferred to Ying Li's bank account. He carefully stored his copy of the contract, intending to visit the hospital later and once again asking Zhang Shaoling for a day off.

Xie Wenshi, who had been somewhat out of the loop, finally grasped the situation, asking, "Does this mean Brother Li will be joining us for the variety show?"

Zhang Shaoling furrowed his brow and gave a slight nod: "Mm."

"Wow, that's amazing!" Xie Wenshi turned to Ying Li with sparkling eyes, "Brother Li, the audience is going to absolutely adore you!"

Zhang Shaoling gave him a sidelong glance, "Before they adore, they might curse first."

While Ying Li is popular, not all online reviews are positive. Some accuse them of staging their acts, others criticize Ying Li for riding on trending topics. Now that Ying Li is appearing on their show, isn't he just solidifying the label of being a trend-chaser? Zhang Shaoling can already anticipate the chaotic online backlash.

Zhang Shaoling was deeply troubled; Ying Li really didn't fit into the entertainment world. With his reserved nature, unwillingness to compete, and lack of connections, it's tough for someone like him to survive in the industry.

Shen Yao looked serious, asking Ying Li, "Did something happen?"

They had driven directly to the hospital last night, but Ying Li hadn't allowed them to go up. They could only guess that someone in his family was sick.

Qi Xie also looked at him, "Are you that short on money?"

Ying Li hung his head, looking somewhat defeated, "Yes, there's been an issue at home. We need money."

"How much do you need? I'll lend it to you," Shen Yao quickly offered, "You looked so terrified of the camera earlier. How are you supposed to film?"

Xie Wenshi always seemed a step behind others in reactions, "Brother Li is afraid of the camera?"

Recalling Ying Li's pale face when he saw the camera and the blindfold he wore during the concert, Xie Wenshi felt numb.

He had never felt so foolish before, and neither had Shen Yao and the others. How could they keep such a crucial matter from him?

Just a moment ago, he was happily naive about Ying Li joining their show. Now he realized it was akin to pushing Ying Li towards a dangerous edge.

"I'm so sorry, Brother Li," Xie Wenshi immediately regretted and became cautious with his words, "If you need money, just tell us. We have money and can lend it to you."

Ying Li managed a wry smile, "Even if you lend it to me, how am I supposed to repay?"

Six hundred thousand! Even if he sold a kidney or blood, he couldn't repay it. Agreeing to the show was the quickest and easiest way to earn money. He felt fortunate to have this opportunity.

Shen Yao wanted to say he didn't need to repay, but he held his tongue. He knew Ying Li had his pride. Unless absolutely necessary, Ying Li wouldn't easily accept charity.

Ying Li was usually smiling, or perhaps, most of the time he wore a smile. With two little dimples on his cheeks and bright eyes, he had a healing aura. But at this moment, his brows were furrowed, his back slightly hunched, bending over as if he was a wounded cat, curling up and licking its own wounds.

An unprecedented feeling of pain welled up in Shen Yao's heart.

Ying Li's gaze gently swept across their faces. Seeing each person looking at him with deep concern, he felt as if the void in his heart had silently been filled.

Qi Xie stared deeply into his eyes, "Have you thought about how to explain the two hundred thousand?"

Ying Li looked up, with faint dark circles under his eyes.

He was at a loss for words. Suddenly having such a large sum of money would indeed be difficult to explain. Both Ying's mother and father were rather traditional at heart, and they might not approve of him appearing on a show.

"With the internet so pervasive now, it's impossible to hide," Zhang Shaoling pondered for a moment, "How about this? If you don't mind, I'll accompany you later and explain to your family."

Zhang Shaoling, ever considerate, went to the hospital with Ying Li in the evening.

Ying Tao had two close classmates visit her, bringing her homework and notes.

"We've noted the key points from each lesson for you. Just focus on getting better and don't worry about anything else."

"Teacher Zhang said we've already raised thirty thousand. Tao Tao, you'll get better. We're all waiting for you to return to class..."

Before she could continue, one of the young girls started crying.

"Li Sitong, why are you crying when Tao Tao isn't?"

Tears streamed down Li Sitong's face as she replied amidst sobs, "Huang Leyun, how can you even say that? You cried even harder than me outside."

Huang Leyun turned to glance at Ying Tao, her own eyes brimming with tears.

With so many people caring for and loving her, Ying Tao felt a warmth in her heart, as if the needle in her hand didn't hurt as much.

Seeing them cry even harder, she sighed and said, "I'm not dead yet, why are you crying? Cry when I'm gone."

Huang Leyun quickly interjected, "Nonsense! You're not going anywhere."

Ying Li, feeling helpless, raised his hand that was attached to the IV, "Are you going to keep crying? Do you want me to wipe away your tears? I don't have the strength right now."

"We won't cry anymore," Li Sitong quickly changed the topic, "Did you watch Number's concert? They trended several times; it was explosive."

Huang Leyun eagerly chimed in, "Yes, yes, especially their opening song. Someone even played the guitar like a pipa, it was simply unbelievable."

Ying Tao, pale-faced, shook her head, "Not yet. They took my phone away last week."

Li Sitong began rummaging through her backpack, "I brought my phone, want to watch?"

Ying Tao gave a slight nod, "Sure, let's watch."

Truthfully, she didn't find anything particularly interesting at the moment, but to put them at ease, she decided to join them.

Just as they started the video, someone walked in.

Ying Tao looked up and saw Ying Li, "Brother."

Huang Leyun politely greeted Ying Li, "Hello, big brother. We came to visit Ying Tao."

"Thank you," Ying Li recognized them and then asked, "Where are mom and dad?"

"Dad went out to look for a job, and mom went downstairs to buy some fruit," Ying Tao blinked and looked curiously at Zhang Shaoling who was behind her brother, "Brother, who's this?"

Zhang Shaoling placed the nutrition products he brought on the table and smiled warmly, "Hello, young lady."

"Hello," Ying Tao nodded slightly confused. She felt she recognized Zhang Shaoling, but couldn't recall from where.

Zhang Shaoling glanced between Ying Tao and Ying Li, noting how strikingly similar the siblings looked.

Just as Ying Li was about to call their mother, she rushed in. Upon seeing the formally dressed Zhang Shaoling, she hesitated, "Li, who is this?"

Turning his gaze, Zhang Shaoling was taken aback. Although Ying's mother was 43 and showed signs of age, with rough skin and wrinkles from years of exposure to the elements, her facial features were extremely delicate. It was clear she must have been quite the beauty in her youth. Truly, this family had exceptional looks!

Zhang Shaoling introduced himself proactively, "Hello, you must be Ying Li's mother. My name is Zhang Shaoling. Here's my business card."

Ying's mother took the card, puzzled as she read it, 'Huashang Entertainment Agent?'

She looked perplexed, "Mr. Zhang, why are you here?"

The trio quietly closed the door and moved to the hallway.

Taking a deep breath, Ying Li said, "Mom, I'm going to be on a show."

Ying's mother furrowed her brows, "Which show? Aren't you interning right now?"

Previously, Ying Li had only mentioned he'd found an internship but hadn't gone into details. He had always been responsible, and they trusted him. They hadn't pried much. Now, with his sudden announcement and the presence of Zhang Shaoling, Ying's mother felt something was amiss, her gaze towards Zhang containing a hint of caution.

Zhang Shaoling patted Ying Li's shoulder, "The situation is complex; let me explain."

Ten minutes later, after laying out the whole story, Zhang Shaoling showed Ying's mother the trending topics on Weibo as she rarely browsed the internet. He praised Ying Li, "Thanks to Ying Li, the concert was a success. Now, many are hoping to have him on their shows."

"But... does appearing on this show really earn that much money?" Ying's mother was skeptical.

Zhang Shaoling replied with a chuckle, "It's not just about the money; it's also a chance to gain fame."

Ying's mother was still suspicious. Their family had always been grounded and found it hard to believe in such windfalls. She pulled Ying Li aside and discreetly eyed Zhang Shaoling, "Li, do you think he might be a scammer?"

Ying Li gently rolled his eyes, "Mom, relax. Mr. Zhang isn't a scammer. He's been a great help. You'll see me on the show, and in the meantime, you can use this two hundred thousand."

The money in the bank account was tangible. With this amount, Ying Tao could at least get through the early stages of chemotherapy.

Ying's mother felt a pang of melancholy, wanting to pat her son's head, only to realize he had grown up.

As he was leaving, Zhang Shaoling took one last look at Ying Tao in her hospital room, "Young lady, get well soon. I believe in you. Stay strong."

It suddenly clicked for Ying Tao where she had seen Zhang Shaoling before, and she found it quite unbelievable.

After a moment of thought, she asked, "Are you... the manager for Number?"

Author's note:

Ah, I feel like I've lost everything, even my shorts! From today, I'm running bare! Usually, I update around this time.

(This punctuation bothers me so much! Why can't it be fixed!)