Chapter Eighty: Radiant Brilliance

Zhou Ze greeted Jiang Hu warmly, “Jiang Hu, come over here. Miss Mo has come especially to see you today.”

Jiang Hu’s expression revealed nothing, but he smiled gently. “Nian Nian, you’re here.”

Mo Nian Nian immediately put on a new face, overjoyed. “Brother, you came so quickly. I missed you so much.”

Jiang Hu’s smile remained gentle. “I missed you too.”

Mo Nian Nian had spent quite some time with Jiang Hu, especially in the previous small world. At first, Jiang Hu liked to bury all his words deep within his heart.

Mo Nian Nian had developed a unique skill for reading minds.

Judging from Jiang Hu’s expression, he was clearly annoyed and disgusted, yet he had to pretend to be gentle.

Ha! Even he had a day like this.

Mo Nian Nian suddenly threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around Jiang Hu. “Really? I’m so happy. Brother, I missed you so much I couldn’t eat or sleep. Now I finally get to see you.”

Jiang Hu’s body stiffened, a dark light gathering in his black eyes. He forced out an “Mm.”

Zhou Ze was delighted to witness the scene. With benevolence, he said, “Jiang Hu, Miss Mo really likes you. You should accompany her well these next few days.”

Jiang Hu’s gaze instantly darkened. He knew exactly what Zhou Ze meant by those words.

He should have anticipated this. From the moment he stepped into this circle, or rather, from the moment he signed that agreement with Zhou Ze—the demon—he should have known this day would come.

Unfortunately… he still couldn’t convince himself to accept it.

He lowered his eyes, hiding the darkness within. “Yes.”

Mo Nian Nian, feeling pleased, pulled Jiang Hu toward the door. “Brother, let’s go. These next few days, you belong to me.”

Her words reminded Jiang Hu of those patrons.

Greasy and repulsive.

Yet, compared to them, at least she was young and beautiful. Wasn’t he gaining something?

Jiang Hu chuckled self-mockingly.

[Male lead’s malice +1, current malice value: 92.]

The system sighed deeply. [Host, you’ll have to figure this out yourself.]

He’d given up struggling.

Mo Nian Nian thought, […Why panic? It hasn’t reached its peak yet.]

This dog of a male lead, truly dog-like—before, he was desperate, now, her closeness only increases his malice. Tsk tsk.

His disgust for her must be nearing its limit. Mo Nian Nian began preparing for the next step.

She opened the door of her custom pink sports car. “Brother, let’s go.”

---

Jiang Hu was silent for a moment. “Nian Nian, I’m sorry. I have something very important today. I’m shooting an advertisement, and it’s crucial for me.”

He held his breath, uncertain what he was hoping for.

Mo Nian Nian patted the car door. “Then get in. I’ll take you there.”

Jiang Hu’s eyes widened slightly, surprised.

Mo Nian Nian was determined to play the role of a devoted fan to the end. She smiled with curved eyes, her voice syrupy sweet. “I love seeing my brother shine on stage.”

Her eyes were limpid, clear as a spring, reflecting his figure. Jiang Hu was momentarily dazed, but quickly collected himself, nodding slightly. “Thank you.”

“There’s no need for such formality between us, brother!” Mo Nian Nian’s voice became even more coquettish, almost sickeningly sweet.

Jiang Hu found it hard to respond, so he remained silent.

He had been summoned by Zhou Ze’s call, interrupted from shooting a major luxury brand’s advertisement.

That advertisement was a hard-won opportunity for Jiang Hu. For it, he had drunk so much at dinner he nearly suffered a gastric hemorrhage.

In truth, all his resources, everything he had, had been fought for.

From the start, he knew Zhou Ze’s intentions. Zhou Ze cared only for his looks.

Zhou Ze had always wanted to send him to someone else’s bed.

If he hadn’t become popular, giving Zhou Ze a reason to value him, he would have long since been ruined.

He didn’t want to let go of this chance.

Because Jiang Hu had to leave abruptly, the advertising team’s faces soured. They were, after all, staff from a top-tier luxury brand. Many begged for the chance to work with them, and now Jiang Hu, newly famous, was acting like a diva?

They were done serving him. They began packing up their equipment.

Jiang Hu rushed in, and the staff pulled long faces.

He bowed his head, apologetic. “I’m truly sorry. I hope you’ll give me another chance.”

He greeted each with a forced smile. Mo Nian Nian watched, feeling uncomfortable.

After all, Jiang Hu had accompanied her through two worlds. When did anyone have the right to bully him?

Mo Nian Nian decided… to win them over with money.

She immediately began handing out cash, so lavishly that no one dared show Jiang Hu a sour face.

Anything solvable with money was no trouble; Mo Nian Nian had plenty of cash to spare.

Jiang Hu’s eyes flickered, and he thanked her again. “Thank you.”

“There’s no need to be so distant, brother. Keep it up—I believe in you~”

---

Mo Nian Nian spoke to others in a normal tone, but whenever she faced Jiang Hu, she adopted an overly sweet, cloying voice.

Anyone who heard it wished she’d stop talking at once.

The little bit of warmth Jiang Hu felt was quickly extinguished.

Expressionless, he went backstage to touch up his makeup.

Once Jiang Hu stepped onto the stage, his entire aura transformed—like an unsheathed blade, his brilliance unrestrained.

In that moment, Mo Nian Nian seemed to see the light in his eyes.

Radiant.

Jiang Hu was born for the stage. Mo Nian Nian had to admit, on stage, Jiang Hu was captivating, irresistible.

He truly loved the stage, she thought. Mo Nian Nian resolved: she would make him a superstar!

Her eyes shone, fixed unwaveringly on Jiang Hu.

He happened to catch her gaze, his movements pausing. His thoughts drifted—she really did seem to like him.

But, if she learned the truth about him, would she still like him? A mocking expression clouded Jiang Hu’s eyes.

The finished advertisement was stunning, earning endless praise from those present. They showered Jiang Hu with compliments, but he remained composed, unaffected.

Offstage, he was less sharp and flamboyant, his aura subdued—gentle as jade, aloof and independent.

Such a person not becoming famous was simply an affront to fate.

“All right, may I take him away now?” Mo Nian Nian interrupted the group.

Everyone’s eyes lit up at the sight of Mo Nian Nian—the embodiment of fortune. “Of course, Miss Mo, please.”

Mo Nian Nian led Jiang Hu out. As soon as she turned to face him, she switched back to her syrupy voice, her flattery surpassing even the others.

She nearly praised Jiang Hu as a god unparalleled in heaven and earth.

Truthfully, hearing her speak like this for long wasn’t totally unbearable.

Jiang Hu listened quietly.

“Brother, with your talent, have you thought about changing companies? Yours is so unreliable, it treats you terribly.”

Mo Nian Nian listed all the injustices Jiang Hu had suffered since his debut. The original host cared deeply for him; these details were as familiar as the back of her hand.