Marrying the Male Lead’s Disabled Uncle – Chapter 25

Pei Lang’s dry chuckle sounded like a bitter smile to Su Jia’s ears.

Letting go of Pei Lang, he patted him on the shoulder encouragingly.

“Come on, since you’re so down, I’ll reluctantly use my salary to treat you to a meal. But hurry up—the boss has more work for me.”

Pei Lang tapped Su Jia’s head lightly with his folding fan.

“Who told you I was unhappy?”

“You got rejected by Director Jin—how could you possibly be happy?”

Pei Lang finally smiled.

“And who told you that I was rejected?”

Su Jia froze, eyes widening. He stepped closer, scrutinizing Pei Lang’s face from every angle, trying to see if he was joking.

Seeing that Su Jia was almost convinced, Pei Lang didn’t keep him in suspense.

“Director Jin has decided to give me the role.”

“WHAT!?“

Su Jia was utterly shocked.

“You’re serious? Director Jin actually chose you?”

“Hmm~” Pei Lang allowed himself a moment of arrogance, stepping out of the lounge with Su Jia trailing closely behind, talking nonstop.

“How did you do it?!”

“Did you use some kind of black magic? That’s Director Jin we’re talking about! So many people in the industry tried for this role, and you were the one who got it?”

Su Jia’s excitement turned him into Pei Lang’s number one fan, showering him with endless praise.

“It’s not like that,” Pei Lang said modestly. “I just happened to be a good fit for the role. It’s not about winning or losing—everyone has their own acting style.”

In reality, Pei Lang had spent years honing his craft. His martial arts background and acting skills had secured the role—not some random stroke of luck.

But Su Jia was too hyped to listen.

He immediately called Yan Han to share the good news.

Yet, Yan Han’s response was completely indifferent—no excitement, no surprise.

Of course, he wasn’t happy.

He had deliberately chosen an impossible challenge, hoping Pei Lang would fail and give up on showbiz—so he’d obediently stay home like a good little fox in his care.

But this damn fox was smarter than expected.

Now, instead of staying put, he was going to be out in the world, filming, making a name for himself. Worse, they wouldn’t even see each other for months.

Who would give him massages to help him sleep?!

Yet, since the promise was already made, he couldn’t take it back.

Yan Han was gloomy.

Before Pei Lang had even left the audition building, Director Jin had already called Yan Han, raving about how he had recommended a great talent.

So when Su Jia called, Yan Han wasn’t surprised in the least.

After dropping Pei Lang off at the villa, Su Jia went back to work.

Knowing he’d have less time for music once filming began, Pei Lang posted an update on his platform:

“Not feeling well lately. Song releases will slow down, but I won’t stop creating.”

Instantly, his comments were flooded with fans concerned for his health.

“Take care of yourself!”
“You’re not young anymore—get regular checkups!”
“Eat properly and rest well!”

Seeing all the warm messages, Pei Lang suddenly felt guilty for deceiving them.

But there was no turning back now.

Since he was going to be busy, he decided to record a few more songs to surprise them later.

That afternoon, Pei Lang shut himself in his room, writing music.

He only came downstairs when Yan Han returned in the evening.

At dinner, Pei Lang was in a great mood.

But he could clearly sense that Yan Han was not.

The little figure on Yan Han’s shoulder looked reluctant, hugging the tiny fox tightly.

For a moment, Pei Lang had a crazy thought—

Is he actually reluctant to see me leave?

…No way.

He quickly dismissed the idea.

They were not that close.

They weren’t even really friends—just partners. There was no reason for Yan Han to feel any attachment.

In the original novel, their relationship had always been hostile. There had never been affection, let alone anything deeper.

Besides, Pei Lang saw himself as a very upright man.

He would never entertain such thoughts.

Yan Han barely ate and, as usual, said nothing during the meal.

After finishing, he stood up and headed upstairs, leaving only one sentence behind:

“Come to the study after dinner.”

Pei Lang, still hungry, shoveled a few more bites into his mouth before heading up as instructed.

The study door was open.

He knocked lightly.

“Mr. Yan?”

Yan Han, eyes downcast, continued sorting his documents. His cold aura filled the room.

“Congratulations.“

“Thank you, Mr. Yan, for your help,” Pei Lang replied sincerely.

Yan Han regretted everything.

“We’ve arranged an agent and an assistant for you. They’ll handle your contract negotiations and other matters. Look over the agreement carefully before signing.”

Even though he didn’t want Pei Lang to leave, he also couldn’t stand the thought of him struggling alone in the entertainment industry.

So, despite his frustration, he still made sure Pei Lang was taken care of.

Given Pei Lang’s previous reputation, he would definitely face trouble without proper support.

“Okay,” Pei Lang nodded, a little puzzled.

Mr. Yan is actually helping me?

Yan Han, noticing the confusion, immediately clarified with a cold face:

“I’m lending you these people. You’ll have to pay them back. Their salaries will be deducted from your acting fees.”

Ah…

He was covering up his kindness again.

Pei Lang chuckled. “Understood. Mr. Yan has already helped me enough. I’ll do my best in this role—I won’t let you or Director Jin down. I’ll bring honor to you.”

Yan Han didn’t respond.

Instead, he explained, “The drama has already started filming. The male and female leads have completed most of their scenes. You’ll be joining immediately after signing the contract. There’s not much time left.”

Pei Lang nodded in understanding.

“If you have any questions, ask your assistant or agent.”

A playful glint appeared in Pei Lang’s eyes.

“And if they can’t solve it, can I… ask Mr. Yan?”

Honestly, he had no intention of troubling Yan Han.

But seeing Yan Han’s sullen mood, he wanted to tease him a little.

Sure enough—

The tiny figure on Yan Han’s shoulder jumped up excitedly, pouncing on the little fox, hugging and stroking it affectionately.

Pei Lang nearly burst out laughing.

Looks like he’d guessed right.

Mr. Yan… really didn’t want to let him go.

Yan Han glanced at Pei Lang nonchalantly.

“I’m busy, but you can try.”

That was as close to a yes as he was going to get.

Pei Lang raised an eyebrow, smiling without saying anything. Yan Han then handed him information on the male and female leads, advising him to familiarize himself with the industry figures—it was always beneficial to know who he’d be working with.

A New Team & A Signed Contract

The next day, Pei Lang received a call from his new agent and assistant. After a brief introduction, he added them to a group chat, where the three quickly hit it off.

They were all around the same age, shared similar interests, and had no pretentious airs about them. The chat soon turned lively with discussions about everything from work to daily life.

Not long after, his agent arranged a contract review meeting.

Since Yan Han was backing him, there were no major issues with the contract—the terms were already very favorable. The pay was more than generous, and there was nothing that needed renegotiating. So, Pei Lang signed without hesitation.

Meanwhile, the production team had already finalized the makeup, hair, and costume designs for the second male lead. The only thing missing had been an actor to wear them.

Now that Pei Lang was officially cast, minor adjustments would be made to fit his features, but since they had anticipated an actor of unknown height and build, the costume department had already prepared everything except his specific outfits.

Their efficiency meant that filming could proceed without delays.

The crew informed him that he would join filming in two weeks and provided a complete script for him to study.

During this period, he also had to attend a character photoshoot.

Pei Lang’s Character – Wen Yan

Pei Lang’s role, Wen Yan, had two distinct personas:

1. A refined and gentle physician, respected within the martial arts world.
2. A twisted, power-hungry leader of the demonic sect, consumed by darkness.

His character posters featured two contrasting images:

• One as the noble doctor, draped in elegant white robes, exuding kindness and wisdom.
• The other as a fallen antihero, dressed in black, his gaze filled with cold madness.

When these posters were released on the official production Weibo, they sparked an online frenzy.

Most people loved the casting choice.

Fans of the original novel were thrilled, and even casual viewers praised the visuals.

Pei Lang’s expressive eyes and subtle micro-expressions in the posters showcased his ability to capture Wen Yan’s complex personality.

Unlike many villains in dramas, his “evil transformation” didn’t rely on gaudy makeup or exaggerated costumes—just a shift in gaze and expression was enough to convey the character’s descent into darkness.

The reaction was overwhelmingly positive… until people saw the actor’s name.

Online Backlash – The Internet Explodes

At first, netizens were praising the casting…

Then, someone noticed the official @ tag.

“Wait… Pei Lang!? Is this the Pei Lang I think it is!?”

Suddenly, the internet went ballistic.

Hate Comments Flooded In:

• “He looks like Pei Lang, but… way hotter than before? Are the casting directors blind? Why let him ruin my beloved Wen Yan!?”
• “Probably slept his way into the production. Ugh, my Wen Yan is doomed!”
• “Director Jin’s got standards, sure—but even he must’ve been bribed for this!?”
• “Do y’all seriously not remember how this man seduced his own brother’s boyfriend!? Disgusting!”
• “If I turn on my TV and see his face, I’d rather be born blind. Please, just fire him!”
• “I thought he was blacklisted! And now he’s ruining my favorite novel adaptation!?”
• “There should be a law against trash actors ruining literary characters! If one exists, I’m suing him!”

Even some male lead and female lead fans were furious:

• “My poor brother… Stuck acting alongside this guy? His career is over!”
• “As a female fan, I can’t stand the idea of my goddess having any scenes with him! I want to gouge out his eyes!“

Pei Lang scrolled through the hate-filled comments, his expression unreadable.

His heart was as calm as still water—completely unshaken.

He had anticipated this reaction.

And he knew… this was only the beginning.

Amidst the Hate, Some Voices of Reason Emerged

Though the hate was overwhelming, there were a few rational comments buried within the chaos:

• “Am I the only one who thinks Pei Lang’s eye acting is actually good…?” (Don’t attack me, I’m weak!)
• “You guys were literally praising him before realizing it was Pei Lang. Let’s just wait and see his actual performance.”
• “I trust Director Jin’s judgment. Even if Pei Lang is a disaster, the director and lead actors can still carry the show.”
• “Pei Lang, if you can actually act well, I’ll be your fan for LIFE. Even if you’re trash, I’ll polish you into GOLD!”

Pei Lang couldn’t help but laugh when he saw this last comment.

“Pfft—”

He nearly spit out his milk tea.

This netizen was hilarious.

An Afternoon with His Assistant

Across from him, Lu Lu, his new assistant, blinked in confusion.

“Brother Lang, what’s so funny?”

They were currently in a milk tea shop, sitting across from each other. A plate of cakes rested between them.

Since they’d be working closely together, they had arranged this casual meetup to bond and build teamwork.

“Nothing,” Pei Lang replied with a smirk. “Just saw an interesting comment.”

Then he took another sip of his milk tea, savoring the taste.

“Hmm~”

Back when he was in junior high, milk tea had just started becoming popular—but his strict father never let him have it often.

Now that he was an adult, he could drink as much as he wanted.

It was delicious.

“By the way,” he looked at Lu Lu, eyes sparkling, “is there anything else delicious? Recommend me something good.”