Marrying the Male Lead’s Disabled Uncle – Chapter 49

They ordered a split hot pot—tomato broth on one side and spicy red oil on the other. The vegetable rack was filled to the brim.

Pei Lang hadn’t brought his assistant, for fear they’d stop him from eating too much. He hadn’t had hot pot in ages. Though Aunt Lin’s cooking was amazing, hot pot was one of those things you just couldn’t pack into a lunch box.

While waiting for the broth to boil, a few cold appetizers were served to whet their appetites. The chilled food melted on the tongue with a rich, mellow taste. Pei Lang’s joy was visible—it wasn’t the kind of constant smile worn for show, but a genuine glow from within.

It was the same expression he wore every time he ate something delicious. Though the two leads were no longer surprised, they were still inexplicably drawn to it. Their initial wariness faded, and they relaxed, beginning to enjoy the food. Pei Lang’s lazy charm now carried a sense of boyish innocence—his contradictions making him equally attractive to both men and women.

Even the waiter who brought the food nearly tripped on the way out after seeing his expression.

“Teacher Pei, do you have any plans for your next film?” Zhong Yixiao asked. “I know a lot of directors and can recommend some to you.”

Zhong Yixiao always looked at Pei Lang with a bit of extra warmth. His naturally peach blossom eyes made him look gentle and affectionate, so Pei Lang didn’t notice the subtle difference in his gaze.

Pei Lang was the only one truly eating. The other two had to watch their figures and dared not touch anything too indulgent.

Since they couldn’t eat, they decided to chat instead.

“Teacher Pei is so talented—he really should leave more masterpieces for the industry,” Liu Ran added with sincere admiration.

“I don’t have anything lined up yet. I’ll wrap up my parts soon—earlier than you guys. Let’s talk again after the drama airs.”

He did have things to take care of. He needed to use this break to help push Pei Ziqing and Yan Xiuyuan together, finish the system-assigned mission, get that promise fulfilled, and help cure Yan Han’s legs.

“That makes sense. Once this drama airs, I bet directors will be lining up at your door,” Liu Ran said, not exaggerating in the slightest.

She truly respected Pei Lang’s acting skills.

For now, only the people in the crew knew Pei Lang’s true abilities. Director Jin had kept things tightly under wraps, so nothing had leaked. In the public eye, Pei Lang was still that problematic star who couldn’t act and had a terrible attitude. But once the show aired, people would realize just how wrong they were. Smart directors wouldn’t let go of someone so talented and good-looking. When that time came, Pei Lang wouldn’t need introductions—offers would flood in.

Liu Ran could already picture those haters getting thoroughly slapped in the face.

Pei Lang simply smiled, not saying much more.

While eating, he got a call from the orphanage director. He glanced at the others, then stood and apologized, “Sorry, I need to take this.”

There wasn’t really a quiet place except the private rooms, and the lobby was even noisier. So Pei Lang stepped outside to answer. “Director, is something wrong?”

“Xiao Lang, are you still filming? I hope I’m not disturbing you.” The director’s gentle voice was like a soft summer evening breeze—warm and soothing.

“No, filming’s done for today.”

Pei Lang’s return to acting had made waves online, and the director had clearly seen the news too.

“That’s good,” the director sighed in relief. “Xiao Lang, Xiao Chi’s biological parents came by a few days ago. They’ve taken him home. I didn’t want to disturb you, but while I was cleaning up today, I found his diary. It said the two of you made a birthday promise, didn’t it?”

“Yes,” Pei Lang replied softly. “His eighteenth birthday is coming soon. We promised to celebrate it together.”

“That day he left in a hurry and didn’t mention it to me. I’m obligated to protect his privacy, so I can’t tell you where he went or who took him in. But I didn’t want you to make a wasted trip, so I called to let you know.”

Pei Lang paused. The news came out of nowhere, but he understood.

This meant he wouldn’t be able to spend Xiao Chi’s birthday with him.

“Will you still give him a birthday present?” Pei Lang asked, something occurring to him.

“I raised him for over ten years—I won’t miss his eighteenth birthday. His parents weren’t too happy about it, but I insisted. I’ll send him a gift, though I won’t be allowed to attend in person.”

“Then I’ll prepare one too. Could you please help me deliver it? Even if I can’t be there, I want him to know I didn’t forget our promise.”

That was all he could do now.

Judging from the director’s tone, Xiao Chi’s parents sounded like difficult people. Pei Lang didn’t know what kind of life the boy was walking into, only that he hoped it would be a good one.

After all, they were his birth parents. They wouldn’t treat him badly… right?

With that thought, Pei Lang felt a little more at ease.

“Xiao Lang, when are you coming back to visit? The kids really miss you,” the director added. “They used to be satisfied listening to your songs online, but after seeing you perform live, it’s not enough anymore.”

Plus, Pei Lang’s uploads on the music platform had slowed down a lot since he started filming. There were only a handful of songs, played on loop. The kids never got tired of them, but they still longed for something new.

“I’ll have a long break after filming wraps up. I’ll come visit then.”

“Let me know ahead of time so I can prepare.”

“Of course.”

After hanging up, Pei Lang went back to the private room and resumed eating. He thoroughly enjoyed the meal. If not for the need to film the next day, he would’ve had a couple of drinks. Zhong Yixiao and Liu Ran got full quickly, so in the end, it was just Pei Lang eating. And he was loving every bite.

Meanwhile, over on Yan Han’s end, the mood was much grimmer.

“How’s it going? Any progress?” Qi Shaoheng asked eagerly, still brimming with curiosity.

But once again, Yan Han just frowned and shook his head. “No progress.”

“How could that be? Didn’t you study the book I gave you thoroughly?” Qi Shaoheng couldn’t believe it. “You didn’t hold back just to save face, did you? Let me tell you, when it comes to chasing your beloved, pride is nothing but fluff—going after your wife is the only real deal!”

Bringing up that book only made Yan Han’s mood worse. “The book you gave me was useless. I studied it thoroughly and did exactly what it said—but he didn’t react at all. He didn’t even get what I was trying to express.”

The food he, a dignified CEO, cooked with his own hands was fed to a dog.

He tried the wall-dong move—and Pei Lang thought he liked Su Jia!

“Maybe it was too subtle? Maybe he prefers more direct approaches?” Qi Shaoheng started to doubt. “How about this—I still have a few collector’s editions. They’re legendary, super effective, guaranteed results.”

“Why do I feel like the book you gave me was unreliable?” Yan Han was seriously questioning the methods now. “If someone used those tactics on me, I’d probably strangle them on the spot.”

“You don’t get it. You’ve never been in love, so of course you don’t understand the psychology behind it.” Qi Shaoheng explained like he was some love guru. “You’re the one pursuing, and he’s the one being pursued. Your perspectives are different. Besides, you’re a man—you’ve got everything. Those tricks won’t work on you; they’ll just make the other person look like a fool dancing for your amusement.”

With all this seemingly logical explanation, Yan Han wavered.

Qi Shaoheng continued, “Don’t worry, I’d never lead you astray. I finally see you like someone for real this time. If I could, I’d tie him up and throw him on your bed. If you really can’t make progress, I’ll fly back immediately and personally coach you on how to chase him.”

“No need. Don’t come back.” Yan Han rejected him decisively. “He’s too attractive. I’m afraid if you see him, you’ll start having evil thoughts.”

“Bro, wake up—I like men! Men!!” Qi Shaoheng roared in frustration. “And besides, whoever dares to snatch food from your bowl must be tired of living.”

“Oh? Then I definitely can’t let you come back.”

“You—”

“How’s the investigation going?” Yan Han changed the subject mid-sentence, forcing Qi Shaoheng to get serious.

“We found a lot of leads this time. That guy is hiding deep. We still haven’t located his exact hideout.”

“Put your gossiping aside and focus on the job.”

“I—” Qi Shaoheng pouted, but didn’t dare to argue. “So… do you still want those books?”

“Of course.”

“…” Qi Shaoheng choked up and had no more to say.

—

Meanwhile, the drama plot was progressing to the part where the male and female leads jumped off the cliff. Of course, they survived and unexpectedly came across a secret martial arts manual. They changed their identities, practiced martial arts diligently, and evaded the demonic sect’s pursuit. Having gone through life and death together, their bond only grew deeper as they endured hardship side by side.

After Wen Yan lost his sight, his temperament became increasingly volatile and irritable. He had to deal with the pain from the medication used to treat his eyes while also tracking down the whereabouts of Fu Zhixing and Qin Junru. The torment was endless.

Still, no matter what state Wen Yan was in, Pei Lang portrayed him flawlessly.

Especially his performance while blind—it was absolutely convincing. He could drop into character in an instant and hold that vacant, unfocused stare without blinking, truly appearing like he couldn’t see.

In the story, Wen Yan had always been a genius—whether in medicine or martial arts, he outshone others. To suddenly lose his sight was like being dragged from the clouds and thrown into the dirt. That loss filled him with hatred and fear. His pride crumbled, leaving behind an intensely sensitive and suspicious man who shunned all contact, despite his other senses remaining sharp.

Because he couldn’t see, he was constantly haunted by visions of Fu Zhixing and Qin Junru’s affection. It drove him mad.

Even Wen Yan’s father still doted on this disobedient son.

Despite his son’s lifelong contempt for his ruthless ways and his eventual rebellion, seeing Wen Yan suffer so much because of love both disappointed him and stirred a desire to hunt down the one who hurt his child and whip them to death.

The actor playing the cult leader was a seasoned veteran. Pei Lang’s acting held up perfectly in their scenes together—not a hint of awkwardness. The two talented actors fed off each other’s performances, creating amazing chemistry. Their scenes were often completed in one take. If there were any retakes, it was usually due to external reasons, never because of their acting.

Pei Lang had been working steadily for more than half a month. Some days he was so busy he only spoke to Yan Han for a few minutes before bed—and often fell asleep before finishing his sentence. This made Yan Han incredibly distressed.

Thankfully, the filming schedule was easing up. Director Jin, seeing how well Pei Lang had been performing, decided to give him three days off to rest and recharge.

In truth, Director Jin wanted to give him more screen time. Pei Lang was performing so well, it would be a shame not to showcase more. But he couldn’t risk stirring up trouble with Yan Han, so instead of squeezing out more scenes, he generously gave Pei Lang a mini vacation—to spend time with his lonely “wife.”

In Director Jin’s eyes, Yan Han was now like a resentful housewife, longing for his husband to come home.