Variety Show (2-in-1)
“Senior, Qingran has decided—I’m returning to Qingyun Sect tomorrow.”
After Lu Changtian left, Li Qingran knelt inside the hut, bowing deeply toward the roof.
She remained in that posture for a long time.
“I am not returning out of foolish attachment, nor because I still harbor gratitude toward Qingyun Sect or Chixiao Peak.
“They have become shackles on my cultivation path. I must sever them with my own hands to move forward and live up to your expectations, Senior.”
Her voice was firm, yet deep inside, she was waiting—waiting for the senior’s response.
Would he approve?
Or would he forbid her from going?
She had received too much kindness from him—if she chose now to return to Qingyun Sect, would he see her as an ungrateful betrayer?
Would he abandon her?
A long silence followed.
Then, finally—
Chen Huaian pressed the sound transmission talisman and spoke.
“The one who tied the knot must untie it. Since this began at Chixiao Peak, it must also end there.
“Handle it as you see fit—I believe in you.”
In the small hut, Li Qingran’s heart trembled.
A faint voice echoed in her ears—
[When the excitement fades, sorrow follows. Know the balance of gain and loss. Every cause has its effect—this is your burden to bear. Go now.]
She closed her eyes, savoring the meaning behind the words.
Then, when she opened them again—
her hesitation was gone.
Determination replaced it.
She bowed deeply.
“Thank you for your guidance, Senior!”
[Take this before you leave.]
Swoosh!
A flying sword materialized on the table—its scabbard was white as moonlight, its tassel red like fresh blood.
[This sword is called Suxian, a top-grade magical weapon. I saw that your original flying sword was broken—use this one to protect yourself.]
Li Qingran’s hands trembled as she picked up the sword.
Her vision blurred with tears.
She hugged the Suxian sword tightly.
Her voice was filled with unwavering resolve—
“Senior, I swear—I won’t disappoint you!”
An Unexpected Offer
Ring, ring!
Chen Huaian’s phone buzzed.
A random number.
Probably a scam call.
He frowned, declined the call, and muttered, “Where do these scammers keep coming from?”
Right now, his mind was occupied with bigger problems—like figuring out how to help Li Qingran survive tomorrow.
This damn pay-to-win game was bound to force him to spend money again, but…
He was broke.
Ring, ring!
The number called again.
Chen Huaian narrowed his eyes.
Oh? Persistent?
Fine.
If they wanted to waste his time, then he’d waste theirs!
He answered, preparing to give the scammer an hour-long lecture on life and ethics.
“Hello, Mr. Chen?”
“I am.”
“We’re from the outdoor variety show Laika Adventure. We’d love to invite you to participate!”
Chen Huaian’s smirk froze.
“…What?”
The voice continued—
“Our director saw your Mount Lushan vlog and was very impressed. We think you’d be a perfect fit for our program! Our show features popular young actresses and influencers participating in extreme outdoor challenges. It airs on Mango TV and has excellent ratings.
“Joining would boost your live stream audience and increase your fanbase—it’s a win-win!”
Chen Huaian’s expression turned serious.
He quickly searched for the show on his laptop.
It was real.
An actual outdoor reality show, known for sending celebrities on challenging hikes, survival missions, and extreme sports.
Not bad.
But…
Why the hell did they invite him?!
Curious, he checked his live stream stats.
And froze.
The vlog he casually edited had gone viral.
Hundreds of millions of views.
Over 7 million likes.
His fan count had skyrocketed to 270,000.
“Wait… am I famous now?!”
Scrolling through the trending topics, he saw—
“Mirage of Fengchan at Mount Lushan!”
Experts had already tried to explain away the phenomenon, claiming it was a rare atmospheric optical illusion—even linking it to a random drama crew in Shanghai.
“Bullshit. That ‘crew’ was clearly thrown together last-minute.”
The actor playing the emperor might have looked the part, but his aura?
Nowhere close.
Other trending topics focused on cancer awareness and inspirational stories.
“I get it now.”
Chen Huaian sighed.
His live stream wasn’t just about extreme sports.
It carried a message—fighting against fate.
Unlike most influencers who sought donations or sympathy, he simply lived life to the fullest.
In an era where people were numb to sob stories, his positivity stood out.
The variety show had spotted an opportunity—
A free ticket to viral fame.
Hah. Win-win, my ass.
“I don’t do variety shows.” Chen Huaian refused outright.
“I just want to spend my remaining time in peace.”
The person on the phone wasn’t fazed.
“Mr. Chen, if you had a chance to recover, wouldn’t you take it?”
“What if we paid you… 500,000?”
Chen Huaian’s pupils shrank.
“Five hundred… thousand?”
“Yes.”
“Just for one season. We shoot three episodes per quarter. Regardless of future appearances, you’ll be paid upfront.”
Chen Huaian’s heart pounded.
This was second-tier celebrity money.
Even rookie actors had to pay just to appear—and they were offering him 500k?!
“What do you think, Mr. Chen?”
Silence.
Then—
A grin stretched across Chen Huaian’s face.
“I think it’s fantastic. Send me the contract.”
A Harsh Reality
500,000 hit his bank account instantly.
For the first time in so long, a sliver of hope flickered in his heart.
Could he still fight this illness?
He rushed to his hospital.
The attending physician reviewed his latest scans.
The room fell silent.
Chen Huaian felt his stomach drop.
The doctor sighed.
“Young man… didn’t you say you made half a million?”
Chen Huaian’s voice was hoarse.
“Is there a cure?”
The doctor shook his head.
“Your cancer has spread beyond what we ever expected. The tumors have reached your brain.
“It’s like… your cancer cells suddenly received an unlimited supply of nutrients and went into overdrive.
“It defies all medical logic.”
His gaze softened.
“Young man, enjoy your time. Spend your money. Be happy.
“Live while you still can.”
