Marrying the Male Lead’s Disabled Uncle – Chapter 23

“Mr. Yan, have I caused you trouble again?”

“Glad you know.”

Pei Lang felt guilty for dragging Yan Han into yet another mess. After much hesitation, he finally broke the silence—only to be met with a cold and venomous response.

He sighed and followed obediently behind Yan Han. “He just mocked you. Why didn’t you fight back?”

Yan Han was sharp-tongued and, as the elder, held the upper hand. There was no way he would lose to Yan Xiuyuan in a battle of words. Even Yan Xiuyuan, for all his arrogance, feared his cold-faced uncle.

“I’m used to it.”

Yan Han’s voice was indifferent, unwilling to say more.

Pei Lang could practically picture a dramatic rich family saga unfolding. On the surface, Yan Xiuyuan respected his uncle, but deep down, he despised him. This was entirely in line with his character.

Sure enough, what a rebellious brat.

After today’s events, Pei Lang disliked the so-called male lead even more. He was far from the admirable character depicted in the novel—though, of course, there was always the possibility that this world was just a fanfiction spinoff.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Yan,” Pei Lang said after some thought. “Because of me, you were mocked again today. Now that he knows about our relationship, the whole world will eventually find out. People will laugh at you even more.”

“I don’t care.”

After getting into the car, Su Jia started driving. From the front seat, he once again cast Pei Lang an admiring look.

Pei Lang no longer had the energy to figure out why.

Sitting beside Yan Han, he could clearly sense that Yan Han was in a bad mood. The tiny figure on his shoulder was holding the little fox, its head drooping lifelessly—gone was its usual playfulness and spirit.

Yan Han rarely showed his emotions outwardly. He always maintained the same calm, unreadable expression. But Pei Lang had a special ability—he could sense emotions.

Today, Yan Han was in the worst mood Pei Lang had ever seen.

It wasn’t because of him, but because his own family had mocked his legs.

Yan Han was a proud man. His disability was the thing he cared about most. He could ignore the ridicule of outsiders, but when even his own family spoke of it with contempt, it was like having salt rubbed into a wound by someone he should have been able to trust.

Of course, this was just Pei Lang’s guess.

The original novel never detailed the entanglement between the male lead and his uncle. What it did describe was how the original owner kept causing trouble using Yan Han’s name—until the male lead finally retaliated, torturing him to death. Even after his death, Yan Han, who had later married a wife for good fortune, never regained the ability to stand.

For a brief moment, Pei Lang felt genuinely sorry for Yan Han. He almost reached out to pat his head in comfort but stopped himself.

“Mr. Yan, I have a bold idea.”

“Speak.”

“Let me enter the entertainment industry!”

This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision—he had always planned on this. His fitness training and martial arts practice had all been in preparation for it.

But the original owner had terrible acting skills. Worse, he had offended nearly the entire entertainment industry—actors, directors, producers. Nobody wanted to work with him.

Was Pei Lang joking about entering showbiz?

Yan Han’s brows furrowed as he glanced at him. His expression practically said, Are you dreaming?

Pei Lang quickly explained, “Look, now that Yan Xiuyuan knows about our connection, Pei Ziqing will find out soon. And once Pei Ziqing knows, the whole internet will know. You’ll be laughed at by countless people. I know you’re powerful, but can you silence every single netizen? Instead of letting them mock you, why not let me enter the entertainment industry and bring you honor?”

“If you just want me to pave the way for you and give you resources, just say it directly,” Yan Han cut through his reasoning in an instant.

Pei Lang coughed awkwardly.

Well, he wasn’t wrong…

The original owner had ruined his own career in the entertainment industry. Without backing, it would be extremely difficult for him to make a comeback.

Yan Han owned an entertainment company. Using his influence to reenter the industry was definitely the most efficient route. Of course, bringing honor to Yan Han was also part of the plan…

“Your acting skills are obvious to everyone,” Yan Han said bluntly. “You might be fine fooling people for a meal, but acting? Do you think the ridicule from netizens isn’t already loud enough?”

That was the original owner, not me…

Pei Lang grumbled inwardly.

“You just have to get me an audition. Whether the director picks me is another matter. I won’t debut as an artist under your company—I’ll earn my own reputation. If I fail, I’ll take full responsibility. Would that be acceptable?”

Yan Han didn’t respond immediately.

Pei Lang grew nervous. His gaze drifted to Yan Han’s shoulder, where the tiny figure had suddenly flashed a sly grin at the little fox.

For some reason, Pei Lang felt a chill.

Why do I feel like that little fox… is me?

Uh—Mr. Yan, please treat your fox kindly. Scaring it away wouldn’t be fun.

“Alright. I can introduce you,” Yan Han finally said. “But if the director doesn’t like you, just stay in the villa and don’t go anywhere.”

At that moment, the tiny figure on Yan Han’s shoulder pulled out a metal cage from nowhere and tried to lure the little fox inside. The fox hesitated at the edge, clearly reluctant.

Pei Lang shivered slightly.

He felt like he understood Yan Han even less than before.

That sinister smile of his… was he setting a trap?

But it didn’t matter. This was the only path Pei Lang could take right now. He had to give it his all. If he failed, he’d figure out another way next time.

“Thank you, Mr. Yan, for giving me this opportunity.”

A while later, the car arrived at the villa. Yan Han got out first, followed by Pei Lang and Su Jia.

Noticing Su Jia’s odd expression, Pei Lang finally asked, “Have you been having eye spasms lately?”

Since when did Su Jia keep looking at him like that?

Thinking back carefully, Pei Lang realized Su Jia had been giving him this strange look ever since Children’s Day.

“You’re really… something else,” Su Jia finally said, admiration evident in his tone. “Not only did you go head-to-head with Master Yan, but even the boss is under your control now. You do know that the boss never gives out personal recommendations, right? This is the first time he’s ever recommended someone for a role.”

The more Su Jia spoke, the more impressed he sounded—almost like he wanted to call Pei Lang big brother.

Pei Lang’s mouth twitched.

So this was what Su Jia was amazed by?

Also—who was using backdoor connections here?!

You’re the one taking shortcuts!

It was just an audition recommendation, not an outright funded role. Whether he got the part still depended on the director’s decision.

“I admit I was a bit loud with you before,” Su Jia said, suddenly all smiles. “From today on, I am your number one fan! Also, when you have time, please teach me some martial arts. I saw your moves the other day—they were so cool!”

He had completely transformed into a walking rainbow fart generator, pouring out admiration at full blast.

Pei Lang felt embarrassed.

“Oh… hehe~ Thanks for the compliment. You’re pretty great too.”

If possible, he would rather Su Jia just act normal again. The way he was looking at him now sent chills down Pei Lang’s spine.

Quickly, he caught up with Yan Han.

Aunt Lin had already prepared a table full of dishes. Pei Lang immediately rushed over and gave her a big hug.

“Aunt Lin, you’ve worked hard! Take a break, I’ll serve the soup for you!”

Yan Han glanced at him—this little fox sure knew how to sweet-talk people. Then he looked at Aunt Lin, who was so flattered she couldn’t stop smiling, before turning away and heading upstairs with Su Jia to the study.

Pei Lang was naturally likable and easy to get along with. Yan Han had originally planned to keep him in the villa, but now it was clear—the little fox was eager to explore the outside world.

Yan Han wasn’t the type to plead for someone to stay. But…

If Pei Lang wanted to leave, he’d just have to set up a little test.

“Director Jin hasn’t cast the second male lead for his latest martial arts drama yet,” Yan Han said, tapping his fingers on the desk. “I’ll ask him for a script.”

“Boss, are you recommending Pei Lang for the second male lead?” Su Jia asked in surprise. “But Director Jin has insanely high artistic standards. Even if you recommend him, if Pei Lang isn’t suitable, he won’t get the role.”

“Of course, I know that,” Yan Han replied. “If you can’t even impress Director Jin, you have no business being in the entertainment industry. Likewise, anyone chosen by Director Jin won’t have a hard career ahead of them.”

He had never wanted Pei Lang to enter showbiz in the first place.

So, rather than outright refusing him, he’d just push him towards an impossible audition.

Su Jia had no idea what his boss was plotting. She just wanted to cry for Pei Lang.

Boss, you know Pei Lang’s acting skills. How could he possibly be chosen by Director Jin? Even top-tier actors struggle to get a role in his productions!

But despite her inner complaints, Su Jia quickly went to handle the matter.

That evening, Pei Lang received the script for the second male lead in a martial arts drama.

He checked the production details—it was a big project. A high-profile adaptation of a bestselling martial arts novel, with a renowned director and a stellar cast of talented, well-known actors.

Getting a script like this was like having gold rain down from the sky.

Moreover, this was a true martial arts series—the first of its kind in this world.

All the other roles had already been filled except for the second male lead, a character known for his complex personality and intense action scenes. Director Jin had been struggling to find the right fit because the role required both exceptional looks and outstanding acting skills.

Yan Han had recommended someone.

As an investor in many of Director Jin’s works, Yan Han had never recommended an actor before. So, for him to personally make an exception… naturally, Director Jin was very curious.

The audition was in three days.

Pei Lang threw himself into preparation.

He read the script from cover to cover and studied the novel twice. He carefully analyzed the key characters and their dynamics.

This was an excellent drama—one that he genuinely liked. He had to get this role.

If adapted properly, the novel’s breathtaking action scenes would make the show an instant hit.

And yet, strangely…

Despite what happened earlier, nothing about his connection to Yan Han had been leaked online.

Pei Lang had mentally prepared himself to be ridiculed by the entire internet. He had even rehearsed how to respond. But, unexpectedly, everything remained completely calm. Not a single rumor spread.

“Are you ready for tomorrow’s audition?” Yan Han asked later that night.

“I’m ready.”

As he spoke, Pei Lang moved his hands to massage Yan Han’s other leg. He looked energized, his eyes full of anticipation.

Yan Han, however, didn’t have the heart to crush that excitement.

But at the same time, Pei Lang was his personal massage machine—his human sleep aid. He wasn’t ready to let him go yet.

He had no desire to enter the entertainment industry, but he knew how ruthless it was. Pei Lang was about to be crushed by reality.

Thinking about how Pei Lang would likely return home dejected tomorrow, Yan Han mercifully decided not to work overtime for once. He’d come back early and bring him something nice to eat.

According to A Guide to Raising Foxes, if you wanted a little fox to grow attached to you, you had to buy it snacks and stroke its fur for comfort.

“Let Su Jia accompany you tomorrow.”

“Isn’t she your assistant? I can go on my own,” Pei Lang replied.

“You think I only have one assistant?”

Pei Lang: “…”

Fine.

When he became famous in the future, he’d hire two assistants just to flex.

Under Pei Lang’s hands, Yan Han’s legs, which hadn’t seen the sun in years, turned slightly red from the massage.

“Mr. Yan, your legs already hurt in the summer. Won’t it be even worse in the fall and winter? How do you normally deal with it?” Pei Lang asked.

“I endure it.”

These legs couldn’t walk, and while they were numb to the touch, the pain never faded. Every few days, it was like reliving the car accident all over again.

Massages, hot baths, medication, and injections—none of them were real solutions. He had tried painkillers, but they only hurt his body and made him feel like a pathetic man who needed drugs just to get through the day.

Superstition was a strange thing.

Pei Lang’s massage technique wasn’t particularly professional, yet it had somehow worked.

Ever since Pei Lang started massaging him, the unbearable pain hadn’t returned once.

That was precisely why Yan Han didn’t want him to leave.

The moment Pei Lang started filming, he could be gone for months at a time.

And if Yan Han let him go…

That would mean letting go of the only person who could ease his pain.