After Amnesia, I Learn I'm a Scumbag Top?! - Chapter 51

Chapter 51

“I still advise against withdrawing from the show,” Jiang Xuehua said, her tone grave. “I don’t know what’s driving this decision, but speaking from experience, nothing is more important than your career.” She had come to An Zhu’s company specifically to discuss Pei Ji’s situation, her expression and tone utterly serious.

Pei Ji stared blankly out the window, his eyes unfocused. After a long pause following Jiang Xuehua’s words, he nodded slightly, his reaction delayed.

Nearly a week had passed since signing the divorce agreement with Chu Tinghan, yet the divorce remained stalled. Divorce slots were in such high demand that even scalpers had pitifully few to offer. Even paying a premium meant waiting.

Jiang Xuehua’s voice faded into a blur in his ears, while the divorce weighed on his mind like an unraveling knot—too tangled to untangle, yet too frayed to cut.

Jiang Xuehua noticed his perfunctory nod, sensing he hadn’t truly absorbed her words. He had been distracted and detached since she entered the room.

She cleared her throat, attempting to bring him back to the present, but he remained unresponsive.

Turning to An Zhu with a questioning look, she hoped to glean some insight from her.

But An Zhu dared not reveal the truth, offering only a clueless smile in response.

Jiang Xuehua, at her wits’ end, could only turn to Pei Ji himself. “Aji, have you been facing some difficulties lately?”

Pei Ji startled, then composed himself, replying firmly, “No.”

Sensing his unwillingness to share, Jiang Xuehua, desperate to preserve their hard-won mother-son bond, dared not press further. With a resigned sigh, she said, “No matter how great your troubles, you absolutely must not withdraw from this show. Nothing is more important than your career.”

This time, Pei Ji finally heard her clearly.

To be honest, part of his initial decision to quit the show had stemmed from being infuriated by Chu Tinghan, desperate to sever all ties and never see him again.

But now, having calmed down, he realized he didn’t dislike Chu Tinghan that much. There was no need to take things to the point of lifelong estrangement. Besides, they shared Lucky—not exactly a child, but close enough—making complete separation difficult.

Moreover, both he and Chu Tinghan worked in the entertainment industry. The industry was neither vast nor small; their paths were bound to cross. Was he supposed to abandon his career because of Chu Tinghan?

That would be far too great a sacrifice.

Seeing his expression soften slightly, Jiang Xuehua asked, “Have you made up your mind?”

Pei Ji carefully weighed the pros and cons. Withdrawing from the show offered him no benefits beyond avoiding Chu Tinghan. On the contrary, it would delay the Program Group’s progress and waste the staff’s hard work—a clear case of more drawbacks than advantages.

He didn’t want his personal matters to interfere with other people’s jobs.

After a moment, Pei Ji said apologetically, “I was impulsive earlier. You’re right. I won’t withdraw.”

Hearing his change of heart, Jiang Xuehua’s face lit up with a relieved smile. She stood up and said to An Zhu, “President An, I won’t bother you any longer.”

Before leaving, she exchanged a few more pleasantries with An Zhu, who was so flattered and overwhelmed that she nearly forgot how to smile.

Jiang Xuehua was a true industry big shot, yet she had deigned to speak with a nobody like An Zhu. The whole thing felt utterly surreal.

Only after Jiang Xuehua’s car had driven away did An Zhu dare ask Pei Ji, “How do you know President Jiang? Are you close to her?”

Pei Ji replied nonchalantly, “We met by chance. We’re not very close.”

An Zhu: “……”

He might as well have stamped the word “dismissive” on his forehead!

Since Pei Ji refused to offer any information, An Zhu had to guess.

If she’s a friend, they seem too old. If she’s a relative, her appearance is too sudden. Could she really be the “next home” Pei Ji had lined up?

An Zhu hurried forward, catching up to Pei Ji. “Are you planning not to renew your contract with me?” she asked anxiously.

Pei Ji stopped in his tracks. “No.”

He was already overwhelmed by the divorce proceedings. He had no time to think about contract renewals.

But An Zhu didn’t believe him. Driven by pure curiosity, she asked, “What terms did President Jiang offer you?”

A company as powerful as hers must have offered him a huge sum, An Zhu thought, her eyes gleaming with anticipation as she watched him, eager to see what the world was like.

Pei Ji rolled his eyes and quickened his pace. “Nothing,” he said flatly.

“I don’t mean to pry, I’m just curious,” An Zhu persisted, doggedly pursuing him. After a few steps, she suddenly realized this might be considered prying into industry secrets. “If you find this offensive, you don’t have to answer…” she quickly added.

Pei Ji’s mind was already in turmoil. With An Zhu buzzing behind him like a persistent bee, his head spun even more. He stopped abruptly and blurted out, “She’s my mother.”

“What?!” An Zhu slammed on the brakes.

What?!

President Jiang is Pei Ji’s mother?!

An Zhu’s face was a mask of disbelief, her eyes nearly popping out of their sockets. She desperately wanted to ask if he was serious, but managed to restrain herself.

“P-President Jiang… President Jiang is your mother?” An Zhu asked, her voice trembling slightly. Afraid he was joking, she repeated the question for confirmation.

Knowing An Zhu as he did, Pei Ji was confident she wouldn’t gossip. If she confided in anyone, it would only be her cousin, Chu Tinghan. After all, his relationship with Jiang Xuehua wasn’t some deep, dark secret.

Pei Ji gave a noncommittal “Mm-hmm.”

An Zhu was stunned.

She had always assumed Pei Ji was just an ordinary artist with no connections or backing. Who could have imagined he was the crown prince of Huazhang Films?

But that doesn’t make sense. If Pei Ji had such powerful backing, why was he framed and forced to retire two years ago? And why didn’t he sign with Huazhang Films directly? Why come to her small agency instead? Surely he wasn’t slumming it for a taste of “real life”?

A loading circle seemed to spin endlessly above her head, still unable to resolve these questions after what felt like an eternity.

“Brother, Pei Ji agreed to return to the show!” An Zhu called Chu Tinghan the moment she got home from work that evening.

“Really?”

An Zhu’s voice was emphatic. “Of course! I was there myself and heard it with my own ears. It’s definitely true.”

Chu Tinghan was silent for a moment, then chuckled softly, a corner of his lips curling upward. “Didn’t you mention wanting a particular bag a few days ago?”

Normally, An Zhu would have been ecstatic at this point, showering him with praise like cheap cabbages tossed aside carelessly. But this time, she was as quiet as a chicken, not making a peep.

Thinking she hadn’t heard him, Chu Tinghan repeated, “What brand was it?”

An Zhu gave an awkward laugh, her voice barely audible. “…It has nothing to do with me.”

Chu Tinghan froze. “What do you mean?”

An Zhu stammered, “I just… I mean, Pei Ji not quitting the show has nothing to do with me. I didn’t even dare to speak up at the time…” Her voice trailed off, each word betraying her guilt.

Chu Tinghan pondered aloud, “Then who convinced him?”

Though phrased as a question, Chu Tinghan already had the answer he wanted to hear. Aside from Pei Ji’s manager, virtually no one could influence his career decisions. If An Zhu hadn’t persuaded him, then Pei Ji must have changed his mind on his own.

Since Pei Ji was willing to film the variety show with him, it meant he might not be as averse to contact with Chu Tinghan as he’d imagined. Could it be that Pei Ji didn’t truly despise him as much as he’d feared?

These thoughts filled Chu Tinghan with exhilaration, and he suddenly felt the future was bright. Even though they hadn’t finalized the divorce yet, remarriage seemed imminent.

No, wait—maybe I’ll win Pei Ji back before the divorce even goes through.

Just as Chu Tinghan was starting to fantasize about their next life together, An Zhu’s cautious voice broke his reverie. “President Jiang persuaded him.”

Chu Tinghan’s smile froze on his face. “President Jiang? Which President Jiang?”

Could it be the same President Jiang the private investigator photographed dining with Pei Ji?

At that thought, Chu Tinghan immediately sat up straight. Though alone in his bedroom, he inexplicably straightened his clothes and adjusted his appearance.

An Zhu thought, How many President Jiangs could there be in the entertainment industry? The most famous and influential one is the CEO of Huazhang Films, Jiang Xuehua, isn’t it?

Why is my brother asking such a simple question? Does he really not know, or is he just pretending?

An Zhu answered truthfully, “Naturally, it’s President Jiang Xuehua of Huazhang Films, the most powerful film company right now.”

Upon hearing this, the smile instantly vanished from Chu Tinghan’s face, his complexion darkening to a shade darker than charcoal.

For some inexplicable reason, Zhou Yingjie’s words from that day echoed in his mind: He’s already found a new home so quickly.

Impossible! Pei Ji isn’t that kind of person! Chu Tinghan rubbed his temples, telling himself to stop these absurd thoughts.

In a deep voice, Chu Tinghan asked, “Why would Pei Ji be in contact with her?”

A series of question marks floated above An Zhu’s head.

Jiang Xuehua is Pei Ji’s mother! Of course they’d be in contact! What kind of son doesn’t know his own mother?

What’s wrong with my brother today? Is he drunk and confused? But his voice doesn’t sound like it.

An Zhu thought for a moment, then cautiously asked, “Don’t you know?”

Unexpectedly, Chu Tinghan countered with his own question: “Should I know?”

Another spinning loading circle appeared above An Zhu’s head.

What’s going on here?

Her brother couldn’t possibly not know that Jiang Xuehua is Pei Ji’s mother, right?

Ah???

They’re getting divorced after just six months of marriage? And he doesn’t even know who his wife’s parents are?

An Zhu couldn’t believe it, suspecting Chu Tinghan was lying to her.

A moment later, Chu Tinghan asked again, “When did they meet?”

The loading circle above An Zhu’s head spun faster.

When did they meet? Probably since Pei Ji was born.

But judging by his tone, he really doesn’t seem to know the true nature of Pei Ji and Jiang Xuehua’s relationship.

An Zhu hesitated, unsure whether to reveal the truth.

Since Pei Ji clearly wants to keep it a secret, there must be a good reason. I shouldn’t meddle in their marital affairs.

Still, sensing her brother might be jumping to conclusions, she quietly reminded him, “Their relationship isn’t what you think.”

Beep-beep-beep— The next moment, Chu Tinghan, likely enraged, hung up.

An Zhu thought, I’m done for. Utterly done for.

I should have kept my mouth shut. Now it just looks like I’m trying to cover something up.

Despair washed over An Zhu. Can’t these two just sort out their feelings already? Being caught in the middle is exhausting, and it’s costing me years of my life.

Half an hour later, Pei Ji received a message from Chu Tinghan.

Chu Tinghan: I’m going to see Lucky.

At that moment, Pei Ji was preparing to take Lucky for a walk, attaching the leash.

Given his current sensitive position, he had to walk Lucky at times when the neighborhood was deserted—either early morning or late at night.

Pei Ji glanced at the time. It was already 10 PM. By the time Chu Tinghan drove over, it would be nearly 11 PM.

Too late, Pei Ji immediately typed a reply.

Junior Husband: Lucky’s getting ready for bed. How about another time?

But the very next second, Chu Tinghan initiated a video call.

The abrupt ringing startled Pei Ji, causing him to drop his phone.

The phone landed face-up, displaying Chu Tinghan’s face.

Coincidentally, the phone fell right next to Lucky’s paw. Curious, Lucky lowered his head to sniff at it. When he saw Chu Tinghan on the screen, he excitedly leaned in, nudging the screen repeatedly with his little nose—and somehow managed to answer the call.

Pei Ji: “……”

He tried to retrieve his phone, but Lucky’s massive head blocked his hand completely, refusing to let him take it back.

On the screen, Chu Tinghan immediately spotted Lucky’s round, puppy eyes and half of his fluffy head. “Lucky!” he called out.

Lucky barked excitedly twice in response.

Pei Ji couldn’t bear to watch any longer. He crouched down and, after a brief battle of wits, finally managed to wrest the phone back.

He turned the volume down, about to invent an excuse to end the call.

But Chu Tinghan beat him to it. “Didn’t you say Lucky was going to sleep? Why is he still wearing his leash?”

“He’s getting ready for bed,” Pei Ji said expressionlessly.

Knowing he was lying, Chu Tinghan cut straight to the chase. “Are you going to walk the dog? I’m almost there. Let’s go together.”

Who wants to go with him? Pei Ji thought, speechless for a moment.

He glanced down at Lucky, who was still wagging his tail and staring intently at the phone in his hand. Utterly helpless against the dog’s charm, he pondered for a moment before relenting. “Alright, fine.”

Ten minutes later, Chu Tinghan arrived at the foot of Pei Ji’s building. Just then, Lucky bounded gleefully out of the stairwell and sprinted over to him.

Chu Tinghan crouched down to stroke Lucky’s fur, glancing repeatedly into the stairwell. But the motion-sensor light had already gone out, and there was no sign of anyone following behind.

How come there’s only a dog, and no person?

Lucky circled him happily. While keeping Lucky company, Chu Tinghan didn’t forget to text Pei Ji.

Chu Tinghan: Why didn’t you come down?

Pei Ji: I’m tired. You can take off.

Chu Tinghan: But we agreed to go together.

Pei Ji: Aren’t you here to walk the dog? Does it really matter whether I come down or not?

Chu Tinghan: Yes, it does. Without you, Lucky won’t walk and won’t listen to my commands.

Pei Ji glanced down from the window. Chu Tinghan stood beside the dog, which sat obediently, panting with a happy expression.

Lucky was being unusually well-behaved.

Pei Ji’s lips twitched slightly.

Pei Ji: Then go run with him.

Chu Tinghan: ???

Is this still the Pei Ji I know?

Undeterred, Chu Tinghan sent another message.

Chu Tinghan: It’s so dark out here. What if Lucky gets lost?

Tired of this endless back-and-forth, Pei Ji replied:

Pei Ji: Chu Tinghan, I only agreed to let you see Lucky. Besides, weren’t you the one who said you just wanted to know where Lucky lived? If you’re not going to sneak away, I’ll call Lucky back.

Chu Tinghan glanced up and saw Pei Ji standing by the window, though the curtains obscured everything but his tall, straight silhouette.

It seemed as if Pei Ji could throw open the window at any moment and call Lucky back, leaving Chu Tinghan empty-handed and dogless.

Chu Tinghan sighed in defeat.

Fine, the little dog is pretty cute anyway. As for the guy upstairs… I’ll figure that out later.

He crouched down and cradled Lucky’s round head in his hands. “Clever Lucky, next time, can you bring your owner down with you too?”

Lucky grinned goofily, tongue lolling out.

Chu Tinghan couldn’t help but laugh and cry at the same time, unsure if Lucky had understood the weighty mission entrusted to him.