Traveling Through the Book and Becoming a Cub Among the Villains - Chapter 1

Ye Qingxi sat at the computer desk, looking at the computer in front of him. There was an email on it.

[Hello Mr. Ye,

I am the director and screenwriter of the ‘Winter Sun’ crew. I’m not sure if you’ll be able to see this email, but if by any chance you do, I kindly ask you to consider it. Thank you!

The script for ‘Winter Sun’ is the most meaningful piece I have written in the past three years, and also my personal favorite. At one point, I truly believed that no one could portray the protagonist, Xiang Dong, until I happened to see your brilliant performance in ‘Elegy’

In that moment, I was absolutely certain, you are the only one who can bring Xiang Dong’s soul to life.

A few months ago, I sent the script and the role contract to your parents, but I never received a response. I should have given up, but my desire to bring ‘Winter Sun’ to the big screen is too strong. And if ‘Winter Sun’ is to be made into a film, then Xiang Dong can only be played by you.

You may take a look at the script first. If you feel there are any parts that need improvement or revision, I am more than willing to make changes for you.

If you agree to take on the role, the entire production team will do everything possible to accommodate you. While the remuneration may not be comparable to that of big-budget films, in every other aspect, whatever you need, I will do my utmost to provide.

After much deliberation, I decided to take the liberty of sending you this email.

Please, please, please take a look at the script. I look forward to your response.

Finally, I wish you good health and all the best. I also want to wish you a wonderful life and an even more exciting journey as you step into your upcoming 18th year!

He Xiaomei]

Ye Qingxi has already read the script of this drama.

It must be said that the writing is very good, with the author’s sincere love for the character expressed in every word.

Before Ye Qingxi had even finished reading the whole story, he had already fallen in love with this character and the script that the screenwriter had carefully crafted.

He wanted to act in the drama, but…

“Did you hear that? The film ‘The Legend of Lan Cang’ offered 100 million yuan in salary! 100 million yuan!”

“So what? I have already discussed ‘Chasing the Wind’ with the producer before, and the salary of ‘Chasing the Wind’ is 70 million yuan, about 100 million yuan.”

“How come it’s almost enough! 30 million! At least with 30 million, I can buy 3 bags!”

“Shall I buy it for you? ‘Chasing the Wind’ is what I promised a long time ago, and if I say no at this time, won’t it slap me in the face?!”

“That’s because they aren’t sincere enough, Xiao Xi is so popular. If they were really sincere, they should have done the same as in ‘The Legend of Lan Cang’. They gave you 100 million, but you can’t even take out 100 million. And you still want my son to act in their TV series? Dream on!”

“Anyway, I’ve already said it, Xiao Xi must go to ‘Chasing the Wind’!”

“Don’t even think about it, it must be ‘The Legend of Lan Cang’.”

“Chasing the Wind!”

“Legend of Lan Cang!”

“I want to go to ‘Winter Sun’.” Ye Qingxi couldn’t stand it anymore, so he opened the door and looked at his parents arguing outside.

Father Ye and Mother Ye turned around in surprise and asked, “Xiao Xi, are you awake?”

“Hmm.” Ye Qingxi nodded.

He had been awake for a while—he just didn’t want to come out.

“Then come here quickly and sign these photos. You have no idea—your uncle’s son, Xuan Xuan, just couldn’t keep his mouth shut. He accidentally let it slip at school that you’re his cousin. His classmates didn’t believe him, so they made a bet. They said if you were really Xuan Xuan’s cousin, he’d definitely be able to get your autograph. If he got it, he’d win; if not, he’d lose. You know your uncle only has this one child. Xuan Xuan cried so much at home that he wouldn’t even eat, insisting on getting your autograph. Your uncle was so anxious that he sent these photos overnight. Just sign them for him, okay?”

“Your family has so many things to do.” Father Ye snorted, “Then why doesn’t my sister’s Ting Ting have all this trouble?”

Mother Ye let out a cold laugh. “Of course, Ting Ting doesn’t have these issues, because your sister takes care of everything for her. Every time Xiao Xi endorses something, she comes running to ask for it. One set isn’t enough, she needs a whole year’s supply. How would her daughter even get the chance to ask for anything herself?”

“Those are all gifts from the brands anyway. They just take up space, so might as well give them to my sister.”

“How do they take up space? Can’t I sell them to someone else?”

“How much money could you even make from that? It’s better to just give them to my sister!”

“Give your sister everything. Why don’t you just give your sister the money!”

“Where is the contract for ‘Winter Sun’? I want to take a look.” Ye Qingxi said calmly.

“What is ‘Winter Sun’?” Mother Ye looked at him with confusion.

“He Xiaomei’s movie, she sent you the script before.”

Mother Ye thought about it but couldn’t remember.

“I forgot. But that’s not important, Mom has already chosen what your next movie will be, it’s ‘The Legend of Lan Cang’. The director is amazing. The last historical drama he directed was a huge hit. So, if you take this role, you’ll definitely become even more popular.”

“Oh, give me a break! In ‘The Legend of Lan Cang’—Lan Cang is obviously the female lead! Xiao Xi is so popular right now, and you want him to play the male lead in a drama that revolves around the female protagonist? All just for that 100 million? Do you have any idea how much that would hurt his career?!”

“Xiao Xi,” Father Ye looked at him, “listen to Dad. You should still take ‘Chasing the Wind’. In ‘Chasing the Wind’, you’re the male lead, and the whole story revolves around you. Isn’t that better than being in a drama where the female lead takes center stage?”

“Oh, please,” Mother Ye glanced at him. “Chasing the Wind’s director isn’t even worth mentioning. The last installment only got a 3.4 rating on Huaban.com. What good work can they produce?”

“’The Legend of Lancang’ has ten screenwriters! And on top of that, Xiao Xi is only the second lead. He’s already won the Golden Rose Award for Best Actor—he’s a film emperor! And now you want him to play second fiddle to some newbie actress who’s never even been in a movie? Will he be able to stay in the film industry after this?”

“What’s so good about the film industry? It doesn’t make as much money as the TV drama industry. I wanted him to stop making movies a long time ago. Besides, what’s wrong with being the second lead? Money is the real thing. 100 million, the first lead is not even as much as our Xiao Xi salary!”

Ye Qingxi listened in silence, feeling that all too familiar wave of nausea creeping up on him once again.

Ever since he was saved from his suicide attempt years ago, waking up in the hospital to the sound of his parents’ fierce arguments—feeling nauseous but unable to throw up—every time he heard them fight like this again, that same sickening feeling would return.

Ye Qingxi knew that his mental state wasn’t healthy. He might be sick—no, he was probably already sick. But his parents didn’t know, and they didn’t care. And as for Ye Qingxi himself, he had no desire to seek treatment.

So, on the surface, he looked just like a normal person.

“I want to act in ‘Winter Sun’.” Ye Qingxi repeated.

“Who knows what that contract even looks like?” Mother Ye said indifferently. “Besides, it’s already been decided—your next project is ‘The Legend of Lancang’.”

“It’s ‘Chasing the Wind’.”

“The Legend of Lancang!”

“Chasing the Wind!”

Ye Qingxi, “…”

Ye Qingxi turned around and walked toward the entrance.

Today is his birthday, his 18^th birthday, but it is obvious that his parents don’t care.

But it’s okay. Ye Qingxi thought. After turning 18, he will be an adult and won’t need a guardian to make decisions. He can make his own decisions and do what he likes according to his own ideas.

But, in the next second, he suddenly realized his parents weren’t just his parents, they were also his agents.

So, he still couldn’t escape them. Whatever project he wanted to take, whichever endorsement he wanted to accept—he still needed his parents’ signatures.

Ye Qingxi felt nauseous again.

He opened his mouth and took a deep breath, then slowly closed it again.

“Where are you going?” He heard his mother’s voice, “You have a performance at your birthday party tonight. Did you forget?”

Of course, Ye Qingxi hadn’t forgotten. He just wanted to temporarily get away from this place that made it so hard for him to breathe.

“I’m going to buy a cake.” He replied, “I want to eat cake, have you bought it?”

Mother Ye, “…”

Of course, Mother Ye hadn’t bought one. She had so many things to handle every day, how could she have time to worry about something as trivial as buying a cake?

She looked at her husband, and it was obvious that he didn’t remember either.

“Oh, why don’t you just let Xiao Wang buy it?” Father Ye said indifferently.

“No need.” Ye Qingxi had already known they hadn’t bought one.

He wasn’t disappointed—he had long since stopped feeling disappointment, let alone sadness or pain.

“I’ll go by myself.”

“Why do you have to go yourself?”

Mother Ye didn’t understand. Back when they had no money, they had no choice but to do everything themselves.

But now that they are wealthy, they should let others handle these things, why not make life easier for themselves?

“Let Xiao Wang go instead. In the meantime, you can sign those autographs.”

Ye Qingxi didn’t say a word. He changed his shoes and walked out the door.

He didn’t bring a driver. With only a mask and a hat, he silently walked out of the villa district.

The sun wasn’t too strong, and a gentle breeze occasionally swept by, sending a few leaves fluttering to the ground.

Ye Qingxi watched as one of them landed on his shoe. It was clearly a vibrant green, yet it had already lost its life.

Maybe that wasn’t so bad, Ye Qingxi thought, this way, it wouldn’t have to endure the scorching sun or the relentless wind and rain anymore.

He carefully picked up the leaf and tucked it in his pocket.

Ye Qingxi walked to a cake shop far from home.

He hadn’t intentionally chosen this place. He only remembered he was supposed to buy a cake when he happened to reach this street.

Today was his birthday, he should have at least a piece of cake.

So, he took out his phone and searched for the nearest cake shop.

Since he hadn’t pre-ordered, he could only choose from the cakes that were already made in the store.

Ye Qingxi stood by the glass display for a long time before finally choosing a mango cake.

He paid, took the cake, and was about to leave when the shop owner hesitated for a moment before asking, “Are you Ye Qingxi?”

Ye Qingxi hadn’t expected to be recognized, even though he was wrapped so tightly.

He smiled, shook his head, and changed his voice slightly as he replied to her, “No, I’m not.”

“I’m sorry, I’m a fan of his. You look so much like him. When I saw your figure and appearance, I thought you were him. But your voice is a little different.”

After that, the cake shop owner took out another small mousse cake from the display cabinet and put it in the box.

“This is for you. Today is his birthday, and since you happen to look like him and came here to buy a cake, let’s consider it fate.”

Ye Qingxi looked at her with gentle eyes.

Many times, Ye Qingxi felt that the reason he was still alive—the reason he hadn’t attempted suicide again after being saved, was because of these lovely fans.

The world often looked down on young boys and girls who idolized celebrities, calling them brainless, foolish, crazy, or laughable.

But to him, they were like a ray of light.

Though sometimes that light would become unfamiliar, turning murky, oppressive, and suffocating, making it hard for him to breathe—most of the time, when they loved him, they were the warmest, brightest sunshine, giving him the strength to keep living in this world.

“Thank you,” Ye Qingxi said.

He took the mousse cake from her and then asked, “Do you have a pen?”

The cake shop owner blinked, not quite understanding why he was asking, but she still nodded and handed him a gel pen.

Ye Qingxi thanked her again, took the pen, and turned around. On the cake box, he carefully signed his name.

Then, he handed the pen back to the shop owner.

He was tall, and with his back turned, the shop owner couldn’t see what he was doing.

“You’re welcome,” she said with a smile as she took the pen back.

Ye Qingxi smiled at her in return, then turned and walked toward the door.

Five minutes later, while restocking desserts in the fridge, the cake shop owner absentmindedly looked up and suddenly noticed something on a table near the door.

Frowning in confusion, she walked over and realized it was the mousse cake she had given away just minutes ago.

“What happened? Did he forget it? Or… did he not like it?”

Feeling slightly disappointed, she picked up the box only to suddenly spot the signature on the side.

It was three words she knew all too well—Ye Qingxi.

The handwriting of the signature was identical to the one on the poster hanging in her home!

The cake shop owner nearly screamed in excitement, but then she noticed a line of text above the signature:

[Thank you for the cake, today is my birthday. This is for you.]

In an instant, she pushed open the door and looked around frantically.

But that familiar figure was nowhere to be seen.

She knew it, there was no way she could have been wrong!

She had liked him for so many years, even when Ye Qingxi was caught in endless scandals, when the whole world cursed him, wishing for his downfall—she still believed in him, supported him, and liked him.

How could she possibly have been wrong?!

Meanwhile, on the other side, Ye Qingxi was carrying his cake, preparing to cross the street.

As the traffic light turned green, his phone rang at the same time.

Ye Qingxi didn’t answer it.

It was his mother’s custom ringtone.

Ye Qingxi had set special ringtones for both his parents, not so he wouldn’t miss their calls, but so he could deliberately ignore them.

He walked lightly, almost carefree.

He knew there was a park not far ahead—quiet, with few people and plenty of trees.

He could go there, sit alone, and take his time eating his cake.

He had planned it all so well—no interruptions, no noise. Just quiet, peace, and his 18th birthday cake.

But all of that was shattered by a car that suddenly sped toward him.

The cake flew from his hands.

His body was flung into the distance.

Blood slowly began to seep from the back of his head.

Ye Qingxi stared up at the sky.

It was so blue, as blue as the carefree sea.

Very good. He was finally going to the sea.

Ye Qingxi slowly closed his eyes.

No resentment, no anger—only peace and relief.

Perhaps, even a sense of liberation.

At last, he no longer had to force himself to keep going.

Author’s Note:

Xiao Xi: Great.

Xiao Xi, who found out that he was not dead and had traveled through the book: Not good.

I have started a new story. Previously, I wrote stories about raising a child from the perspective of a father, so this time I want to try to write a story about raising a child from the perspective of a child. Because Xiao Xi was only five years old when he traveled through time, the focus in the early stage was on family affection, the group pampering the child, and the grandfather, father, uncle, aunt, and uncle all loved the bottom. During this period, the top and the bottom were childhood sweethearts. Later, when they grew up and were both over 18 years old, they fell in love. The top is Qin Cheng, and it is written in the protagonist column. I am a bad writer, and I really can’t find a place to add the copywriter, so I gave up [covering my face]. There shouldn’t be anything else. If you like it, you can collect it. Collect this book, and it’s better to collect me. Thank you~