Chapter 17: The Comments Section Explodes

As soon as it was released, it quickly drew attention, but the comments were hardly friendly!

"Is the streamer mentally unstable? If something's wrong, go get help and stop bothering people. Unfollowed!"

"This kind of hype is just shameless and bottomless. I've reported it, no need to thank me."

"Does this streamer have an IQ problem? What benefit does this bring? It’s like there’s a hole in his brain!"

"Is humiliating others really fun? Didn’t your teachers ever teach you about honor and shame? Truly incomprehensible."

...

Watching the comments rapidly surge past a hundred in no time, Su Chen couldn’t help but think from the bottom of his heart that playing out a script to grab eyeballs was the only way to garner traffic.

Though the vast majority were negative, filled with insults, Su Chen didn’t care at all—after all, his accompanying caption invited criticism; it was only natural.

At this moment, Su Chen’s focus was nowhere near those abusive comments. Instead, he was gleefully watching his “anger points” climb sharply.

Though each contribution was small—just tens or hundreds—his volume was massive!

Coupled with the “anger points” contributed by the Huangmen Chicken shop owner and readers of Qihang Network in the evening, within just two hours, Su Chen’s anger points soared past ten thousand once again.

This time, however, Su Chen did not rush to draw his prize. He planned to wait until the matter settled before doing so, thinking that would feel infinitely more satisfying and refreshing.

He glanced once more at the video’s comment section; the number of comments had already risen to over four hundred in a short span, a clear sign the video’s popularity was still climbing.

On his Douyin homepage, Su Chen also noticed dozens of private messages.

Though most were abusive, some longtime fans expressed concern and asked questions.

Especially “Autumn High Seeks Old Friends,” who sent several messages in a row, their urgent worry evident.

Su Chen pondered and finally replied to “Autumn High Seeks Old Friends”: “There’s a reason I’m doing this. Don’t worry.”

Soon “Autumn High Seeks Old Friends” responded, as if glued to their phone: “But this will have a huge negative impact on you, possibly stirring public outrage.”

“I understand all of that, trust me,” Su Chen replied.

“Okay, since you’re so sure, I’m relieved. I’ll get back to my research!” came the answer.

“Alright, thanks for your concern.”

“...”

...

At the same time, in a luxuriously and elegantly decorated villa, Su Yueying, dressed in a silk nightgown that accentuated her outstanding figure, lazily watched Su Chen’s latest video on her phone, her brows knitting tightly, a serious expression on her delicate face.

Any clear-sighted person could see this move was more harmful than beneficial, with no upside—indeed, it could utterly ruin the account, leaving no room for recovery.

Based on her past understanding of the boy, he would never be so foolish or malicious; there must be a reason driving him to make such a decision.

Could it be that he hoped to use this stunt to draw help for that woman?

But the cost to him was far too great—the impact was enormous!

With years of experience as an agent and public relations specialist for artists, she felt this boy must have a deeper motive for such an action.

If so, she would wait and watch the follow-up moves; when he made his next play, she’d see the clues and understand his true intentions.

...

Having confirmed the video’s situation was developing within his expectations, Su Chen relaxed slightly and stopped constantly checking it. Instead, he opened Qihang Chinese Network.

As soon as he entered the backend, sure enough, the site sent him a signing notification:

“Dear author, congratulations on your work ‘Wukong—Life’s Long Sorrow Flows East’ passing the contract review. Please add editor Zhang Yue’s WeChat promptly…”

At that moment, in a room, a woman with neat short hair and clear, delicate features confirmed the applicant was the author she was to sign and approved the request.

This woman was Zhang Yue, Su Chen’s editor at Qihang Chinese Network.

Regarding the work “Wukong—Life’s Long Sorrow Flows East,” Zhang Yue had a deep impression.

Because most web novels on Qihang were lighthearted or feel-good stories—market trends being what they were, no one wanted to lose money.

But this book was different—undeniably a tragic novel, even if its description claimed otherwise.

Several editors had seriously discussed and felt there was no need to sign it, given the market trends.

Yet, Zhang Yue felt otherwise.

She believed the author’s writing was excellent, with an ability to stir readers’ emotions far beyond others. Though it was tragic and out of step with market trends, well-written stories still had a market.

Thus, she took the book under her wing as her signed work.

Curious about the author who could write such a book, Zhang Yue clicked on the author’s profile.

She saw a man whose handsomeness was almost excessive, causing a smile to appear on her face.

He even used a handsome guy’s stock photo as his avatar—apparently dissatisfied with his own appearance!

His name also gave clues: “First Deep Feeling Su Chen.” Usually, only those with ordinary looks would boast of being “deeply affectionate” to attract attention from the opposite sex.

“Hello, are you the author of ‘Cheating on the Wedding Night’?”

“Yes, hello Editor Zhang, pleased to meet you! I look forward to working with you!”

“No problem. Your book is well written; keep up the good work. Sign the contract first, and once your word count reaches a certain level, I’ll help apply for promotion!”

“Okay, thanks so much! When you visit Hangzhou, I’ll treat you to a foot bath!”

“???”

...

Zhang Yue looked at this unserious author and felt a headache coming on.

An author who could write such a tragic novel yet had such a quirky personality? Was he joking?

Indeed, one cannot equate works with the authors themselves—many who write harem stories actually get shy speaking to girls in real life!

After a busy day, Su Chen tidied up and fell into a deep sleep.

The next day, he woke up after ten in the morning.

The good thing about being a streamer was the flexible schedule—no need to wake up early; most streams happened in the afternoon or evening.

Considering this, Su Chen decided to have Zhu Fei schedule the next step of their plan for 4 p.m.

Because that was when foot traffic was heaviest—many internet celebrities and store-review bloggers would livestream on Hefang Street then, making it the best time to act.

After dialing Zhu Fei’s number, Su Chen smiled and asked, “How are you feeling, Fei? It’s about to start soon. Are you nervous?”

“Not nervous. Don’t worry about us. It’s just that you’re the one who’ll suffer and be wronged…” Zhu Fei shook her head, murmuring regrets softly.

Since seeing Su Chen share her video yesterday, she couldn’t stop watching his comment section, unable to focus on anything else or sleep soundly.

Reading the harsh and fierce insults and doubts flooding the comments, she could hardly imagine the pressure this kind-hearted, handsome boy must be under.

Yet, this was only the beginning—she couldn’t fathom what would come next...

She worried deeply that this incident might cause irreparable harm and trauma to Su Chen.

“There’s no suffering or grievance. Didn’t we know this would happen from the start? It’s fine!” Su Chen smiled without concern and reminded her, “Remember to put some padding on your knees before starting to protect them. Try not to get hurt.

Also, don’t be too earnest—don’t literally kneel every step, or you’ll be exhausted.

When there are many people, go slowly to look like you’re struggling and suffering. When there are fewer, sneak a few extra steps to rest a bit.

Since I’m with you, remember to bring a bottle of water—kids get tired and need hydration.

If anyone curiously asks why you’re doing this, don’t explain—just keep doing your thing.

Only if they dig out the story themselves will it draw more public attention and discussion. It’s less effective if you tell them outright.

If someone tries to stop you, just plead earnestly, asking them not to interfere…”

Listening to Su Chen’s rambling care and thoughtful reminders, Zhu Fei’s eyes moistened. She hadn’t remembered the last time someone cared for them like this.

She felt that meeting such a good person in this critical moment was the greatest luck and blessing of her life.

Thinking of this, her heart filled with bittersweet gratitude. To help them, this kind boy had endured so much grievance and abuse!