Chapter 11: Little Black and Old Black

Ever since flaunting himself to his “Ten-Year Hater” on Weibo, Li Jie hadn’t checked the platform for two days. When it came to this group of haters, who had long since solidified into a single, stubborn mass, his strategy was always to let them be. What Li Jie didn’t realize was that, within forty-eight hours, his personal Weibo account had been bombarded to the point of ruin—

Thanks went not only to the “Ten-Year Hater” but also to a host of other eccentric groups jumping in for attention.

“…‘Masked Brother’ really lacks class. I didn’t expect him to be this kind of person…”

“Why do you care whether he’s got class or not? You, who claim to care for small animals, what business do you have poking into Crab Bro’s personal affairs? Still playing innocent, are you?”

“You fans are just as low-class as ‘Masked Brother’!”

“Screw off. You think I can’t tell what you’re up to hiding behind some dumb ‘animal welfare’ badge? Trying to ride the wave of ‘righteous heroism’ too? Why don’t you go stand in front of a semi on the highway if you’re that brave?”

“Exactly! We’ll protect our beloved Crab Bro! Haters, get out of Crab Bro’s Weibo!”

“We’re the haters? Your kind are the real ones hating on ‘Masked Brother’!”

“We’re the original haters.”

“Useless water army, acting like fools just to get some attention. I’ve been hating on Crab Bro for ten years—at least know your place, newcomers.”

The endless bickering led to a wave of account bans, leaving Li Jie’s Weibo in utter chaos. Meanwhile, after posting his one smug remark, Li Jie turned his focus to the more pressing matter of making money.

These days, he was busy signing exclusives with several major online stores, deals that promised a handsome profit. He already had a personal online shop, mainly selling handmade goods from the welfare home and a few old merch items from his earlier songs—though the latter rarely sold at all.

But with “Masked Brother” going viral, he’d quickly added a link to the “Masked Hero Gourd Mask,” in partnership with a big shop. Sales were decent; the keychain made it to the recommendations the very next day, probably thanks to the shop buying ad traffic.

“Heh—”

Looking at the ten thousand or so deposited into his account, Li Jie was in good spirits. With a tap of his finger, he transferred a sum directly to the “Little Red Star” support platform.

School would start on September second, and several kids he sponsored had just gotten into university this year. Their scholarship applications were still in process, so he sent them money in advance.

The “Little Red Star” support platform was small, operating only in the city of Pingjiang, with local oversight. Cross-province sponsorships like his were rare—he was the only one, after all, since a decade ago, he’d been famous.

He typed a quick message to the kids: “Uncle Li has already sent your tuition. Study hard, and strive every day.”

These children all called him “Uncle Li,” not knowing he was only eighteen years old himself.

Just as he was about to indulge his vanity by opening Weibo, his mother, Shu Xiuqin, called. “Wenjing and the others have to go to Niutou Mountain Industrial Park again this afternoon. They should arrive by one-thirty. Are you free?”

“Why are they going again?”

“That’s just how the district arranged it. Nothing we can do.”

“This is really underhanded. If you ask me, you should listen to Tiger Mom and go make a scene at the district office—cry, shout, threaten to hang yourself. That works better than anything.”

“We can’t do that every time. The same trick loses its effect if you use it too much. Once in a while is fine.” Shu Mom wasn’t ignorant—on the contrary, she understood very well, which was why she didn’t cause trouble often. Occasionally making noise was good, just to keep “Little Red Star” from being taken for granted.

“What’s going on this time?”

“Same as before—volunteer work across cities. But the ‘Hengqiang Charity Foundation’ wants you to come, too.”

“Do I have to wear the ‘Masked Hero Gourd’ mask?”

“Of course that’s what they want. Even if they’re taking advantage, the kids you saved that day want to see you, and their parents want to thank you in person.”

“Will there be media? If there’s an interview, I’m not going.”

“There will be, but I don’t think they’ll interview you.”

“All right, I’ll head over in a bit.”

Interviews were valuable now—even if this wave of popularity would last only a couple of weeks. The novelty, combined with people digging up his past as a child star, had kept the hype alive lately.

Still, the fame points felt flimsy—they’d jump up unexpectedly, then drop again without warning.

The numbers on the system panel made him uneasy.

[Host: Li Jie]

[Works: “Boundless Sky,” “Only Mother Is Good in the World,” “Orchid Grass,” …]

[Artistic Skills: Acting 38, Singing 25, …]

[Fame Points: 233464466 (+48448)]

The nearly fifty thousand additional fame points weren’t stable; they’d surged up on a wave of sentiment and could drop just as easily when the mood faded.

Truth be told, this cursed system came with plenty of pitfalls. Still, after snagging more than twenty skill upgrades, he couldn’t say he’d lost out—as long as he didn’t risk his money on film projects, his wealth would trickle in steadily.

It was still summer break, with military training a few days off, so Li Jie had rented a shabby one-bedroom near campus and picked up a used manual hatchback at the secondhand market. For eight thousand yuan, it was a junker, but far better than an electric scooter.

The insurance ran until next March, so he drove it without worry.

He stopped at a supermarket for snacks and drinks and headed straight for Niutou Mountain Industrial Park.

The event would start at one-thirty, but Wenjing and She Qingchun were already there. This time, the organizers had wised up and booked the two old ladies into a hotel.

Truly, people always adjust to circumstances.

“So this is the used car you bought?”

“Wow, kiddo, is this thing reliable? I hear the wipers screeching—are you sure it’s not been in an accident?”

The two mothers circled the car. As Li Jie unloaded his things, he said, “It was only eight thousand—what do you expect? As long as it doesn’t break down. And with a manual, there aren’t many parts that can fail.”

The car was old, not broken. He’d changed the oil and replaced the worn parts when he bought it; a little maintenance was enough. Spending more would be pointless.

“You’re right, son. For a car just to get around, you don’t need too much.”

Mother She’s head of “instant noodle curls” bristled with energy, her air as formidable as any award-winning aunt.

As the three chatted, a group approached. A woman held a little boy’s hand; the boy gazed at Li Jie with uncertainty.

But when Li Jie pulled a mask from his bag and put it on, the boy’s face lit up and he clapped his hands, shouting, “Mom, Mom, it’s the Masked Gourd Hero!”

He skipped over to Li Jie, who squatted to scoop him up.

“With thunder, I shatter the darkness—”

The boy raised his fist high, grinning from ear to ear.

“Again, again—there are three lines. You only said one,” Li Jie teased.

“I forgot…”

The boy ducked his head.

“Darkness shrouds all things.”

“Darkness shrouds all things!”

“I am the dawn within the darkness.”

“I am the dawn within the darkness!”

“With thunder—”

“To shatter the darkness!!!”

The last line was shouted in chorus by a group of children who had gathered around.