Thanks to the recently concluded *Chase*, and that episode of *Legend* where the acting was explosive, Lan Heโs popularity was rising. While it couldnโt be said that he dominated the ratings of *Geometry of Clear Dreams*, quite a few viewers were watching because of him, or at least recognized him while watching the show.
Previously, someone had leaked online that Lan Heโs mother was of Mongolian descent, and that he himself was half-Mongolian. At the time, it hadnโt spread widely, but fans were a bit curious. Apparently, Lan He had demonstrated some ethnic skills on setโwhat exactly were they?
This question was answered in a particular episode, where Lan Heโs character, the older brother, saw the male and female leads going to an amusement park and followed them secretly. When the stall owner pointed it out, he threw a fit like a domineering CEOโfuriously winning all the stuffed animals at the stall.
The scene wasnโt edited at all; it was clear that Lan He had won all of them himself.
On the streaming platformโs behind-the-scenes footage of the episode, it was revealed that Lan He didnโt just win once. Every single time, he managed to hit the target perfectly, without missing a single shot.
Netizens immediately recalled that leakโno wonder it was said that Lan He was half-Mongolian! If he could lasso a horse, winning stuffed animals was no big deal…
At first, it sounded convincing, leading to a strange situation where, for several years after, some viewers who didnโt frequently go online believed that Lan He was Mongolian.
[The brother is too funny! I thought he was going to pull a “sky is cold, the king is dead” moment and just buy the whole amusement park or something, but he just won all the toys. The stall owner must be crying!]
[Waaaah, I also want a brother like this! A 100% success rate at winning toys is just too cute! So why does he have to turn evil later?!]
[Scary! Did you see how he called someone right after talking to the female lead? That phone call is definitely a clue. And sometimes, after chatting happily with her, his expression suddenly becomes so complicated…]
[A secretly evil brother is actually adorable and charming! Canโt the family just stay sweet and wholesome?]
[Impossible! Go check out the analysis thread by a pro on the forum. The brother is really something else. Everything he does has a deeper meaning. And donโt forget, he and the male lead are actually rivals. This drama is pretty realistic.]
โฆ
Netizens with wild imaginations began analyzing the plot, coming up with countless conspiracy theories. With a detective spirit and villainous perspective, everyone became a Sherlock Holmes. A week into the airing of *Geometry of Clear Dreams*, its ratings had been steadily climbing, and many viewers joined in, or should I say, joined the detective squad…
Moreover, some viewers didnโt go online often, or not at all, like middle-aged and elderly people. They werenโt swayed by Wang Maoโs suggestions.
They watched the drama with their own instincts, happily chatting about how the actor playing the female leadโs brother seemed to be half-Mongolian.
Some people, after watching for a week, searched online and were utterly confused. [Wait, are we even watching the same drama? The brother is that complicated?!]
[Even though you all say that, I donโt see the brother as a bad guy at all. Heโs actually quite funny.]
[Oh my god, is it really like that? I canโt unsee it now… She was so shocked, and said the more she thought about it, the stranger it seemed.]
Days later, these posts would be revived and dissected.
Meanwhile, since Lan He was the third male lead, he also participated in some promotional shows.
In one show, Lan He appeared with Zhang Qingyou and Shi Xuan, the male and female leads of *Geometry of Clear Dreams*. It had been a while since theyโd seen each other after filming wrapped.
The host, Meng Ying, was famous in the industry for her sharp tongue. She often asked spicy questions that many celebrities struggled to handle. This time, it was a live-streamed interview, and Lan Heโs agent had warned him to be careful with his answers beforehand.
Since all three of them were young, the host relentlessly pressed them about rumors. Lan He, who had only recently become famous and didnโt have any scandals, was asked about his dating preferences and whether he liked Shi Xuan, among other things.
โItโs just sibling feelings,โ Shi Xuan laughed awkwardly. What a joke, last time she had held Lan Heโs hand, he had gagged a little…
Lan He glanced at Song Futan, who was playing โassistantโ at the scene, and also forced a laugh. โSis, can we talk about the drama instead?โ
He and Song Futan had only recently made their relationship official… His parents didnโt even know yet. Lan He didnโt dare to be too open about it, even though Teacher Long had been urging him to find a partner. But who knew what their reaction would be when they found out his partner was a man?
โScared?โ Meng Ying teased with a grin. โThen letโs start with something simple. Can you tell us how you came up with the idea of showcasing a childhood skill in the show? Or was it just a coincidence?โ
Lan He was caught off guard. โWhat skill?โ
Playing dead? No, that part hadnโt aired yet.
Meng Ying said, โNot that! Youโre half-ethnic minority, right? Thatโs not wrong, is it?โ
Lan He replied, โOh, right. How did you know? My household registration says Han, though, like my dad.โ
Meng Ying: โHaha, we did some homework. So as someone whoโs half-Mongolianโฆโ
Lan He: โ???โ
Lan He was stunned. โWho? Mongolian? My momโs Miao!โ
Meng Ying was also stunned. โThen why are you so good at winning those stuffed animals?โ
…Thatโs because Iโm just skilled! Lan He was dumbfounded. โWhat does that have to do with anything? Where did this rumor even come from?โ
โItโs not true?โ Meng Ying quickly caught on. โWell, then itโs a misunderstanding. A lot of people online seem to think that. So todayโs a good chance to clear things up.โ
Lan He said seriously, โRight, Iโm not Mongolian, and I hope the audience watching at home wonโt fall into stereotypes anymore. Itโs not like all Mongolians go to school on horseback or are experts at lassoing.โ
Meng Ying: โGot it!โ
Lan He extended the microphone in front of her and sang, “The stars in the sky are lined up, two grand gates open wide. Please look up and see the sign, which guest is the cutest of them all?”
Meng Ying: “โฆโฆโฆ”
Her mind spun, trying to think of what to say.
Lan He interrupted her: “Donโt speak, sing it.”
Meng Ying: “โฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆ”
Shi Xuan and Zhang Qingyou burst out laughing, and Song Futan, who was standing beside them, also had a smile in his eyes. Little Lan really was Teacher Longโs true child.
The live-streaming viewers were nearly rolling on the floor laughing.
[Hello, you have activated the Miao Village KTV mode.]
[Youโre supposed to clear up rumors, why did you suddenly start singing and even force Meng Ying to sing along? Hahaha!]
[I laughed so hard Iโm crying! Hahaha Meng Ying is breaking down.]
[Heโs not Mongolian??? What the heck, I believed it for so long and even seriously told my mom about it.]
[This is the first time Iโve seen Meng Ying so at a loss for words, she opened her mouth but couldnโt speak… No, wait, couldnโt sing.]
[Whatโs Lan He doing, haha! He just said no stereotypes, and then suddenly turned it into a singing match.]
[As a Miao myself, Iโve been explaining for 20 years that not every Miao person sings duets and wears silver dresses, but now Lan Heโs ruined it again!]
[The commenter above, donโt speak, sing it.]
โฆ
Meng Ying froze for a few seconds before admitting defeat: “Sorry, I really canโt come up with a response. Letโs call it even.”
Lan He finally pulled the microphone back, returning to his shy demeanor. “Thank you, Sister Meng Ying.”
Zhang Qingyou and Shi Xuan were still laughing when Meng Ying turned and said, “Then let me ask you two…”
The two: “โฆโฆ”
After the recording ended, Zhang Qingyou and Shi Xuan were practically drenched in sweat.
“Ah, itโs really been a while since we last met. Talking like this, itโs as if weโre back on set again.” Zhang Qingyou sighed. The last time they were in the crew, some people were still suspecting that Lan He had gotten in through connections, but now, Lan He had made a name for himself with just one role.
“Yeah, bro, why donโt we have a get-together?” Shi Xuan called out to Lan He using the same nickname they used on set, “Tomorrow, we can even invite Director Wang and the others.”
Having no schedule the next day, Lan He agreed: “Sure, letโs confront Director Wang in person.”
Theyโd already gotten tired of roasting him in the group chatโWang Mao was too sneaky. Lan He didnโt dare imagine how shocked the audience would be when they got to the finale.
“Every time I see you, I think of Yi Ping,” Shi Xuan mused, “I wonderโฆ how is Yi Ping doing now.”
“Then see you tomorrow, weโll figure out a place later.” Zhang Qingyou also remembered the hedgehog. “I think Yi Ping must be living well now, back in nature!”
Not at allโit’s hiding in my house in a state of depression. Lan He pondered, “Hmm… well, see you tomorrow then.”
Song Futan had already packed up all his things and was ready to leave.
Zhang Qingyou noticed and joked, “Is this your mysterious assistant?”
Lan He had fans now, and the first time Song Futan appeared in disguise, people noticed that Lan He seemed to have finally gotten an assistant. As Song Futan started appearing more frequently with Lan He, fans began to talk.
But this so-called assistantโฆ dressed more like a celebrity than Lan He himself! Always wrapped up tightly, with a tall and fit figure, long legs, and a preference for wearing black, often carrying a long bag. Fans had been joking about it.
Zhang Qingyou had seen the meme online by chance and was in on the joke.
Lan He couldnโt help but laugh. “Not an assistant, heโsโฆ a friend, here to help.”
Having family and friends as assistants or staff wasnโt unusual. Zhang Qingyou didnโt think much of it. Of course, later, he deeply regretted not pressing for more details and missing out on a major scoop.
Lan He chatted with them a bit more, saying theyโd confirm plans over WeChat, and then he headed home.
.
Bai Wu woke up inside the Fortune Building, ate some incense offerings, stretched out his four little legs a bit, and then climbed up from the first floor to the second floor of the Fortune Building. He did a few laps on the wheel. Hedgehogs are naturally quiet, but they canโt stay completely still, especially after eating their fill.
The pitch-dark space made Bai Wu feel very relaxed. After exercising, he found a corner to lie down in and entered his usual state of seclusion.
Until the curtains were pulled open and Lan Heโs face appeared outside.
Bai Wu slowly shifted his body from lying flat to lying on his side, his back turned toward Lan He, showing only a ball of spines and two short legs underneath.
Lan He: “…”
Lan He: “Tomorrow, I’m meeting up with Zhang Qingyou and Shi Xuan. Are you coming?”
Bai Wu’s beady eyes blinked in surprise. He slowly sat up, placing his tiny hands on his soft, folded belly. “Those two benefactors…”
As a divine being who valued gratitude, Bai Wu certainly remembered the two people who had once helped him. Even though he had repaid them with good fortune, the sentiment still remained.
He thought of a senior fellow disciple, who, during a time of hunger, had been given some food by a farmer. Though the farmer never worshipped him, every winter, when the family was struggling, the senior would send two loads of firewood. This continued for three generations before it finally ended.
Bai Wu encouraged himselfโhe couldn’t lose to his senior. At the very least, he should go and meet them. He solemnly declared, “I’ll go!”
“I’ll go, it’s like you’re risking your life just to leave the house,” Hu 79 said, her legs crossed as she sarcastically teased him. “Since he’s going, I won’t. This immortal needs a break.”
Lan He: “Too tired, huh?”
Whenever Hu 79 tagged along, it was inevitable that she’d cause chaos over crowd popularity or stage order. If it was just a meal without filming, she had no interest in going…
Hu 79 awkwardly smiled. “Mainly because you’re not exactly polite, you know.”
She had been subtly hinted at multiple times.
Lan He laughed, “Really? I even promised Master Xuangguang I’d make willow leaf soup for you.”
“Willow leaf soup?!” Hu 79โs mouth started watering immediately. “I was wrong, I was wrong, you’re so considerate to me!”
Lan He: “Are you actually craving it? He said divine beings love this stuff, but I didnโt believe it. How good could it possibly be?”
Though divine beings occasionally ate human food, the Hu family loved chicken. But from what Lan He had observed, they seemed to prefer the incense offerings he made. He knew of willow leaf soupโit was an old Beijing snack, served in breakfast and late-night shops. He wasn’t sure why Song Futan had said divine beings liked it so much.
Hu 79, now visibly excited, wasnโt the only oneโBai Wu had also perked up at the mention of willow leaf soup.
“It’s not that it’s particularly delicious…” Hu 79 rubbed her chin. “But you see, whenever there’s a consecration ceremony at the altars of the Four Great Clans, the human disciples always prepare this soup for the divine beings attending. It’s just a common meal for the people of old Beijing, with dough cut into different shapes.
“So, is it delicious? Not exactlyโalthough willow leaves are heavy in yin energy, the soup isnโt made from real willow leaves. Itโs just that the dough is cut into the shape of willow leaves. Anyway, I like it because back when divine beings were consecrated, it was always a lively event, and you could drink some willow leaf soup if you were there. It’s a tradition, a memory.”
Lan He understood. “So it’s not about the soup, it’s about nostalgia, like the treats we eat during the New Year.”
Bai Wu rubbed his little claws together as if he were anticipating it.
Lan He chuckled, “Haha, does Bai Wu have nostalgia too?”
Hu 79 snarked, “He’s just curious. The Bai family has mostly died out. How many chances did he even have to attend his elders’ consecration ceremonies?”
Bai Wu: “โฆโฆ”
Bai Wu said sadly, “I did! Once… when my third uncle became a familyโs guardian spirit, I had a bowl of scorching-hot willow leaf soup at the altar…”
Lan He couldn’t help but say, “Stop, the more you talk, the sadder you sound.” Only one bowl in your entire life? That’s just tragic.
Bai Wu: _(:ะท)โ )_
Soon enough, Song Futan brought over the willow leaf soupโfour bowls in total. The thin pieces of dough were cut into diamond shapes, which did resemble willow leaves. There are two ways to make willow leaf soup: one with a quick-fried base and one with a slow-cooked base. This was the quick-fried version Bai Wu had mentioned, where chopped green onions, ginger, and garlic were stir-fried for flavor, then salt and water were added and brought to a boil. The dough pieces were cooked until tender, and the soup was topped with seaweed and pickled vegetables for garnish, steaming hot.
“Let me try it.” Lan He took a bowl.
Bai Wu and Hu 79 each grabbed their own bowls and slurped it down along with the fragrant toppings. Their eating manner was quite beastly, but it looked incredibly appetizing.
Song Futan: “How is it?”
Hu 79, eating while side-eyeing Song Futan, gave him a sarcastic look. Having been frequently grabbed by him on set during recordings, she said mockingly, “Donโt think that just because Iโm eating your willow leaves, Iโm acknowledging you. If these willow leaves taste good, itโs because of themselves, not you.”
Song Futan: “…”
Lan He, recalling Song Futan’s usual teasing, laughed secretly. They really do act like an evil stepmother.
Song Futan noticed Lan He smiling and retorted to Hu 79, “Well, next time you have to film, maybe you should clean up all those dust-collecting beans you leave piled up at home.”
Hu 79: “โฆโฆโฆโฆ”
She nearly choked on a piece of dough in her fury, her eyes rolling in exasperation.
Lan He, far from feeling sorry for her, was amused. “Hu Xiren, stop complaining and enjoy your nostalgic soup.”
Since Lan He wasnโt from Beijing, he didnโt have the same nostalgic feelings toward the soup, but he still enjoyed it. Lacking nostalgia, he instead found warmth in the company. He then asked Song Futan, “Hmmโฆ how about you? Do you have any nostalgic memories with willow leaf soup? Do you drink it often?”
Hu 79 snickered, while Bai Wu coughed awkwardly.
Lan He: “?”
Song Futan helplessly explained, “You shouldnโt ask like that. In old Beijing, it wasn’t just families performing ceremonies for the Four Great Clans that served willow leaf soup. Families holding funerals also served it as a late-night snack for monks and priests doing ritual chanting. So while itโs just a common dish, asking like that could be seen as inauspiciousโฆ”
Lan He: “…”
Lan He felt embarrassed, “Sorry, I didn’t know about the customs here.”
In both weddings and funerals, willow leaf soup was a staple for the late-night meal, and in Beijing, there was even a tradition of offering breakfast to guests at funerals. Even though it was a traditional food, you had to be mindful of how you talked about it.
Song Futan reassured him that it didnโt matter, but he advised Lan He to be careful when talking to older folks in the future. After patting Lan He’s head, he finally picked up his own bowl.
At that moment, a ghost floated in from outside: “Willow leaf soup? Let me have some!”
It was none other than Old Bai, the number one filial spirit of Beijing, who rushed in and, without a word, grabbed a bowl of soup.
โSince funerals used to serve this soup, ghosts and spirits could always get a taste of it. So, not only did the Four Great Clans have nostalgic ties to the dish, but Old Bai did too. Nowadays, though, funerals in Beijing didnโt serve it like they used to, where theyโd set up a tent and offer willow leaf soup to everyone.
Old Bai grabbed Song Futanโs bowl and slurped it down, only to notice Lan He staring at him with a displeased expression.
Old Baiโs heart skipped a beat. With a stepdad comes a stepmom, huh? He drinks one bowl of Song Futanโs soup, and Lan Heโs already looking like this? He used to be so generous!
โWhat? You mad at me now?โ Old Bai was ready to grovel at any moment.
Lan He: “No, itโs just that you stepped on my invisible soul-reaping chain.”
Old Bai: “โฆโฆโฆโฆ”
The chain that connected Lan He and Song Futan was invisible, even when doused with blessed water. But as a spirit, Old Bai could obviously bump into it.
Old Bai took a step back. “Oh, sorry about that.”
Lan He didnโt scold Old Bai. He couldnโt eat too much anyway, so one bowl between him and Song Futan was enough. To avoid wasting food, he went to fetch some spirit money for Old Bai.
“Sigh… I wonโt be polite, then. On my way here, I was thinking of a new songโ*Come Home Often*, itโs got a point.” Old Bai rambled on while scooping the spirit money into his arms.
For him, that *was* a new song.
Ugh. Lan He cursed internally, grabbing Old Baiโs paperwork out of habit. He and Song Futan were sitting side by side, and while Song Futan didnโt turn to look, Old Bai still warned, “You can look, but Song Futan canโt.”
“Ohโฆ a soul-reaping document?” Lan He asked. He knew what it wasโcopies of entries from the Book of Life and Death. Ordinary people definitely couldnโt look at it.
This kind of document was classified. As a life-reaping spirit, Lan He was allowed to see it, but Song Futan wasnโt, even though he worked in the underworld. He wasnโt authorized to view the reaper’s documents.
Lan He glanced at it briefly. It bore the seal of the underworld, detailing Old Baiโs task: Jiang Hansheng, born on such-and-such date and time, deceased on such-and-such date and time… After doing the math, Lan He realized the person was set to die around 11 PM tonight. The document also included the address and physical description.
Lan He put it down casually. “Thatโs a bit far. You only have an hour left, can you make it?”
Old Bai smiled brightly. “Iโve calculated it. Iโll grab my pay and leave, Iโll make it.”
Lan He: “…”
Lan He: “You look so noble when youโre being filialโฆ”
Old Bai blinked in confusion. “??”
Lan He: “I mean, just go already!”
…
The next day, when it was time for Lan Heโs meetup, Song Futan had already locked everything up and was ready to drive him there.
Lan He tucked Bai Wu, along with his little matchbox, into his pocket. “Bai Zixian, are you ready?”
Bai Wu: “โฆYes, I think so!!”
It wasnโt common to reveal the true names of divine beings, but Lan He often called him by it in private to make sure he didnโt forget their names. After all, shouting full names constantly felt a bit like being a parent.
They were delayed for a bit, and when they were almost there, they got stuck in terrible traffic. Seeing that they were going to be late, Lan He sighed. “If it really gets bad, we might have to park and walk.”
“Walking will still take some time. It looks close on the map, but itโs farther on foot,” Song Futan said after glancing around. “Thereโs a subway station nearby. We can take Line 2.”
Lan He hesitated. “The subway, huhโฆ”
Song Futan: “Wear your mask, you shouldnโt be recognized.”
“Thatโs not the problem,” Lan He replied. “I donโt mind squeezing in with the crowd, but itโs rush hour now. Iโm afraid weโll be making willow leaf soup again soon…”
Question: How many times could Bai Yi Ping die on Line 2 during rush hour?
Bai Wu, tearing up: “โฆโฆโฆโฆ!”
Bai Wu is sooo cute! Thanks for the translation!