Theme: [Timeless Dreams]
Discussion: Could it be… the brother really is a good guy?
Content: After today’s update, the brother was diagnosed with a terminal illness. I’m confused now. Is there really going to be a twist? He’s about to die, right?
1L: I’m confused too. We’re more than halfway through the series—if he’s the villain, shouldn’t that have been revealed by now? Were we misled by Wang Mao?
2L: …No way, wasn’t that his private hospital? He could say it’s any disease, and it would be so!
3L: Scratching my head. Yesterday I even DM’d Wang Mao to ask. He read it but didn’t reply.
4L: Maybe Wang Mao is just fooling us, busy packing up and running away?
…
As [Timeless Dreams] continued to unfold, Lan He’s character’s storyline became more complete. Even though it was hard to believe, and even as viewers kept telling themselves, “This must be part of the brother’s plan,” they finally reached the melodramatic moment where the beloved, doting brother tragically dies.
Lan He’s portrayal of the heroine’s brother took a sudden turn for the worse. While lying on his deathbed, he finally let go of his inner turmoil, entrusting his sister to the male lead.
As the male lead and the heroine took care of him, the brother faced several near-death moments, often asking for his sister to stay by his side. At one point, only the male lead was present, and the brother, in his misery, expressed that after being a hero his whole life, he never expected the male lead to be the one to see him off.
Male lead: ??
At this point, the audience could still laugh, and the conspiracy theorists could joke, “Look, the brother is still making snarky remarks.”
But as his final moments approached, the brother tried to joke with his sister one last time, not wanting her to be sad. He passed away with a smile through her tears.
Though both deaths were tragic, Lan He’s portrayal here was completely different from Zhang Xunchun’s death.
The storyline, though a bit cliché, maintained a light and warm tone. It wasn’t just a tearjerker, and by the time viewers reached this part, they felt like the heroine—laughing through tears, growing sadder the more they smiled. This bittersweet moment became the show’s most memorable scene, the only real sorrow in an otherwise sweet drama.
Afterwards, when viewers saw the brother’s ashes scattered into the ocean by the heroine, confirming that he could never return, their sadness turned into anger.
He’s really dead? What a scam!
They had spent so much time playing Sherlock Holmes while watching the show!
But in the end, there was no villain, no twist. It was all Wang Mao’s lies, fooling the audience for so long. Now they were not only sad but also confused. All those years of uncovering the conspiracy had been a mistake.
Angry netizens flooded Wang Mao’s Weibo, demanding answers. “Where’s the villain? Give us the villain back!”
【I kept believing until yesterday that the brother was plotting something, and today the heroine scattered his ashes!!】
【Wang Mao, give me back my brain cells! I’ve been analyzing this for so long, I even drew a relationship diagram! Waiting in suspense for the brother’s revenge, and you???】
【Wang Mao, you’re the worst, you and Liu Chunyang are both the worst!!】
【You call this a villain???】
【Offering a bounty for Wang Mao’s address, I want a real-life duel.】
【I’m going to kill Wang Mao.】
Following Liu Chunyang’s infamy as the “biggest liar,” Wang Mao also became a hot topic, labeled as the “next biggest liar.”
Wang Mao’s evasion became widely known, and when he skipped out on a program appearance, people joked that he was afraid of being pelted with rotten eggs by the audience.
Some uninformed individuals even thought Wang Mao was a wanted criminal because of how the whole internet was after him.
Netizens also formed a group to storm Liu Chunyang’s comment section, blaming him for setting a bad example. They claimed Wang Mao and Liu Chunyang were birds of a feather, equally deserving of criticism. Liu Chunyang’s reputation took another hit.
The jokesters also came out in full force, adding to the fun.
【Wang Mao is Wang Mao. Humans are humans.】
【I asked [Timeless Dreams] fans why they were sad. They said it was because the brother died an innocent death—too pure, it’s hilarious.】
【Just got a spoiler from my mom who’s only on the third episode. She told my sister the brother was the villain and then his ashes get scattered by the heroine. Now my mom can’t keep watching and is calling my sister.】
After being mentioned so many times, Wang Mao finally posted a selfie holding a pot lid on his thoroughly overrun Weibo. His caption read: “No need to look for me, I bought a standing-room ticket and fled home overnight… Holding this pot lid for protection, I’ll just say—if we agreed the brother would be a villain but he turned out to be so lovable, isn’t that a twist in itself? And villains come in many forms—Zhang Xunchun’s villainy was at 90%, but @Lan He’s brother was at 10%. Even diluted, he’s still a villain, right?”
…Diluted villain? Seriously?
Netizens were at a loss for words. Whatever, forget the logic. Just keep roasting him!
Having invested so much time and effort into theorizing about the character and the hidden storylines, viewers were now furious, but also deeply saddened by the character’s death.
The show almost demanded a second viewing. Watching it again without the “villain filter,” they began to realize that many of the things they had misinterpreted were actually heartbreaking moments.
Theme: [Timeless Dreams]
Discussion: Can’t they at least let the brother live, even if he isn’t a villain? Wang Mao, you really don’t do people any favors!
Some viewers who only followed the show laughed when they heard about the situation.
【I can’t stop laughing. I never believed the brother was a villain, but my classmate was obsessed with conspiracy theories. Now she’s crying so hard she can’t breathe, saying Wang Mao tricked her. Her dad is furious, asking, “Which class is this Wang Mao from?”】
【I know it sounds like hindsight, but I’ve been half-doubting the whole time.】
That said, Lan He’s portrayal of the brother’s death scene still left his fans deeply satisfied. Many couldn’t help but exclaim, “What a way to die, brother!” His death was completely different from Zhang Xunchun’s.
Tragedies often leave a stronger impression than comedies, and what stays with people the most is when joy is tinged with sadness. Since [Timeless Dreams] aired in serial format, it cultivated a deep connection with its fans, who loved Lan He’s character as much as Zhang Xunchun.
Having played two successful roles in a row, Lan He’s popularity was firmly cemented. Both fans and casual viewers eagerly awaited his next project.
During this time, apart from promoting his films and TV dramas, Lan He hadn’t taken on any new acting work. Despite his acclaimed performance in *Chuan Shen*, there was no word of any new roles.
Logically, he should’ve been seizing the moment and filming more projects while his fame was hot, but there was hardly a whisper about anything new.
It didn’t make sense to say he was too busy making money either, because his schedule wasn’t packed with endorsements or variety shows.
【Based on his previous work ethic, I’d bet he’s already taken on something, just hasn’t announced it yet. Maybe it’s a big production or a leading role! (Let me dream!)】
【I wonder what Lan He’s next project will be. Can he take the lead?】
【Let’s hope Liu Chunyang starts a new production soon. I feel like Liu Chunyang likes him.】
【It all depends on how he plans his career. But PS: His breakout roles have all been villains or supporting male characters, and his agency is so transparent. Fans shouldn’t get their hopes up too high. The chances of him landing a major director or a big production lead role are slim… Oh, unless it’s like the person above said, with Liu Chunyang—that’s more likely.】
【Add me to the slim chances list. I really like him, but I just hope he gets a good script with a reliable crew.】
…
The buzz surrounding Lan He was about to intensify, and not just because of Wang Mao’s drama.
Song Qiyun’s new film, tentatively titled *Ghostly Charm*, had been undergoing months of pre-production refinement. With the project approved, locations scouted, and departments in place, the time had come for the first round of promotional work, which meant a press conference was scheduled.
The announcement of the press conference had the entire entertainment community eagerly anticipating it.
Because, according to the usual process, this was the step right before casting and signing the main actors.
Even before the official casting, actors were already making moves, with rumors and scandals flying about. The upcoming casting announcement would undoubtedly spark a frenzy of gossip.
Lan He didn’t need to attend the press conference, but Song Futan had to be there, and naturally, Lan He went with him, though he’d stay backstage and not go on stage. Before the event started, they waited in the back together.
Song Futan casually mentioned that his grandfather wanted to see Lan He again—and that his grandfather knew they were together now.
Lan He had only met the old man, Old Du, once and found him to be a very kind elder. But the idea that the grandfather now knew about their relationship made Lan He a bit embarrassed. “You told him? The old man wants to see me? Isn’t this like meeting the parents? I’m kind of nervous…”
It felt different from the last time they’d met.
Song Futan reassured him, “No, he just wants you to come so he can show off his birds with a better ‘assistant’.” Otherwise, he wouldn’t have waited until now to invite him again. That’s why Song Futan had used the word “also” when mentioning that the grandfather knew.
Lan He: “…”
“So straightforward,” Lan He laughed. “Alright, then.”
After a moment’s hesitation, Song Futan added, “Actually, he knew the first time you visited him.”
Lan He froze, then let out a groan, covering his face, his ears turning red with embarrassment.
Song Futan couldn’t resist reaching out to brush his ear—too cute. “He really likes you.”
Lan He realized his earlier worries had been for nothing. He could just imagine Song Futan, like an elementary school kid, telling his family that the classmate he liked had come over to play. The thought was adorable.
Just then, the door to the lounge opened, and Du Chunting burst in, greeting them. “Yo, brother, Lan He.”
Du Chunting, who was now working at his father’s company in some kind of position, was part of the investment group for the film, so he had come today too. He glanced around and saw Lan He and Song Futan sitting close together, chatting, with Lan He’s ears still red.
More importantly, Du Chunting had also read the *Ghostly Charm* script, and a thought flashed through his mind.
“Hey, little brother,” Lan He greeted him.
Song Futan didn’t even bother acknowledging him.
While Song Qiyun and the others were in another room, Song Futan and Lan He were alone together, naturally having some couple time. So when Du Chunting barged in, Song Futan didn’t feel like giving him a warm welcome.
Not that Song Futan ever had a welcoming smile to begin with, so Du Chunting didn’t take it personally.
He plopped down beside Lan He, stretching his arms. “I just finished working. Man, work is exhausting.”
Lan He smiled but remained silent.
He didn’t know much about Dou Chunting’s work, but he figured it couldn’t be that intense. Still, for someone like Dou Chunting, who was used to a leisurely life, it probably felt exhausting.
“I feel like a salesman,” Dou Chunting said, “I have to make seventy or eighty phone calls a day.”
Lan He raised an eyebrow. “People still make that many phone calls these days?”
As soon as he said that, Dou Chunting pulled out his phone—a vintage Nokia flip phone.
Lan He almost felt like he’d time-traveled. “…”
No wonder he had to make so many calls—this thing didn’t even have WeChat!
“See this? Got it from an antique store,” Dou Chunting joked. “I’ve been using this lately. If it weren’t so inconvenient, I’d even get one of those giant old mobile phones.”
This was what you’d call once bitten, twice shy. He couldn’t stand the sound of smart AI voices anymore, and even the sight of familiar smartphone screens bothered him.
So, instead of repairing his cracked smartphone or getting a new laptop, he had switched to this antique flip phone for now, planning to use it until his psychological scars faded.
Lan He didn’t know what to say. “Whatever makes you happy.”
Song Futan, noticing that Lan He’s cup was empty, got up, picked it up, and headed out to refill it.
The water cooler was in the hallway, so when Song Futan went to leave, Lan He casually reminded him, “Take your sword with you.”
Dou Chunting, who hadn’t picked up on the subtlety, asked, “Why does he need a sword? We haven’t started yet, right?”
Lan He smiled. “He’s just going to get water.”
That’s Lan He’s cup… Dou Chunting scratched his head, confused. After Song Futan had been gone for a few seconds, Dou Chunting leaned in and whispered to Lan He, “So, do you know what’s in that bag?”
Lan He acted clueless. “No idea. It seems like an antique or something? He just said he needs to keep it with him.”
Dou Chunting sighed. Alright, he was starting to piece together the truth.
He had initially thought that Lan He and his cousin, Song Futan, were simply working together, maybe even becoming friends, which explained why they lived in the same building.
But slowly, as Dou Chunting learned more, especially after finding out that his cousin might have feelings for a ghost and after reading the script for *Ghostly Charm*, he began noticing more about the way they interacted. Watching Lan He, who had played Xiao Lai, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.
There was only one possible truth:
His cousin had deep feelings for Lan He—and was using him as a substitute!
How cruel! His cousin had fallen for a ghost in the underworld—someone he might as well call “Xiao Qian”—but they couldn’t be together. Song Futan, deeply affected, wrote passionately about supernatural themes for her. Then, he encountered Lan He in the living world, someone who resembled that ghost. He immediately cast Lan He as the lead in his projects, projecting his feelings for Xiao Qian onto him.
Poor Lan He, completely in the dark, didn’t even believe in ghosts. He had no idea that he was being used as a stand-in for a ghost. When the renowned screenwriter had come after him with such enthusiasm, offering him the lead role, Lan He probably thought it was fate. How could he have known?
Dou Chunting had once thought his cousin’s sudden closeness with Lan He was simply because he’d found the perfect lead for his film. But now, knowing about his cousin’s prayers for Xiao Qian and seeing how *Ghostly Charm* was written, it all made sense.
It also explained why his cousin had never acted this way with other actors. From the moment he met Lan He, Dou Chunting had noticed his cousin acting strangely, always sneaking glances at Lan He and being overly eager. At the time, Dou Chunting hadn’t connected the dots.
Ah, a stand-in for “Xiao Qian”! But Lan He wasn’t the ghost. Should they start calling him “Xiao Qing” from now on?
Though his cousin was family, Lan He was a good person. How could he bear to see this happen? His cousin was being such a scumbag! No wonder he had forbidden him from mentioning anything about ghosts in front of Lan He.
Feeling heartbroken, Dou Chunting discreetly wiped away a tear from the corner of his eye.
Lan He noticed and asked, “Are you tired?”
“No, it’s just…” Dou Chunting struggled, finally just patting Lan He on the shoulder. “Don’t trust love too much.”
Lan He: “???”
What was that supposed to mean? Just as Lan He was about to ask, Song Futan returned, glaring at Dou Chunting’s hand on Lan He’s shoulder.
Lan He, amused, removed Dou Chunting’s hand and said with a laugh, “He just told me not to trust love too much. What’s that about?”
Song Futan, in his usual calm tone, said, “What, are you thinking about your girlfriend and your love life?”
Dou Chunting: “…”
Lan He, playing along, asked, “You have a girlfriend?”
Dou Chunting, still unable to confront his cousin directly, replied awkwardly, “…No.”
Song Futan’s presence was too intimidating, and even though Dou Chunting felt guilty about not being completely honest with Lan He, he figured he’d done his best by giving that subtle warning!
At this moment, the press conference was about to start. Dou Chunting greeted Lan He and gave him a quiet, affectionate glance before leaving with Song Futan.
Dou Chunting secretly watched Song Futan’s back and pondered for a long time. Should he tell his cousin? Based on what he knew about him, it probably wouldn’t matter even if he did. Would his cousin suddenly develop a conscience so easily?
Maybe his cousin would just tell Lan He in advance that he was crazy, and Lan He would never talk to him again… The more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed, especially seeing how much trust Lan He had in his cousin now.
Sigh, what do you do when your relative is a scumbag?
Dou Qishan saw his son’s conflicted expression and gave him a pat, “What’s up?”
Dou Chunting sighed, “Ah, nothing. I was just thinking about Xiao Qian and Xiao Qing. They’re actually both good girls!”
Dou Qishan: “??”
What the heck? Did he watch *A Chinese Ghost Story* and *Legend of the White Snake* together?
…
At the press conference, as usual, Song Futan wore a mask and barely spoke.
Song Qiyun was also rather bored, briefly reading his lines. Everyone was used to it by now, and someone else would often step in to hype up some conceptual ideas. When the media started asking questions, one major focus, of course, was on casting, and they asked a lot about casting choices.
Song Qiyun just briefly mentioned how many important roles needed to be cast and that work had already started.
The media wanted something juicier, though. They asked directly, “So, do you have any thoughts on the lead role? Who do you plan to invite for auditions? What do you think of Wang Lu and Xiao Yuqian?”
Both of these actors had a lot of buzz and had expressed strong interest.
Song Qiyun replied, “Here’s the thing, we’ve already settled on the lead role. The next stage will be selecting auditions for other important characters.”
The media froze for several seconds. This progress was unexpected. Was the role internally decided? A custom role?
The reporters, now excited, began frantically asking questions. No one had dug this up yet—Song Qiyun had already chosen the lead actor!
“Who is it? Which company are they with? When was this decided?”
“Director Song, can you tell us who the lead actor is?”
Song Qiyun motioned for everyone to calm down and said, “It’s a very talented young actor named Lan He. If you’re unfamiliar, there will be a photo in the promo video later, and you can see for yourselves.”
Media: “…………”
The room fell into an eerie silence, followed by an even bigger uproar.
What the heck—!!!
Lan He?! How did they not know about Lan He?!
Is it that you didn’t know? Didn’t your son mention it?
“Why? When did you start talking to Lan He?”
“Does Xuanguang have no objections to this?”
“I’d like to ask! Did Director Song watch Lan He’s performance in *Transcendence*, compare him to other actors, and then decide to invite him for an audition?”
They had so many questions.
“No, no, please calm down, media friends.” Song Qiyun, now with a headache, said. Although Dou Qishan had warned him about the possible reactions, these reporters still startled him.
The crowd sat down, feeling both incredulous and extremely excited. This news had massive buzz potential.
Song Qiyun glanced at Song Futan and said, “Even before *Transcendence*, both Xuanguang and I already felt that Lan He was very suitable. This casting decision was made a long time ago and has nothing to do with other actors. Anyone who approached me, I directed them to consider other roles.”
Media: No way, I don’t believe it!
Someone immediately raised a hand, “So besides Lan He, were there any other candidates at the time?”
“Director Song, did you never consider other actors? Was it because other actors weren’t available that you chose Lan He? What made you consider him, and how did Xuanguang change his opinion of him?”
Song Futan took the microphone, for once taking the initiative to speak: “There were no other candidates. There was no competition. Lan He was the only choice.”
He still had that distant aura, but his words left the reporters, who thought they knew him well, utterly speechless. He coldly added, “There was no change of opinion. We’ve always had a good relationship.”
It was almost as if he had written “It’s you who refused to believe and kept fanning the flames, and I’m very displeased” across his face.
Everyone: Holy crap!!!
Author’s note:
Audience unhappy: How could he be so clean and innocent?
Cousin: So precious!!!
Translator’s Note:
To understand the Xiao Qing and Xiao Qian reference better, refer to the *A Chinese Ghost Story* and *Legend of the White Snake*.
Xiaoqing, also known as Green Snake, is a character from Legend of the White Snake, essentially a supporting character who helped the main characters, the White Snake and a human male.
Xiaoqian is the main character of A Chinese Ghost Story, someone who fell in love with a ghost and ambiguously drowned himself to meet the ghost (who supposedly reincarnated). Don’t know why Little Du referred to the imaginary ghost girlfriend as Xiaoqian instead of Shine.
Anyway, this is what I got from reading the summaries. To those who actually read/watched the two stories, please share.
Haha Dou Chunting is so silly xD
Thank you for the translation and happy new year
Actually makes sense, a substitute 🤣
Its out lmaoo
And I love the cousin so much XD Him being a stand-in makes so much sense too XD