ABSML Chapter 23: Taking Advantage of the Momentum

Previous | Table of Contents | Next

As Yin Ronglan had predicted, Chen Zhan was indeed carrying out a poverty alleviation plan.

He disliked owing people favors and considered only two people as friends—Yin Ronglan and the buzz-cut guy he met when he first arrived in this world.

Between the two, the former was more special, as Yin Ronglan was someone he had actively chosen to befriend.

Before repaying the buzz-cut guy twice the money he had borrowed, his current priority was helping Yin Ronglan escape poverty.

【System: You truly are a man with a strong sense of social responsibility.】

Chen Zhan was counting dolls when the system’s voice suddenly rang out, making him tug too hard and tear off half of a doll’s body. Sitting by the bed, he carefully stitched it back together and said indifferently, “I thought you wouldn’t return until after the New Year.”

【System: You, you… I, I…】

“Don’t worry.” Finishing the last stitch, Chen Zhan said calmly, “There’s no way to file a complaint against you for now, so you should be safe.”

【System: One-time deal—100 points to clear your record.】

“Deal.” To the system’s surprise, Chen Zhan agreed readily. “Filing a complaint would only mean replacing one system with another. Too much trouble.”

Though he hadn’t explicitly stated it, the system understood.

【I’m actually pretty reliable. You’re lucky you didn’t get one of the truly terrible ones.】

At this, the system suddenly seemed to recall something horrifying and fell silent.

Setting up an online store wasn’t too difficult. After submitting his ID for verification, Chen Zhan resumed writing while waiting for approval. Unexpectedly, Yin Ronglan called first.

"The factory’s contact details have been sent to your email."

Chen Zhan smiled and said, "I owe another favor."

Yin Ronglan replied, "Just don’t make me step on a sewing machine."

Chen Zhan was just joking; actually making the other person learn would be taking it too far.

The friend Yin Ronglan introduced was surprisingly easy to talk to, offering a price that exceeded expectations in terms of generosity.

After an on-site inspection and a careful review of the contract, ensuring there were no issues, the agreement was finalized.

The earnings from the audiobook channel were steadily increasing every day, almost catching up to the total income from writing alone. Meanwhile, Xiangxi Group had not given up on inviting him to live stream, and now the online store was about to officially launch.

Chen Zhan felt like an iron tree blooming everywhere.

Thinking of this, he habitually squinted his eyes and smiled.

Amused by his own spontaneous cold joke for three seconds, he adjusted his mood and began planning the next steps.

Woof, woof.

The sound of barking was incessant.

The old apartment had poor soundproofing. Chen Zhan opened the door, ready to find out who was disturbing the peace. He happened to see the old man holding onto a stubborn dog that refused to enter the house. He was momentarily stunned. "What kind of act is this?"

"Found it at the scrap recycling station. Just took it to get vaccinated."

In other words, he was planning to adopt it.

Chen Zhan sighed. "This dog has a wild temperament. If it keeps barking at night, people will complain."

The old man seemed to realize this for the first time and hesitated. "Why don’t you try persuading it?"

Chen Zhan locked eyes with the dog, squatted down, and pulled out a talisman. "If you don’t behave, then…"

Before he could finish speaking, the doll’s head had already spun a full 360 degrees.

The dog’s eyes widened in shock, instantly silencing it. However, a second later, it began barking even more furiously.

Chen Zhan stood up. "It’s probably better to just stuff food in its mouth."

The old man scratched his head in frustration. "Forget it. I’ll have that kid help train it. He has more space."

Chen Zhan had just started walking back into his apartment but paused. "You mean… Yin Ronglan?"

Aware that their difference in status might hinder the bridge of friendship still under construction, the old man remained unfazed. "Yes. There’s an abandoned soccer field behind his house."

Chen Zhan pondered. "That does sound suitable."

Back in his room, he stared at his computer screen for a while before shaking his head. "Am I being too suspicious?"

In the silent space, no one could answer.

He sat quietly alone for a long time until his phone rang.

"Hello." Seeing the caller ID, Chen Zhan walked to the window. "Need to reshoot a scene?"

"The editing is almost done. No need." Wang Cheng’s voice, as always, was smooth and polished. "Xiao Tong’s relationship scandal was exposed. Her contracted advertisers have already sued her. It’ll be hard for her to develop in the fashion industry now."

Chen Zhan’s voice was devoid of emotion. "I deeply sympathize with her situation."

Wang Cheng coughed awkwardly, thinking this was just the kind of polite remark one should say.

"I’m just giving you a heads-up. Xiao Tong has been asking around, even going so far as to offer herself," he said with a sneer. "She refused to let go of both the contract and the relationship, yet she turned around and easily threw herself into someone else’s arms. Apparently, she heard from someone that she was targeted because she offended you."

"Oh." Chen Zhan’s tone remained indifferent, as if discussing the female lead of this drama was a waste of time.

"Don’t underestimate the power of a mad dog," Wang Cheng warned meaningfully. "If she decides to go all out, she might post something she shouldn’t online."

Netizens wouldn’t believe that the lead actress of the same production tried to drug and frame a supporting actor. If Xiao Tong took a desperate gamble, she might even gain public sympathy.

Chen Zhan chuckled. "It doesn’t matter."

He dismissed the issue lightly, utterly unconcerned.

Wang Cheng wasn’t sure what he was planning but didn’t press further. In any case, he had done his duty by giving a warning—especially for Yin Ronglan’s sake.

Chen Zhan’s life remained unaffected by the warning.

Having navigated the industry for so long, Wang Cheng was no fool. As he had predicted, that very night, Xiao Tong posted a long message on Weibo, accusing Chen Zhan of seducing wealthy individuals to set her up. She portrayed herself entirely as a victim, claiming that he conspired with the rich and top brands to suppress her, causing her to lose endorsements and face enormous financial penalties.

She also claimed she had been unable to sleep for a week, forced to rely on sleeping pills.

Xiao Tong was only a semi-popular actress with a modest Weibo following, but since she was voluntarily stirring up drama, the post’s views skyrocketed.

At that moment, she sat in front of her computer, her eyes filled with satisfaction and malice. She was determined to ruin Chen Zhan. The fashion industry could be sacrificed—so long as she gained attention, she wouldn’t lack future job opportunities.

Just imagining Chen Zhan’s panic made the corners of her lips curl up uncontrollably.

Unfortunately, space could not overlap—otherwise, Xiao Tong would have been sorely disappointed. Chen Zhan did not panic as she had imagined. Instead, he remained calm as he prepared his dinner.

During this time, he received a message from a girl who had once been part of an organized online attack against him. She expressed her gratitude for turning her into a small internet celebrity and offered to rally her old teammates to control the narrative in his favor if needed.

Chen Zhan declined her offer, his response sounding righteous: "A locust in late autumn is nothing to fear. Besides, those who do evil will eventually bring about their own demise."

As he placed his meal on the table and picked up his chopsticks, the system, which had been silent for a long time, suddenly spoke.

【Detected a side mission that fits the “comeback” storyline:】

【Mission 1: Endure humiliation and bear the burden. Please shed a single crystalline tear at the press conference…】

Chen Zhan barely paid attention, letting the words go in one ear and out the other. After finishing his meal, he lazily responded, "According to your plan, it would take at least six months for the false accusations to be overturned."

【System: Isn’t this already pretty fast?】

Chen Zhan shook his index finger.

【System: …Not fast enough?】

Chen Zhan: "One night is enough."

With time to spare before bedtime, he stared at his WeChat contacts for a moment and sent a message.

【The reply came quickly: Why should I help you?】

【Chen Zhan: I heard the movie is almost finished. You can use this as free promotion.】

There was no further response.

Half an hour after Xiao Tong’s post, while the online debate raged, actress Jiang Ying suddenly commented: Frankly speaking, this is a bit of a stretch for him.

The comment immediately shifted public opinion. Soon, people began doubting Xiao Tong’s claims, and those who disliked her in the industry spoke up.

Another actress revealed how Xiao Tong had once drugged her with laxatives on set and hired paparazzi to capture her looking unwell, leading to a wave of online hate.

Chen Zhan had expected this outcome from the moment he reached out to Jiang Ying, so he didn’t even bother reading the comments.

【System: They actually think you’re a naïve villain?!】

Chen Zhan interrupted its excited squealing. "The original owner of this body did act foolishly."

He merely took advantage of that perception.

Once the situation had completely flipped, Chen Zhan posted a Weibo ad:

"Protective charm dolls launching soon. Essential for warding off evil and reversing bad luck."

Under normal circumstances, such a post would invite mockery. But now, people were surprisingly supportive.

Chen Zhan chuckled—sales were going to be good.

【System: …If you keep being this competent, I’ll be out of a job.】

Ignoring it, Chen Zhan settled into bed, enjoying a peaceful night.

Meanwhile, in an office still lit late into the night—

Assistant: "President, the PR statement is ready. The brand partners are also prepared to clarify things. Should we pressure Xiao Tong’s agency next?"

Yin Ronglan looked at the already reversed situation, noted how Chen Zhan even managed to promote his product, and calmly said, "Dismiss everyone."

Assistant: "…"

Author’s Note:

Yin Ronglan: This is too hard for me.

_____

T/N: Please give support in my ko-fi page, thank you😊