Mistaken Canary Chapter 32 (Part 1)
TL Note: Extra update today thanks to a kind donation I just got from K.S.! I'm not sure which novel prompted your generosity, but I decided to put it toward this one. Thank you so, so much for your kindness—I really really appreciate it! ˚˖𓍢🌷✧˚ʚ💗ɞ˚
Edited by megane-kun (ko-fi)
Proofread by bob
Chapter 32.1
Zhuo Shu attended a gathering tonight, the birthday party of Sha Bi, a third-generation heir.
Sha Bi himself wasn’t particularly capable, but his grandfather was the biggest real estate tycoon in the area, granting him access to a vast social circle.
Originally, Sha Bi’s grandfather wanted to host a grand banquet with a wide guest list. However, Sha Bi refused, not wanting to mingle with business elites at the event. He only wanted to enjoy the night with his friends, reveling in a lavish and carefree atmosphere.
As a result, this gathering was filled with young heirs from prominent families, all of whom were quite open-minded, with many even bringing their little ‘lovers’.
For the wealthy, showcasing their lives wasn’t just about flaunting cars or houses. They would show off their lovers, comparing whose lover was more impressive as a subtle way of proving their own capabilities.
"Wow, Zhuang Bi, where did you find this beauty? She’s fucking hot," someone remarked.
"Heh, last time when I went to buy that new limited edition Porsche, she found my car key. Not only did she return it to me, but she insisted on treating me to a meal," Zhuang Bi said, giving the heavily made-up, busty woman in his arms a possessive squeeze.
"Second Young Master Qian, I heard you’ve been sponsoring a new celebrity again? You’re really something, truly the top player of the entertainment industry— must be quite the achievement for you?"
"Nahh, it’s mainly because my family’s in the entertainment business, so I’ve met quite a few people. There are always a couple of good-looking ones who catch my eye. They’re talented people, just lacking a bit of luck to make it big," Qian Duo replied, turning his head to glance at the latest celebrity in his arms.
The small celebrity shyly snuggled closer to him. "Second Young Master, you’re our good luck."
"I still think the real star of tonight is the birthday boy. I heard Young Master Sha Bi used to be with Liu Li'ang back in the day," someone remarked.
Qian Duo's face stiffened, and he forced a smile. "That was years ago. Liu Li'ang hadn’t even made his first public performance then, so of course it was easier. Unlike this one, who's already second-tier, and will definitely surpass Liu Li'ang sooner or later."
As Sha Bi approached, the others quickly shifted gears, their voices rising in praise. "The sense of achievement must be different. Taking someone completely unknown and turning them into a major celebrity— that’s when you know you truly have skill and talent."
Sha Bi walked up with a smile and asked, "What are you guys talking about? Sounds lively."
"Oh, we were just discussing you and Liu Li'ang from back in the day," someone chuckled. "Young Master Sha, how’s your relationship with Liu Li'ang now?"
"Pretty good," Sha Bi said, swirling his glass of wine and taking a satisfied sip. "Although we’ve parted ways, we’re still friends. Sometimes he needs my help, and I can’t be too harsh, so I help him out when I can."
"Indeed, Young Master Sha is so magnanimous."
Qian Duo glanced disdainfully at the group, his gaze sweeping across the room until he spotted Zhuo Shu passing by. "Young Master Zhuo, why are you here all by yourself?"
Zhuo Shu glanced at them and walked over, offering Sha Bi a polite birthday greeting with a smile before replying, "The invitation didn’t say we must bring a plus one, no?"
"Of course not," Sha Bi said with a fake smile. "I just thought you seemed a bit lonely. I hear you found a ‘canary’ of your own; why didn’t you bring them along?"
"Is it because you’re too embarrassed by their (lack of) looks?" Qian Duo gave Zhuo Shu a once-over. "Don’t be fooled by Young Master Zhuo’s successful career now—everyone has their standards. I heard you invited Liu Li'ang to your last event? What, trying to pick up your xiōngdì’s leftovers? Seems like you haven’t been successful yet."
Even within the elite circles, there is a hierarchy of disdain. The third-gens look down on the second-gens (because of their modest family backgrounds), the second-gens look down on the first-gens (because of their sweat equity and humble origins), and the first-gens sneer at the (lazy, good-for-nothing) second- and third-gens.
This was the exact dynamic among the three of them—mutually disdainful, yet all maintaining their superficial friendships. Sha Bi and Qian Duo, from established wealthy families, naturally looked down on Zhuo Shu’s parents, who made their fortune through supermarkets. Zhuo Shu, in turn, couldn’t stand the spoiled, useless 'salted fish*' before him.
(TLN: In Cantonese, a ‘salted fish’ is a metaphor for a corpse, but can now mean people who have no intention of doing anything. The latter meaning of this term was made popular by Stephen Chow, more accurately, in his movie ‘Shaolin Soccer’.)
"Liu Li'ang? I’m not familiar with him," Zhuo Shu said with a calm expression, taking a sip of his drink, and flashing a confident smile. "The person I'm involved with is naturally more outstanding than Liu Li'ang."
"Oh? More outstanding than Liu Li'ang? They’re not an award-winning actor, are they?" Qian Duo sneered.
"He will be," Zhuo Shu replied with certainty.
At first, the whole notion of ‘keeping someone’ had been nothing more than a drunken boast—something he had thrown out casually while hanging out with these people. In the haze of the moment, he had even made a vague promise to rid himself of his v-card before his next birthday.
By sheer coincidence, a manager happened to pass by the venue, eagerly pitching their artist’s so-called ‘18 unique qualities’.
The next morning, when Zhuo Shu woke up, the memory of his reckless promise came rushing back. After ego contended several rounds with conscience, he decided it was irresponsible and resolved to call the manager to withdraw. But before he could even get the words out, the manager’s voice trembled with emotion. They movingly spoke of their young artist’s struggles, how he couldn’t catch a break, and how this was their last chance to make it. Desperation laced their plea, leaving Zhuo Shu momentarily at a loss.
In the end, Zhuo Shu didn’t give a definitive answer. He decided to have a proper talk with this young star, hoping to steer them on the right path.
However, when he opened the door of Room 2808 that night, and he first saw the clean-cut, handsome figure standing outside, the thought that popped into his mind was—‘Screw it, laozi will make him a movie emperor!’
After spending some time together, Zhuo Shu had become increasingly convinced that Ying Tongchen deserved better, a higher position. He shouldn’t stay hidden behind him forever, surviving on a part-time job. Although he held the title of a ‘Deputy Director’, that small salary couldn't compare to what a movie emperor or top star commanded.
Zhuo Shu genuinely wanted to help Ying Tongchen. That’s why he attended this gathering tonight—he had heard several directors were invited.
"He’ll become an actor worthy of winning an award?" Qian Duo scoffed, laughing a few times. "So, not yet, huh? What’s his name?"
Zhuo Shu glanced at him coldly. "His nickname is Dah Dee."
"Oh, so his name is Da..." Qian Duo trailed off, unable to complete the sentence. "I suspect you’re lying to me."
Zhuo Shu smiled indifferently. "How could that be? The next time we meet, you can ask him yourself."
"I was wondering what you two were arguing about," Sha Bi said, clearly enjoying the drama. He pretended concern but couldn’t hide his amusement. He turned to Zhuo Shu. "Why wait until next time? Why don’t you call him over now? Everyone’s here, so we can see if he’s obedient enough."
Qian Duo fanned the flames. "Do you see the director sitting at the head of the table, surrounded by people? He’s the hottest young director right now, just won a major award. He’s casting for a new film. It’s a rare opportunity to audition for him personally. Just look at how many stars and actors are gathered around him."
Zhuo Shu was tempted. That director was indeed one of the most sought-after directors of his generation.
But he still affected nonchalance. "If it weren’t for him being so clingy, I wouldn’t have come here alone."
Zhuo Shu dialed Ying Tongchen’s number and, after a brief conversation, said in an authoritative tone, "You know Opulen Club, no? Come over. Remember your place—don’t cling to me too much, got it?"
After elegantly hanging up, he feigned a smile and said, "See? He wants nothing more than to be attached to my hip, it’s truly a headache."
Qian Duo curled his lips. "Attached to the hip? Even more than the one in my arms? I tell mine to come meet me, and he immediately flies over from the next city—less than three hours and he’s here. It’s cute, sure, but sometimes it’s just too much. So, I’m thinking of letting him play with my unused private jet for a while."
Zhuo Shu: "..." You’re talking about that toy-sized private jet of yours, the one that runs on two AA batteries?
Sha Bi reminisced, "Yeah, I get what you mean. I remember a few years ago, I mentioned having a cold, and in less than an hour, Liu Li’ang was at my door with medicine. But, you know, we’re busy with work—making nine figures in pocket money—we can’t play with them all the time."
Zhuo Shu: "..." Don’t think I don’t know that you have to hand back eight of your nine figures of pocket money to your parents.
Qian Duo and Sha Bi exchanged a few more humblebrags while glancing at Zhuo Shu.
Zhuo Shu: "..." Apologies, I often feel out of place around you guys because I don’t know how to boast properly.