Chapter 6: That Yan Dog Dared to Steal My Man

DECEMBER 11, 2021 / KINKYTRANSLATIONS

Your Rival in Love Gets Prettier Every Day

Author: 公子于歌 / Gong Zi Yu Ge

Translator: Kinky

One stone stirred up a thousand waves. Several major entertainment forums were all discussing the post.

“I just saw on Weibo that Shen Jintai is about to make a comeback. Is it real? Do you have any proof?”

“I don’t know, but looking at the momentum, nine out of ten it’s really looks like he’s going to make a comeback.”

“Let me break the news. He’s indeed going to make a comeback, and it is a certain palace fighting drama that is being hotly discussed in your district. I’m quite shocked.”

“Damn, it’s not <DGLL*>, is it?”

*Abberviation of <The East Palace is Coming> (东宫来了) (Dong Gong Lai Liao)

“Isn’t the male lead Bai Qingquan in <DGLL>?”

“That rumor isn’t true. Bai Qingquan has already been set to as the lead. He even posted the makeup photos for it. How could Shen Jintai play the same role as him!”

“Please Shen Touhua walk INDEPENDENTLY. DON’T CUE* OUR white MOONLIGHT. THANK YOU.”

*Originally in English. It’s basically saying don’t involve Bai Qingquan.

“The moonlight powder will arrive on the battlefield in three seconds!”

“I’m glad to hear it. Hurry up and tear Shen Touhua apart!”

“Tear him up, tear him up, then tear him up again!”

“Tear your mother! Take Bai Yueguang away from my house. No appointment*!”

*不约. Not entirely sure of this.

“Please be beautiful by yourself, Shen Touhua. Can’t you live without rubbing the heat* off someone else’s cooking?”

*Heat = refers to (short-term) popularity. Rub Heart = riding off of someone else’s popularity.

“It’s not a coffee shop. Tearing him to help the poor! Shen Touhua, how truly beautiful you are!”

*“都不是一个咖位的，撕他就是扶贫好嘛！沈头花还真美，想的真美！” Taken some liberties with this one. No idea what it’s saying.

Immediately afterwards, Bai Qingquan’s fans filled the comments with beautiful personal photos of Bai Qingquan. Shen Jintai watched for a long time, and finally fell asleep gazing at Bai Qingquan’s prosperous beauty.

In his dream, he was still the same as he used to be. He started as an errand runner doing random chores, then worked as a stuntman. With his love for acting, step by step, he became a golden male actor, and finally won the nomination for best male actor due to an indie literary and artistic film.

It seems that he had lived a long life only to wake up extremely tired.

He was also gay which was most taboo in the showbiz industry. Because he had finally climbed up the ladder, he was afraid that being exposed would affect his acting career, so he never revealed his sexual orientation. Let alone falling in love, he never even dated anyone.

Now that he had the opportunity to make a career by virtue of his beauty. Along the way he can also snatch up a handsome man. His situation wasn’t bad if he carefully thought about it.

He rubbed his eyes and laid down on the bed to sort out the relationship between the three of them.

Yan Qiuchi said that he couldn’t even match Bai Qingquan’s toe. This was properly aligned with the plot as Yan Qiuchi had not fallen into temptation for Bai Qingquan yet. In <Everyone Loves Bai Yueguang>, according to the traditional setting, only after many suitors fell in love with Bai Yueguang did the male protagonist started to understood his feelings. Before this, Yan Quichi was still “Yan Paifang”.

Shen Jintai’s nickname “Shen Touhua”, which sounds good to hear but was quite ironic, giving it’s meaning. On the other Yan Qiuchi’s nickname “Yan Paifang”, which didn’t have a nice ring was still full of readers’ adoration.

Yes! Because of his “high abstinence” characteristic, Yan Qiuchi was unsympathetic and indifferent to everyone. He never showed any sign of tenderness towards them.

Can you imagine such a chastise arch turning into a clothed beast in seconds? Can you imagine that he would press Bai Qingquan on the wall to kiss him? Can you imagine him doing all kinds of “plays” in bed? Can you imagine Yan Qiuchi, who was extremely self-disciplined and abstinent, would suffered from skin hunger and thirst, and needed to “hug every day and night*” after liberating his nature?

*Yes, it’s what you’re thinking. Sex.

Shen Jintai thought: ‘Absolutely not!’

How dare that Yan Dog tries to steal his man!

It’s first come first serve! He’s going to take advantage while filming this drama to take down Bai Yueguang!

Shen Jintai got up to wash and was about to undress to see how the tattoo on his chest was, when his cell phone rang. He hurriedly picked it up along with this toothbrush and looked at the caller ID above. It turned out that Mrs. Yan was calling.

This would be a good time to talk about the relationship between the Yan family and the Shen family.

The wife of the Yan family and the wife of the Shen family were good friends. Later, both married into wealthy families. Unfortunately, Mrs. Shen was unlucky and passed away within a few years of marrying, leaving behind only one son, Shen Jintai. Because Mrs. Yan missed her best friend, she gave an abundance of love to Shen Jintai. She would often invite Shen Jintai over to play at their house and after this happened multiple times, Shen Jintai and Yan Qiuchi became childhood friends*.

*青梅竹马. This is a Chinese idiom: “Green Plum and Bamboo Horse” that means childhood sweethearts or a couple who grew up as childhood friends (based off of my research). It’s important to point this out because (see next footnote).

Of course, the childhood friend later changed. They were not people in the same world, nor could they truly be friends. Yan Qiuchi hated him in his heart. Because of his fate as a cannon fodder, he fell in love with Yan Qiuchi.

Since ancient times, the bamboo horse* was usually used for attacking. If it’s a cannon fodder, unfortunately such a horse is generally vicious and brainless**.

*This bamboo horse (竹马) Is referring to the bamboo horse from Green Plum and Bamboo Horse (青梅竹马).
**自古天竹马竹马，竹马一般都是用来做助攻的，如果是炮灰攻一般都是深情男二，如果是炮灰受，不好意思，一般都恶毒且无脑. I tried my best, but I really could not make heads or tails of the translation. There’s probably some deeper metaphorical meaning for the bamboo horse and how it related to him being a cannon fodder that I am unable to translate. Please send help.

Shen Jintai answered the phone: “Auntie*.”

*Not blood-related.

Mrs. Yan said loudly, “Qiu Chi is coming back for lunch today, so come to my house as soon as possible.”

Mrs. Yan was a staunchest supporter of the “JinQiu” CP*! In the original novel, the powder of this CP were considered evil. From a reader’s point of view, since it did not support the “QingQiu” CP but instead the vicious cannon fodder, they considered Mrs. Yan to be some kind of evil-mother-in-law.

*It basically means she ships Shen Jintai x Yan Qiuchi. Combining JinQiu (金秋) gives you golden autumn.

Of course, this wicked mother-in-law was quite dissatisfied with Bai Qingquan. Later in the novel she was hell-bent on breaking the two up, thus, she received no less personal attacks than Shen Jintai!

Shen Jintai put down the toothbrush: “I don’t like him anymore so I won’t go.”

Mrs. Yan: “…Xiao* Jin, what’s the matter with you? I have seen all the hot searches. Is it true?”

*Xiao = Little. Usually it an intimate way to address someone close to you that’s younger than you. I left it in it’s pinyin form since it makes better sense. Also not to be confuse with the character Xiao Yang. That Xiao is a different character.

Shen Jintai: “Yeah. I just received a script and plan to go over it at home, so I won’t come over.”

Mrs. Yan seemed lost for words and finally said: “But… but today is my birthday. “

Shen Jintai was taken aback for a moment. He must go.

Mrs. Yan was like a mother to the original owner of this body, yet she was not as kind to her actual son.

“Sorry, I forgot all about it.” Shen Jintai said.

Mrs. Yan: “It’s okay. Auntie understands. You have a lot going on concerning all the issues with your family recently. Come over. I made a lot of your favorite foods. The whole family is here. I’ll have the driver pick you up.”

After hanging up the phone, Shen Jintai hurried to wash up.

Yan Qiuchi was his rival in love and the object of affection of the former owner’s body. In front of him, he must not lose his momentum! He immediately took out all the clothes in the closet and tossed them on the bed.

Bankruptcy was bankruptcy but a lean camel was still bigger than a horse*. While his family went bankrupt, it hardly affected him. He still lived in a villa and all his clothes were high-end brands.

*Idiom. It expresses the gap between the rich person and the poor person. Even if the rich one suffers assets damage, the rest of his possessions were still much greater than the poor ones.

He chose a navy-blue shirt with dark gray suit pants that gave casual and quiet look. As he finished dressing, the driver from the Yan’s family arrived. He glanced at the suit jacket and thong hanging on the wall, turned, and walked out the door.

The driver who came to pick him up didn’t recognize him at first sight. His reaction made Shen Jintai very satisfied. He wanted to give others the impression that he’s turned over a new leaf.

The Yan family lived in the center of the city, in a closed community of villas behind the city government building. This was the most valuable area in Nancheng. Shen Jintai leaned on the car window and watch for a long time. Unfortunately, he felt that this city was no different from what he had seen before in his previous life.

If he could wear it into Xiu Xianwen, he was flying with the Imperial Sword at the moment, right*?

*如果能穿到修仙文里，他此刻正在御剑飞行吧？No clue. Not sure if it’s an idiom or trying to reference something.

When the iron gate opened, Shen Jintai saw the full splendor of the Yan’s family in Nancheng.

This villa was completely different than the villa he lived in. It was out of the norm of what one would consider a “villa”. The villa that he lived in were connected to each other like townhouses. This villa on the other hand were separated from each other and even had a huge garden. Even the gate alone was the size of a manor.

There were already a few guests mingling in front of the courtyard. When Mrs. Yan saw Shen Jintai’s car coming, she stood on the side of the road with a smile. She was a fifty-year-old woman, plump and thick, her jet-black hair was coiled up in a bun, and a red flower was pinned on her head.

“Xiao Jin.” Mrs. Yan cried with a smile.

When she saw him, she was astonished.  Shen Jintai stepped out of the car and buttoned up his suit. The red hair he used to have was now dyed black. He looked very mature and stable.

Even the guests nearby were surprised.

“Is that Shen Jintai?”

“What a radical change…”

“It seems he was serious. Did you see yesterday’s hot search?”

How could rich people have time to scan Weibo everyday. Many did not see the hot search, so they grouped together to gossip.

Shen Jintai glanced around, but did not see Yan Qiuchi. Mrs. Yan smiled and took his arm: “What are you looking at?”

Shen Jintai: “Nothing. Auntie, happy birthday.”

“Thank you.” Mrs. Yan’s voice was very bright. She looked like a forthright person at first glance… But it was different if you’re at odds with her. An evil mother-in-law aura could vaguely be seen around her. “Looking for Qiuchi? He hasn’t come back yet. He said that he will be here later.”

Shen Jintai was startled. Shit. Was his expression looking for Yan Qiuchi too obvious?

This won’t do. Everyone will think he’s still missing that thousand-year old popsicle. They’ll say he’s all talk no action. It’ll be too shameful. When Yan Qiuchi arrives, he will definitely not give him a look!

As he was thinking about Cao Cao, the man in question arrived. Mrs. Yan smiled and looked into the distance: “Qiuchi is back.”

Shen Jintai looked back and saw a black Bentley slowly driving over. The weather was good today. The rays from the sun that shone on the car gave an occasional dazzling reflection. The car stopped not far from them. The driver in a black suit got out of the car first, then ran to the back, bent over and opened the door for Yan Qiuchi.

Truly he was worthy of title male protagonist*. This big boss was full of panache.

* 不愧是龙傲天男主. 龙傲天 was part of the text but I’m not sure how to put it into the translation. I believe it’s referring to a dragon’s pride.

A long leg stretched out, revealing black socks at the ankles, his leather shoes were shiny and spotless, and his trousers were straight without wrinkles.

Truly a man with long legs were the sexiest. Forget the ass! He wanted long legs! It’s good for men to grow up with long legs.

Yan Qiuchi got out of the car, frowned slightly when he saw Shen Jintai, and nodded at him very courteously. While he was distraught internally, in front of outsiders Yan Qiuchi maintained his gentlemanly demeanor.

Shen Jintai felt embarrassed if he didn’t give a response, so he nodded his head and said hello. After just nodding his head, Shen Jintai turned away. With combed back hair and a formal attire, he looked rather arrogant, like a proud peacock.

He vowed he would never look at Yan Qiuchi again! He remembered that in the novel, Yan Qiuchi had a personal description. What was it again?

“Regardless of whether you’re a man or woman, if you like men, then you wanted to be fucked by him.”

Well why couldn’t he be the exception to it!

The author has something to say:

Some little angels don’t understand the abbreviations of the previous chapter.

XYXF: bloody

XXJ: elementary school chicken

DGLL; the abbreviation for <The East Palace is Coming>.

I am dumbfounded: Our little friends are all stunned.

CUE: Mentioned

Bai Qingquan’s fans are called Moonlight Powder, and Shen Jintai’s fans are called Gold* Powder. Their CP is called BaiJin**CP.

*The Jin (金) in Jintai (金台) = gold.

**Combining Bai (白) + Jin (金)) gives Baijin (白金) = Platinum.

QingQiu CP refers to Yan Qiuchi and Bai Qingquan.

As for the CP of Yan Qiuchi and Shen Jintai, it is the JinQiu* CP.

*Combining JinQiu (金秋) give you golden autumn.

I didn’t think about it too much when choosing their names. I didn’t expect that the composition of the CP would be very good, and they all form new words. This must be God’s will!

Kinky Thoughts:  Me after reading the author’s note: (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻

Author-sama, why couldn’t you provide your author notes in the previous chapter, so I didn’t have to stress my head off and spent so much time trying to figure out what those abbreviation means!!

#1 thing Kinky hates translating: Weibo/Bystanders comments.
#2 thing Kinky hates translating: Fucking idioms. But also how ironic that my translation has (American) idioms I inserted.

Seriously I spent way too much time looking into the significance of a bamboo horse! My inner monologue: ‘The fuck is a bamboo horse? Why isn’t it a regular horse? Is it cause it eats bamboo?’

Side note: Mama Yan I’m definitely hopping on your boat. Cause we all know that ship is sailing~~ QingQiu CP ain’t gonna happen. They don’t even form new words (unlike the other two CPs). Besides how can anyone ship BaiJin. What’s two fucking shous* gonna do in bed?! (To be honest quite a bit with the right equipment…)

*Shou = uke = bottom. // Gong = seme = top.

But on a more serious note, I strongly dislike how BL novels/manga ect. in general tends to stereotype gongs and shous. Tops and bottoms comes in all shape, sizes, characteristics, and personalities. There are even those who vers (verstile). Just a PSA to everyone to not look at gays through rose-tinted glass and stereotype them as a shou or gong based on outward traits. Nothing wrong with a manly shou or an effeminate gong. But I digress. Sorry to get off-topic.