ICTEUWMN Chapter 22.2

However, the most climactic developments of the plot had officially began to unfold amidst this explosive wave of updates!

[[The deeper Caesar sank into the illusion of love, the more he couldn’t shake the feeling that his words to Gu Bai that day had been excessively harsh.

Even though Gu Bai never mentioned the incident again, Caesar had been searching for ways to make amends or initiate a conversation.

At the very least, he wanted to tell Gu Bai that his outburst that day had been triggered by seeing him with Roy—it had soured his mood immeasurably…

But every time he tried to broach the subject, Gu Bai would smile knowingly and effortlessly change the topic.

Gradually, Caesar began to suspect that his words had caused Gu Bai to lose his sense of security.

The truth was, Caesar didn’t even dislike the way Gu Bai used to behave.

He missed the times when Gu Bai would get angry at him, when he’d stop him from making mistakes, even when he’d outright scold him.

Now, though Gu Bai was gentle, he seemed increasingly out of reach—like a fleeting breeze that might vanish at any moment.

Caesar even began to wonder if he was sick. Why did he find himself longing for Gu Bai to be a little “mean” to him again?

Could he be a natural masochist?

Despite these thoughts, every time Caesar looked at Gu Bai, he liked him more and more.

He even thought that if they could continue living like this forever, it wouldn’t be so bad…

A few months later, as he returned home from work, Caesar instructed his driver to stop by the central mall. He went to the top-floor luxury jewelry store and emerged holding an exquisitely packaged, high-end gift box.

Inside the box was an exquisitely expensive and beautiful pair of custom-made rings that had taken months to be completed.

Caesar could hardly imagine how elegant Gu Bai’s slender, piano-playing hands would look adorned with the ring during the graduation recital next month.

He must sit in the front row and see the entire performance with his own eyes.

However, as Caesar’s heart soared with anticipation while gazing out the car window, he suddenly noticed something strange—Gu Bai, who had told him he would be practicing for the graduation recital in the music room, was instead running along the roadside in the city center!?

What was even more puzzling was the urgency in Gu Bai’s steps, as if he were rushing to meet someone.

This area was completely in the opposite direction of the school.

Gu Bai had lied to him?

He hadn’t gone to school at all.

Why would Gu Bai lie to him!?

The smile on Caesar’s face vanished instantly. After a long silence, his expression turned cold as he tightened his grip on the gift box and instructed the driver to stop and follow Gu Bai’s figure without hesitation.

Caesar forced himself to ignore the dull ache and grievance swelling in his chest.

He wanted to see for himself who Gu Bai was meeting, someone important enough for him to lie about it.

In truth, Gu Bai was indeed planning to meet his mentor at school today.

But unexpectedly, he received a sudden call from the hospital, informing him that his mother’s condition had shown significant progress under the special treatment.

Without a second thought, Gu Bai dropped everything and rushed to the central hospital.

It had been far too long since he had seen his mother awake.

He desperately wanted to speak with her, even if only for a few words.

Engrossed in his rush to the hospital, Gu Bai failed to notice the familiar black luxury car stealthily following him.

Just as Caesar was on the verge of crushing the gift box in his hands, his car stopped at an unexpected location—the central federal hospital!

Why had Gu Bai come to the hospital!?]]

This time, the plot in the book seemed to take a sudden turn for the worse, but Kane, who was so upset that he wanted to kill the author the previous second, was revived with full health in the next!

“Fuck, are we finally about to uncover the truth about the million star coins!?”

At that moment, Kane decided he could spare the author for now—but only if they finished writing the next chapters before meeting their doom.

After all, while it seemed that Caesar suspected Gu Bai of lying and their relationship was heading toward another significant test, the readers, blessed with God’s perspective, understood the real situation. If Caesar followed Gu Bai to the hospital and discovered his bedridden mother, he would undoubtedly uncover the truth about the one million star coins Gu Bai had taken.

That money wasn’t out of greed; it was for his mother’s treatment!

By then, Caesar would undoubtedly regret his actions!

The only downside was that the author decided to end the night’s ten-chapter update right at this climactic point!?

[Author’s Note: That’s it for the ten chapters today. Enjoy! No more updates tonight~ OwO]

At the end of this chapter, the mysterious author left another cheeky note. Obviously, they were aware that there would definitely be unwilling readers who would continue to wait for new chapter updates by the hour. So, they decisively declared that the night’s updates were done!

The comment section, which had been exploding moments ago, suddenly fell into a profound silence.

The next second, the quiet comment section erupted like a volcano.

[No way—we won’t allow this!!!]

[You’re ending it here? HERE!? What was the point of ten chapters if you’re leaving us dying like this!?]

[Does this author even have a conscience!? I’m ready to find you and settle this!!!]

Despite the outcry, the novel “Contract Marriage”, which was ranked on the third page, surged through the charts at an unprecedented pace due to the influx of countless readers.

Almost every hour, the ranking of this book would jump up significantly!

By 4 a.m., it miraculously reached the top spot!

[Host! You can’t stop here! The readers’ blackening value is about to explode! You have to keep updating!!]

In the study, where Yu Mian had finally finished writing the explosive updates and was catching his breath, his little system began screaming in alarm.

Because although the wave of popularity brought unimaginable gains, the readers’ blackening value had reached 99.9%!

Yu Mian: …?

“Well, you might as well kill me!”

[Fish collapsed.jpg]

In fact, Yu Mian wasn’t intentionally trying to torture readers.

The golden ball of mental power in his mind had already reached its limit. If he pushed himself further, he would really pass out again!

“Unless you let me drain that guy a few more times…”

The “guy” naturally referred to Huo Ting.

Still, on this night, “Contract Marriage” rapidly became a phenomenon hit with the arrival of the climax of the book and the support of the natural traffic on its first large-scale ranking competition.

Moreover, the influence of “Contract Marriage” could be said to be in a state of continuous spreading.

Even though the contract was delayed due to the deliberate suppression of Editor Lei and the entire book did not get any mainstream recommendation position before entering V-status, the early traffic was indeed severely suppressed.

But with anchor Bai Lande’s crazy recommendations and many readers’ spontaneous recommendations and posts after reading the book, more and more people were inevitably exposed to this book. It had become unstoppable.

There was even a famous rumor circulating among readers:

After the chapter where Caesar gifted the piano was released, piano sales on the central star skyrocketed. Several famous specialty stores had even run out of stock!

Without a doubt, “Contract Marriage” had left an indelible mark with its vivid depiction of Gu Bai’s piano artistry.

Because after reading “Contract Marriage” the most profound impression left on countless readers was undoubtedly the vivid and artistic description of Gu Bai’s piano playing in many places in the book.

The moment he stepped onto the stage, it was as if he radiated elegance and was glowing from within.

Not only was Caesar captivated, his love brain spiraling out of control, but interstellar readers outside the book were also deeply moved.

As a result, the classical piano, a traditional instrument from the ancient Blue Star, which had become somewhat obscure in the interstellar era, got an unprecedented wave of popularity and traffic, and has attracted a large number of young enthusiasts.

The direct impact of this was that university students, particularly from institutions like the Central Star Music Academy, quickly became aware of “Contract Marriage”.

The novel’s daring plot design, exhilarating emotional developments, and some slightly exaggerated yet immensely impactful scenes triggered a viral wave of book recommendations among interstellar college students.

Editor Lei was baffled by the phenomenon for quite some time. He couldn’t understand how this “unconventional” book continued to draw in new readers without receiving any featured promotions.

And as “Contract Marriage” skyrocketed in popularity, its two protagonists also became widely beloved figures among interstellar readers.

Whether it was Gu Bai’s resilience and kindness or Caesar’s deep affection and pride, their vibrant and unique characteristics stood out among the more standardized serious protagonists in other books.

Even minor characters, such as the seemingly grumpy yet secretly caring grandpa written by Yu Mian, gained immense popularity among readers.

The ripple effect of this was evident. Acts of kindness, respecting elders, and caring for the young became noticeably more common on the Central Star.

In particular, the old gardeners on the Central Star Park started noticing young people eager to help them maintain the gardens.

“Well, perhaps there really are more good people in the interstellar!”

However, the group most affected by the novel’s influence was undoubtedly the Central Star’s top music academy, which was also the prototype of the music academy attended by Gu Bai.

During this period of time at the Central Star First Conservatory of Music, the academy’s work-study foundation saw a peculiar surge of people at its doors.

These individuals loitered curiously, trying to gather information, and their inquiries were surprisingly consistent.

“Excuse me, is there a young man named Gu Bai here? If so, I’d like to offer sponsorship, a job opportunity, or simply get to know him!”

When pressed for a description of this young man, their responses were astonishingly uniform:

“He’s someone who looks very clean, with a pure, cold temperament, yet he’s resilient and kind!”

The administrator: “…”

“Okay, I get that he has a nose and two eyes, but what does ‘clean and cold’ even mean?”

“Ah? Can’t you grasp it? It’s that kind of very beautiful appearance! When sunlight shines on him, it’s as if he’s glowing with purity!”

The administrator’s repeated, exasperated questioning only angered these fervent interstellar readers further.

“By the cosmos, how can someone fail to understand the beauty of Gu Bai, our little angel!?”

“You’re all describing him so vaguely! How is anyone supposed to know what Gu Bai actually looks like?”

Frustrated, the administrator finally concluded it was some kind of elaborate prank and posted a bold A4 notice on the office door:

[There are no registered students named ‘Gu Bai’ in our database!!!]

Even after this notice, some refused to give up.

“Okay, I can understand if you’re protecting student privacy. Could I at least apply to be a student volunteer at the foundation this semester?”

“I really want to contribute to our department and do my part to help build a harmonious universe!”

The administrator, whose hands were now firmly held as the other party changed his face: “…”

Faced with these fanatical groups who inexplicably flocked in and strongly demanded to serve as free labor, the administrator could only tear off a volunteer registration form with a blank expression.

“Here, fill it out at the table to your left. Your number is 13,918. We call seven numbers per week.”

As the administrator spoke listlessly, he couldn’t help but overhear the groans of despair.

“Ahhh, only seven a week? How long will it take for me to meet my Gu Bai…?”

“This is ridiculous,” the administrator muttered. “Though I suppose it’s a good thing. Our fundraising this semester has multiplied several times over!”

Audrey, the head of the student volunteer department, flipped through the registration forms, stunned by the unexpected influx of interest.

Previously, the work-study program was one of the least popular departments.

The fact was, there weren’t many financially struggling students in the music department.

In the interstellar era, pursuing music was already niche, which further leads to the fact that most musical instruments can only be customized. The high cost of custom-made instruments itself created a natural entry barrier.

So, most students at the First Music Academy came from affluent backgrounds.

“I’ll tell you the truth, it’s because of a novel! The protagonist, Gu Bai, is a young piano genius from a poor family in a remote star system, they’re all trying to find this person!”

One of the students avidly reading “Contract Marriage” explained excitedly.

Though disappointed that Gu Bai was likely fictional, this music student couldn’t help but marvel at how such a character had captivated so many people.

After all, if Gu Bai were real, countless music students would have rushed to sponsor him long ago! Why would they give outsiders the chance?!

You know, many of the wealthy young women in the music department were already obsessed with the fictional Gu Bai.

“This makes no sense!” Audrey, who wasn’t a fan of novels, scoffed. “How could a poor student afford to learn piano? In the interstellar era, it’s not just rare—it’s practically impossible! A custom piano costs a fortune.”

Audrey shook her head, unable to reconcile the fantastical premise of “Contract Marriage” with reality.

“Although, I really want to recommend this book to you—not for anything else, but because I feel one of the male protagonists, Caesar, is so much like your brother!”

Audrey was caught off guard by her friend’s peculiar reason for promoting the book.

Looking at the link to “Contract Marriage” sent to her light brain, Audrey, who never enjoyed reading novels, hesitated for the first time.

‘The protagonist of this book resembles my brother Kane?’

‘How similar could they be…?’

“Audrey, you have to trust me. This book is full of philosophy! By the way, if your family throws another party, remember to invite me. I really want to meet your brother Kane!”

Before leaving, her friend emphasized this with a fervent expression.

Although it seemed impossible to meet Gu Bai, meeting Caesar sounded like a decent consolation prize.

That night, at the family dinner in the Kane family’s mansion, Audrey, as the youngest daughter, should have actively participated in socializing.

However, Lady Freya noticed that Audrey seemed lost in her own world, even clutching her light brain with both hands.

The text on the light brain’s screen was like a magnet.

Audrey’s expressions also shifted like a palette as she read through the contents.

“Audrey, you rarely come home from school to rest. Why aren’t you talking with everyone?”

Lady Freya glanced at her youngest daughter, trying to remind her, but unfortunately, Audrey remained unresponsive.

With a sigh, Lady Freya thought about her eldest son, Kane, who had stayed at the company working late again and hadn’t returned for dinner. She felt a pang of helplessness.

‘Why has he been so preoccupied with work lately?’

The Kane family dynamics were not as strained as the rumors suggested, which painted Kane as deliberately rebelling against family tradition by entering the business world.

The truth was that the family fully supported Kane’s interest in the entertainment industry, though they were sometimes exasperated by his overly zealous dedication to work.

“Maybe we should consider finding Kane a partner soon, to give him a broader perspective on life beyond work,” an aunt nearby suggested. “Like setting him up on a blind date?”

Lady Freya was initially surprised but after thinking about it, she realized Kane had never shown signs of romantic interest.

He was either at work or glued to his light brain, doing who knows what.

“Ah?! A blind date? Absolutely not!”

Unexpectedly, the casual chat between the elders, like a keyword, instantly touched Audrey, who had just finished catching up on all the updates.

So much so that she immediately rejected the proposal out right!

Audrey quickly tried to explain as the elders looked at each other in bewilderment.

“Uh, I mean… we should advocate for free love!”

“What if my brother is forced to go on a blind date, and he doesn’t want to go, he might throw money at some poor university student he secretly likes to sign a fake marriage contract just to appease the family! That would hurt Gu—uh, hurt someone!”

Audrey’s shocking statement left the family completely stunned.

“A fake marriage contract?!”

The elders stared at her in disbelief.

“Like hiring a company employee,” Audrey elaborated. “He could easily hire someone he secretly admires, for example a resilient but poor university student, to act as his partner and relieve the family’s pressure to get married!”

Her explanation, however, acted like a cold bucket of water, instantly extinguishing Lady Freya’s budding plans.

“Does Audrey know something we don’t?” Watching Audrey rush upstairs with her light brain, the aunt murmured thoughtfully.

Siblings often share secrets with each other that the elders can’t know about.

‘Could it be that Kane had fallen for a poor but virtuous young man from a modest background but was too afraid of family disapproval to confess?’

“Could that really be the case?”

“But we’re not such a rigid family. If the child has a good character, even if their background is modest, we wouldn’t object as parents, right?”

Lady Freya began to doubt her parenting, wondering if she had unintentionally caused Kane to misunderstand their values.

Meanwhile, in his office, Kane’s light brain vibrated.

On opening it, he saw a message from his sister Audrey.

He assumed it would be about why he hadn’t come home for dinner, so he casually opened it.

However, the message read:

[Audrey: Brother, money can’t buy love, you know? I just finished reading a book tonight. Its themes are rather philosophical. You should read it when you have time and think about it.]

[Link: Latest Chapter of Contract Marriage]

Kane froze.

‘Audrey? Reading novels? How come she discovered my treasure book?’

It seemed Contract Marriage had truly exploded in popularity. Could they start discussing the plot together now?

For a brief moment, Kane felt a trace of happiness.

His treasured novel being recognized and appreciated felt like an achievement.

But his surprise deepened as he received another message—this time from Lady Freya.

[Mom: Kane, my dear, is there anything you’d like to discuss with Mom recently?]

Kane, who had been preparing to address an urgent matter from a department manager, was completely baffled by the unexpected messages from his family.

‘Was there something I needed to discuss?’

‘This was getting bizarre!’

At this point, Kane had no idea what kind of ripple effect Contract Marriage’s popularity might bring to his life.

After all, besides Gu Bai, Grandpa, and other positive characters…

Caesar—the pivotal figure who secured the book’s “chasing wife to the crematorium”—was undoubtedly the most eye-catching character of all!

Not to mention that this character was portrayed in a very three-dimensional and vibrant way, and his contradictory and arrogant personality traits have almost set off a new aesthetic trend for readers’ tastes in protagonists!

Even many recently published novels on Huanyu Reading Platform featured main protagonists with Caesar’s tsundere charm, clearly inspired by the popular protagonist in “Contract Marriage”.

The next moment, Kudi, the head of the PR department, entered Kane’s office, visibly sweating as he faced his boss.

Kane grew more suspicious.

“What’s going on, Kudi, why did you rush over with such urgency?”

After hesitating several times, the manager finally spoke cautiously.

“Boss, regarding your personal life… you haven’t signed any strange contracts, have you? If so, please let us know in advance, so we can handle the PR.”

Kane: ?!

Ever since the explosive updates of “Contract Marriage” were completed, interstellar readers were so excited they all couldn’t sleep.

And sleeplessness often leads to wild imaginations!

As countless fans reread the book, one after another began noticing something…

How come Caesar bears such a striking resemblance to Kane, the president of Xingqiong Entertainment?

[Blond, wealthy, CEO… So isn’t Caesar Kane, the CEO of Xingqiong Entertainment?!]

The first daring comment in the comment section instantly lit a fuse!

What was the connection between these two!?

As the CEO of Xingqiong Entertainment, Kane was handsome and rich, and his popularity was actually quite high.

Kane, already popular for being a handsome and wealthy CEO, drew even more attention once “Contract Marriage” broke into the mainstream.

Even many readers who had hesitated before were now stimulated by this exciting plot and flocked to the official account of Xingqiong Entertainment late at night, frantically asking whether there was a connection between Kane and Caesar

The one with the highest number of likes struck hard:

[Confess! Did your esteemed CEO sign a contract to marry my genius wife Gu Bai? Hurry up and hand him over!]

[Likes: 1,232,039]