Chapter Seventy-Five: Didn’t You Say You Were Going to Paint?

But in the end, what was done was done and could not be undone. Now, in the living room, only Losong and his wife remained seated on the sofa; everyone else had hurried over to Loshen to curry favor.

“Loshen, I’m your Aunt Fang. We met a few years ago,” said a middle-aged woman at the front of the crowd, her face beaming with a flattering smile.

She happened to have a daughter who still didn’t have a proper job. If only Loshen could lend a hand, maybe her daughter could become a famous online streamer. She’d heard that in this line of work, popularity is everything. If a big name recommended you and you managed to sign a contract, you could make money just by sitting at home every day. It was far easier than any other job.

“There’s no rush about the money. You can take your time paying it back.”

“Yes, yes, let’s not worry about money. We’re all family here!”

...

Once everyone realized Loshen wasn’t actually unable to repay his debts, they all breathed a sigh of relief. After all, who among them really wanted to demand money from a pair of underage siblings?

When Los Qinlin and his wife died in an accident those years ago, leaving two children behind, who wouldn’t feel sympathy? But what use was sympathy? Could it fill their stomachs?

If it had only been the two siblings, things might have been simpler. But with such a large debt, taking them in would mean inviting a whole heap of trouble. If debt collectors came calling, as guardians, could anyone just ignore it? Who knew what such people might do? Most of Loshen’s relatives were ordinary working folk—who would dare take on a million in debt?

True, Loshen did own an apartment worth several million, which could cover the debt. But the siblings insisted on not selling it, and none of their relatives—who had never seen so much money—dared to sell it themselves for fear of undervaluing it and bearing the consequences.

In the end, after much discussion, everyone simply dumped the problem on Losong and his wife. As it happened, Losong had his own calculations and accepted the title of guardian.

Loshen, innocent but caught in the mess, could only feel helpless. Though he knew Han Yinglan meant well, why did he feel like the protagonist in some third-rate urban drama?

He’d thought today would resolve everything once and for all by paying off the debt, but now things seemed even more complicated. Some relatives even hoped he wouldn’t repay the debt just yet so they could use this favor to make requests of him. Loshen could only laugh bitterly—he’d only ever heard of creditors urging repayment, never of them hoping for delay.

“Since the money is available now, let’s settle all the debts together. Surely no one wants this hanging over their heads every day?”

Thankfully, some people just wanted their money back quickly, and Loshen was happy to oblige.

“Or how about this—since you’re busy, Loshen, we won’t disturb you any longer. With so many people here, things could get messy. If you trust your Aunt Fang, why not let me handle this for you?”

Though all the creditors were present, splitting things up and making transfers to each of the seven or eight families individually would be troublesome. No one trusted Losong anymore, given his poor character, so Fang Xia volunteered herself.

Seeing that no one objected, Loshen agreed. As long as he didn’t have to see Losong’s old face again, he didn’t care.

They agreed that Loshen would transfer the money to Fang Xia the next afternoon. Satisfied, the relatives left cheerfully, and even Losong—his face full of unwillingness—had no reason to stay. He cast Loshen a complex look and slammed the door behind him.

“Manager Han, I really must thank you for today.”

Even if her good intentions had backfired a little, the gesture deserved thanks. Loshen was not someone who confused right and wrong, so even if he was discontented, a word of courtesy was necessary.

“Since we’ve all given you face today, you won’t make things hard for us with the contract, will you?”

Before Han Yinglan could answer, Zhao Hong stepped forward with a broad grin, patting Loshen on the shoulder in a joking manner. Before coming here, he’d listened to Han Yinglan complain at length about how stubborn this young man was. He’d heard that Loshui Tianyi from their music division was this boy’s younger sister. Even if it meant risking a bad impression, he had to set expectations.

How long had it been since the music division produced a platinum star? He had high hopes for this signing.

Han Yinglan frowned in displeasure. Zhao Hong was too impatient. Hadn’t she said the boy was stubborn? If he developed a rebellious attitude, it would be Zhao Hong’s turn to cry.

“Since it’s agreed, there’s no issue. As long as Stardust Platform allows me to post my own videos on my personal website, there’s no problem with the contract.”

This contract naturally referred only to himself—he’d never agreed to his sister signing anything. He could only hope these two wouldn’t misunderstand, or else another slap in the face to Stardust Platform might cause bigger trouble.

“Good, that’s settled.” With this confirmation, Han Yinglan and Zhao Hong were finally at ease, especially Zhao Hong, who found Loshen much easier to get along with than his colleagues had claimed.

Noticing the change in their expressions, Loshen quirked his lips. Was he really so fearsome?

“Loshen, are you the only one home today? Where’s Tianyi?”

Noticing that one of the main parties, Loshui Tianyi, was missing from the living room, Han Yinglan asked in confusion. Weren’t they supposed to sign the contract this morning?

“Oh, right. They’re still in the room. Yan He, Tianyi, Dai Xinhua, Le Zhengling—you can all come out now.” Now that the creditors had left, those who’d been hiding in the room could finally emerge.

It was likely his sister would have to refuse the contract herself. Loshen understood now—they were hoping for a double signing.

As for any “indenture” nonsense, he’d shoulder that himself.

If those at Stardust Platform knew that their dream platinum contract was being compared by Loshen to a slave contract, they’d probably storm over, ready for battle. Even so, they couldn’t even hope to sign such a contract.

Dai Xinhua? Le Zhengling?

Hearing the two familiar names, Han Yinglan suddenly had a bad feeling. Hadn’t her own daughter said she’d be painting with Ling this morning? How could she be here?

Thanks to the reader “Dumbfounded Old Mi” for the reward of 1000 Qidian coins, and to the readers “Song of Cangyue,” “Xihu Bilu,” and “Big Eater Youyouzi” for 500 Qidian coins, as well as s, “Emperor of the Way of Books,” nn, “Ink from the Yakumo Residence,” “Yunjian,” and “Impoverished Shrine Maiden” for 100 Qidian coins each. Throwing flowers! The debt storyline ends here; later I’ll only mention details like transferring money. Sigh...the debt collection subplot was a misstep. I’ll learn my lesson...crying face.