Chapter 12 – We are here to be real with you
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[Oh my god, this is so touching. I actually doubted the streamer was just trying to scam money...]
[So inspiring, I feel terrible for doubting!]
[Streamer, stop climbing, I'll send you gifts!]
Chen Huaian's heartfelt words caused a partial reversal of opinions in the live stream chat, though some skepticism remained. Some accused him of faking his condition, while others claimed they would come to Mount Tai to verify his story.
"To the friend who wants to verify me at Mount Tai, you can start your journey now. I'll begin climbing at noon sharp, and I won't go anywhere before then."
This statement prompted a flurry of responses in the chat.
"Climbing Mount Tai with late-stage bone cancer? Who are you kidding!" A young man, who had just lost a game and was filled with anger, muttered to himself in front of his computer, "I'm too upset to sleep tonight anyway!"
He left a message in the chat.
"I'm an hour's drive from Mount Tai. Brothers, wait for me to verify the streamer!"
With that, he grabbed his keys and left.
There were too many scammers online; for every one reported, two more appeared, just like those cheating players. Now, with a sense of justice, he couldn't catch the cheaters, but surely he could catch a streamer pretending to be pitiful at the foot of Mount Tai?@@novelbin@@
Chen Huaian saw these messages too.
He actually hoped more people would come to verify him. The more, the better. This way, not only could he prove he was genuinely a cancer patient, but it would also make his stream more popular. Once the traffic picked up and caught the attention of high-level accounts, his chance to make money would come.
"Brothers, follow me so you don't get lost. I don't have much time left, and I'm racing against the clock. Besides climbing, I want to try more extreme sports in the future, like skydiving and bungee jumping..."
Chen Huaian's words sparked another wave of comments.
There were both mockers and encouragers.
But everyone was more concerned about whether Chen Huaian was truly a cancer patient and if he could reach the summit of Mount Tai in five hours. If not, they would wait for those who came to verify him and watch the drama unfold.
As it neared noon.
Chen Huaian checked his gear once more.
As a patient aiming to summit in five hours, he had to travel light. He initially planned to bring two power banks but decided to bring just one to reduce weight, hanging it directly on his shoulder.
His phone battery was already failing; after just two hours of streaming, it was down to 27%. It drained quickly, but with the power bank, it should barely last until he descended.
"Are you Chen Huaian?"
A voice sounded from behind. Chen Huaian turned to see a young man, two middle-aged men, and a punk girl.
"Are you from the live stream?"
"That's right, we're here to verify you."
Zhang Rui spoke bluntly, a cold smile on his face.
On the way to Mount Tai, he had formed a group with a few viewers who also wanted to verify Chen Huaian. To prevent him from escaping, they gathered at the entrance before approaching him, ensuring he couldn't slip past their blockade.
"Hello, hello." Chen Huaian greeted the four fans with a smile, speaking lightly, "I thought this would be a solo journey, but having company is even better."
Zhang Rui didn't respond, pointing at Chen Huaian's leg, "That lump on your leg is special effects makeup, right? Pull up your pant leg and let me see!"
Chen Huaian nonchalantly pulled up his pant leg.
Zhang Rui and the other fans shone their flashlights and leaned in for a closer look.
The punk girl even reached out to pinch it, then covered her mouth in surprise, "Oh my god, it's a real subcutaneous lump... so many, how can he walk..."
Is this guy for real?
Zhang Rui felt a bit embarrassed, instinctively averting his gaze, muttering, "Lumps don't necessarily mean bone cancer..."
"This is osteosarcoma," Chen Huaian smiled, "You can look up information on osteosarcoma online and compare it with mine... Alright, it's time, I'm going to start climbing."
Zhang Rui opened his mouth, wanting to say something more.
But Chen Huaian was already walking forward with his streaming rig.
"You're being a bit much!" The punk girl, Su Xiaoqian, glared at Zhang Rui, "Whether it's osteosarcoma or not, his leg is definitely problematic. Considering the information, the chances of him lying are low. Show some sympathy!"
"Yeah, young man," one of the middle-aged men nodded in agreement, "My father also died of cancer, from osteosarcoma. I can tell if this kid's leg has osteosarcoma. Just standing here instead of lying in a hospital bed is commendable."
"Indeed," the other middle-aged man added, "Bone cancer can easily cause pathological fractures, and high-intensity exercise should be avoided. Yet this kid is climbing Mount Tai. His courage and determination are truly admirable."
Zhang Rui, feeling ashamed, scratched his neck and closed his mouth.
The four of them hurried to catch up as Chen Huaian walked away.
"Streamer, your rig isn't light. How about I help you carry it?" Su Xiaoqian, feeling guilty, offered.
Chen Huaian shook his head, "No need, it's easier for me to adjust the angle myself, and carrying the rig while climbing is a promise I made to my audience."
To read the uncut version, go to ].
"You're a good man!" An older man gave a thumbs up, full of admiration.
"Impressive!"
Everyone encouraged Chen Huaian.
Zhang Rui finally chimed in, "Buddy, I'm sorry. I lost a game today, and my head's a bit foggy. I said things I shouldn't have."
"No worries, it's understandable to have concerns. After all, making money isn't easy," Chen Huaian replied without looking back.
"How about this, I'll send you gifts as an apology."
Hearing this, Chen Huaian immediately turned around with a friendly, pay-to-win smile, "What will you send me?"
"Uh, I'll send you a big rocket, the one that costs 2000 yuan each."
"Great, thank you, you're a good person."
Zhang Rui: "..."
He realized the streamer was genuinely ill and genuinely wanted to make money.
But it was understandable; having a serious illness made him want to earn money for treatment, right?
He was just a bit puzzled.
Wouldn't Chen Huaian's antics make his cancer worse?
But since he was well-off, and Chen Huaian needed money, he might as well send the gifts.
Zhang Rui opened Chen Huaian's live stream, followed, and sent ten big rockets right away.
[Wow, the boss is generous!]
[Isn't this the guy who went to verify the streamer? He must feel guilty; it seems the streamer is really a cancer patient.]
[First time seeing a live verification, front row to watch!]
[Sigh, it's not easy for the streamer. I'll send some gifts too. Streamer, keep it up. If it gets too hard, just stop climbing. We'll still support you.]
...
The ten big rockets triggered a chain reaction of gift-giving.
It also attracted more people to the live stream.
The number of viewers in the stream was rapidly increasing.
Seeing the rain of gifts and the headline "Late-Stage Bone Cancer Five-Hour Mount Tai Summit Challenge," many stayed to watch.
"Thanks to the boss for the ten big rockets!"
Chen Huaian was overjoyed, immediately giving Zhang Rui a shot in the stream.
This buddy was quite shy, blushing as he dodged the camera.
After the platform's cut, he would pocket ten thousand from the ten big rockets.
That's enough for a hundred draws of the 'Lucky Koi.'
The internet really was a fast way to make money.
Watching the gift value accumulate quickly, Chen Huaian couldn't help but feel a bit emotional.
Those taxi drivers, brick movers, and delivery guys worked hard all day but couldn't earn as much as a popular streamer did in half an hour of tips.
But he was putting in the effort too.
As he stepped up the stairs, intense pain spread, and beads of sweat dripped from his forehead.
The voices of doubt and mockery in the live stream grew quieter.
Zhang Rui and the others silently followed behind Chen Huaian, even though his pace was slow. They watched his staggering figure, their throats feeling choked, unable to say a word.
Chen Huaian was in pain.
Sweat soaked the protective amulet on his chest.
The faint fragrance grew slightly stronger, lingering at his nose.
He couldn't help but picture Li Qingran's smiling face in his mind.
What was that girl doing now?
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