Reborn as a comedic artist

Upon hearing this, Cheng Ming slowly straightened up.

His movements were somewhat slow, as if he were carrying a heavy burden.

He looked up, his eyes red-rimmed, but he still forced a smile that looked worse than crying.

That's an absolute killer move!

"It's okay, I can manage on my own, thank you for your kindness..."

Cheng Ming sniffed, his voice feigning nonchalance:

"On the contrary, it was my mistake that caused this situation. I'm sorry, I'll return the money to you now."

As he spoke, Cheng Ming's hands trembled as he pulled out a phone with a slightly cracked screen from his pocket. It was actually Wang Shuo's old spare phone, which he used specifically to play the victim.

As WeChat was opened, his finger hovered over the screen.

It was as if every movement was consuming a tremendous amount of his strength, or as if he were cutting off some kind of lifeline.

"Although... that's my sister's living expenses for next week..."

Cheng Ming's voice was soft, but every word was piercing:

"But one cannot be without principles. Although I, Cheng Ming, am poor, I cannot be weak. If I do not return this money, my conscience will not be at peace."

This tactic of "retreating to advance" is absolutely deadly.

It directly blocked all of the opponent's escape routes and instantly seized the moral high ground.

"Don't..!"

Lin Yiyi rushed forward almost screaming and grabbed Cheng Ming's hand.

The electric shock sent a shiver through her body, and the heat from her fingertips made her panic.

"Don't back down! I won't let you back down!"

Lin Yiyi cried out, tears streaming down her face like a broken string of pearls:

"That's my sister's living expenses! I'll be cursed if I let her go hungry! If you dare to return it, I'll... I'll cry right here!"

This logic is just unbelievable.

But at this moment, no one felt anything was wrong.

Lin Yiyi hurriedly rummaged through her bag, took out her phone, and without saying a word, skillfully opened Cheng Ming's familiar payment code and scanned it.

They acted so quickly, as if afraid Cheng Ming would change his mind.

"Ding—WeChat payment received, 200 yuan."

The crisp notification sound echoed through the quiet cafeteria, like heavenly music.

.....................

Cheng Ming looked "shocked".

He took a half-step back, looking as if he had burned his hand, his eyes filled with disbelief.

"This...this won't do! Classmates, I can't accept this...I've already lied to you once, how can I take your money again?"

"Take it!"

This time, it was Zhao Yufeng who spoke.

This female knight was even more generous, directly pulling out a wad of red banknotes from her seemingly valuable wallet.

I didn't even count them, but I estimate there are at least five hundred yuan.

She stepped forward, grabbed Cheng Ming's hand, and forcefully stuffed the stack of warm banknotes into his palm.

"This is a little something from me, brother... no, it's a small token of my appreciation!"

With red-rimmed eyes, Zhao Yufeng patted Cheng Ming's chest with a heroic air.

The sight of her hard, muscular chest made her blush, but her imposing manner remained undiminished.

"If you don't accept it, you're looking down on me, Zhao Yufeng. If you ever have any difficulties in the future, just come to me. I may not have much else, but I have plenty of living expenses!"

Cheng Ming clutched the five hundred yuan in his hand.

His fingertips were trembling, as if the money weighed a ton, making it hard for him to breathe.

He slowly turned his head and looked at Gu Xiao, who had remained silent.

His eyes held a questioning look, with a hint of humble pleading for forgiveness.

Gu Xiao took a deep breath.

Looking at the scene before her, she felt a mix of emotions.

They came here to collect debts, so how did it turn into a poverty alleviation conference?

They came to uphold justice, but how come they've become the bullies who "abuse their power," while the other side has become the tragic hero who endures humiliation?

This script...

Damn it, she actually found it a little touching.

Gu Xiao took out a tissue from her bag and handed it to Cheng Ming. Although her tone was still cold, it was no longer as aggressive as before.

"Let's wipe it."

She turned her head away, no longer looking into Cheng Ming's piercing eyes: "Keep the money, consider it our sponsorship for your sister's nutrition. As for the video..."

Gu Xiao paused, seemingly weighing the pros and cons.

Finally, she sighed, as if she had completely given up:

"There's no need to delete the video. It's already gone viral, so deleting it won't make a difference. Just don't use this method to deceive people again in the future."

"Thank you... thank you all..."

Cheng Ming bowed deeply.

This time, he was genuinely impressed by the three girls' kindness (and gullibility).

"I promise, this is the last time. Once I get through this (complete the system task), I will repay this money double!"

........................

Wang Shuo, who was standing behind a pillar in the distance, was so shocked by what he saw that his jaw almost dropped.

I almost dropped the camera in my hand.

A triple kill in one wave.

A desperate comeback.

Not only did they resolve the hatred, but they also earned an extra 700 yuan, albeit with tears in their eyes?!

This isn't just a photography student; even an acting student wouldn't be this good. With this ability to evoke emotions, Cheng Ming deserves an Oscar!

"Alright, let's go..."

Gu Xiao was afraid that if she stayed any longer, she would eventually find herself spending money herself.

She had even touched the edge of her wallet just now, and quickly pulled her two roommates, who were still wiping away tears and looking back every few steps, to leave:

"Let him be alone and quiet. Men are most afraid of being seen vulnerable at this time."

"Say something if you need anything, or your sister will take care of you...!" Zhao Yufeng shouted back as Gu Xiao dragged her away.

"...Waaaaah...!"

My poor little sister... Cheng Ming is so strong...

Lin Yiyi was still crying, completely immersed in the self-indulgent script.

Cheng Ming watched the three figures leave, remaining in a farewell posture.

Their eyes were filled with deep affection and sorrow until they completely disappeared at the entrance of the second canteen.

A group of postgraduate entrance exam takers, completely baffled, and the cafeteria ladies all looked on with bewildered expressions. What was going on?

……

Inside the second canteen.

After confirming that the three girls had completely disappeared from sight.

Cheng Ming's hunched back straightened instantly, and the bitter, broken expression on his face receded like the tide, replaced by a look of helplessness.

He slowly and carefully folded the five hundred yuan in his hand and put it into his pocket.

Then, the stone pillar facing the side gate reminded him.

"You can come out now, Fatty..."

A rustling sound arose.

Wang Shuo, clutching his action camera, emerged from behind a pillar like a guilty groundhog.

His facial expressions were incredibly varied.

Shock, admiration, confusion, fear... It felt like I had just witnessed a tragic drama of a scumbag.

"Godfather... Godfather!"

Wang Shuo swallowed hard, his voice trembling:

"You...you were acting just now? Or was it real? My uncle really gambled? My aunt really took drugs? Damn it, wait, I remember you only have a younger brother, not a younger sister...?"

Although I've been Cheng Ming's roommate for four years, this guy's acting was just too convincing!

Even Wang Shuo, who knew Cheng Ming inside and out, doubted his memory for a moment, wondering if Cheng Ming was actually a hidden, tragic rich kid.

Cheng Ming glanced at him, picked up the half-eaten bun from the table, took a bite, and said, "Others may not know my family situation, but you do, don't you...!"

"Then why...?"

Wang Shuo couldn't help but swallow.

"Art originates from life, but transcends it..."

My dad did lose 200 yuan playing mahjong, and my mom is indeed taking Vitamin C.

As for my sister, everyone has a cousin... She's on a diet and keeps saying she only wants to eat vegetarian food, so there's nothing I can do...

Cheng Ming chewed on a steamed bun, his speech still a little unclear.

Holy crap!!!

Wang Shuo let out a bloodcurdling scream and almost knelt down before Cheng Ming:

"Awesome! Absolutely awesome!"

"Old Cheng, it's a loss to the history of cinema if you don't go for an Oscar! I recorded that footage; if it's edited out, it'll definitely be a blockbuster!"

Wang Shuo was so excited that his face turned red, as if he could already see countless banknotes beckoning to him.

............................