Nightmare of being a net celebrity

Chapter 1

In my past life, after my parents’ divorce, my sister chose to live with our dad, a rich kid’s father, while I stayed with my stay-at-home mom. A few years later, Dad, a gambler and womanizer, got kicked out by his wealthy father and became penniless. My sister was nearly killed by her psycho cousin, Chase Chen, who broke her leg and abandoned her at a construction site. Meanwhile, under Mom’s careful guidance, I became a famous food blogger, raking in endorsement deals. Driven by jealousy, my sister pushed me off a skyscraper. Then, I woke up, back to the day my parents divorced.

This time, my sister beat me to it, grabbing Mom’s leg. “Mom, I want to stay with you. I don’t mind the hard work.”

I was thrilled. I’d been through hell in my previous life; let her have a taste.

My dad frowned, seeing my sister clinging to Mom.

“Ashley, living with your mom will be tough. You’re so spoiled; you should stay with your brother.”

Mom scoffed. “David, you worthless loser! Besides your rich dad, you got nothing! Whoever ends up with you is the unlucky one!”

My sister, unlike her past self, agreed with Mom’s assessment of Dad. “Yeah, Mom! I believe in you. We’ll make a good life for ourselves!”

In the past, she’d chosen Dad, even joining him in berating Mom. But I saw the smirk on her face. She’d been reborn too.

Dad, furious, snorted. “Fine, then go with her. Don’t come crying to me when you can’t handle it!”

My sister rolled her eyes. “I won’t regret it. I’ll live like a queen with Mom. With you, I got nothing!”

Dad raised his hand to slap her, but Mom stopped him.

“David, we agreed to let them choose. Are you going back on your word?”

I tugged on Dad’s sleeve. “Dad, I want to stay with you.”

Dad’s expression softened. He patted my head. “Good girl, you’re smart. Stay with Dad, and you’ll live like a princess!”

My sister sneered, taking Mom’s hand. “Sis, enjoy your princess life. It won’t last long.”

I said calmly, “Ashley, this is your choice. Don’t regret it.”

She froze, then yelled, “I won’t regret it! And you, don’t come crawling to me and Mom!”

Mom gave me a meaningful look. “From today on, I only have Ashley as my daughter.”

My sister, ecstatic, urged her on. “Mom, let’s go! Before this ungrateful brat changes her mind!”

Watching them leave, I smirked. Ashley, congratulations on choosing self-destruction.

In my past life, after Dad was thrown out, Ashley constantly fought with Chase for Grandpa’s attention. But Chase was ruthless. He always retaliated, and she suffered terribly. Later, she tried to sabotage Chase’s internship, even hiring thugs to beat him up. Chase, however, was a trained martial artist. He nearly killed her. Grandpa intervened and Chase only broke her leg, throwing her out. I, on the other hand, blossomed into a successful food blogger, receiving awards from the city. While I was celebrated, Ashley ended up crippled, begging for money. Dad abandoned her when he found out about the medical bills.

Ashley thought our fates were totally opposite. She was furious when she saw my success. She believed I’d stolen her life, so she lured me to a rooftop and tried to kill us both. But even without her help, I wanted out. The influencer life she craved was a living hell.

I squeezed Dad’s hand. “Dad, Grandpa’s 60th birthday is in a few days. We need to get him a gift.”

My sister didn’t know that I wasn’t choosing the good-for-nothing Dad. My real targets were Grandpa and Chase. Thinking of Ashley’s past attempts to sabotage Chase, I smiled. The best way to deal with a powerful, psycho cousin is to win him over, not become his enemy.

On Grandpa’s birthday, I woke Dad up early to head to the family estate. In the car, he was anxious. “Are you sure about this gift?” he asked, nervously. “He won’t be angry, will he?”

I nodded, reassuring him. “Dad, we have a backup plan, right? If Grandpa doesn’t like it, just say it was my idea. Then give him the jade and other jewelry in the car.”

Besides being a loser, he was selfish. Relieved, he said nothing.

“I hope choosing you is the right decision,” Dad mumbled.

I scoffed inwardly. Dad, my choice was never you.

Grandpa lived in a secluded mountain villa, preferring the quiet life away from the city. I told the driver to stop at the foot of the mountain. We hiked up, carrying two large bags. This was for a “surprise.”

We arrived at the back entrance of the house. Dad looked at the apron I handed him with disgust, but put it on anyway. He was skeptical. Could a twelve-year-old really cook a whole meal? He turned green when he saw the ingredients I pulled out.

“You said you’d cook a meal for Grandpa? Is this it?”

I nodded seriously. “Yes, Grandpa will love it.”

Dad sighed. “I should tell the driver to bring my jade…”

I ignored him and started cooking. In my past life, thanks to Mom, I’d become a skilled cook. In just a few hours, I prepared a large feast.

Chase and Grandpa were both surprised to see me, in an apron, serving the food. Grandpa’s eyes gleamed when I uncovered the dishes. Dad, thinking Grandpa was upset, quickly distanced himself.

“Dad, this was all Ashley’s idea! My gift is this jade…”

Grandpa ignored him. “These dishes… they remind me of my youth!” he exclaimed, full of emotion. “You’re so young, yet you understand my heart! Sit down and eat!”

Chase glanced at me, surprised, before sitting down. Dad forced down some greens, tasting nothing. Grandpa was delighted, sharing stories from his past with each dish. Chase and I listened intently; Grandpa beamed at our interest. I knew my chance had come.

After the meal, I knelt before Grandpa. “Grandpa, I want to learn from Chase, to be strong like you.”

Grandpa agreed happily. “It seems your gold-digging mother didn’t corrupt you completely.” “Starting next week, you will stay at Chase’s villa, and the driver will take you to and from school.”

I cheered and took Chase’s hand. “Brother, I’ll depend on you!”

Chase stiffened and pulled away. But seeing his reddening ears, I knew he was pleased. Following him was a hundred times better than staying with Dad. Chase, despite being a bit psycho, craved love. He was lonely, longing for siblings. In the past, he’d tolerated Ashley’s antics, thinking it was his duty as a brother. He didn’t realize she saw him as a rival, constantly undermining him. Only when she repeatedly provoked and sabotaged him did he retaliate.

Dad vehemently opposed my decision, insisting I should stay with him. Grandpa chased him away with his cane. “If it weren’t for me, that manipulative woman would have squeezed you dry!” he roared. “You’re already a useless fool. Do you want your only daughter to follow your path? Get out!”

I successfully escaped Dad and moved into Chase’s home. He was cold and eccentric, but longed for affection.

That night, Ashley called, mocking me. “Samantha, you’re so stupid! You should’ve stayed with Dad. With Chase, you’re as good as dead!”

Ignoring her, I went to Chase’s room, crying. He was just out of the shower. His face darkened at my intrusion. “Who let you in here? Get out!”

I hugged his waist, sobbing. “Brother…Ashley called me a bastard…”

A flicker of sympathy crossed his eyes. He’d been called names too. He didn’t push me away, but stroked my back. “You’re not a bastard. You have me and Grandpa.”

Feeling his warmth, I choked out, “Brother, will you really be my brother?”

He stiffened. “Yes.”

Overjoyed, I asked, “Then, brother, can we sleep together? I’m scared to sleep alone…”

He looked displeased, about to scold me, but I started to walk away. “Mom only cuddled with Ashley. Now, you don’t want to either…”

He grabbed my arm. “Then, sleep next to me!”

My heart soared. The first step in my plan was successful!

I became Chase’s shadow, clinging to him, asking for help with homework and martial arts, sleeping beside him every night. He enjoyed being needed, and we grew closer.

Six years flew by. We became a real family. I was accepted into a top university abroad. The night before I left, Chase knocked on my door. He asked why I wouldn’t sleep with him anymore. I awkwardly explained I was an adult now. He pulled my hand to his stomach. “Sister, I didn’t kick you out of my bed three years ago when I turned eighteen.”

He looked like a lonely puppy.

“…Okay, brother. I’m sorry.” I went back to his room; one last night.

The next morning, Chase saw me off at the airport. There, I saw Ashley, a famous influencer, surrounded by fans. But she looked pale and tired. Her mother, however, looked radiant.

Ashley pushed through the crowd. “Samantha, Chase kicked you out?” she sneered. “You’ll be alone and helpless overseas! He’ll have plenty of ways to kill you!”

Before I could respond, Chase’s cold voice cut through the air. “Kill who?”

Ashley’s face turned white at the sight of him.

“No one,” she stammered. Chase ignored her, handing me my luggage tag. “Sweet sister, I bought you a new villa. Call me anytime you need me.”

I hugged him. “Brother, if you miss my cooking, fly over, but bring your own ingredients. They don’t have the same things here.”

He suddenly remembered something. “Sister, I forgot my gift. Wait for me!”

Ashley, speechless, finally snapped out of her stupor. “Samantha, how could you be so close to Chase?!” I pushed her hand away coldly. “He’s my brother. He cares for me, it’s natural.” “Why, what’s wrong? Isn’t your mom good to you?”

Ashley’s eyes showed immense pain.

“How could this be? Chase couldn’t possibly be that nice to you!”

“He must be acting! You’re going to regret this!” She whispered.

Chase returned with a photo of us, and a special phone. “This phone will protect you if you’re in danger…”

My heart warmed as I held his hand.

Ashley was shocked. “Impossible! I don’t believe it!”

Her mother approached, a smile on her face. “Ashley, we have a livestream tonight. We need to hurry.”

Ashley trembled, her eyes filled with dread.

I understood; she was going through the same torment I had in my past life. My mother forced me to work, claiming I owed her. I sold pancakes during the day and worked at a nightclub at night.

Mom forced me into endless livestreams, culinary training, and eventually, mukbang. I suffered sleep deprivation and emotional distress. I was forced to meet the rich men who supported us.

One time, I was sent to five men, and was unable to walk or talk for a week due to pain.

The glamorous exterior was a mask for my suffering.

Judging by Ashley’s appearance, she hadn’t yet reached the true hell.

“Hello, Auntie,” I said, emotionless.

Mom’s eyes flashed with cruelty, but she forced a smile. “Samantha, you’re distant now.”

“Auntie, you’re mistaken. Your daughter is her,” I said, pointing at the pale Ashley. She shrieked, “Samantha, you can’t be happy!”

She leaned in, whispering, “Maybe you don’t know, but last time, I chose to stay with Dad, then Chase broke my leg and kicked me out.” “He’s ambitious and ruthless. All these years, he’s been faking it to please Grandpa, he only wants Grandpa’s wealth. You’re in his way; he’ll destroy you!” She looked at me, as if watching me die.

But I hugged Chase and said sweetly, “Brother, I can’t sleep without you tonight.”

Ashley’s face changed dramatically. “What? You two sleep together?!”

Then, she saw someone behind us and cried out, “Grandpa! You heard them! They’ve shamed the Chen family! Kick them out!”

I cringed, forgetting Grandpa would be here. He values tradition and rules.

Chase quickly said, “Grandpa, we’re innocent…”

Grandpa, with his cane, said something unexpected.