Chapter 3

I couldn't help but laugh bitterly, "I wouldn't dare. I'm barely hanging on to life as it is."

The team leader sighed and took me back.

As soon as we started driving, we saw a sea of fans blocking the road not far ahead: "Look, he's over there!"

"Holy shit!"

The team leader floored it, swerving at the last second. Relying on his familiarity with the routes, he hightailed it out of there.

We finally managed to shake them off, but I completely blacked out as a result.

When I woke up, I was already in the hospital.

The team leader looked relieved, "Bro, you really need to get this illness treated ASAP!"

"Today was just bad luck. I'll cover your medical bills! See you around!"

He hurried away, afraid I might try to extort him.

I took a deep breath and was about to leave the hospital when the doctor stopped me.

"Brent, you can't put off treatment any longer. Dialysis twice a week is far from enough. And your kidneys can't hold out much longer - you need a transplant!"

"A kidney transplant?"

"Yes, we've already submitted an application, but you know about the waiting list. Unless someone donates to the hospital, or if your family members..."

I shook my head with a bitter smile. I'm an orphan - what family do I have?

"Let me think about it some more."

After dialysis, I didn't return home until four days later.

As soon as I got home, I noticed my neighbors looking at me strangely.As I climb the stairs, I discover that someone has vandalized my front door with paint, scrawling curses like "XX go to hell."

Surrounding the doorway are countless chrysanthemums and funeral wreaths.

I laugh. I'll be dead soon enough. Just wait!

I take out my key and enter, collapsing powerlessly on the floor. My phone keeps ringing with calls and hateful messages.

During my days in the hospital, I've been harassed by many internet users, all fans of Melody.

"Brent is such scum. He dumped her before and now he regrets it, clinging to our sister. Why won't he just die already!"

"I heard he lost his job and got kicked out. Where's he living now?"

"Our sister is beautiful inside and out, and an award-winning actress too. This lowlife doesn't deserve her!"

"So scary, he snuck into our sister's public event disguised as security and groped her. What a pervert!"

"Let's crowdfund to run him out of this city!"

Countless insults pour in from all directions. In the past, I would have been furious.

But now, I don't want to explain, nor do I have the energy to.

The side effects from my illness leave me with no extra strength to deal with these things. I just want to survive.

Just then, a new text message arrives: "Big bro Brent, I got first place on my finals! Mom and Dad let me send you some local specialties. Don't forget to pick them up!"I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through the cracks in my heart.

As I slowly recovered, dealing with all this, footsteps echoed from outside the door.

"It's right here, I saw him go in!"

"Come out, Brent!"

"Stop pretending, I know you're in there! You've got the guts to harass my sister but not to face us?"

"Get out here, you scumbag!"

The old iron door rattled loudly as they kicked it, causing plaster to fall from the walls.

More and more people gathered outside, almost blocking the entire hallway.

I sat inside, completely defenseless, with no choice but to call the police.

By the time the sirens approached, the door to my apartment had been broken down. Seeing me, the mob attacked en masse, raining blows down on me!

Someone even started livestreaming.

I quickly tried to protect my vital areas, pleading, "Stop! I'm seriously ill, please stop!"

"The jerk's making excuses, beat him to death!"

"Hurry, the cops are coming!"

"What are you afraid of? He harassed our sister, he deserves this!"

The crazed fans punched and kicked me. I felt a sharp pain in my chest and suddenly coughed up blood!

My vision went dark, and I passed out!

Just before losing consciousness, I thought I saw the ringleader's vicious grin. "Pfft! What an act! Serves him right if he dies!"I slowly closed my eyes, utterly exhausted. Melody, if I could, I'd rather have never laid eyes on you...