Chapter 7: Tricking the Monkey Out of You

A few years ago, Bao, one of the most popular streamers in the gaming community, once launched a relationship advice segment. However, the show ended after just two callers. One was “Dumped Girlfriend by Annoyance,” the other was “Her Husband Wouldn’t Allow It”—both of which became classics. To this day, many still joke about those moments. So when a female fan shared that her partner couldn’t speak, couldn’t hear, and had trouble moving, everyone instinctively remembered Bao’s famous “Dumped Girlfriend by Annoyance” call.

The fan quickly realized what Jiang Yun was implying and hastened to explain, “No, my boyfriend isn’t inflatable, really, I swear.” Hearing this, Jiang Yun’s expression grew serious. If her boyfriend wasn’t “inflatable,” then this fan truly deserved respect. After all, not everyone could accept a partner who was born deaf-mute and physically impaired.

Still, wary of being tricked, Jiang Yun cautiously asked, “Would you mind telling us how you met your boyfriend?”

“Of course,” the girl replied without hesitation, her voice gentle. “We were introduced by a mutual friend. At first, we only chatted online. I knew about his condition, but I never expected to be with him, so I didn’t care much. Then, when we finally met offline, I realized how charming he truly was. I couldn’t help but fall for him, and so we got together. It’s been five years now. My family did urge me to get married, but they weren’t insistent. However, a few days ago, they saw me with my boyfriend and learned about our relationship. After understanding his situation, my family strongly demanded that I break up with him and get married as soon as possible.

“But I don’t want to get married yet, nor do I want to break up with my boyfriend. He may have some shortcomings, but he’s genuinely a wonderful person...” As she spoke, her voice faltered, and faint sobs could be heard. It was just like the male fan who once called in to Bao’s show. The entire chatroom fell silent, moved by her confession.

“To be honest, this is really hard to judge.”
“On one side is love, on the other is family pressure. If it were me, I wouldn’t know what to choose.”
“She knew he was born deaf-mute and still fell in love with him. He must be truly captivating. Now I want to meet this guy.”
“The girl’s actually really brave. Despite her family’s opposition, she didn’t break up immediately but is weighing her options.”
“Sigh, we’re all just ordinary people. Faced with this, it’s hard to give any answers.”
“...”

After hearing her story, Jiang Yun began to believe her boyfriend was indeed real. He thought for a moment and said, “Miss, this is something I truly cannot judge. As Bao once said, everyone in society, in their families, has responsibilities to bear. We’re not only responsible for ourselves but also for others. You mentioned your boyfriend was born deaf-mute, correct?”

“Yes, he’s been that way since birth.”

Jiang Yun nodded solemnly. “Though it may sound harsh, you really do need to consider something carefully. Your boyfriend’s deafness is congenital. If you have children together, there’s a one-in-four chance of passing on deafness. And as you said, he has mobility issues as well. If your child inherits those too, they’ll face the scrutiny and prejudice of others from birth. Are you prepared for that? Do you have the confidence to support and guide your child through such challenges?

“There’s an old saying: ‘Better to destroy ten temples than break up one marriage.’ But from my personal perspective, I don’t recommend you stay with your current boyfriend. That’s just my view, though. If you’re ready, you can still follow your heart. Remember, you are yourself first—then a daughter, and only then a future wife or mother. As long as you’re prepared for what’s to come, whatever you decide, I’ll support you.”

The chat immediately lit up with praise for Jiang Yun.

“He’s right. Staying with her boyfriend would bring more harm than good, but if she’s truly prepared, then there’s no need to care about other opinions.”
“You are yourself first—what a powerful statement.”
“He expressed his thoughts, but gave her space to consider—well said.”
“I don’t agree either, but he’s right. You are yourself first. Hope she makes her own choice.”
“Stay strong! Whatever you decide, we’re behind you!”

By now, the fan had digested Jiang Yun’s words—or perhaps she’d seen the chat flood in. Choked with emotion, she said, “Thank you, Yun Bro, thanks everyone. I know you all mean well. I’ve thought it through, and your concerns, and my family’s, are valid. I’ll break up with my boyfriend.”

Hearing this, Jiang Yun pressed his lips together, feeling a pang of guilt. From the girl’s perspective, it was the best choice for her—but from her boyfriend’s, it seemed so unfair. His disabilities weren’t his fault; he was born that way, unable to change it. Because of them, he’d always faced others’ prejudice. After finally finding someone who accepted him and stood by his side for five years, reality forced them apart in the end.

Since he’d participated in the whole discussion, Jiang Yun couldn’t help but feel sorry for the guy. He glanced at the chat and found most people felt the same.

“Sigh, even though she did what I hoped, I still feel so guilty.”
“True, it’s best for her, but it’s just so cruel to him.”
“Damn, watching a stream in the middle of the night and ended up feeling like the bad guy. Time for a cathartic outburst.”
“...”

Just then, the girl’s voice returned.

“Yun Bro, thank you. I’ll get rid of my Magic Dragon in a bit, then listen to my family and go on some blind dates.”

Before Jiang Yun could react, she abruptly left the stream. Only when he heard the disconnect tone did Jiang Yun snap out of it, staring at the camera in disbelief.

“What did she just say? Magic Dragon?”

He slammed his desk. “Damn it! Are you kidding me? You played me for a fool!”

Jiang Yun’s sudden rage left many viewers baffled.

What just happened?
Why the sudden change in mood?

It wasn’t until someone looked up “Magic Dragon” that the truth dawned on them...

“Damn it, fooled again!”
“Great, got tricked twice in the same way, huh?”
“Nice! I witnessed both monkey shows live—bravo!”
“Look at Yun Bro’s face, he’s actually green with anger.”
“I can’t believe it—the female fans here are even better at trolling than Yun Bro himself!”
“Anyone record that? Hurry up and post it on TikTok. I can already hear it going viral.”
“...”