Ch0 - Prologue

Return of the Immortal Emperor was being adapted into a web drama.

This book was once selected as the most controversial cultivation genre webnovel on the male-oriented Chadian site. Not only was the plot heavy-handed and its ending evocative, even its author Gallant Outlaw (草蟒英雄) died from overwork  in front of his computer when he finished writing the finale.

Comment #10216: Stupidly long stallion novel, same old tropes of collecting girls with every power up. Would’ve dropped it ages ago if it wasn’t for the okay writing.

Comment #10217: Disagree. Mu He’s the most unique MC I’ve ever read. Did he get together with Tantai Meng in the end or not ahhhh, can’t believe it’s an open ending.

Comment #10218: Tantai Meng’s mine, I hope XX’s her actress, she’ll definitely get popular.

Comment #10219: Didn’t get any explanation for Shen You’s storyline, this isn’t how you leave things up to imagination. If they don’t fix this I won’t watch.

Comment #10220: Poster above, you think they’ll add extra scenes? I’m begging the screenwriter to show mercy towards the love lines and revenge plots, it’s easy to cut them out.

Comment #11852: Respect the dead, have conscience for the author’s work, if you don’t like don’t comment ah.

Comment #12948: Extra extra! Inside sources say He Zheng’s playing Mu He!

Comment #12949: Holy sh*t I knew it! Who else, who’s playing Bai Yu?

Comment #12950: WTF, they haven’t picked the main cast yet but chose Xie Zhi for Xie Zhiwei?

Comment #12951: Which cannon fodder is Xie Zhiwei? Asking for science.

Comment #13016: Replying #12951, go to chapter 3. It’s the one who blackened the MC.

Comment #13033: Lol, I doubt Xie Zhiwei will even show up on screen. Has Xie Zhi completely flopped? He’ll actually take the role?

Comment #13051: Whatever the case I’ve followed this story for over a year. Who cares how well they act, lemme watch it first.

Comment #13052: +1 for above.

Comment #13053: +2.

Comment #13054: +3.

—

Even since the live action adaptation was announced, the comments section had turned into a hot mess like those of big hit IPs. The assistant director happily shut his screen before looking at the car in front of him with a pounding heart. He placed a phone call, but it was ages before someone picked up.

“Hello,” he said quickly, “Teacher Xie, don’t be angry. Although you don’t have many scenes, they won’t skimp on pay. You were handpicked by the author to play this role, so it’s not an insult. I promise you the outcome will be incredible.”

The person on the other end only chuckled. “It’s just a one-minute clip that’ll be played on loop. What’s so incredible about that?”

“Teacher Xie, hear me out. We can always add more scenes. Let’s take some time and discuss this over a meal, alright?”

“Do the words of an assistant director count for anything?”

“Uh, well the director really hopes to see you in this part too. We’ll definitely add more scenes!”

“No need for that. I’m at the office working out an agreement with a different production company right now.”

“I just saw you getting into your car…to be frank, my car’s right behind yours on the bridge.”

Beep…

Confused, the assistant director put down his phone. “He actually hung up. What’s with that arrogance? Does he think he’s the top dog in the costume drama industry? I wouldn’t have bothered if He Zheng didn’t insist on having him in the same drama.”

But when he thought of He Zheng’s standing in the entertainment circles, then noticed the car in front of him stepping on the gas, the assistant director grit his teeth and gave chase.

It was raining outside and the bridge was pretty empty, but the car before him suddenly started skidding on the road.

“What’s going on?” The assistant director had hardly spoken when the car in front drifted sideways and crashed through the railings of the bridge.

#Xie Zhi dies in car crash# became the latest hashtag on social media.

—

Translator’s Note: Welcome to the first chapter of Too Bad Master Died Early! Don’t forget to check the table of contents page for trigger warnings as well as bonus goodies like fanmade MVs and the free audiobook. 😉