Chapter 8: The Movie Emperor Provides Resources

After yet another introduction, Jiang Baiqing and Chen Chang’an exchanged glances.

“Teacher Jiang, have you had dinner?” Chen Chang’an initiated the clichéd greeting.

“No,” Jiang Baiqing paused for a moment, “Do you have any recommendations?”

“I have to mention a certain cookie,” Chen Chang’an licked his lips, “Investing in it is a sure win.”

Jiang Baiqing instinctively glanced at Chen Chang’an’s bright red tongue, and when he realized what he was looking at, his gaze darted away as if burned.

Once he recognized what he was looking at, he calmed himself down: “What brand is it, and where can I buy it?”

Chen Chang’an stretched out his long arm and pointed to the dessert table over there: “No cost, zero purchase.”

It seemed that only Chen Chang’an truly came to such banquets for the food.

Jiang Baiqing usually wouldn’t eat anything on-site, but this time, under Chen Chang’an’s suggestion, he picked up a cookie for the first time, scrutinizing it like a criminal, frowning at the fragrant treat.

After a long while, probably having stared enough, he aristocratically took a bite from the edge of the cookie.

Chen Chang’an eagerly asked, “Is it good?”

Jiang Baiqing chewed expressionlessly for a moment before finally saying, “Not bad.”

Then he finished the one in his hand and picked up another to continue eating.

To this, Chen Chang’an could only wonder: Movie Emperor—would you die if you weren’t so critical?

—

Because Zheng Rongyu left without saying goodbye to Chen Chang’an, the latter could only awkwardly stand by the roadside waiting for a ride.

A low-key, luxurious Mercedes-Benz stopped in front of the bus station.

The driver’s window rolled down, revealing Jiang Baiqing’s indifferent face: “Get in quickly.”

“Teacher Jiang?” Chen Chang’an asked in confusion.

“Get in,” Jiang Baiqing said helplessly, “Do you want to get me points deducted for parking too long?”

Chen Chang’an hurriedly scrambled into the back seat.

The day’s experiences left him feeling somewhat surreal.

“Go try out for the modeling gig first,” Jiang Baiqing said while driving, “If you think it suits you, I’ll push more resources your way in that area.”

Jiang Baiqing’s current thought was simple: Zheng Rongyu leaving without waiting for Chen Chang’an indicated that Zheng Rongyu still didn’t see Chen Chang’an as an equal.

After being pampered for so many years, Chen Chang’an remained lukewarm, even leaning towards being infamous, which showed that Zheng Rongyu hadn’t invested much thought into him. If Jiang Baiqing were to promote someone, within six months, he would definitely elevate them to a top-tier position.

Chen Chang’an had never seen much of the world; if Zheng Rongyu gave him a little resource, he would probably be grateful and unable to extricate himself.

That wouldn’t do. As a senior, Jiang Baiqing decided to show Chen Chang’an what true resources looked like, helping him break free from Zheng Rongyu’s control and become an independent young man.

Chen Chang’an had no idea about all this; he nervously tried to refuse Jiang Baiqing’s goodwill: “Teacher Jiang, why don’t we just forget it? Uncle Rong has already given me a lot of resources, and if you give me more, I won’t be able to choose.”

“Then just turn down what he offers,” Zheng Rongyu said without hesitation.

Chen Chang’an hesitated: “But Uncle Rong is my uncle…”

Jiang Baiqing paused for a moment, suddenly enlightened: Was Chen Chang’an seeking a title?

Unfortunately, he couldn’t give it to him. The movie emperor replied with a sense of justice: “You and your uncle don’t share blood relations, do you? Just cut ties.”

“Cut… cut ties?” Chen Chang’an nearly choked.

How does one cut ties? Interpersonal relationships aren’t like a phone call that can be ended with a word.

He began to brainstorm: The movie emperor just found out today that he is Zheng Rongyu’s nephew. The movie emperor said he wouldn’t dislike him, but he clearly hates the big villain, so does that mean if he distances himself from Zheng Rongyu, he’ll spare him?

But Jiang Baiqing is the male lead of a level-up genre, weak in the beginning and strong later; Zheng Rongyu, however, is a consistent big villain, maintaining his level while waiting for the male lead to surpass him.

We’re only in the dozens of chapters of the novel; the peak period of the big villain is here, and the male lead has to avoid his sharpness—how could he provoke him?

Jiang Baiqing raised an eyebrow, exuding pressure: “Not possible?”

Chen Chang’an swallowed hard, desperately struggling: “How about you give me a little time?”

In his current state, he felt like a little eunuch caught between the queen and the favored concubine, unable to offend either side.

“Try to be quick about it.” Jiang Baiqing was not satisfied with this answer and casually added, “Once you distance yourself from him, I can give you everything he can.”

Chen Chang’an felt something was off: “Could it be—do you also want to be my uncle? Want me to be a vase?”

“Absurd!” Jiang Baiqing scolded, “Do you think everyone is like Zheng Rongyu?”

“Then what do you want?” Chen Chang’an asked the question that troubled him.

Jiang Baiqing answered with great difficulty: “To… give back to society.”

“Now that you mention it, I recall a theory.” Chen Chang’an slapped his forehead, innocently stating, “When a person’s wealth and intelligence are mismatched, the wealth will flow back into the market in various ways.”

Doesn’t that mean his wealth and intelligence are mismatched?

Jiang Baiqing was about to explode but suddenly recalled his actions from tonight and felt it was indeed true.

Meeting Chen Chang’an really made him feel dumber.

—

Without further ado, Jiang Baiqing, as a highly efficient active movie emperor, arranged a variety show for the entire crew as promotion.

As for why he wasn’t just bringing Chen Chang’an along—too conspicuous, that wouldn’t be good.

It could be said he was very thoughtful.

The variety show was called “Our Crew,” mainly showcasing the styles and teamwork of various crews through several rounds of competition, allowing the audience to understand the crew’s operation process. Many crews would collectively appear on this show during the promotional period, even sneaking in some scenes from their scripts to attract viewers to watch their works.

—The problem was, they weren’t even in the promotional period yet!

Facing Jiang Youchuan’s confusion, Jiang Baiqing calmly said, “Just consider it a little vacation, a team-building trip.”

“Whose vacation involves working while traveling?” Jiang Youchuan was very dissatisfied.

But Chen Chang’an was cheerful: “Variety shows are great, much easier to film than movies!”

Jiang Baiqing shot him a glance, and Chen Chang’an quickly changed his wording: “—Of course, the most important thing is being able to do a variety show with Teacher Jiang, experiencing Teacher Jiang’s acting up close, that’s the most exciting part.”

“You’ve said all the good things.” Jiang Baiqing snorted coldly, but the curve of his lips betrayed everything.

Chen Chang’an breathed a sigh of relief; today was another day of humbly surviving under the whims of the movie emperor.

The entire crew was excited about the variety show, from the director down to Chen Chang’an.

Jiang Youchuan, who usually dressed casually in flip-flops and lounged around, for the first time paid attention to his image, spending half a day picking out clothes in the fitting room: “Movie Emperor, what do you think of this red outfit?”

Jiang Baiqing, looking at the clothing catalog sent by the brand, raised his eyes and bluntly said, “You look like a roasted turkey brushed with chili sauce.”

Jiang Youchuan wilted. Five minutes later, he emerged in a blue suit with sequins, daringly asking the movie emperor, “How about this one?”

“Ha ha.” This time, Jiang Baiqing didn’t even bother to comment.

Chen Chang’an, being kind-hearted, advised, “Director Jiang, if you wear that on the show, I definitely won’t share the frame with you to avoid too strong a contrast.”

“You just think he’s embarrassing, don’t you?” Jiang Baiqing pierced through Chen Chang’an’s thoughts with a single sentence.

Chen Chang’an repeatedly denied, “Teacher Jiang, please don’t say that; saying so will only make Director Jiang more upset.”

Jiang Youchuan’s youthful heart shattered completely, while Jiang Baiqing remained oblivious, even beckoning Chen Chang’an over.

“What’s up, Teacher Jiang?” Chen Chang’an habitually walked over.

“Take a look at these outfits; they’re suitable for you.” Jiang Baiqing pointed to a corner of the clothing catalog in his hand.

There was no chair beside Jiang Baiqing, so Chen Chang’an could only squat down to look. As he was looking, he suddenly raised his head and said to Jiang Baiqing, “Teacher Jiang, squatting next to you like this really makes me look like a dog.”

As Chen Chang’an said this, he looked up, his innocent eyes wide open, a few strands of hair falling over his fair face, the contrast of black and white creating a stunning beauty.

“Indeed.” Jiang Baiqing chuckled softly, his voice hoarse yet magnetic, “Which one do you like? I’ll get it for you.”

He said it so casually, as if discussing what to have for dinner.

Chen Chang’an’s ears felt a bit itchy, and he instinctively raised his hand to rub his earlobe, continuing to stare at the clothing catalog.

After a long while, he suddenly raised his head: “Teacher Jiang, I can buy clothes myself; you don’t need to help me pick.”

He almost got wrapped up in Jiang Baiqing’s words; the clothes for the variety show should definitely be bought by him—how could he spend Jiang Baiqing’s money?

“If you buy it, isn’t it still Zheng Rongyu’s money?” Jiang Baiqing was not in a hurry, gently reminding Chen Chang’an, “Didn’t you promise me? To distance yourself from Zheng Rongyu as soon as possible.”

Chen Chang’an still felt something was off with the logic: “…But if you spend money on me—”

“—I’m willing.” Jiang Baiqing said calmly, as if he didn’t realize what he was saying, “As long as you don’t stick with Zheng Rongyu, I can give you whatever you want.”

This was quite explicit; an unprecedented ambiguous atmosphere hung between the two, and before it could fully develop, a teasing voice interrupted: “Ahem, ‘As long as you don’t stick with Zheng Rongyu, I can give you whatever you want.’”

“Jiang Youchuan.” Jiang Baiqing called Jiang Youchuan by his full name for the first time, “What kind of parrot are you?”

“Ahem, I was just imitating, learning the way our movie emperor handles things,” Jiang Youchuan said innocently.

Jiang Baiqing looked at him coldly: “Learned it well?”

“Learned it to a degree,” Jiang Youchuan humbly lowered his head.

“Unfortunately, I must inform you that even if you go out dressed like a streetlight next time, I won’t remind you.”

Jiang Youchuan asked pitifully, “Movie Emperor, don’t you feel guilty treating me like this?”

“Not really,” Jiang Baiqing returned his words.

“God of Wealth, look at how the movie emperor bullies people! This is bullying on set!”

Chen Chang’an held back his bitterness and weakly said, “Is there a possibility that I’m also a victim?”

Hearing this, Jiang Baiqing raised an eyebrow: “Did I bully you?”

“No, no.” Chen Chang’an quickly shook his head.

“Then that’s the best.” Jiang Baiqing chuckled, “Hurry up and choose; don’t make me wait too long; my patience isn’t that good.”

Chen Chang’an shivered and quickly pointed to one, then watched as the movie emperor checked it off in the box under that outfit and wrote a “2” beside it.

Chen Chang’an was confused: What does “2” mean? Two colors? Two people to help wear it—surely it can’t be two sets?

The next second, he heard the movie emperor decisively say, “You and I will wear the same thing; I’ll have the stylist make a few adjustments.”

“Teacher Jiang!” Chen Chang’an was a bit overwhelmed by the surprises today, “What exactly do you want to do?”

“Ahem.” Jiang Baiqing turned his face away awkwardly, whispering, “You need exposure, so I plan to take you along a bit.”

“Is the phrase ‘stirring up a CP’ really that hard to say?” Chen Chang’an said incredulously, “Can’t you just say those three words directly?”

“There’s no stirring up a CP, just raising the heat.” Jiang Baiqing was still being stubborn, “In the entertainment circle, can it be called stirring up a CP?”

He still remembered that just two months ago, a certain movie emperor swore: I would never stir up a CP with a vase.

And now, that same movie emperor had completely changed his stance on the CP issue; how far could he stray on other matters?

Jiang Youchuan, listening from the side, felt he could already foresee the movie emperor’s stubborn outcome.

He sighed and quietly slipped away under the movie emperor’s deathly gaze.

What’s the point of provoking a movie emperor who changes faces faster than flipping a book? He couldn’t afford to provoke him, nor could he avoid him.

After Jiang Youchuan left, the atmosphere became even more awkward. Chen Chang’an clearly looked down on the movie emperor’s clumsy attempts to cover up, while Jiang Baiqing, under Chen Chang’an’s knowing gaze, nervously rubbed his chin and silently lowered his head.

The makeup room was suddenly left with just the two of them, quiet to a pitiful degree.

Chen Chang’an thought there was nothing to do and planned to slip away, but just as he turned his back, he heard the movie emperor’s reluctant voice from behind.

“I… want to stir up a CP with you.”

He finally managed to say those three words, pressing his thin lips together with enough force to turn them white, while his ears turned a light pink.

Chen Chang’an turned back in surprise, witnessing the big tiger finally relent, feeling quite astonished.

After Jiang Baiqing finished speaking, he became fierce again: “Don’t you want to say something?”

“Say something?”

Chen Chang’an was bewildered; the person had relented, and now he expected him to make a statement?

But seeing Jiang Baiqing’s expression, it was clearly that meaning: “Hmm.”

“You’ve already reached the position of movie emperor, and you can still express your thoughts so directly; it’s admirable and worth learning for all of us actors.” Chen Chang’an said dryly, “I will always look up to you; you are the guiding light on my acting path.”

Jiang Baiqing clearly wasn’t pleased: “…Speak in plain language.”

“Just that, actually, this is quite good; you’re not so scary when you’re not being stubborn.” Chen Chang’an shivered, “Every time you’re stubborn, I’m afraid that if I expose you, you’ll turn me into Peking duck with plum sauce.”

Jiang Baiqing’s expression cleared: “I will try to be more honest with you.”

Chen Chang’an nodded, holding back the question he had been wanting to ask: “Why do you want to be honest with me?”

Life is like a horror movie: equally thrilling and frightening; the more you know, the faster you die.

—

“Our Crew” is a live-streamed variety show—recorded in a photography studio, inviting one crew each episode, and after twelve episodes, a public vote will score the twelve crews.

Each episode includes three segments: casual opening chat, mid-game, and final script shooting, where the results of the mid-game will determine the budget for the script shooting.

The host, Xu Nana, is a passionate and straightforward big sister in the entertainment circle, known for her bold questioning, so although the opening chat is called casual, it is far from lacking in revelations.

However, after several seasons, Xu Nana never expected to encounter such a crew.

Xu Nana threw out a tricky question: “Everyone knows that Chen Chang’an doesn’t often act in movies, as he doesn’t seem to be favored by directors in the film circle. So how did Director Jiang make the decision to cast Chen Chang’an in such an important role as the male second?”

Jiang Youchuan answered calmly, not taking it seriously: “Because he has money, and the crew is too poor to make ends meet.”

“Isn’t it a pity to sacrifice some artistic value for money?” Xu Nana asked again.

“Not at all; it’s better than sacrificing all artistic value,” Jiang Youchuan replied straightforwardly, “And actually, Chen Chang’an is doing quite well now.”

Xu Nana dug a pit: “Is this ‘well’ in comparison to something? Is it compared to Chen Chang’an in his last role, or can you give an example?”

Jiang Youchuan pondered for a moment, thinking: “In comparison—at least better than your performance in this year’s New Year film ‘Happy New Year’.”

This inevitably brought up the film in which Xu Nana starred—scoring a 3.0 on Douban, with a box office of less than a million, labeled as “the worst film of the year,” directly becoming Xu Nana’s black history.

Jiang Youchuan was too direct, and Xu Nana was left speechless.

As a live broadcast program, this segment was presented to the audience without reservation, and the barrage of comments was lively.

Mountains and Rivers: This is probably the most embarrassing moment for Xu Nana in her own field.

Did the movie emperor marry me today?: Xu Nana seems to be saying, I’ve crossed over, why are you still holding onto my film career?

What a Human Comedy: Can’t blame Director Jiang; after all, he’s in the film business, and his knowledge of Xu Nana probably only comes from that one bad film.

—

Xu Nana was choked up and decided to switch to another interviewee: “Then let’s interview the movie emperor, Teacher Jiang? There’s been a lot of discussion online about your admiration for Chen Chang’an; many have doubts. Do you really admire Chen Chang’an?”

Jiang Baiqing’s expression remained unchanged, calm and collected: “Of course.”

“What do you admire about him?” Xu Nana added, “We all know that before you, very few people openly expressed admiration for Chen Chang’an.”

Beside them, Chen Chang’an thought: Naturally, if someone liked the Chen Chang’an in the book, they must only be looking at his face.

Given the original character of Chen Chang’an, he could equally disgust everyone around him.

Jiang Baiqing answered quickly: “His face and personality.”

He deliberately highlighted the positives while avoiding Chen Chang’an’s barely acceptable acting skills.

This answer seemed superficial but was actually quite clever—Xu Nana couldn’t attack Chen Chang’an’s model-like face; as for his personality, she hadn’t interacted with him, so there was no angle to criticize.

Uncle Jiang is Mine: Uncle Jiang really protects Chen Chang’an; is there really nothing between them?

Chang’an Jiaojiao: Please, our Chang’an’s acting is also quite good; he’s perfect in every way; why only mention his face and personality!

I’m a Bystander A: Does no one feel sorry for Xu Nana? She probably hasn’t encountered such a straightforward crew in a long time.

Xu Nana indeed felt a bit at a loss, but it was only for a moment; she quickly found another question: “You recognize Chen Chang’an for his looks; isn’t that rather superficial?”

The movie emperor smiled slightly, looking completely unfazed. “I’m sorry, I’m just that shallow of a person.”

With a loud “bang” in her mind, Xu Nana seemed to anticipate the explosion of Weibo posts from the movie emperor’s fans.

She couldn’t afford to offend him, so she switched targets.

The landscape was picturesque: Was she just saying that Uncle Jiang was shallow? Right?!!

Uncle Jiang Sususu: Douban 3.0 is biting, how terrifying!

Chang’an Little Cutie: Just a passerby, it’s been a while since I’ve seen someone so bold.

On site, Xu Nana made a quick decision and turned to Chen Chang’an, who was munching on sweet potato chips. “Are you feeling nervous about what the director and the movie emperor just said?”

Hearing the address change from “you” to “you,” Jiang Baiqing frowned slightly.

Chen Chang’an noticed nothing amiss. He put down the sweet potato chips, sat up straight, and answered the question like a newly enrolled elementary school student.

“I… I’m a bit nervous, I guess?” he replied uncertainly.

Having found a soft target to break through, Xu Nana visibly perked up. “Is your nervousness because you feel unworthy of your role? Or is it because you feel uneasy about being in a crew that you paid to join?”

What was she even talking about? Chen Chang’an didn’t understand at all.

“No, I’m nervous because I’m going to be interviewed,” Chen Chang’an shook his head. “It’s the first time I’ve been asked such complicated questions, so I’m really nervous.”

The audience watching this segment burst into laughter, filling the screen with “hahahahaha.”

Chang’an Little Cutie’s mom fans: Nervous? Of course. Who isn’t nervous during an interview?

What to Eat Today: How come he’s so clueless yet oddly adorable? I’m turning into a fan!

Chen Chang’an Hater for Life: Don’t be fooled, this guy is just a leech! Chen Chang’an Hater for Life!

A Bowl of Forget-Love Beef Noodles: By the way, aren’t haters the most devoted fans? They have to follow every activity and hang on every word he says. Is that even allowed?

Xu Nana continued to press on. “Do you have confidence in your performance in this film?”

“Yes.”

Chen Chang’an thought for a moment. With the movie emperor’s guidance, it should at least be better than the original “Chen Chang’an,” right?

That was enough! One must be confident in life!

Xu Nana relentlessly pursued, “Are you more confident than before? Is it because this crew is particularly attentive to you?”

“It’s because my acting has improved. A person’s confidence should come from within,” Chen Chang’an turned the tables and educated Xu Nana. “Don’t place your hopes on others; happiness comes from your own efforts and struggles!”

Xu Nana was caught off guard, swallowing a bowl of chicken soup, her soul slightly shaken. She abandoned the interview with Chen Chang’an in “Our Crew” and tossed the topic to the crew’s staff.

Then she realized that earning money today was really tough.

Xu Nana asked the stage manager: “Has there been any discord on set?”

Stage manager: “Little God of Wealth often gets dragged by Teacher Jiang to practice acting. Does that count…?”

Xu Nana asked the stylist: “Who do you think has the most difficult look to create in the entire crew?”

Stylist: “The director, I mean, his fashion sense is really poor, and he doesn’t even realize it.”

Xu Nana asked the screenwriter: “Has the script been changed since filming began?”

Screenwriter: “Yes, sometimes they perform so well that the director wants to add more scenes.”

Iron Wall and Copper Wall, Xu Nana couldn’t break through, so she finally asked Director Jiang a question: “How is the relationship between Teacher Jiang and Chen Chang’an?”

Jiang Youchuan answered very relaxed, “Pretty good. They share a room and often go over the script together at night.”

Xu Nana was stunned: She had been trying to get something big out, and she didn’t expect the big news to be right here.

She vaguely glimpsed today’s headline, her voice trembling slightly. “You mean, they share a room and go over the script at night—”

“Yes,” Jiang Youchuan said, not sensing anything wrong. “Not just the two of them; the third female lead and the fifth female lead share a room, and the third male lead and the sixth male lead share a room… Our crew’s financial situation isn’t great, so we have to pair up like this, and if we can add someone for fun, that works too.”

This explanation clearly wasn’t enough to douse the fans’ enthusiasm.

Qing’an Couple is the most fragrant: I won’t listen, I won’t listen, anyway, the two of them are sleeping in the same room, right?

Falling for Qing’an is my destiny: Just get married already, I’ll cover the movie tickets as my wedding gift!

Give Me the Pen I’ll Write: He is the lofty movie emperor; he is the stunningly beautiful star. When they meet, living under the same roof, what kind of forbidden sparks will fly as they go over the script at night?!

I Eat Qing’an You Do You: Thank you, Qing’an Couple, for leading me into the spring of sugar-sweet moments!

The author has something to say:

Movie Emperor: Sorry to interrupt, I don’t mean anything else, it’s just that… cooking is very simple for me. I want to cook… a plate of fragrant sugar-roasted chestnuts with you. It’s not that hard to say, I just want to ask if you want sugar in your chestnuts?

Chang’an: Follow my lead, eat aow stir-fry, xi xi, splash a skin, stir-fry cp—