Chapter 9: The Movie Emperor is Quite Capable

A lone man and a few men, facing the script at night.

Jiang Baiqing was taken aback; he didn’t expect Jiang Youchuan, who usually had no filter, to spill everything.

Then he thought that perhaps this would help attract attention, so Jiang Baiqing didn’t elaborate further and let the topic slide.

Xu Nana finally completed today’s tasks and hurriedly led everyone into the next segment.

“The second segment tests the teamwork and collaboration skills of the crew. The game we will play is musical chairs. The production team and the crew will each send five internal members to join the game. The number of chairs will decrease from nine to one, and each round’s eliminated player must perform a talent. At the end of the game, if the production team grabs the last chair, the crew will lose their filming budget and will have to pay out of pocket to complete the project; if the crew wins, the production team will cover the filming budget for this episode.”

“Musical chairs? What’s that got to do with teamwork?” Chen Chang’an muttered softly, “Isn’t it an individual game?”

Jiang Youchuan smirked mysteriously: “We’ll send four strong ones to rush in and grab their five; that should guarantee a win, right?”

Hearing this, Xu Nana quickly added, “No physical contact is allowed—”

Jiang Baiqing calmly interjected, “We can give each of them a thousand bucks on their cards to let them go easy. After all, the production team staff who participate in the activity won’t get any rewards for winning; where there’s a demand, there’s a loophole.”

Xu Nana gasped, “No exploiting loopholes, no bribing the staff!”

At that moment, Chen Chang’an weakly raised his hand: “I can—”

“No!” Xu Nana cut him off before he could finish.

“I just wanted to ask, since the competition hasn’t started yet, can I go to the bathroom?”

Xu Nana sighed in relief; finally, there was a person in the crew with a normal thought process: “Yes, that’s fine.”

Chen Chang’an was so normal that he felt out of place among the other old foxes.

—

Since Chen Chang’an had gone to the bathroom, by the time he returned, the others in the crew had already arranged his spot for the game.

Although they were supposed to randomly select five crew members, the essence of variety shows was still an announcement activity in the entertainment circle. Whoever needed exposure would definitely be sent to the stage, so aside from the eager Jiang Youchuan, everyone else participating were actors.

Chen Chang’an, as the backbone of the entire crew—Little God of Wealth—was forced to be the last one to join the game.

“Um, can I opt out?” Chen Chang’an asked weakly, “I’m not very coordinated; I’m the type to trip while walking.”

The male lead, Jiang Baiqing, had “You dare?!” written all over his face.

Of course, Chen Chang’an… did not dare, so he was reluctantly pulled into the game.

As the cheerful tune of “Finding Friends” played, a group of adults averaging 1.75 meters in height began to circle around.

Chen Chang’an’s coordination was indeed lacking; if he had been coordinated, he would have become a martial arts stunt double long ago. How could he have muddled through for so many years and still be playing a corpse?

With nine chairs and ten people, when the whistle blew, the only ones left standing were the uncoordinated Chen Chang’an and the older, slower-reacting Jiang Baiqing (as Chen Chang’an guessed).

In fact, Jiang Baiqing had been watching Chen Chang’an the whole time, worried that Chen Chang’an wouldn’t make it to the next round and would have too few camera shots, so he deliberately wanted to be the one eliminated.

Unexpectedly, the two exchanged glances, and Chen Chang’an froze for a second, bent down, and made a standard “please sit” gesture.

“Teacher Jiang, with me here, there’s no way you’ll be eliminated,” Chen Chang’an said proudly.

At that moment, the comments flooded in.

Chang’an Lovely Ghost: Hahaha, which good person plays musical chairs by giving up their seat?

Jiangshang Bai Qingqing: Brotherhood, brotherhood, that’s how we look out for each other.

Don’t Eat Don’t Take Take the Melon: It feels like neither of them wants to participate in this game, right?

Little Rabbit Muddleheaded: Is Chen Chang’an a cross-talk performer? Hahaha, that last line was so fluent!

Jiang Baiqing’s eyelids twitched. He looked up at the obviously clueless Chen Chang’an in front of him.

“Hurry up, if we don’t sit down, we’ll both be eliminated.” Yet the other party was smiling brightly, eagerly urging him on.

Jiang Baiqing sighed inwardly and stepped forward to sit down.

Probably worried that Chen Chang’an would exit too early and miss the camera, the director instructed Xu Nana to call out to Chen Chang’an again: “Is your performance ready?”

“Oh, the performance.” Chen Chang’an racked his brain and finally nodded, “Yes.”

In fact, the performance segment was the main event; after all, not everyone in the entertainment circle was good at musical chairs, but everyone surely had their own talents. For example, in the last episode, King He sang a few lines of the love song that made him famous—though due to copyright issues, he could only sing three lines.

Chen Chang’an also had a talent, and he proudly announced to everyone, “I’ll perform a burp for you.”

“Burp what?” Xu Nana thought her ears were malfunctioning, looking at Chen Chang’an in disbelief.

“Burp, you know, I can burp for a long time, really loud.” Noticing the strange expressions on everyone’s faces, Chen Chang’an cautiously asked, “Is it okay to perform this?”

“Um… I guess?” Xu Nana found it surreal.

She probably misjudged the situation; in reality, there wasn’t a single normal person in this crew, not one.

Chen Chang’an really did take a can of carbonated drink, finished it, and then let out a long, loud burp towards the camera.

Everyone was in awe, and Jiang Youchuan looked at Chen Chang’an with admiration and said to Jiang Baiqing, “The God of Wealth really doesn’t care about his image; doesn’t he worry about losing fans?”

“Why would he lose fans?” Jiang Baiqing also looked at Chen Chang’an and said lightly, “Isn’t he quite cute?”

“Cute?” Jiang Youchuan could hardly believe his ears.

“Yeah.” Jiang Baiqing said softly, “Very special, very interesting.”

Who in this world can’t burp? What’s so special or interesting about burping?

It’s not that burping is special; it’s clearly Chen Chang’an who is special!

Jiang Youchuan felt he had seen through the truth.

That day, Jiang Youchuan glanced at the movie emperor brother beside him, who was full of Chen Chang’an, and then at the carefree Chen Chang’an. After returning home, he resolutely picked up a pen and began writing CP fanfiction for the two of them, editing CP videos, and even became the number one big fan of the “Qing’an Couple.”

It turned out that being close to the water’s edge brings the moon closer; Jiang Youchuan had a talent for shipping CPs.

—

The musical chairs event ended with Jiang Youchuan lying on the chair and refusing to let go until he secured the funding for the crew.

The opponent, panting heavily, accepted the post-match interview: “Never underestimate a person’s will—like Director Jiang’s love for money. If you want to compete with him for a chair, he’d rather eat the chair than let you have it.”

Chen Chang’an watched the excitement from the side: “After this battle, our Director Jiang’s reputation as a miser will surely spread beyond the crew and throughout the circle.”

Next came the filming segment. Since it was just for show, the crew needed to complete a five-minute micro-movie.

The director and screenwriter first wrote the script, while the others sat aside waiting. Chen Chang’an held his phone, playing games with his back to the camera. Jiang Baiqing, tall, sat beside him, just able to see his long, drooping eyelashes and beautiful face.

Jiang Baiqing, for some reason, called out to him: “Chen Chang’an.”

“Hmm? What’s up, Teacher Jiang?” Chen Chang’an was busy, “I’m in a team game.”

“Nothing.” Jiang Baiqing turned his gaze back, “Don’t call me Teacher Jiang; just call me Brother Bai.”

Chen Chang’an’s fingers stiffened, and he suddenly recalled a scene from a few months ago—back then, Jiang Baiqing had also kindly asked him to call him Brother Bai, and ten minutes later, he had turned his back on him.

“Teacher Jiang… no, Brother Bai.” Chen Chang’an adjusted his breathing, “Are you under a lot of stress lately?”

Jiang Baiqing thought Chen Chang’an was concerned about him, feeling a bit comforted: “Actually, it’s fine; work is going smoothly.”

Chen Chang’an was puzzled: “Then why do you seem so mentally fragmented?”

“‘Mentally fragmented’? Is it because I’ve given you too many smiles that you’ve become so bold?” Jiang Baiqing’s forehead twitched, “Daring to say I’m sick; how does your little brain work so richly, hmm?”

“Reasonable speculation, reasonable speculation.” Chen Chang’an chuckled awkwardly, “Please don’t be angry; if you’re angry now, you’ll just confirm my speculation.”

Jiang Baiqing could only hold back his emotions. He inadvertently glanced at Chen Chang’an’s face, and with some confusion, asked, “What did you put on your face? It’s shiny.”

“Nothing.” Chen Chang’an pinched his face, mumbling incoherently, “The makeup artist rarely puts anything on my face, just concealer.”

Chen Chang’an felt around but didn’t find the powder at the corner of his lips. Jiang Baiqing instinctively reached out, wiped it off, and showed it to him: “Look, it’s transparent and reflects light.”

Chen Chang’an’s face was quite thin, but the soft flesh on his cheeks felt good to the touch. Jiang Baiqing only touched it once, then lowered his arm, rubbing his fingers a bit.

A little reluctant.

Chen Chang’an glanced over and realized, scratching his head, “It might be the rock candy on the sweet potato chips.”

Sweet and sticky, just like him.

Jiang Baiqing thought to himself, but said, “Be careful; don’t eat too much on the show next time.”

“Now you’re not even letting me eat much!” Chen Chang’an complained with a pained expression, “Teacher Jiang, I’m not fat.”

“Call me Brother Bai.”

“…Oh, Brother Bai.”

“The food prepared for the show isn’t necessarily completely safe.” Jiang Baiqing explained helplessly, “Have you seen the news? There was a male artist who drank paint on a show. If you want to eat, I’ll take you out for a late-night snack after the show—I’ll treat you.”

He said it as if it were easy, but while standing with his hands behind his back, he secretly pinched his sleeve, feeling nervous.

Chen Chang’an had already invested all his money into the crew, and a few days ago, he had been tricked into investing in promotional expenses. He hadn’t been to a restaurant in a long time, and hearing that there was food made his eyes light up: “Great, can we eat today?”

His eyes were big and bright, like two glowing lamps.

Jiang Baiqing couldn’t help but curve his lips: “Yes, as long as you can eat.”

“Don’t underestimate me!” Chen Chang’an said indignantly, “I can eat a lot; I can finish three bowls in one meal.”

“Hmm.” Jiang Baiqing obediently praised, “Very impressive.”

Chen Chang’an felt something was off; why was the movie emperor speaking so strangely lately?

—

Jiang Youchuan walked over with the script and saw Jiang Baiqing looking at Chen Chang’an with a gaze that could be described as doting. He shivered.

At that moment, Chen Chang’an noticed Jiang Youchuan and turned his head to ask, “Director Jiang, is the script finished?”

“Finished, finished.” Jiang Youchuan nodded and bowed, “Would you two like to take a look?”

Chen Chang’an took it and looked; good heavens.

If “And Life” had the suspicion of invisibly selling gay themes for box office, then the script Jiang Youchuan brought, “The Overbearing Senior’s Little Brother,” was purely a BL script.

After reading it, Chen Chang’an was left speechless: “I seriously doubt the mental state of the screenwriter while writing this script.”

“I directed her to write it this way.” Jiang Youchuan waved his hand, “In the end, a variety show is still a variety show; too much depth isn’t appealing to everyone. We need to shoot something eye-catching.”

Chen Chang’an turned to Jiang Baiqing: “Would you be willing to act in a script like this, Teacher Jiang?”

Jiang Baiqing was seriously studying the wall-slam scene in the script. Upon hearing this, he nodded while holding the paper, his expression calm and unreadable.

“Alright.” Chen Chang’an sighed, “Since everyone has no objections, can I play the main character?”

Jiang Youchuan was taken aback: “Uh, that’s not quite suitable?”

“Right? You think it’s not quite suitable too.” Chen Chang’an grew bolder, “Isn’t that even more of a contrast, more unexpected?”

At that moment, Jiang Baiqing spoke up: “Sure.”

Jiang Youchuan stopped trying to persuade him, thinking to himself that this must be the couple’s little game.

The camera shifted to the makeup room, where Jiang Baiqing and Chen Chang’an sat in chairs, letting the makeup artist work on them.

Jiang Baiqing spoke first: “If you think you can perform well, having confidence is a good thing.”

Chen Chang’an couldn’t quite grasp the meaning behind the movie emperor’s words—was he trying to compliment him?

He tentatively replied, “I do have some acting skills for idol dramas; you can rest assured, Teacher Jiang.”

He was reluctant to call him “Brother Bai,” and Jiang Baiqing felt a bit regretful in his heart, understanding that it was his own inconsistency that had set the trap.

In Chen Chang’an’s mind: If the sky were to fall, Jiang Baiqing would be there to hold it up; no matter how fast the winds and clouds changed, they couldn’t outpace Jiang Baiqing’s changing expressions.

At this moment, the comments were lively.

Chang’an’s Mom Fan: Is Chang’an going bare-faced? He looks beautiful even without makeup! Mom loves you!

Hello Teacher Jiang: Hmph, Uncle Jiang is in a good mood; the old fans can tell.

All Come to Pay Respects to Me: These two are so compatible; the couple is a perfect match!

Ginger is Jiang: Refusing to be tied down, each beautiful in their own way.

Just as Chen Chang’an was unaware of the camera and didn’t see the microphone that had already lit up at his collar, he quietly asked Jiang Baiqing, “Teacher Jiang, can we unbind the CP after the promotional period?”

Knowing full well that the microphone was on, Jiang Baiqing still generously answered the question: “No.”

The comments exploded; Chen Chang’an was oblivious: “Why not?”

Jiang Baiqing smiled slightly: “Some things can be done, and some things just can’t.”

This conversation was broadcasted through the microphone, spreading across the online platforms.

The trending search’s top entry—#What Things Can Be Done and What Things Can’t#

Sweet Tian Sisi: Uncle Jiang is really amazing! You’re capable, you’re capable, you’re the most capable!

I am a Super Big Sweet Potato: Thank you, I’ve been impressed.

What Flavor is Liking You: The movie emperor is really skilled! He’s really good!

Qing’an Get Married Today: The main characters are spreading sugar; getting into the ship is worth it; the Qing’an Couple is real!

Qing’an Sweeten Me to Death: Clearly asking if they can unbind, I just feel like they’ll get married.

—

Through it all, Chen Chang’an, while filming, was completely unaware.

The micro-script had only five or six scenes, with few lines and a mindless plot. After undergoing the movie emperor’s high-pressure training, Chen Chang’an’s acting was on par with that of any typical popular star.

According to the plot, he wore eight-centimeter height-increasing insoles, extended an arm, and slammed the movie emperor against the wall: “Little brother, have you considered it?”

Jiang Baiqing “panicked” and avoided Chen Chang’an’s gaze: “Consider what?”

Chen Chang’an chuckled softly: “Consider being with me.”

Jiang Baiqing decisively nodded: “Sure.”

Chen Chang’an was stunned: “Okay, okay… what? You should reject me.”

“Sorry, I forgot my lines.” Jiang Baiqing remained calm, showing no signs of tension whatsoever.

“Did you really forget your lines?” Chen Chang’an asked in disbelief.

“Why? Can’t I forget my lines?”

Jiang Baiqing raised an eyebrow in response, causing Chen Chang’an to be too scared to speak.

Jiang Youchuan stood by, hands behind his back, feeling like he had seen through everything.

He felt sorry for Chen Chang’an: How could he compete with a movie emperor who had cultivated for a thousand years?

The final scene had Chen Chang’an gripping Jiang Baiqing’s wrist on the stairs, not letting him leave.

At that moment, an accident occurred; Chen Chang’an wasn’t as strong as Jiang Baiqing and couldn’t hold him back, instead, he stumbled backward.

Jiang Baiqing hadn’t expected this; in an instant, he lost his expression management: “Chen Chang’an!”

He reached out to catch Chen Chang’an’s back but barely missed.

Chen Chang’an fell backward, head down and feet up, but at the critical moment, he managed to do a backflip on the ground and stabilize himself.

Jiang Baiqing was still reaching out, looking panicked, making the scene somewhat comical.

“Um, I actually had a dream before.” Chen Chang’an said awkwardly, “To become a martial arts stunt double.”

Jiang Youchuan chimed in: “I have to admit, you do have some skills.”

The author has something to say:

Movie Emperor: When it’s time to be capable, I’m capable; when it’s not, it’s just not!