Chapter 12: The Movie Emperor Becomes a Fan

On the day of the meet-and-greet, Chen Chang’an arrived at the venue early.

Having been accustomed to being a small, unnoticed figure, he found the idea of having fans quite novel. He was already waiting in the backstage dressing room before the first fan entered.

Suddenly, there was some commotion at the door of the dressing room. Chen Chang’an stood up nervously and saw Jiang Baiqing push the door open and walk in.

The latter was holding a gift box while explaining to the staff beside him, “I’m not a guest; I just came to see him.”

“Brother Bai.” Chen Chang’an instinctively called out, “Didn’t you say you got a ticket? Why are you back here?”

Jiang Baiqing chuckled softly, “Since I’m exercising the rights of a movie emperor, why not take the chance to see you a little longer?”

“Since you’re here, why bring something?” Chen Chang’an felt his ears heat up and turned to look at what Jiang Baiqing was holding. “Is that a cake? Or milk tea?”

“You’re such a greedy cat.”

Jiang Baiqing scoffed lightly, not answering.

He quietly took out the gift box from the bag, deftly untied the ribbon with his long fingers, letting the silk fall silently to the side. He opened the lid to reveal a bracelet lying quietly inside.

Chen Chang’an felt a bit disappointed. “I can’t eat it.”

“Don’t be silly.” Jiang Baiqing laughed, shaking his head. “This is for wearing on your wrist.”

Chen Chang’an opened his mouth. “Why did you think to give me this?”

“It’s like a mark.” There was an inexplicable heat in Jiang Baiqing’s eyes. “If you get lost, I can recognize you by the bracelet.”

“That’s a bit ridiculous!” Chen Chang’an said, fully aware of himself. “With a face like mine, I still need a bracelet to be recognized?”

Jiang Baiqing didn’t argue but asked, “Do you want to wear it yourself, or should I help you put it on?”

Chen Chang’an, who didn’t like wearing jewelry, replied, “I don’t want to wear it.”

“Ten barbecues.” Jiang Baiqing said decisively.

“Please help me wear it.” Chen Chang’an was even more resolute than Jiang Baiqing.

He didn’t expect the movie emperor to be so persistent. With a sigh, he obediently extended his wrist, like a helpless deer being marked by a fierce tiger.

Jiang Baiqing took Chen Chang’an’s hand and fastened the bracelet around his wrist.

The silver bracelet felt like a thread connecting the two of them. Jiang Baiqing’s breath deepened, and his heart raced a little faster.

Chen Chang’an lowered his head and met Jiang Baiqing’s deep, ocean-like eyes, and his own heart began to race.

“Is it done? Is it good?” he stammered.

“Done.” Jiang Baiqing withdrew his hand, examining Chen Chang’an’s wrist with satisfaction. “Looks good.”

—

Chen Chang’an felt a bit unaccustomed to the chain on his wrist.

Instinctively, while standing on stage, he kept rubbing his right wrist.

His gaze subconsciously searched for Jiang Baiqing in the crowd. During a pause in the host’s questioning, Chen Chang’an spotted him standing in the corner.

The host was still asking, “Did you make any new friends on set, Chang’an?”

“Yes…” Chen Chang’an picked up the microphone, looking in that direction.

Jiang Baiqing, wearing a mask, stood below the stage, gazing at him from afar.

Seeing him return the gaze, Jiang Baiqing raised his hand in a casual wave, exuding an air of calmness. He didn’t seem diminished at all by standing below; beneath the mask was a face that was unforgettable.

Chen Chang’an withdrew his gaze. “Everyone has been very caring towards me, especially the male lead, Teacher Jiang. He’s been really good to me.”

“Still trying to ship you two?” the host teased.

Chen Chang’an nodded, smiling. “Yes, he’s even trying to ship us.”

The host asked again, “So will you become a real couple in the future?”

“Ah? What real couple?” Chen Chang’an had never thought about it.

“You and the movie emperor, are you really not considering being together?” The host laughed, seeming to joke, but actually laying a trap. “Abandoning achievements and careers to pursue each other.”

Chen Chang’an frowned, feeling that the host was a bit off.

Logically, even if there were CP fans among the audience, they would usually keep it to themselves. This was clearly an attempt to stir up conflict between Chen Chang’an and his dedicated fans and CP fans.

But it didn’t work out well—because in terms of achievements and career, Chen Chang’an had almost none.

“What achievements? What career? Maybe dating would even improve Chen Chang’an’s acting skills.” A fan shouted from below, “Dating isn’t something to be ashamed of! As long as you don’t get ugly while dating, it’s fine! Chen Chang’an’s mom will always love your face!”

Chen Chang’an rubbed his nose and muttered, “…That’s true, but it’s a bit cruel.”

The host stubbornly held up the microphone. “Aren’t you going to respond, Chang’an?”

“Uh, respond to what? Dating the movie emperor?!” Chen Chang’an found it amusing. “It’s impossible to date; I could never date the movie emperor in this lifetime. But if I do end up dating someone, I will definitely let everyone know.”

Chen Chang’an: Dating the movie emperor? What’s the difference between that and being with a cartoon character? It’s simply absurd, a crossover of absurdities.

The fans: I agree with the latter half, but is the first half a flag?

Jiang Baiqing: I feel like a dog that just passed by and got kicked for no reason.

The movie emperor was very angry, and the consequences were severe.

The host probably didn’t expect that one day, he would be kicked out of the entertainment circle for asking a few questions for money.

After all, in this circle, you can have poor acting skills, a bad temper, but you absolutely cannot lack insight.

—

After Chen Chang’an finished signing autographs for the fans, he returned backstage and soon received a call from He Zhizhou.

Jiang Youchuan was sitting next to Chen Chang’an. After a long silence without an answer, Jiang Baiqing casually glanced at the screen and, seeing Chen Chang’an not moving, smiled and said, “What’s wrong? Don’t want to answer the phone?”

He was about to say, “If you don’t want to answer, just hang up,” when he saw Chen Chang’an take a deep breath, mentally preparing himself, and pick up the phone.

“I thought the event was almost over,” He Zhizhou asked. “How did it go? Smoothly?”

“Yeah, pretty smoothly.” Chen Chang’an briefly glossed over the host’s comments. “The fans were very enthusiastic, and I’m really happy.”

“I was worried you wouldn’t adapt to facing so many people.” He Zhizhou began reminiscing, “When you first started as an extra, you needed me to accompany you just to meet a director.”

“That was because I was afraid the director had ulterior motives!” Chen Chang’an instinctively retorted. “That director had a record; he looked unreliable no matter how you saw it.”

After saying that, he scratched his chin in confusion: What was going on? Where did this shared memory come from? How could he communicate so freely with He Zhizhou?

He Zhizhou chuckled lightly. “I didn’t expect you to remember something from so long ago.”

Jiang Baiqing suddenly stood up and quietly left the dressing room.

Chen Chang’an found it a bit strange that he suddenly got up and walked out.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, he hung up the phone.

Chen Chang’an thought Jiang Baiqing couldn’t wait to leave, but when he finished packing and opened the door, he found Jiang Baiqing leaning against the wall in the corridor, idly scrolling through his phone to read the news.

“Brother Bai, why did you suddenly come out?”

“Did you forget? Your phone was on speaker.” Jiang Baiqing’s expression was flat, his face not looking good.

“Oh, sorry for disturbing you.” Chen Chang’an asked again, “Then why didn’t you leave first?”

Jiang Baiqing didn’t answer, his eyes downcast, long eyelashes casting shadows over his gaze.

“Brother Bai, I’ve noticed that your mood seems to have been off again these past few days.” Chen Chang’an recalled and analyzed for Jiang Baiqing. “You always suddenly seem very happy, then suddenly very down.”

“So?” Jiang Baiqing suddenly became impatient, frowning in response.

Chen Chang’an shrank back a little but had a sudden insight: “Brother Bai, do you have someone you like? Like a secret crush, just like in the movies? Every little thing they do pulls at your heart?”

His words struck Jiang Baiqing like a hammer, breaking through the thick stone covering the soft surface of his heart, forcing him to confront the tumultuous feelings within.

Did he like Chen Chang’an? Was it a crush?

Or perhaps more, a sense of possession, a feeling of dissatisfaction.

“Yes.”

Jiang Baiqing’s clouded heart slowly cleared. All the ups and downs, joys and sorrows of these past days had one name—Chen Chang’an.

That carefree little fool, the sunny Little God of Wealth.

Chen Chang’an asked again, “But I don’t understand, why does liking someone make you unhappy?”

“Because of greed. I used to think that having him close by would be safer.” Jiang Baiqing sighed deeply. “But later I realized, no matter what, it’s dangerous.”

“Oh.” Chen Chang’an understood yet didn’t understand.

Jiang Baiqing couldn’t hold back any longer, his emotions momentarily getting the better of him: “Don’t you have anything to say?”

“Uh, I wish you well?” Chen Chang’an thought for a moment, feeling that Jiang Baiqing lacked confidence. “You’re a great movie emperor, Brother Bai. Just go after whoever you like; be a bit braver, okay?”

“Ha, thank you.”

Jiang Baiqing suddenly felt relieved. This was how Chen Chang’an was.

It was precisely because Chen Chang’an was so adorably dense that Jiang Baiqing found himself so deeply infatuated.

“Then be a bit braver, Brother Bai!” Chen Chang’an made a celebratory gesture in the air as if toasting. “I may not be good with words, but I hope you get what you want and wish you all the best!”

Jiang Baiqing, I wish you all the best, a smooth life, flowers blooming upon your arrival, and a smooth path ahead.

—This was probably what Chen Chang’an wanted to express.

At first, Chen Chang’an was afraid of Jiang Baiqing; now, he admired him.

He was just as described in the books, warm, polite, and ambitious. He was proud but never made others feel uncomfortable for no reason. Whether it was with directors, supporting roles, or temporary staff, he was always patient. His virtues and demeanor matched his achievements and status, and Chen Chang’an understood this better than anyone.

So all the good words in the world, Chen Chang’an wanted to give to Jiang Baiqing.

After observing this serious Chen Chang’an for a long time, Jiang Baiqing finally just said softly, “I’m sorry.”

Chen Chang’an didn’t understand. “Why are you apologizing?”

“You’ll know in the future.” Jiang Baiqing simply replied.

Chen Chang’an regarded him as a respected elder, while he wanted to be Chen Chang’an’s boyfriend.

It was all so absurd.

—

Two months passed, and the crew was preparing for wrap-up.

Before the final scene, Chen Chang’an was nervously rehearsing his lines in the dressing room.

Jiang Youchuan saw this and felt very gratified. “To have made such great progress in a short time is all—”

“—all thanks to my guidance.” Jiang Baiqing shamelessly interjected, “A great teacher produces outstanding students.”

“You, sigh.” Jiang Youchuan felt pained but didn’t dare to voice it. “He treats you as a teacher; do you treat him as a student?”

“Does that matter?” Jiang Baiqing retorted naturally, “Things will be different in the future.”

Jiang Youchuan found it strange. “Why are you suddenly so full of yourself?”

“There’s a kind of pride that comes from knowing he definitely belongs to me.” Jiang Baiqing chuckled self-deprecatingly. “And my pride is simply because I know I can’t live without him.”

After saying that, he walked towards Chen Chang’an.

“Wrap-up is done; go have some fun.” Jiang Baiqing spoke in a tone he had never used with anyone else, gentle and soft.

“The money won’t come back that quickly.” Chen Chang’an said with a bitter face. “For the remaining days, I’ll probably have to stay at Uncle Rong’s house.”

Jiang Baiqing interjected, “Stay at my house.”

Zheng Rongyu was indeed a talented young man, but then again, does being wealthy and having a bright future mean he’s a good match?

What if he snores while sleeping? What if he doesn’t wash his feet for three days? What if he sleepwalks and hurts someone?

Most importantly, what if after getting to know Chen Chang’an, Jiang Baiqing finds out he’s so much better than Zheng Rongyu?

Chen Chang’an hesitated. “Brother Bai, thank you for your trust, but our relationship doesn’t seem to be at the level where we can stay overnight at each other’s houses…”

Jiang Baiqing replied directly, “Are you familiar with your uncle?”

Chen Chang’an slowly formed a question mark in his mind: “I’m not familiar with my uncle; are you more familiar with him than I am?”

Jiang Baiqing fell silent, momentarily at a loss for words.

After a while, he stubbornly said, “Are you sure it’s him? It has to be him? It really can’t be me?”

“Brother Bai, it’s not that serious.” Chen Chang’an said helplessly. “What, are you used to sleeping in the same room with me and can’t sleep alone when you go back?”

Unexpectedly, Jiang Baiqing shamelessly replied, “Yeah, I feel uneasy without you in the room.”

“Just endure the unease.” Chen Chang’an said earnestly. “You’ll get used to it in the future.”

Jiang Baiqing felt frustrated. After a while, he reluctantly probed, “So, do you know Zheng Rongyu well?”

“I’ve known him since I was a teenager. After my parents passed away in an accident, he has been taking care of me since then.” Chen Chang’an answered readily. “Although we rarely communicate, he has been very generous to me.”

“Since you were a teenager?” Jiang Baiqing realized that things seemed different from what he had imagined. Even if Zheng Rongyu was reckless, he still had to abide by the laws protecting minors.

“Yeah.” Chen Chang’an nodded. “Uncle Rong is my mother’s neighbor’s younger brother; he watched me grow up.”

Jiang Baiqing tugged at the corner of his mouth, trying to sort out his thoughts.

Chen Chang’an and Zheng Rongyu didn’t seem to be what he thought; they were just a simple uncle-nephew relationship.

What a sin, what a sin, it was his mind that was dirty.

—

Jiang Baiqing lowered his head in shame and then began to praise, “Zheng Rongyu is truly kind. I know his character; he’s a top-notch person.”

Isn’t that right? A fake rival turned into a real uncle. If he wanted to be with Chen Chang’an, he would probably need Zheng Rongyu’s blessing.

The nature of the relationship would change completely—Zheng Rongyu, from a sharp business rival and cunning fox, would become a helpful and warm-hearted philanthropist.

—He would be his future in-law whom he had never met!

Jiang Baiqing firmly established his stance, unwavering: “When does Zheng Rongyu have time? I have a lucrative project I’d like to discuss with him over tea.”

“I don’t know; should I ask?” Chen Chang’an genuinely didn’t know.

Jiang Baiqing nodded reservedly. “Ask him, and also inquire about his requirements for your partner.”

“Ah?” Chen Chang’an truly didn’t understand. “What does that have to do with anything?”

“Very important.” Jiang Baiqing nodded seriously. “During the promotional period, you’ll interact with many people, and I’ll help him screen them.”

“Not a chance.” Chen Chang’an shook his head vigorously. “I’m not thinking about dating at all.”

Jiang Baiqing’s expression remained calm. “Why not think about it?”

“Why should I think about it?” Chen Chang’an scratched his head. “I’ve never thought about it.”

Jiang Baiqing found it amusing: not just dense, but a piece of wood that had never even thought of blooming.

The two of them were stuck in an inexplicable stalemate.

In the end, it was Jiang Baiqing who spoke first: “Then, can you think about it a little?”

Chen Chang’an: What did you just say?!

Hearing this, Chen Chang’an blinked slowly, like a malfunctioning little robot.

Jiang Baiqing turned his head away. “It’s nothing.”

“Brother Bai, are you mocking me for not being smart enough to think?” Chen Chang’an’s thought process was quite peculiar. “Teacher Jiang, your insults are really sophisticated now.”

Jiang Baiqing’s mouth twitched. “As long as you understand.”

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Chang’an: Balancing love and career, not letting down the fans or him… but wait, who is “him”?