Chapter 13: The Movie Emperor Reads Fanfiction

Chen Chang’an was slow to catch on, and Jiang Baiqing was quite troubled.

It takes a process to make a piece of wood bloom; Jiang Baiqing couldn’t shake Chen Chang’an’s resolve, so he decided to shake his own first.

He wanted to go online and see what everyone thought about the CP pairing of him and Chen Chang’an, to accept the criticisms from netizens and dissuade himself from the desire to date Chen Chang’an.

He typed “Chen Chang’an Jiang Baiqing” into the search bar and nervously pressed the magnifying glass icon.

A series of related recommendations popped up below the search box.

Chang’an Returns to Qingbai: Is it out?

Just Not Short of Money: Really out?

Ah Ah Mom I Ate Candy: Really, really, the new chapter is so rich, I’m bleeding from my nose just looking at it.

Look at Your Worthless Appearance: Tsk tsk, I don’t believe it, unless you send it to me so I can see too.

There is Bai on Changbai Mountain: To be able to ship the same CP as Chuan San’s wife is truly a blessing, a gospel for our generation!

Jiang Baiqing fell silent, wanting to ask: Have people started speaking in riddles like this? Why can’t he understand what they’re saying while living on the same land?

Not understanding was fine; the inquisitive Jiang Baiqing clicked on the link attached to the netizens’ replies.

Three seconds later, staring at the title “Chen Chang’an and Jiang Baiqing Bathroom Play: Soaking Wet Shirts Can’t Extinguish the Fire He Ignites,” Jiang Baiqing, who hadn’t indulged in anything risqué for over twenty years, felt like a middle school student who thought he knew enough but suddenly found himself in a new world.

As he scrolled down a few more lines, Jiang Baiqing felt as if his soul had been knocked out of his body.

“… Chen Chang’an lay on the pristine white bathroom tiles, his bewildered eyes wide open, lacking even the strength to lift a hand.

“… Jiang Baiqing, fearing Chen Chang’an might hit his head, reached out to hold the back of Chen Chang’an’s neck, gently brushing his teeth against Chen Chang’an’s Adam’s apple.

“… Further down, Chen Chang’an couldn’t help but moan, tears glistening in his glass-like eyes, his cheeks flushed, neck arched, back and arches of his feet taut, his words breaking apart in the kiss.

“… The movie emperor Jiang did not feel pity for him; with a smile, he licked Chen Chang’an’s earlobe, coaxing in a hoarse voice: ‘Be good, help me unbutton this, okay? I’m serving you, my hands are tied.’”

As Jiang Baiqing reached the end of the article and saw the line “by Chuan San,” he placed his trembling hand on the phone’s keyboard, struggling to control himself as he typed a line.

Just a Small Account That Doesn’t Want to Be Discovered: Please update.

—

Posting a comment wasn’t enough; Jiang Baiqing opened the author’s page and sent a private message to the author named Chuan San.

Through a series of readings, Jiang Baiqing gained some understanding of fanfiction, which was written by CP fans about their fantasies of two characters. This “Chuan San” was particularly skilled in writing and editing, a leader among the Qing’an CP fans, having single-handedly carved out half of the territory for the Qing’an CP.

Just a Small Account That Doesn’t Want to Be Discovered: It’s so good, is there more?

The other party was very enthusiastic, showing no airs.

Chuan San: There are some that can’t be published, add me on WeChat, and I’ll send them to you privately!

Just a Small Account That Doesn’t Want to Be Discovered: Okay, thank you.

Jiang Baiqing quickly applied for another WeChat account and added Chuan San.

Chuan San: [File – Drunken Dinner Table] [File – Rooftop Pool] [File – Jealous Possession]

Chuan San: Take a look, these are all the latest treats, highly rated ones!

Jiang Baiqing, fearing the other party would change their mind and retract, quickly clicked to accept and save everything before slowly typing.

Anonymous Small Account: I’m really grateful, how can I repay you?

Chuan San: No need! As long as you ship Qing’an, we’re family!

Although Chuan San said this so generously, the wealthy Jiang Baiqing still planned to reward the other party to encourage their creativity.

So Jiang Baiqing opened the transfer operation box, entered the number “2000,” and suddenly saw a line above.

[Transfer to Chuan San (Jiang*Chuan)]

Jiang Baiqing: … Wait, why does that “*” look more and more like the character for “have”?

—

He found it absurd, feeling a bit incredulous, and tentatively typed into the chat box.

Anonymous Small Account: Jiang Youchuan?

Chuan San: Y-y-y-y-you… how did you recognize me?

Chuan San: No, who is Jiang Youchuan? I don’t know him!

Anonymous Small Account: Hehe, how could I recognize you?

Anonymous Small Account: Because we’re family.

Chen Chang’an was merely Zheng Rongyu’s nephew by blood, but Jiang Youchuan was Jiang Baiqing’s full-blooded younger brother.

Jiang Baiqing became famous at a young age; when the movie emperor had won who knows how many awards, his younger brother Jiang Youchuan said he wanted to enter the entertainment circle too, but he didn’t want to be an actor; he wanted to be a director.

Throughout the years, Jiang Youchuan had never relied on his movie emperor brother for resources; at most, he could afford to invite the movie emperor to assist in a role for a very low fee.

Jiang Baiqing’s younger brother, though sharp-tongued, had never caused him any worry.

But he never expected that his own brother, while appearing to mock his CP shipping behavior, was secretly writing explicit fanfiction about him and Chen Chang’an?

Chuan San: Oh dear, it’s fine that you recognized me, just don’t tell the movie emperor about this.

Chuan San: Good sister, next time I’ll let you have more treats to eat~

With a complex mind, Jiang Baiqing deleted the line “I am Jiang Baiqing” and changed it to “Okay, let me know when you write something next.”

What Jiang Youchuan was doing was quite inappropriate; how could he, the main character secretly reading his own fanfiction, feel any glory?

Most importantly, Jiang Baiqing still wanted to read; he couldn’t let it affect Jiang Youchuan’s creative enthusiasm.

Chuan San: Mwah, good sister, I knew you were the best!

Anonymous Small Account: … I’m a guy.

Chuan San: I’m a guy too! Guys can be sisters, what’s wrong with that!

Chuan San: Not only can you read my works, but if you have any little troubles in the future, you can come to me!

Chuan San: You’re my dear sister!

Suddenly, the biological brothers turned into dear sisters, and Jiang Baiqing felt a pang in his heart.

But with Jiang Youchuan saying this, Jiang Baiqing’s thoughts began to stir.

Anonymous Small Account: Any kind of trouble I can come to you for?

Chuan San: Except for giving you money; money is my underwear, my last dignity.

… What a ridiculous metaphor. Jiang Baiqing cursed inwardly and continued typing.

—

Anonymous Small Account: Well, I have a friend who has a crush on someone.

Chuan San: Ok, got it, the classic “my friend is actually me,” right? Go on.

Jiang Baiqing wanted to save face.

Anonymous Small Account: It’s really not me…

Chuan San: Hahahahahaha…

Chuan San: The last one who said that has already gone to ship CP. [Cute.JPG]

Jiang Baiqing frowned: Good for you, Jiang Youchuan, how many times have you laughed at me behind my back?

Yet he couldn’t reveal his identity.

Anonymous Small Account: A couple of days ago, I heard someone say something.

Chuan San: What was it?

Anonymous Small Account: Laughing at others behind their backs will cost you ten million at the box office.

Chuan San: Where did this feudal superstition come from???!!!

Chuan San: Sister, promise me, don’t say such terrifying things again.

Chuan San: If you keep saying that, you’ll never get the person you like. [Smile.JPG]

Jiang Baiqing was at a loss.

He forgot that in real life, Jiang Youchuan trembled in fear of his authority, but online, Jiang Youchuan wouldn’t recognize him in disguise and would strike back hard.

—

Chuan San: Alright, no more jokes, you continue.

Chuan San: We’re still good sisters~ [Hug.JPG]

Anonymous Small Account: Ahem.

Anonymous Small Account: My friend likes someone, and that person doesn’t like him.

Chuan San: Pfft, how tragic, just like my brother; he’s the same way!

Anonymous Small Account: How can you say that?

Chuan San: Strange, I just laughed a little.

Chuan San: Aren’t we talking about your friend? Why are you so worked up? [Confused.JPG]

Anonymous Small Account: I value friendship.

Chuan San: Alright, I shouldn’t laugh at your friend.

Anonymous Small Account: It’s fine, I’ll continue.

Anonymous Small Account: My friend has hinted several times, but the person he likes remains indifferent, even saying they don’t want to date.

Chuan San: If the other person doesn’t want to date and doesn’t like your friend, why is your friend still holding on? What’s the point?

Chuan San: Better to say goodbye and move on to the next one.

Anonymous Small Account: No.

Anonymous Small Account: My friend doesn’t want to give up; he wants to try.

Chuan San: Speechless, if he can’t listen to others’ advice, why ask me?

Anonymous Small Account: My friend is a decent person, and I want to create some opportunities for him to find a partner.

Chuan San: That’s easy; since you care so much about your friend, why not date him yourself?

Chuan San: Wishing you both a hundred years of harmony, two children in one year, three in two years.

Jiang Baiqing put down his phone, thinking: I really can’t continue talking to this ungrateful Jiang Youchuan today.

Chuan San: Haha, just kidding.

Chuan San: I’ll recommend a few strategies for your friend to pursue someone; they’re very straightforward.

Anonymous Small Account: ?

Chuan San: [File – Qing’an Romantic Roses]

Chuan San: [File – Qing’an Hot Summer]

Chuan San: [File – Qing’an Welcoming the New Year]

Jiang Baiqing, with his principles, still clicked to look.

Once he started, he couldn’t stop all night.

After an all-nighter, he just wanted to tell the whole world:

Who else can truly ship Qing’an? Who else can be as sweet as Qing’an!

—

Feeling that he had learned a lot, Jiang Baiqing eagerly began to plan how to win over Chen Chang’an.

The first step: come out to his parents.

Chuan San wrote that before Jiang Baiqing confessed to Chen Chang’an, he had already handled all the public opinion issues, making him appear particularly reassuring.

Jiang Baiqing also wanted to reassure Chen Chang’an; although his relationship with his parents was not close, he wouldn’t skip any necessary steps.

Driving to the old villa, the Butler, hearing the engine, had been waiting at the door.

Outside, the rain was drizzling, and Jiang Baiqing walked slowly through the rain with a black umbrella.

“Your hearing is still as good as ever.” Upon seeing the Butler, Jiang Baiqing complimented without emotion.

“Old age makes one sensitive to even the slightest sound.” The gray-haired Butler looked at Jiang Baiqing with a complex expression, “Young master, you’ve finally returned.”

“Leaving soon.” Jiang Baiqing was brief, “Just half an hour.”

“Allow me to say one more thing…” The Butler paused for a moment, “You and your parents shouldn’t be like this; you should be more filial to them.”

Jiang Baiqing stopped in his tracks, not turning back: “Not everyone wants to be a son, and you’re meddling too much.”

—

Jiang Baiqing raised his left wrist and glanced at his watch.

At two-thirty in the afternoon, Mr. Jiang was usually reading the newspaper in the living room, while Mrs. Yu was working out in the gym.

Jiang Baiqing was clear in his mind and first stepped into the living room.

Compared to the sharp-tongued Mrs. Yu, he preferred to face the indifferent Mr. Jiang first.

Seeing the tall man sitting on the leather sofa, Jiang Baiqing slightly bent his body and politely called out, “Dad.”

Mr. Jiang’s handsome face was hidden behind the newspaper, revealing only a pair of beautiful eyes devoid of emotion.

— Double-lidded, narrow, with upturned outer corners, extremely indifferent.

“Hmm.” The man responded, “I spoke with your mother this morning about the stocks of Qingbai Entertainment; many uncles are optimistic about it.”

When it came to business, Jiang Baiqing showed little expression: “As long as you’re satisfied.”

“If you’re willing to work hard, it won’t be difficult for you to surpass me in time.” The man finally looked at Jiang Baiqing for the first time, “Baiqing, when I said you shouldn’t enter the entertainment circle, I take that back now; excellent people are excellent wherever they are.”

A sarcastic arc curled at the corner of Jiang Baiqing’s mouth.

They hadn’t said that back then; they thought that him winning the movie emperor title was just that of a mere actor.

Back then, they said: If Jiang Baiqing insisted on entering the entertainment circle, he would no longer be their son.

“I don’t want to discuss this with you.” Jiang Baiqing interrupted the topic, “I came this time to inform you that I have a partner.”

“Which rich family’s daughter is she?” Mr. Jiang lowered the newspaper, “You’re of an age; marriage is something we should oversee for you.”

“He’s not a daughter from any family.” Jiang Baiqing didn’t hide anything, “He’s a man.”

The air fell silent for a moment as Mr. Jiang picked up his cup and slowly took a sip of tea.

When he raised his eyes again, he asked directly, “What do you want me to say?”

“Nothing at all.” Upon closer inspection, Jiang Baiqing could actually appear even colder than Mr. Jiang, “This isn’t a request; I’m just informing you.”

“I’m aware.” Mr. Jiang maintained his decorum and dignity, but clearly did not care, nor did he wish to say more to Jiang Baiqing, “I won’t give you any support or blessings; go to your mother—no matter how you think, you still have to get past her.”

—

Even if Mrs. Yu was his biological mother, Jiang Baiqing had to admit that she was definitely not a good person.

Whether in business or at home, Mrs. Yu maintained a consistent image of decisiveness—she was ruthless in her work, adopting an attitude of killing gods and buddhas alike; her nearly thirty-year marriage to Mr. Jiang was entirely for commercial reasons; and she treated her two sons with the same emotional detachment as tools.

Jiang Baiqing had never been close to Mrs. Yu, but she probably didn’t care; she wasn’t close to anyone.

When he walked into the gym, Mrs. Yu was walking slowly on the treadmill. Jiang Baiqing looked at her well-managed back and, in a daze, felt as if he had returned to his childhood, becoming that child who called out “Mom” to her back but never received a response.

“Ms. Yu.” Jiang Baiqing called out, “I have something to discuss with you.”

Unlike with Mr. Jiang, there wasn’t even the most basic small talk between Jiang Baiqing and Mrs. Yu.

“Speak.” Mrs. Yu stopped the treadmill and picked up a towel to wipe her sweat, “Make it quick; I have a meeting soon.”

Jiang Baiqing didn’t intend to say much: “I want to date a boyfriend, and I plan to marry him in the future.”

“Are you trying to get back at me?” Mrs. Yu instinctively frowned, “Your childish tactics won’t affect the family business at all.”

“It has nothing to do with you.” Jiang Baiqing remained humble, “This decision is only about me and him.”

Mrs. Yu frowned at him for a while, as if looking at a louse or some other disgraceful thing: “You really make me feel embarrassed.”

Jiang Baiqing chuckled: “Oh really, then you truly have a glass heart.”

“There’s no need to speak to me in this tone.” Mrs. Yu disliked being contradicted, “It’s our failure to raise you well that made you turn out like this, but we don’t owe you anything.”

Jiang Baiqing was unwilling to engage in a meaningless argument with her: “That’s it, goodbye.”

They didn’t owe him anything, and he didn’t owe them anything.

Jiang Baiqing had long anticipated this outcome, and thinking of Chen Chang’an, a hint of tenderness rose in his heart.

He, Jiang Baiqing, wasn’t perfect like the characters in novels, but he would give Chen Chang’an everything he could.

—

When Jiang Baiqing returned home, Jiang Youchuan was lounging on the lazy sofa playing video games.

“Bro.” Hearing the sound of Jiang Baiqing’s key in the door, Jiang Youchuan changed to a more normal sitting posture, “How did it go?”

They never referred to visiting their parents as going home, nor had they ever considered that villa as home.

“Same as always.” Jiang Baiqing replied flatly.

Hearing this, Jiang Youchuan understood and turned over: “Whatever, they never gave us anything anyway.”

“Jiang Youchuan, we need to talk.” Jiang Baiqing pulled over a stool and sat in front of Jiang Youchuan.

Jiang Youchuan responded and turned off the game: “Hey, what’s up?”

“Since graduating from college, you’ve been using the excuse of not finding a place to live, staying at my house and going through my scripts every day.” Jiang Baiqing said this, straightening his back slightly, “That can’t continue; my boyfriend is moving in.”

“Your house doesn’t lack rooms; if he moves in, then he moves in.” Jiang Youchuan thought of something and asked, “Wait, you have a boyfriend now?”

Jiang Baiqing nodded: “Soon.”

Jiang Youchuan asked politely: “Oh, am I in the way?”

Jiang Baiqing nodded decisively: “Yes, very much in the way.”

“In the way of what?” Jiang Youchuan didn’t understand.

Jiang Baiqing glanced at Jiang Youchuan and laid it all out: “Bathroom, rooftop, pool, where else?”

“Huh?” Jiang Youchuan hadn’t reacted yet.

Jiang Baiqing kindly reminded: “Chuan San?”

Jiang Youchuan felt as if struck by lightning, his mouth twitching: “Hehe, ah, bro, you already know, huh?”

“I don’t interfere with creative freedom.” Jiang Baiqing paused, then added, “As long as you don’t disturb the main character’s life.”

“Not disturbing, wouldn’t dare disturb.” Jiang Youchuan breathed a sigh of relief, “But what does this have to do with me moving out? Are you mad at me for this? Don’t, bro—”

“Not because of this. Now do you see why it’s a disturbance?” Jiang Baiqing said disdainfully, “Every plot point you wrote in your stories is a disturbance with you around.”

Jiang Youchuan sulked: “Good news, the CP I ship is real; bad news, I have no place to live.”

The author has something to say:

Movie Emperor: I don’t interfere with creative freedom.

Subtext: So, create more.