Chapter 14: The Movie Emperor’s Misunderstanding

Chen Chang’an’s final scene was delayed for several days due to the company’s announcement.

After finishing his last line, the wrap-up was officially completed, and sunlight spilled onto Chen Chang’an’s face. He stood there in a daze, unable to detach himself from the role for a long time.

The first to notice was Jiang Baiqing, who wrapped an arm around his shoulder and wished him a happy wrap-up.

“This is…” Chen Chang’an looked at the item Jiang Baiqing handed him, momentarily stunned.

“A wrap-up red envelope,” Jiang Baiqing said indulgently. “Jiang Youchuan is stingy, so I’m giving you a big one. Go out and have some fun.”

Chen Chang’an was indeed very happy. “Thank you, Brother Bai! You’re the best!”

Seeing Chen Chang’an’s grateful expression, Jiang Youchuan thought of Jiang Baiqing’s confession plan and shook his head behind them.

This silly rabbit still didn’t realize he had already been locked in and dared to bounce around in front of the big tiger.

“Brother Bai, is there anything I can do for you?”

“Let’s have a meal on the hotel terrace after the shoot. Everyone will be there,” Jiang Baiqing said with a smile. “Today is my birthday, and I want to celebrate it with you.”

“Oh my gosh! Today is your birthday!” Chen Chang’an’s mouth formed an “o” shape. “I’m so sorry, Brother Bai, I didn’t know and didn’t prepare a gift for you.”

“It’s fine,” Jiang Baiqing shook his head. “Just your presence is enough. I’m not greedy for your gifts.”

Chen Chang’an shook his head and ran off. “That won’t do! Wait for me, I’m going to pick something out for you right now!”

Jiang Baiqing felt a warmth in his heart; a birthday he had never expected suddenly seemed more meaningful because of him.

—

Chen Chang’an really wasn’t good at picking gifts.

He called Director Jiang for help, who was very casual about it. “With his current mental state, you could give him a piece of grass, and he’d be happy for half a day.”

“Don’t joke with me,” Chen Chang’an said, exasperated. “Birthday gifts can’t be that casual.”

“Oh, I thought of something,” Jiang Youchuan, receiving a hint from Jiang Baiqing’s gaze, changed his tune. “I know, the movie emperor particularly likes jewelry, especially, especially rings!”

“Ah? Rings?” Chen Chang’an doubted he had heard correctly.

Jiang Youchuan was certain. “Yes, the movie emperor really, really desires to have a ring.”

“But rings are…” Chen Chang’an still had some judgment left. “You can’t just give those casually, right?”

“Just don’t put it on the ring finger. You can give him a pinky ring or a signet ring; I believe he’ll be happy with either,” Jiang Youchuan said bluntly.

Just like that, Chen Chang’an was persuaded in a few words and headed to a certain silver shop.

“Sir, what would you like to see?” the staff greeted him enthusiastically.

“I want to see rings,” Chen Chang’an replied.

The staff smiled. “For a lover?”

Chen Chang’an waved his hands repeatedly. “No, no, no, it’s for a friend.”

“I understand. Let me recommend a few styles for you…” The staff began to introduce them one by one.

At that moment, Jiang Baiqing called again. Chen Chang’an picked up, puzzled. “Teacher Jiang, what’s up?”

“I prefer something unique,” Jiang Baiqing hinted impatiently. “Nothing that looks like everyone else’s style.”

Chen Chang’an hung up the phone, paused for a moment, and asked the staff, “Do you have any rings that have never been sold before and definitely won’t be bought by anyone in the future?”

The staff’s mouth twitched. “Sir, we don’t have such rings here.”

“I have plenty of money,” Chen Chang’an said confidently, holding the card Jiang Baiqing had given him. “You can think of anything.”

The staff readily complied. “Sir, I think we actually do have one.”

Who wouldn’t like a customer with money and unique taste?

So the staff led Chen Chang’an to the counter and took out a very uniquely designed ring.

On a simple silver band, a small golden pig was embedded, showcasing a mix-and-match style.

“Uh, what’s the design concept of this ring?” Chen Chang’an was momentarily at a loss for words.

To be honest, he didn’t know if Jiang Baiqing would like such a ring, but he knew Jiang Youchuan would—Jiang Youchuan had always preferred things that were out of the ordinary.

“The golden pig brings good fortune; it’s very auspicious,” the staff struggled to organize their words, diligently trying to keep the conversation going. “Uh, it expresses the author’s nostalgia?”

“I’ll take this one.”

With a sense of reverence for Jiang Baiqing, Chen Chang’an gritted his teeth and bought the ring that didn’t match his aesthetic at all.

Under the staff’s gaze, which seemed to say he was the foolish son of a landlord, Chen Chang’an thought to himself that he had truly endured too much for Jiang Baiqing.

—

As soon as Chen Chang’an arrived at the hotel terrace, he was forcibly handed a colorful whistle by Jiang Youchuan.

Jiang Youchuan clasped his hands and stroked his nonexistent beard. “God of Wealth, do you have any candidates for tonight’s warm-up activity?”

Despite his humble demeanor, the last time Chen Chang’an trusted Jiang Youchuan and helped warm up at his engagement party, Jiang Youchuan had dragged him into singing “Missed Love,” claiming it was the only song he could sing.

“The movie emperor is very famous; he can draw a crowd,” Chen Chang’an didn’t want to embarrass himself with Jiang Youchuan and pretended not to understand. “I think he can handle it.”

“Not at all!” Jiang Youchuan shook his head vigorously. “Although Jiang Baiqing is famous, he’s too reserved and always puts on airs. He can’t be called the atmosphere king.”

Does it have to be me? Isn’t one embarrassing moment enough?

Chen Chang’an almost asked out loud but held back, saying, “Sister Screenwriter is gentle and kind, and she has great relationships; she could be the atmosphere king.”

Jiang Youchuan countered again. “Not at all, the screenwriter is too timid and often freezes up; she can’t be the atmosphere king.”

Chen Chang’an raised his eyes. “So according to you—”

Jiang Youchuan raised his arm and declared, “According to me, the only atmosphere kings in the world are you and me!”

Jiang Baiqing, who had just walked over, couldn’t help but ask, “Are you two discussing heroes over a cup of wine?”

Chen Chang’an quickly cast a pleading glance at Jiang Baiqing, his eyes screaming, “Save me, save me, save me.”

Jiang Baiqing suppressed a smile and feigned seriousness. “Jiang Youchuan, go entertain yourself; don’t disturb him.”

Jiang Youchuan covered his face and left, leaving behind a sorrowful figure.

—

Chen Chang’an felt a bit guilty, and Jiang Baiqing spoke lightly, “Don’t mind him; he’s always like this. If you agree to him, he’ll definitely cause trouble for you next time.”

The movie emperor rarely explained trivial matters so seriously, and Chen Chang’an had actually received too many exceptions. They say a man looks most handsome when he’s serious; under Jiang Baiqing’s focused gaze, Chen Chang’an’s face felt a bit hot.

He hurriedly handed the item in his hand to Jiang Baiqing. “I, I picked a gift for you. Here, I, I have something to do, so I’ll leave first.”

After saying that, Chen Chang’an turned and ran.

Jiang Baiqing watched his flustered back, and a smile crept into his cold, distant eyes.

Jiang Youchuan returned, wearing a gossipy expression. “Oh, oh, oh, what treasure did you give him? Let me see.”

“Not showing you,” Jiang Baiqing tightened his grip. “Don’t you have your own gift? Why do you want to see someone else’s?”

“After all, I’m a contributor. If you really received a ring, I should at least get half the credit,” Jiang Youchuan said unhappily. “How can you be so ungrateful?”

Jiang Baiqing said nothing, but his actions showed that he was indeed ungrateful.

Jiang Youchuan snorted coldly. “If you don’t want to show it, then don’t. Who cares?”

That said, his eyes were still trying hard to sneak a peek at what Jiang Baiqing was holding.

“How about I trade you this whistle for a look?” Jiang Youchuan suggested again. “One look? Half a look? A quarter look?”

“Not possible.”

Jiang Baiqing ignored him, and after Jiang Youchuan left, he cautiously opened his hand.

Three seconds later, Jiang Baiqing’s smile faltered.

The “gift” that Chen Chang’an had just shoved into his hand was, in fact, the colorful whistle that Jiang Youchuan handed out to everyone.

Jiang Baiqing’s expression turned cold as he stepped toward the direction Chen Chang’an had just left.

He thought that Chen Chang’an better have a good explanation for this.

—

Meanwhile, Chen Chang’an had no idea he had given the wrong item.

He was darting around like a headless fly when he bumped into He Zhizhou, who was looking for Jiang Youchuan.

“Hey.” Chen Chang’an covered his head and called out, looking up at him. “Senior, are you here to celebrate my wrap-up too?”

As soon as he finished speaking, he saw the surprise in He Zhizhou’s eyes and realized he had been self-absorbed.

A big star, after all, was very busy; how could he care about when his junior wrapped up?

After He Zhizhou came to his senses, he smiled. “Sorry, happy wrap-up! Let me send you a red envelope as an apology.”

“No need, no need,” Chen Chang’an quickly waved his hands. “As long as the thought is there, feelings can’t be measured with money.”

In truth, he didn’t dare to accept He Zhizhou’s red envelope; feelings couldn’t be measured with money, but of course, the more money, the better.

He Zhizhou smiled and didn’t insist, asking, “Chen Chang’an, how have you been lately?”

His question seemed to have some implication, but Chen Chang’an couldn’t figure out what he was hinting at. He scratched his head and answered randomly, “I’m okay, nothing bad.”

“That’s good,” He Zhizhou smiled. “Is there anything you’re not used to?”

Chen Chang’an suddenly jolted, his back straightening. “What could I possibly not be used to? Haven’t I always been myself?”

“You seem quite clever now,” He Zhizhou shook his head. “It’s nothing, just asking casually.”

Chen Chang’an thought: What kind of riddle person are you?

—

At that moment, Xu Chengzi’s call suddenly came in.

Chen Chang’an answered without much caution. “Sister Chengzi, what’s up? I’m celebrating Brother Bai’s birthday.”

“Don’t leave the hotel yet; the company is sending a car to pick you up,” Xu Chengzi’s usually calm voice trembled for the first time. “Find a private room to stay in. Everything you did to the movie emperor has suddenly come to light, and it’s solid evidence now. The movie emperor’s fans and paparazzi are blocking you, saying you’re an ungrateful white-eyed wolf.”

Chen Chang’an didn’t immediately process it. After hanging up, he opened Weibo and saw a line of blood-red words trending: “Chen Chang’an and Jiang Baiqing are superficially close but emotionally distant.”

Upon opening it, he was shocked to find that everything Chen Chang’an had done had been exposed, from competing for roles with the movie emperor to giving him derogatory nicknames, buying press releases to slander the movie emperor, and a series of self-destructive actions.

In just fifteen minutes, Chen Chang’an had lost a million followers, while the increase in followers was even more outrageous, rising by eight million.

After all, they were a national-level couple; such a collapse was something everyone witnessed.

Now, Chen Chang’an’s image in the public eye was that of a ruthless and cunning femme fatale, while Jiang Baiqing was portrayed as a foolish victim who had been deceived.

Zheng Rongyu’s call came in right after: “Stay where you are; I’ve sent bodyguards to pick you up.”

Before Chen Chang’an could hang up, Jiang Youchuan rushed over, his eyes red as he questioned, “Chen Chang’an, is what’s on Weibo true?”

Chen Chang’an felt helpless and could only take the blame for others. After stammering for a long time, he finally said, “…I’m sorry.”

“How dare you treat my brother like this?” Jiang Youchuan angrily grabbed Chen Chang’an’s collar. “How dare you? My brother, he clearly… sigh!”

“Hey, hey, hey, don’t pull my collar…” Chen Chang’an tried to pry Jiang Youchuan’s hand away.

On the other end of the line, Zheng Rongyu didn’t know how much he had heard and ordered, “Chen Chang’an, put it on speaker.”

Chen Chang’an obediently turned on the speaker, and Zheng Rongyu said to Jiang Youchuan, “I’m Zheng Rongyu. Jiang Youchuan, let go of Chen Chang’an. He is my nephew. Otherwise, I’ll withdraw my investment, and you won’t get a single cent for your movie.”

Jiang Youchuan was reluctant but still let go, angrily saying, “Think about it; you can’t be so heartless.”

Zheng Rongyu’s tone turned cold, carrying a hint of threat. “Jiang Youchuan.”

Jiang Youchuan glared at Chen Chang’an fiercely before turning to leave.

“Are you okay?” Zheng Rongyu’s tone wasn’t very good, clearly a bit angry. “If he dares to make you uncomfortable, there’s no need to continue filming this movie.”

“I’m fine, Uncle Rong,” Chen Chang’an still felt a bit guilty. “It’s all my fault.”

Zheng Rongyu immediately rebutted, “It’s not your fault. It’s normal for kids in their teenage years to do anything.”

Chen Chang’an was speechless: Uncle, you really can say anything with your eyes wide open, can’t you? How can I not be blamed for what I did?

What a protective boss, terrifying indeed.

“By the way, Uncle Rong,” seeing a familiar figure, Chen Chang’an made up his mind. “Don’t send anyone to pick me up; I still have something to do. Don’t worry, I’ll be safe.”

Zheng Rongyu paused for a moment. “It’s not about assassinating Jiang Baiqing, is it?”

“…No.” “Then that’s good.”

—

Chen Chang’an was indeed going to find Jiang Baiqing. In front of a crowd of onlookers, he ran toward the man who was also being secretly observed by many.

Jiang Baiqing’s expression was darker than ever, barely maintaining politeness and dignity.

Chen Chang’an shivered slightly but still mustered the courage to approach him.

“Bai…”

Before he could reach Jiang Baiqing, the latter suddenly lifted his foot and walked toward the private room.

Chen Chang’an hurriedly followed, even taking the time to close the door behind him.

In the private room with just the two of them, Jiang Baiqing stood silently in the shadows.

Chen Chang’an couldn’t guess Jiang Baiqing’s feelings and stood frozen in place, afraid to move.

Suddenly, Jiang Baiqing smiled. “Are you afraid of me?”

“Not afraid.” Realizing, Chen Chang’an quickly shook his head, steeling himself to walk up to him, looking intently at him. “You’re Brother Bai, not someone else.”

Upon hearing this special title, Jiang Baiqing’s expression instantly turned desolate.

He raised his hand and pinched Chen Chang’an’s chin, gently stroking the soft flesh on his jaw.

Chen Chang’an felt a bit ticklish and instinctively tilted his head back, his entire head falling into Jiang Baiqing’s hand.

“Little liar,” Jiang Baiqing spoke, letting out a soft hum, as if asking him and himself, “Should I trust you, hmm?”

“…I should be trustworthy, right?” Chen Chang’an didn’t care who he was answering and quickly replied.

“Is everything true?” Jiang Baiqing smiled bitterly. “Is there no other explanation?”

Chen Chang’an fell silent, unsure how to respond.

Jiang Baiqing almost pleaded, “As long as there’s another explanation—just say it, and I’ll believe you.”

Chen Chang’an could only say, “I’m sorry.”

Jiang Baiqing suddenly reacted strongly. “Don’t say sorry to me.”

Chen Chang’an was at a loss for words, staring blankly at him.

“You always have that expression.” Jiang Baiqing gritted his teeth. “Why do you always look so innocent? Are you… also watching my joke?”

He was anxious, struggling, and emotionally unsettled, yet in the end, he was all alone.

And Chen Chang’an just stood there, with a pair of innocent, bewildered eyes, looking at him as if he were watching a joke.

“Brother Bai, I’m sincere,” Chen Chang’an stammered, trying to prove something. “I truly consider you a good friend. I’ve never looked at your jokes; I never have.”

Jiang Baiqing’s expression didn’t soften because of Chen Chang’an’s few words of defense; his sorrowful eyes remained locked onto him, as if he were getting to know him all over again.

“No matter what you say… I never thought of you as a friend,” Jiang Baiqing lowered his gaze. “Chen Chang’an, I’m not afraid of you looking down on me, but I’ve liked you for a long time. Friends don’t interact like this; I’ve always considered you a future lover.”

He was like a snake caught by the throat, or a prisoner awaiting judgment, knowing the outcome was death yet willingly offering up his soft underbelly.

Chen Chang’an was stunned.

So, so…

So Jiang Baiqing’s feelings for him all along were actually love?

So the proud Teacher Jiang actually liked him so much that even when he was at the end of his rope, he would confess his feelings?

There were no traps, yet he surrendered.

“I’m sorry, I messed up today,” after a long while, Chen Chang’an finally found his voice. He pulled out the golden pig ring from his pocket. “I ruined everything, didn’t give you your gift, and made you the subject of gossip.”

Jiang Baiqing looked at the ring, his gaze becoming complicated. “…Chen Chang’an, I don’t understand.”

“I don’t understand either, but…” Chen Chang’an continued.

His heart was in turmoil, and the only firm thought in his mind was that no matter what, he couldn’t lose Jiang Baiqing.

Before Chen Chang’an could finish his sentence, he was decisively interrupted by Jiang Baiqing. “I don’t understand, but I think now, I can probably stop liking you.”

—

How to describe the feeling of Jiang Baiqing no longer liking him?

It felt like something you never had and never wanted suddenly left, and yet you felt a bit forlorn.

Chen Chang’an’s previously chaotic thoughts suddenly cleared up. He thought, perhaps it wasn’t that he didn’t want it, but that he hadn’t realized he wanted it.

Maybe… he also liked Jiang Baiqing?

But now was clearly not the time to say that. Chen Chang’an anxiously reached out, grabbing Jiang Baiqing’s wrist, his face turning red with urgency. “No, you can’t leave yet.”

“Why?” Jiang Baiqing stood still, asking.

“I beg you, Brother Bai, please accept my gift,” Chen Chang’an looked at him pitifully. “I really want to give it to you.”

Jiang Baiqing stared at Chen Chang’an. “Is this important to you?”

“Very important, extremely important,” Chen Chang’an said without hesitation.

Jiang Baiqing smiled bitterly. “I thought you didn’t care about anything.”

“Brother Bai…” Chen Chang’an called out sadly.

Jiang Baiqing lowered his eyes but still reached out to take the ring from him.

This action gave Chen Chang’an the audacity to push his luck, and he continued to hold onto Jiang Baiqing’s shirt corner without letting go.

Jiang Baiqing frowned slightly. “Let go.”

“Brother Bai, could you… take me out of the hotel?” Chen Chang’an timidly made an even bolder request. “I don’t have a car, and they’re all waiting for me at the entrance.”

You see, he took it for granted, even though it was precisely because of his actions that the paparazzi were after him, and yet he dared to seek help from Jiang Baiqing, the victim in this situation.

But he didn’t have a car because he had put all his money into the movie; he said he unconditionally trusted Jiang Baiqing.

Chen Chang’an, which of your words are true? Which are false?

Jiang Baiqing suddenly felt a headache coming on, the veins on his forehead throbbing. He suppressed his frustration. “Chen Chang’an. Do you think it’s amusing to toy with me? Does it give you a sense of accomplishment?”

“Brother Bai, I didn’t mean to toy with you.” Chen Chang’an shook his head. “There are many things I can’t explain, but every word I say to you while standing in front of you is the truth.”

Jiang Baiqing repeated his words, “Is that so? Everything is true?”

“Yes.” Chen Chang’an quickly pledged his loyalty. “And actually, actually, I have… feelings for you too.”

After saying this, he buried his head very low, but his ears were completely red.

“I can give you a ride.” Jiang Baiqing barely steadied his breath and proposed a harsh exchange. “But if you get in my car, you have to come home with me, no other destination. If that’s the case, will you still get in my car?”

The author has something to say:

Shop assistant: The golden pig brings fortune, expressing the author’s homesickness on Earth.

Chang’an: I don’t understand, but I respect it…