Chapter 15: The Movie Emperor Officially Takes His Place

As Jiang Baiqing and Chen Chang’an stepped out of the private room, all eyes turned toward them once again.

Under the scrutinizing gazes, Jiang Baiqing stood proud like a peacock, not pausing for even a moment due to the attention of others.

Chen Chang’an awkwardly followed behind him; regardless of the murmurs around them, the two were indeed walking together.

When they drove out of the parking garage, despite the speed, a photo was snapped, igniting another wave of trending searches on Weibo.

Non-fans commented: “Respect and blessings are locked in. With things like this, Jiang Baiqing still isn’t running away; he deserves to be tormented. They are a natural pair.”

Teacher Jiang, wait for me: “So this is how humble Uncle Jiang becomes when he falls in love… Fans are heartbroken.”

This Person Hates Everyone: “Chen Chang’an is a white lotus, Chen Chang’an is a white lotus, Chen Chang’an’s plastic surgery face is disgusting!”

Susu Does Her Face Again: “Isn’t Susu acting up just normal behavior? Snake spirit face doing snake spirit things.”

This Person is a Prophet: “Hehe, am I the only one who has never liked Chen Chang’an?”

“Stop looking.” Chen Chang’an was about to scroll down on his phone when Jiang Baiqing spoke up beside him, “Our matters are none of anyone else’s business; there’s no need to listen to what they say.”

“But if you don’t confront me, your reputation will suffer.” At this point, Chen Chang’an fell silent.

“I won’t change my attitude toward someone because of what others say.” Jiang Baiqing’s voice was soft, “Between you and me, there has never been anyone else.”

“Teacher Jiang.” Looking out at the scenery through the car window, Chen Chang’an said earnestly, “I think if I weren’t Chen Chang’an, just a passerby lucky enough to see you, I would probably still fall for you.”

Jiang Baiqing pressed his lips together, remaining silent.

Thinking about what might happen later made Chen Chang’an a bit nervous, and he didn’t speak again.

—

The two of them returned to Jiang Baiqing’s home in silence.

The furniture in Jiang Baiqing’s house was warm-toned, quite different from the style he usually presented.

To ease his own mood, Chen Chang’an asked, “So Brother Bai likes this style of decoration?”

“Changed it not long ago; my brother picked it out.” Jiang Baiqing replied, “Jiang Youchuan said—”

Jiang Baiqing sat on the sofa, but suddenly stopped mid-sentence.

Jiang Youchuan’s exact words were—”If it’s someone like Chen Chang’an, he would probably prefer colors that are a bit warmer.”

And he had taken that seriously.

The atmosphere grew cold again, and Chen Chang’an tactfully changed the subject: “So Brother Bai and Director Jiang are brothers?”

No wonder Jiang Youchuan was so excited, as if five hundred billion in box office had been stolen; it turned out he was angry for his brother.

“Real brothers.” Jiang Baiqing replied succinctly, feeling exhausted, “The guest room is to the left; I’m tired, you can go by yourself.”

“Just like that?” Chen Chang’an was taken aback.

Jiang Youchuan looked up: “Otherwise?”

“Don’t you need me to prove something?” Chen Chang’an stammered, “Prove my feelings for you; I thought you would…”

“Such things are meaningless to prove.” Jiang Baiqing was not the kind of person to put others in a difficult position; he had always been understanding toward Chen Chang’an, “Go to sleep; in a few days, the public opinion will settle down.”

…Is this how it is between them?

Chen Chang’an felt at a loss, but he didn’t want it to be just like this.

He was afraid that when he woke up tomorrow, Jiang Baiqing would no longer pay him any attention.

He couldn’t accept that outcome.

“Brother Bai.”

He called out to Jiang Baiqing, and when the other looked up at him, he sat on Jiang Baiqing’s lap and sweetly offered a kiss.

Taking advantage of Jiang Baiqing’s moment of surprise, he quickly withdrew, tilting his head back like a cat that had successfully stolen a fish.

That idiot hair still stood up restlessly, just like Chen Chang’an himself.

“I like you.” Chen Chang’an reiterated his stance.

Just as he was about to stand up from Jiang Baiqing’s lap, his wrist was firmly held by the other.

Jiang Baiqing’s gaze was deep; he pulled the one trying to escape back into his embrace and deepened the kiss they had just shared.

“Mm… Brother Bai, you…”

Not giving Chen Chang’an a chance to speak, Jiang Baiqing swallowed all of his breath, like a greedy beast marking its territory with its scent.

It wasn’t until Chen Chang’an was nearly out of breath that Jiang Baiqing finally let him go, turning to kiss Chen Chang’an’s delicate, smooth cheek, as if it were a peeled egg.

“You little liar, Little God of Wealth…” Jiang Baiqing kissed Chen Chang’an’s face, one phrase after another, unexpectedly layering a sense of helpless pleading, which ultimately transformed into sincerity, “…I like you too.”

He liked him; he truly couldn’t change that.

The atmosphere was suddenly very good until Chen Chang’an felt he had brushed against something concerning, and his body suddenly stiffened.

“Let’s go to sleep.” Jiang Baiqing chuckled softly, one hand resting on Chen Chang’an’s spine, “I understand your feelings.”

Chen Chang’an looked at Jiang Baiqing anxiously: “And you?”

“I’ll… calm myself down.” Jiang Baiqing’s breath was momentarily disordered; he shook his head reassuringly, “Don’t be afraid; it just wants to say hello to you.”

—

When Chen Chang’an woke up the next day, he knew he was in the wrong, wearing the pajamas provided by the movie emperor to make breakfast.

Jiang Baiqing was a bit taller than Chen Chang’an, and the overly long pants slightly dragged on the ground, like a child sneaking into an adult’s clothes.

Chen Chang’an didn’t know how to make many breakfast dishes; he barely managed to fry an egg, and Jiang Baiqing woke up.

“I made this; want to try?” Chen Chang’an enthusiastically invited.

Looking at the half-burnt, half-raw egg on the table, Jiang Baiqing paused for a few seconds before decisively rolling up his sleeves and heading into the kitchen.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to try; it was about self-preservation.

Jiang Baiqing left a parting remark: “From now on, cooking is something you can leave to me.”

Hearing the word “from now on,” Chen Chang’an felt a bit giddy, his eyes crinkling with a smile.

He and Jiang Baiqing had a future together.

It had to be said that Jiang Baiqing was probably a jack of all trades; his cooking was far superior to Chen Chang’an’s. At least after Jiang Baiqing brought the dishes to the table, Chen Chang’an didn’t glance at the egg he had fried again.

Sorry, little egg, but you wouldn’t want to stop me from pursuing better dishes, right? Chen Chang’an silently apologized in his heart.

“Brother Bai, how come you can do everything!” Chen Chang’an said, satisfied with his meal, genuinely complimenting him.

Jiang Baiqing rarely had the mood to joke with Chen Chang’an: “To keep you hooked.”

Chen Chang’an exclaimed, “Then I must have already been hooked by you.”

“What is our relationship now?” Jiang Baiqing asked, a hint of mischief in his tone, “An upgraded version of ‘close friends,’ perhaps ‘intimate friends’?”

Chen Chang’an felt a bit nervous: “I think I might be Brother Bai’s boyfriend.”

Jiang Baiqing couldn’t help but reveal a hint of a smile.

Unsatisfied with his reaction, Chen Chang’an pressed on: “Then, what is Brother Bai to me?”

“What do you want it to be?” Jiang Baiqing countered, “Whatever you want it to be, it is.”

Chen Chang’an answered decisively: “Then it’s boyfriend.”

“Alright, then it’s boyfriend.” Jiang Baiqing nodded.

“Actually, I don’t know how it happened.” Chen Chang’an suddenly said softly, “About the things I did before, that wasn’t me. Seeing you in the elevator was my first time meeting you. I want to say this, but I’m afraid you won’t believe me.”

Jiang Baiqing’s expression was not as confused as Chen Chang’an had imagined; instead, it was very gentle: “Since you say so, I’ve decided to like you, so I believe it all.”

“Brother Bai is so nice.” Chen Chang’an squinted his eyes, smiling happily.

“Goodness isn’t free.” Jiang Baiqing reached out, “Give me a good morning kiss.”

Chen Chang’an obediently leaned in.

—

At that moment, Jiang Youchuan opened the door and walked into the living room.

“I… you… he…” Seeing this scene, he nearly fainted, “Oh my, I was worried something happened to you, and I came to check on you, but I didn’t expect you to be with him. My good brother, wake up! He’s not a good person! He admitted it himself!”

Chen Chang’an shyly nestled into Jiang Baiqing’s embrace, finding a comfortable position and not moving.

Jiang Baiqing stroked Chen Chang’an’s hair, his fingers brushing over his delicate neck, like a foolish king playing with fire.

“It’s not what you think.” Jiang Baiqing was the first to speak, offering an explanation.

Jiang Youchuan’s eyes lit up with hope: “What you think it is, what is it? Are you just playing around, with no feelings, just a casual fling?”

“No, we plan to get married.”

“Then what isn’t what I think?” Jiang Youchuan nearly spat blood in anger.

“He’s not what you think.” Jiang Baiqing appeared even more foolish, “Youchuan, you’ve misunderstood Chang’an; he’s actually a good kid, innocent.”

Jiang Youchuan was utterly speechless: “Good, good, good, all good, you’re good, I’m good, everyone is good.”

He could even imagine the next moment when Chen Chang’an would stand up from Jiang Baiqing’s embrace, walk over to him, and weakly say, “Youchuan, from now on, I will be your brother-in-law; let’s get along well.”

The next moment, Chen Chang’an indeed stood up and walked toward Jiang Youchuan, struggling to find the right words: “Director Jiang, I really want to be with Brother Bai; let’s let the past go. I will treat Brother Bai well.”

Well, it was just a different way of saying the same thing.

Jiang Youchuan was infuriated by his not-yet-married brother-in-law.

—

A few days later, Jiang Youchuan sought out Jiang Baiqing alone again, trying to awaken his brother’s last shred of conscience in the face of love.

“Brother, do you really have to be with him?” He spoke gently, trying to persuade him, “There are plenty of people who like you; can’t you pick anyone better than him? Anyone who likes you more?”

“I only want who I like.” Jiang Baiqing was silent for a moment, “Whether someone likes me… is not something I can control.”

In reality, Jiang Baiqing wanted to believe in Chen Chang’an’s absurd and fantastical explanation, but he still lacked confidence in whether Chen Chang’an truly liked him.

Did Chen Chang’an really like him, Jiang Baiqing? Or was he just afraid of retaliation? So after knowing his feelings, he took advantage of the situation.

Jiang Youchuan found it absurd, unable to hold back his teeth from grinding: “If you keep this up, what if one day he uses you and then kicks you hard? He’s that kind of opportunistic person, only showing a smile to those stronger than him; he’s done this more than once.”

“Then I will always be stronger than him, stronger than everyone around him.” Jiang Baiqing spoke slowly but firmly, “Let me always be his only best choice, so he will always stay by my side.”

“You… are truly terrifying.” Jiang Youchuan shook his head, “Brother, from childhood to now, we’ve always been each other’s only family. I want you to be happy; I don’t care what kind of person he is, I’m just afraid he can’t make you happy.”

“Who can guarantee happiness?” Jiang Baiqing smiled slightly, “Happiness isn’t something others give; I’ve always dared to compete for it.”

“I won’t express any negative opinions about him in the future; I sincerely wish you both well.” Jiang Youchuan’s eyes turned red, “Brother, you must be very happy.”

Jiang Baiqing suddenly thought of something: “I can be very happy, but I need your help.”

“What can I do? Be the best man? Be the flower boy?” Jiang Youchuan was very eager.

“Everything else is fine.” Jiang Baiqing coughed lightly, “Chuan San, don’t stop updating.”

That was the spiritual food for the movie emperor himself and the CP fans; missing even one meal would leave them starving.

—

Public opinion was still buzzing, but it didn’t affect the center of the storm.

Chen Chang’an was almost spoiled by the movie emperor; now, when eating fruit, it was all cut and served to him by the movie emperor, while he was responsible for lying in the movie emperor’s arms, waiting to be fed.

Jiang Baiqing played with Chen Chang’an’s hand and suddenly said, “I once promised my fans that if I fell in love, I would definitely tell them.”

“Then go ahead and tell them.” Chen Chang’an paused for a moment, “But, isn’t my image a bit unsuitable?”

“Who I like is suitable.” Jiang Baiqing gently kissed his forehead, “Besides, your image has always been good; who in the entertainment circle hasn’t encountered a bit of negative news? I don’t care, and you shouldn’t either.”

Chen Chang’an nodded: “So what do I need to do now?”

“You don’t need to do anything; just give me your hand.” Jiang Baiqing took Chen Chang’an’s hand, intertwining their fingers and then separating them, as if just testing how perfectly their hands could fit together.

Satisfied, he took out the ring that Chen Chang’an had given him from his pocket and kissed his ear: “Put this on for me.”

Chen Chang’an obediently took the ring and slowly slid it onto Jiang Baiqing’s ring finger.

With a “click,” this moment was captured by Jiang Baiqing, who quickly typed and edited the caption.

V Jiang Baiqing: His story, I only listen to his version. @Chen Chang’an【image】

I Raise the Big Flag for Qing’an: Ahhhhhh, Uncle Jiang finally spoke! And when he speaks, it’s an official announcement!

Qing’an Eats Well: Help! The CP I ship is really together! They were real from the beginning to the end!

Jiangshang Bai Qingqing: Trust Uncle Jiang’s judgment; whoever Uncle Jiang likes, we support.

An An Listens: Thank you, Movie Emperor Jiang; I believe you are real!

Chen Chang’an watched for a while, then picked up his own phone.

— Since Jiang Baiqing had made an official announcement, he had to post something too.

He thought for a moment, casually took a picture of Jiang Baiqing, edited it, and sent it.

V Chen Chang’an: I’ll tell it slowly; you listen well. @Jiang Baiqing【image】

As the man beside the national movie emperor, this post caused Weibo to crash within three seconds.

“I’m not looking anymore.” Chen Chang’an simply tossed his phone aside and lay back in Jiang Baiqing’s arms.

“What do you want to tell me?” Jiang Baiqing teased, “I’m listening.”

“What to say… Of course, it’s that I admire Brother Bai, I respect Brother Bai, and I have a crush on Brother Bai.” Chen Chang’an turned his head and kissed the corner of Jiang Baiqing’s mouth, “And I want to say a lot, a lot, for a lifetime.”

“Then you can really talk.” Jiang Baiqing couldn’t help but laugh.

Chen Chang’an was very good at sweet talk, blinking his eyes: “Only to you can I talk.”

Then he got a playful smack on the butt from Jiang Baiqing.

“Don’t tease me.” Jiang Baiqing said helplessly, “Little God of Wealth, my soul has already been taken by you; if you keep looking at me like that, I don’t know what I might give you.”

Chen Chang’an chuckled and hurriedly ran away in his slippers.

—

Of course, there were times when he couldn’t run away.

The box office of the movie was as high as Chen Chang’an had anticipated, and it even won the Best Film award at the film festival. On the day of the celebration banquet, Jiang Youchuan was so happy he lost his ability to speak, hugging Chen Chang’an and grinning foolishly.

The storm of public opinion had mostly passed; the company had also identified the star who had tried to drag Chen Chang’an down and helped clarify most of the rumors.

The car Chen Chang’an had mortgaged was returned, and if he wanted, he could buy many more cars.

But Chen Chang’an didn’t want to; he was a simple person. For him, buying a car was not as joyful as eating teriyaki chicken leg burgers for a lifetime.

Jiang Baiqing smirked as he rescued Chen Chang’an from Jiang Youchuan’s embrace, pulling him back into his own.

When the two leaned against each other, Chen Chang’an caught the scent of red wine lingering on Jiang Baiqing’s clothes.

“Did you drink?” Chen Chang’an instinctively frowned, “How much did you drink?”

“Not much, just a little tipsy.” Jiang Baiqing allowed Chen Chang’an to check his collar, as if indulging a little deer inspecting his territory, “I’m still clear-headed.”

“I don’t believe it.” Chen Chang’an shook his head, showing a disapproving expression.

Jiang Baiqing wasn’t in a hurry to refute; he opened his arms: “Alright then, I’m drunk; will you help me back? Hmm?”

“Absolutely not.” Chen Chang’an swatted his hand away and turned, “Don’t try to trick me into sympathy; walk back yourself.”

Behind him came Jiang Baiqing’s muffled laughter, and he obediently followed Chen Chang’an, the two walking home together.

—

As soon as they entered the house, Jiang Baiqing collapsed onto Chen Chang’an’s shoulder.

He wrapped his arms around Chen Chang’an from behind, a constraining posture.

“My head is spinning; I can’t walk.” His words carried the scent of alcohol, resembling a stubborn drunkard, “I want to sleep.”

Chen Chang’an truly didn’t understand Jiang Baiqing’s alcohol tolerance; for a moment, he believed him and coaxed gently: “It’ll be uncomfortable to sleep like this; let’s take a shower first.”

Jiang Baiqing rested his chin on Chen Chang’an’s shoulder, lazily making demands: “You help me wash.”

Chen Chang’an hesitated for a moment, still worried Jiang Baiqing would be uncomfortable, and turned to help him untie his tie.

Then came the shirt; after unbuttoning, his honey-colored chest was revealed.

Chen Chang’an’s hands trembled slightly, his eyelashes quivering with visible tension.

Jiang Baiqing seemed impatient, already pulling off his shirt himself, grabbing Chen Chang’an’s hand and placing it on his belt.

“Help me undo it.” Jiang Baiqing’s voice even carried a hint of pleading, “Little God of Wealth, help me, okay?”

Chen Chang’an was tempted to reach out; unbuckling someone else’s belt seemed more challenging than unbuckling his own. After several attempts, he finally succeeded in pulling the belt from Jiang Baiqing’s strong waist.

With the button and zipper undone, Jiang Baiqing’s pants slid down, and a blush crept onto Chen Chang’an’s face.

He suddenly realized something was off: “Y-you… how are you so… energetic?”

Isn’t it said that drunk people lack that kind of ability?

“I told you, I’m not drunk.” Jiang Baiqing smirked, “Just a little tipsy.”

“You tricked me!” Chen Chang’an accused, feeling like a sheep in a tiger’s den.

“Today’s wine was really good.” Jiang Baiqing skillfully avoided Chen Chang’an’s words, “I wanted to share it with you.”

Their lips met, and the rich taste of wine from Jiang Baiqing slowly stained Chen Chang’an’s lips, like a domineering invasion, with no reason to speak of.

Chen Chang’an helplessly tilted his neck back, passively enduring Jiang Baiqing’s kiss, tears welling up at the corners of his eyes.

Jiang Baiqing gently wiped the corner of Chen Chang’an’s eye with his thumb, gazing at him as if he were looking at the most precious thing in his life.

Chen Chang’an grasped Jiang Baiqing’s arm, his body trembling slightly. “Brother Bai, I… I’m a little scared.”

“I’m here.” Jiang Baiqing single-handedly rummaged through the cabinet for something he had been looking for, soothingly patting Chen Chang’an’s back. “Don’t be afraid.”

Chen Chang’an stubbornly made his request. “Then say you love me.”

Jiang Baiqing complied with all his wishes. “I love you.”

Having received the promise he desired, Chen Chang’an obediently leaned into Jiang Baiqing.

Now it was Jiang Baiqing’s turn to feel discomfort; his remaining self-control seemed insufficient to maintain the demeanor of a gentleman.

So he followed his heart and became a man indulging in desire and pleasure.

—

On Chen Chang’an’s birthday, he held a live stream.

“Thank you, President Zheng, for the ninety-nine luxury yachts! May President Zheng’s fortune be as vast as the East Sea and his life as long as the South Mountain!” Chen Chang’an skillfully read through the list of gifts.

He knew many auspicious phrases: “I wish everyone great wealth and good fortune from now on, may the God of Wealth come to your door! You ask where the movie emperor is? Jiang Baiqing!”

As Chen Chang’an called out, a figure holding a spatula appeared in the frame.

“What’s up?” Jiang Baiqing gently shook his head, rejecting Chen Chang’an’s embrace. “I smell like cooking oil; let’s talk later.”

“Nothing much.” Chen Chang’an said with a smile, “I just wanted to ask if you want a blessing for wealth and prosperity?”

“I don’t want it; I already have it.” Jiang Baiqing raised an eyebrow. “The God of Wealth is theirs, it doesn’t matter, as long as the Little God of Wealth is mine.”

He only wanted him, needed only him, desired only him.

Qing’an CP, my love: Today is another day of tears for beautiful love.

Qing’an, Qing’an, please hurry: It’s so sweet I might faint, and the main character’s sugar is even more fragrant.

Chuan San: Happy birthday, brother-in-law! Wishing the two of you a hundred years of harmony! I won’t be sending red envelopes!

President Zheng: Take good care of Chang’an; we can negotiate our cooperation.

The author has something to say:

Director Jiang: Chen Chang’an, you enchanting vixen! Give me back my brother!

President Zheng: My vase has finally transformed into a person; dare to touch him and see what happens?