Chapter 61: I've got this Celebrity's back
Film Emperor Gu, who had just sold his body, took less than half a day to get the entire creative team to start making a row of his voodoo dolls.
Gu Xi was perfectly content and energetically conducted interviews for three hours straight.
They had revealed hints of showing public affection several times already and yet the netizens firmly believe that it was merely brotherhood. They could not believe that the clean and innocent Film Emperor Gu and the pure and well-behaved little assistant could have any kind of deeper relationship. Numerous 'brotherly' pictures of the two of them have been released and many new media writers praised them highly but no one believed that every word he had said was true.
They could only start from within the crew and slowly work their way out.
From the very first day, he had decided to publicly announce it to the world. Film Emperor Gu felt that he had not done enough by far.
It was almost noon, and they had finally interviewed most of the people scheduled for the morning. With the last two groups left, Li Renyi asked people to stop them from coming in. A roomful of creative team members sighed as though relieved from a great burden. Taking advantage of this rare opportunity to recuperate, they simply ate their boxed lunches delivered by the assistant in the room.
Gu Xi didn't take any. With headphones on, he fiddled with his phone while leaning against the wall to the side.
The scent of food wafted about in the room and only he was sitting alone, looking particularly miserable. The deputy director couldn't bear it. Paying no attention to everyone's tacit mutual understanding for everyone to mind their own business, he took a boxed lunch and gave it to him. "Teacher Gu, please make do with this. We asked people to go out to buy it. It's not bad…"
"N-n-no, wait a minute–"
Li Renyi had had his head bowed, shoving food into his mouth. He quickly stopped but he was still a step too late. He couldn't help raising a hand to his forehead and letting out a heavy sigh.
"It's really unnecessary. I have something to eat, our little boss is making it for me."
Gu Xi was very polite. He smiled and waved his hand. He showed him his phone and took off the earphones, turning the volume louder.
Lu Qingzhou had obediently taken a nap and had woken up within a couple of hours. He was in the middle of cooking black bean noodles for him. Gu Xi had coaxed him into opening a video call.
The thinly sliced cucumbers and carrots were piled neatly. The plump bean sprouts were washed and set aside, ready to be used. A delicate figure with cuffs rolled up, clasped the pan skillfully with one hand. The diced pork belly was fried golden and shiny. The sauce was poured over and used to stir-fry. The sound of sizzling oil could be heard clearly.
Deputy director:"..."
The visual impact was too great, not to mention that there was the audio bonus that made it seem like they were right there on the scene. Looking at the evidently delicious old Beijing black bean noodles, the thirty-yuan boxed lunch in his hand suddenly became quite difficult to swallow.
Gu Xi was fully revitalized. He looked at the creative team who'd been attracted by the sound and were gulping down their saliva from when their mouths have been sent watering. He was about to get closer to let everyone take a closer look, but Li Renyi quickly threw down his boxed lunch and held him back. "No need, no need. ! Teacher Gu, we know that you have black bean noodles waiting for you and we bet it's a lot better than what we're having. And you've also got someone to eat with. Actually, you can go back to eat now…"
Director Li gave a very comprehensive summing up. Gu Xi nodded in satisfaction and put away his phone. "There's no hurry. I'll go back and have a nice meal once the interviews are over."
We're sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we're going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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Under the creative team's sudden swift and decisive manner, the remaining two groups were quickly led in and the final screening and confirmation began.
They have actually decided on most of the candidates. The remaining interviews were held until the end, just to prevent overlooking any exceptionally outstanding newcomers. With the the directing team's newfound drive, their progress was obviously much faster than before.
Film Emperor Gu did his best to finish the interview with the rest of the people. He intentionally had Shengxing Family's young master remain behind and finally got up to leave. Under everyone's gazes, eager to see him off, he left the room unhurriedly.
"Te-Teacher Gu!"
Seeing him come out, Chu Heng shook off his agent and assistants and ran over quickly, "Are you looking for me? I have always admired you. In fact, I entered the entertainment circle to learn from you! Can you sign an autograph for me later? Just sign on my clothes…"
He had heard about his identity from Lu Qingzhou. Gu Xi raised his eyebrows slightly, looking at him with much interest.
Chu Heng was quite young. He looked good. His eyes looked intelligent. He seemed to have been well protected by his family.
Gu Xi has no special feelings about Shengxing Entertainment. He only heard people say that Shengxing and Yikun had always been at odds. But when he had had dealings with one of Shenxing's reporters and news media, he feel that these comments were not always accurate.
In any case, this was the person his little paparazzo needed him to look after. He still can't be too harsh.
In response to the excited anticipation in his eyes, Gu Xi smiled and walked towards the lounge, "No need to hurry for that autograph. Someone wants to see you. I'll have to trouble you to come with me. Do you have time?"
"Yes! I've got lots of time!"
Chu Heng nodded readily and quickly caught up with him. As before, he couldn't help looking around curiously the entire way.
He had just made his debut and his resume had only one or two dramas in total. Coming here this time, he also knew that he had almost no chance. He had just come to try his luck and see if he could run into Film Emperor Gu and score an autograph.
Gu Xi had dared to confront the reporters face to face. He stood his ground despite having a falling out with his agency. He put Ning Feiping in his place so resolutely that Ning Feiping couldn't even throw a fit over it. Shengxing's Young Master Chu has never seen such a courageous actor. The day he saw the news, he was converted into becoming one of Film Emperor Gu's fans. He used dozens of side accounts to comment on the positive news of the other party. He even deliberately found a way to get a spot for the interviews for "The Fall".
Gu Xi found him amusing and his eyes couldn't help but reveal a faint smile.
He has no interest in his role in "The Journey", but he was unwilling to hand it over to Ning Feiping and his like to spoil it. Although this young master was a bit overly adaptable and quite a chatterbox, but his temperament was not bad and his innate conditions were good. He might be able to give that role a different sense of tension.
Chu Heng himself was the young owner of Shengxing Entertainment and naturally, he had no shortage of resources in his hands. Running across someone like this was not something that happened everyday. It didn't seem like he was going to find a place in this crew. That in itself wasn't that big of a loss. It would be better if Gu Xi were to do him a favor at little cost to Gu Xi himself.
It would be better to leave this kind of thing to his little owner. Gu Xi wasn't in any hurry. He led the other to the lounge. "Wait a moment. There are drinks in the refrigerator. Just take whatever you want."
The lounge was air-conditioned. Chu Heng had been under the heat of the sun for a long time. When he was hit head-on by the cold air, his eyes quickly lit up. He impatiently agreed and plunged into the sofa.
Having missed his little paparazzo since the morning, Gu Xi had no intention of staying any longer than necessary. After setting the other down, he hurriedly left and went searching for the other's location.
Worried that he wouldn't be able to enter the room, soon after Lu Qingzhou went back, he asked someone deliver the key card back to Gu Xi. Gu Xi found the place and swiped his card to enter the door. He took a couple of steps in and then he was shocked into stopping in his tracks.
Mu Jinchu booked them a presidential suite.
They were here to work. Usually, no one would flush money down the drain by choosing a room like this. He also thought that given it's location, even if it was a five-star hotel, it will inevitably be downgraded. Now, he realized that if the quality was high enough, its grade won't be affected by its location.
The suite was a fresh and clean green color. The floor was covered with goose-yellow rugs and there are a few bean bags beside the bay windows. The reception room led to several inner rooms, including bedrooms, a kitchen, bathrooms and a walk-in wardrobe. It had everything you could wish for. If you didn't know any better, you probably would think that it was a well-decorated high-end apartment.
Sounds could be heard from the kitchen. A smile appeared in Gu Xi's eyes. He closed the door and changed his shoes. He let the cool air blow away the sweat from his body and then he gently opened the door to the kitchen.
Lu Qingzhou was making a second serving of the black bean sauce. He held the heavy iron pan with one hand and gently mixed it with a ladle. When he heard him coming in, he raised his head and met his gaze.
Film Emperor Gu: "…"
Film Emperor Gu's waist felt a little achy once again.
Completely oblivious to the fact that his combat effectiveness was completely off the charts in the eyes of other people, Lu Qingzhou's eyes lit up. After deciding between the pan and Gu Xi, he placed the pan back on the stove and trotted over to him quickly.
With his arms full of his little paparazzo, Gu Xi's heart filled with sweetness. He hugged him tight and rubbed against his forehead. "Why didn't you sleep longer… Aren't you sleepy?"
Lu Qingzhou leaned on his shoulder, the corners of his lips curled up into a lively arc. He shook his head. "I'm not sleepy anymore. I wanted to make you something delicious."
Gu Xi's breath caught in his throat. He couldn't help bowing his head to kiss him. He then tightened his arms. "I'm actually pretty good at cooking – I'm now free this afternoon. Once we get back from seeing Chu Heng, I'll also cook something for you."
Having obtained his assurance, the eyes of his little boss in his arms turned brighter, revealing a soft expectant look that he had held back before. He was already pulling him towards the door to get going.
"There's no hurry. He's still enjoying the air conditioner in the lounge. It's quite hot at the set. Just let him enjoy it for a while."
Gu Xi curved the corners of his lips. He placed a kiss between his brows. Holding the somewhat cool body in his arms, he lowered his head and pecked his lips.
"Uncle gave me a foreign script. Once we finish filming this one, we'll go for a trip. Then we can play anywhere we want… We'll always be together. It's legal over there. We'll come back after we get a certificate and I'll make posts on Weibo…"
Like today's black bean noodles, he should be able to take pictures of it and post it on Weibo to publicly display their affection.
'What my partner made for me.'
Film Emperor Gu even thought about what caption would go with it. He put his arms around him and laid out his plans in a low voice, his tone soft and gentle. Lu Qingzhou's heart jumped lightly. He raised his head to speak but meeting his gaze, he calmed down once again. After a long while, he gently curled the corners of his lips. "Okay."
Gu Xi smiled, lowered his head and kissed him.
Just as it should be.
Feeling like he hadn't seen his little paparazzo for an entire day, Gu Xi satisfied his craving for kisses but still held him and didn't let go. It was Lu Qingzhou who remembered that their food might burn so he rushed back to sprinkle some green onions. Then he covered it with the lid and let it stew before turning off the fire.
Gu Xi went to hug him from behind. Feeling very satisfied, he placed his chin on his shoulder and nuzzled against his sideburns.
The soft touch tickled and Lu Qingzhou couldn't help laughing. He leaned backwards and raised his head slightly, "I also asked someone to deliver some ice cream and fruit. I told them to put them in the refrigerator in the lounge. Was it delicious?"
Gu Xi had the habit of going through the refrigerator when he enters the lounge. He was afraid that Gu Xi would run back from the interview site right then and there so he hadn't especially sent any messages. If he was going to be staying at the site, he could always have something to eat to cool off under the sun.
"Whe-where did you put it?"
Gu Xi had been in a hurry to come back today. Hearing that, an alarm bell sounded in his heart. He stood up straight and grabbed Lu Qingzhou's hand. "Come on, let's go. I remembered that I forgot something in the lounge…"
Lu Qingzhou held the spatula and blinked. Before he could react, he was already being pulled out of the kitchen.
*
Chu Heng rolled on the sofa, bored out of his mind. Remembering Gu Xi's words, he got up to look through the refrigerator.
Chu Heng's eyes instantly lit up.
...
Chu Heng didn't get Film Emperor Gu's autograph. He left tearfully while holding a script.
Three months later, filming for "The Journey" started.
Gu Xi's original role had been given to an unknown newcomer instead. Many people were wondering if this was a repercussion from the previous turmoil. Some speculated that Gu Xi was threatened by the Ning family in revenge and some speculated that he was withdrawing from the crew in order to prevent being continually targeted. Discussions were varied and mixed, but they all agreed that he was the one who lost out.
Liang Yuan knew a lot and when he saw the announcement that they were beginning filming, his heart couldn't help sinking.
During the past few months, Gu Xi has been devoted to filming "The Fall" and little news about him has come out. His Weibo blog posts were filled only with pictures of delicious food and his assistant. It was like he was living out his retirement. After the last storm, he hadn't gotten much work or exposure.
Although popular roles weren't that hard to come by for Gu Xi, after all, it would have still been icing on the cake. Everything had been going fine and then he was suddenly replaced without any explanation. It was inevitable that people's imaginations would run wild.
They continued to keep in touch these days but he has never heard him say anything about this at all. Liang Yuan couldn't sit still. He dialed his number but closed his phone. He finally couldn't help following the tracks of an overturned cart and bombarded Gu Xi with series of messages.
Filming for "The Fall" has finished and Gu Xi dutifully and responsibly went to do the promotional tour. Afterwards, he disappeared like he had evaporated from the face of the earth. The more Liang Yuan thought about it, the more worried he became. He was pacing back and forth with his phone in his hands. He was restless all day, and it was not until it was getting late that he received a reply.
"This person can be blacklisted: I just got off the plane. Did something happen?"
Liang Yuan sat up. He grabbed his phone, sent him a screenshot of the news and quickly typed out a series of question marks. "Just what is happening here? Did you have a falling out with "The Journey"? That's a decent blockbuster! With an international team! Not just anything can get in on that. Ning Feiping was willing to make you suffer to death because of this role. Just what the hell are you doing?!"
He had no idea where Gu Xi had ran off to. He sent over a series of message but it took a while before he got a couple of messages in reply.
"This person can be blacklisted: It's too easy. I didn't want to pick it up."
"This person can be blacklisted: Don't worry, I've got a job lined up. I won't starve to death."
"This person can be blacklisted: [Picture]"
Liang Yuan couldn't think of a job that was better than this script. He was so worried that a couple of his hairs fell out. As he angrily opened the picture, he was already preparing a few words to admonish this old classmate of his who was over-indulging in love and was totally uninterested in acting. But then his expression suddenly froze.
That was a picture of the script on top of which were two hands with their fingers intertwined. They weren't wearing a ring but a thin red rope was tied to their wrists and a small bell also dangling on the rope.
Already able to smoothly avoid the sudden critical attacks sent over from time to time by this guy, Liang Yuan's gaze bypassed the hands and landed directly on the English words exposed on the script. He frowned for a long while in contemplation. All of a sudden, he was stunned and his eyes widened in shock.
*
Gu Xi had just arrived at the hotel they'd booked. He carefully placed the airsick little paparazzo on the sofa and put an ice pack on his forehead. He took a look at the phone. Seeing that there was no new messages coming in, he put it aside.
Lu Qingzhou wasn't used to riding a plane. They encountered strong turbulence the entire flight and until now, he still feel dizzy and his face was still pale. Realizing that Gu Xi was about to get up, he instinctively raised his hand and grabbed the corner of his clothes.
We're sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we're going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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"We won't take the plane next time. We won't take a plane anymore."
Gu Xi felt so distressed. He placed him in his arms and slowly caressed his back. With the other hand, he helped him with the ice pack against his forehead. But when he took his hand away, Lu Qingzhou suddenly held that hand again.
"What's wrong, is it particularly uncomfortable?"
Perceiving his movements, Gu Xi became even more nervous. He was about to put their things down and take him to the hospital, but Lu Qingzhou's hold on his hand tightened slightly, "I want to drink soda…"
Gu Xi was somewhat surprised and he nodded immediately, "Okay, I'll ask for some. I'll have them add ice, five pieces of it."
On the plane, Lu Qingzhou felt uncomfortable. Gu Xi tried ordering some soda for him. After drinking it, he really did feel better. The little paparazzo probably remembered that.
Gu Xi called the front desk and asked for a soda. His heart was still slightly hot. He lowered his head and kissed the other's still closed eyes, embracing him protectively in his arms.
There hadn't been any coaxing, or any teasing.
His little paparazzo now knew how to take the initiative to ask him for things.
He now knew to call him when he felt uncomfortable; knew how to hold on tight and not let go when he didn't want him to leave; knew how to take the initiative to lean in his arms; knew that he was by his side.
Even if for others these were things that couldn't be any simpler, for Lu Qingzhou to be able to do it now meant that what was once a cage that was densely covered with thickets and iron thorns now had its doors completely opened and he had tried his very best to go to him.
Gu Xi's eyes are hot and damp. He lowered his head and kissed him, slowly patting his back and softly coaxing, "I'll put the soda in the refrigerator. Sleep first and drink it when you wake up. You won't feel uncomfortable after you've had some sleep…"
He whispered, gently comforting. Suddenly, Lu Qingzhou held his hands a little tighter. He opened his eyes and looked up at him.
"Will you stay with me?"
Gu Xi was startled. He instinctively guessed that Lu Qingzhou's words were not just about the present moment but was filled with deeper implications than he could think of.
Fortunately, the answer to this question was the same no matter what.
Raised his hand to caress those eyes. Gu Xi lowered his head and kissed him lightly. He solemnly promised, "I'll always be with you."
Fragmented rays of light shone from his soft black eyes. Lu Deng raised his head. The lines on his palms fit tightly. Although his brows were still pale and slightly furrowed from dizziness, the corners of the lips have been gently curled up.
"That script, I'll act in it with you… is it okay?"
Gu Xi's heart suddenly jumped.
He had read the script a long time ago. It was "Lighter", the new work by a celebrated American science fiction film director. It had been translated to "Lightbearer" in Chinese. Set against the background of the mysterious world where characters have superpowers, a surreal grand world view was constructed. The role he had been invited for was only a very small part in all this.
In the script, his character meets a young man who lives all alone in the forest.
The biggest villain in this world is a crazy doctor with no bottom line. Many humans have been imprisoned as experimental subjects for his research and the boy is one of them.
The young man was born in a laboratory and for as long as he could remember, he was subjected to endless cruel human experimentations. That was until an accidental explosion caused the destruction of the research institute. The doctor ran away in a panic, but the youth unexpectedly survived and gained extremely powerful abilities.
When the young man woke up alive, he was able to try fresh air, clean water and touch that caused no pain for the first time. However, he was regarded as a messenger of death by the people, believing that he was there for revenge.
No one hugged him; no one touched him. As far as he could see, there was always fear and hostility. Even when he tried to open himself up to others, it only ushered in more terrible injuries.
He escaped from one hell only to enter the real hell on earth.
The role that Gu Xi got is originally affiliated with the righteous alliance. But when he is on this 'hunt and kill' mission, he is unexpectedly saved by the legendary "Son of Hell".
Given the breadth of world building done for this story, this was not meant to be only one movie. There will probably be a series of follow-up stories, but their story ends when he takes the boy home and chooses to live in seclusion in a place unknown to everyone.
This was a framework that was completely removed from real world. He has tried to find a reflection in reality for these stories but he always felt that it was a bit incongruous. However, amidst the darkness, he also felt that this seemed to be how this story should be.
Who said that in the vast universe, there must be only one world and that only the content in this world could be called reality?
Gu Xi has read this script countless times. He read the extremely detailed texts and from those texts, he had almost make out the real appearance of that young man.
But he couldn't bring it up to Lu Qingzhou.
Regardless whether he could explain it sufficiently, this was still, after all, a dark and heavy memory.
"I've read it… It's written very–"
Lu Deng's chest rose and fell slightly. He pursed his lips. He was trying to find an accurate description. After a moment, he said, "Very clearly."
He used to be just a complex set of advanced data, and the world he came from was not such a peaceful real world, but an apocalyptic world full of eternal killing and doubt.
He still didn't know how to completely open up with Gu Xi, how to explain things to him in a way that he could better understand. He hadn't expected that his uncle would think of such a way.
Regardless of whether the other believed it or not or how much of it he believed…
Lu Deng closed his eyes, put his cheek against his chest and listened to his clear heartbeats. "I want to be with you, okay?"
Gu Xi held his breath for a while. He tightened his arms around him and nodded with a smile.
"It would be my pleasure..."
*
When "The Lightbearer" was released in China, Liang Yuan excitedly pulled Gu Xi to see it but Gu Xi refused.
The 3D giant screen theater was luxuriously fitted and only two people were seated. Gu Xi gripped Lu Qingzhou's hand. The light and shadow from the screen danced on the quiet and empty seats.
...
The door of the room opened and footsteps approached. The young man curled up tightly, trembling, hiding in a deeper within the closet.
The door of the closet was pulled open, making the old wood creak.
The boy's limbs curled up into a position to easily block off attacks. He instinctively wanted to fight back. But the man's tall figure knelt down in front of the closet, embracing him entirely, hugging him against his chest.
His struggle was fully taken in by the firm and powerful embrace. The hand on his back kept ever steady. His struggle slowly turned into trembling, instinctively fearful of the unfamiliar body warmth and touch. But he was reluctant to back away. Finally, he approached cautiously, little by little. Like a small animal, he snuggled against his neck.
The sun was shining through the window and the dust fluttered down. The light gathered in his pure black eyes, slowly growing into a bluish hue.
...
Under the light of the projector, Lu Qingzhou raised his head. Light reflected in his dark eyes, making them look like they were full of stars.
Gu Xi smiled and squeezed his hand. Under the gentle light and shadow, he kissed him deeply.
He was once trapped in the abyss.
Seeing him, he grasped the light.