Pretending Not to Love You [Entertainment Circle] - Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Zuo Qiu returned to his room in a state of confusion and sat on the bed, spacing out.

He was very tempted by what Ou Sheng said about filming a gay-themed movie. The social environment for homosexuals was currently poor; many people didn’t understand or even discriminated against them. He really wanted to participate in this movie, to lead by example, and let more people see the struggles and pain of gay individuals, thereby fostering understanding.

Ou Sheng said he would be playing his younger self, but in a way, wasn’t it also his current self?

However, Zuo Qiu faced two problems. First, it was unknown whether Zhao Zhixian and Bogle would agree to a newly debuted artist filming a gay-themed work. Although many artists in the country have risen to fame by acting in gay themes, they would be controversial for a long time. It was hard to say whether they would continue to be popular or fall into obscurity, so most entertainment companies were very cautious.

Ou Sheng said he would help him solve the company issue if Zuo Qiu agreed to star, telling him not to worry.

The second and most crucial problem was whether his parents could accept it. If he made such a movie, he would inevitably be subject to discussion. How would his parents, who were educators, handle themselves? Would they consider him an embarrassment?

Zuo Qiu rubbed his hair, lying on the bed in a dilemma, unsure what to do.

Compared to Zuo Qiu’s hesitation, Xiao Baijun was much more decisive. After leaving the restaurant, he first called Xiao Bailin to inform him. Regardless of whether his brother agreed, he hung up right after stating the matter. Then, he went upstairs to find Zhao Zhixian and straightforwardly delivered the “good” news.

“Ou Sheng just invited Zuo Qiu and me to star in a big-budget, dual-male-lead movie. I agreed.”

Zhao Zhixian, who was on the phone in his room, was immediately delighted by the unexpected good news. “Really? That’s great!”

Zhao Zhixian excitedly rubbed his hands and walked back and forth. He had heard that Ou Sheng was preparing a movie. Ou Sheng’s own appeal was strong, plus his powerful backing meant the movie wouldn’t be bad.

He had fantasized about his artists landing one or two roles in Ou Sheng’s movie, but he never imagined that his newcomers would be chosen by Ou Sheng, and as the leads, no less.

Xiao Baijun stood leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, watching Zhao Zhixian. He waited until he calmed down before dropping the bomb.

Three minutes later, Zhao Zhixian settled down and asked Xiao Baijun, “What is the subject matter of this big production you mentioned?”

“Gay-themed.”

“…”

Zhao Zhixian froze on the spot. If executed well, this kind of movie could attract many fans, but for a long time, the actors would be defamed by the audience as being gay. A lot of subsequent work would be required to change the audience’s perception. Some male artists who wanted to quickly become famous might take the chance, but for Xiao Baijun and Zuo Qiu, who had excellent resources, it was completely unnecessary!

“My brother agreed.” Since childhood, Xiao Baijun had almost always succeeded in whatever he wanted to do, apart from the car purchase incident. He was accustomed to the compromises of his brother, and even his parents and grandmother.

So, his brother wouldn’t agree? That was simply out of the question!

When Zhao Zhixian heard that Xiao Bailin had already agreed, he had nothing more to say. Since the company boss had agreed, there was even less reason for him to refuse. He adjusted his roller-coaster mood and then asked the most crucial question at the moment, “What’s the schedule?”

“After we finish shooting the next TV series.”

Since Fledgling Eagle still required Ou Sheng to film location scenes in H-country, and the new movie’s pre-production would also take a few months, there would be enough time for them to finish the next TV series.

Zhao Zhixian pondered for a moment and then asked, “Did he say how long it’s planned to take?”

Xiao Baijun thought back to the conversation he overheard between Ou Sheng and Zuo Qiu. “Three months at the longest, two months at the shortest.”

Zhao Zhixian pulled out Zuo Qiu and Xiao Baijun’s schedules and compared them. Everything looked fine, except for one TV series supporting role that might need a time adjustment.

After taking care of Xiao Bailin and Zhao Zhixian, Xiao Baijun knocked on Zuo Qiu’s door.

Zuo Qiu was packing his luggage and thought Xiao Baijun was rushing him. He opened the door and quickly said, “Wait five minutes; I’ll be done packing right away.”

Their flight was at noon, and it was past 9 a.m., so it was time to leave.

Xiao Baijun closed the door and walked behind Zuo Qiu, watching him pack his clothes. “Ou Sheng just came to me and invited me to star in his gay-themed movie. I agreed.”

Zuo Qiu listened to him, turned around, and stared at Xiao Baijun speechless. Xiao Baijun is going to act in it too? Zuo Qiu couldn’t process it for a moment.

All morning, Xiao Baijun had been surprised and had surprised quite a few people. Looking at Zuo Qiu’s expression now, he thought the startled Zuo Qiu was the cutest, with his eyes wide and watery like a deer.

“Not only did I agree, but Brother Zhao and my brother also agreed.”

It took Zuo Qiu a moment to find his voice. “They just agreed? Didn’t they say anything?”

Xiao Baijun sat down on Zuo Qiu’s bed and began to fabricate, “Say what? Oh, they all said they supported my flourishing acting career.”

Zuo Qiu hadn’t expected the matter to be so simple. The company had no objections at all? Since they supported Xiao Baijun, they certainly wouldn’t refuse him, the other member of the duo.

Xiao Baijun looked at Zuo Qiu’s expression, then tentatively asked, “I heard Brother Sheng also invited you. Did you agree?”

Zuo Qiu hesitated before replying, “I don’t know if my parents will agree.” He then blushed a little, feeling like a mama’s boy who hadn’t been weaned.

Xiao Baijun: “Have you asked them?”

Zuo Qiu lowered his head: “No.”

Xiao Baijun picked up the phone from the bedside table and handed it to Zuo Qiu. “You’ll never know the answer if you don’t ask. Ask now. If your parents don’t agree, then you can make the next move.”

Zuo Qiu understood this principle, but his inner cowardice made him very afraid of hearing his parents’ hesitation. Now that someone was pushing him forward, Zuo Qiu decided that a sharp, short pain was better than a prolonged ache. He hardened his gaze, opened his phone, and dialed his mother’s number.

Yun Duo was in her office at the time. Seeing her son call, she immediately went to the office balcony to answer.

“Qiuqiu,” Yun Duo’s voice was very gentle.

Zuo Qiu listened to his mother’s voice, swallowed, and said in one breath: “Mom, my idol invited me to star in a gay-themed movie, and I want to do it.”

Yun Duo smiled after hearing Zuo Qiu’s rapid-fire explanation. “Are you still a child? Do you have to report everything to me? You need to learn to make your own decisions about your future. No matter what happens, your father and I will support you with both hands.”

After learning that Zuo Qiu was going down the path of an artist, Yun Duo and Zuo Qinmin were prepared for Zuo Qiu’s secret to be made public at any time. Therefore, as long as Zuo Qiu didn’t break the law, the couple would unconditionally support him.

Zuo Qiu felt the urge to cry when he heard his mother’s words. “Thank you, Mom.”

They chatted for about ten minutes before having to hang up because Yun Duo had a class to teach.

Xiao Baijun listened to Zuo Qiu’s call with his future mother-in-law. Seeing Zuo Qiu’s expression slowly relax, he knew the matter was settled. He then half-reclined on Zuo Qiu’s bed with peace of mind and started claiming credit: “I told you it would be fine! Only you would be so hesitant, like a woman.”

After the phone call, Zuo Qiu had shed his mental burden, and his mood brightened. “Yes, yes, yes, Second Master Xiao is the smartest!”

Xiao Baijun was a little smug and hummed softly. He tossed his room card onto the bed. “Go, my clothes aren’t packed yet. Since you’re helping, help all the way and pack them for me. I’m going to sleep here for a while.”

Whether it was because he woke up too early to follow Zuo Qiu or because he was intoxicated by the scent of Zuo Qiu’s room, Xiao Baijun wanted to lie down on this bed for a while.

Zuo Qiu didn’t argue. He picked up the room card and obediently went next door.

Xiao Baijun lay there for a few minutes, just about to drift off to sleep, when he suddenly sat up, remembering something. Then he slowly lay back down. Forget it, if Zuo Qiu sees it, he sees it. We’re both men. I’m sure Zuo Qiu will understand!