Pretending Not to Love You [Entertainment Circle] - Chapter 38

Chapter 38

“I, I, I didn’t mean it, you two carry on, carry on.” Dai Ni looked at Xiao Baijun, who seemed ready to devour her, and belatedly realized that her voice had been utterly inappropriate. She turned to quickly escape the embarrassing scene, intending to pretend she knew nothing, but Xiao Baijun called out to her.

“Stop right there!”

Dai Ni stopped, her back to the two of them, afraid to turn around.

“What did you just see?” Xiao Baijun asked.

Upon hearing this, Dai Ni was relieved and quickly turned around to clear herself. “Nothing, nothing, I didn’t see anything.”

Xiao Baijun approached Dai Ni and asked quietly, “I was just kissing Zuo Qiu, didn’t you see that?”

Dai Ni looked at Xiao Baijun, momentarily confused about his intention.

“If any gossip spreads within the crew, I will step forward and tell everyone that the rumor was started by you. The reason being that you were relentlessly pursuing me, and when I rejected you, you became angry and deliberately slandered Zuo Qiu and me.” Xiao Baijun stared into Dai Ni’s eyes, an open threat.

Dai Ni was furious. “You two were kissing passionately in broad daylight. Who knows if others saw it and spread the word? You can’t just target me.”

Xiao Baijun folded his arms, acting like a thug: “I don’t care. I only found you. If anything happens, I’ll pin the blame on you.”

“You’re despicable!” Dai Ni shouted angrily.

“The feeling is mutual. People who peep on others being intimate aren’t much better.”

Dai Ni’s chest heaved violently with anger. “Don’t worry, I won’t say a word.”

She finished speaking and ran away furiously.

…

Zuo Qiu watched Dai Ni’s retreating back, walked over, and asked Xiao Baijun worriedly, “Do you think she’ll spread it?”

“She’s smart. She shouldn’t.”

Despite Xiao Baijun’s assurance, the worry in Zuo Qiu’s eyes didn’t dissipate. When it came to coming out, it was always best to take the initiative. If someone else broke the news, they would inevitably be on the defensive.

“It’s fine, don’t worry. My brother has a good relationship with Dai Ni’s father. I’ll ask my brother to talk to her father tonight when I get back to the hotel.” Xiao Baijun had lived for over 20 years, and debuting was one of the few serious things he’d ever done, so how could he possibly know if his brother and Dai Ni’s father were close? He was only saying this to comfort Zuo Qiu. Of course, he would inform his brother about this, and his brother would surely find a way.

Hearing this, Zuo Qiu felt largely reassured. Xiao Bailin was always reliable, and if he intervened, everything would be fine.

“Really? That’s great!”

Xiao Baijun looked at Zuo Qiu’s elated face, feeling a little sour. His lover trusted someone else, even his own brother, more than him—he couldn’t tolerate that. On the other hand, Xiao Baijun was reflecting that he still had much to learn before taking over Baile.

…

The two left the corner and returned directly to the set. The set looked completely normal. Actors were resting and chatting, and the crew was setting up props. They didn’t look like they had just been fed any gossip. Zuo Qiu glanced at Dai Ni and saw her looking down at her script, letting out a small sigh of relief.

Later, when Zuo Qiu and Dai Ni were rehearsing their scene, Zuo Qiu clearly noticed that Dai Ni avoided eye contact and they completely lacked their previous chemistry.

After frequent NGs, Director Zhao angrily announced a 15-minute break.

Before being with Xiao Baijun, Zuo Qiu was most afraid of this kind of look, but after getting together with him, Zuo Qiu had the courage to face such situations.

Xiao Baijun, sitting outside the set, knew exactly why this was happening. He silently watched Zuo Qiu follow Dai Ni.

Dai Ni came out of the restroom and saw Zuo Qiu waiting outside. Zuo Qiu flashed her a bright smile, but Dai Ni avoided his gaze.

The two walked to an open area without any obstructions, making it easy to see their surroundings without being overheard.

“Xiao Baijun was a little out of line today. I apologize to you on his behalf.”

Being apologized to right away made Dai Ni a little embarrassed. She was also at fault for what happened today. She should have quietly kept her mouth shut and left after seeing someone’s private moment, but she had to speak up and seek attention. Furthermore, it was Xiao Baijun who had threatened her, not Zuo Qiu. Giving Zuo Qiu the cold shoulder was entirely misdirected anger.

“I was also wrong in this. You don’t need to apologize to me specifically.”

Zuo Qiu smiled. “How were you wrong? Ultimately, we were the ones who startled you.”

Today’s events truly shook Dai Ni. She only realized today that the man she liked and pursued actually liked men. No wonder he was always cold to her, stingy with even a smile. But it was also fortunate that he treated her this way.

“It’s lucky that it was me who saw it this time. What if someone else sees it next time and exposes you? What will you do?” Since her crush on Xiao Baijun was short-lived and shallow, the kind-hearted girl quickly cast aside her own unhappiness and began worrying about the couple’s future. They had just debuted and had no foundation. They definitely couldn’t compare to Ousheng, who came out and received almost all his fans’ support.

If they were boycotted by fans, they might be directly frozen out of the industry. Xiao Baijun had his family background; going home to be a young master instead of a star was stress-free. But what about Zuo Qiu?

Zuo Qiu was touched that Dai Ni not only didn’t hate him but was genuinely worried about them. He spoke his mind: “I don’t know either. We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”

Although they were planning to come out, it was predicated on them establishing a firm footing in the entertainment industry. But many things in the world are unpredictable. Who knows if a rival company might discover clues and expose them prematurely, or if they might be exposed by netizens? Regardless, if he couldn’t be an artist, he could do other things, but a lover was only one, and he couldn’t give him up.

Dai Ni looked at the smile on Zuo Qiu’s lips and felt a sense of sadness. Although he was smiling, the smile inexplicably made her heart ache. “Don’t worry, I’ll always support you.”

Zuo Qiu sincerely said, “Thank you,” upon hearing Dai Ni’s words.

Hiding around the corner and watching everything, Xiao Baijun was deeply moved. His Zuo Qiu had finally stepped out of his shell.

…

After the two spoke frankly, the subsequent scenes went much smoother, and Director Zhao’s face finally brightened up.

In the evening, while Xiao Baijun and Zuo Qiu were having dinner in the restaurant, Zuo Qiu couldn’t stop praising Dai Ni. “Dai Ni is really a good girl. She not only doesn’t blame us, but she also said she would support us. She’s really great.”

Dai Ni was the first non-relative supporter besides his parents. After crawling out of his shell, Zuo Qiu realized that not everyone in the world would look at him with prejudiced eyes. This felt truly good.

After hearing the name “Dai Ni” five times from Zuo Qiu, Xiao Baijun finally couldn’t hold back: “No matter how great she is, she has nothing to do with you.”

Zuo Qiu saw the sour look on Xiao Baijun’s face and belatedly realized that someone was jealous. He quickly flattered Xiao Baijun: “Of course she has nothing to do with me, because I have you! You are the best gift God ever gave me.”

It was the first time Xiao Baijun had heard such gushy sweet talk from Zuo Qiu, and his face immediately flushed.

Zuo Qiu looked at the shy Xiao Baijun in front of him, but internally he was complaining. Xiao Baijun looked tall and strong, but inside he housed a little girl who loved hearing sweet talk bubbling with pink bubbles. Should he start compiling a collection of sweet nothings?

…

After dinner, the two still went to Teacher Xiang’s room. This time, the person who opened the door had changed again; it was the third male lead in the drama, Zhu Mao.

Zhu Mao saw the two at the door and explained apologetically, “I just casually mentioned to Dai Ni that my acting was poor, and she insisted on dragging me along.”

Zhu Mao knew that Teacher Xiang was hired specifically by Zhao Zhixian for Xiao Baijun and Zuo Qiu. However, Dai Ni insisted on bringing him, and he couldn’t refuse, but he still felt the need to explain himself to them.

Zuo Qiu smiled upon hearing this. “It’s fine. As long as Teacher Xiang doesn’t feel tired, Xiao Baijun and I are okay with it.”

Zhu Mao breathed half a sigh of relief. He then looked at Xiao Baijun. Seeing that Xiao Baijun didn’t look displeased, he let out the rest of his breath.

When the three walked in, Dai Ni took the initiative to greet Zuo Qiu, completely ignoring Xiao Baijun.

Xiao Baijun remained expressionless, not caring in the least.

Zhu Mao looked at Dai Ni and then at Xiao Baijun, guessing that something must be wrong between the two. Since this afternoon, he noticed Dai Ni was no longer clinging to Xiao Baijun, and she kept intentionally or unintentionally ignoring him, as if they had a disagreement. Now it seemed there was a purpose to Dai Ni dragging him along.

Dai Ni indeed had a purpose in bringing Zhu Mao. Of the three students, two were a couple, leaving her as the odd one out. The last two days, she had been thick-skinned and unaware of the situation, but now being alone would make her seem like a third wheel. So, she found Zhu Mao. After all, two third wheels could keep each other company.

The study group was growing day by day. Teacher Xiang felt reassured seeing the eager students, and she taught with even more dedication.

Two hours later, Teacher Xiang announced the end of the class. Zuo Qiu invited everyone to go for a late-night snack. Teacher Xiang, being older, said she wanted to rest, and Zuo Qiu didn’t insist, turning to look at Dai Ni.

Dai Ni glanced subtly at Xiao Baijun. “Maybe not. I won’t go.”

Zuo Qiu looked at Xiao Baijun, signaling him to say something nice. After all, Dai Ni held their secret, so it was best to treat her well.

Xiao Baijun understood Zuo Qiu’s meaning. He closed and then opened his eyes, saying stiffly, “I heard there’s a place with really good grilled shrimp balls.”

Xiao Baijun had softened, and Dai Ni was happy. She pulled Zhu Mao and walked out. “Great, let’s go together.”

Who doesn’t deserve to be a little princess? You dared to threaten and intimidate me during the day, hmph!

Xiao Baijun looked at Dai Ni, who was strutting like a victorious rooster, and finally understood why he didn’t like girls. They were simply too petty!

Zuo Qiu knew Xiao Baijun’s temper. A person who rarely compromises was now forced to back down, and he was probably unhappy inside. So, on the way to the late-night snack, taking advantage of the darkness and the lack of people, and the fact that Dai Ni and Zhu Mao were chatting happily in front and weren’t paying attention, Zuo Qiu secretly took Xiao Baijun’s hand and leaned close to appease him, “We’ll sleep in your room tonight.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

Xiao Baijun was delighted just thinking about it and started negotiating: “Then you’ll help me tonight.”

“…Fine.”

“I’ll help you too.”

“…Mhm.”

“I suddenly have a great idea.”

“Oh?”

“I want to help you and myself at the same time.”

“…”

Was this suggesting that the two “little brothers” should complete their first meeting and drill simultaneously? Why did the thought make him blush so much, yet also feel a little… anticipated?