Pretending Not to Love You [Entertainment Circle] - Chapter 55

Chapter 55

Finally, the “cured” patient carried the exhausted “doctor” to the bathroom. Zuo Qiu lay in the warm tub to recover his strength. After Xiao Bojun finished washing himself, he came over to help wash Zuo Qiu.

Zuo Qiu, who was dozing with his eyes half-closed, sensed Xiao Bojun’s ulterior motive and immediately opened his eyes, refusing, “No, we have things to do tomorrow.”

Xiao Bojun was shameless and got into the bathtub directly. With the sudden addition of a person, the water in the tub rushed out over the edges.

“I promise I won’t tire you out. It’s my turn this time.”

…

Half an hour later, Xiao Bojun carried Zuo Qiu out of the bathroom again.

…

The public reaction to the Z.X duo’s eye-catching “nude swimming” Weibo was mixed. While most people expressed understanding and anticipation for the movie promotion, some felt they were overly dramatic.

“The Male Lead #2, Male Lead #3, Male Lead #4, and Female Lead haven’t said anything. Is it meaningful for the Male Nth leads to jump out and say this? Also, Film Emperor Ou just announced a fan meeting to thank fans, and immediately after, you announce a nude swimming video to thank fans. Do you really need to ride his fame like that? You guys are the very definition of drama queens.”

Zuo Qiu looked at the countless replies under this comment and knew the matter wouldn’t likely end well. Sure enough, that afternoon, when Zuo Qiu and Xiao Bojun finished their commercial shoot and walked out of the temporary studio, they were surrounded by a circle of reporters.

“Zuo Qiu and Xiao Bojun, many people online are saying you’ve become arrogant after starring in one movie and are riding Ou Sheng’s fame. What do you have to say about this?”

“You said you’d nude swim if the box office hits 2 billion. Is that true?”

“You only debuted recently, and you’re already using the stunt of nude swimming to attract attention. Some netizens say you’re desperate for fame. Is that the case?”

Zhao Zhixian and Guo Chen tried to shield the two, but there were too many reporters. They not only blocked their path but also shoved their microphones right up to Xiao Bojun’s and Zuo Qiu’s faces.

Xiao Bojun used his hand to push away a microphone pressed against his face, but another one immediately took its place. His expression instantly darkened, and the violent impulse inside him began to stir.

Zuo Qiu saw that Xiao Bojun was on the verge of losing his temper, so he exchanged a look with Zhao Zhixian. Zhao Zhixian understood and nodded at him.

“Since everyone has asked about this, Z.X will take this opportunity to explain. However, it’s not convenient to conduct an interview while standing in the middle of the road. Why don’t we move to the shade over there to answer your questions? What do you think?”

The reporters present were reassured by Zhao Zhixian’s promise and followed him toward the shade.

Once the reporters had moved away, Zuo Qiu quietly told Xiao Bojun, “Just hold on for a bit longer. We’ll be able to leave as soon as the interview is over.” Xiao Bojun hadn’t shown such an expression in a long time. The last time he did, a boy from the next class was sent straight to the hospital. Zuo Qiu was genuinely worried that Xiao Bojun would lose control and grab a reporter to beat them up.

Xiao Bojun let out a heavy sigh, forcing his face back into its usual aloof expression.

Zuo Qiu, seeing that Xiao Bojun was still able to listen, let out a near-inaudible sigh of relief.

Holding a pile of microphones of various sizes, the two stood in front of the reporters. Zuo Qiu smiled and began, “Thank you for your support for Z.X. First, let me clarify: our announcement of a nude swimming video is purely a fan benefit, similar in nature to Brother Sheng’s fan meeting. Regarding the idea that we are riding Brother Sheng’s fame…”

Zuo Qiu paused, chuckled, and continued, “I thought everyone was already used to it. After all, since our debut, Brother Sheng has offered us his leg to ride on many times, and we have always been deeply honored.”

This statement carried several meanings. First, promising a nude swimming video was simply a fan benefit to thank their supporters. Second, their news being linked to Ou Sheng was not the first or second time, and since Ou Sheng hadn’t complained, it implied that all these actions were done with his permission.

A reporter immediately followed up with a question: “If the box office reaches 2 billion, will you really nude swim?”

Zuo Qiu: “Regarding the Weibo post we made yesterday morning, I suggest you read it again. We said we would release a nude swimming video, not nude swimming in public. Hmm, I think the nature is different.”

Releasing a nude swimming video is like shooting a movie and releasing it publicly. How can that be compared to stripping off swimming trunks and swimming in front of a crowd?

Upon hearing this, the reporters present exchanged glances. Everyone understood Zuo Qiu’s underlying message: releasing a nude swimming video is not a live broadcast, and there is a lot of room for manipulation.

At this point, a reporter asked Xiao Bojun, who had been silent all along, “Many netizens say you are so desperate for fame that you use nude swimming to attract attention. What do you have to say about that?”

Xiao Bojun pondered for a moment and then said, “We are indeed very eager to be famous.”

His completely straightforward answer left the questioning reporter speechless. The reporter internally screamed: Why are you such a pure and unpretentious celebrity? You should at least defend yourself! I had already prepared the headline, ‘Z.X Claims They Are Not Desperate for Fame, The Reason Is Slightly Flimsy.’ Can’t you just follow the script?

Some reporters in the crowd couldn’t help but laugh out loud. The reporter, unwilling to give up, continued to press Xiao Bojun: “Do you think you are famous now?”

Feeling annoyed at being interrogated, Xiao Bojun replied with a subtle deeper meaning: “Yes, I am. Being chased by all of you for an interview like this suddenly makes me feel like I’m already very famous.”

Zhao Zhixian, listening to Xiao Bojun’s answer, felt a slight ache in his teeth, but the reporter, who was repeatedly frustrated, was probably in more pain.

Seeing the reporter about to ask another question, Zhao Zhixian quickly interrupted, “That’s all for today. We’ll be available for interviews another time. Thank you all for your cooperation.”

He then signaled to Guo Chen with his eyes, and they quickly shielded the two and hurried them into the car parked nearby.

The reporters certainly didn’t want to let Z.X leave so easily, but the location the manager chose was too good. Their car was less than five steps away, and there was no way to stop them.

In the car, Zuo Qiu looked at Xiao Bojun and laughed. “Since you said we are very eager to be famous, their news articles will surely use their subjective imagination again.”

Xiao Bojun didn’t care at all. “But that’s the truth, isn’t it? Don’t you want to be famous?”

Zuo Qiu was rendered speechless. Well, yes, he did want to be famous. His statement was perfectly correct… Forget it, let them write whatever they want!

The car arrived downstairs at the new apartment building, and the four people got out and went upstairs together. Xiao Bojun and Zuo Qiu were joining the film crew in two days, and Zhao Zhixian needed to confirm a few things with them before they left.

“I’ve entrusted the task of posting ads for the advertisers on Weibo to Guo Chen. In the future, she’ll send me your photos, and I’ll handle the Weibo posts.”

Guo Chen nodded in acknowledgment.

“Also, after this movie, you don’t have any other confirmed movies or TV series to shoot. What are your plans?” Zhao Zhixian asked.

Zuo Qiu looked at Xiao Bojun. Xiao Bojun remained expressionless, having no objection to filming movies or TV series.

“Brother Zhao, have any directors invited us?”

Zhao Zhixian took out his notepad. “Yes, quite a few. Both movies and TV series.”

“Does Brother Zhao have any good recommendations?”

Zhao Zhixian: “Hmm, I’ve selected a few for you. These mostly avoid the genres you’ve participated in before. For instance, there’s a costume drama about a prince’s revenge—Xiao Er as the male lead, Zuo Qiu as the male third lead. Another movie is set in a future world, similar to Star Wars—Xiao Er as the male lead, Zuo Qiu as the male second lead. There’s also a modern reincarnation drama, going back twenty years—Zuo Qiu as the male lead, Xiao Er as the male second lead. In terms of TV dramas, there are a few big IP dramas. I think the one about competitive gaming is quite good—Xiao Er as the male lead, Zuo Qiu as the male second lead.”

These films and TV series were carefully chosen by Zhao Zhixian. Not only were the scripts and directors good, but most importantly, he had meticulously selected roles suitable for the two in each production.

After speaking, Zhao Zhixian paused and asked Xiao Bojun, “You don’t mind being the male lead, do you?” Three of the four selected projects had Xiao Bojun as the lead actor.

This was likely only a question for Xiao Bojun; others would be eager to play the lead role, but he always chose roles with less screen time. Zhao Zhixian’s unusual decision to select lead roles for him this time was mainly to broaden Zuo Qiu’s acting path. Although Zuo Qiu wasn’t the lead in these shows, the roles were very appealing, and Zhao Zhixian didn’t want Zuo Qiu to miss out on any of them.

Xiao Bojun glanced at Zuo Qiu. “As long as Zuo Qiu agrees, I don’t mind.”

Zhao Zhixian said to Zuo Qiu, “I’ll send you the scripts shortly. You can decide which ones you want to film after reading them.”

Zuo Qiu nodded in agreement.

After finishing their work, it was nearly dinner time. Zuo Qiu opened the refrigerator, which was well-stocked with ingredients, and invited Zhao Zhixian and Guo Chen to stay for a simple meal.

Zhao Zhixian chuckled, “Oh, I couldn’t possibly…”

Xiao Bojun interjected, “If you feel awkward, you don’t have to stay.”

Zhao Zhixian, who was only being polite, choked. “Zuo Qiu’s kindness is hard to refuse. I’ll stay after all. I… I’ll help you wash the vegetables.”

He then went straight to the kitchen to start working.

Xiao Bojun looked at Zhao Zhixian’s retreating figure with disdain: Hypocrite!

Zuo Qiu watched Xiao Bojun with amusement, feeling he was like an un-grown child.

Guo Chen, who also stayed, went to the kitchen to help. Unlike Zhao Zhixian, who was just assisting, Zuo Qiu saw Guo Chen expertly flipping the wok and knew she was an excellent cook. Indeed, when they finally ate, the dishes Guo Chen made were just as popular as Zuo Qiu’s.

“Guo Chen, I didn’t realize you had such hidden talent! The food is delicious!” Zhao Zhixian almost swallowed his tongue. Both Zuo Qiu’s and Guo Chen’s dishes were tasty, but Guo Chen’s spicy flavor was more to Zhao Zhixian’s liking. He had known Guo Chen for years, and this was the first time he had tasted her cooking.

At this moment, Xiao Bojun suddenly leaned close to Zuo Qiu’s ear and whispered, “I think your cooking is still the best.”

Zuo Qiu smiled at the compliment.

Guo Chen completely ignored the “dog food” constantly being served by her boss. She replied to Zhao Zhixian, “We weren’t close before.” Not being close meant they didn’t know much about each other.

Zhao Zhixian, whose mouth was full, immediately called her out, “Speaking of which, who are you close with in the company?” She had only become slightly more approachable after working with Zuo Qiu and Xiao Bojun. The previous Guo Chen was like an ice pillar—very aloof, which was why she had been reassigned a few times.

Guo Chen said nothing upon hearing this, only lowering her head to continue eating.

Seeing that Guo Chen didn’t want to talk about it, Zuo Qiu changed the topic. “How about we bring cooking utensils to the film set? Guo Chen, could you occasionally cook a meal for us?”

Zuo Qiu had planned to cook on the set of I Think I Love You, but due to the need to study acting at night, they hadn’t started. It was different now; with someone who could cook and enjoyed cooking, having an occasional meal wouldn’t be an issue.

Guo Chen had no objection to this. Compared to dealing with complex interpersonal relationships, Guo Chen found cooking quietly by herself much more comfortable.

After eating their fill, Zuo Qiu saw the two out and went into the kitchen to wash the dishes. To his surprise, he found Xiao Bojun already doing the washing.

“Oh my, you’re very industrious today.”

Xiao Bojun continued washing. “You’ve had a tiring day. Go rest for a bit.”

Zuo Qiu watched the serious Xiao Bojun washing dishes. He used to just lounge on the sofa and watch TV after dinner. Now he even helped with the dishes—what a huge change!

“Xiao Er, you are amazing!” Zuo Qiu wrapped his arms around Xiao Bojun’s neck and kissed him on the cheek. Zuo Qiu couldn’t think of any reason other than love for Xiao Bojun’s transformation.

Xiao Bojun thoroughly enjoyed Zuo Qiu’s praise. He puckered his lips and motioned to Zuo Qiu. Zuo Qiu leaned in and kissed Xiao Bojun squarely on the lips.

After taking a shower, the two got into bed, ready to sleep. The news about the reporters’ interview today would surely be broadcast, but the two decided not to pay attention. There would always be people who spoke well or poorly of them. They had done what they needed to do, and whether the public accepted it or not was irrelevant.

The next morning, Zuo Qiu checked Weibo after waking up and saw that the box office for Fledgling had exceeded 650 million as of midnight. It was 330 million two days ago. After they announced the nude swimming video, the box office rose to 150 million the day before yesterday and 170 million yesterday. The box office was on an upward trend, which reassured Zuo Qiu. It seemed that those who liked and supported them were still in the majority.

After breakfast, the two took a taxi to the Xiao family’s ancestral home. Going home before joining a film crew had become Xiao Bojun’s habit, and his second habit was bringing Zuo Qiu with him every time.

“It’s not good that I come home with you every time, is it?” Zuo Qiu worried that appearing too frequently at the Xiao family’s home would let the Xiao family find out about their relationship prematurely.

“It’s fine. My grandmother and mother both like you.”

Zuo Qiu understood Xiao Bojun’s intention: he wanted Zuo Qiu to build up favorability in advance, laying the groundwork for coming out later. So, he didn’t say anything more.

However, on this visit, Zuo Qiu felt that the Xiao family was even more enthusiastic toward him.

“Your brother took us to see Fledgling yesterday. You two acted really well,” Yin Qiushui said, giving them a thumbs-up as soon as they sat down.

Zuo Qiu smiled modestly, while Xiao Bojun boasted shamelessly.

“Of course! You don’t see who your little grandson is!”

Yin Qiushui laughed heartily. “My little grandson is the best!”

After the general laughter subsided, Xiao Bolin said, “I heard the news that it exceeded 750 million at 12:00 noon. At this rate, 2 billion is certain within a month.”

Given the current situation, it was highly possible to break 200 million in a single day. A movie’s box office success depends on the trend of the first week. This movie had been released for less than a week, but the situation over the first five days had been excellent. Aside from the slight dip on the second day, the box office had been rising on the third, fourth, and fifth days.

Hearing a professional say that 2 billion was achievable, Zuo Qiu excitedly began calculating his profit share. His house was waving at him!

“Zuo Qiu, I heard from Junjun that you want to buy a house, is that right?” Xiao Bolin spoke again.

At the mention of buying a house, Zuo Qiu immediately snapped back to attention. “Yes, I want to buy a house in the Third Ring Road, about 100 square meters would be fine.”

Upon hearing Zuo Qiu wanted to buy a house, Yin Qiushui immediately told Xiao Bolin, “I remember the Jinshui development not far from Fujin Street still has a few units, right? Give one to Zuo Qiu at a cheap price. Don’t be stingy.”

After instructing Xiao Bolin, she then said to Zuo Qiu, “You want to buy a house to get married, don’t you? You should buy a bigger one for marriage. The units at Jinshui are quite large and suitable for a family of three or four.”

Zuo Qiu’s heart trembled at the mention of Jinshui. He had heard that the houses there started at 300 square meters and up, and the location… He couldn’t afford a single unit even if he sold himself right now! Even if Grandma told Xiao Bolin to give him a cheap price, he dared not think about it.

When Xiao Bojun heard his grandmother mention buying a house for marriage and a family of three or four, he started envisioning his future: marrying Zuo Qiu, raising two dogs—a family of four, perfect!

“Brother, since our family has plenty of houses, give Zuo Qiu a good discount. Just deduct it from his endorsement fees and film salary.”

Xiao Bolin squinted at his younger brother and deliberately asked, “What discount do you think is appropriate?”

Xiao Bojun glanced at Xiao Zhan, who was sitting aside drinking tea, and asked Yin Qiushui, “Grandma, you were the first to suggest Jinshui. What discount do you think is fair? Zuo Qiu told me he wants to buy a house so his parents have a place to stay when they visit B City. He originally wanted a 100-square-meter place. Now that you’re making him buy such a large house, shouldn’t you give him a good discount?”

Older people love dutiful younger generations. Yin Qiushui was deeply touched that Zuo Qiu thought of his parents as soon as he earned some money. She made the final decision: “How about a 50% discount? Give Zuo Qiu a half-price discount.”

Xiao Bolin almost choked on his drink. Half price? Was Grandma clearing out luxury homes like seasonal clothes at a department store sale?

Zuo Qiu was definitely tempted by the 50% discount. The unit price after the discount wasn’t much more than the Third Ring Road price he had looked at, but the size was too large, and Zuo Qiu still couldn’t afford it!

Xiao Bojun was also dissatisfied with the 50% price. The figure was higher than he had expected. Just as he was about to press on, Xiao Bolin spoke up first.

“Dad, what do you think?”

Suddenly singled out, Xiao Zhan, who usually seemed invisible, was silent for two seconds. He said, “Acceptable.”

Since watching the movie Fledgling yesterday, Xiao Zhan felt that Zuo Qiu was indeed promising, with huge future potential. Xiao Zhan was always generous toward people who could create value for the company.

Zuo Qiu sat there, bewildered. Was it decided just like that? Why didn’t anyone ask if he even wanted it?

Xiao Bojun’s plan to continue bargaining was successfully derailed by Xiao Bolin’s interruption. Xiao Bojun shot a look at his brother, knowing he had done it on purpose.

“Dad, what kind of house should I use for my wedding house when I get married?” Xiao Bojun asked his father.

Xiao Bolin rolled his eyes at this question. Was he implying that since Zuo Qiu hadn’t gotten a big enough bargain, he would come in to claim one himself?

Xiao Zhan looked at his younger son and countered, “Do you have a girlfriend or have you gotten someone pregnant?”

As he said this, Yin Qiushui and He Can looked at Xiao Bojun with bright eyes. Both indicated that whether it was a girlfriend or a baby, they would be delighted.

Xiao Bojun was countered. He looked at his gossiping grandmother and mother, his brother who was enjoying the joke, and finally subtly glanced at the downcast Zuo Qiu, and said, “Can’t I just ask in advance? Brother has a 500-square-meter house without a girlfriend or getting anyone pregnant. Are there so many preconditions for me?”

Xiao Zhan didn’t fall for Xiao Bojun’s antics and promised directly, “Then you can be like your brother. As soon as you take charge of the company, you can have a 500-square-meter house.”

Yin Qiushui added, “The more children, the bigger the house. Good grandson, go for it!” If he wanted a big house, he should work hard and have children!

Xiao Bojun felt like he had shot himself in the foot. He wasn’t going to have any children in this lifetime! Xiao Bojun decided to preemptively warn everyone, “Kids are too much trouble. I don’t want any for my whole life!”

But his words had the same effect as when he had told them he was with Zuo Qiu before. Yin Qiushui and He Can didn’t believe him at all, smiling and shaking their heads, saying he was still a child. Xiao Zhan didn’t even lift an eyelid.

Xiao Bojun looked at the exasperated Zuo Qiu, feeling like he wanted to cry.

Xiao Bolin, who was watching the show, laughed heartily.

…

Back at the apartment, Xiao Bojun asked Zuo Qiu, “Why don’t my family believe that you’ve turned me gay? I’ve hinted so obviously.”

Zuo Qiu thought for a moment. “It’s probably because your history of dating two different girlfriends within six months left too deep an impression on them.”

Reminded of his dark past, Xiao Bojun instantly deflated. It was all his own doing; he fully deserved it!

On the day they were leaving for S City, Zhao Zhixian drove the three of them. The director this time was Ou Sheng, and since Ou Sheng was more familiar with Z.X than Zhao Zhixian was, Zhao Zhixian decided not to go.

The plane arrived in S City, and Ou Sheng and Cheng Ye personally came to pick them up. Ou Sheng invited the three of them to his house. Guo Chen politely refused, took their luggage, and went to the hotel in advance.

“Your assistant is quite good,” Ou Sheng said to Zuo Qiu, who was sitting in the back seat.

Zuo Qiu nodded. “She is very good. She doesn’t talk much and is very meticulous.”

“And tight-lipped,” Ou Sheng added. “My assistant told me that someone tried to bribe her to expose some private information about you two, but she refused.”

“Huh? That happened?” Zuo Qiu and Xiao Bojun exchanged a look. They had never heard about it.

“Wow, now I’ve discovered another of her strengths: she doesn’t easily seek credit. Not bad,” Ou Sheng said, smiling.

Zuo Qiu also smiled, thinking that he would definitely give Guo Chen a big hug when they got back to the hotel.

Ou Sheng and Cheng Ye’s home was located by the river. From the third floor of the villa, one could see boats on the river in the distance. The house was large, decorated to be warm and comfortable, which was a style Zuo Qiu liked.

Once home, the four men split into two groups. Zuo Qiu and Ou Sheng went to the kitchen to prepare food, while Cheng Ye was responsible for showing Xiao Bojun around and introducing the various items in the house—and showing off in the process.

At this moment, the two “Gong” [top] men were sitting on the large terrace on the third floor, drinking tea and bragging.

“When I was first ‘unbanned,’ I felt like I was full of energy, like I was on chicken blood, and all I wanted to do all day was do it, do it. How about you? You must be able to do it ten or more times a day now, right?” Cheng Ye asked.

Xiao Bojun internally scoffed, knowing Cheng Ye was exaggerating, but he didn’t want to show weakness. “No, no. Zuo Qiu promotes health preservation. We are very restrained. We only do it about ten times every other day.”

“You’re falling behind! You’re so young. How are you worse than me? You need to take supplements.”

“You can’t focus on quantity; quality is more important. Even though we only do it about ten times, each session lasts two hours. I think that’s pretty good.”

“You’re still not as good as me. Back then, I did it seven or eight times a day. We stayed in bed for a full seven days.”

This boast was too huge. Xiao Bojun took a sip of tea and deliberately asked with a confused tone, “Are you talking about peeing?”

Cheng Ye: …

Get lost, you brat! Who the hell is talking about peeing!

Zuo Qiu and Ou Sheng, who were eavesdropping nearby, were already laughing until their stomachs hurt.