The Beautiful but Obscure Star Is Targeted by a Scheming Movie Star - Chapter 12

“Now, it’s time for our two teachers to accept their punishment.”

For this penalty, two people needed to work together to squeeze and pop five balloons. The program staff prepared the props and began to inquire.

“Are the two teachers ready?”

Tang Jingran and Gong Yingxiao both nodded in unison.

“Alright, please stand on the circular platform. Please note, you cannot step outside the boundaries of the platform.”

The platform was twenty centimeters high with a diameter of sixty centimeters; even standing on it together required Tang Jingran and Gong Yingxiao to support each other.

There was almost no gap between the two.

【Damn, so close!】

【Are they going to touch? [Evil smile]】

【Is this something I can watch for free without paying?!】

【Holy crap!】

At the center of the discussion, Tang Jingran had only one thought.

The faint scent from the man was slowly spreading toward him, clinging deeply to the fabric of his clothes, giving him the sudden illusion of being embraced.

Gong Yingxiao was not as calm as he appeared on the surface, either, given the extreme proximity between them. Gong Yingxiao’s gaze flickered over Tang Jingran’s crow-feather lashes and deep red lips, finally resting on a small section of collarbone that curved into his neckline.

Gong Yingxiao’s eyes trembled slightly.

“Now, let us formally begin the punishment.”

A ball was placed between the two of them. Perhaps because the quality was too good, the ball only deformed under their pressure without exploding.

“Jingran.” Gong Yingxiao leaned down slightly and whispered in Tang Jingran’s ear: “It’s not working like this. Shall we adjust?”

“Hmm?”

The final syllable was low and mellow, sending a shiver through Tang Jingran’s ear.

This was a bit of an ordeal for Tang Jingran as well. He turned his head away and asked, “How should we adjust?”

“We hold each other and exert force together.”

Tang Jingran didn’t act coy upon hearing this; he reached out his arms and circled the other man.

Together, they pressed hard to pop the balloon.

With a “bang,” the first balloon was successfully burst.

The sound of the explosion ringing in his ear caused Tang Jingran to instinctively shrink his neck, but he was held even tighter by Gong Yingxiao.

“Don’t be afraid,” Gong Yingxiao’s voice, deep and magnetic, resonated in Tang Jingran’s ear.

The tips of Tang Jingran’s ears turned slightly red. He didn’t say a word, only hugging the other more tightly as they worked together to squeeze the remaining balloons.

The next few balloons were popped quickly, and the rapport between the two became increasingly synchronized.

“Alright, time’s up!” Following the command from the crew, the two finally ended this somewhat ambiguous punishment.

Tang Jingran released Gong Yingxiao and took a step back, avoiding the other’s eyes.

Gong Yingxiao looked indifferent, but a careful observer would notice he was clearly acting a bit unnaturally.

“Congratulations to our two teachers for completing the challenge,” Zhang Song continued, hosting from the side.

【How can these two act so calmly!】

【It shouldn’t be like this, right?】

【Did I see it wrong?】

【But that atmosphere just now…】

【+1, I also felt something was off!】

【Teacher Tang’s ears are red!】

【Teacher Gong isn’t right either!】

【Everyone, just enjoy the ship in private; maybe the two teachers are just friends.】

【Plus one, agreed. Don’t always force a CP.】

【Even though the teachers are easy on the eyes, I still prefer seeing them interact with the cats.】

【Me too, me too!】

Unknowingly, the cat cafe variety show had been airing for over a month. The ratings were excellent, and the popularity remained high.

One day, Zhang Song came to inform everyone that they would have a two-day break tomorrow.

“Everyone has worked hard this past month, so the crew is taking a two-day break starting tomorrow. You can all go relax and get some rest.”

After saying this, he left the main hall, leaving the group behind.

“Jingran, do you have any plans?” Bai Wensheng, standing next to him, leaned in to ask.

Tang Jingran intended to return to the orphanage to visit the Director Mother and, while he was at it, prepare a gift for Gong Yingxiao.

If Gong Yingxiao had time, he would also invite him to dinner.

“I have to go home for a bit,” Tang Jingran asked, “What about you?”

“I don’t have much going on. I was thinking that if you were free, I’d invite you to my place,” Bai Wensheng continued, “But since you’re busy, never mind. I’ll invite you next time.”

“Thank you.”

“No worries. Be safe on your way back.”

After Ying Chen’s conversation with Tang Jingran over the phone, the two usually only nodded in greeting when they met.

At this moment, Ying Chen walked toward Tang Jingran. “Have fun.”

Tang Jingran nodded: “You too.”

Seeing Tang Jingran’s expression of not wanting to say more, Ying Chen had no choice but to leave sensibly.

Gong Yingxiao had been called out by his manager after Zhang Song left and had not returned yet.

Tang Jingran didn’t wait any longer, planning to ask via phone. He went upstairs to pack his things and set off to see the Director Mother.

The orphanage was in the neighboring M City. It was very close—only an hour by regular train, and even shorter by high-speed rail.

Usually, when Tang Jingran went home, he bought regular train tickets. He had no choice; although the high-speed rail was fast, the price was several times higher.

Since the distance was short this time, Tang Jingran chose to take the high-speed train directly.

“The high-speed train G2089 from L City to M City is about to begin ticket inspection. Passengers for G2089, please take your belongings and proceed to Ticket Gate 5 for self-check-in. From L City to M City…”

“Director Mother, I’m about to enter the station. We’ll talk when I get back.” At the high-speed rail station, Tang Jingran was entering with his suitcase in one hand and his phone in the other, his coffee-colored windcoat fluttering slightly in the wind.

Because of his outstanding looks and slender figure, he drew the attention of waiting passersby.

“Good, good. Be safe,” the Director Mother’s hoarse yet gentle voice reached Tang Jingran’s ear through the phone.

The corners of Tang Jingran’s mouth curled up slightly: “Mhm, I know.”

After Tang Jingran found his seat and stowed his luggage, he thought for a moment and took out a hat to put on.

Yan Jun had specifically instructed him to disguise himself when going out.

Just as Tang Jingran sat down, a new message popped up on his phone.

【Gong Yingxiao: You’re not in your room?】

【Little Money Grubber: Right, I have something to do and went home for a bit.】

Gong Yingxiao frowned slightly at the reply. He had only taken his eyes off him for a moment, and he had already run so far away.

“Don’t forget about the next two days. I’ll arrange for someone to pick you up in the morning.” Jiang Guo had been giving an impassioned speech for a while, only to look up and realize the person involved was still on his phone.

“Tsk, is the phone your significant other? What’s so good on that phone that you’re holding it all day?”

Gong Yingxiao looked up and swept a glance at Jiang Guo. Jiang Guo immediately threw up his hands in surrender, feeling a bit guilty that he hadn’t discussed this event with him in advance.

“Cough, well, wasn’t I doing this for your own good?”

“You haven’t attended an event in so long, everyone misses you.”

“Noisy.”

Jiang Guo: “…”

【Gong Yingxiao: Be safe.】

Looking at the reply, Tang Jingran took the opportunity to ask.

【Tang Jingran: Are you free the day after tomorrow?】

【Gong Yingxiao: Why?】

【Tang Jingran: I want to treat you to dinner.】

After sending this sentence, a trace of nervousness and an inexplicable sense of anticipation grew in Tang Jingran’s heart.

The next second, a message arrived.

【Gong Yingxiao: I’d love to accept your invitation, but I have an event that day.】

The curve that had just risen on Tang Jingran’s lips immediately fell.

【Tang Jingran: The event is more important. I’ll treat you next time.】

On the other side, seeing the reply, Gong Yingxiao’s lips thinned into a straight line as he interrupted Jiang Guo’s speaking.

“Tell me in advance next time there’s an event.”

Jiang Guo immediately went silent, observing the other’s inexplicably cold face.

What’s going on? There’s no need to be this angry. He wasn’t like this before.

It couldn’t be that I interrupted a date with your significant other, right?

Jiang Guo imagined Gong Yingxiao with a partner and couldn’t help but shudder.

Being with someone as possessive as him would be far too exhausting.

Tang Jingran felt a bit disappointed, but it was within his expectations.

He pushed his thoughts aside, closed his eyes, and prepared to rest for a while.

In about twenty minutes, the train arrived at M City.

Pulling his suitcase, Tang Jingran walked out of the station, took a taxi to the mall to buy some things, and then headed straight for the orphanage.

When Tang Jingran arrived at the entrance of the orphanage, the Director Mother was already waiting at the gate with others.

The elderly woman, looking kind and aged, showed a joyful expression upon seeing Tang Jingran.

“Ran-ran.”

Tang Jingran got out of the car and gave the Director Mother a hug. “Director Mother.”

“There, there.” The old woman gently stroked Tang Jingran’s back. “Let me look at you.”

She touched Tang Jingran’s face and said heart-wrenchingly, “Ran-ran has gotten thin.”

Tang Jingran took the Director Mother’s hand and placed it on his waist. “Not at all. Look, my waist has even gotten rounder.”

“You shouldn’t stand for too long. Let’s go inside and talk.” As he spoke, he handed the items he bought to the other mothers behind her.

“I’ve told you so many times, you don’t need to bring things here. This will always be your home.” The Director Mother patted Tang Jingran’s hand while leading him toward the house.

“I wanted to buy them for you, so I did.”

“Your child.”

“This is still the room you used to stay in. It gets cleaned every weekend.” The Director Mother took Tang Jingran to the room and watched him unpack.

“Ran-ran, after being out for so long, haven’t you thought about bringing someone back for the Director Mother to meet?”

Since he was a child, the person the Director was most worried about was Tang Jingran. When she picked him up in the winter, his body was cold; the doctors at the hospital said it would be difficult for him to survive.

But he pulled through. However, he was always getting sick, and to this day, she still went to the temple to pray for him every once in a while.

Tang Jingran’s movements paused, and a certain tall figure flashed through his mind.

“Everyone is busy with their careers now, so there’s no time for dating. When I have someone I like, I’ll definitely bring them back to see you.”

“Good, good, I’ll listen to you.”

After dinner, Tang Jingran played with the children in the yard for a while before taking a taxi to the mall to pick out a gift for Gong Yingxiao.

Ultimately, Tang Jingran chose a brand-name fluffy cat-shaped pendant. The cat had a grumpy expression that looked a bit like the cold-faced Gong Yingxiao.

Thinking about the expression Gong Yingxiao would make upon receiving the gift, Tang Jingran couldn’t help but chuckle.

Just as he stepped out of the mall entrance, he caught sight of a certain figure and quickly hid. The person he bumped into looked at Tang Jingran strangely.

“Sorry, sorry,” Tang Jingran apologized.

A tall, familiar figure was wearing a well-tailored suit. Beside him, a woman was holding the man’s arm and saying something to him.

The two were walking into the entrance of a five-star hotel.