The Beautiful but Obscure Star Is Targeted by a Scheming Movie Star - Chapter 18

In mid-June, the recording sessions for the cat café variety show officially concluded. The wrap-up press conference was held at the L City International Plaza.

Inside a dressing room on the first floor of the International Plaza:

“Don’t be too nervous when you go on stage later. If you can’t remember the script I gave you last night, feel free to improvise a bit.” Yan Jun pushed open the dressing room door. All the artists had been arranged to have their makeup done here. He took a long stride and sat down next to Tang Jingran, who was currently in the makeup chair. “You look even more handsome now that you’re made up.”

The makeup artist had slightly curled the stray hairs on Tang Jingran’s forehead, revealing a smooth, full brow and dark, sharp eyes, giving him a touch of exotic flair.

“Mm, I understand.” Tang Jingran nodded. The makeup artist was currently applying his lip color and smiled at his words. “Mr. Tang’s skin base is excellent—fine, fair, and virtually flawless.”

“I only applied a thin layer of foundation to touch things up. Every makeup artist dreams of encountering an artist like this.”

Tang Jingran chuckled softly. “That is also thanks to your skill.”

Yan Jun nodded with satisfaction and turned to the makeup artist. “The styling today definitely adds a lot to his look.”

No one dislikes having their craft praised. Hearing this, the makeup artist worked even more diligently, picking up a nearby brush and lightly, softly sweeping it across Tang Jingran’s face.

“Alright, keep at it then,” Yan Jun said, patting Tang Jingran on the shoulder. “If anything comes up, find me on the second floor in Room 205.”

“Understood.”

Once the makeup artist finished with Tang Jingran, they headed to the restroom. Tang Jingran stood up and grabbed his phone to step outside for some fresh air.

“Hey, Jingran, where are you going?” Bai Wensheng, who was sitting nearby, asked curiously as he saw Tang Jingran rise.

“Just out for some air.” Tang Jingran flashed a smile at Bai Wensheng before turning to leave.

Bai Wensheng was left momentarily dazed, replaying that smile in his head. Isn’t Jingran’s styling today a bit excessively handsome?

Not far away, Ying Chen also caught Tang Jingran’s smile. His gaze remained heavy, staring fixedly at the retreating, his thoughts unreadable.

Tang Jingran stepped out and found a spot, intending to review his script again. The next second, his phone rang; it was the dean of the orphanage.

“Hello, Dean Mom…” Before Tang Jingran could finish, he was interrupted by a frantic, hurried voice on the other end.

“Is this Ran-ran? Where are you right now? Are you busy?”

It was the voice of Assistant Zhang, who worked alongside the Dean.

“Yes, Auntie Zhang, it’s Jingran.” Tang Jingran asked worriedly, “Don’t panic. Where is Dean Mom?”

“Oh, Ran-ran, the Dean suddenly fainted. She’s being rushed to the First Hospital right now. When can you get here?” Auntie Zhang’s voice was shaking uncontrollably.

Hearing this, Tang Jingran’s heart sank heavily. He could only try to steady Auntie Zhang’s emotions for the moment. “Auntie Zhang, listen to me and stay calm. I’m busy right now and can’t get away, but I will head back the moment I finish. In the meantime, follow the doctor’s instructions.”

Hearing no response, Tang Jingran called out again.

“Auntie Zhang!”

“Yes, yes, alright. Ran-ran, come as soon as you’re done.” Auntie Zhang finally replied.

Looking at the disconnected call, Tang Jingran’s right eyelid began to twitch violently without warning. He pinched the bridge of his nose and firmly patted his own arm before heading upstairs to find Yan Jun.

He had to rush back to M City immediately after the press conference; he wouldn’t be able to attend the dinner tonight.

“…What has been going on with you lately? I feel like your state of mind isn’t quite right.”

When Tang Jingran reached the door of Room 205, it wasn’t fully closed. A narrow slit remained, allowing the conversation inside to drift out. The hand he had raised to push the door open froze instantly upon hearing the subsequent dialogue.

“It’s not just me saying this—you don’t actually just want to play around with him without really liking him, do you?”

It was the voice of Gong Yingxiao’s manager, Jiang Guo.

In an instant, Tang Jingran’s back stiffened. He gripped the doorknob tightly as the dull, heavy thudding of his heartbeat echoed in his ears.

A few seconds later, Gong Yingxiao’s cold, indifferent voice rang out. The words he uttered felt like a physical blow to Tang Jingran, leaving him lightheaded and barely able to keep his footing.

“I don’t like him.”

Tang Jingran’s figure swayed. His feet felt as though they were treading on cotton. The air around him seemed to vanish, making it impossible to breathe. All he could hear were those three piercing words.

He couldn’t stay to hear the rest. With floating steps, he walked back down the stairs.

“You don’t like him?” Gong Yingxiao glanced toward the door and gave Jiang Guo a freezing look. “Impossible.”

“Also, if you don’t know how to speak, keep your mouth shut. No one likes listening to you here.”

“But it’s just the two of us here,” Jiang Guo asked earnestly.

He was promptly rewarded with another sharp glare from Gong Yingxiao.

“Fine, fine, fine. I’ll stop. I’ll stop. If you want to be with him, at least smile a bit more. That icy look of yours will scare him away.” Jiang Guo threw his hands up in surrender. “Then stay here by yourself. I’ve got work to do. Remember to go to the assembly point when it’s time.”

Gong Yingxiao ignored him, offering nothing but the back of his dark head.

Jiang Guo: “…”

Tsk.

As Tang Jingran descended the stairs, he was caught by the arm by Yan Jun, who was heading up. “What’s wrong, Xiao Ran? Why the rush?”

As he spoke, he led him to a level area.

Tang Jingran regained his composure and spoke. “Uncle Yan, Dean Mom fainted and was sent to the hospital. I’ll leave right after the press conference. I won’t be attending the dinner tonight.”

Yan Jun knew about Tang Jingran’s family situation. He frowned upon hearing the news. “Fainted? How is she now?”

“I don’t know.” Tang Jingran shook his head, his expression agitated. “Auntie Zhang called; they’re still on the way to the hospital.”

Yan Jun soothed him. “Don’t worry. Just head back directly once this is over. I’ll buy your ticket.”

Tang Jingran nodded.

“Hey, Old Yan?” Jiang Guo rounded the corner and spotted Yan Jun. He was visibly stunned when he saw Tang Jingran standing next to him.

Hiss. Did he just come up or go down? Did he hear anything?

“Did Jingran just get here?”

“Yes,” Yan Jun replied with a smile. “He came to see me about something.”

“Oh, okay.” Jiang Guo patted his chest, relieved. “Then you two talk. I’m heading out.”

“Take care.” Yan Jun patted Jiang Guo on the shoulder and turned back to Tang Jingran. “Don’t scare yourself.”

Tang Jingran and Yan Jun returned to the dressing room together. Yan Jun went to talk with the other managers while Tang Jingran sat down next to Bai Wensheng.

Seeing that Tang Jingran’s complexion looked off, Bai Wensheng asked with concern, “What’s wrong, Jingran? Did something happen?”

Tang Jingran forced a smile. “It’s nothing. I’m just a little nervous about going on stage.”

“Sigh, me too. This is my first time on stage in front of so many people,” Bai Wensheng lamented, then added comfortingly, “Don’t be too nervous. I feel like everyone really likes you.”

“A lot of people like you, too,” Tang Jingran said.

Bai Wensheng let out a snort of laughter. “Alright, alright. Do we really need to engage in corporate flattery between us?”

Tang Jingran smiled but said nothing more.

The door nearby opened, and Gong Yingxiao walked in. All the artists for the variety show were wearing uniform outfits: simple black trousers and white shirts adorned with fluffy cat paw prints.

Ever since the night he had taken care of a sick Gong Yingxiao—perhaps because of what Tang Jingran had said—the other man hadn’t been as “clingy” as before. “Clingy” might not be the exact word, but Tang Jingran couldn’t think of a better way to describe it.

But now, looking at him only made Tang Jingran feel suffocated; his heart throbbed with a rhythmic ache.

Gong Yingxiao naturally noticed Tang Jingran. The simple cat-paw white shirt was tucked into his waistband at an angle, accentuating his lean, superior waistline. He looked like a tall, straight young poplar tree. It was impossible to ignore him.

He had thought he had been pursuing too aggressively and wanted to give the other person more space. But seeing Tang Jingran’s current demeanor, he began to doubt his decision to step back.

“Very nervous?” Gong Yingxiao walked up to Tang Jingran, his voice gentle.

“A little.” Tang Jingran lowered his eyelids, avoiding his gaze.

Recalling that this was indeed Tang Jingran’s first time on stage, Gong Yingxiao didn’t overthink it, assuming he truly was just nervous.

“Relax. It’s just a press conference.”

Tang Jingran wanted to smile and agree, but he couldn’t find a smile at all. He merely nodded coldly.

“Mm.”

Gong Yingxiao frowned as he looked at him. He wanted to say more, but he was interrupted by the staff.

“Everyone, look over here.” Zhang Song clapped his hands to get their attention.

“In a moment, the host will call your names in order. Please go on stage one by one when you hear your name.”

“Once everyone is on stage, you’ll introduce yourselves individually. Then, everyone will head down to the seating area before coming back up one by one with your pet partners.”

“That’s the general flow. Everyone got that?”

“Got it, Director Zhang,” Xu Sheng, who was standing next to Qin Ze, was the first to speak and nod. The others followed suit.

“Fine.”

“No problem.”

“Good, then everyone head out now,” Zhang Song replied with a smile.

“Thank you all for coming and for supporting the cat café variety show.” The female host’s voice rang out across the venue. “Now, let’s invite our teachers out to meet everyone.”

“First, our two female teachers.”

“Welcome, Teacher Jing Xianmeng! Welcome, Teacher Jiang Nannan!”

“Ahhh! Teachers, look over here!”

“Teachers, we love you!”

Fans standing at the front of the stage were excitedly waving support boards for their favorite artists. Jing Xianmeng and Jiang Nannan greeted the fans and the cameras.

“Next, our Teacher Qin Ze and Teacher Xu Sheng.”

“Welcome.”

The cheers grew slightly louder as fans continued to wave their support boards.

“Our Teacher Bai Wensheng and Teacher Ying Chen.”

“Welcome.”

The noise was continuous, and the waving of the boards became even more vigorous.

“Alright, finally, let’s invite our last group of teachers.”

“Welcome, Teacher Tang Jingran and Teacher Gong Yingxiao!”

As soon as the host finished the sentence, the entire venue erupted in a piercing scream of excitement, a sound that seemed powerful enough to spiral up and break through the roof.

Tang Jingran had never seen such a spectacle before. For a moment, he nervously gripped the sides of his black trousers.

A faint, clean scent wafted over, followed by a gentle, deep voice in his ear.

“Don’t be nervous.”

As Gong Yingxiao spoke, he reached out and gave Tang Jingran a few reassuring, gentle pats on the small of his back.