The Beautiful but Obscure Star Is Targeted by a Scheming Movie Star - Chapter 7

【Ahhhh, it’s finally live!】

【Love it, love it!】

【Daily check-in, here to see the Movie King’s handsome face!】

【Ahhh, I finally waited for you!】

【How long is this variety show going to be? I don’t want it to end so soon.】

【Here to support Gege! Tao Tao, keep it up!】

【I want to see today’s cat program.】

As soon as the broadcast started, the screen was flooded with comments.

Zhang Song began to host: “Ahem, thank you all very much for your love. Next, please take a look at the rules for our game this time.”

“For this round, every member of each group will be given one cat. Within the allotted time, find the most freeze-dried treats in the room; if the cat successfully eats one, you get one point.”

“But please note, owners can only guide the cats to eat the treats themselves. You cannot carry them or directly grab the cat and put it where the treats are.”

“Finally, the points between members will be added up. The group with the most points will receive a prize, and conversely, the group with the fewest points will face a corresponding punishment.”

“Good luck to all the owners!”

Tang Jingran and Gong Yingxiao were assigned a Siamese cat and a Tabby cat.

“Teacher Gong, which one do you want?” Tang Jingran asked, pointing at the two cats.

“You choose,” Gong Yingxiao said. “Pick the one you like, I’m fine with either.”

“That won’t do.” Tang Jingran shook his head in disapproval. “We are in the same group. The mood when choosing something you like versus something you don’t is definitely different. There’s no need for one to accommodate the other; if we do that, being a team has no meaning. You don’t need to accommodate me either.”

Gong Yingxiao was slightly stunned upon hearing his words. Ever since he became a Movie King, most people looked out for his interests or their own; very few people cared about what he liked.

The feeling of someone caring about whether he liked something or not… was actually quite good.

“Alright.” Thus, Gong Yingxiao picked up the Tabby cat next to him. “Then I’ll take this one.”

In the man’s arms, the Tabby cat affectionately rubbed its head against Gong Yingxiao’s hand. Receiving a response from the man, Tang Jingran’s gaze followed the movement of the stroking hand up and down.

Gong Yingxiao’s fingers were slender and powerful, with a fair skin tone.

Watching that hand, a strange sensation arose in Tang Jingran’s heart; he wondered what it would feel like to be stroked by that palm.

It should be very comfortable, right? After all, the Tabby cat in his arms was already purring.

Having waited a while without a response, Gong Yingxiao looked up and saw Tang Jingran’s gaze moving along with his stroking motions.

Gong Yingxiao let out a chuckle: “Jingran?”

Gong Yingxiao’s voice was deep and magnetic. When he said something with a smile, it felt like a feather lightly brushing across the heart—not itchy, yet impossible to ignore.

It wasn’t the first time Tang Jingran had been called by his name, but this time, the feeling was completely different from when others called him.

It was like peach-flavored iced soda with ice cubes added; his heart sizzled and rippled.

Tang Jingran awkwardly looked away and rubbed his earlobe.

“Okay, then I want this cat.”

【Holy crap, holy crap! Did Daddy just smile again!!】

【You didn’t see it wrong, sisters, he IS smiling!】

【Although I’ve seen Daddy smile before, he’s never smiled this happily.】

【Young Master hasn’t smiled like this in a long time.】

【Ah, holy crap, hahaha, this is the flavor.】

【The person opposite him is called Teacher Tang Jingran, right? I feel like he’s the most outstanding-looking one among them (Of course, in my heart, Hubby is the handsomest!)】

【I noticed it too, sisters! I feel like his features are so exquisite. Although saying ‘beautiful’ feels a bit inappropriate, I really can’t think of any other word. Of course, the teacher doesn’t look feminine at all!】

【Yes, yes, that’s what I mean. If I had to summarize it in one phrase, it would be ‘cold and handsome without being gaudy.’】

【That’s the feeling.】

【Also, Movie King, don’t you think you’re smiling too much?】

【Hmm, speak up.】

【Hahaha】

The production team had prepared a large house for this session, filled with cat trees, catnip balls, teaser wands, and other toys. The freeze-dried treats were hidden under or beside these items.

Tang Jingran and Gong Yingxiao first locked their targets on the cat tree, searching it separately.

The Siamese cat following Tang Jingran was sitting quietly in place with its round eyes wide open.

It looked like a piece of fragrant and soft brown chocolate.

Tang Jingran “meowed” at the cat a few times.

It was a greeting and an invitation to come over.

Hearing the sound, the Siamese cat looked at Tang Jingran, seemingly curious why this human could speak “cat language.”

Immediately after, it raised its tail and walked toward Tang Jingran, responding in kind.

“Meow-wu.”

Tang Jingran responded again: “Meow meow.”

The Siamese cat seemed very happy, constantly calling out to Tang Jingran upon hearing his voice.

While communicating with the cat, Tang Jingran found a treat and pointed it out to the Siamese.

After the Siamese cat finished the treat, the number on the sensor on its back changed from “zero” to “one.”

Having eaten the treat, the Siamese cat happily rubbed its head against Tang Jingran’s trouser leg repeatedly, “meowing” at him.

Seeing it act like this, Tang Jingran couldn’t help but pick up the Siamese cat and nuzzle its cheek against his own.

The cameraman had long since noticed the smooth communication between Tang Jingran and the cat, so the image of Tang Jingran smiling and nuzzling the cat’s face was broadcast in real-time.

Tang Jingran’s facial features were well-defined, and the corners of his eyes were slightly long, which made him look somewhat sharp when he looked at people without any expression.

But now, those slightly long eyes were curved in a smile, his gaze full of joy, like a wash-ink painting that had come to life.

【First of all, I swear, I love Daddy! But for this second, let me lick this beauty first.】

【Kisses, kisses, kisses!】

【Holy crap, does this really exist in reality?】

【I didn’t have high expectations for this variety show at first; I only got interested when I saw Daddy was coming.】

【But now, I am interested!】

【Totally at the ‘Mommy’ level!】

【In one minute, I want to know all of Teacher Tang’s information.】

【Replying to the person above, I want it too!】

【Suddenly realized Daddy is eating so well.】

【Replying to the person above, that’s the truth.】

Gong Yingxiao, who had also successfully let his cat eat a treat, looked up and saw this smile. Thinking about how this smile had never been shown in front of him but was now seen by others, he felt inexplicably jealous.

But the Movie King was the type of person who dealt with any dissatisfaction on the spot, never letting himself feel wronged.

The netizens, who were still immersed in admiring the beauty on screen, could only see a tall back in the next moment.

The person behind him was covered so tightly that not even a strand of hair could be seen.

【Daddy, this is where you’re wrong.】

【A person as smart as you couldn’t possibly know what we want to see.】

【Tsk tsk tsk, men.】

【We didn’t do anything, can’t we even lick the beauty?】

【Hmm, speak up, Daddy.】

【Look into my eyes!】

【Beauty is the spiritual food for us laboring oxen, Movie King, move aside quickly.】

Tang Jingran was smiling and playing with the cat when a shadow fell in front of him. He looked up to see Gong Yingxiao standing before him.

“What’s wrong?” Tang Jingran tucked away his smile, looking at him in confusion.

Seeing the smile retract, Gong Yingxiao felt a bit bitter, but he didn’t show it on his face.

“Nothing,” he said, reaching his hand toward the top of Tang Jingran’s head.

Under Tang Jingran’s puzzled gaze, he spoke, “There’s something in your hair.”

As he withdrew his hand, he inadvertently brushed against Tang Jingran’s cheek.

Tang Jingran only felt a coolness on his cheek, followed by seeing what Gong Yingxiao held up—the item he had “taken” from his head.

Tang Jingran looked at the serious man in front of him and the empty air in his hand, but seeing his firm expression, Tang Jingran began to doubt if there was something wrong with his own eyesight.

Is there… something there?

“A cat hair.”

Tang Jingran: “…”

“You have very good eyesight.”

“Thank you.” A certain someone shamelessly accepted the compliment and then walked away contentedly.

By the time Gong Yingxiao left, the smile on Tang Jingran’s face had long since vanished.

【What’s the deal, Daddy?】

【What’s the deal, Daddy?】

【What’s the deal, Daddy?】

【Tsk tsk tsk.】

【Tsk tsk tsk.】

【Tsk tsk tsk.】

The screen was filled with the same wooden expression Tang Jingran had.

Tang Jingran didn’t take this small interlude to heart and continued to guide the Siamese cat to eat treats.

Just as Tang Jingran was guiding the Siamese to eat a newly found treat, he bumped into someone behind him.

Tang Jingran said, “I’m sorry.”

Turning around, he found it was Tao Shuiyuan. Given this person’s previous actions, Tang Jingran didn’t intend to stay long; after speaking, he prepared to leave.

However, he was blocked by the other party.

“Teacher Tang,” Tao Shuiyuan looked hurt, “Do you hate me?”

Tang Jingran said with a fake smile, “I don’t.”

“Then why does Teacher Tang leave as soon as I arrive?” Tao Shuiyuan continued to press.

Tao Shuiyuan’s question could be described as very difficult. Anyone with a clear eye could tell the other person was just being polite, and a sensible person should give the other a way out.

He was clearly trying to embarrass the other person on purpose.

Tang Jingran was actually quite curious why some people felt the need to make a scene to assert their presence. He didn’t understand before, but now he does.

Because some people are just petty.

“Teacher Tao, you’ve misunderstood.”

Tang Jingran was several centimeters taller than Tao Shuiyuan, giving him a height advantage. He looked down at him with drooping eyelids; it was clearly a somewhat disdainful expression, yet Tang Jingran made it look like an innocent, puzzled expression meant to explain his confusion.

“I didn’t even know until you said it. Before you came, I hadn’t noticed, but thanks to you, I’ve discovered the air here smells a bit foul.”

“Really, thank you. So, you should leave this place too, Teacher Tao.”

Having said that, Tang Jingran didn’t bother with Tao Shuiyuan’s expression and turned to leave.

Tao Shuiyuan’s face turned ugly as he stared at Tang Jingran’s departing back, slowly clenching his fists.

Tang Jingran, you just wait.

【Hmm, it’s not just me, right? Does this Teacher Tao have some grudge with Teacher Tang?】

【I noticed it too. But it feels like Teacher Tao is one-sidedly targeting Teacher Tang? (Only represents personal opinion)】

【I came here to watch a variety show and entertain myself; these antics are a bit of a turn-off.】

【I’ve watched dramas Teacher Tao acted in before; he wasn’t like this? Did something happen in the middle? Why such a big change?】

“Ding!”

“OK, time’s up. Next, we will announce the rankings for this round.” Zhang Song continued: “Alright, first, let’s announce the winner of the first place.”

“First place goes to… our Teachers Jing Xianmeng and Jiang Nannan!”

“Congratulations, congratulations! It’s our two female teachers!”

The camera turned to the two female teachers.

“Thank you, everyone, thank you, everyone.” Jing Xianmeng and Jiang Nannan greeted the camera.

【Congratulations, congratulations!】

【Wow wow wow! It’s actually our female teachers, love it, love it!】

【The female teachers are awesome!】

【Kisses for the sisters!】

【Ahhh, cheering for the sisters!】

“Alright, next, we announce the second place.”

“Second place goes to… our Teachers Tang Jingran and Gong Yingxiao!”

“Congratulations to them.”

【Tsk tsk tsk, Hubby, I don’t even want to talk about you.】

【Tsk tsk tsk, men.】

【But for Teacher Tang’s sake, I’ll forgive you. (Don’t let there be a next time!)】

【Congratulations to Teacher Tang!】

“Alright, next is our third place.”

“After this ranking is announced, we’ll know which team needs to be punished.”

“Alright, without further ado.”

“Third place goes to… our Teachers Xu Sheng and Tao Shuiyuan!”

【Congratulations, Gege doesn’t have to be punished!】

【Congratulations, but you shouldn’t do things that make people dislike you anymore, Teacher Tao.】

【Agreed, but still, congratulations.】

【Teacher Xu Sheng is also great, support!】

“The last group is obvious to everyone. Well, unfortunately, Teacher Ying Chen and Teacher Bai Wensheng have to accept the punishment.”

Ying Chen looked over toward Tang Jingran’s side; Gong Yingxiao was lowering his head to talk to him.

Ying Chen looked down, hiding the emotions in his eyes.

【Haha, I’m actually a bit curious to see what Teacher Ying Chen looks like doing a punishment.】

【Haha, plus one. Although the teachers came in last, everyone loves them.】

【Looking forward to seeing Teacher Bai Wensheng do the punishment.】

【Keep working hard next time!】

“Alright, first, let’s present the prizes to our champions.”

“The champions’ prize is two oversized cat plushies!”

Jing Xianmeng and Jiang Nannan happily hugged the plushies.

“Thank you, everyone. We really like the gifts.”

【You’re welcome, the teachers earned it!】

【However, the gifts are actually plushies.】

【If a male teacher had taken them…】

【Haha, yeah, I can picture it.】

“Now, it’s time for our punishment.”

“The two teachers will bend over, hold their heads, and spin in place twenty times.”

【Gosh, intense!】

【I’ve tried it; ten spins is already hard, crying.】

【Haha, teachers, good luck.】

Ying Chen and Bai Wensheng didn’t make a fuss. As soon as it was said, they bent over, held their heads, and started spinning.

The two spun until they couldn’t tell north from south, seeing stars. The people nearby quickly rushed to support them.

【Holy cow, they really spun twenty times.】

【Too honest, haha.】

【Thank you for your hard work, teachers!】

“Alright, thank you all for your love for our Cat Cafe variety show.”

“Now it’s time to say goodbye again. Please continue to follow our program. See you at the same time tomorrow~.”

“Bye-bye~”

【Ahhh, it ended so quickly!】

【This is the first time I wished for a longer broadcast.】

【Can the time be extended a little?】

【Yeah, yeah, I can’t get enough.】

【Alright, see you tomorrow then!】

【Reluctant to leave.】

【Bye-bye~】

【Bye-bye~】

The cameras turned off.

“Thank you for your hard work, teachers. For the remaining time, please feel free to make your own arrangements.” After Zhang Song finished speaking, he called away Gong Yingxiao and his manager, Jiang Guo.

Tang Jingran had broken a slight sweat and planned to go upstairs to shower.

He hadn’t walked more than a few steps before being blocked by Tao Shuiyuan.

“Teacher Tang, wait a moment,” Tao Shuiyuan looked at Tang Jingran with an apologetic face, “I have something to say to you.”

Since the people around hadn’t all left, Tao Shuiyuan raised his voice a bit.

“It won’t take up too much of your time.”

The people nearby were attracted by the sound and cast their gazes toward the two.

“Is that okay, Teacher Tang?” Tao Shuiyuan looked at Tang Jingran with a hurt expression.

Tang Jingran stared at him without any expression for a few seconds. Tao Shuiyuan felt a chill down his spine and, for a moment, didn’t dare look him in the eye.

Immediately after, Tang Jingran curled the corners of his mouth, “Sure, come on.”

Having said that, he walked outside. Tao Shuiyuan looked at his back with cold eyes and then followed.