The Entire Entertainment Industry Knows the Best Actor Has a Crush on Me - Chapter 18

The person in his arms was trembling incessantly, eyes pooling with mist, as if he had been frozen in time. Pei Yuan gently brushed over those unfocused eyes, wiping away the few tears that had gathered there.

“Zhiyu, what’s wrong?”

The person in his arms remained unresponsive, as if he couldn’t hear.

Pei Yuan didn’t understand why a simple trip and fall would cause such a reaction had he hit his head and scrambled his brain? He pulled Qiao Zhiyu closer, rhythmically massaging the shoulder that had hit the ground.

“Where does it hurt? Should I take you to the hospital?”

He spoke softly to the dazed man, never stopping even when he received no reply. Qiao Zhiyu was immersed in his own thoughts, his stomach churning with waves of discomfort. He felt disgusted.

The memories of his past life were nauseating.

“I’ve messed everything up…”

Good, he can still speak. His brain isn’t broken. Pei Yuan breathed a sigh of relief. Thinking Qiao Zhiyu was referring to the dance, he said softly:

“No, you haven’t. I thought you danced beautifully.”

The trembling body in his arms stiffened, then slowly lifted its head.

“But I’m already old…”

Pei Yuan pressed his hand against Qiao Zhiyu’s forehead, concerned. “Did you really hit your head? You’re only 23. If that’s ‘old,’ I might as well be in the grave already.”

“You danced well. You’re just too nervous.”

“Did the suggestion put too much pressure on you? It was inconsiderate of me to put it all on your shoulders.”

“Zhiyu, don’t be afraid. You’re a wonderful dancer.”

Qiao Zhiyu’s eyes flickered, his gaze finally clearing.

Don’t be afraid… In his past life, Pei Yuan had said something similar to him.

[Zhiyu, don’t be afraid, don’t cry.]

In his previous life, even after the most decisive of breakups, the failure of a fourteen-year relationship had sent him into an uncontrollable spiral of self-consumption. That relationship had made him suffer; every time he looked back, it felt vile.

Sordid photos had replayed on a loop in his mind. All kinds of them… one had even been taken on the sofa in their home. Qiao Zhiyu had even recognized a corner of a pillow in the background one he had bought himself.

It was sickening… he felt like something was crawling over every inch of his body.

If it hadn’t been for meeting Pei Yuan, he might have died long ago.

Feeling a bit low, he pulled himself out of the other man’s embrace, changing the subject. “Where’s the director? Did he leave in a huff?”

“No, I told him to go rest first. We have to show some care for the elderly.”

Pei Yuan stood up and reached out to pull him up.

“There’s still an hour left. Do you want to try again, or go back and rest?”

Qiao Zhiyu knew that the only reason Pei Yuan had made the suggestion was because he had sensed what was on Qiao’s mind. He took a deep breath, intending to try one more time.

Night fell. Qiao Zhiyu, now fully made up, stood before the camera. Pei Yuan stood beside him; though his face was expressionless, he provided a mysterious sense of security.

With the command, the filming officially began.

[Scenario: The room was brightly lit, the candlelight flickering and casting warm yellow shadows over the man.

A box of untouched pastries sat on the table.

Ji Yuli propped his head on one hand while his other hand casually tapped his knee, looking as if he were asleep. The shadow behind the screen moved out, and the sound of footsteps made him open his eyes.

“You look very beautiful.”

Chu Mingxin curled his lip, his tone full of undisguised disdain.

“Now he knows to care about me, his daughter? Where was he before? And you, why did you suggest to that old geezer that I participate in the palace banquet tonight?”

“Those concubines and ministers have more schemes than a nest of vipers.”

Ji Yuli pushed the pastries closer. “The Princess’s temper is truly growing bolder.”

Chu Mingxin blinked, then lifted his hem and stepped forward, wrapping his arms around the man. “Lord Nine Thousand Years dotes on me; surely you won’t get angry with me, right?” He popped a pastry into his mouth, his cheeks puffing out. “The pastries you bring are always the best.”

Ji Yuli let out an imperceptible curve of his lips, his voice flat. “Someone had to mention it. Even if I hadn’t spoken, the Emperor would have required the Princess to attend the banquet.”

“However, the Fifth Prince was played for a fool by the Princess, and his study companion is now in confinement because of it. I fear the banquet won’t be very peaceful. You must be prepared to adapt.”

After Chu Mingxin and the Prince had fallen into the water, the news had quickly reached the Emperor and the noble ladies. Originally, the Fifth Prince was bullying him, but from Chu Mingxin’s mouth, it became: ‘The Fifth Prince jumped into the water to save me.’ All the blame was pushed onto the followers.

Ji Yuli had chimed in with words like ‘benevolence’ and ‘justice,’ successfully turning Chu Mingjue from a villain into a hero, leaving the Prince with no way to retaliate.

Chu Mingjue’s face had nearly turned green with rage, but he had missed his chance and had to accept the praise. The Emperor had recognized Chu Mingxin and remembered his ‘daughter,’ which led to the current situation.

“I know, I know,” Chu Mingxin replied casually, picking up a pastry and holding it to Ji Yuli’s lips. “Eat, Lord Nine Thousand Years.”

Ji Yuli shook his head and took a light sip of tea. “Too sweet. The Seventh Princess had to call the imperial physician for a toothache recently. You should eat less as well.”

“Oh…”]

“Cut! This scene is a wrap—” The director beckoned Qiao Zhiyu over.

“The set is all arranged. Are you sure you can do this? I’ll tell you the hard truth upfront: although I think it’s a waste to cut it, the crew can’t wait for just one person. If it doesn’t work, this segment will still be deleted.”

Qiao Zhiyu nodded, confirming the director’s words.

He was betting big. And his attempt at noon had been successful. He knew this decision might be a bit selfish, but he wanted to try.

What if?

After receiving an affirmative answer, the director hurried away. They had to rush to the next location immediately. On the way, Qiao Zhiyu’s palms were still cold with nerves. He hadn’t had time for a full dress rehearsal, and he didn’t have many chances to make a mistake.

Pei Yuan comforted him from the side: “Don’t be afraid. Just express the thoughts in your head. You’ll dance well, just like you did at noon.”

“Mm… I definitely will.”

The location was now brightly lit, and the previously empty pool was filled with water. Seven palm-sized drums were arranged in a pattern, interspersed with festive lanterns. Qiao Zhiyu asked the stagehands to adjust the drum positions slightly. He had to ensure he could step on the center of each drum so it wouldn’t flip.

Pei Yuan passed by him, whispering: “Don’t be nervous. Let’s get the opening of the scene right.”

Qiao Zhiyu tried to force a calm smile and took his position.

Don’t drag them down, Qiao Zhiyu…