Chapter 73 - Everyone Loves a Big Celebrity
Translated by Eve
Edited by Kara
4. Everyone Loves a Big Celebrity
After that day, Xie He did not purposely approach Jian Zihan. He only earnestly threw himself into filming the new movie. This movie touched upon the topic of homosexuality, and that was precisely the reason for which Xie He had chosen it.
This was because the movie’s story really touched Si Minghui.
The movie was about a university student who was at the end of his rope. He was forced into becoming a MB before being kept. There were many twists and turns in his life, and he experienced many tribulations. The protagonist fell in love with his patron, but his patron had a family. Therefore, it was a story destined to end in tragedy…. After breaking up, the protagonist lived a depraved lifestyle for a while. He then died of AIDS. Although his patron was devastated, life still had to go on. The protagonist was nothing but one episode of his life. It was a realistic tragedy.
Although Si Minghui’s experiences were not entirely the same as those of the protagonist, they both had helplessly fallen in love with their patrons who kept them, falling into a pit of despair.
Xie He thought that by accepting this film, he could express the love Si Minghui had for Yi Ze without OOC-ing.
Today, Xie He had just finished filming a scene in the rain. Because there had been quite a few NGs, he ended up thoroughly soaked. As soon as the scene had ended, he sneezed. When night fell, he ended up developing a fever.
He didn’t urgently call for someone to go buy him medicine. He waited until 444 alerted him that Jian Zihan had returned to the hotel before walking out, dizzy.
Jian Zihan had just returned to the hotel when he saw Xie He walking down the corridor. Xie He’s face was flushed, and his steps were weak and unsteady. It was like he hadn’t even noticed that he was walking towards Jian Zihan. Jian Zihan’s eyebrows furrowed slightly. It looked like the other had broken out into a fever…He had also watched the filming during the day. Si Minghui had really gotten drenched. It was also getting cold out, so it was rather expected that he had ended up sick.
He couldn’t feel rest assured, letting Xie He leave like this on his own. He thought over it for a bit before chasing after him and asking, “Where are you going?”
Xie He turned to look at him, slowly flashing him a weak smile. “It’s you, ah…I’m going to buy some medicine.”
Jian Zihan looked at his face that was thoroughly red from the fever and reached out to touch his scorching forehead. He said, helplessly, “Why don’t you ask your assistant to help you buy it? Your fever is already so bad.”
Xie He shook his head, “He worked hard all day today. He also has a date with his girlfriend tonight. It’s just a small fever, nothing major. I can just buy it myself. There’s no need to inconvenience him.”
Jian Zihan stared at Xie He’s face and suddenly felt distressed for him. He didn’t act like a big star at all. He was even this considerate to the little assistant by his side. No wonder everyone who had worked with him before had all praised his character…. It was just that he didn’t quite know how to take care of himself. He said, “You go lie down. I’ll buy the medicine for you.”
Xie He immediately flashed an embarrassed expression and politely said, “How could I let you do that? You’ve worked hard all day.”
Jian Zihan raised a brow. He grabbed hold of Xie He’s wrist and pulled him back into Xie He’s room, pushing him down onto the sofa. “I’m not tired. You need to rest well. It couldn’t be that you want the entire cast and crew to have to accommodate you while you waste time because you fell ill?”
Only then did Xie He stop fighting him. His face seemed to flush even more red, and he said quietly, “Then, I’ll have to trouble you.”
Jian Zihan smiled. “It’s no trouble.”
Jian Zihan rushed out to buy some cold medicine. When he came back, he saw that Xie He had already fallen asleep on the couch.
He ripped the packaging of the medicine open and placed it in his palm. He went to get a cup of water and then helped Xie He up, letting him lean against his own chest. With a soft voice, he said, “Wake up. Eat this, then go back to sleep.”
Xie He opened his eyes in a daze. When he saw that it was Jian Zihan, he showed him an apologetic and grateful expression before obediently swallowing down the medicine.
Jian Zihan took his hand back. His expression was a bit unnatural. When Xie He ate the medicine, his tongue had accidentally licked his palm. It was ticklish…. He looked at the person in his arms. Although their faces were very similar, their auras and personalities were completely different. There was no way to mix them up, even if you only took a glance. Usually, this person looked like he was bursting with life. Now that he had fallen sick, he was revealing his weak side. It actually made one want to love him dearly….He pushed the rim of the cup against Xie He’s mouth and softly said, “Drink a bit of water.”
Xie He drank a few mouthfuls with Jian Zihan’s help. His Adam’s apple bobbed. Coupled with his flushed skin, he was indescribably sexy.
Jian Zihan’s gaze darkened. He carried Xie He back to his bed, helping the other take off his coat and shoes. He then tucked him in and said, “Sleep well. If there’s anything you need, holler for me.”
Xie He looked at him with a complex look in his eyes. Because he was sick, his voice was rather hoarse, “Thank you.”
Jian Zihan touched his forehead and sighed, “There’s no need to be so polite over such a small thing.”
He suddenly recalled that Xie He was a few years younger than he was. Only, because he always appeared mature and steady, it made people overlook his age. At such a young age, he had fought his way to this stage. How many bitter experiences did he have behind him? Moreover, looking at how considerate he was to other people, it was obvious that he was also a sensitive soul…Only, there was no one who cared for him.
Jian Zihan looked at Xie He gently. He then turned around and shut the door.
【Ding, Jian Zihan’s Favourability Value +10. The current Favourability Value is 70.】
Xie He saw Jian Zihan leave and then shut his eyes and slept, satisfied.
【444：Host dada, your fever is a bit high. Do you want to exchange for a really effective fever reducer?】
【Xie He：Give me a dose. Tomorrow’s scene can not be delayed.】
You could only use falling sick once. The more you used it, the less effective it became.
…………………………………………………………………………………………
The next morning, Xie He’s fever broke. He continued to shoot his scenes seriously.
Because of last night’s matter, Jian Zihan paid more attention to Xie He for the entirety of the next day. He was worried that the other hadn’t fully recovered yet. It was just that, from Xie He’s appearance, it seemed that it was no major hindrance to him. He still flashed his professional smile and filmed his scenes earnestly. It was as if his illness yesterday hadn’t even occurred. He didn’t have any intention of complaining that it was hard or that he was tired. In the afternoon, there was a scene where he was to be beaten up by several people. Although it was fake, Xie He was thrown to the ground more than ten times. Despite that, he didn’t make a single word of complaint.
Jian Zihan frowned. This person always made him feel distressed for him….
During the break, Jian Xihan saw Xie He’s assistant’s clumsiness and couldn’t help but walk over. He took the towel from the assistant’s hand and said, “Go get water. I’ll do this.”
The assistant was startled and promptly said, “How could I let you do that? It would inconvenience you greatly.”
Jian Zihan smiled warmly, “I’m free right now anyway. I’m just giving you a hand, that’s all. It’s no problem.”
Xie He looked at Jian Zihan, a complicated look flitting through his eyes. He was silent for a while before telling his assistant, “Go, ba. It’s fine.”
Only then did the assistant leave.
Jian Zihan brought the towel over and wiped at the stains on Xie He’s face. His actions were gentle.
Xie He raised his head slightly, staring at him steadily. It was like he was able to determine something from looking at his face. His black eyes seemed to be clouded with a layer of grief.
Jian Zihan noticed this and smiled teasingly, “Am I that good-looking? Why don’t you just look into a mirror?”
Xie He did not join in on the joke this time. He paused and then said quietly, “I’m not as good-looking as you are. Looking in the mirror isn’t the same.”
Jian Zihan saw the desolation in Xie He’s eyes. His heart felt stuffy, but he purposely used a relaxed tone of voice to say, “If I asked the production team if they agreed with your words, they would not agree. Keep it down. You better not spread the word. Otherwise, I’ll be torn apart by your fans for actually daring to be said to be more handsome than you.”
Although Xie He was sad, he couldn’t help but smile upon hearing this. The sadness on his face dispersed a bit.
Jian Zihan smiled. He didn’t think that Xie He would show him that sad and distressed expression.
At this time, Xie He’s assistant returned. Jian Zihan walked to a place where Xie He could not see him, and his eyes darkened. Why was Xie He sad? He couldn’t help but want to find out why.
After eating dinner, Jian Zihan went to knock on Xie He’s door.
Xie He looked surprised. However, he still invited him in with a polite tone, asking, “Would you like to drink water or tea?”
Jian Zihan said, “Water is fine.”
Xie He poured him a glass of water and smiled. “What can I help you with?”
Jian Zihan met with Xie He’s eyes and asked, “Have you recovered from your cold?”
Xie He looked grateful and said, “I’ve gotten much better. Thank you for your care.”
Jian Zihan clenched his fingers around the glass of water. He knew that he may be acting a bit rude right now, but he was just concerned about Xie He. He wanted to know why he had been upset. He was silent for a few seconds and then said, “Do you have something on your mind? You can talk to me. Perhaps I can help you think of some solutions.”
Xie He’s expression instantly stiffened. Guilt flashed through his eyes. Jian Zihan was such a good person, but he had hidden his identity and approached him with a jealous and despicable heart….
However, Jian Zihan just thought that Xie He was unhappy with him. It seemed that his actions were not quite appropriate. He really admired and liked Xie He, but the friendship between them was not that deep yet. It was not appropriate for him to ask such a thing. He got up and smiled. “I’m sorry. It’s good if there’s nothing wrong. I’ll go back first.”
Just as he was about to leave the room, Xie He suddenly said, “Wait.”
Jian Zihan looked back.
Xie He stared at him, a faint, suppressed pain in his eyes. He clenched his hands tightly and slowly said, “There is indeed something on my mind. If you’re willing to listen to me, I would be very grateful.”
Gentleness and joy emerged within Jian Zihan’s eyes. He walked over and sat beside Xie He. “I’m the one who should thank you for trusting in me.”
Xie He smiled unnaturally. He pursed his lips, seeming to struggle over something. He did his best to speak with a relaxed tone, “Actually…I’m gay.”
Jian Zihan was not at all surprised. He was also gay. He had guessed this fact early on.
Xie He forced out a laugh and continued, “I really like someone. I’ve liked him for so many years, but…he doesn’t like me at all….”
Jian Zihan stared at Xie He, who was forcing himself to smile, his own heart feeling anguished. He gently held onto the other’s hand and softly said, “Does he know that you like him?”
Xie He shook his head.
Jian Zihan gazed into his eyes, voice soothing as he spoke, “You should tell him. How could you know if he likes you or not if you don’t try?”
Xie He’s eyes reddened, “He will never like me.”
He didn’t know why, but Jian Zihan felt a bit unwell. He said, “I still suggest that you give it a try. Don’t decide things before you’ve even begun.”
“Is that so…?” Xie He mumbled, smile a bit gloomy, “Actually, there’s someone he likes. I know that I shouldn’t like him, but I can’t control myself…Actually, it doesn’t matter. I can just continue loving him. It doesn’t matter whether he likes me or not. I shouldn’t hope for much anyway. I feel a lot better after saying it out loud. Thank you.”
Jian Zihan looked at Xie He, suddenly wanting to reach out and caress his face. However, he knew that this action was inappropriate, so he restrained himself.
Actually, when he had heard that Xie He liked someone, he actually felt disappointed and surprised. He thought for a while and then quickly realized why he had felt disappointed. He had developed feelings of goodwill for Xie He.
Xie He was gentle, considerate, modest, and earnest. He was attracted to his every characteristic. He would be a very good partner, and his partner would be very happy. Moreover, he was not unfaithful. Even when faced with the innumerable temptations within the entertainment industry, he was still able to keep himself clean. Jian Zihan took all this in since the first time they had met. He could see Xie He’s innate character from his every action.
Jian Zihan wanted a relationship in which he and his beloved would always be considerate, caring, and faithful to each other. Xie He was practically his ideal lover. How could he not be moved? He even thought that perhaps he’d come back to this country just for the sake of meeting him: the perfect lover in his eyes.
Unfortunately, Xie He already loved someone else. He could only give up for now.
【Ding, Jian Zihan’s Favourability Value +10. The current Favourability Value is 80.】
In the end, Jian Zihan only patted Xie He’s shoulder lightly and said with a warm voice, “Don’t say that about yourself. You have to believe in the fact that you’re really outstanding. So many people like you. I also really like you. Therefore, you should do your best in chasing after your love. You shouldn’t be in such a hurry to fall into despair before the ending has even been decided, OK?”
Xie He looked at Jian Zihan. He was such a kind and gentle person. It was no wonder why Yi Ze liked him. Meanwhile, he had hidden his identity and approached him with hidden intentions. He parted his lips, seeming to want to say something. In the end, he didn’t say a thing.
Jian Zihan stood up and gave him a profound look, “Rest well. If there’s anything you need but don’t want to ask your assistant, you can ask me. I won’t be annoyed.”
Xie He nodded, stupefied, and then watched him leave.
…………………………………………………………………………
From that day on, Jian Zihan treated Xie He even better. However, he never crossed the line. His morals prevented him from abusing Xie He’s trust in him by pursuing him. He could see that Xie He really loved that person, so he couldn’t bear to step in between them. He only treated Xie He as a good friend.
Only…if Xie He were to fail, then he planned to pursue him then.
It was rare to meet someone who not only suited your tastes but also was someone who you wanted to be with in this life. How could he give up so easily?
【444：Host dada….】
【Xie He：What’s wrong, Baby?】
【444：……】He didn’t know what to say. _(:зゝ∠)_
【Xie He：Has Yi Ze been active as of late? He should have already been notified of Jian Zihan’s return.】
【444：Yes, but he hasn’t made any moves yet.】
【Xie He：This is the work of the ego of a great big man. Although he really likes him, because he failed in his pursuit of the other and was then separated from the other for many years, he is now too embarrassed to get off his high horse to pester him. After all, President Yi was a pretentious prick. Anyway, it’s fine. If they keep waiting, Yi Ze will sooner or later end up unable to continue enduring.】
【444：Oh…speaking of which…you and Jian Zihan have been getting along really well recently….】
【Xie He：We’re good friends. Smile.JPG】
【444：Are you planning to max out his Favourability Value? _(:зゝ∠)_】
【Xie He：Have I OOC-ed?】
【444：No….】
【Xie He：Then isn’t everything fine? :)】
A month later, the filming reached halfway completion.
Jian Zihan received a call from an unknown number today. After quite a while, he picked it up. As soon as he heard the other’s voice, displeasure appeared in his eyes, and his tone became cold, “President Yi.”
Yi Ze had hesitated for a very long time before making this call. As soon as he heard Jian Zihan call him “President Yi” so coldly, he felt depressed. Not only had the person he liked directly left the country for the sake of avoiding him, he hadn’t even told him that he was coming back. Right now, he wouldn’t even call him shixiong. He called him President Yi as if they were strangers!
He didn’t understand why Jian Zihan didn’t like him. However, he didn’t have the heart to get angry at him. He did his best to make his voice sound natural, “You’re back in the country.”
Jian Zihan said indifferently, “Yes. What do you need?”
Yi Ze said, “Nothing much. A former fellow student has come back. I just wanted to treat you to a meal.”
Jian Zihan laughed, “Sure. Can I bring my boyfriend?”
Yi Ze’s voice finally became cold, “Boyfriend?”
Xie He’s face flashed through Jian Zihan’s mind. Although he actually wasn’t…it didn’t seem like a bad idea to get him to play the part? He said, “Yes. After so many years, it’s not odd that I have a boyfriend.”
Yi Ze gnashed his teeth. He wanted to smash his phone onto the ground! He was afraid that he wouldn’t be able to control his fury and would say something inappropriate, so he hung up the phone.
Jian Zihan heard the disconnect tone and sneered.
A bad temper and an unfaithful heart—the person who would fall in love with him must have really owed him a lot of money in their previous lives! Even if Yi Ze was even better-looking or even richer than before, he had no interest in putting himself through such suffering. Xie He was still much better suited for him. When Jian Zihan thought of Xie He, a soft smile appeared in his eyes.
After so many busy days, it would be pretty nice to go out for a stroll with Xie He? He suddenly felt like eating some local food, ne.
After hanging up on Jian Zihan, Yi Ze’s eyes darkened into black spheres.
Jian Zihan had a boyfriend? Who was his boyfriend?! Yi Ze couldn’t help but grit his teeth, wanting to kill that person…Jian Zihan’s face incessantly flickered in his mind. It couldn’t be that he still wasn’t satisfied with how much he’d lowered himself? Jian Zihan actually still avoided him as if he was an extremely dangerous beast!
Yi Ze was extremely vexed. He thought and thought and finally ended up thinking about Xie He. Now that he thought about it, it had been a long time since he’d last seen him. Now, he couldn’t get him out of his head.
He called Xie He. It rang for a bit before going through very quickly.
From the other side came Xie He’s deferential voice, “Yi ge.”
Yi Ze didn’t have any patience when dealing with Xie He. He ordered with a frosty voice, “Come over.”
He didn’t ask Xie He if it was a convenient time or not and just hung up.
Xie He pinched the phone in his hands, the corner of his lips raising. He had just heard the conversation between Yi Ze and Jian Zihan through 444. Yi Ze had only thought of him after suffering in defeat against Jian Zihan, ah. Men were contemptible.
As a very qualified kiss-up, fallback guy, Xie He prepared to leave.
Only, as soon as he left, he bumped into Jian Zihan, who had come to look for him. Jian Zihan was a bit surprised. He asked, “You’re going out?”
Xie He looked away and said, “Yes. Something came up.”
Jian Zihan felt that it was really a pity and asked, “’When will you come back? I wanted to ask you out to have a meal together.”
Xie He looked down as if he didn’t dare to meet with Jian Zihan’s eyes, tone unnatural, “I don’t think I’ll be coming back tonight.”
Jian Zihan noticed this. Inwardly, he thought, He couldn’t possibly be going to see the object of his unrequited love? Jian Zihan felt his heart ache a bit. He was still a bit jealous. Only, he endured it and said gently, “Then, so be it. I’ll take a rain check. If you have something to do, then go. Don’t tarry.”
Xie He looked at him silently. He didn’t say anything else and just left.
…………………………………………………………………………
It was a bit of a far distance from the filming location to Yi Ze’s villa. Xie He drove for an hour and a half before finally arriving. He entered, disregarding his weariness from his constant work and lack of rest.
Yi Ze was a bit impatient, having been made to wait. He cast him a glacial look, “Why did you take so long?”
Xie He explained at once, “The filming location is a bit far. I was also stuck in traffic….”
“Come here.” Yi Ze had no interest in listening to the rest of his explanation. He pinched Xie He’s chin and looked at his face. Recently, this face had constantly been on his mind, extremely lively, flickering with all sorts of emotions.
He had actually missed Xie He. It must be because Jian Zihan had come back…. Yi Ze narrowed his eyes slightly, fingers lightly tracing the contours of Xie He’s face. His movements were gentle for once.
If only Jian Zihan was this obedient, how good would it be….?
Xie He felt Yi Ze’s gentle actions and felt overwhelmed with favour, “Yi ge….”
Yi Ze lowered his head, giving him a plundering kiss. With a low voice, he said, “Call me Shixiong.”
Xie He was shocked. The happiness in his eyes disappeared in an instant. All that was left was a layer of grey. For a long time, he didn’t make a sound.
Yi Ze’s voice carried a hint of threat. His sharp eyes landed on his face, “Did you not hear me?”
Xie He’s expression stiffened. Very quickly…he lowered his eyes, eyelashes trembling, and obediently spoke. There was an imperceptible, restrained shake in his voice, “Shixiong….”
Only then was Yi Ze satisfied. He pressed him onto the bed.
Xie He looked up at the ceiling, numb. From his mouth came a series of quiet, sad gasps….
There is nothing that I cannot do so long as you want it.
Eve: Oh, my poor boy….