Did the Movie Emperor Blow His Cover Today? - Chapter 33

Chapter 33

Miao Miao followed Zhou Xun to Tao Hui’s underground garage. Clutching her phone, she slipped away from Zhou Xun, quietly put on her headphones, and opened a video.

The video, uploaded by a fan, featured a montage of Tao Hui and Han Buji in various outfits, set to background music. It even included footage from their red carpet appearances at the previous night’s Weibo Night event.

Han Buji strode down the red carpet in a sharp suit, his steps gentlemanly and confident. The scene then cut to Tao Hui, her black backless gown shimmering as she turned her head, her lips curving into a radiant smile. She touched her fingertips to her lips and blew a flirtatious kiss into the air. The video then transitioned to a clip of Han Buji lowering his gaze, a faint smile playing on his lips.

The edit made it seem as if the two were lovers, exchanging kisses across the distance.

Miao Miao pressed a hand to her chest, cautiously glancing at Zhou Xun beside her. Seizing the moment when he wasn’t looking, she quickly typed a comment: “Aaaaaah they’re so perfect! I’m dying!” Her comment was soon buried beneath a flood of similar “Aaaaaah” messages.

The video, titled “[No Way CP],” had over 1.3 million views. The comment section was swarming with people who referred to themselves as “No Way Girls.”

The UP Master, also a “No Way Girl,” tearfully confessed that stanning this CP was both painful and blissful. She lamented that Tao Hui and Han Buji hadn’t made eye contact on the red carpet, a missed opportunity she sought to remedy by creating this fan-made video.

The UP Master was also highly emotionally intelligent. Her words were both poignant and realistic, leaving the Han Meimeis with no valid reason to attack her.

Which celebrity doesn’t have CP fans? Whether the fans like it or not, CP fans are an inevitable phenomenon.

The Han Meimeis didn’t dislike Tao Hui. After all, Rabbit had even made a fake phone call to maintain Han Buji’s “good-natured” image. Moreover, Tao Hui’s face was truly flawless. Many Han Meimeis who watched the fan-made compilation videos had secretly started shipping the CP themselves.

Miao Miao had watched the video countless times, but she had no one to gossip with, no one to squeal with, no one to “ahhh” with.

As Tao Hui’s assistant, Miao Miao knew all too well how fiercely her boss avoided the Best Actor. The harsh reality kept her teetering on the edge of becoming a “No Way Girl,” but she never quite crossed the line.

A flash of headlights caught Miao Miao’s eye. She spotted Gao Meng standing in the underground parking garage, waiting for Han Buji.

Eager to try her luck, Miao Miao approached with her phone in hand. But then she saw Gao Meng suddenly clutch her chest, trembling as she fumbled in her bag for a bottle of heart medicine. She poured out two small pink pills and popped them into her mouth.

*Heart medicine is pink? How cute!*

Miao Miao scratched her head and greeted Gao Meng, “Sister Mengmeng, are you… are you okay?”

Gao Meng turned around, her eyes shining brightly, the strawberry candy in her mouth crunching loudly as she chewed. “Miao Miao, I have to show you this video!”

Miao Miao watched in disbelief as Han Buji’s senior assistant held up her phone, playing the very *No Way CP* fan-made video she had just watched countless times.

*A kindred spirit! I’ve found a kindred spirit!*

Miao Miao and Gao Meng stared at the screen, their eyes glued to the scene where Tao Hui blew a kiss and Han Buji lowered his gaze with a faint smile. Both girls simultaneously covered their mouths, their eyes widening as they exchanged glances, each seeing in the other’s eyes the “Ahhh!” of shared excitement and the unspoken question: *You’re a No Way Girl too?*

Miao Miao grabbed Gao Meng’s arm, struggling to contain her excitement. “Sister Mengmeng, are you a No Way Girl?” she whispered.

Gao Meng glanced around. Zhou Xun and Wu Yue were the only ones nearby, clapping each other on the shoulder and exchanging insincere compliments. She smiled mysteriously. “Yes.”

“It’s so hard,” Miao Miao sighed, shaking her head. “Shipping No Way CP is just too difficult. My Sister Huihui… well, she might have a *slight* thing for Best Actor, but I can’t quite put my finger on it. I just feel like even maintaining a friendship is tough for them. Their friendship is so fragile—even living across the hall might not help. Ah, I’m not planning to invest in the No Way Girls anymore…”

Just as they were speaking, the elevator chimed. Han Buji, wearing sunglasses and a white down jacket with a fur collar, strode out with youthful energy, followed closely by Tao Hui, who wore a white down jacket and a mask.

Both dressed in white down jackets, the tall and short figures exuded a strong “couple vibe.”

Miao Miao, who had just declared she wouldn’t invest in “No Way Girls,” clutched her chest in renewed excitement.

Ever since learning yesterday that Han Buji had approached her because of her gaming skills, Tao Hui had been walking around with her tail practically wagging.

And when she thought about it, she had even become Han Buji’s “Teacher Tao”—what a badass feeling!

She bounced along behind Han Buji, greeting the others cheerfully, then tugged at his sleeve. “Han Buji, want a candy?”

Han Buji’s large sunglasses obscured half his face, making his expression unreadable, but it was clear his mood wasn’t as buoyant as Tao Hui’s. He waved politely and headed toward his nanny car.

“Really? Not even one? It’s dried tangerine peel candy—made with real tangerine peel! It’s good for your skin, nourishes your spleen and stomach, and even benefits your kidneys!” Tao Hui pulled out a candy and enthusiastically promoted its benefits.

The final phrase, “It even nourishes your kidneys!” successfully stopped Han Buji in his tracks. He turned, lowered his sunglasses, and squinted at her.

To be honest, Han Buji was genuinely handsome. He looked good in anything—suits, casual wear, even this down jacket with a fluffy collar. He resembled a clean, giant polar bear.

Tao Hui, still unaware of her blunder, beamed as Han Buji stopped and turned. She eagerly extended her hand, a handful of candies resting on her pale palm. “See? You’re just too proud to ask the first time! I had to tempt you again. Come on, take a few.”

“…?” Han Buji scoffed in amusement.

*This girl is trying to tempt me with “kidney-nourishing” candy?*

*Where did she get the idea I need kidney supplements?*

Since last night, Han Buji had been driven to the brink of exasperation by Tao Hui’s carefree attitude. She hadn’t asked him the one question he’d been waiting for, yet she wore an inexplicable air of cheerfulness, chattering away enthusiastically.

Han Buji shook his head in resignation. “Just give them here.”

Tao Hui nodded contentedly and skipped over to him. She pulled open the large pocket of his down jacket and dumped the entire handful of candies inside. “Here, all for you! Make sure you nourish yourself properly.”

*Pfft.* Wu Yue suspiciously covered his mouth, his face flushed crimson.

Han Buji glanced sideways at Wu Yue, who was struggling to suppress his laughter, and gritted his teeth. “Fine.”

After giving the candy, Tao Hui didn’t get the reaction she wanted. She cheekily hinted, “Hey, aren’t you the same person as Little Fanboy? What did Little Fanboy call me again?”

Seeing Tao Hui’s eyes shining brighter than usual with amusement, Han Buji chuckled and played along. “Thank you for the candy, Teacher Tao.”

He watched as Tao Hui’s smile widened even more.

“You’re welcome, you’re welcome,” Tao Hui nodded, her mood buoyant as she turned to return to Zhou Xun’s car. She took one step before Han Buji tugged her back by her hat.

“Teacher Tao, you gave me all the candy. Aren’t you going to have any?” Han Buji asked, his head lowered as he whispered near her ear.

Tao Hui considered for a moment. “Then give me two back.”

Han Buji reached into his pocket, pulled out two candies, and slipped them into Tao Hui’s pocket.

The two white-clad figures remained oblivious to the intense romantic chemistry radiating from their interaction—especially the intimate exchange of candies between their pockets and Han Buji tugging Tao Hui’s hat to whisper in her ear, their closeness palpable.

Nearby, Miao Miao snatched the heart-saving pills from Gao Meng’s hand, shook out two candies, popped them into her mouth, and murmured, “Starting today, I’m officially a ‘No Way Girl’ too! Our ‘No Way CP’ is too! sweet!”

Tao Hui rubbed her earlobe, feeling a slight itch. Before she could ponder it further, Zhou Xun, who had just stepped into the car, scolded her, “How did Dried Tangerine Peel become a kidney tonic? Hui-ah! You’re a female celebrity! How can you be so careless with your words?!”

“Huh? Did I say it was a kidney tonic?” Tao Hui asked, still basking in the afterglow of Han Buji calling her “Teacher Tao.” “Did I really say that?”

Zhou Xun, exasperated, gave up arguing. Miao Miao, clutching a large bag of potato chips, cautiously approached. “Sister Huihui, when did you get so close to the Best Actor?”

Tao Hui, already puffed up by Han Buji’s honorific, raised a finger. “Our relationship has always been excellent. Han Buji’s admiration for me is like an endless river—a boundless, surging torrent!”

“…Is that so?” Miao Miao swallowed her chip with difficulty, mentally recalling her earlier remarks to the production crew: “Don’t you think Han Buji is incredibly fake? Doesn’t his temper seem awful? Doesn’t he seem like he’s putting on an act?”

Tao Hui was still buzzing with excitement, scrolling through her phone to show Miao Miao the game records where she had carried her “Little Fanboy” to victory. She popped a piece of candy into her mouth and held out her hand, her middle finger pressed against her palm, leaving only the other fingers visible. “You know what this means? It means Han Buji’s admiration for me is… endless!”

*No middle finger, no end.*

Miao Miao: “…Oh.”

The variety show they were filming was quite famous. Rumor had it that a ridiculously wealthy investor had suddenly taken a liking to the *Sheng Jue* drama. Before filming wrapped, they poured additional funds into the project and launched a massive advertising campaign. This variety show was organized specifically at the investor’s request to feature the *Sheng Jue* production crew.

The filming location was Songling Snow Village in Ji City. Han Buji and Tao Hui boarded the same flight to Ji City.

After settling in, Wu Yue approached Tao Hui, explaining that he wanted to discuss something with Zhou Xun and asked to switch seats. Tao Hui agreed, grabbing the blanket she had just requested from the flight attendant and settling next to Han Buji.

“Hey, Han Buji,” Tao Hui nudged him with her elbow.

Han Buji turned his head. “Hmm?”

*So we’re really doing this variety show.* Tao Hui wondered if Han Buji had spent the morning on skincare and makeup. He seemed even more handsome than usual.

Tao Hui paused for two seconds before asking, “I heard the new investor is joining the variety show too. Do you know them?”

Han Buji had funded 80% of the drama *Sheng Jue*. If there was a new investor, he definitely knew who it was.

Han Buji leaned back in his airplane seat, his phoenix eyes drooping lazily. He glanced at Tao Hui with a faint smirk. “You know them too.”

“Huh? I know them?” Tao Hui was surprised. Apart from Han Buji, she didn’t know anyone else with that kind of money.

“Yeah, they might even be here for you,” Han Buji said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Tao Hui pouted, pulled out her phone, and shoved her game records in his face. “Are you going to tell me or not? Have you forgotten all those nights I stayed up to help you rank up? Who carried you to a twelve-win streak? Teacher Tao! Has Teacher Tao ever treated you badly?”

They were standing close, and the faint citrusy aroma of the Dried Tangerine Peel candies in Tao Hui’s mouth filled the air.

Han Buji’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly. He pulled out a Dried Tangerine Peel candy from his pocket, unwrapped it, and popped it into his mouth before slowly replying, “Teacher Tao, the show seems to require male-female pairs for the games. Who will you choose as your partner?”

On the set of *Sheng Jue*, Tao Hui was only close to Han Buji. Without hesitation, she replied, “I’d choose you.”

Her words lifted Han Buji’s spirits, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. “Alright, I’ll tell you then. The new investor is Li Sijin.”

“Holy shit, what’s he doing here?” Tao Hui’s familiarity with Han Buji had grown to the point where she no longer bothered with the airs of a female celebrity, dropping a curse word without restraint. She frowned, asking, “Is there something wrong with that guy?”

Hearing Li Sijin’s name, Tao Hui could only recall his barrage of insults and his deranged declaration from the previous night: “I came for you.”

She rubbed her arms, her expression tinged with disgust.

This reaction amused Han Buji. The Best Actor chuckled softly. “He’s chasing after you.”

“No, no, no, don’t say that,” Tao Hui waved her hand dismissively. “I’m not into guys like that.”

She leaned closer to Han Buji. “Han Buji, are you running out of money? *Sheng Jue* was your investment, right? Why let him get involved?”

Tao Hui’s hair was down today, styled in fluffy, sheep-like curls that made her look both adorable and lively.

Tao Hui’s unruly, fluffy hair brushed against Han Buji’s cheek as she leaned closer, tickling him. Han Buji tilted his head, his mood light, and teased her with a smile, “I still have money. Isn’t this giving your suitors a chance?”

“I’m not teaming up with him anyway!” Tao Hui draped a small blanket over Han Buji, bribing him. “Let’s team up, okay? When we get back from filming, I’ll help you reach the highest rank in the game!”

Han Buji suddenly laughed, a genuine, joyful sound. He pressed a hand to his forehead, his voice cheerful. “Sure, why not?”

Tao Hui sighed in relief, muttering, “You’re not even thinking about your Teacher Tao. I hate people with short tempers the most.”

The plane taxied around the runway before roaring to life and taking off. Tao Hui leaned back in her seat, watching the fuselage slowly pierce through the clouds.

She was sitting in the aisle seat, so her view of the scenery outside the window was partially blocked by Han Buji. Her gaze drifted to his profile—his high, straight nose, delicate lips, and phoenix eyes lowered in thought.

Tao Hui suddenly thought that switching seats with Wu Yue might not have been such a bad idea after all.

“Hey, Teacher Tao,” Han Buji suddenly called out, turning to face her, his smile fading as he asked with a hint of seriousness, “Can I ask you for a favor?”

*A favor?* Tao Hui thought, surprised. *Han Buji needs to ask me for something?*

Han Buji’s uncharacteristically humble tone made Tao Hui feel a little giddy. She nodded emphatically, her voice brimming with generosity. “Go ahead! Teacher Tao is always happy to help!”

Han Buji removed the small blanket from his shoulders and draped it back over Tao Hui, tucking it in around her with gentle care. “When you have some time,” he said softly, “please think carefully about why I might want to get close to you.”