Did the Movie Emperor Blow His Cover Today? - Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Zhou Xun parked the car with Tao Hui’s assistant, Miao Miao, and entered the set. He immediately spotted Tao Hui sitting at a table with Han Buji.

The sight nearly gave Zhou Xun a heart attack. Clutching his chest, he hurried over, greeting the Assistant Director, “Director Zhang, please take good care of Tao Hui during this time. Any feedback or guidance you can offer would be greatly appreciated.”

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Zhou Xun quickly pulled Tao Hui aside to a quieter spot for a serious talk. “Hui-ah,” he warned, “don’t get too close to Best Actor Han. Be cautious of your colleagues on set too—don’t share everything with them. Especially watch out for those who seem to ‘click’ with you instantly. Anyone who offers unsolicited kindness has ulterior motives, understand?”

Tao Hui, with her carefree nature and straightforward mind, never grasped such complexities. Zhou Xun, acting like her overprotective mother, worried endlessly.

Miao Miao, Tao Hui’s assistant, leaned in, shaking her head and chiming in, “Don’t worry, Sister Xun. I’ll keep an eye on Sister Huihui.”

Tao Hui wrapped an arm around Miao Miao’s shoulder. “Exactly! With Miao Miao here, one plus one equals more than two—a powerful alliance!”

Miao Miao was Tao Hui’s personal makeup artist and assistant. Despite being twenty, she still had a baby-faced appearance and shared Tao Hui’s taste for junk food, earning her special favor. The two often sneaked off to hole-in-the-wall eateries and street stalls, indulging in greasy snacks and sugary sodas until they burped.

Zhou Xun watched the two women huddle together, discussing whether the film studio had crayfish delivery. His heart ached even more, and he vaguely felt like he should just hang himself from the studio rafters with his tie right then and there.

Tao Hui plus Miao Miao—this “1+1” equation barely added up to 0.5 at best.

Clutching his chest, Zhou Xun glanced at Tao Hui’s turtleneck sweater and sighed deeply. If only she didn’t need her makeup artist so much.

Miao Miao might be a bit clueless, but she was fiercely loyal and would never betray Tao Hui’s secrets. That was at least one redeeming quality, he supposed.

After lunch, the crew gradually returned. Director Chen led Tao Hui around, introducing her to the staff and other actors.

Sheng Jue was a large-scale historical drama set in a fictional world. The cast was several times larger than that of a typical urban drama, and the production crew was filled with seasoned veterans and respected professionals.

Tao Hui bowed respectfully to each person, her voice sweet as honey. “Hello, Teacher X. Please guide me well. Hello, Senior X. I’m sorry to trouble you in the future.”

Normally, Han Buji would be in the lounge reading scripts during breaks. But for some reason, he was standing there now, casually picking at a loose thread on his cuff.

Tao Hui nodded, bowed, and greeted everyone with her usual sweetness, her smile radiant and dazzling.

As Tao Hui approached Han Buji, her smile faltered, becoming strained. Her bow was no longer a crisp ninety-degree angle, but a perfunctory dip of the head. She mumbled reluctantly, “Hello, Senior Han. I look forward to your guidance in the future.”

Tao Hui thought she had made her feelings abundantly clear, short of writing “We’ve had unpleasant history, your fans dislike me, and I dislike you. Let’s avoid each other” on her forehead.

Yet Han Buji feigned cluelessness, adopting a kindly, oblivious expression. He even reached out to gently pat Tao Hui’s head. “Of course,” he said. “I’ll be sure to offer plenty of guidance.”

Tao Hui’s face remained plastered with a smile, but inwardly she cursed him. She stiffly retreated to her dressing room, slamming the door behind her, her face flushed with anger. “Shameless! Who needs his guidance? And touching my head—he actually touched a young woman’s head! He dared! He dared to touch a young woman’s silky hair! Pervert! Ugh, ugh, ugh…”

Miao Miao quickly covered Tao Hui’s mouth, cutting off her rant. Her face filled with concern, she spoke in a soothing tone, “Sister Huihui, calm down! This is the production crew—keep your voice down. Who’s bullying you? I’ll go spit in their drink!”

Tao Hui stared at her, speechless.

“You’re using my assistant title to spit in people’s cups? How is that any better than me cursing them out?”

Miao Miao had been working with Tao Hui for over a year and knew her “anger lasts no more than three seconds” temper inside out. Seeing Tao Hui’s anger subsiding, she quickly handed her a water cup. “Drink some water, Sister Huihui. I promise I didn’t spit in this one. Relax and calm down.”

“Thanks,” Tao Hui said wearily, rubbing her temples. “Now I really don’t want to drink it.” She still felt the lingering warmth on her head from that brief touch. Muttering under her breath, she cursed, “Han Buji, you bastard.”

Miao Miao was rummaging through her bag. Hearing Tao Hui’s muttered curse, she turned her head and asked quietly, “Who pissed you off, Sister Huihui? Who’s the bastard?”

“Han Buji,” Tao Hui replied.

“Huh?” Miao Miao froze, turning around with a postcard of Han Buji in her hand. She stammered guiltily, “What about Best Actor Han? I was actually going to ask you to get his autograph for me.”

On the postcard, Han Buji struck a cool pose, his shirt unbuttoned to reveal his eight-pack abs.

Tao Hui’s eyes widened. A traitor had infiltrated their ranks! She tried to reason with Miao Miao: “Don’t you think Han Buji is incredibly fake? Don’t you think he has a terrible temper? Don’t you think he’s completely two-faced?”

Miao Miao shook her head, her expression earnest. “Not at all! Best Actor Han has the looks, the talent, and the manners. He’s the perfect man! Sure, he might seem a bit aloof on the surface, but he’s actually a really nice guy. I’ve heard he gets along well with almost everyone in the industry… blah blah blah…”

Tao Hui’s attempt to criticize Han Bujie backfired spectacularly.

Tao Hui’s face remained impassive. If I hadn’t experienced it firsthand, I might have actually believed your nonsense!

Sheng Jue had been filming for over a month. As a latecomer to the production crew, Tao Hui felt nervous among the seasoned veterans.

Even though her scenes were scheduled for later, she didn’t dare return to her hotel to rest.

It was a cruel twist of fate. Ever since her career had plummeted after a disastrous setback, Tao Hui couldn’t shake the feeling that the career line on her palm had grown shorter.

If it weren’t for the pregnancy of another actress from her agency, Tao Hui would never have landed such a coveted role in Sheng Jue.

Seizing this hard-won opportunity, Tao Hui secretly vowed to make Director Zhang and the other actors sit up and take notice of her performance today!

She craned her neck to peer at the filming location, trying to absorb the atmosphere and immerse herself in the scene.

After all, when you’re in a crowd, your eyes are drawn to either someone familiar or the most striking and charismatic person in the group.

Coincidentally, one particular person possessed both qualities.

Tao Hui sat on the edge of the film set, immediately spotting Han Buji in the crowd.

Dressed in a black robe with subtle patterns, Han Buji’s waist was cinched by a wide belt. He wielded a sword with practiced ease, sending extras tumbling to the ground. The blood from his chest pack flowed freely, staining his robe crimson. His usually languid eyes now burned with a sharpness sharper than the blade in his hand, their rims tinged red. The sword hung limply in his hand, blood dripping from its tip like a warrior god stepping straight out of a historical painting.

Tao Hui was momentarily stunned.

The director gave an “OK” sign, and the assistant director clapped the clapperboard shut with a sharp “Cut!”

The fallen extras scrambled to their feet. Han Buji helped up the male actor he’d been sparring with, and the two shared a hearty laugh after exchanging a few words. The director clapped them both on the shoulders, the atmosphere warm and convivial.

Tao Hui had to admit Miao Miao was right: Han Buji genuinely got along well with most of the entertainment industry.

Apart from Tao Hui’s dislike for him, everyone from 58-year-old former Best Actor Gu Yuan to 19-year-old rising pop star Zhang Luxiao considered him a close friend.

The Han Meimei fan group reportedly lamented daily: “We can only see Best Actor Han in other people’s Weibo posts! His own Weibo is overgrown with weeds!”

“Sister Tao Hui! It’s really you!”

A sweet, sugary voice, probably with five plus signs of sweetness, called out from behind. Tao Hui turned to see a girl in a pink ancient-style dress rushing toward her.

The girl grabbed Tao Hui’s hand, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Sister Tao Hui, you have no idea how thrilled I was to hear you were coming! Oh, right, I almost forgot to introduce myself. I’m Han You, the ‘You’ from ‘youyou luming (deer’s cry)’!”

The girl’s eyes curved into crescents when she smiled, making her look quite adorable. But they were probably around the same age… why was she calling her “Sister”?

Tao Hui asked awkwardly, “Um, Han You, how old are you?”

Han You blinked, then smiled sheepishly. “I’m 21. Actually, we’re the same age, but I just started in the industry last year, so you’re my senior.”

She glanced around and whispered, “There are so many veteran actors on this set. Can I just call you ‘Sister’?”

Tao Hui was easygoing. “Sister,” “Brother,” whatever—as long as they didn’t call her “Mom,” she’d answer to anything. Since they were both actresses and the same age, there was no risk of rumors, and they naturally struck up a conversation.

Han You was extroverted and talkative, chattering away and pulling Tao Hui along. She explained that all the other actresses on set were seasoned veterans, and as the only young actress, she felt awkward and couldn’t relax. With Tao Hui here, she finally had a friend.

Tao Hui chatted with Han You about the script for a while. Han You had a scene to shoot that afternoon and was soon called away, leaving Tao Hui alone again.

The epic battle scene being filmed nearby wasn’t finished yet. The director was rehearsing with Han Buji and another actor named Xu Chang, who looked to be around the same age as Han Buji, 27 or 28, and was also a seasoned performer. Laughter occasionally drifted from the set.

Han Buji must have exceptional social intelligence. When he was serious, he exuded an aloofness that kept people at arm’s length, but when he smiled, his warmth was disarming, instantly winning people over.

When the assistant director brought water, he opened everyone else’s bottles before taking his own.

When the prop assistant offered to clean his sword, he took the tissue and wiped it himself.

When the makeup artist touched up his makeup, he thoughtfully bent down to minimize the height difference.

Tsk, tsk, tsk… No wonder you’re the Best Actor! Have you forgotten your “son of a bitch,” your “immortal bastard,” your “kick your ass flying hard,” your “motherfucker?!”

Tao Hui watched the crew being charmed by this facade with a melancholic gaze, feeling a sense of lonely clarity, like the only sober person in a drunken crowd.

Lost in her solitude, Tao Hui buried herself in the script, memorizing lines and delving into her character’s psychology in a quiet corner of the set. She didn’t even notice when the battle scene wrapped up, nor did she see Han Buji walk past her into the dressing room.

Two minutes later, Tao Hui’s phone rang.

[ Teacher Tao, are you busy today? ]

Tao Hui smiled at the WeChat message on her phone and replied:

[ Trying to get me to play games again? Not today, I’ve got a ton of prep work to do. Super busy! ]

The Little Fanboy actually called her directly. Tao Hui paused, then answered, “What’s up?”

The Little Fanboy chuckled softly. “Just wanted to hear Teacher Tao’s voice and borrow some of your good luck. I’m getting wrecked in solo queue.”

Tao Hui found it amusing. “Why don’t you lend me some good luck first? I almost had my second career disaster today, you know.”

The Little Fanboy always seemed a bit slow to respond when work came up, as if he didn’t quite understand. Tao Hui didn’t press him, changing the subject. “I met this total show-off the other day. His ‘acting cool’ skills are off the charts—everyone’s completely fooled by him, except me—”

“Sister Tao Hui!”

Tao Hui covered the phone and turned around.

Han You came running from a distance, clutching a thermos. She tripped over the hem of her long, ancient-style dress, lost her balance, and lunged toward Tao Hui, the hot water in her hand splashing uncontrollably.