I Became Famous After I Became a Parrot in the Movie Star's House - Chapter 112

The movie Casino tells the story of events that take place in a Las Vegas casino.

Desperate to earn a large sum of money as quickly as possible to cover his grandmother’s medical expenses, he learns about gambling and travels alone to Las Vegas, stepping into the ruthless world of high-stakes betting with youthful passion.

Having never gambled before, the young man quickly loses all his money. Yet, he doesn’t give up. After wandering around the casino for a few days, he sits at the gambling table again.

The male lead isn’t foolish. On the contrary, he’s incredibly clever, with a photographic memory and a knack for some less-than-honest tricks.

Using these skills, he wins a large sum of money by cheating. However, his deception is soon noticed by the sharp-eyed casino staff. Caught and brutally beaten, he is saved at the last moment by a kind-hearted woman who works as a handyman at the casino. She takes him back to her home to recover.

The female lead lives in the slums of the sewer system.

The young woman is gentle and kind-hearted, using all her savings to treat the male lead’s injuries. As they spend time together, feelings develop between them. The male lead proposes taking her away, but she reveals that her father has long since sold her to the casino as collateral.

The male lead returns to the casino, this time as a dealer.

Someone recognizes his talent and collaborates with him to cheat and make money. Unfortunately, his scheme is once again uncovered. This time, the casino enforcers capture him, intending to cut off his hands.

Yet, the male lead is lucky once more. Someone saves him again and even helps him establish himself in the casino.

Thus, in this dreamlike and absurd world, the male lead struggles through the mire and ultimately achieves his goal, escaping the city with the female lead.

Li Pu plays Adonis, the one who rescues the male lead.

Adonis is the most popular dealer among gamblers in the casino. He is handsome, cold, and unattainable. The way he handles chips and cards is like a visual feast, enticing countless gamblers to empty their pockets just to stay a bit longer at his table.

Of course, he also receives the most tips.

But Adonis needs money even more than Darren does.

Unlike Darren, who finds love only after arriving in Las Vegas, Adonis already has someone he has loved for years—a lover whose name is taboo within the casino’s walls.

Every night, after the illusion of the city’s endless revelry fades, Adonis returns home. He sets down a warm meal and gently opens the door.

His lover is terminally ill, hanging on by a thread.

Only expensive medication and medical equipment can keep him alive for just a little longer.

Seeing Darren struggling for a similar reason, Adonis sees himself in the young man. And so, he lends Darren a hand, ensuring that he can finally break free from this cruel world.

The next morning, Bai Gaoxing picks up Li Pu’s phone to read his new script. Flipping through it repeatedly, he doesn’t notice anything different.

“What changed?” Bai Gaoxing reflects, wondering if he’s missed something. He goes back to reread it carefully.

“A character’s role was cut,” Li Pu replies.

“Hmm?” Bai Gaoxing pauses. “Who?”

“Noah,” Li Pu says, scrolling on the screen and stopping at the marked section.

The change is minimal, no wonder Bai Gaoxing doesn’t catch it earlier.

Suddenly, Bai Gaoxing remembers.

Noah was Adonis’s frail lover. Bai Gaoxing had paid special attention to this role while reading the script, wondering who would be cast to portray such an aesthetically tragic character.

And… they were supposed to be Li Pu’s on-screen lover.

Bai Gaoxing’s finger swipes back and forth across the screen absentmindedly. He remembers… wasn’t there a kissing scene for this character?

But now, it’s gone.

Bai Gaoxing can’t help but curl his lips slightly, feeling an inexplicable sense of relief. Still, he’s puzzled by the production team’s sudden change of heart.

Li Pu notices the bright sparkle in the young man’s eyes. Unable to resist, he pats Bai Gaoxing’s snow-white hair, earning a playful nuzzle in return.

“Let’s eat.”

The hotel delivers meals on schedule every day. A small cart is already placed by the door. Bai Gaoxing hurries to push it inside, but as he steps out, he bumps into a familiar man.

Deep-set eyes. Curly hair. A mixed-race appearance.

Isn’t this… the person who auditioned with Li Pu?

He didn’t see him last night, so he must have arrived in the middle of the night.

Bai Gaoxing instinctively gives the man a few extra glances, only to receive a cold, unpleasant gaze in return the very next second. However, after the man glances at the door number behind him, his expression softens and becomes friendly, as if the previous reaction had been an illusion.

“You are… Teacher Li’s—?” The man speaks, his tone carrying a faintly uncomfortable mix of probing curiosity and amusement.

Bai Gaoxing doesn’t answer, but he has lingered at the door too long. A moment later, Li Pu steps out of the room and locks eyes with Park Jiahui.

Li Pu’s expression turns noticeably colder.

Meanwhile, the corners of Park Jiahui’s mouth curve higher. “Teacher Li, we meet again.”

Li Pu nods slightly. “Hello.”

Park Jiahui chuckles. “We’ve known each other for so long; no need to be so formal, right?” He shifts his gaze to Bai Gaoxing. “This must be your little translator.”

Something about the way he says it feels off. It isn’t quite a nickname, but it still makes Bai Gaoxing uncomfortable.

And then, suddenly, he realizes what had been wrong with the earlier question. As someone in the industry, there’s no way Park Jiahui hasn’t heard of him—especially after the wave of hot searches during that period.

After all, there aren’t many people like Li Pu who are so resolutely disconnected from the internet.

What exactly is this person trying to imply? Bai Gaoxing eyes Park Jiahui suspiciously.

Before he can dwell on it further, Li Pu steps forward, blocking his line of sight. Taking hold of the dining cart handle, he speaks with polite detachment, “A professional instructor will be arriving soon. You should eat breakfast now, Mr. Park.”

After speaking, Li Pu gives a polite smile, pulls the food cart into the room, and closes the door.

Outside, Park Jiahui stands staring at the shut door. He doesn’t look angry—if anything, his smile grows even wider.

His assistant, who has been standing behind him, hesitates before cautiously stepping forward and forcing a smile. “Brother Hui, aren’t you going to have breakfast?”

“What does that have to do with you?” Park Jiahui snaps coldly, shooting the assistant a glare. He then leans quietly against the doorframe, seemingly lost in thought.

After a moment, he smirks and murmurs, “What a great opportunity.”

Inside the room, Bai Gaoxing bites into the hotel’s signature extra-thick cheese and ham sandwich while puzzling aloud, “Didn’t that guy get rejected? Why is he still here?”

When he acted as the parrot, his first impression of that man had been terrible. That sinister gaze and the way his expression could instantly turn warm and friendly—it sent shivers down his spine.

And—he curses.

Unconsciously, Bai Gaoxing glances at Li Pu. Although he has only taught Li Pu basic everyday phrases, Li Pu often takes the time to learn more on his own. Perhaps he already understands what Park Jiahui said back then.

Better not ask. No need to bring up such unpleasant words.

“He was probably chosen by the director to play another role,” Li Pu replies calmly.

Although Casino revolves around the protagonist, the film has a large ensemble cast. The casino setting means a variety of roles—dealers, bodyguards, enforcers—there are at least ten secondary characters.

Director Frank is known for selecting actors based on instinct, so it seems that Park Jiahui fits his vision for a particular role.

“Probably some villain…” Bai Gaoxing mutters under his breath.

After breakfast, everyone gathers in the hotel lobby.

They are heading to the casino again today.

The production team has reserved part of the casino and hired professionals to teach them. It is said they guarantee results, ensuring the performances achieve the desired visual impact.

“The dealer’s techniques primarily revolve around cards.” The instructor hired by the crew is a senior dealer at the casino, a middle-aged man with a gentle tone and a friendly smile.

He motions for everyone to watch the cards in his hand. Then, flipping his palm, the cards dance lightly at his fingertips in a rhythmic display, quickly cycling through the suits.

“Shuffling, dealing, cutting, and handling cards… all of these have their own techniques.”

The instructor demonstrates each term he mentions on the spot. The dazzling performance leaves everyone amazed and shouting in admiration.

As a “bystander” not involved in filming, Bai Gaoxing observes the expressions of the cast. Those without dealer roles look eager to try, while those who do have expressions of pure dread.

Well… it does look pretty hard.

The instructor has already started a more detailed explanation.

“When it comes to dealing cards, if you can control what comes next no matter how the deck is shuffled… or if, after the cards have been passed around, you can still manage to deal exactly what you want—”

He pauses, flipping a single card with a flourish.

“That’s the real magic.”

“Well then, congratulations to all of you. You could work as dealers in the highest-tier VIP rooms at our casino,” the instructor says with a bright smile. “I can guarantee that the salary for a dealer at that level is definitely higher than being an actor!”

It is a tempting offer, but everyone has enough self-awareness to temper their excitement.

“How long would it take to get to that level?” Darren scratches his head.

“Basic performance skills can be learned quickly; it’s just about fooling the guests’ eyes,” the instructor explains. “But if you want to reach the level I described, that depends on your talent.” He continues, “Some people might need three to five years, while others could learn it in just a few days.”

Hearing this, the actors can’t resist trying it out, eager to showcase their talent.

The instructor steps back to make room at the table. “Remember, when you’re working, you need to engage the guests and control your expressions.”

After all, if a dealer reacts too strongly to a good hand, guests will definitely complain.

As the lead, Darren, along with the second male lead, Li Pu, has to master more skills than the others. Moreover, they are expected to perform intricate card tricks in front of the camera, showing their proficiency in a single uninterrupted shot.

It feels like the director is deliberately making their lives difficult!

Darren raises an eyebrow confidently. “Adonis, want to have a little competition?”

Fortunately, Li Pu doesn’t seem reluctant. Apparently, he has learned how to shuffle cards for a previous project, so this is just a refresher for him.

As the actors have fun practicing, Bai Gaoxing absentmindedly touches the leftover prop cards he helped fetch. He hesitates, then pulls out a deck to try for himself.

To his surprise, he feels like he understands the technique.

“Oh, little one, you’re pretty good at this,” the instructor says with a gleam in his eye as he notices Bai Gaoxing standing in the corner. He walks over specifically to watch him. “You need to do it like this, and then…”

Darren notices this scene and quietly taps Nitia on the shoulder, whispering, “Look over there.”

The white-haired boy stands by the wall, the cards tracing graceful arcs in his hands. Although his movements are a bit stiff, they are already quite good. Combined with the occasional smile on his face, it is a sight more captivating than the chips on the gaming table.

“If he wore a uniform…” Nitia gestures with a hint of regret. “He’d look the part.”

That evening, back at the hotel, Mei Youshu stares numbly at the pair—one adult, one young—sitting at the table playing poker.

His hand trembles slightly as he raises his phone to take promotional photos. How is he supposed to capture a gambling-like scene?

But he still takes a shot in the end.

He films a short video of Li Pu showing off his card tricks. After the agent reviews it, they decide not to post it and instead upload a clip of them having dinner.

Fans back home clamor in protest.

“This is unfair!” They flood the comments, lamenting the missed opportunity.

The card-dealing lessons continue for two days. On the third day, word comes that the director will be arriving soon.

This means the movie is about to officially begin filming.

Early in the morning, the actors receive information about the next location—a set representing the female lead’s home in the movie.

It is a unique feature of Las Vegas: the infamous sewer slums.

The main filming locations for the movie are divided into two—one being the casino, the other the slums. Having the actors gather at the latter suggests the next scenes might start from that storyline.

“Ahem… I… I’m fine.”

Bai Gaoxing’s cold has worsened.

When he gets up in the morning, his voice is hoarse. Even after eating and drinking water, his throat feels blocked and uncomfortable.

Li Pu, already dressed, touches Bai Gaoxing’s forehead with concern and is relieved to find it isn’t hot. Still, he says quietly, “You should rest here today. I’ll go with Youshu.”

“It’s fine.” Bai Gaoxing blows his nose and neatly tosses the tissue into the trash. “It’s probably just throat inflammation. Cough, cough.”

Mei Youshu quickly goes to fetch some medicine.

Watching Bai Gaoxing struggle with his flushed cheeks and watery eyes from coughing, Li Pu frowns. “Are you really okay?”

“Really,” Bai Gaoxing says after taking the medicine, feeling a bit full. “It’s too boring to stay here by myself.”

His tone is earnest, but his voice is clearly strained.

Li Pu hesitates for a long time and ultimately decides to take him along.

The boy’s words remind him of the times he has left Dabai—when he was still a parrot—alone at home.

Las Vegas has a typical desert climate, with little rainfall throughout the year. The slums, true to their name, are often built atop city sewers or abandoned factories.

For the movie, Frank selects a location in an old, run-down factory. The local residents have already repurposed the place to make it somewhat livable. Some people even live there, though the place still feels desolate.

The actors arrive early at the designated meeting spot, chatting while they wait for the director.

Director Frank shows up late, accompanied by the screenwriter.

Surveying the actors before him with satisfaction, he asks, “Is everyone here?”

“Adonis isn’t here yet,” Darren replies.

“Oh.” Frank is a bit surprised. Li Pu isn’t the type to be late. “Did something happen?”

“Yeah.” Darren nods. “His translator seems to be sick.”

“I see…” Frank murmurs, thoughtful. He is always understanding when it comes to these kinds of emergencies. “Alright, let’s wait a little longer.”

After waiting for about ten minutes, Darren and Nitia exchange glances. “Frank, we…”

They have deliberated for a long time and decided it would be a shame to make arbitrary changes to the script, so they want to discuss it with Frank face-to-face.

However, Frank, unwilling to entertain the topic, says curtly, “There’s no need to say more. A suitable actor for Noah simply doesn’t exist.”

Just then, his gaze is drawn to a figure approaching in the distance.

“Oh. They’re here.”

A few minutes later, Li Pu arrives with Bai Gaoxing. “Sorry for the delay.”

But Frank’s eyes are already fixated, wide and unblinking.

All he can see is that snow-white figure, and he suddenly wishes he could rewind time just a few seconds—to punch himself for what he has just said.

Bai Gaoxing pulls his scarf down, revealing his face. Thinking the director is upset about Li Pu being late, he explains in his hoarse voice, “Sorry, cough… we didn’t mean to be late…”

His voice is still hoarse, and his pale face is flushed from coughing, but he looks slightly better.

Frank nods absentmindedly, his gaze lingering on the boy’s retreating figure, as Darren and Nitia look on in concern.

Then, as if snapping out of a trance, Frank takes a deep breath, eyes flashing with excitement.

“I think… I’ve found Noah.” Without thinking, he pinches the screenwriter’s arm hard.

The screenwriter lets out a scream, “Ow!”

Author’s Note:
Bai Gaoxing: Cough, cough.
Li Pu: Pat, pat.
Director: Hehehe!