I Became Famous After I Became a Parrot in the Movie Star's House - Chapter 117

After a brief moment of silence, the casino is once again filled with whispers and murmurs, louder and more chaotic than before. Some people even shout to draw the man’s attention, just to catch a glimpse of him from afar.

This man, named Adonis, is not usually seen in the common areas. He typically only serves wealthy businessmen or political figures. Those who have the privilege of being dealt by him are certainly not ordinary people, which makes Adonis a symbol of high status for those at the casino who want to show off their position.

“Adonis.” Blake straightens up and nudges the young man at his feet with his shoe, as though discarding a toy. His malicious eyes lock on Adonis. “Why? Shouldn’t those who break the casino’s rules be punished?”

The atmosphere instantly grows tense.

It is well-known among the casino staff that Blake and Adonis don’t get along. Although Blake’s position is technically higher, Adonis has earned the boss’s favor, holding a unique influence that is impossible to ignore. The rivalry between them, once hidden beneath a surface of calm, is now in full view. It is no secret that Blake sees Adonis as a thorn in his side.

“Yes, he should be punished—but not by you,” Adonis replies coldly. His gaze sweeps over the young man on the ground as he adds, his tone carrying a warning, “Don’t think the boss doesn’t know what you’ve been doing.”

Blake freezes for a second—just a second—before his face twists into a mocking smile. “Fine. Then I’ll leave the judgment to you.”

Adonis ultimately saves the male lead.

The quiet room is the dealers’ private lounge, but since no one is there at this time, it feels especially peaceful. The male lead stands quietly, watching as Adonis removes his dusty gloves, revealing the hands that have been admired by countless people.

“…Why do you help me?” the young man asks, his green eyes wide. Despite being a gangster who has roamed the streets aimlessly since his youth, he seems oddly naive in front of Adonis.

“I just don’t want to see Blake succeed,” Adonis answers coldly.

“Too perfunctory.” The male protagonist’s expression screams disbelief. “You really don’t get along with Blake, huh? What did he do to you?”

“That’s none of your business.”

“Tch, so mysterious.” The male lead relaxes and casually grabs an apple, taking a bite. “Can you tell me the truth? I remember there’s no good outcome for breaking the rules. Is helping me really worth it?”

Adonis doesn’t answer. Instead, he takes out a new pair of white gloves and puts them on. After a long pause, he says, “You remind me of someone.”

“Someone?” The male lead finds this sentence quite familiar. He has heard the same thing when he first arrived at the casino and showed off his remarkable memory.

He even remembers the name: “Noah?”

As soon as the name leaves his lips, the stoic Adonis transforms. His eyes blaze with emotion, like flames surging before a volcanic eruption. “How do you know that name?”

Adonis grabs the male protagonist by the collar and slams him against the wall.

The young man struggles to pry his hands away. “Hey! Calm down—I just overheard it!”

After a tense moment, Adonis releases him, his cold demeanor returning.

The male lead, now more curious, is about to ask more when he hears Adonis say, “Do you want to save her?”

“Who?” The male lead’s heart skips a beat.

No way… does he know Nitia?

“Whoever it is.” Adonis looks reluctant to speak further, staring deeply at the young man. “If this happens again, I won’t be able to save you.”

He turns to leave but pauses at the door. “But—I will help you.”

The door closes with a soft click, leaving the male protagonist alone in the room. He sinks to the floor, his back against the cabinet, as Adonis’s footsteps fade into the distance.

His breaths are shallow, his mind racing.

“Cut!”

With the director’s command to end, Bai Gaoxing’s heart, which has been hanging in suspense, finally settles. He finally lets out the breath he has been holding.

The tension in the air is palpable. Not just for him, but for the other actors as well. They are drawn into the emotional clash between Darren and Li Pu.

And…

Bai Gaoxing thinks back to how the man’s demeanor shifts so dramatically when he hears the name “Noah.” The intensity of his anger is so real and alive that Bai Gaoxing can feel his own heart pounding.

He may have, unintentionally, put himself in Noah’s shoes.

Bai Gaoxing slaps his own face, warning himself not to get too absorbed in the role. He then lifts his gaze, searching for the familiar figure, and walks toward him.

“Darren, your hand!” Nitia exclaims as she approaches. She stares at the back of the young man’s hand in surprise, noting how swollen and battered it looks.

Bai Gaoxing, standing nearby, leans over to take a look, frowning. “Did that person go too far?”

“Of course!” Nitia, ever hot-tempered, clenches her fists. “I’m going to talk to Frank about this!”

“Wait, wait.” Darren stops her, smiles at Li Pu, who is walking over, and then, with a more serious expression, says, “Although I don’t want to say this… but you two, Li and Bai, you should be careful from now on.”

Under the bright studio lights, the white-haired boy stands quietly, his delicate features effortlessly capturing the attention of everyone nearby. Behind him, the man’s tall and cold presence makes him equally remarkable. Li Pu’s sharp brows and piercing gaze create an air of mystery that draws people in.

It is easy to understand why the two of them attract so much attention wherever they go on set.

Darren looks around cautiously before coughing lightly. “I have a feeling he watches you two a lot… Are you friends? Or did you offend him somehow?”

It isn’t the first time. Whenever Darren sees Park Jiahui, this man always observes them with ambiguous looks.

Bai Gaoxing’s eyelid twitches.

Li Pu’s expression darkens slightly. “Thank you,” he says to Darren.

Darren seems about to say more when suddenly the director’s applause draws everyone’s attention.

“Alright, gather around!” Frank, seated at a round table, stands up and directs the group. “We’re moving on to the big gambling table scene. Let’s prep for the next shoot!”

It is already midnight.

The actors are incredibly grateful they ate something earlier, instead of just the large pancake the director treated them to.

All the dealers head to their assigned tables, while the extras begin creating an animated atmosphere.

The gambling scene revolves around the dealers showcasing their card-handling skills, transitioning from close-ups to long shots. The goal isn’t necessarily to perform like professionals but to create the illusion of expertise—enough to visually impress the audience.

Of course, it’s better if no one can tell they’re beginners.

The actors have already received guidance a few days earlier, and many of them have privately practiced hard. Frank just wants to see the results.

The cameraman adjusts his equipment and moves into position.

Bai Gaoxing stands outside the camera’s frame, watching Li Pu at the gambling table in the distance. Normally, he should be filmed separately in the VIP room, but this time, the director mainly wants to test things out and see if there are any usable shots.

The cards in the dealers’ hands flutter like butterflies about to take flight. Some are graceful and smooth, while others falter and nearly fall, but all in all, the scene is dazzling and spectacular.

Bai Gaoxing watches with curiosity when suddenly, a hand taps him on the shoulder—it’s Director Frank.

“Bai, you’ll need to learn these tricks too,” Frank says with a friendly smile. “You and Li need to stand out in these scenes.”

Instantly, the weight of responsibility hits him.

Bai Gaoxing nods. “Understood, sir.”

“Don’t be so formal—just call me Frank.” The director claps him on the shoulder again. “Take your time. I’ve got all the patience in the world to help you get it right.”

“I’ll learn it as quickly as I can,” Bai Gaoxing replies helplessly. Frank’s words sound as if it means—there’s plenty of time to “torture” you.

Bai Gaoxing really hopes everything will go smoothly.

Right now, Bai Gaoxing’s mind is filled with Noah’s storyline and the casino scene.

The card-handling sequence takes much longer than anticipated. By the time Frank calls for a break, the crew lets out a collective sigh of relief. Many slump into nearby chairs, utterly drained.

“To be honest, gentlemen, I’m not entirely satisfied.” Frank leans on the table, enunciating every word. “So, keep practicing.”

A halfhearted groan rises from the group.

“Alright, enough for now—let’s go eat!” Frank’s demeanor instantly shifts, his usual cheerful grin returning. “My treat!”

…

Time is nearing dawn.

The clouds on the horizon glow faintly, perfectly matching the cool temperature.

However, Las Vegas is still bustling at this hour. The restaurants and hotels along the street are as lively as ever. Frank has made a reservation at one of the restaurants. Anyone who wants to join is welcome.

The restaurant doesn’t have private rooms, so the group splits into smaller clusters, sitting in pairs or groups of four. Naturally, Bai Gaoxing and Li Pu sit together.

Bai Gaoxing pulls out his phone and starts fiddling with it.

The waiter soon brings plates of breakfast to the table, the steam rising tantalizingly. As if to compensate for the actors’ hard work, steaks are served—even at this early hour.

Is it really okay to eat all this after not sleeping all night?

Bai Gaoxing yawns and, unintentionally, looks up to find Li Pu already resting his face on his hand, eyes closed.

The faint light from the window spills onto him, outlining his features in a soft glow.

Hmm…

This is probably the first time Bai Gaoxing has seen Li Pu fall asleep purely out of exhaustion. Curious, he waves a hand in front of Li Pu’s face—no response.

How strange.

Leaning closer, Bai Gaoxing observes the faint shadows and slight bluish tint beneath Li Pu’s eyes.

He remembers… Didn’t he sleep for a long time yesterday?

Bai Gaoxing rests his chin on his hand, watching Li Pu with a smile. He tries to wave the scent of the food toward him, hoping to wake him up with the aroma, but it doesn’t work.

Li Pu is sleeping soundly, his breathing steady, completely unaware of what is happening around him.

What a perfect opportunity. Bai Gaoxing silently raises his phone and snaps a picture of him.

Send it out?

But he hesitates.

First, a handsome front-facing shot for safekeeping.

Then, he adjusts the angle, slides his chair closer to Li Pu, and snaps a selfie, flashing a “V” sign.

【Teacher Li asleep, thanks for your hard work~ 【image】】

The moment the photo hits Weibo, fans are quick to react. Their eyes widen as they zoom in on the new post from Xiaobai.

The young man stands smiling in front of the camera, with Li Pu sitting behind him. In the enlarged view, the man’s eyes are closed, and it seems like he is in a deep sleep.

【!!! Teacher Li, how can you sleep at a time like this?!】

【So close! I can see so clearly! Those beautiful eyelashes! Xiaobai’s divine looks ahhh!】

【I’m moved to tears, seeing such a handsome picture of Teacher Li from Xiaobai. Please post more!!!】

Fans flood the comments with praise and excitement. Conversation naturally shifts to the movie the two are filming.

Earlier that morning, they’ve already seen the teaser photos posted by Director Frank.

No one expects Xiaobai to star alongside Li Pu in the movie, and their image together is so captivating.

In the teaser image, Xiaobai’s white hair is styled loosely, with a small portion tied up at the back of his head. The soft, fluffy style adds a touch of youthful sharpness. Paired with a tailored vest suit, the transformation from boy-next-door to refined young master is complete.

【Please, my birthday wish this year is that Casino must be released in China!】

【The versatility is incredible… is Xiaobai planning to enter the entertainment industry? (hands over a microphone)】

【Don’t even get me started. After reading the original Casino, I can’t breathe. Now I just want to force the director to film faster!】

For fans who hesitate after seeing Frank’s earlier teasers, the makeup photos seal the deal.

Enthusiastic netizens unearth the original Casino novel, and the hype becomes unstoppable.

It isn’t the charm of Adonis that shocks them, nor are they sad for Noah, but rather the fact that the two of them—Adonis and Noah—are a couple!!!

They initially think that the movie Teacher Li is working on will just have a stimulating background, but they don’t expect such a huge surprise! Moreover… the other half of the pair is someone who matches Teacher Li’s looks perfectly—Xiaobai, whom they also love.

Help! What kind of fate is this?

Passionate fans of the original start spreading the word everywhere.

They also hear that the director struggles to find a suitable male actor for Noah and considers using a female actor but ultimately decides against it.

What a brilliant decision!

Otherwise, how would Xiaobai have ended up in the role!

Bai Gaoxing scrolls through the enthusiastic comments, feeling a little embarrassed. He suddenly remembers that he and Li Pu are set to play a couple in the film.

The thought feels surreal.

He shakes his head, ignores the reddening of his ears, and takes more photos of Li Pu with his phone, saving them in his album.

Around him, the other actors are preoccupied with their food, paying no attention to the movements at Bai Gaoxing’s table. The lively restaurant atmosphere provides perfect cover.

A few more minutes pass, and Li Pu wakes up.

Still holding his phone, Bai Gaoxing quickly puts it away and hands Li Pu a spoon with an innocent blink. “Time to eat.”

Li Pu gives a soft hum of acknowledgment and picks up the spoon.

Behind them, Darren nudges Nitia.

“Look, what did I tell you?” he whispers.

“I see.” Nitia props her chin on her hand, stirring her juice with a mature tone, like an experienced elder. “But to me, it’s still not a done deal.”

“Why not?”

“Well, they are going to be—”

“On-screen lovers.”