I Became Famous After I Became a Parrot in the Movie Star's House - Chapter 128

After discovering the trigger point that can bring tears, the rest of the filming proceeds much more smoothly.

The camera captures the dying boy lying on the hospital bed. Sunlight pours over his white, cloud-like hair, lending a soft, warm glow to his delicate face, now tinged with a faint flush. The man in the dealer’s uniform stands by, his back turned, and though his face remains expressionless, the weight of his breath is heavy and oppressive.

The boy is dead. His eyes will never open again, his lashes will never flutter, and those black, obsidian eyes will never again display that sweet, loving smile.

Adonis takes the now colorless hand, gently bringing it to his lips. His once-warm breath could turn the boy’s pale skin pink, but now it only receives a cold response.

“Je t’aime,” the man murmurs, his voice low, filled with sorrow. Even though the end is anticipated, the pain doesn’t fade with time; it only deepens, accumulating day after day.

Watching the death of a loved one firsthand is perhaps the cruelest experience in the world.

A single tear, like a crystal droplet, slides down the boy’s cheek, and in his final moments, he hears the last words before leaving the world.

“…”

The room falls silent for a long time, until Frank finally calls out, “Cut.”

Many of the onlookers are deeply moved by Li Pu’s performance. Their expressions are tight, eyes glistening with tears, and the atmosphere feels as though it could hang heavy in the air all day long.

Until the boy lying on the bed breaks the intense silence.

“Can someone… help me up?” Bai Gaoxing has been lying in one position for a long time, and it has become quite uncomfortable. “My legs are numb.”

Li Pu immediately reaches out, pulling the boy up, and gently places his hand on his back to provide support. “Are you okay?” His slightly lowered voice whispers near Bai Gaoxing’s ear.

The proximity of his breath makes Bai Gaoxing tense his back. “I’m… okay.”

He tries to pull away from the man’s touch, but the numbness in his legs and the soreness from being in the same position for too long leave him feeling weak. He attempts to move his legs, wincing as he does.

Frank calls out again, “Bai, come here when you’re ready. Li still has more scenes to film once the room’s clear.”

Noah has been missing for some time, and though many have been searching for him, Adonis has managed to keep the news of his death under wraps. A few days later, Adonis holds a small, private funeral for Noah, with only the male and female leads in attendance.

This scene is filmed earlier, and now Frank wants to capture the details of Adonis packing up Noah’s belongings.

With each move Bai Gaoxing makes, he feels as though thousands of electric signals are trembling through his legs, a sensation not unlike a broken TV screen.

He can’t help but groan, his vision blurring. The next moment, he feels himself being lifted into the air.

Li Pu holds him for a moment, then pulls him closer. “I’ll take you there.”

Bai Gaoxing instinctively wraps his arms around Li Pu’s neck, but realizing that this contradicts his plan to distance himself, he loosens his grip and leans back slightly, turning his head away.

Li Pu pauses and lowers his gaze. From this angle, he notices the redness around Bai Gaoxing’s eyes and the tears that haven’t completely dried.

His hand, still holding the boy’s knee, tightens slightly.

Afterward, Bai Gaoxing sits quietly in a corner of the set, watching Li Pu finish the rest of his scenes.

He feels empty inside, and the more he watches, the more he feels reluctant to let go.

He holds his face in his hands, staring blankly. A cold sensation presses against his cheek. It’s the iced coffee Darren has handed him. “What’s up? Got too caught up in the acting?”

Bai Gaoxing takes the bottle. “No, just watching a professional’s performance.”

Darren’s eyes light up. “So you want to be an actor too?”

Bai Gaoxing: “Ah, not really…”

Before he can finish, Darren interrupts. “Even better! That way Li Pu won’t keep talking about you on set. I might just have to tie you up.”

“Talk about me?” Bai Gaoxing is puzzled, not sure what Li Pu would say about him.

“Yeah,” Darren says, pausing as he thinks. “For example, I saw Li Pu staring at his phone one day. I asked what he was doing, and he said he was looking at a recipe.”

Bai Gaoxing raises an eyebrow. “A recipe?”

“Yeah. He said he wanted to make your favorite dishes,” Darren explains, before adding that Li Pu also mentioned other things Bai Gaoxing liked, including special foods.

A laugh escapes Bai Gaoxing, and for a moment, the sadness in his heart lifts.

He looks again at the tall, solemn figure in the room, and memories of their time together surface in his mind.

It’s bittersweet, this feeling of love. From parrots to people, he has shared so many beautiful memories with Li Pu. He should feel content.

And perhaps, this is the choice he is meant to make.

…

Soon, the male and female leads are filmed leaving the gambling city.

Since this is the final scene, Frank treats it like a ritual, using the last part of the script as the final shot.

The male lead walks alongside the female lead, leaving the extravagant, noisy city behind. They turn back to look as one figure disappears into the shadows beneath the colorful lights.

“Alright, ladies and gentlemen, on this beautiful night, we officially end this story,” Frank says slowly. Then, in the atmosphere of suppressed excitement from the actors, he winks. “How about we drink all night? My treat!”

And so, the group heads to the biggest bar in town.

As the time to part ways draws near, the actors, who have grown close through their time together, gather in groups to chat.

Li Pu is no exception, sitting with Darren and Nitia, joined by two other actors they are close to.

Bai Gaoxing sits in the innermost booth, quietly sipping his orange juice.

“So, what’s your plan when you go back? How about you come with me to my country for a few days?” Darren asks, glancing between the two of them.

Nitia calls over the waiter and orders several glasses of champagne, agreeing, “Yeah, it feels like we haven’t spent enough time together! It’s already over so quickly!”

But it is already February.

Li Pu regrettably has to decline, as he has more work scheduled and can’t spare the time.

“What about Bai?” Darren asks. “He should have some free time, right?”

Nitia smiles and nudges Darren. “Bai must be going back with Li, right?”

Bai Gaoxing subconsciously nods in response to Nitia’s question, and by the time he realizes it, it is too late to deny it.

It seems like he has missed an opportunity… Bai Gaoxing glances at Li Pu beside him, only to find him looking back, with the corners of his eyes curving slightly, as if in a good mood.

Well… fine.

Bai Gaoxing quickly takes another sip of his orange juice.

Li Pu, too, feels a sense of relief. After the boy’s instinctive confirmation of Nitia’s words, the tension that has been building in him for so long finally loosens a little.

Maybe he has been overthinking things… Li Pu lowers his gaze, his dark eyes slightly unfocused as he stares ahead. The boy still doesn’t know his feelings, and their interactions haven’t changed much. No intentional distancing has occurred.

It is probably just that he wants to get too close.

The bar is lively and noisy, with sounds blending together so it is hard to hear. Many people, having eaten and drunk enough, go to chat with the director. Everyone savors the last moments together, as many will be heading off to new schedules the next morning.

Li Pu and Bai Gaoxing are also pulled into a conversation with the director and screenwriters. Listening to the director praise Adonis and Noah’s “fairy love” with his newly learned terms, Bai Gaoxing can’t help but laugh out loud. But soon after, that brief moment of joy is swallowed up by a feeling of melancholy.

The movie is finished, and the characters’ stories have come to an end.

As the second male lead, Li Pu is pulled into more conversations, while Bai Gaoxing gestures to slip away. He quietly returns to the innermost corner of the booth.

…

When Li Pu returns, he sees Bai Gaoxing slumped on the table, his cheeks flushed.

His heart skips a beat, and his eyes immediately sweep over the three empty glasses, quickly understanding what has happened.

“Dabai?” There is no one else around, so Li Pu calls out directly, walking over to his side.

The boy seems to have heard his voice, moving to sit up, but his arm knocks over the nearest glass, making a crisp sound.

“Clink.”

Li Pu frowns slightly, reaching out to help him sit up. Sure enough, he sees that Bai Gaoxing’s face is flushed with drunkenness.

The boy seems still conscious. Upon seeing Li Pu, he breaks into a wide grin, but just a few seconds later, he suddenly leans sideways.

Seeing this, Li Pu moves instinctively, quickly pulling Bai Gaoxing up and holding him in his arms.

It seems like he hasn’t been able to take proper care of him, letting him get drunk twice now.

Li Pu lowers his gaze, tightening his grip around Bai Gaoxing’s waist.

The boy weakly leans into him, his soft white hair brushing against Li Pu’s chest, reminding him of the parrot’s warm, soft feathers.

“Ah, drunk again.”

The celebration is winding down, and actors are saying their goodbyes. When they reach the door, Nitia spots Li Pu and Bai Gaoxing and walks over with a smile.

Li Pu catches the boy, who is about to slip again, and whispers, “I didn’t keep an eye on him.”

Nitia lifts her head to sober up, remembering what happened the last time, and nods. “You really need to keep an eye on your boyfriend.”

Li Pu helps the boy, who is about to fall again, and whispers, “I didn’t keep an eye on him.”

Nitia looks up, trying to sober herself, and after recalling what happened last time, nods. “You really need to keep an eye on your boyfriend.”

She intends to joke, thinking that after all this time, it is clear that the two aren’t officially together.

But unexpectedly, Li Pu looks at her seriously and agrees, “That’s right.”

“…Wow.” Nitia is stunned for a moment before she manages to respond, “I wish you success.”

Li Pu remains calm. “Thank you.”

Nitia follows Darren, glancing back at them three times as she walks away, leaving Li Pu and Bai Gaoxing standing in the same spot.

Li Pu is contemplating whether to just take the boy back himself or call Mei Youshu to pick them up. Before he can decide, Bai Gaoxing’s body shifts in his arms, and his head leans against Li Pu’s shoulder.

“…Don’t want to leave.” The boy mumbles something, and Li Pu can’t catch it clearly.

He leans slightly down. “What?”

“Don’t want to leave.” This time, the boy speaks more clearly.

Li Pu pauses, and for a moment, he can’t tell whether Bai Gaoxing means “leave the film set” or “leave him.”

He still remembers the boy’s words about a future he isn’t sure will come—words that have left a lingering anxiety in his heart.

But Li Pu doesn’t dwell on it. He reaches up and gently rubs Bai Gaoxing’s head. “Okay, you don’t have to leave.”

Bai Gaoxing seems to relax, and soon, he sinks into Li Pu’s arms in deep sleep.

…

Once the movie is finished filming, the promotion gains more and more momentum.

The movie, which has been heavily promoted in mainland F earlier, is now beginning its pre-release buzz in M country. It is said that the official release is still some time away, but with Frank’s name attached, Casino is eagerly anticipated by many fans.

After returning to his country, Bai Gaoxing sees a flurry of new posts from Frank on Weibo. One of them congratulates Adonis and Noah’s story for its perfect conclusion and tags both him and Li Pu.

Really…

Bai Gaoxing chuckles helplessly. His Weibo is flooded with new comments, all of them screaming.

【Ahhh, I can’t wait any longer!】

【Waited for months, finally some news as spring is approaching!】

【Hehehe, I’ve already imagined the scene of Teacher Li and Xiaobai standing together. Uniform temptation! I love it!】

“…”

After scrolling through the comments, Bai Gaoxing leans against the headboard, silently staring at the side of the bed.

The open suitcase lies carelessly on the floor, with a few neatly folded clothes inside and a large empty space.

In the end, he chooses this step.

Ever since he thought Li Pu would get married and settle down, the thought of one day having to leave Li Pu has started to grow in his heart.

He buries this thought deep inside, convincing himself that as long as he ignores it, he can live a little longer with Li Pu without unease.

Back then, he simply treated this reluctance as a habit from spending too much time with Li Pu. He never imagines that later on… he would realize this was “love.”

The unfamiliar feeling has made him uneasy ever since he realized it. He wants to stay with Li Pu more and more, and even considers confessing it to him.

However, the last bit of rationality stops him.

“Love” is a good thing, but it shouldn’t exist between him and Li Pu.

First, it concerns Li Pu’s career. He doesn’t want to cause any trouble for Li Pu, who is already a public figure. A young star at the peak of his career shouldn’t be disturbed or influenced by him.

Then, he shouldn’t overstep his original position.

When he thinks about it carefully, he realizes that his role with Li Pu is only that of a pet, something to accompany and comfort him—a family member in another sense, nothing more.

Isn’t this exactly why Peter Wang has sent “him” here?

From the beginning, his thoughts have been to always stay with Li Pu as a parrot, then to live with Li Pu, and if he has to leave, to say it beforehand. Later, it evolves into “wanting to be with Li Pu forever”… He might have become a little greedy, asking for more than he should.

And in order not to make himself more detestable, maybe the best choice is to leave completely.

Bai Gaoxing buries his face in the blanket and takes a deep breath.

…

During the meal, Bai Gaoxing has already managed to adjust his mood.

He chats with Li Pu as usual, sharing gossip, trying to mask his tangled feelings from the man.

He is quite familiar with this kind of disguise. By the later stages of the shoot, he has perfected the art of pretending. His acting skills might not be professional, but Li Pu wouldn’t see through it.

After all… Li Pu wouldn’t like him.

Sitting at the table, Bai Gaoxing opens his mouth several times, only to stop and swallow his words each time.

He still doesn’t know how to tell Li Pu that he wants to leave, or whether he should even say it.

Thinking it over, he feels like he has failed. Li Pu has helped him so much, and now he is planning to leave—he should’ve worked harder to express his gratitude.

…If I didn’t like Li Pu.

“What’s wrong?” A familiar voice pulls him from his thoughts.

Bai Gaoxing purses his lips, widens his eyes slightly, and smiles. “What’s wrong?”

He is actually very good at making this innocent expression, and whenever he does this before, no one would ask further.

However, Li Pu stares at him for a long time, making it almost impossible for him to maintain the expression.

After a while, Li Pu finally turns his gaze away.

He had to leave soon.

Bai Gaoxing’s hand holding the chopsticks is trembling slightly, and only by gripping tightly can he force them to stop shaking as the pressure in his chest keeps growing, making breathing feel slightly difficult.

After dinner, he says he is going to rest in the bedroom. He then types a bunch of words in a private message to Lei Li on Weibo but ends up deleting everything.

He has intended to tell Lei Li that he is preparing to leave or ask her to help find a suitable place to rent, but as he thinks about all the help they have given him, he decides against it.

And besides… what if Li Pu finds out?

Until he has fully calmed down, it is probably best for him to stay alone.

Meanwhile, Li Pu picks up his phone and opens the topic he has already saved.

He remembers the boy’s birthday is February 11th, and he is considering giving him a surprise on that day, and also… telling him.

It isn’t long now.

Li Pu is browsing through ideas on how to surprise someone on their birthday and how to confess on that day. He has never felt so joyful and expectant, but amid this anticipation, a hidden unease stirs in his heart.

The boy’s unusual behavior at lunch has seized all his attention. Beneath that seemingly normal expression, emotions have leaked out to an extent that can no longer be ignored.

“…” He has a feeling that the boy is facing something he can’t solve.

Li Pu presses his lips together, casually places his phone on the bed, and walks toward the guest room.

But halfway there, he stops.

It has already been over an hour since lunch, and the boy might be resting.

Li Pu pauses for a moment, then walks over to the sofa and decides to wait there until the boy comes out to ask him.

Dark clouds have covered the sky, and the light in the living room quickly dims. Li Pu doesn’t bother turning on the lights but instead turns his head for a moment before returning his gaze to his phone.

In the living room, only a faint glow from the phone illuminates his face.

…

Bai Gaoxing repacks his suitcase again. The extra time he has purposely delayed seems to clearly tell him that he is reluctant to leave, but another voice inside denies it, saying that if he doesn’t leave now, it will be too late.

He ignores the voice inside and has already made up his mind in the days since returning home.

Speaking of it… he has learned how to pack a suitcase from Mei Youshu.

Bai Gaoxing stares at the suitcase blankly for a long while, feeling a bit tired. He lifts his head and gazes out the window at the scenery.

The timing seems wrong—the weather is gloomy outside, but it fits his mood perfectly.

Is there anything left to worry about?

For instance, living alone… that isn’t a big deal. After his parents pass away unexpectedly, he gets used to being by himself.

No matter when or in what state, he always gets through it alone.

He learns to forget the terrifying memories from his childhood, learns to heal himself from pain, and learns to draw warmth from school and the people who care for him, offering it back in return. He does quite well, as though life has always been peaceful and stable, like someone who has always lived in happiness.

This kind of overly intimate feeling isn’t right for him; he can’t adjust to it.

Bai Gaoxing tugs at the corner of his mouth.

What worries him the most now is actually Li Pu—if this “family” of his, which he relies on for comfort and healing, leaves, will Li Pu face problems again?

It shouldn’t happen again… During the filming of Casino, the man doesn’t fall into intense emotions, so it’s unlikely he’ll be overly affected again.

A trace of reluctance appears in Bai Gaoxing’s lowered gaze, but it eventually turns into determination.

Even if he doesn’t consider the things he cares most about, even if they could truly be together, with successful careers, a happy family, and great accomplishments—Li Pu has it all, while he has nothing. He even… can’t be sure he can stay by his side forever.

He doesn’t belong here.

And…

Bai Gaoxing’s hand lingers on the suitcase handle for a long time before he finally grips it tightly and opens the door, stepping outside.

To his surprise, Li Pu is sitting on the sofa.

The dim sunlight filters through the balcony, making the figure on the sofa seem hidden in the shadows.

Li Pu should have been in the bedroom this afternoon…?

Bai Gaoxing freezes for a moment, then sees the man’s gaze resting on his suitcase.

He lets out a quiet breath. He has been torn about whether to say goodbye, but now it seems like he should do it properly—Li Pu will understand.

“Um… I’m about to leave,” Bai Gaoxing says, standing at the door, gripping the suitcase handle tightly. He is so nervous, intentionally looking away.

“Leave?” Li Pu has already come over, his voice growing deep. “Where are you going?”

No one knows that when Li Pu hears these words, his mind briefly goes blank. When he regains his senses, he is already standing in front of the boy.

Bai Gaoxing still keeps his head down, not noticing how Li Pu’s voice has suddenly lowered. “Well, it’s been a lot of trouble for you these past few days. Now that the movie is finished, I’ve got my own plans, so…”

“So?”

“I’m telling you that I…”

Bai Gaoxing can’t bring himself to say the word “goodbye.” After all, they might never see each other again.

He lowers his head even more, not seeing that Li Pu’s eyes have darkened, like the storm clouds gathering in the sky.

Li Pu watches him closely, his heart sinking. It turns out that his worries have been right—what he has thought was an illusion is the truth.

Dabai has always been thinking about how to avoid him, how to get away from him.

He seems to have mistakenly believed that the boy would always depend on him, never considering that one day the boy would want to leave.

An overwhelming impulse surges through Li Pu’s blood. For a brief moment, he wonders if the long-unused cage in the living room might not be as useless as he thought.

But he can’t do it.

Even when Dabai had been a parrot, he had raised him freely. Now, he can’t take that step.

“Give me a reason,” Li Pu says, his voice low and careful, as though he is approaching a frightened bird hiding under the eaves.

Bai Gaoxing can’t speak. He can’t say anything.

He has no choice but to lift his head, trying to play it off with a joke. But the moment his gaze meets Li Pu’s, all his words catch in his chest.

Bai Gaoxing has never seen Li Pu look so serious. Despite always being gentle and composed, this time his face is completely shadowed by a deep gloom.

A wave of panic washes over Bai Gaoxing, and he instinctively steps backward until he is pressed against the cold door.

There is no escape.

The next moment, his chin is gripped by warm fingers, forcing him to look up into Li Pu’s eyes.

“Then I’ll tell you,” Li Pu speaks softly but firmly, “it’s not possible.”

His tone is polite, but his eyes are cold, as if his focus is somewhere far away.

Li Pu’s fingers press gently against Bai Gaoxing’s lips, rubbing them gently, leaving a flush of crimson.

Bai Gaoxing doesn’t care about Li Pu’s actions anymore. His voice trembles as he tries to break the suffocating silence with a joke. “Give me a reason?”

He sees Li Pu suddenly smile, the cold, stern brows and eyes melting like snow.

Bai Gaoxing’s heart begins to beat violently, and all the external sounds disappear in an instant.

He watches Li Pu lean down, coming closer and closer. The man’s breath completely envelops him, until something soft brushes his lips.

After a few seconds, everything seems to quieten, the world coming back into focus with a rush.

“…This is the reason. Do you understand?”