I Became Famous After I Became a Parrot in the Movie Star's House - Chapter 138

A ring?

Bai Gaoxing is momentarily stunned and doesn’t immediately react.

The only time he has encountered something ring-shaped before is with the parrot’s ankle ring—aside from the one on “Dabai” from the start, there is also the customized metal ring with a locator made for The Long Song drama crew.

As for where it is now… it has long since broken and ended up somewhere in the bathroom when he transformed into a human.

Li Pu is still holding his hand tightly, and Bai Gaoxing looks down, clearly seeing the design on the ring.

It looks like a pattern of flying feathers, with a few small diamonds at the ends—neither too plain nor too obvious.

It is obviously a carefully chosen piece, and wearing it at university won’t make him stand out too much. Even if someone notices, it might just be seen as a small decoration.

Just as Bai Gaoxing is about to ask if this is a transformed ankle ring, Li Pu speaks.

“I originally wanted to wait until you turned twenty, but I just realized I can’t wait anymore.” Li Pu’s fingertip brushes over the slightly raised pattern on the ring, and he slowly lifts his eyes, his gaze holding both a smile and seriousness. “This is the formal proposal. Teacher Bai, will you be with me forever?”

Bai Gaoxing doesn’t even remember how he answers.

He blankly gets out of the car, dragging his suitcase toward the entrance. Halfway there, he suddenly remembers and rubs the ring.

Does this mean… he’s supposed to wear it all the time?

His face heats up at the thought.

This is clearly something declaring ownership… it gives him the feeling that while other college students are focused on their studies, here he is, quietly preparing to get married.

Parents and new students bustle around him, filling the air with noise. Yet, to Bai Gaoxing, the world seems to fade away, leaving only him and the weight of the ring on his finger.

—Ahhhhhh, I can’t calm down at all!

“Hey! Classmate? Hello?”

Bai Gaoxing snaps back to reality, startled by a face right in front of him. He takes a step back. “What?”

“We’ve been calling you for a while, hey,” the girl in a volunteer uniform says helplessly. “Which major are you? Show your admission letter for registration.”

Bai Gaoxing looks around, only then realizing he has walked right up to the registration area.

After filling out the information, he sets down the pen, knowing that according to the process, his fellow students or senior students from the same department should be the ones to greet him.

Unexpectedly, when he looks up, he finds the volunteer girl staring at him intently.

“…What’s wrong?”

He gives an awkward smile, only to see her gaze fixate on the side of his face. She hesitates, then tentatively whispers, “Teacher Bai?”

Instinctively, Bai Gaoxing reaches up to touch the strands of hair at his temple—his cap can’t quite cover them.

But now that he’s in university, there’s nothing to hide. He lowers his voice and smiles. “Yep!”

The girl tugs at the arm of her classmate, excitedly saying, “Ahhh, look! It’s really him! It was so wise of me to apply to be a guide!”

The other girl freezes for a moment, then looks up, her expression turning into one of surprise and joy.

Thanks to the large crowd, they don’t stand up right away, but they can’t help but ask if they can exchange contact information.

Bai Gaoxing agrees happily.

He has created a new chat account to separate his school life from his work.

Looking at the names, they are Wu Qingqing and Sui Yuan.

“Yan Ming! He’s in your dorm! Come pick him up!” Sui Yuan calls out.

Bai Gaoxing sees a tall, tan-skinned boy with a smile walk toward them. “Sister Sui Yuan.”

Sui Yuan gestures toward Bai Gaoxing. “Yan Ming arrived two days ago. He’s also your class’s temporary monitor. If you need anything, just go to him.”

Bai Gaoxing looks him over and catches sight of bright white teeth as Yan Ming smiles.

“Bai… Gaoxing.” Yan Ming coughs. “I know you, you’re the one who translated for Li Pu, right?”

—Don’t think I can’t see that grin!

Bai Gaoxing raises an eyebrow and then hears Yan Ming say, “In that case, I’ll just call you ‘Gaoxing’ from now on. Here’s the plan: I’ll take you to your dorm to drop off your stuff, then we’ll grab your military training clothes, and after that, I’ll show you around.”

Bai Gaoxing has no objections. “Alright.”

Yan Ming leads him toward the dorm. “Our dorm is in Songzhu Building, third floor, Room 303. It’s in a great spot, not far from the commercial street, the cafeteria, and the teaching buildings.”

At the door, Yan Ming greets the dormitory auntie and is about to take Bai Gaoxing’s luggage. “Give it to me, I’ll take it upstairs for you.”

Bai Gaoxing is stunned by the enthusiasm of his roommate and instinctively steps back. “No, no, I can do it myself.”

Yan Ming scoffs. “It’s fine, I’m strong—” He takes the suitcase, but then pauses, staring at it. “Hmm??”

He looks at Bai Gaoxing in disbelief. “It’s so light? You didn’t bring anything?”

Bai Gaoxing replies, “It’s not much.”

Also, since his home is nearby, he can always go back whenever needed.

The school has prepared the bedding for them, and since it’s still summer, he has only brought a thin blanket. Besides that, he has his laptop and a few clothes. As for daily necessities, he plans to buy them at the school.

The two quickly reach Room 303. Yan Ming is still searching for the key in his pocket when Bai Gaoxing pushes open the door, and it opens.

There is already someone inside.

The two exchange looks before entering, where they see a curly-haired guy standing on a ladder, making the bed.

Apparently, Yang Juan has heard them and turns around to greet them. “Oh, you’re here.”

Yan Ming looks up and then checks the paper on the door with the names. “Yang Juan, right?”

Yang Juan gives an “OK” hand gesture. “Yep!”

Bai Gaoxing finds his bed—Number 4, close to the door. However, since the switch and light button are not on his side, he won’t need to be responsible for turning off the lights and closing the door.

The beds are arranged one by one along the ladder. He steps up to make the bed, then puts his clothes and laptop in the closet. Before the semester starts, he buys a lock to hang on the locker.

Yan Ming leans against the door with his arms crossed and casually says, “You really thought ahead. When I came, I forgot to bring a lock, so I had to run to the commercial street to buy one.”

Bai Gaoxing sighs as he looks at the made bed. “I’ll have to go to the commercial street to buy stuff too.”

By this time, Yang Juan finishes making the bed and gets down. Bai Gaoxing notices that he is wearing a pair of black-framed glasses, giving off a studious vibe.

“I’m also going later,” he says. “Can I go with you?”

Yan Ming nods. “Sure.”

Bai Gaoxing jumps down, and in the next second, the figure in front of him suddenly moves closer.

“You’re Bai Gaoxing?”

Bai Gaoxing looks at Yang Juan in front of him and feels that his tone seems a little too excited.

He is wary. “Yes, what’s up?”

Yang Juan pushes up his glasses, and an odd light flickers in his eyes. “This is my first time meeting a celebrity up close…”

Bai Gaoxing interrupts, “Stop right there, I’m not a celebrity.”

Ignoring his protest, Yang Juan’s gaze flickers toward Bai Gaoxing’s head before he finally blurts out, “Can I see it? I heard you have white hair?”

There isn’t really a need to ask—Bai Gaoxing is only wearing a baseball cap, and his hair is still visible. At first glance, people might assume he has bleached it for style, but those who pay attention will notice it is completely white.

But Yan Ming thinks Yang Juan’s question is a bit inappropriate, considering white is an unusual color. It feels a bit like digging into a personal wound. So, he pats Yang Juan’s shoulder. “Buddy…”

To his surprise, Bai Gaoxing generously nods and takes off his hat. “Go ahead, look.”

“Wow…” Yang Juan exclaims, excitement and awe flashing in his eyes. “It really is white! Dude, you look so cool! Totally awesome!”

Bai Gaoxing’s mouth twitches. So much for the “studious” impression—what is with this reaction?

Yang Juan, clearly struggling to keep his hands to himself, suddenly notices something. “Wait, there’s a strand here that looks gray. Why is that?”

Bai Gaoxing: “…”

 He coldly replies, “The white is because I have albinism. The gray… is because I have Chunibyo.”

(Translator’s Notes: “Chunibyo” (中二病, Chūnibyō) is a Japanese term that translates to “Eighth Grade Syndrome.” It refers to a phase where teenagers (or even some adults) act as if they have special powers, secret knowledge, or are somehow different from ordinary people—often in a dramatic or exaggerated way.)

Yan Ming: “Pfft.”

Yang Juan, excited, asks, “You also like anime?”

Bai Gaoxing: Got it, this guy’s an otaku.

The group picks up their military training gear, then heads to the commercial street.

The commercial street at Jiangcheng University is a long, bustling road with all kinds of shops and restaurants. Since it is the start of the school year, it is packed with people.

Bai Gaoxing quickly buys a basin, towel, toothpaste, toothbrush, and various other odds and ends. He meets up with the two again and returns to the dorm.

As soon as they get back, someone shows up selling mobile plans.

“Classmate, why not sign up for our campus network discount package? Blah blah blah…”

You still need to apply for a card for phone calls and internet access, but it’s not available right now.

Yan Ming waves off the salesperson. “Our group isn’t complete yet. Once everyone arrives, we’ll go to the service center together to get the cards.”

After waiting for a while, the three of them chat until just before dinner when they finally wait for the fourth person to arrive.

With a “bang,” someone slams the door open, breathing heavily while dragging a large suitcase inside and half-exhaustedly says, “Hi.”

He is a long-haired handsome guy.

Bai Gaoxing immediately notices the other’s shoulder-length hair. According to the name on the door, this person is named Wang Xue and is staying in the bed opposite his.

“Oh man, I’m late. I missed the high-speed train.” Wang Xue plops onto a stool, waving his hand dismissively. “I’m so tired.”

Bai Gaoxing’s attention is entirely on the other person’s suitcase. It is so big; he wonders if it is packed with all his belongings.

“Nice timing,” Yang Juan says. “We were just about to go eat. Hey, wanna go grab dinner?”

…

The four of them have dinner in the campus cafeteria—at Yan Ming’s suggestion, to give their new roommate a taste of the school’s meals.

“Jiangcheng University is famous for two things: its academics and its cafeteria,” Yan Ming boasts. “I’ve been eating here for the past two days, and it’s amazing.”

The school has three cafeterias, each with two floors and elevators. The large cafeteria has windows on three sides, offering everything from xiaolongbao (steamed dumplings) and rice noodles to pork chop rice, from millet porridge to fresh-squeezed juice and egg-drop soup—everything one could want.

Since it is the first day and not many new students have arrived yet, the place is mostly filled with upperclassmen.

The four of them buy their favorite dishes and find a nearby seat to sit.

Yang Juan sits across from Bai Gaoxing, and while eating, he looks up and asks, “Hey Bai, isn’t it hot wearing that hat? Just take it off.” As he speaks, he raises his hand and takes Bai Gaoxing’s hat off.

The white hair reflects the cafeteria’s lights, drawing attention from all directions, like a spotlight.

Yang Juan: “…”

Yang Juan: “Sorry, put it back on.” He hurriedly shoves the hat back onto Bai Gaoxing’s head.

Adjusting his cap, Bai Gaoxing glances around at the startled students. “I was planning to take it off, but it’s too conspicuous.”

This feels different from work. Although the university environment is relaxed, a head of white hair still stands out like the brightest light on a lighthouse.

Wang Xue, who recognizes him earlier in the afternoon, swallows a mouthful of rice and reassures him, “It’s fine. Every university has students with red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple hair. Take it off early and let people get used to it. They’ll stop staring soon enough.”

Yan Ming agrees. “There’s military training and classes coming up. You can’t keep wearing the hat all the time. How about… just let it be?”

Bai Gaoxing thinks about it. “That makes sense.”

The meal helps the four of them quickly become familiar with each other. They’re all around seventeen or eighteen, in the prime of their youth, chatting and laughing, creating a lively atmosphere.

After dinner, the four go for a stroll on the commercial street, stop by the courier point, and take a walk toward the teaching buildings to familiarize themselves with the locations and layout. Finally, they return to the dorm and chat for a while.

When everyone feels tired and suggests it’s time to rest, Bai Gaoxing agrees and closes his eyes.

Wait!

Feeling something on his finger, Bai Gaoxing suddenly opens his eyes. He forgot to reply to Li Pu!

Diving into bed, Bai Gaoxing takes out his phone, switches to the previous account, and sees several messages from Li Pu. They’re spread from afternoon to evening, each one spaced two to three hours apart.

Immediately, he feels guilty.

Bai Gaoxing types: 【I didn’t see the messages! Are you asleep? >w<】

Then he types: 【Today went pretty smoothly, my roommates are all nice. We start military training in a few days, and once that’s done, I’ll head back home!】

Glancing at the time, it’s already past eleven, so he figures Li Pu is probably asleep by now.

Bai Gaoxing’s heart, which had been racing, calms down a little.

However, the next second, a new message pops up on the screen.

【Not asleep yet.】