I Became Famous After I Became a Parrot in the Movie Star's House - Chapter 140

Filming a movie certainly doesn’t happen that quickly. After Bai Gaoxing agrees, Lei Li begins the formal contract process and schedules the dates. It’s said that they plan to start shooting at the end of October.

There are only a few scenes involving birds in the movie, and filming them will likely take no more than a week. This is one of the reasons Bai Gaoxing agrees after learning more about the project. He still has to study!

Once formal classes begin, Bai Gaoxing discovers what it means to have the “always attract the teacher’s attention” buff. With his white hair, even the slightest movement draws the teacher’s eyes.

Perhaps it’s because the teachers have all heard about him. During the first class of each subject, the roll call always pauses at his name. Then, they curiously look at his hair, and some even ask him to stand up and converse in French.

There are even playful teachers who say, “I remember you, you have to attend all my classes~”

That’s fine. Bai Gaoxing already expects this situation. He remembers a girl in his class back in the day who dyed her hair green, and the teacher would always check to see if she was there, calling her name if she wasn’t.

Being called upon in class is inevitable, and his roommates aren’t spared either. As a result, the four of them become the first ones to be recognized by the entire class.

The schedule also includes a large class where two classes are combined. At first, the students from the other class seem to pass by his seat unintentionally, though their intentions are blatantly obvious.

Eventually, things calm down a bit, but the teachers seem to favor him. Perhaps it’s because he has the “returned from abroad” label, but whenever a question related to his major comes up and no one else can answer, they always like to pick him.

“They can’t just pick me.” As Bai Gaoxing walks into the cafeteria, he grabs a plate, ignoring the stares around him, and sighs casually.

“It’ll be fine after this week. The teachers will also get used to it,” Wang Xue reassures him.

“It’s okay. Tomorrow we have a math class. The teacher can’t just call on you every time,” Yang Juan says.

Yang Juan makes a good prediction.

The next day, when Bai Gaoxing sits in the classroom and looks at the elderly man on the stage, he can’t help but fall silent.

What a coincidence??

The old man no longer wears the loose training clothes from downstairs but is dressed in a shirt and trousers, looking neat and energetic. If not for his gray hair, Bai Gaoxing might think he’s a young teacher.

Language majors don’t usually study mathematics, but advanced mathematics is a mandatory public course at Jiangcheng University, and it takes at least a year to complete.

This isn’t an issue for students who manage to get into Jiangcheng University—if they can get into this school, all of them have scores above 130, 140, or even 150 in mathematics.

As soon as he steps onto the podium, Old Ren writes his name on the blackboard: Ren Jiaoshu.

Then, he writes down a string of email addresses.

After finishing this, he places the chalk on the desk and, with a smile, says, “I don’t have a phone, students. If you need something, just email me.”

Then, he begins telling stories.

Although Old Ren is teaching math, his ability to express himself is impressive. He speaks endlessly, from his teaching achievements to his methods, clearly conveying one point to the students: study hard, or I’ll fail you.

From his words, Bai Gaoxing can tell that Old Ren is a retired teacher who has been re-employed by the school. After feeling that he had nothing to do during his year of retirement, he agreed to the school’s request.

Old Ren asks the students to open their books.

No roll call? Bai Gaoxing sighs in relief and begins paying attention to the class.

However, this calm doesn’t last long.

When the class ends and Bai Gaoxing is about to leave, he notices that Old Ren is standing at the door with a book, smiling as if waiting for someone.

…It seems like he’s waiting for him.

When their eyes meet, Bai Gaoxing knows Old Ren is about to speak to him.

“Xiaobai,” the old man says kindly, his tone carrying a hint of regret. “Why didn’t you apply for a math major? Don’t you like it?”

This is a difficult question to answer.

Bai Gaoxing can only grit his teeth and reply, “Ah… I feel like this major suits me better.”

Fortunately, Old Ren only chats casually. He pats Bai Gaoxing’s shoulder and says, “My little one really likes you. Come visit it again next time.”

He finishes speaking and leisurely walks off, even nodding in response to some students greeting him as he passes by.

“You know Professor Ren?” a classmate comes over, gossiping. “That’s amazing!”

When he sees that the editor-in-chief of the advanced mathematics book is named Ren Jiaoshu, he realizes that this person is no ordinary individual!

But… who could have guessed that the old man who raised a foul-mouthed starling is actually a well-known professor?

…

After Friday comes the weekend.

“What are your plans for the weekend?” Wang Xue asks, turning around in his chair.

“I’m going to the library,” Yan Ming says.

“I’m staying home to play games,” Yang Juan says without thinking.

“I plan to go home for a couple of days,” Bai Gaoxing says.

This statement draws the attention of the other three.

“It’s so nice that your home is nearby,” Yang Juan says, sounding envious.

Among the four of them, Yan Ming is from another province, while Yang Juan and Wang Xue are from other cities.

Wang Xue sighs regretfully. “That means we can’t all eat together. I wanted to check out some good places nearby.”

Yang Juan adds, “I’m too lazy to move. But you can go if you want.”

Yan Ming says, “If Gaoxing isn’t here, let’s go another time.”

Bai Gaoxing is taken aback and quickly says, “You three can go without me. You don’t have to wait for me.”

“Oh, it’s fine,” Wang Xue says. “What’s the point of gathering if we’re missing someone? We’ll wait for you. Are you going home again next week? If not, we’ll go on a night when you don’t have class.”

Bai Gaoxing can’t refuse their kindness. He decisively replies, “I won’t go back next week.” In his heart, he thinks: Guess I’ll have to let my boyfriend stay home alone.

Far away on set, Li Pu sneezes.

Mei Youshu leans over to check, “Is the air conditioning too cold here? You don’t want to catch a cold.”

“I’m fine,” Li Pu says, taking the jacket Mei Youshu hands to him, his thoughts already flying to tonight.

Tonight, Dabai is coming back.

Li Pu can’t stop the smile spreading across his face.

The surrounding crew members notice and can’t help but comment, “Teacher Li seems to be in a good mood today!”

Hearing these words, Mei Youshu pauses: “…”

Suddenly, he remembers that Li Pu mentioned Dabai would be coming back tonight.

He’s choked by a mouthful of dog food.

…

When the lights of the city illuminate the night, Li Pu hurries home.

He had originally thought he’d be done with work by school’s end, but unexpected delays keep him for two extra hours.

By now, Dabai should already be home.

Li Pu glances at his watch, opens the door, and as soon as he steps inside, he is immediately embraced by a figure rushing toward him.

“You’re finally back!” Bai Gaoxing exclaims.

Li Pu isn’t surprised at all. It’s expected, and he naturally wraps his arms around him, even giving a little lift to his pleasantly shaped bottom.

This scene makes him think of the days when he would come home and be immediately pounced on by the large white parrot.

It seems like nothing has changed.

Looking at the cheerful young man, Li Pu carries him into the house and asks, “What time did you get home?”

“After five. We didn’t have class this afternoon.”

Jiangcheng University is so close to home that it only takes two subway rides or a bus ride.

Bai Gaoxing tightens his legs around Li Pu’s waist and whispers into his ear, “What are we having for dinner?”

As promised, they have Li Pu’s homemade sweet and sour ribs for dinner, along with something a bit bitter.

Bai Gaoxing groans, lying on the bed, then turns to Li Pu and asks, “Where’s the movie script?”

“It’s time for bed. We’ll look at it tomorrow,” Li Pu says, patting his back.

Worried that the young man won’t be able to get up the next morning, Li Pu has controlled himself and only made love twice that night.

“No way—show me now,” Bai Gaoxing insists. It’s still too early to sleep, and he can’t sleep at all.

Li Pu takes the script and hands it over.

The movie Birdsong has its title as the core clue. In other words, to achieve the best effect, they have to make sure that the scene where they set up the clue at the beginning is flawless and natural.

Before Bai Gaoxing went home, he heard from Lei Li that someone had suggested using computer technology to create a fake bird, but Director Sun quickly shot it down.

The production team has to start the lengthy process of searching for animal actors again. Initially, they focus on small, delicate birds, like larks. But larks can only mimic sounds, not speak, and teaching one to tap out Morse code is something that would be impossible within a short period of time.

That’s when they think of Bai Gaoxing.

Director Sun isn’t very hopeful at first, but to his surprise, Li Pu quickly agrees.

He doesn’t expect that when Lei Li signs the contract with him, she seems completely unfazed by the challenge.

“The requirements for this movie are much more detailed than The Long Song. It might take months to perfect Dabai’s role alone,” Director Sun can’t help but remind her.

In the film, the bird has to not only chirp, but also tap out codes, sing, and help guide the protagonist to find clues at the right moments. It’s clearly a massive task.

Lei Li simply replies, “Oh, I know. Are you going to sign it?”

Was she always this calm?

Director Sun doubts her resolve, thinking that even if Dabai can pull it off, it will be a struggle. He decides to wait and see.

There aren’t many bird scenes in the movie. Bai Gaoxing finishes reading the script quickly and has an idea in mind. “Do you think I should act smart or play it down?”

Li Pu rubs Bai Gaoxing’s hair. “Either way works.”

But now it’s truly time for bed. Li Pu turns off the lights, saying nothing more, and pulls Bai Gaoxing into his arms.

It’s been a nice weekend.

On Sunday afternoon, as he’s about to return to school, Bai Gaoxing still feels his legs shaking.

He leans against the door frame, almost in tears. “Can you control yourself a bit?”

Li Pu supports his waist. “I’ll take you.”

“Good thing I’m not coming back next week…” Bai Gaoxing mutters under his breath.

“What?” Li Pu doesn’t catch it.

“Nothing!” Bai Gaoxing takes a couple of steps forward. “Let’s go!”

In the dorm, the three others watch as Bai Gaoxing, who is clearly struggling to walk but still trying to act normal, is unable to stop Wang Xue from asking, “What happened to you?”

“I’m fine,” Bai Gaoxing forces a smile, gritting his teeth. “I got knocked by a dog.”

How big could that dog have been? The three exchange glances.

Yan Ming decides to start a new topic. “Next week is the club recruitment. Are any of you interested in joining?”

Wang Xue replies, “The Gourmet Club? I heard there are a lot of delicious foods.”

Yang Juan is still playing a game. “The Stay-at-home Club.”

“There’s no such club, is there?” Yan Ming asks, surprised, then takes out a recruitment flyer. “I might check out the basketball club. Gaoxing, which one are you interested in?”

“Is there one that’s more relaxed and doesn’t require much commitment?” Bai Gaoxing mutters as he looks over the flyer.

The club recruitment went as scheduled. The three of them chose the clubs they liked, and Bai Gaoxing also picked one he was interested in, prioritizing the condition that it didn’t take up much time.

The weekend arrives again. Bai Gaoxing cruelly uses “socializing” as an excuse to decline Li Pu’s invitation to go home, instead heading out with his roommates for a barbecue buffet.

“…I didn’t expect so many people to know Gaoxing,” Yang Juan licks his ice cream, watching Bai Gaoxing flusteredly sign autographs and politely refuse to take pictures. He can’t help but laugh sympathetically.

Yan Ming, like a worried father, has already grilled three pieces of meat, placing them in bowls for everyone. “Eat while it’s hot.”

“Poor guy,” Wang Xue shakes her head, then steps in with her social skills, talking endlessly and using her looks to “steal” Bai Gaoxing back.

“Try it, don’t let it get cold,” Yan Ming says.

“Hey, someone took a picture of Lao Si eating with us. Hurry up and finish, we need to leave,” “Hey, someone took a picture of Lao Si eating with us! Quick, finish up and let’s go,” Wang Xue glances at his phone.

After dinner, the four of them stroll the streets. The young men, each with their own style, are approached by people trying to strike up conversations. Bai Gaoxing looks up at the stars and the moon, feeling that life is truly beautiful.

However, Li Pu’s mood isn’t as pleasant.

His pet parrot hasn’t come home and has even been seen dining out—does that mean he doesn’t want to come back? Or has he gone too far last time?

Li Pu reflects for a moment and decides to be gentler during the upcoming weekend.

Bai Gaoxing, who has been mentally preparing himself for a more intense experience, is a little surprised at first. Then he feels even happier, and he ends up not going back home again at the end of the month.

But that joy doesn’t last long.

During the National Day holiday, he is pinned on the bed by Li Pu, who has been patient for so long. He hears the man calmly state, “There’s a seven-day holiday, right?”

Bai Gaoxing deeply regrets not going home on time.

…

At the end of October, Bai Gaoxing takes a leave of absence from school.

When his roommates ask where he is going, he replies that he is going to work with Teacher Li.

Luckily, none of the three are particularly interested in the entertainment industry, and upon hearing his answer, they wish him the best of luck.

At home, Bai Gaoxing has already transformed into a snow-white parrot.

Perhaps it is because of the food at Jiangcheng University’s canteen, but now his feathers are glossy and shiny, reflecting a satin-like sheen.

“Have you gained weight again?” Li Pu raises his hand and pats his chest.

“No!” Bai Gaoxing scolds him.

This time, unlike while shooting The Long Song, it is completely different. Everything is clear from the start, and Li Pu no longer ties him with a leg ring or flight leash.

He even lets Bai Gaoxing stand on his shoulder and carry an empty birdcage.

Therefore, when Director Sun stands nearby to welcome them on set and sees a man walking by with a parrot perched on his shoulder, it would be an understatement to say he is stunned.

“What’s this…?” His voice lowers, suspiciously glancing at the parrot’s claws, before suddenly realizing, “Is it wearing a chain?”

Director Sun remembers how Li Pu has always treated the parrot like a treasure on set, carrying it everywhere, and even tethering it to its cage with a small chain.

But Li Pu just pats the parrot’s head, saying, “No.”

A cheerful bird call follows, and Director Sun is horrified as the white parrot suddenly takes flight from Li Pu’s shoulder and soars straight into the sky.

“It… it… it flew away!” Director Sun stammers, his head tilting back as he points, taking steps backward with his legs already feeling weak.

Cold sweat begins to pour from him. If the parrot runs away on set, will he have to pay for it? How could anyone have imagined that Li Pu hasn’t even tethered it?!

The area is still far from the set, vast and desolate, an empty field.

The big white bird circles the sky for what feels like an eternity, and just when Director Sun is about to give up, it suddenly swoops down and returns to Li Pu’s shoulder.

With eyes as round and dark as beads, the parrot blinks and chirps playfully, “Haha~ I scared you.”

Director Sun’s heart is still racing.

What the hell just happened?!