I Became Famous After I Became a Parrot in the Movie Star's House - Chapter 147

The Iris International Film Festival is the most prestigious and influential international film festival.

The festival lasts for ten days and kicks off at the end of September. Any film released within the past year, up until this September, is eligible for selection.

At 6:50 in the evening, night has already fallen, and the opening ceremony is entering its final ten-minute countdown.

The venue is brilliantly lit, with the overhead lights and flashing cameras blending indistinguishably. The wide, flat red carpet stretches all the way to the distant end, and countless reporters holding microphones, along with staff with cameras, stand on either side of the carpet. Black metal railings separate the crowd as a barrier, creating a bustling, lively atmosphere, with everyone watching for any movement at the entrance.

It’s almost time.

The global live stream has already started, and people from all over the world can watch via the platform.

Xinghuo is the only officially authorized domestic platform.

【Ahhhh, has it started yet?】

【One minute left!!!】

【Is it really tonight? So excited ahhhh!!!】

It isn’t even 7 PM yet, and the online viewership on the Xinghuo platform has already surpassed one million.

The fact that Li Pu and Xiaobai will be walking the red carpet together tonight has become common knowledge. It is the first time this young couple is publicly attending such a formal event together, and it is because they are nominated for an Iris official award for their involvement in the same film, which is incredibly exciting.

【I wonder if they’ll wear matching outfits, hehehe~】

【Now that you mention it, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Xiaobai in formal attire. If we get to see him tonight, it’ll feel like watching their wedding!】

【There’s all sorts of things worn on the red carpet, as long as it’s not too eye-popping… But I believe my Xiaobai would look good even in a newspaper】

The Iris International Film Festival is held at the largest opera house in F Country, with the highest cameras overlooking most of the venue, capturing the cascading steps and corners hidden behind the curtains, while also catching the glimmering flashes of the cameras.

So many people. Every viewer watching the live stream thinks the same, trying to spot the celebrities they want to see among the dense crowd.

However, every celebrity or member of the judging panel arrives at the entrance by car, making it hard to spot them immediately.

At this moment, Bai Gaoxing is sitting in the car with Li Pu, feeling a little nervous in the heated atmosphere. The light from outside filters through the car window, making his snowy white hair shine.

“Don’t be nervous.” Li Pu notices Bai Gaoxing’s slightly trembling eyelashes, holding his hand gently and speaking in a soothing voice.

Bai Gaoxing turns his face to look at him and nods. “Mm!”

The people ahead of them have already disappeared from the red carpet, and it is almost their turn.

Meanwhile, the viewers in the Xinghuo live stream quickly sense that the moment they have been waiting for is arriving. They instinctively hold their breath and frantically type in the chat.

【Aaaahhhhh, it’s happening!】

【Teacher Li!!! Xiaobai!!!!】

【As expected, they’re in the same car hehehe~】

A black car slowly drives into the venue and stops at the red carpet entrance. The keen-eyed reporters immediately shift their cameras toward the car.

The car door slowly opens, and a man dressed in a black suit is the first to step out. A myriad of flashes goes off, lighting up the entire venue as though it were daytime.

Three years ago, Li Pu walked the red carpet alone at the Iris International Film Festival and won the highest award for actors.

Now, he has someone by his side, walking the red carpet with him.

The handsome man reaches into the car, and a long, fair hand extends from the car and into his palm.

The moment their hands clasp, the crowd erupts into cheers and applause.

The live stream audience is just as excited.

【Aaaahhhhhh Xiaobai!】

【Oh my god, you two better stick together!! ahhhhhh!!】

【They’re seriously… I can’t handle this】

【Teacher Li is so handsome, I’m tired of saying it. Xiaobai looks like he’s grown into his looks! He’s even more handsome than before!!】

In the camera’s view, the young man with pure white hair smiles, his deep black eyes sparkling like stars in the night sky.

Two years have passed, and he seems to have lost a bit of his cuteness. His features have become even more refined and beautiful, and with part of his hair styled and swept back, he now looks dazzling, drawing everyone’s attention.

They are both dressed in black formal suits, with light-colored patterns spreading across the left and right sides of their chests. Li Pu’s dark gray inner lining is subtle and mysterious, while Bai Gaoxing’s silver inner lining is bright and eye-catching. Both wear silver rose lapel pins on their left chests, and the two buttons are left undone, giving them a relaxed, casual look rather than a rigid one.

As the two of them stand still on the red carpet, hands clasped tightly, the flashes from the cameras light up once again.

It has become a yearly tradition for celebrity couples to walk the red carpet, but a young couple with such striking looks like this one is a first for the Iris red carpet.

The excitement in the crowd is palpable, with countless cameras focused on Li Pu and Bai Gaoxing. Other stars waiting in line see this and instinctively step back, worried that they won’t get enough screen time if they stay too close.

On the entire long red carpet, it is just Li Pu and Bai Gaoxing.

【Hahahahaha, they accidentally cleared the field!】

【I’m screenshotting! Screenshot! Screenshot! Screenshot!】

【This frame is perfect! I declare them the most beautiful red carpet couple!】

【!!! They’re wearing matching couple watches! It’s Gino’s latest model this year!】

【Weibo already has photos from the event, and they look flawless even in direct shots!!】

This is Bai Gaoxing’s first time truly stepping onto the red carpet. Back when he was still a parrot, he only watched the excitement from below the stage, but now, as a human, he has to admit… he is really nervous.

Bai Gaoxing can barely make out the surroundings, surrounded by flashes from the cameras. The temperature in the air is rising, and the already warm night feels even more intense.

But soon, he knows it is time to move.

A small motion from the hand holding his pulls him forward, and the sound of camera shutters clicks nonstop. The mix of languages from various countries fills the air, all calling for them to wait.

Li Pu leads Bai Gaoxing down the red carpet, their hands tightly clasped, with smiles on both their faces.

【Teacher Li is in high spirits ahhhh hahahaha!】

【He’s got a successful career, and now love too, life is so good.】

【Speaking of life being good, Xiaobai too~ hehehee~】

【Fair skin, rosy cheeks… beautiful face, beautiful hands.】

【Shut up! Careful, or the live stream will get censored!】

On the long red carpet, the two are stopped several times. What should be a short walk, only taking seconds, ends up taking five minutes.

More photos are uploaded on Weibo.

The photos taken on-site are unfiltered. The two of them walk toward the light, their figures bathed in dazzling star-like glows, shining brightly.

Not just photos—there are also animated gifs from their appearance.

There is a romantic and beautiful shot of Li Pu escorting Bai Gaoxing out of the car; the powerful aura of them walking down the red carpet together; and a moment where Li Pu whispers to Bai Gaoxing, who then looks up and smiles brightly, all of which strike a chord with everyone.

【The reporters really love Xiaobai, I’ve already heard many people calling his name (PS: I’m studying Italian).】

【He stands out so much! That white hair is gorgeous, and his raw, unedited photos are flawless. The festival media always loves capturing striking, photogenic moments—after all, red carpet buzz kicks off every year’s discussions!】

The netizens are right. Xiaobai, with his head of white hair, is the most eye-catching point in front of the cameras, even more so than pure blonde hair. No one else suits white as much as he does—what others would avoid in such extreme light colors looks perfect on him, pure and beautiful. The gray strands in his hair are even styled with a silver hair accessory, reflecting a subtle, sparkling light—unobtrusive but striking.

The two of them walk down the red carpet, climb the stairs, and turn the corner before finally sitting down inside the venue.

“Well, well, look who’s here.”

A familiar voice rings out as a woman in a dark blue evening gown sits next to them, her exquisite makeup accompanied by a teasing smile.

Li Pu recognizes her after a moment. “Hou Ying?”

Hou Ying’s film has also been nominated, and as a brand ambassador, she has been invited to the festival as well.

Two years have passed, and she seems to have become more mature, exuding confidence and composure from within.

Bai Gaoxing remembers the woman, whom he met once before—during a video call, with her little duckling by her side.

“Why, you don’t recognize me anymore?” Hou Ying can’t help but laugh. “Alright, I’ve been flying around so much these past two years, but thankfully, we still have our alumni bond.”

The woman’s gaze falls on Bai Gaoxing, and there is a hint of admiration in her eyes before she sighs. “I really didn’t expect it. After two years, you’re already married.” She extends her hand. “Hello, Xiaobai~”

Bai Gaoxing also reaches out and shakes her hand, obediently saying, “Sister Ying, hello.”

“Aiya, so cute,” Hou Ying’s accent even comes out. “If Li Pu bullies you in the future, I’ll beat him up for you!”

Bai Gaoxing can’t help but chuckle, drawing the attention of nearby cameras.

The live stream cameras cut to this side, and the domestic Xinghuo platform is soon flooded with excitement.

【Hou Ying!! She’s here too!】

【Hasn’t she filmed three movies in these two years? All big productions, and I heard she’s been nominated for each one, so strong.】

【Hahahaha, so nostalgic, the last time they got together was two years ago at a promotional event.】

【Yingying spotted Teacher Li and Xiaobai’s expressions from afar: Huh? Dog food? hesitates for a long time before sitting next to them, hahahaha!】

Director Sun and Frank are seated to their left and right front, along with their respective screenwriters and other team members. The two directors even turn around to greet them. Soon after, Huang Shaqing and Xia Tian arrive, and a circle of familiar faces gathers around them.

The film festival has many events, from the opening ceremony to the closing awards ceremony. Over these ten days, movies are screened from morning till night.

During this time, Bai Gaoxing finally has a chance to watch the two films he acted in—“Casino” as Noah and “Birdsong” as the mysterious parrot. He is amazed by his own performances, almost feeling like it isn’t him acting at all.

The main cast of both films are all present, along with important supporting roles. However, when “Birdsong” starts screening, Huang Shaqing can’t help but ask, “Teacher Li, wasn’t Dabai supposed to be attending the film festival too?”

This has already caused a stir in the domestic media, as it is the first time an animal actor has been invited to a film festival.

Countless people are looking forward to seeing Dabai called on stage to receive an award, and they hope to catch a glimpse of the snowy white bird in the live broadcast.

Yet, only Li Pu and Bai Gaoxing are present, and there is no sign of the parrot.

Li Pu’s expression is calm as a mountain. “There are too many people here. Dabai might get scared, so it’s staying where it’s comfortable.”

Bai Gaoxing feels embarrassed upon hearing this and can’t help but cough a couple of times.

“Oh~” Huang Shaqing accepts the explanation but is still a little confused. “Isn’t Dabai usually fine with crowds? Maybe it’s the sheer number of people here? And the flashing lights are really intense… yeah, I’d be scared too.”

She seems to convince herself with that reasoning.

Bai Gaoxing and Li Pu exchange a quick smile.

Viewers in the live stream are also puzzled.

Viewers in the live stream were also puzzled. 【Yeah, I heard Dabai was brought to the film festival too. Why isn’t it here?】

【Probably afraid of stress, just like at the Jin Tong Awards ceremony. I guess Teacher Li will collect the award on its behalf again.】

【But last time, I saw the bird in a bag on the live stream, and Teacher Li didn’t bring anything this time.】

【It’s an international film festival, so many people and cameras. Maybe Teacher Li was worried Dabai would get taken along with the bag or get hurt?】

Even so, something feels off. If Dabai has been formally invited, it doesn’t make sense for it to just stay at the hotel for the entire festival. Shouldn’t it at least make an appearance?

In reality, Bai Gaoxing and Li Pu have already made a plan.

Since he is attending the festival, he doesn’t want to leave any regrets.

If “Casino” wins an award and “Birdsong” doesn’t, then Bai Gaoxing will go up as “Xiaobai” and accept the award with Li Pu.

If “Birdsong” wins and “Casino” doesn’t, then he will go up as “Dabai” with Li Pu to collect the award.

If neither wins, then he can enjoy the rest of the ceremony, clapping from below.

If both win… well, that probably won’t happen, right?

But if both do win, then he will first go up as Xiaobai, then as Dabai, and after everything ends, Li Pu can just take Dabai away directly.

Soon, the awards ceremony officially begins.

“Birdsong” is the film directed by Sun, competing for the Iris Film Festival. It wins Best Director, Best Visual Effects, Best Screenplay, and three other technical awards, returning with a full haul.

There are no acting awards, so it seems that Dabai won’t need to appear tonight.

Bai Gaoxing lets out a slight sigh of relief.

But the next second, the host on stage reveals a mysterious smile.

“Everyone knows that the Iris International Film Festival has always had a ‘Special Actor Award.’ It originated from the ‘Best Animal Actor Award’ and is presented to those truly unique performers.”

A clip of the white parrot begins to play on the screen, and the crowd erupts in an uproar as they realize what the organizers mean.

Wait! Shouldn’t this award come after the Best Actor Award?

Bai Gaoxing’s mind goes blank for a moment before he hears Huang Shaqing sigh from the front row. “Ah, as expected. This award always follows whatever film it’s given to.”

He doesn’t expect the first winner to be—Dabai!!!

The host has already started reading the award speech, and Bai Gaoxing feels someone pulling him. He then sees Li Pu stand up.

Huang Shaqing looks at him. “What’s Teacher Li doing?”

Li Pu: “Going to the bathroom.”

Bai Gaoxing, flustered: “I’m going to the bathroom too.”

Huang Shaqing watches the two walk off together in confusion. “They’re giving Dabai the award, and he’s going to the bathroom? And together??”

In the bathroom, the formal suit is neatly folded, and the snowy white parrot is grooming its feathers in front of the mirror.

“Ahhh, my feathers are messed up!”

Because of the mousse, his feathers have curled in all directions, making him look utterly ridiculous.

Li Pu suppresses a smile, turns on the tap, wets his hands, and begins to clean the feathers. After carefully washing the foam off, Bai Gaoxing is placed under the dryer to be blown dry.

He turns back into a fluffy, grand parrot.

“All done.” Bai Gaoxing’s voice trembles a little as he flaps his wings and climbs up from Li Pu’s arm to his shoulder, straightening the feathers on his wings at the last moment.

On stage, the host has just finished reading the final line: “…Presenting the award to the most special actor, Dabai.”

The audience falls silent, waiting for someone to come on stage to receive the award.

Everyone knows that these special actors are hard to control, so usually the director, their owner, or an actor who is close to them goes up to receive the award.

【Oh my god, I’m starting to get nervous.】

【I just saw Teacher Li walk over; he must be backstage waiting to accept the award.】

【First time seeing Teacher Li accept an award tonight, let’s clap!】

【It’s a bit of a pity not to see Dabai!】

【It’s okay, when Teacher Li goes up, it’s like Dabai is going up too.】

【…】

【Holy shit! Holy shit, holy shit!!!】

【Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!】

【It’s like a dream! Ahhhhhhhhh!!!】

【How did he do it? This man is amazing!!!】

【Is this really happening? I’m crying, ahhhhhh!!!】

On the other side of the stage, a man in a black suit walks over, and the light shines on him, revealing the snowy shadow on his left shoulder.

Perched on his shoulder is the snowy white parrot, calmly settled in place. Its dark, round eyes blink a few times, and its feather crest flutters.

Li Pu stops, facing the audience, and the parrot on his shoulder turns with him, fully exposed to the camera.

There is no flight leash, no ankle band—this large bird just quietly sits on the man’s shoulder.

No one expects that someone would bring a special actor up to the stage. Excited screams begin to rise from the audience, followed by vigorous applause.

In the midst of the excitement, the snow-white parrot spreads its wings, its beautiful feathers gleaming under the spotlight, dazzling and spectacular.

“Hello, everyone!”