I Became Famous After I Became a Parrot in the Movie Star's House - Chapter 63

Summer is at its peak.

This year, the temperature in Chuncheng is two or three degrees higher than usual. What should be pleasantly mild turns into sweltering heat, making work far less enjoyable.

However, for Bai Gaoxing, who doesn’t have much to do, this weather isn’t bad. Walking outside feels far more comfortable than staying in the temperature-controlled birdhouse.

“Dabai~ Are you going out to play today?” Assistant Lin Shi asks as she pushes the door open on time.

Bai Gaoxing swallows the last mouthful of millet and chirps, “Go~”

After the parrot’s role in the filming is completed, the trainers and other parrots leave, leaving the birdhouse under the management of Assistant Lin Shi. 

Bai Gaoxing climbs into the canopy-style sunshade birdcage custom-made for him and gets taken to the set to watch the actors film their scenes.

“Hey, Teacher Bai is here again!” a staff member spots them and hands Lin Shi a stool with a smile. “Come on, Xiao Lin, there’s a free seat here for you.”

In just over two months, Lin Shi becomes well-acquainted with the crew. She smiles, thanks the staff, and sits down in the shade of an umbrella, a small fan blowing beside her.

Bai Gaoxing squints his eyes in comfort, taking a bite of the apple Lin Shi feeds him.

“Teacher Bai, I’ve memorized all my lines today!” A young actor dressed as a eunuch approaches, grinning widely.

Bai Gaoxing, seeing the actor in full costume, almost chokes but pretends to act dumb, replying with a simple “Caw.”

Not long after, a young actress in a concubine’s attire joins in and says earnestly, “Teacher Bai, I’ll recite my lines for you before filming later…”

Bai Gaoxing falls silent.

Regret. It’s pure regret.

He recalls the foolish thing he does before. Back when he used to accompany Li Pu to script readings, Bai Gaoxing overhears so many lines from harem dramas that he memorizes quite a few. Once, during filming, when an actor forgets their lines, Bai Gaoxing, unable to hold back, blurts out the missing dialogue.

At the time, he thinks he’s just being helpful. They’re all colleagues, and the actors are often scolded harshly by the director. He thinks giving a small hint wouldn’t hurt.

What he forgets is that he’s a parrot. Parrots shouldn’t talk like that.

Because of those two incidents, the crew begins taking the title “Teacher Bai” very seriously. Actors who struggle with their lines come to him before shooting and bow in respect.

Perhaps the idea that “even a parrot can memorize lines” gives them pressure. The actors have since become much better at remembering their lines. This only reinforces their belief:  Bow to Teacher Bai, and you’ll remember your lines!

It becomes a habit—whenever they see him, they pray for a smooth shoot.

Don’t believe in such superstitions!

Numbly, he accepts the snacks stuffed into his claws by the actor, watching him run off shouting, “Teacher Bai, bless me to pass this take! Hahaha!”

With a resigned bite of the purple sweet potato in his claws, Bai Gaoxing silently endures the absurdity.

Meanwhile, on set, Li Pu finishes his take. Accepting a tissue from the staff, he wipes the sweat from his face.

“It’s so hot today,” Director Sun says, fanning himself vigorously, sweat trickling down his forehead. “Let’s finish the shoot early and head out—don’t want anyone getting heat stroke.”

Li Pu nods, takes a sip of the drink Mei Youshu hands him, and shifts his gaze to the crowd not far away.

Director Sun follows his line of sight and chuckles. “Dabai always shows up whenever there’s a scene.”

In the shadows, the snow-white parrot stands out, spreading its wings and flapping them, as if acknowledging the attention.

Mei Youshu grins. “What can we do? Dabai just can’t leave Brother Li alone.”

“Yeah,” Director Sun sighs, glancing at Li Pu again.

He remembers what Mei Youshu tells him in private—that Dabai is a parrot Li Pu specifically raises to help regulate his emotions. At first, it sounds far-fetched, but now, seeing Li Pu’s performance is enough to convince him.

It’s been less than two years since their last collaboration, but even now, Li Pu becomes increasingly consumed by his role. By the end, the actor seems deeply depressed.

This time, Director Sun closely monitors Li Pu’s mental state. Midway through the project, signs of over-immersion appear, but unlike before, Li Pu gradually stabilizes. Now, his mood remains calm, and his work flows seamlessly.

Thinking about this, Director Sun feels a renewed sense of relief. He waves his hand cheerfully and says, “This one’s a wrap! Let’s move on!”

…

After another day on set, Bai Gaoxing follows Li Pu back to the hotel. A refreshing breeze hits him, making him sneeze.

Li Pu glances back and adjusts the air conditioning, which is set far too low.

The recent heat wave leaves the crew drenched in sweat every day after work. The director frequently reminds everyone to be cautious about catching colds.

Li Pu’s scene today is filmed outdoors, and his costume is stiflingly heavy.

Back at the hotel, his shirt clings to his body, soaked through with sweat, accentuating the faint outlines of his muscles.

Even watching this feels exhausting.

Bai Gaoxing notices the damp hair sticking to Li Pu’s neck, then quickly turns away as Li Pu takes off his shirt.

Don’t look at anything indecent!

Bai Gaoxing swivels his head to the side, smacking his beak in exasperation. Still, he can’t help but admire how well-maintained the star’s physique is.

Just as Bai Gaoxing assumes Li Pu has gone to take a shower, a pair of hands suddenly scoop him up.

Wait, what are you doing?!

Horrified, Bai Gaoxing watches as Li Pu, standing by a bathtub full of water, begins taking off his pants. The parrot scrambles toward the door in panic, only to find it locked.

“Help! Help!” he squawks, flapping wildly.

Li Pu, who intends to give the parrot a bath as well: “…”

After a moment’s thought, he decides against it. Bai Gaoxing would be too much of a handful once he starts fussing. Better to bathe him after his own shower.

Amid the sound of running water, Bai Gaoxing huddles pitifully in the corner, desperately trying to erase the images from his mind.

He doesn’t see the legs, the waist, or… ugh!

That night, Bai Gaoxing closes his eyes in despair as Li Pu, freshly showered and wrapped in only a towel, begins rubbing bubbles on him.

…

Time passes quickly, and on a morning in late August, the crew prepares for the final scene of the entire drama.

Filming a drama rarely happens in script order, and this last scene isn’t about the heroine rising to power as queen or the tension of the harem, but the death of Ning Chen.

This is a special arrangement by the director, who worries that filming this scene in the middle of the production would have been too heavy for Li Pu. Now, his concerns seem unnecessary.

On the monitor, the heroine and Ning Chen have a tense, game-like conversation in the empty pavilion. She turns and walks away, and Ning Chen stands, watching her retreating figure, before suddenly smiling and drinking the wine in front of him.

Moments later, blood begins to drip from the corner of his lips, staining his white collar red, and a bloom of red spreads across his chest.

The man who once terrorizes the court now simply gazes at the horizon, a mix of unreadable emotions in his eyes. Without a word, he gives up his life.

The scene falls into a heavy silence.

In this final scene, both Pei Jue and Li Pu immerse themselves deeply in their roles. Their eyes, their lines—everything is full of tension. The onlookers watch with bated breath. When Ning Chen’s character finally succumbs, many are moved, some even wiping away tears.

“The Long Song Jue has finished!”

A soft sigh echoes through the set.

The finality of the play stirs a bittersweet feeling. After so many days and nights of working together, everyone has developed a bond. The atmosphere on set is both relaxed and solemn, too complicated for words.

Director Sun, his eyes bright with emotion, sighs deeply. “It’s finished.” He stands up, then grabs the loudspeaker. “Everyone’s worked hard! We’ll have a wrap-up party at the hotel next door at 8 PM. Everyone, head over there!”

Bai Gaoxing isn’t paying attention to the announcement. Instead, he scans the crowd for Li Pu. The excitement after finishing a play causes a frenzy, and the set becomes a chaotic blur. For a while, he can’t spot Li Pu.

Thankfully, Lin Shi quickly finds him and walks over with the cage.

“Teacher Li!” she calls.

Li Pu nods.

Bai Gaoxing studies Li Pu’s calm expression and, feeling reassured, lets out a sigh of relief.

He can still remember how nervous he was when he first learned that the final scene is going to be his character’s death!

Just as Bai Gaoxing hops into his cage, Lin Shi hands it over to Li Pu.

Mei Youshu walks up. “Brother Li, I’m heading back to the hotel to pack. My flight is tomorrow morning.”

“Okay.”

“Then I’ll watch over Dabai at the hotel for the wrap-up banquet tonight,” Mei Youshu says. “You and Xiao Lin can go.”

“Hey? Why are you staying at the hotel? Everyone should go!” Director Sun overhears and comes over, adding, “Including Dabai! He has to go too! Our hero~”

That’s when Bai Gaoxing realizes they’re talking about the wrap party.

The wrap party!

A grand Manchu and Han banquet appears in his mind.

Bai Gaoxing stamps his feet in excitement. “I’ll go, I’ll go, I’ll go!” He shouts three times in a row.

Director Sun laughs. “See? Everyone, go! There’s no shortage of seats!” He then runs off to notify others.

“Brother Li, then…” Mei Youshu looks at Director Sun’s retreating figure, a little unsure.

“Then go,” Li Pu smiles, poking the parrot’s head with his other hand. “You’re so greedy.”

Bai Gaoxing: Hey!

That night, everyone finishes their makeup and hair and arrives at the private room reserved in the hotel. The room is spacious, with the director, producers, and lead actors seated together. Bai Gaoxing glances around and realizes that, aside from Li Pu, he doesn’t recognize anyone else.

Before the banquet officially starts, several actors who have finished filming and have no other engagements trickle back into the room.

“Hey, Dabai’s here too?” Huang Shaqing exclaims as she enters the room.

“Why are you so late? Come on, sit here,” Pei Jue waves, patting the seat reserved for her.

In the large room, the bird stand next to Li Pu is particularly noticeable and immediately catches everyone’s attention.

“Aren’t you worried that Director Sun will smoke, and Dabai will get smoked too?” Huang Shaqing teases. Everyone knows the director is a smoker.

“Don’t worry, I didn’t smoke during the meal today,” Director Sun says, placing a cigarette box on the table. “But you’re not allowed to drink too much, in case a fight breaks out and Dabai gets scared.”

Huang Shaqing laughs so hard her stomach hurts. “Who would fight?”

After everyone is seated, Director Sun solemnly thanks Dabai and finally says, “I personally should thank Dabai the most. If Dabai hadn’t performed the effect I wanted, this play would have been a bit regrettable.”

Everyone’s gaze falls on the parrot.

Bai Gaoxing, who is secretly nibbling on melon seeds next to Li Pu, is stunned and tries to say, “Congratulations, congratulations on your prosperity?”

A burst of laughter follows. “Teacher Li, Dabai is so much fun.”

“That’s it, I want to keep a parrot too.”

“If this drama becomes a hit, we’ll really have to rely on Dabai‘s good fortune.”

The wrap-up banquet is lively. Bai Gaoxing is reserved at first but later secretly eats several pieces of meat, getting patted on the head by Li Pu multiple times.

Li Pu has a little to drink, his face flushed. When he’s almost finished eating, Director Sun waves and calls him to the balcony of the private room.

“Thanks to you for bringing Dabai this time,” Director Sun says, his hand instinctively patting his chest in search of cigarettes. Finding none, he sighs and gives up. “Otherwise, I probably wouldn’t have been able to finish filming.”

It’s the truth. Director Sun knows his own high standards, bordering on obsessive-compulsive perfectionism.

“I didn’t expect Dabai to perform so well,” Li Pu replies, his voice soft, a smile reaching his eyes.

“Even if this movie doesn’t hit, Dabai will,” Director Sun chuckles, patting Li Pu’s shoulder. “Just wait and see.”

Li Pu smiles faintly, turning to glance at the snow-white parrot. To his shock, he sees Dabai dunking his head into a wine glass, drinking enthusiastically.

!?

Li Pu rushes over, lifting the parrot’s head out of the glass. The wine has indeed diminished, and Bai Gaoxing’s eyes are already hazy, his body swaying slightly—undeniably drunk.

Li Pu: “…”

Bai Gaoxing giggles foolishly, clearly having the time of his life.

Thankfully, the banquet winds down. Li Pu carries the birdcage in one hand and the tipsy parrot in the other, bidding farewell to everyone. He stops by a pet hospital overnight to ensure Dabai is fine before finally returning to the hotel.

“Really…”

Looking at the parrot snoring soundly on the bed, Li Pu sighs, gently touches the bird’s soft belly, and tucks him under a small quilt.

…

The Next Morning

Hangover.

Bai Gaoxing wakes up with a pounding headache. Dazed, he realizes he’s lying in the airline box, and Li Pu is seated nearby, wearing a mask. The hum of engines fills the air.

Did we make it back already?

After seeing that they’re indeed on a plane, Bai Gaoxing finally recalls what he did the night before.

Ah… I can’t hold my liquor!

He scolds himself inwardly and flops back down, still groggy.

Noticing the movement inside the carrier, Li Pu glances down, observing for a moment before chuckling and pulling out his phone.

Apparently, Dabai‘s antics have already become a point of conversation. Li Pu opens a message from his assistant, who flew back on an earlier flight:

[Brother Li, I’m already at your house.]

—An hour ago.

[The home surveillance system has been installed. You won’t have to worry about Dabai when you’re away anymore.]

——Just now.