I Became Famous After I Became a Parrot in the Movie Star's House - Chapter 82

The stars are dazzling.

Even before reaching the red carpet venue, Bai Gaoxing can sense those four words radiating from Li Pu.

Just moments ago at home, Bai Gaoxing was too distracted to notice. Now, seated in the car, he realizes the man is fully prepared.

Li Pu is dressed impeccably in a tailored dark gray suit. His slicked-back hair, still damp, catches the warm light in the car, while his calm eyes hint at a faint smile.

Outside, the city lights begin to glow, their reflections dancing across the car windows. The passing shadows accentuate the sharp lines of Li Pu’s brows and the elegant curve of his nose.

He adjusts his cufflinks with measured precision, revealing a wristwatch that appears far more extravagant than the one he wore when they first met. A silver brooch adorns his chest, though its details are blurred by the brilliance of the lights. His long legs bend slightly in the spacious seating, while his posture—relaxed yet composed—exudes an air of noble elegance.

And then, with an unintentional glance in Bai Gaoxing’s direction…

It strikes.

Bai Gaoxing feels utterly disarmed.

It’s a critical hit.

“I really don’t know what Director Sun is thinking, having Dabai attend the award ceremony—and you and the organizers both agree,” remarks Lei Li, seated on the other side, tapping lightly on the bird carrier with a smile. “Good thing it doesn’t have to walk the red carpet.”

Lei Li is also dressed to impress today. Her long, wavy hair is neatly tied back, and her bold red lips make her look commanding and chic.

“Director Sun did mention it before,” Lei Li says with a neutral tone. “I refused.”

“Understandable. The scene would be too chaotic.”

Blinding flashes, bustling crowds, and booming speakers—any of these would overwhelm Dabai. It would be disastrous if it gets startled and flies off.

“Then let Xiao Mei keep Dabai seated during the ceremony,” Lei Li suggests.

From the driver’s seat, Mei Youshu smiles and nods. “Got it.”

The car’s interior is simple yet luxurious. A fresh, subtle fragrance fills the air, accompanied by soft, unintrusive music designed to make the journey more pleasant.

Inside the bird bag, Bai Gaoxing shifts his gaze between Lei Li, Li Pu, Mei Youshu, who is driving, and Assistant Lin, seated silently in the passenger seat. Excitement wells up within him. What kind of grand spectacle awaits them next?

Though he regrets not being able to walk the red carpet alongside Li Pu, Bai Gaoxing feels a deep sense of pride. As an actor parrot, just being able to attend such a prestigious award ceremony is a groundbreaking achievement.

The Golden Tong Award venue is a dazzling sight. Decorated in opulent grandeur, it radiates a star-studded brilliance. From afar, countless flashing lights and cameras create a sea of Xinghuoling illumination. Reporters equipped with long lenses, microphones, and recorders jostle for prime positions to capture the stars already making their way inside.

As Li Pu and Lei Li head to the red carpet entrance, Bai Gaoxing is escorted by Assistants Mei and Lin to a designated seating area reserved for The Long Song.

The nominated actors from The Long Song are preparing to walk the red carpet together, so the seating area is relatively quiet. From Lin Shi’s arms, Bai Gaoxing, snug in his bird bag, catches a glimpse of the vibrant red carpet.

There are people everywhere, and the atmosphere buzzes with energy. Seeing two people approaching with a bag, many onlookers glance over curiously.

I wonder if they saw the bird inside, Bai Gaoxing muses with a touch of humor.

As crews walk the red carpet one after another, Bai Gaoxing notices that no one seems inclined to let him out of the bag. He has already guessed this would be the case, but it’s still a shame—especially since the sound quality from inside the bag isn’t great.

Through the muffled noises, he can faintly hear the host announce:

“The next crew…”

The applause and cheers that follow are thunderous, far surpassing the reactions to the previous crews.

It must be Li Pu’s crew! 

Sure enough.

The flashing of cameras intensifies, the dazzling lights merging into a sea of brilliance as Director Sun leads the cast of The Long Song Decision onto the center of the red carpet.

Li Pu stands out in his custom-tailored dark gray suit, buttoned up neatly. The crisp white shirt underneath adds an aura of cold restraint. The live broadcast camera lingers on his striking features for an extended moment, igniting cheers from those familiar with him at the venue.

The online live stream audience is equally ecstatic.

Even before he steps onto the carpet, the sight of his long leg emerging from the luxury car prompts excited screams.

【Ahhhhh OMG! Give the cameraman a raise!】

【As expected of Teacher Li—he always stuns on the red carpet!】

【That posture is incredible. Teacher Li should’ve been a backdrop for the female stars, but he steals the spotlight instead!】

In palace drama ensembles like Long Song, there are naturally more female actors, including stars like Huang Shaqing and Pei Jue. Li Pu stands amidst the brightly dressed actresses like a splash of green in a sea of flowers—tall, reserved, and effortlessly dashing.

The comparison is stark, making the other male actors on the red carpet fade into the background.

【Every time Teacher Li walks the red carpet, no guy wants to stand next to him, LOL!】

【He just makes everyone else look less impressive… Though the other guys are great too! But Teacher Li’s looks are just…】

【Did you see Teacher Li’s brooch? It’s Dabai!!! Ahhhh!】

Bai Gaoxing, swept up in the infectious excitement, lets out a cheerful squawk inside his bag. This, however, draws the attention of Assistant Lin, who immediately checks on him, worried he might be feeling unwell.

Meanwhile, on the red carpet, the host then hands the microphone to Director Sun. “How does it feel to stand here again? And, can you make a prediction—how many of these outstanding actors behind you will take home awards?”

Director Sun, well-versed in handling such questions, responds with a practiced smile:

“You’re right—they’re all excellent actors. Everyone here is outstanding, as are the actors from the other crews. It’s hard to say. As for the final winners, that’s up to the judges.”

The media around them laugh, while the live audience lets out an amused cheer.

“This is the ultimate deflection!” someone quips.

The host then moves on to interview the cast members one by one. Bai Gaoxing can sense the electric energy in the air when it’s Li Pu’s turn to speak. The mood at the venue soars to its peak, and it seems everyone, both at the scene and watching online, is captivated by him.

The flashing lights nearly blind him.

Bai Gaoxing squints, waiting for his vision to adjust, and then turns his attention back to the red carpet.

Spotlights illuminate the venue in all directions, spreading brilliance across the scene. Yet, in Bai Gaoxing’s eyes, amidst all the dazzling lights and people, only Li Pu truly stands out—radiant and commanding.

For a moment, Bai Gaoxing finds himself completely immersed in the atmosphere, lost in admiration. But his reverie is abruptly interrupted by a faint sneer from somewhere nearby.

Along with it, he catches a familiar word.

Was it just my imagination? Or did I mishear?

Looking around curiously, Bai Gaoxing’s eyes land on a male star seated not far away. The man has slightly curly hair, a high nose bridge, and deep-set eyes that give him a vaguely mixed-race appearance.

The star is turned sideways, his gaze fixed on the stage, his expression unreadable yet faintly cold.

Mei Youshu, seated diagonally in front of Lin Shi, notices as well. His brows furrow momentarily before he regains his usual composed demeanor.

So, it wasn’t my imagination.

Bai Gaoxing studies the man, his mind wandering. Could it be that he holds a grudge against Li Pu?

Before he can observe further, a fresh wave of applause erupts. A new crew steps onto the red carpet, while Li Pu and his group descend from the stage and return to their seats.

“Teacher Li, you really brought Dabai!”

The moment Huang Shaqing sits down, her sharp eyes land on the bird bag in the hands of the assistant at the next table. Spotting the snow-white, familiar face inside, she lights up with excitement.

Hearing this, Pei Jue immediately turns to look. “Where is it?”

Li Pu has no choice but to take the bag from Lin Shi and present it. “Here.”

Seeing the familiar face of the beautiful actress, Bai Gaoxing lifts a claw from inside the bag in greeting. “Long time no see!”

“Ahhh, you’re still so adorable!” Huang Shaqing practically clings to the bird bag, her heart melting. “Dabai, why don’t you come home with me? Don’t stay with Teacher Li anymore.”

“That’s a bold suggestion,” Pei Jue quips, smiling.

At the next table, Tian Xin leans over to get a better look at the parrot. “I missed out so much! When we were on set, I was always too busy to spend more time with Dabai.”

Someone nearby teases, “Who told you to take on so many projects, King of Rolls?——”

Amid the lively chatter, Bai Gaoxing flaps his wings excitedly. The idea of stepping out to join the fun crosses his mind. Using his claws, he tries to hook the zipper on his bag. However, before he can make any progress, Li Pu catches it and swiftly secures the zipper.

Meanwhile, a long camera starts sweeping across the venue, capturing close-ups of the stars. When it pans to Li Pu, it naturally also frames the white parrot seated next to him.

【Wait, is that Dabai??】

【Teacher Li actually brought Dabai to the ceremony? Amazing!!】

【Calm down, don’t forget Dabai is an actor in The Long Song!】

【Didn’t Director Sun mention on Weibo that Dabai is an exceptional animal actor and fully deserves to attend the award ceremony?】

Viewers watching the live stream are delighted by the unexpected appearance of the big white parrot on their screens.

【I suggest Dabai wins the Best Actor Award (funny).】

【Agree!】

【Agree +2!】

【Where does that leave Teacher Li? I suggest a tie for Best Actor (excited)!】

While most stars work hard to maintain their best expressions in front of the camera, Bai Gaoxing notices something unusual. The man seated nearby appears tense, gripping his phone tightly.

With the instinct of a small animal, Bai Gaoxing feels a flicker of wariness toward this man.

However, his attention is soon drawn elsewhere as the award ceremony officially begins.

The Golden Tong Award has a variety of categories, starting with the newcomer awards and several technical accolades, which gradually build excitement. It isn’t until the announcement of the Best TV Series Award that a palpable sense of tension fills the air.

“And the winner of the Best TV Series Award is—”

The room holds its collective breath.

“The Long Song”! Congratulations!

Thunderous applause erupts, accompanied by a surge of cheers from online viewers.

Following this, the awards for Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay, and Best Art Direction are announced. As expected, The Long Song sweeps up several trophies.

By the time the Best Director Award approaches, the room is abuzz.

On screen, Director Sun appears composed, smiling easily. Yet, the gleam in his eyes betrays the emotion bubbling underneath.

The host prolongs the suspense, teasing the audience until two words finally flash across the massive electronic screen:

Director (Sun) Dao.

The venue erupts in celebration, matched by the jubilation online.

【Expected and well-deserved! The effort Director Sun put into The Long Song is obvious to all its fans!】

【Does this include Director Sun’s insistence on casting a parrot actor?】

【Haha, of course! That’s called attention to detail! Excellence in every aspect wins.】

Bai Gaoxing, however, is stunned.

He stares at the enormous screen, blinks, and processes what he sees. Each award category displays full names of the winners—except this one.

Wait a minute.

Bai Gaoxing suddenly realizes: Director Sun’s actual name is… Sun Dao?!

(Translator’s Notes: In Chinese, the term “导” (Dao) is commonly used as an honorific for directors in the entertainment industry, derived from the word “导演” (daoyan), which means “director.”)

It’s not just a respectful title everyone uses; it’s his full name, with “Director” as his given name and “Sun” as his family name!

Bai Gaoxing scratches his head in disbelief.

Huang Shaqing, seated beside him, laughs, “Every time I see Director Sun’s name at these ceremonies, I feel like the entire industry is saluting him.”

“Most directors get called by their full names, but not him—he’s just Director Sun.”

“Apparently, when Director Sun was young and just starting out, his seniors thought his name gave him a unique advantage,” someone chimes in.

“Good thing he doesn’t care much about titles,” Huang Shaqing continues. “Otherwise, everyone would be calling him Director Director Sun now.”

The conversation turns to the next category: Best Actor and Actress Awards, the night’s most anticipated highlight.

Although The Long Song has dominated the awards so far, there’s no guarantee it will claim these prestigious titles. Another highly-acclaimed drama is also in fierce contention.

The Journey to the Palace

The previous TV King, Park Jiahui, stars in a palace drama, and its excellent script earns widespread praise online.

It can be said that he and Li Pu are the two most popular candidates for the Best Actor award this year.

【Last time, Teacher Li wasn’t even in the running. If he had been, maybe he could’ve won two years in a row?】

【Not a fan, but I think Park’s acting is much better than Li Pu’s, hehe.】

【Uh uh uh, I don’t want to watch you argue right now, just shut up and enjoy the live broadcast.】

The most exciting moment arrives.

The big screen flashes clips from both dramas, and the spotlights illuminate the entire venue, making it as bright as day.

Bai Gaoxing involuntarily looks up, gripping the prickly ash wood he uses as a perch tightly with his claws.

The host, holding the freshly opened card, reads the winner in a calm tone. The final pause feels like eternity before he announces:

“The Long Song, Li Pu.”

Silence. Then, thunderous applause. The actors of The Long Song crew are the only ones to maintain their composure, as if they’ve known all along that the winner would be none other than Li Pu.

Bai Gaoxing can’t hold back and bounces a few times inside the bag, making it sway with his excitement.

Having been part of the crew for so long, seeing Li Pu receive the award feels like an indescribable honor!

The audience watching the live broadcast shares the excitement.

【I’m in tears—of course! Li Pu truly deserves this!】

【Ahhh, this sense of closure, of everything falling perfectly into place—it’s so satisfying.】

Li Pu walks on stage to accept the award, and the bird bag is placed on the table, giving Bai Gaoxing a higher vantage point.

From there, Bai Gaoxing notices the man seated diagonally ahead glance backward, his expression darkening for a moment before he smiles faintly, stands up, and approaches Li Pu as he descends with the trophy after delivering his speech.

“Teacher Li, congratulations.”

Li Pu lifts the corner of his lips, but the smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Thank you,” he replies, distant and polite.

As the Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Supporting Actor awards are announced, the ceremony is nearing its end.

But the host still holds one last envelope.

“We also have a special award, which will be presented to a special actor present after discussions by the Golden Tong Award Organizing Committee.”

At that moment, everyone seems to realize what’s coming.

Among all the nominated TV series, only one has a special actor.

The Long Song, Dabai.

When Bai Gaoxing hears his name mentioned by the host, he’s stunned for a moment, then lets out a surprised cry.

Do I get one too?!

“Ahhhhhhhhhhh! How can Dabai win this award?” Huang Shaqing exclaims excitedly.

Li Pu stands up for the second time and walks onto the podium on the red carpet.

“Dabai can win the Golden Tong Award. Teacher Li, as Dabai‘s owner, what do you think?” The host hands him the microphone.

Li Pu pauses for a moment before smiling and replying, “Dabai must want to receive this award in person.”

Ah! He knows me so well!

Bai Gaoxing nods frantically—he really does think so.

The host chuckles at Li Pu’s humor. “Next time, there’s a chance, we must let Dabai come to accept it in person.”

Li Pu’s smile softens slightly as he gives his acceptance speech.

“In fact, it’s Director Sun who first recognizes Dabai‘s talent,” he says. “Dabai has shown his abilities in the crew… It seems he really enjoys acting… In the future, I hope Dabai will have more opportunities to try.”

Bai Gaoxing looks at Li Pu under the lights, his heart warmed by the sincere words.

……

It was late by the time the ceremony ended.

The red carpet remains lively, but the seats are scattered around, waiting for the staff to clean up.

With fewer people around, Bai Gaoxing finally gains the long-missed freedom to move. He carries the flying rope on his back and follows Li Pu through the quiet, long corridor.

The main lights in the corridor are turned off, casting the space in darkness. However, the road isn’t far, and the occasional sound of passing cars and honking makes the atmosphere feel less eerie.

Just as they’re about to reach the exit, a figure suddenly appears ahead.

Li Pu quickly turns to avoid the person.

“Merde.”

(Translator’s Notes: “Merde” is a French swear word that translates to “shit” in English.)

After a while, the other person mutters a word.

Bai Gaoxing’s eyes widen slightly.

“t’es pas le coussin de roi.”

(Translator’s Notes: The phrase “t’es pas le coussin de roi” translates to “you are not the king’s cushion” and is an uncommon expression in French. It likely serves as a sarcastic or dismissive remark, implying that the person is not as important or favored as they believe, similar to “you’re not the king’s favorite.”)

The man steps out of the darkness, smiling faintly, holding a notebook in his hand.

“Sorry, I got a bit too immersed in my lines and didn’t notice you—Teacher Li, you don’t mind, do you?”

“…”

Seeing that Li Pu doesn’t respond, the man shakes the notebook in his hand. “I heard you also auditioned for this film. Looks like we’re competitors now. But I happen to be quite proficient in this foreign language, so I might have an advantage.”

Bai Gaoxing’s mood sours.

He understands what the man has said—it’s his field of expertise.

The man has used those “lines” to insult him.

But Li Pu doesn’t seem to realize it?

Bai Gaoxing looks at Li Pu’s expressionless face and can’t read anything from it.

The man, still smiling maliciously, nods to Li Pu and passes by him.

Bai Gaoxing can’t help but turn around, keeping his eyes glued to the man.

Only when the man’s back is almost swallowed by the darkness at the other end of the corridor does Bai Gaoxing coldly speak:

“Tu es un des perdants.”

Author’s Note:

Bai Gaoxing: Protective! (I’m angry!)

The French Words:

Curse words.

Who do you think you are?

You are a loser, French version. The author isn’t a professional; just going for the mood. (:з」∠)

Author’s Note:

Bai Gaoxing: Protective! (I’m angry!)

The French Words:

1. Curse words.
2. Who do you think you are?
3. You are a loser, French version. The author isn’t a professional; just going for the mood. (:з」∠)