Chapter 259 – The Runaway Little Sweetheart of the Top Actor – An Unpleasant Meeting (03)
As someone with strong financial backing who brought investment into the production, Director Li was naturally very welcoming—especially since this person happened to be the immensely popular and in-demand Best Actor.
Being able to have Pu Hexu partner with another actor in a script involving intimate scenes was like striking gold.
Bai Tang had originally signed with a subsidiary of Dizhou Film Group, and Dizhou Film itself was owned by Pu Hexu’s family. Pu Hexu held absolute authority there, though he wasn’t interested in working a regular 9-to-5 job in an office. That was why he chose the entertainment industry instead.
After all, since his family’s company was a leading force in the film and television industry, he needed to understand the field before eventually taking over.
Using this as a reason, Pu Hexu negotiated ten years of freedom from his parents. During these ten years, he would remain signed under his family’s company. If he couldn’t make a name for himself even with access to good resources, he would obediently return home to inherit the family business.
As expected of a male lead, the favored child of fate, blessed by the heavens—Pu Hexu only needed five years to earn the title of Best Actor and bring home international awards. And all of this was achieved through his own talent. His acting drew people in, immersing every viewer in his performance.
Pu Hexu had Bai Tang’s contract transferred to the parent company, granting him the same contract tier as himself—complete freedom and decision-making power. If he disliked certain advertisements or films, he could have his team decline them on his behalf.
“Don’t be nervous later. Just perform normally,” Pu Hexu said softly, trying to calm the anxious Bai Tang.
“Mm-hmm, I understand.”
It wasn’t Bai Tang’s first time acting, but it was definitely the most nerve-wracking. The main reason was that the role Pu Hexu secured for him was one of the two male leads in the drama.
This was a xianxia (cultivation) drama that primarily told the story of the main male character, Situ Cheng, and his experiences training at a sect. The other male lead, Kan Ning, was Situ Cheng’s junior disciple and devoted admirer. Together, they faced challenges, solved problems, and fought against villains. In the end, Kan Ning sacrificed himself, allowing Situ Cheng to ascend and become an immortal.
Overall, the script started sweet but ended in heartbreak.
Pu Hexu was quite satisfied with the subtle ambiguity and flirtatious tension between Situ Cheng and Que Ning in the early parts of the script. But when he flipped to the ending, his sword-like brows furrowed deeply. Those around him didn’t dare breathe too loudly, afraid they might upset the Best Actor.
Just as he was about to ask how Bai Tang’s audition had gone, Director Li came out laughing heartily before Pu Hexu could say a word.
“Hahahaha! Hexu, my dear Hexu—my Que Ning! I’ve finally found my Que Ning!”
Director Li held a very high status in the industry and was known for his strict standards. From casting actors to selecting props, everything had to go through his scrutiny. Only if it met his vision and felt right would he allow it into the production.
This was exactly why, even though Pu Hexu wanted to bring Bai Tang into the project, Bai Tang still had to audition.
Every production directed by Li had been nominated for international awards. Pu Hexu was clearly paving the way for Bai Tang.
Director Li was a man obsessed with filmmaking. During the audition, the moment he laid eyes on Bai Tang—who appeared timid but had clear, bright eyes—he immediately knew: this was the Que Ning he had been searching for—the soft, adorable junior disciple, newly entered into the sect.
And the instant Bai Tang opened his mouth to speak, Director Li was absolutely convinced. Bai Tang was Que Ning.
He fit—perfectly. This was the feeling he had been looking for.
Director Li finalized Bai Tang’s contract with Adam, and with that, the full cast was officially confirmed. All that remained was the start-of-filming ceremony two days later.
As a novice in love, Pu Hexu wanted to celebrate Bai Tang successfully landing the role. He decided to cook a big dinner himself—not only to celebrate, but also to show off his unique charm in front of Bai Tang.
After all, many men didn’t know how to cook. The fact that he could had to earn him a few points in Bai Tang’s eyes, right?
Pu Hexu took Bai Tang grocery shopping.
He pushed the cart as they strolled into the snack aisle. When Bai Tang saw a bag with nuts printed on it, his eyes immediately lit up.
So many kinds… I want to try them all…
Bai Tang turned his head and looked at Pu Hexu with his glistening, watery eyes. The sight melted Pu Hexu’s heart into a puddle.
“If you like them, just get them. Don’t hold back with me.”
With Pu Hexu’s approval, Bai Tang happily swept bags of nuts from the snack aisle into the shopping cart. By the end, the cart was full of snacks—it was pure bliss.
“Ah Xu, you’re the best~”
“As long as you’re happy, Tang Tang. Is there anything else you want?”
Being able to get closer to the boy was something Pu Hexu was more than happy to see. At this point, even if Bai Tang said he wanted the moon, Pu Hexu would probably find a way to pluck it from the sky for him.
“The male lead is so fake. Using that trick again,” Qiu’er muttered. “He’s just copying me.”
Winning someone over with food—Qiu’er had already used that move when it first bonded with Tang Tang. Now the male lead was shamelessly stealing its tactics.
Xiao A: “Calm down. Buying snacks for the host isn’t something only you can do, you know.”
The moment Qiu’er heard that, it exploded with indignation. “You’re contradicting me? Whose side are you on? I knew it! The male lead from the last world must’ve bribed you while I was away. Now you’re not helping me at all. Hmph…”
Xiao A sighed in frustration. “That’s not true. Qiu’er, could you please stop being unreasonable?”
Qiu’er: “So now I’m being unreasonable? You’re annoyed with me. I’m not talking to you anymore…”
Bai Tang sensed the two systems bickering again and found a moment amidst the chaos to ask, “Xiao A, what’s going on? Why are you the only one here? Where’s Qiu’er?”
Xiao A answered helplessly, “Qiu’er locked itself in the little white room and refuses to come out. It thinks I’ve teamed up with the male lead.”
Bai Tang: “Ohhh~ Qiu’er probably read too many Mary Sue novels. That’s its only real hobby. Just indulge it a little.”
Bai Tang then listed a few things Qiu’er usually liked, some of which Xiao A already knew, while others were new to it.
“Got it. Thanks, Host.”
“You’re welcome~”
Bai Tang had been through a lot. It was obvious that there was something going on between Qiu’er and Xiao A. Life was long, and finding a kindred spirit wasn’t easy.
He genuinely hoped Qiu’er and Xiao A could end up together.
Just as the two were about to head home, arms full of snacks, they passed through the underground parking lot. A young woman was pushing a large trash bin, muttering under her breath, “When is this kind of life going to end? I’m so jealous of those celebrity managers—they make more than the stars themselves…”
At that moment, Bai Tang was carrying his favorite snacks, walking backward while chatting with Pu Hexu.
“Candied chestnuts, macadamia nuts, roasted melon seeds… they’re all super tasty!”
“Ah—ouch!”
Just as they turned the corner, Bai Tang collided with Wen Anni, who was pulling a large garbage bin. The entire bin of trash spilled onto the ground.
Unfortunately, the handle of the garbage bin struck Bai Tang’s lower back. The pain was so intense that tears welled up in his eyes.
“Tang Tang!” Startled, Pu Hexu dropped his shopping bags.
“Are you okay? Where does it hurt?”
Seeing the crystal-clear tears in the boy’s eyes, Pu Hexu felt like he could barely breathe.
“My back… it hurts…”
Having someone to lean on, someone to comfort him—Bai Tang finally burst into tears.
“It hurts so much…”
Pu Hexu wrapped an arm around Bai Tang and gently lifted his shirt. A large, dark bruise had already formed on his lower back, and just the sight of it made Pu Hexu want to hunt down and kill the person responsible.
…
“Qiu’er, the female lead just appeared…” Xiao A knocked on the door of the little white room.
“I’m not listening, I’m not listening! You’re just trying to trick me into opening the door!” Qiu’er called from inside.
…
“What’s wrong with you? Are you blind? I was dragging a giant garbage bin—can’t you see that?” Wen Anni snapped, furious.
She was indignant that a boy could be more delicate than she was, and even had someone fussing over him. Compared to her—who had started working early in life—it felt completely unfair.
And judging by their clothes, these two were clearly rich kids—spoiled parasites of society.
Pu Hexu had initially held back from saying anything harsh, seeing that she was a girl. But now, after being falsely blamed, and with the boy in his arms still crying, his expression darkened dangerously.
His eyes narrowed, gleaming with a cold, menacing light.
“Miss, you were the one who crashed into him. And by the way, dragging garbage bins through an underground parking garage is against the rules. As a janitorial staff member, shouldn’t you know that? How does this mall even hire people—choosing someone so lacking in basic manners and professionalism?”
Wen Anni was only twenty-two years old, and being addressed as a “cleaning auntie” by Pu Hexu made her tremble with rage. But she couldn’t say anything back—because everything he said was true. Garbage bins were prohibited in the underground garage. She had taken a shortcut out of convenience, and now she had to pay the price.
The B3 level rarely had cars or people, so walking through there usually didn’t matter. Wen Anni had used that route several times without issue—she never expected to run into such trouble today.
“Forget it. I won’t stoop to your level. Just watch where you’re going next time.” Wen Anni clapped her hands clean and began picking up the scattered trash on the ground.
Pu Hexu stood up, half-supporting Bai Tang, and looked down at her from above.
He pulled out his phone and dialed the mall manager.
“Wen, there’s a cleaning lady on B3 of the parking garage with poor conduct. She’s not following the rules. Fire her.”
Wen Anni, crouched down picking up trash, froze in shock.
Who was this man, making complaints as casually as flipping a switch?
“Let’s go to the hospital,” Pu Hexu gently coaxed Bai Tang. “Once a doctor sees it, it won’t hurt anymore.”
Bai Tang, having finally stopped crying, nodded with red-rimmed eyes.
But someone wasn’t ready to let them go just yet.
“Hey, can you not report me? Please? I’ll apologize, okay? I’m sorry—it was my fault. I didn’t follow the rules. But my family is struggling, and I really can’t afford to lose this job.”
As Wen Anni spoke, tears began falling uncontrollably.
Her parents constantly pressured her to meet rich people, dreaming she’d marry into wealth. They spent money without making any, and she alone was supporting the entire household. She simply couldn’t afford it, so she had no choice but to take on multiple jobs every day.
Seeing Wen Anni cry like a pear blossom in the rain, Pu Hexu furrowed his brows.
He had acted in countless dramas and could easily tell when someone was faking it. But the way Wen Anni was crying now—it didn’t look like an act at all.
Without reminders from Qiu’er or Xiao A, and with the dim lighting in the parking garage plus Wen Anni’s lowered head, Bai Tang couldn’t see her face clearly. He just felt that her background seemed pretty tragic too. Tugging gently on Pu Hexu’s sleeve, he whispered, “Let it go~”
Pu Hexu wiped away the remaining tears from Bai Tang’s face.
“Alright. If Tang Tang says it’s fine, then we won’t report her.”
Author’s Note:
The first meeting between the male and female leads wasn’t exactly a pleasant one~