TSSRWAB Chapter 3

“Then forget it.”

 

A voice sounded at the door.

 

Pete and the man both looked over. Pete’s face, still flushed with anger, now carried a hint of embarrassment. “Lu Xi–”

 

“I knocked. You were just arguing too loudly.” Lu Xi pushed the door open and strolled in casually. He didn’t recognize the man throwing a tantrum, probably a new executive. Well, it has been four years.

 

When the man saw Lu Xi, a flash of astonishment flickered in his eyes. He didn’t expect the real person to be even more striking than in photos. That face was exceptionally beautiful. He glanced at Pete, then back at Lu Xi’s face, and the man softened his tone as if showing mercy, “It’s not like we can’t discuss this. A C-tier contract. If you sign, we can only offer you C-tier. The company’s already making a big concession–”

 

“No need.” Lu Xi refused flatly. “I don’t plan to sign with Starlight.”

 

The man’s face darkened instantly.

 

Pete, eager to smooth things over, was about to give Lu Xi an out. Given the circumstances, swallowing his pride wouldn’t hurt. But when he met Lu Xi’s cool, detached gaze, he froze for a moment.

 

The contract negotiation ended on a sour note.

 

Though the only one truly displeased was Executive Xu.

 

Pete held the door open for Lu Xi, letting him out first. President Xu’s voice could still be heard behind them, muttering things like “ungrateful bastard.” He instinctively glanced at Lu Xi and forced an awkward smile. “That Executive Xu has connections and knows how to play dirty. He’s also petty. You offended him today so be careful in the future.”

 

Then, considering Lu Xi’s current situation, he added, “Maybe you should just switch careers.”

 

“Pete.” Lu Xi looked at him seriously.

 

“Huh?”

 

Lu Xi’s beautiful eyes were clear and bright as he said calmly, “I forgot to tell you. Singing, dancing, and rapping were just my side gigs. My future plan is to focus on acting. I’m going to be an award-winning actor.”

 

Pete: ???

 

Pete’s face twisted as he swallowed the words ‘are you dreaming again?‘ that nearly spilled out. After a long pause, he glanced at Lu Xi and said, “If this were four or five years ago, I’d have smacked some sense into you for saying that.” Then, awkwardly, “I can’t help with the contract. You saw it yourself. Executive Xu parachuted in two years ago. He’s got connections. For B-tier and above, contracts need approval from higher-ups. Only C-tier and below can be decided by agents independently.”

 

“I don’t want to sing and dance at old age either,” Lu Xi joked. “Guess your suggestion fits. I’m switching careers.”

 

Pete knew Lu Xi was saving him face. He wanted to say that transitioning from a pop idol to acting wasn’t easy. Investors would prioritize either acting skills or star power and Lu Xi currently had neither. No decent productions would come knocking, and all will be left are third-rate projects that would only drain whatever buzz he has left.

 

It’s like a snowball effect. Take one bad role, and the rest would only get worse.

 

“Well…” Pete exhaled slowly.

 

Lu Xi didn’t seem bothered. “No need to sigh.”

 

Somehow, Lu Xi ended up comforting him. Pete didn’t know what to say and stole another glance at Lu Xi.

 

“Does my face give you confidence that I’ll make a comeback?” Lu Xi had noticed Pete’s sidelong looks. “Just say what you want. I’m handsome, I know.”

 

Pete resisted the urge to smack him. “…You’re still the same Lu Xi. The way you talked back to Executive Xu earlier scared me speechless. That wasn’t like you.”

 

People change, but their core remains.

 

Pete remembered Lu Xi at eighteen. Pure, beautiful, and passionate. Whatever he liked, he’d throw himself into it headfirst. He’s reckless and honest. Fans would’ve called it cute and naive.

 

To Pete, he was just a pretty little fool.

 

Lu Xi knew what Pete meant by ‘wasn’t like you‘, but he didn’t linger on the topic because the elevator doors opened.

 

Ding.

 

“This show is really good. After winning Best Actor last year, it’ll really cement your image as an actor. You’d be a mentor–” Wang Qing cut herself off when she saw Pete outside the elevator and nodded in greeting.

 

Pete nodded back, holding the elevator door.

 

Jian Huai’s gaze lingered on Lu Xi for a second before he forced himself to look away. “Thanks, Pete-ge.”

 

“You’re welcome.” Pete was flustered. Why’s the award-winning actor being so polite to him today?

 

Jian Huai stepped out. As he brushed past Lu Xi, his steps slowed. His eyes landed on Lu Xi again.

 

“What’s wrong?” Wang Qing, halfway out, noticed Jian Huai wasn’t following and stopped to wait.

 

“No–” Jian Huai glanced at Lu Xi once more. “Nothing.”

 

Pete and Lu Xi entered the elevator, pressing for the first floor. Pete couldn’t hide his envy. “Did you see that? Same batch as you. Back then, you were the champion, and he was ninth. And now? He won Best Actor last year and transitioned to acting successfully.”

 

“Oh~” Lu Xi’s face lit up with realization. “No wonder he looked familiar. Lao Jian, huh?”

 

Lao Jian?!

 

Pete: “…Don’t call him that. He’s got a huge fanbase. They’ll tear you apart if they think you’re mocking him.” Then, unable to suppress his bitterness, “Back then, the company didn’t even think much of him. Said he was too old, twenty-four when he debuted, barely scraped through…”

 

After rambling for a while, Pete suddenly felt a chill. He looked up to find Lu Xi staring at him.

 

“Why’re you looking at me like that? It’s creepy.”

 

“So this company’s been ageist since five years ago, huh?”

 

Pete: “…”

 

“Lao Jian’s outstanding. Ask the company how their face feels now. Calling twenty-three or twenty-four ‘too old’. Who do they think they are?”

 

Pete snorted. “Why do you sound proud? Same debut year, and now he’s an award-winning actor. Look at yourself. Thank god he didn’t recognize you earlier, or Jian Huai would’ve been the one slapping you in the face. Aren’t you embarrassed?”

 

“Embarrassed? We shared a bed once. Why would I be?” Lu Xi showed no trace of envy.

 

Pete: “Shared a…wait, shared a bed or shared a dorm???”

 

—

 

“The person Pete just brought out was Lu Xi, right? What a shame.” Wang Qing didn’t expect an answer. It was just an offhand remark. As if there was no point wasting time on irrelevant people, she quickly changed the subject. “That variety show is perfect for reinforcing your image as an actor. Being a mentor–”

 

Jian Huai wasn’t really listening. Wang Qing had brought this up twice now. He didn’t plan to take the offer. It clashed with a script he really wanted to do and Wang Qing was against that script.

 

Director Zhang’s film has a second male lead who was a drug addict villain. Wang Qing thought it would hurt his image. Besides, Jian Huai was only second billing and fresh off a Best Actor win, why downgrade?

 

But he loves the character.

 

Wang Qing finished her pitch and saw Jian Huai’s mild, silent expression. She knew it was hopeless. After years of working together, she knew he was mild on the surface, but very firm in his decisions. Once he made up his mind, he wouldn’t budge. Just then, her phone rang, so she asked him to wait in the lounge.

 

“…Three years east of the river, three years west[mfn]三年河东三年河西 – a Chinese idiom meaning “fortune is unpredictable”; what goes up must come down, and vice versa.[/mfn]. I just ran into Lu Xi and the award-winning actor at the elevator. Worlds apart; one up, one down. Four years ago, who’d have thought Lu Xi would end up like this?”

 

Gossip in the lounge, the speaker’s tone dripped with gloating.

 

Another chimed in, “Pete-ge brought Lu Xi in for a contract. But Director Xu only offered a rookie deal. Lu Xi lost it right there, talking big, saying he was gonna win Best Actor. What does he think, that he’s Jian Huai now? No one’s giving him resources anymore. For a newcomer, that deal wasn’t bad. What’s he so proud of, acting like it’s still four years ago?”

 

“Rumor is he even has kids. Signing him at all is a favor. Still acting like he’s hot stuff.”

 

Jian Huai pushed the door open.

 

The three gossiping staff inside jumped, then relaxed when they saw it was just Movie Star Jian. They were only trash-talking Lu Xi, nothing about Jian Huai. Back during the show, he and Lu Xi weren’t close anyway.

 

No big deal.

 

“Talking gossip about artists during work hours, is that what the company taught you?” Jian Huai’s expression was ice cold.

 

Did Movie Star Jian take the wrong meds today?

 

Jian Huai was known for his good temper in the company. He’s gentle and down-to-earth. He heard them gossiping before without ever making a fuss. The three dared not say anything, apologized respectfully, and immediately got out of the lounge.

 

Jian Huai was the only one left in the lounge.

 

“…He wouldn’t have kids with someone else.”

 

Lu Xi loved that person too much. Jian Huai’s eyes lowered, hiding his emotions.

 

They debuted together. Lu Xi was the brightest among a hundred trainees, while Jian Huai had barely scraped through the first round by luck. Back then, everyone wanted to latch onto Lu Xi. Just being associated with him brought popularity, buzz, and even CP fans. If it hadn’t been for that random team assignment draw…

 

—

 

“You’re being very gossipy, you know?” Lu Xi was annoyed by Pete’s prying. “If you’re so curious about Jian Huai’s body, go ask him yourself.”

 

Pete knew his limits. “I’d get punched. So, how is it? His first drama as a movie star was a costume series, right? There’s a bath scene, wet and shirtless, wow. You don’t even know. Eight-pack abs, I counted. I wonder what he looked like back when he debuted. His fans dug up old debut footage, but there weren’t many good shots.”

 

Lu Xi listened to Pete’s rambling and seriously considered locking him in a chicken coop.

 

Luckily, his ride arrived.

 

Pete reluctantly shut up. He brought Lu Xi to Starlight but couldn’t help at all. In the end, all he could say was, “Jiayou.”[mfn]加油 – lit. “add fuel” ; a Chinese expression of encouragement and support; think of Korea’s “Fighting!”[/mfn]

 

Lu Xi responded with a cocky grin.

 

The same as the king of the stage five years ago.

 

Pete watched the car’s taillights fade and smiled too.

 

—

 

Kindergarten let out at six.

 

No matter how much of a stage king he was, or how famous he’d been, at the kindergarten gate, there was only one identity that mattered: Doubao and Dougao’s daddy.

 

Most kids were picked up by nannies or grandparents, so a young man like Lu Xi stood out. Soon, two elderly women struck up a conversation.

 

“So young and already a dad?”

 

“And twins! Your wife must be something special.”

 

Lu Xi silently agreed: That’s true. He is amazing.

 

“Doubao’s daddy, you must be new here? Just moved? Next weekend is the school’s opening ceremony. It’s a tradition every year.”

 

“Oh, class is over. We’ll talk later. What a handsome young man.” The old woman beamed before heading to the gates to fetch her granddaughter.

 

To pick up a child from the kindergarten, you need to swipe your parent card, and you can only pick up the child if the photo information on the card matches the person’s.

 

Doubao and Dougao were in Apple Class, small group one. The twins walked out single-file. Doubao was in front, next to a round-faced girl with pigtails who kept sneaking glances at Dougao, who remained cool-faced and aloof.

 

Doubao puffed out his chest proudly. “Dougao’s my didi.”

 

“I know, you’ve said it all day, Doubao.”

 

Doubao turned to Dougao, grinning. “Right?”

 

Dougao’s cool little face softened for his gege, “Gege.”

 

Doubao’s eyes crinkled with joy, his tiny white teeth on full display. Spotting his dad, he waved chubby hands excitedly. “Daddy’s here!”

 

Lu Xi swiped his card and scooped up both buns.

 

“…Next weekend is our kindergarten’s opening ceremony. We’d love for parents and kids to prepare a little performance. If possible, please let us know three days in advance.”

 

“Doubao and Dougao, bring your mommy and daddy to play~”

 

The Apple Class teacher smiled kindly.

 

Dougao said coolly, “No mommy.”

 

“But Daddy is mommy!” Doubao explained earnestly.

 

Apple Teacher’s smile froze: ?

 

Lu Xi: …Silly kids, no I’m not, stop talking!

 

 

The author has something to say:
Xi Xi: Starting to panic

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I absentmindedly put this in drafts and forgot to set a time
Now it’s posted [so much sadness]

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Translator [LUNE]: (I’m not sure about the update schedule yet…) I hope you’ll enjoy reading this as much as I did ヽ(͡◕ ͜ʖ ͡◕)ﾉ