Lu Bairan and Nan Pei’s Confession Scene

Nan Pei’s heart was pounding like a pinball trapped in a sealed jar, and the one shaking the jar was Huo Yao’s large hand gripping his wrist.

Huo Yao looked into Nan Pei’s eyes, a subtle possessiveness hidden in his long gaze, quickly masked.

Nan Pei’s eyes widened in surprise, lips slightly parted, like a startled deer, unsure of how to react to Huo Yao.

Huo Yao’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he looked at Nan Pei, his fingers slowly tightening.

Nan Pei held his breath, feeling the calloused touch of Huo Yao’s palm on his wrist, the slow tightening grip, and the rising warmth.

It felt like it might burn him.

Perhaps realizing he was gripping too tightly, Huo Yao snapped back to reality and hurriedly let go.

Regaining some composure, Nan Pei tried to calm himself, swallowed, and said, “President Huo… I have something to do tomorrow, so I’ll leave now.”

Huo Yao’s hand paused in the air for a moment before retracting.

“…Alright.” Huo Yao pressed his lips together, his gaze deep and thoughtful as he softly said, “I’ll clean up here. You should get some rest.”

Nan Pei nodded, pretending to be calm as he left the study, feeling his legs go weak as he closed the door.

When Huo Yao had grabbed his hand, not only did he not resist, but he also felt a strange longing when Huo Yao let go.

It was a feeling Nan Pei had never experienced before.

Logically, he and Huo Yao hadn’t known each other long enough for this to happen.

Was he just too tired and imagining things?

Shaking his head to clear the chaotic thoughts, Nan Pei went to his room to sleep.

In the study, Huo Yao worked late into the night.

But his thoughts lingered on a certain someone.

Why was he feeling so many inappropriate emotions towards Nan Pei?

Huo Yao took a deep breath, unable to suppress the fluttering in his heart and… a hint of regret.

It felt like what had happened should have gone further.

In the following days, the painting Huo Yao anticipated never came.

The Huo Group had many matters to attend to, and Nan Pei was overwhelmed with the new developments in the careers of the three male leads.

Lu Bairan’s idol drama “Love Meteor Shower” premiered.

The crew adopted a simultaneous filming and broadcasting approach, starting promotions early. During this time, Lu Bairan’s fan base on various platforms steadily grew.

However, after the first episode aired, the drama was criticized for its clichéd and melodramatic plot, which affected the actors, including Lu Bairan.

In the early episodes, Lu Bairan’s character was a cold, emotionless school heartthrob. Despite his solid acting, he was criticized for having a stiff face, and some questioned if the drama was just a vehicle for a new actor backed by capital.

Even so, Lu Bairan’s looks and physique won him many fans.

From Nan Pei’s perspective, it was indeed a push for a newcomer, but Lu Bairan’s acting was severely underestimated. The drama’s plot would only gain momentum later, so Nan Pei felt the current situation was expected.

However, as a protagonist with insufficient luck, Lu Bairan’s situation could worsen.

So, late at night, Nan Pei sent Lu Bairan a comforting message:

“Xiao Ran, you’re going to be famous soon. No one can stop your path to becoming a Film Emperor. Don’t worry about what others say. I believe you’ll succeed!”

Though the tone was exaggerated, Lu Bairan couldn’t help but smile when he saw the message, feeling a soft spot in his heart being touched.

For Lu Bairan, his life had indeed undergone a dramatic change.

Every day, he received private messages online. While there were doubts, there was more encouragement and praise. His new fans were enthusiastic, promoting this hidden gem of an actor everywhere.

This idol drama he hadn’t thought much of brought him his first batch of loyal fans, and his fan base was growing rapidly.

For the first time, Lu Bairan felt seen.

Without Nan Pei, he wouldn’t have gained so many fans so quickly.

Looking at the message, Lu Bairan’s gaze softened, and he slowly typed a reply:

“The road is long.”

Nan Pei immediately replied: “No matter how long, I’ll be with you, Film Emperor.”

Nan Pei didn’t expect Lu Bairan to respond, but a few minutes later, a message popped up: “Sleep early. Remember to come to the set tomorrow.”

Staring at the message, Nan Pei was stunned—

Though gentle, Lu Bairan had always been indifferent to him. When did he start sending messages like this?

Was it because he was too happy about his rising fame?

Nan Pei couldn’t figure it out.

Besides the mixed online reviews, the number of fans visiting the set increased significantly with the drama’s airing.

The crew wasn’t filming in one fixed location, but some scenes were shot at a university and the surrounding commercial street, both bustling with people. Many recognized the drama’s actors.

That day, as soon as Lu Bairan stepped out of the van, a crowd gathered, with murmurs and small screams mixed in.

“Is that Lu something Ran? The lead in that new drama?”

“Yeah, that’s him. He’s so handsome…”

“Who’s that shabby-looking guy next to him?”

Nan Pei, the one being called shabby: ?

Lu Bairan had an important scene to shoot today, so Nan Pei arrived early, not expecting so many fans.

Besides curious onlookers, there were even die-hard fans with cameras.

The crowd was dense, with many people unintentionally pushing towards Lu Bairan, causing chaos.

At that moment, a passerby almost bumped into Lu Bairan. Quick on his feet, Nan Pei used his body to shield Lu Bairan, patiently telling everyone, “Please be careful, don’t push…”

Nan Pei held onto Lu Bairan’s arm, shielding him from the crowd.

Lu Bairan looked at Nan Pei, feeling warmth where he was held.

In that moment, a small sense of joy filled his heart.

Some fans, displeased with Nan Pei, began whispering:

“Who’s that shabby guy? Could he be an investor?”

“No investor would dress like that. Maybe a bodyguard.”

“Doesn’t look like a bodyguard either. He’s not as tall as Xiao Ran, no intimidation at all.”

The murmurs reached Lu Bairan’s ears, snapping him back to reality.

He subtly glanced at the people whispering about Nan Pei and gently said:

“He’s my boss.”

His tone was gentle and patient, even protective.

The crowd was surprised, looking at Nan Pei in disbelief, not expecting him to be a boss, and quickly apologized:

“Sorry, boss, please don’t mind our words.”

“Fan behavior, please don’t take it to heart.”

“Boss is actually quite handsome.”

Nan Pei didn’t think much of it, only finding Lu Bairan’s behavior odd today.

Before filming started, Lu Bairan, makeup done, sat next to Nan Pei, holding his script and thermos, silently memorizing lines.

Then the director approached, apologetically telling Lu Bairan, “Xiao Ran, there’s a costume issue with the lead actress. Find someone else to run lines with you for now.”

Lu Bairan paused, then nodded.

Besides the busy staff, only Nan Pei was there, head down, on his phone.

Nan Pei was checking the TKT team’s match schedule and replying to Song Jingchen’s silly messages.

Suddenly, Lu Bairan leaned over and asked, “What are you looking at?”

“Just checking my investments,” Nan Pei calmly put away his phone, smiling at Lu Bairan, “Xiao Ran, what’s up?”

Nan Pei’s phone had a special anti-peeping screen, so Lu Bairan saw nothing.

But Lu Bairan knew Nan Pei wouldn’t lie to him, so he didn’t think much of it.

Clearing his throat, he looked at his script and asked Nan Pei, “Can you run lines with me?”

“What scene?” Nan Pei crossed his legs, put on sunglasses, and casually cracked sunflower seeds, “The handsome, wealthy second male lead? Or the quirky third male lead?”

“The quirky… female lead,” Lu Bairan paused, then answered.

Nan Pei almost dropped his seeds, sitting up and taking off his sunglasses to look at Lu Bairan: “Female lead? With someone like me, can you see me as the female lead?”

Lu Bairan pressed his lips together, looking at Nan Pei seriously:

“Please don’t doubt my professionalism.”

The system suddenly chimed in: “Why does that sound familiar?”

“Ahem,” Nan Pei didn’t respond to the system, instead telling Lu Bairan, “Xiao Ran, I’m not a professional actor, but if you’re willing to act with me, I’d love to. What’s the scene?”

Lu Bairan looked at him and slowly said, “A confession scene.”

Nan Pei: “…”

He should have guessed. The system said there was an important scene today, so it wouldn’t be simple.

Since that was the case, he’d have to make a small sacrifice for Lu Bairan’s career and return to his old profession.

Feigning excitement, Nan Pei nodded vigorously: “Sure. Am I confessing, or are you?”

“You confess,” Lu Bairan said, “and then I reject you.”

Nan Pei: “…Oh.”

Lu Bairan handed him the script: “Familiarize yourself with the lines.”

Before crossing over, Nan Pei was an actor, so memorizing lines was no problem. He quickly grasped the plot details and dialogue.

They began running the scene.

Nan Pei played the female lead, jogging up to Lu Bairan, looking at him with sparkling eyes, breathlessly saying:

“Ouyang Aotian, why are you avoiding me… Do you hate me?”

Lu Bairan looked at him expressionlessly: “Just say what you want.”

“I never thought I’d feel this way about you,” Nan Pei portrayed the girl’s nervousness and shyness perfectly, hands constantly clutching his clothes, “I, I…”

Seeing Nan Pei’s shy face, Lu Bairan found himself getting nervous too.

He had the illusion that Nan Pei was really confessing to him.

He hadn’t expected Nan Pei’s acting to be so good.

“I like you—”

Lu Bairan swallowed, and hearing those four words from Nan Pei, even though he was prepared, his heart raced, mind going blank.

After a long pause, with no response from Lu Bairan, Nan Pei frowned and quietly reminded him, “Xiao Ran, it’s your line.”

“I…” Lu Bairan began, his voice hoarse.

He had to clear his throat, suppressing his emotions, to continue smoothly:

“I can’t like you, Pei Cuicui.”

In the script, the female lead’s surname was Pei, first name Cuicui. The name pulled Nan Pei out of character a bit.

“…I know.” Nan Pei lowered his eyes, quickly getting back into character, tears welling up, “I just hope you can be happy. Even if you don’t like me, I’ll always support you…”

Seeing Nan Pei like this, Lu Bairan’s breath hitched.

Nan Pei had said similar words to him.

“As long as you’re successful, even if you don’t like me, I’ll be happy.”

—Such foolish and humble words, Lu Bairan had found them fake and pretentious at the time.

But now, even knowing they were just lines, he felt a pang of heartache.

The next second, Lu Bairan did something unexpected.

He reached out, his long fingers gently wiping away a tear from Nan Pei’s eye.

Realizing what he’d done, Lu Bairan quickly withdrew his hand, looking surprised and awkward.

Nan Pei stood there, stunned.

That action wasn’t in the script; it was entirely Lu Bairan’s spontaneous addition.

But it worked well.

The director, watching, couldn’t help but applaud:

“Great, well done! Nan Ge, I didn’t expect you to act so well. I almost thought you were really confessing and got rejected! And Xiao Ran, your added action was brilliant!”

Hearing the director, Lu Bairan realized something—

He thought it was just Nan Pei’s good acting, not knowing Nan Pei might have truly embodied the character, expressing that humble and sincere love so accurately.

Pleased with the praise, Nan Pei cheerfully told the director, “Thank you, director.”

However, his tearful smile made Lu Bairan’s heart ache even more.

Onlookers, seeing this, couldn’t help but comment:

“Acting with someone dressed like a nouveau riche, is Lu Bairan really expressionless or just a good actor?”

“Not judging the acting, but Lu Bairan’s mental fortitude must be strong.”

“That scene surprisingly didn’t feel out of place… Lu Bairan’s acting is underrated!”

Ten minutes later, the director eagerly had Lu Bairan and the lead actress shoot the scene.

However, the effect wasn’t as good as expected.

Lu Bairan seemed less in character than before, and the lead actress’s acting wasn’t as good as Nan Pei’s.

Even so, the scene’s quality exceeded the director’s original expectations, better than most idol drama actors.

So, though the director felt it was a pity, he didn’t dwell on it, and after a few takes, the scene was done.

Lu Bairan found it strange.

Why did he perform better with Nan Pei than with the lead actress?

He glanced at Nan Pei, who was casually playing on his phone and cracking sunflower seeds, his gaze thoughtful.

The morning’s filming went smoothly.

After rising to fame, besides filming, Lu Bairan received many offers, with endorsements and variety shows in negotiation. His manager, Chen Zixiao, was much busier than before.

This proved that Nan Pei’s decision to have Lu Bairan star in this idol drama was spot on.

During a break, Lu Bairan sat next to Nan Pei, turning to him: “I’ve been invited to the Shengxing Charity Night, and they require a female companion.”

Nan Pei cracked seeds, not looking up: “Then find someone willing to go with you…”

“I don’t want to,” Lu Bairan said, pressing his lips together.

Nan Pei finally looked up at him: “Then what do you want? This event is highly watched, a great chance to boost your popularity.”

After a moment of silence, Lu Bairan suddenly said:

“I want you to go with me.”

“Me?” Nan Pei pointed at himself, “Do I look like a philanthropist?”

Lu Bairan shook his head, then nodded.

Then he said, “At least you look like you have the money for charity.”

“Isn’t it supposed to be a female companion?” Nan Pei was puzzled, “Can I count as one?”

“I’m in a career growth phase,” Lu Bairan said awkwardly, “I don’t want any rumors… even if there’s a chance.”

Hearing the word “career,” Nan Pei understood—this was a test for both Lu Bairan and himself.

Who knows what effect rumors could have on a protagonist with insufficient luck?

Since the consequences were unknown, they had to be avoided.

So, Nan Pei nodded solemnly, seriously asking, “Do I need to wear a dress?”

Lu Bairan: “…”

His boss seemed to have some issues.

“…Just dress nicely,” Lu Bairan said, pouting, “Just don’t wear leopard print. Especially not a leopard print dress.”

He’d already given the leopard print to Duan Heng, so he couldn’t wear it even if he wanted to.

Nan Pei held back from saying this.

Lu Bairan sneaked a glance at Nan Pei’s expression and continued:

“And you should wear the same color and style as me, so when we walk the red carpet, we’ll look… well-matched.”

He paused before saying “well-matched.”

“Alright, no problem.” Nan Pei agreed readily.

Lu Bairan’s lips curved up, his tone carrying undisguised joy: “Then it’s settled.”

“But I can’t show my face for too long. It’s best if the reporters only photograph you, not me.” Nan Pei thought for a moment and added, “I’ll let them know beforehand.”

Hearing this, Lu Bairan frowned slightly, his tone shifting from joy to disappointment:

“…Why?”

“I’m afraid I’m too handsome and will steal your spotlight,” Nan Pei said sincerely, “You need to be the star of the night.”

Of course, he was worried about the other two male leads seeing the news.

Though the e-sports circle was abuzz with tournament news and the CEO circle with family dramas, he still wanted to avoid a butterfly effect.

Hearing this, Lu Bairan wasn’t upset by Nan Pei’s self-praise. Instead, his displeasure quickly dissipated.

At least it showed Nan Pei was always thinking of him.

Meanwhile.

At the Song Group headquarters.

Song Jingchen sat in the president’s office, frowning at Nan Pei’s new Moments background.

He pondered what the lotus flowers in the background meant and why there were three fish in the pond.

Was Nan Pei hinting at something?

Was he praising Song Jingchen for being pure like a lotus?

Or did he think Song Jingchen was as cute as a fish?

Song Jingchen couldn’t figure it out.

Just then, Candy entered, saying to Song Jingchen, “President Song, Shengxing Charity Night has sent you an invitation…”

“They usually invite celebrities,” Song Jingchen put down his phone, shifting his gaze from the background to Candy, “Why invite me this year?”

“It seems the organizers want to promote charity,” Candy explained, “So they’ve invited many entrepreneurs this time, and they’re very sincere.”

Song Jingchen frowned: “These events are just for show, giving celebrities a chance to shine. What’s the point?”

Song Jingchen often did charity work but rarely publicized it, so he looked down on such ostentatious displays, believing the show outweighed the charity.

Besides, the stars were always the main attraction at these events.

Song Jingchen didn’t want to be anyone’s supporting role.

Candy thought for a moment and cautiously said, “President Song, since we’re starting a new film company, this could be a chance to establish a corporate image in the entertainment industry. Plus, meeting celebrities isn’t bad…”

Hearing this, Song Jingchen fell into thought.

Though he disliked seemingly pointless events, he had to admit Candy was right.

After a moment, he looked at the invitation in his hand, raising an eyebrow.

“Alright. I’ll make an appearance. Prepare a red carpet outfit for me.” Song Jingchen paused, flashing a confident smile, “The star of the night can only be me.”

Author’s Note:

Keep the love coming~~