Chapter 49: The Gentleman’s Cover

Setting aside the inside scoop that Yun Jieying only married Du Long because she lost a bet, Su Xuan found the men’s comments laughable—he actually laughed out loud.

Even based on Su Xuan’s childhood memories, he knew that Yun Jieying had been a true goddess pursued by a crowd back then. She was easygoing and generous, beautiful and loved to joke. Countless men and women adored her—not just men, but wealthy heiresses who publicly pursued Yun Jieying, offering to give her all their assets.

In that era, the top tycoons chased stars far more wildly and openly than now. A random heiress from Yun Jieying’s suitors would have been ten thousand times better than Du Long, who hadn’t even fully controlled UK yet.

Su Xuan didn’t quite understand why Du Mu would refuse to play himself and instead play Du Long, a man who had clearly hurt Yun Jieying.

And given Director Ma Hedong’s usual style, for the sake of the film’s authenticity, the originally set role of Du Mu would definitely be played by Du Mu himself. It wouldn’t fall to Su Xuan.

Only if Du Mu firmly and unequivocally refused to act would the role come to Su Xuan.

Su Xuan sat in his chair, lost in thought.

He was the only one left in the office. Liu Pangpang had gone to negotiate with the partners of “Spring Cleansing Clouds,” telling Su Xuan to stay out of it for now while he tested the waters.

But at least Yezi Media was a bit stronger than before.

Su Xuan unconsciously spun his phone. He remembered Du Mu had sent him a text warning him not to touch Wang Muzhe. On a whim, Su Xuan found that message in his phone. He pondered for a moment, then sent a text to that number:

[Did you refuse to play the male lead, Du Mu, in “Spring Cleansing Clouds”?]

After waiting about five or six minutes, Su Xuan received a reply: [Yes.]

Su Xuan asked again: [Why did you refuse? Isn’t this playing yourself?]

Du Mu replied: [I don’t play a character whose mother has died.]

Su Xuan gripped his phone, falling into a strange, delicate silence. He typed and deleted in the input field, but ultimately sent not a single word.

Su Xuan wanted to ask: Even if this role is you yourself, you still won’t play it?

That afternoon, Su Xuan was to shoot a dual magazine cover for “Gentleman” with Shen Chao. It wasn’t an digital issue but a formal quarterly cover, and a rare dual male cover at that.

“Gentleman” was an authoritative and professional fashion magazine with high standards. Its covers usually had a cold, hard style, rarely featuring hot young stars, but rather actors who were film emperors, directors, or had earned industry recognition and good reputation.

“Gentleman” was a purely male magazine that never shot female covers.

But there was an exception: in the quarter when Yun Jieying passed away, “Gentleman” ran three consecutive monthly covers featuring her stills, under the theme “Lady in the Clouds.”

Wang Muzhe had appeared on “Gentleman”‘s monthly cover when he won the Best Actor award.

Shen Chao had previously been rejected by “Gentleman” multiple times, only landing a cover of a special supplement—the kind given free with the magazine. He was widely mocked for it.

But now, Shen Chao and Su Xuan were on a quarterly cover, with completely different weight—second only to the annual cover.

They were truly recognized as actors by “Gentleman”!!!

The moment news of Shen Chao and Su Xuan’s cover broke, it caused a massive uproar across the internet.

Haters who had found no entry point since “The Nine Wanderers” became a hit could no longer contain their resentment. They started sneering with sour comments.

This was “Gentleman,” after all!

Another reason “Gentleman” carried such weight was that it essentially served as a barometer for industry awards. Anyone who appeared on its cover was guaranteed to win a Best Actor award within three to five years. Countless young male stars desperate for a career transformation dreamed of landing a “Gentleman” cover, even a special supplement. But “Gentleman” had a natural barrier against traffic stars, rarely giving them a second glance.

Even when Shen Chao became a huge hit in the industry with “The Nine Wanderers,” “Gentleman” only gave him a special supplement cover as a token gesture. Monthly or quarterly covers? Forget it. “Gentleman” would never easily concede to traffic stars.

But conversely, if Shen Chao and Su Xuan secured the “Gentleman” cover, it meant they had shed the cloak of traffic actors and gained genuine industry recognition.

Shen Chao was only 22. Su Xuan was practically an older, fresh-faced actor, who hadn’t been mocked for long before he could no longer play youthful idol dramas to gain popularity through CP ships and was about to fizzle out. Yet he successfully transformed into a serious actor. This drove many of his peers crazy.

The two had been criticized for rising to fame through CP promotion. But as “The Nine Wanderers” progressed, the divine pairing became a national CP. Even straight men could joke that Rouge Young Master was Bai Di’s wife. Earlier, they had been mocked for marketing a fake CP, but later they were slapped hard—they quarreled and reconciled, showing a brotherhood that only those who had been through thick and thin together could have. Their relationship was truly special.

In the midst of people’s friendship buzz, the news of “Gentleman”‘s dual quarterly cover prompted many to say they would buy a copy to see.

Although fans now routinely inflated magazine sales, “Gentleman” prohibited this. The magazine strongly disliked traffic fans’ behavior of inflating sales, so they always said no to traffic stars in their fanatical phase.

But Shen Chao’s fans, under his clear and cold refusal, no longer inflated any magazine sales.

Su Xuan was rational in his love. He had repeatedly refused pickups and data manipulation. So even though he had become this popular, he …

Su Xuan was used to being obscure. He felt that such virtual things held little meaning and wouldn’t give him much vanity. Earlier, Liu Pangpang had wanted to inflate data because a clear data report looked better to advertisers and investors, making it easier to land endorsements. But after the AF incident, Su Xuan had no shortage of endorsements.

He didn’t need data. He relied purely on his ability and performance to conquer all high-end luxury endorsement brands.

Just as Su Xuan didn’t need any data, he relied purely on his acting to spark nationwide discussion. Su Xuan could now take on countless good scripts.

Data had always been illusory to Su Xuan. He didn’t need data to gild himself—he himself was a shining piece of gold. He would be happy if others liked him, but he hoped even more that the young girls and fans who liked him could find their own shining place instead of wasting time inflating data for him.

Su Xuan used to joke on Weibo: “I only want to be your backup, not your true love. Because I have my true love, so I understand how heavy this feeling is. Don’t easily give your deep love to someone you’ve never met. I hope your love is more valuable and cherished. I really don’t deserve it.”

Su Xuan was relatively gentle with his fans. When Shen Chao became famous and his fans went wild and out of control, what he said and did was even more extreme.

He banned data inflation, banned pickups (if found, directly call the police), banned crowdfunding to inflate his box office, and even sent lawyer’s letters to charity fan sites using his name, demanding that they stop raising fans’ money in his name for charity.

Many didn’t understand this approach back then. Shen Chao was even cursed by some of his own fans, called shameless and worse, and criticized for not even accepting charity done in his name.

But after years of沉淀, this made Shen Chao’s fan base more rational and restrained. Fans and Shen Chao could barely influence each other. Fans cursing someone wouldn’t affect Shen Chao’s cooperation with that person. Fans loving him wouldn’t make him more conceited.

The title “Emperor Chao” also began circulating around this time because Shen Chao didn’t care at all about what fans thought. He only did what he should do. He treated fans as an audience, equally, without giving them too much attention.

Su Xuan and Shen Chao’s fans were relatively rational, almost like an audience. This also led “Gentleman” to open this gap and allow Su Xuan and Shen Chao to shoot the quarterly cover, acknowledging that they wouldn’t engage in rampant magazine inflation.

“Gentleman”‘s sales were basically from a genuine audience base. Judging from the current general public appeal of Su Xuan and Shen Chao, the sales would likely be so high that many would panic.

If “Gentleman”‘s sales were high, it meant Su Xuan and Shen Chao truly had a considerable audience—not fans, but real viewers, the lifeline of an actor.

Fans could only create traffic; only the audience could make an actor.

This significant step to a higher level prompted many competitors of Shen Chao and Su Xuan to start hiring water armies to smear them.

After “Gentleman” released the preview of the next issue’s guests, the comments under the Weibo post became chaotic.

[So disappointed. Has “Gentleman” compromised with the market too? Actually inviting Shen Chao and Su Xuan, who rose through selling bromance? Ugh.]

[Eh, no choice. Traffic stars are all like this. I always thought “Gentleman” was the last pure land… Sigh, what a pity. Corrupted too.]

[I’m willing to crowdfund to keep “Gentleman” going! (raising hand) Please don’t let Su Xuan and Shen Chao shoot the quarterly!]

“Gentleman” official replied to the last comment: [No need for that. Our magazine doesn’t lack money (smile).]

That person chased after: [Then why invite Su Xuan and Shen Chao? Not for a quick buck?]

“Gentleman” replied: [Why invite Su Xuan and Shen Chao? Everyone must be familiar with Su Xuan and Shen Chao. But how did our magazine come to invite them? Let “Gentleman” take you all to understand. Why did we invite Su Xuan and Shen Chao? Of course, it’s because they act well. You might be surprised—why can Su Xuan and Shen Chao act well? But that’s the fact. The editor is also very surprised. This is the story of why we invited them. After all, if we wanted a quick buck, we could easily have invited your idol, couldn’t we?]

That person, embarrassed and angry, replied: [What does my idol have to do with anything! My idol is ten thousand times more worthy of “Gentleman” than Su Xuan and Shen Chao!]

“Gentleman” replied lightly: [We wouldn’t want someone whose data is inflated three times over. Wait until your idol makes a drama a million times better than “The Nine Wanderers,” and we’ll invite him for the annual cover (please.jpg).]

Su Xuan scrolled through the comments, amused.

“Gentleman” really knew how to be sarcastic. It was indeed the top magazine in the industry.

Liu Pangpang came over to look and also laughed: “‘Gentleman’ has strong backing. They get the de-inflated data of all traffic stars. They hate traffic. Back then, Shen Chao barely earned their reluctant approval to get on the special supplement. You’re really impressive.”

“Directly getting on the quarterly,” Liu Pangpang sighed. “Only a few in the industry have gone straight to ‘Gentleman’ quarterly. You’ve made a huge leap. But they don’t retouch photos, so luckily you’re handsome enough…” Liu Pangpang looked up and fell silent.

Su Xuan had been dragged out of bed early in the morning by Liu Pangpang to wash and dress up, like a palace maid about to enter the palace for selection. While the makeup artist kneaded his dead skin like plastering a wall, Su Xuan twisted his distorted features to look at Liu Pangpang.

Su Xuan: “?”

Liu Pangpang: “…”

No matter how handsome a guy was, when the makeup was half done, he looked like a monster.

The makeup artist was really fierce, as if she wanted to reshape Su Xuan’s bones. But mainly she was also nervous, since they were about to shoot for top industry magazine “Gentleman.”

Liu Pangpang coughed and looked down to check Su Xuan’s schedule: “…You have another variety show, with Shen Chao, plus a few commercial endorsements. After shooting them, I’ve cleared your schedule for you. You have two movies now, both need preparation. Then Ning Xinyang, as your assistant, will go with you into the crew…”

Su Xuan blinked at this. The makeup artist, who was doing his eye makeup, lifted his eyelid and growled: “Keep moving, and my brush will poke into your eye! Move again, and I’ll take your eye off, finish the makeup, then put it back on!”

Liu Pangpang: “…”

Su Xuan: “…”

The makeup artist seemed to realize she was too fierce and forced her expression to soften. She pinched Su Xuan’s chin and spoke softly: “Baby, if you don’t move, I won’t poke you, and you won’t hurt, understand?”

Su Xuan: “…Got it, teacher. No problem, teacher.”

As the makeup artist continued working on Su Xuan, Liu Pangpang leaned in and lowered his voice, as if afraid to disturb the brutal artist: “…What did you want to tell me just now?”

Su Xuan’s eyeballs didn’t move, letting the artist do his eye makeup: “Ning Xinyang… won’t go with me into the ‘Spring Cleansing Clouds’ crew.”

That crew included Du Mu. If Ning Xinyang saw him… his mental state might not handle it.

Seeing Su Xuan like this, Liu Pangpang knew there was some inside story. He didn’t ask further, just said: “Alright. Then let him follow you? Or, according to Ning Xinyang’s own wishes, would he go back to being a bar DJ?”

“No,” Su Xuan hesitated, then said, “…Help him find some suitable music resources. If Ning Xinyang is willing, introduce him.”

Liu Pangpang was genuinely surprised: “You want him to debut again?”

Su Xuan said: “Not really a debut.”

He remembered Ning Xinyang curled up in bed, sobbing. A 1.88-meter-tall guy, when fragile, had a desperate air. Su Xuan didn’t know what Ning Xinyang had experienced, and Ning Xinyang never detailed what he encountered at UK. Maybe he was escaping, or just didn’t want to face it.

But since he could pick up the guitar again, Ning Xinyang’s voice was so beautiful. Hiding in the darkness, singing faintly and humbly with others, seemed such a waste.

Su Xuan thought: He sings so well. It wouldn’t be worth it if a mere UK brought him down.

Liu Pangpang said: “If not letting him debut, then why give him resources?”

Su Xuan smiled: “Didn’t you say you wanted to make him a singing king?”

“I’ll try.”

….

Whenever Su Xuan collaborated with Shen Chao on any project, he always arrived early. First, his status wasn’t that big; second, Su Xuan didn’t like making Shen Chao wait for him.

Making his loved one wait for him—Su Xuan felt that didn’t align with his romantic values.

He also wasn’t used to making his boyfriend wait. Su Xuan considered himself a gentleman!

But Shen Chao seemed to have a habit of making Su Xuan wait. When Su Xuan changed clothes and arrived, he was startled to see Shen Chao already in the studio.

He came so early…

Shen Chao wore a black Chinese-style embroidered robe with a wide belt in the middle. His hairstyle was changed; a jade crown casually held his hair, with stray bangs partly covering his eyes. He held a broken sword, looking like a cool, chivalrous hero.

Su Xuan’s outfit was a peach-pink half-robe that shimmered with white light, made of satin. His prop was a fan missing a little peach blossom jade piece.

Su Xuan’s hairstyle and makeup were flashier. The makeup artist’s earlier irritability wasn’t unfounded. Under Su Xuan’s eye, a withered peach blossom was painted, extending to his temple, and outlined with gold thread. His hair was extended into a loose half-ponytail, with a single strand left at his ear.

After half a day’s work, when Su Xuan entered, he saw Shen Chao already standing to the side, head bowed as someone touched up his makeup. The photographer’s eyes lit up at Su Xuan’s entrance: “You look great, Teacher Su! The effect is wonderful! Come over and shoot!”

Su Xuan walked to Shen Chao’s side. They locked eyes.

Shen Chao stared at Su Xuan without blinking, saying nothing.

Su Xuan couldn’t handle that look. He couldn’t help looking away. Suddenly, Shen Chao said: “You look beautiful.”

Su Xuan couldn’t help but smile: “How beautiful?”

“Many people will surely like you,” Shen Chao said.

Su Xuan blushed a little, not knowing how to respond. The way Shen Chao looked at him when he said that seemed to imply: “With so many people liking you, I must be the one who likes you the most.”

That made Su Xuan dare not meet his eyes. He turned his face away and said dryly, “Thank you,” while wanting to cover his face inside.

…Shen Chao’s stare was too direct. Su Xuan was really blushing. He thought he had thick skin, but he couldn’t withstand Shen Chao.

Shen Chao also looked down, his fingers curling, and gave a slight nod without saying more. It wasn’t until they stood together for a group photo that Su Xuan whispered, blushing, “You’re handsome too, Shen Chao. Many people like you.”

Su Xuan emphasized very quietly, “But you’re my boyfriend.”

Shen Chao’s curled hand suddenly clenched, then relaxed and dropped. His long lashes fell, concealing all emotions. He just hummed softly, “Mm.”

After a moment, Shen Chao’s voice grew a bit hoarse: “Su Xuan, I want to touch you.” His lashes trembled. “I can’t help wanting to touch you.”

Su Xuan, startled and embarrassed, said “Ah?” and looked around. He took a deep breath and moved his hand closer. Shen Chao’s and Su Xuan’s hands, perhaps intentionally or not, briefly touched—just the fingertips. Su Xuan’s heart pounded wildly, sweat beaded on his face, and half his palm went numb. His blush was so obvious it couldn’t be hidden.

…Oh no, oh no. Su Xuan could feel their clothes rubbing against each other. Shen Chao’s arm hung naturally, his long fingers occasionally brushing Su Xuan’s. Mixed with Shen Chao’s breathing in his ear, it became even more ambiguous.

“Is… is this okay?” Su Xuan asked in a tiny voice.

Shen Chao’s Adam’s apple bobbed: “…Not enough.”

Su Xuan swallowed. He sneaked his little finger to hook Shen Chao’s hand, then tried to pull it back quickly. But Shen Chao’s larger hand suddenly grabbed it, wrapping from wrist to fingers, holding tightly and refusing to let go.

Su Xuan froze. He looked up at Shen Chao’s expression, which remained calm, only his eyes and neck slightly red.

The photographer kept praising: “Great, Su Xuan! Your face now has that ‘peach blossoms and face reflect each other’s red’ vibe! Keep it up!”

Su Xuan thought: Not just my face; my butt is also reflecting red with peach blossoms.

He took a deep breath and gently traced his fingers in Shen Chao’s palm. This secret intimacy, hidden in public, made Su Xuan’s heart race like thunder, his face crimson. Though he had talked tough before, he hadn’t actually done anything outrageous. Now, while shooting a magazine, sneaking around flirting with Shen Chao gave him a guilty feeling of slacking off.

Like being the top student in the grade who seduced the cool, aloof honor student right in front of the teacher.

But actually, the honor student made the first move!

Shen Chao held Su Xuan’s hand tighter and tighter. His voice was husky: “…Still not enough, Su Xuan.”

“I want to…” Shen Chao paused, then leaned down to whisper in Su Xuan’s ear, “do something more excessive.”

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