Your Rival in Love Gets Prettier Every Day

Chapter 84: President Yan’s Charms

Bai Qingquan didn’t have a good impression of this place. He hadn’t made a war film before, so he didn’t expect the filming location to be so remote. When he got out of the car, he could smell smoke which made him choke up a bit. There was a house in the distance that was on fire, and he felt as if he had walked into a area ravaged by war.

He hadn’t plan on coming to set so he didn’t bring any gifts. He only brought a driver and an assistant. Before he came, he saw an old man selling watermelons at the entrance of the county hotel. He bought all the watermelons from him and brought it to the set.

“We’ll ask the crew to unload the watermelons from the car later. Don’t let the uncle unload it by himself.” After making sure his arrangements were heard, Bai Qingquan walked towards the set. He walked a few steps before running back into the car to grab a bag. He took sunscreen out from it and started spraying himself. A psssshhhh noise sounded as puffs of sunscreen spray covered the air.

Shen Jintai had come over to greet him and took him to meet Lu Ming and the others.

Bai Qingquan had been a top actor for several years now so everyone knew him and treated him politely. He acted with polite indifference as he bowed and shook hands with everyone causing them to think of him as very humbled.  

“I’m still filming. I’ll talk to you when filming is over.” Shen Jintai said.

Bai Qingquan: “You are busy. Don’t delay your progress. I’ll wait by the side.”

When Bai Qingquan saw Yan Qiuchi, he shook his hand respectfully as he greeted him: “President Yan.”

Yan Qiuchi responded with a “Nn” and casually asked him a few questions about his recent work but didn’t continue the conversation further. He was troubled when he saw Shen Jintai’s expression when he caught sight of Bai Qingquan. He looked incredibly happy. The expression felt as if Shen Jintai was seeing Bai Qingquan as more than just a friend.

Yan Qiuchi also knew about Bai Qingquan’s sexual orientation as Wei Ge have already told him. Could it be that Bai Qingquan just looks weak on the outside, but he secretly attacks?

Bai Qingquan watched the filming for a while and found that it was quite interesting making a war film. He almost couldn’t recognize Shen Jintai with his army outfit on and cool looking makeup. That one-piece flight training suit was really hot.

Bai Qingquan thought that Shen Jintai was smart. The roles of Chen Zheng and Li Xu were completely two different types. It was obvious this film would explode at the box office making it hard in the future for Shen Jintai to be typecast.

What’s more, the role of Chen Zheng was well designed. He was the archetype model during the Republic of China period, pure-hearted and righteous. The role Shen Jintai was playing was said to be a hero pilot of the air force at that time. The artistic approach made his character very likeable. He heard from Shen Jintai his backstory.

Chen Zheng was the son of a famous family in Jiangnan . He wanted to be a movie star, but at the time of a national crisis, he joined the air force.

The scene where Shen Jintai was shuttling through, saving people as explosions sounded in the background was so handsome. As the camera zoomed in on Shen Jintai’s eye, it showed a look of fierceness that was full of blood. Watching this on the big screen will definitely be more shocking.

Finally the scene had passed. Shen Jintai went to remove his makeup as Li Meilan asked Bai Qingquan to wait for him in the RV. When Bai Qingquan was about to enter, Mrs. Yan opened the car door. He knew that Mrs. Yan was there as Li Meilan had told him in advance. He greeted her and bowed politely.

Mrs. Yan wasn’t as antagonistic towards him as much now. The young man looked fair, tender, and handsome. It was the type that elders would like at first glance. She was just a bit surprise to see him here on set.

She vaguely remembered that Shen Jintai had told her he had a good impression about Bai Qingquan now. She didn’t know what to think… They would bump numbers*… right?

 *Reminder: bumping numbers (撞號) = refers to them being both the same number in terms of positions, in this case both 0s.

“Did you come to visit Xiao Jin?” Mrs. Yan asked with a smile.

Bai Qingquan returned her smile with his own and said: “I’m here doing a promotional event so I figured I drop by since it’s on the way.”

Xiao Tang came over hugging a watermelon with him. Bai Qingquan grabbed it and started to cut it open. He looked gentle doing it, as if he wasn’t a famous celebrity at all.

When Mrs. Yan saw Yan Qiuchi from a distance, she shouted: “Watermelon! Do you want some?”

Yan Qiuchi waved his hand and continue sitting at his spot while chatting with the director.

After a while, Shen Jintai had changed his clothes and came out. His hair was still dirty as he couldn’t wash it so he put on a baseball cap and went to the director’s side to chat for a bit. He then came to the RV and said to Mrs. Yan: “Qiuchi’s English is really good.”

“He has received multilingual education since he was a child. He speaks English, French and Japanese fluently.” Mrs. Yan said.

Bai Qingquan and Shen Jintai were very envious when they heard it. The two of them were scumbags. Despite being big stars, they still envy the literate. After all, there was a big difference between a big star and a young talent like Yan Qiuchi.

Shen Jintai’s role, Chen Zheng, was a son from a famous family. He had studied overseas and was fluent in English. Director Lu Ming told him that the air force he joined was American and they all spoke English. Shen Jintai specifically found a foreign language teacher to teach him his English lines, but the results was still unsatisfactory.

After they finished eating, before returning to the town, Shen Jintai took Bai Qingquan around the set. The crew had all kinds of military motorcycles so Shen Jintai took one and drove Bai Qingquan to the distant gun tower.

Yan Qiuchi sat under the pergola watching them from a distance as he sipped his mineral water. His mouth twisted slightly after he finished drinking seeing how happy Shen Jintai and Bai Qingquan looked… It was like they were a couple.

Rather, he actually felt as if they were truly a couple. Their relationship had improved immensely during the time when they film The East Palace together.

“Do you still smoke?” Bai Qingquan asked: “I didn’t see you smoking when you were filming the East Place.”

“Not too often.” As actors, smoking was indispensable. It probably had something to do with socializing in the industry as well as alleviating the pressure that comes with it. Shen Jintai took out a cigarette and handed it to Bai Qingquan: “Look at this. This was specially prepared by the crew.”

The cigarette looked very old. It had no filter and the case and cigarette smelled like old Shanghai in the 1930s and 1940s.

“It’s a high imitation. It’s exactly the same as the one in the old photos.” Shen Jintai said: “The character I am playing now loves to smoke, so I have smoked more recently. Look at this.”

Shen Jintai took out his lighter and showed it to him. The lighter was gilded and had a contemporary look. Bai Qingquan had never seen anything like it before.

Shen Jintai: “This is an oil-burning lighter. It can be used as soon as you pull it, and it can be filled with kerosene and gasoline.”

Bai Qingquan took it and pulled it a few times, then looked up at Shen Jintai.

Shen Jintai laughed: “It’s a fake model, hahaha.” He took out another lighter and lit it for Bai Qingquan.

Bai Qingquan turned his head slightly with a cigarette in his hand, while blocking the wind with his other hand. From a distance, Yan Qiuchi felt that their heads were about to touch.

The action of lighting a cigarette can sometimes seem particularly ambiguous, especially when two handsome young men get together. It looked like they were acting in a TV series. Even the director Lu Ming who was witnessing the scene had to do a doubletake. This was the first time he had met Bai Qingquan. He felt that the young man looked extremely handsome and had the aura of a weak scholar during the Republic of China.

Despite its look, there was nothing special about the cigarette and it wasn’t easy to smoke either. Bai Qingquan took two puffs and said: “I’m really surprised President Yan actually came to visit the set you’re on.”

“He came with Auntie Fang, but the relationship between us is okay now and he doesn’t hate me as much as before.” Shen Jintai was worried that Bai Qingquan, like everyone else, thought that he still had feelings for Yan Qiuchi, so he said: “You should know that I don’t like him at all now, hahaha.”

Bai Qingquan twisted his cigarette as the sunlight shone on his long eyelashes leaving a shadow below: “I’ve always been very curious. Sorry if this sounds intrusive, but you used to like President Yan to death. Why did you suddenly stop?”

Shen Jintai knew that what he was about to say would be shocking, but he felt it was necessary for Bai Qingquan to hear it: “You may not believe me but, we bump numbers.” His face was slightly red, but his eyes were firm. He looked at Bai Qingquan who had a confused expression and said: “I’m a 1.”

Bai Qingquan suddenly cough and almost choked on his spit.

Shen Jintai patted him on the back: “Really! Don’t you think I am different from before?” He thought he was very aggressive and had an attacking temperament.

Bai Qingquan cough again and blushed. Sister, have you look in the mirror? Your underwear advertisement is still being talked about. Go to Station B and see clips of your lalang matches*. The onslaught of flowing water is all matched to your 0 iron lure, okay*?!  

*Reminder: Lalang matches (拉郎) = two people who have no emotional foundation are pulled together to make a pair AKA CP.
*Clarity: 0 iron lure refers to his shouness. He’s saying all the people that are CPed to Shen Jintai are all gongs.

That chest, that waist, and that ass! Tell me where is the attack?!

Bai Qingquan felt that even he was more aggressive than Shen Jintai.

Shen Jintai knew that Bai Qingquan would react like this. It was expected. His role as a 0 in his previous drama was too popular. But he didn’t worry. He can take his time.

Bai Qingquan: “Actually, I’m not surprised that you no longer like President Yan. I think you have changed a lot from before. After all, I used to hate you, but now we can be friends. Maybe President Yan’s opinion of you has also changed.”

Shen Jintai was taken aback for a moment. Was the novel’s white moonlight trying to set him up with the male protagonist?

Shen Jintai: “How about you, have you considered him?”

Since Bai Qingquan was the official match, it shows that Yan Qiuchi’s appearance and style should be in line with his aesthetics.

Bai Qingquan immediately turn to look at him.

Shen Jintai said: “In front of me, you don’t have to pretend to be straight.”

The two of have long had a tacit understanding.

Bai Qingquan pinched the cigarette in his hand, took a breath, and said: “I know my own weight and taels*. You can’t even climb in the Yan family, let alone me.”

*A few pounds and a few taels (几斤几两) = refers to knowing your status in terms of your own value, role, and influence. || In this context, he’s saying he’s just a star, while the Yan family are elites. Incomparable.

Shen Jintai came from a better background than him. He used to be a top star, and he had a very good relationship with the Yan family. However, even with the help of Mrs. Yan, he still failed to climb the high branch that was Yan Qiuchi.

Yan Qiuchi was the best man he had ever seen. His height, looks, family background, and abilities checked all his boxes. He was just too good in every aspect except for his icy and indifferent personality, which turns off a lot of people. In addition, he seemed quite strait-laced and has never thought about falling in love.

“Why do you think like that?” Shen Jintai didn’t expect Bai Qingquan to lower himself like that: “You are very good.”

Bai Qingquan: “Pinch me.”

Shen Jintai: “Huh?”

“Did Shen Jintai just praise me?” Bai Qingquan laughed: “I’m not dreaming, am I?”

Shen Jintai also laughed, lowered his head and tapped the cigarette in his hand. The outline of his face looked a bit tougher than when he was photographed for The East Palace. From the side, he had a tall nose, heroic eyebrows, and slightly wandering eyes. Shen Jintai said: “There are many people who likes you, really.”

Bai Qingquan’s heart moved slightly feeling he suddenly felt the charm of Shen Jintai. Looking through his own eyes, he can’t help being led astray*. Shen Jintai, are you trying to tease me?!

*Clarity: he’s saying Shen Jintai was looking very gong just now that it could mislead his heart, which only wants a 100% pure looking gong.

Bai Qingquan licked his lips and said: “I’m not in a hurry. I’m still young, so I’ll focus on my career first.”

Shen Jintai: “What’s your type?”

Bai Qingquan had a strong sense of weirdness developing in his heart. He answered: “He has to be taller than me, and taller than the average man. Strong, exuding pure manliness. Good in life and has everyone’s respect. Most importantly, very cultured.”

The first few items were doable, but the last few items made Shen Jintai faltered. He turned to Bai Qingquan who flashed him a smile and said: “I only graduated from junior high school, so I find a man with culture* to be very masculine.”

*Clarity: well-educated.

Heaven worships the literate. Shen Jintai felt envious of Zheng Siqi who came from a professional background.

Shen Jintai: “That’s… quite a special request.”

Fuck. Does this mean he has no hope? He recalled that Shen Jintai hadn’t graduate from high school when he debuted. His mood turned melancholic.

“It’s too hot. Let’s go back to the hotel. I’m hungry.” Bai Qingquan said.

“Alright.” Shen Jintai said as he got off the motorcycle.

He went to see the director but when he approached, he heard the director was talking with a foreign director who was invited by the crew regrading the shoot. Yan Qiuchi was sitting next to them speaking fluent English. His pronunciation was so pure that it made him look somewhat sexy.  

Shen Jintai’s heart suddenly pounded.  

Holy shit isn’t Yan Qiuchi the ideal man for Bai Qingquan?! He’s taller than him and is 100% masculine. He was blessed by the heavens and came from a world of culture as he was a top graduate from an Ivy League school!

Shen Jintai felt he had never considered the subject before and never thought about becoming more cultured. Having that conversation with Bai Qingquan and hearing Yan Qiuchi proficiency in speaking a foreign language, he finally understood what Bai Qingquan meant.

He found it quite… attractive. It seems like he also leaned towards the well-educated.

Shen Jintai gave Yan Qiuchi another once over. Yan Qiuchi truly was an upright and handsome being. Both from inside and outside, he was the best.

The author has something to say：

Handsome guys are not scary, they are just afraid that handsome guys have culture.

Yan Qiuchi: Did you only get a little bit?

Kinky Thoughts: Bai Qingquan is the #1 misunderstood shou in the world.
Fans: He’s our #1 straight brother!
Yan Qiuchi: He’s secretly a gong!
Bai Qingquan: T__T I just want a 100% gong. Is that so much to ask?!

I also find it funny how the author keeps mentioning that Shen Jintai might be typecast/stereotype for his sexual orientation, but at the same time is literally stereotyping gay positions based off of appearance.

I really like the interactions between Shen Jintai and Bai Qingquan. It’s so cute! I still super ship them but I can see them being gay BFFs too.  

So many bumping numbers in here. My god, stop making it complicated. Just do a threesome and get it over with! 1 + 1 + 1 = 3. Easy math yo. Honestly in the gay world, its not if you look gong or shou… it’s whether you want to stick it in or you want to take it. It’s a matter of preference, not looks. It literally comes down to that.