Chapter 4 – Initiation Ceremony

Shen Fubai jumped from his chair with excitement, clutching his phone as he gave Xiao Lin a bear hug. “Xiao Lin, you won’t believe what just happened!”

Xiao Lin: “Jiang Heng, the movie emperor, followed your main account?”

“Not only that—”

Xiao Lin: “Jiang Heng replied to your alternate account?”

Shen Fubai was stunned. “Are you Formaldehyde?”

Xiao Lin: “What kind of weird name is that? That’s something for preserving dead things!”

Shen Fubai: “It’s Holmes Lin, nickname Formaldehyde.”

Xiao Lin: “….” Please don’t abbreviate “mo” to “ma,” it’s terrifying, thank you.

Returning to the topic at hand, how did you know?” Shen Fubai tried to suppress his joy, making a major effort to look more solemn. He couldn’t help but chuckle, covering his face with his phone.

Xiao Lin regarded him as if he were a simpleton. “Do I even have to guess? When have you ever acted so out of character except for matters concerning the movie emperor?”

“It seems you understand me, lad.” Shen Fubai saved a screenshot of Jiang Heng’s response to his alternate account. Moments like these, with historical significance, should naturally be preserved.

“I need to post another blog, I want to make them all envious!” Shen Fubai tapped away on the nine-keyscreen, typing swiftly. Then, he posted the screenshot of Jiang Heng’s reply.

Just as he was about to send it, he hesitated and tapped to edit the picture.

Did Wine Get Heng’s Attention Today: Heng Heng responded! [image]

Viewing the picture content revealed Shen Fubai’s message to Jiang Heng as read, and Jiang Heng had replied with a simple ‘thank you.’

Did Wine Get Heng’s Attention Today: You have started shooting ‘Pear Blossoms’ today, best of luck! …………..

Jiang Heng: Thank you…

The part where Shen Fubai inquired about Jiang Heng’s opinion on him was blurred out.

He hadn’t forgotten to be cautious. Years in the industry taught him about the sensationalist tendencies of certain media. If the full screenshot was shared and fell into the wrong hands, it might cause trouble for Jiang Heng.

Another reason was… embarrassment. After all, Shen Fubai was himself, and he would rather not publicize his tendency to secretly ask for others’ opinions about him.

The alternate account received a quick response.

Son Next Door Zhang: No doubt an emperor of luck. Congratulations to Wine for getting what one wished for. PS I also want to receive a reply from Heng Heng! (Screaming emojis)

Love Only For Jiang Heng: Stand where you are, and let me go eat a lemon first.

Between Square Circles: Today is Wine’s lucky day! I’m not sure why, but I’m excited too!

When excluding the dormant fans, Shen Fubai still held around one hundred followers, most of whom kept silent, simply viewing his posts. These three were quite active.

Shen Fubai replied to Son Next Door Zhang: I can’t help myself, I’m soaring with delight. I’m going to rain acid down on you all from the sky.

Son Next Door Zhang replied promptly: That’s unfair!

It was unfair, but he couldn’t help but revel in his joy.

Shen Fubai repeatedly read the five characters from Jiang Heng several times before, with reluctance, switching back to his main account.

Just as he switched back, Shen Fubai saw the malicious comments on his latest post. He merely glanced at them and nonchalantly scrolled past while humming a tune.

Shen Fubai had endured such treatment for years. Ignoring the hate filled comments from online trolls had become second nature to him. He didn’t let these insignificant annoyances tarnish his good mood after Jiang Heng’s attention.

Defame me then, go on. Anyway, Heng Heng said I was good. What are you, some kind of small demon?

Filled with good spirits, Shen Fubai clicked to check his fan mails, eager to reply to a few.

Shen Fubai randomly picked a portion of his fans’ private messages to reply to every day. With so many fans, he couldn’t reply to all, but every one of them he could was worth the effort. As a fan himself, he understood the fervent desire to be acknowledged by an idol. A simple action on his part could make someone’s day, so why not?

After responding to a few, Shen Fubai received a message that read,

Amber: Don’t pay attention to the online comments, we all believe in you. Cheers!

Shen Fubai: Thanks, cheers to you too.

“Cheers to you too” was a common reply Shen Fubai gave to his fans. It embodied a motivational sense. Sometimes, an encouraging word from an idol could have a surprising impact.

On the other side of the makeup room, there was a thump as Jiang Heng’s phone hit the makeup table.

Xiao Zhang was puzzled. “What’s wrong?”

“Slip of the hand,” Jiang Heng answered casually, concealing the slight upturn of his lips as he retrieved his phone.

The young man in the mirror was smiling.

Amber: Alright!!! kissing face emoji

With his legs crossed and propped up, Shen Fubai leaned into his reflection, “Ah, how can I be so good looking? Eh, Xiao Lin.” Shen Fubai lifted his gaze to Xiao Lin, “Do I resemble Yu Tang at all?”

Xiao Lin considered. “Fubai, Yu Tang was a self-pitying ingenue, refined in his thoughts. You are simply narcissistic,” he commented.

Yu Tang was the character Shen Fubai would be portraying in his upcoming role, an outstanding cross-dressing actor in the theater world.

For Shen Fubai to play such a role… He was undoubtedly handsome and possessed grandeur, but could he embody the nuances of character he needed? Xiao Lin had serious doubts.

The public wasn’t optimistic about Shen Fubai taking this role. Xiao Lin, who’d seen Shen Fubai’s lowbrow antics in private, was even less convinced. All the silly antics aren’t the same as acting. Witnessing the carefree Shen Fubai now, Xiao Lin felt uncertain about this.

“It’s not being narcissistic; I’m stating facts.” Shen Fubai hadn’t finished speaking when the door to the dressing room was knocked twice.

Instantly, Shen Fubai placed his legs down, locked his phone, and his expression shifted to one akin to an aloof flower. He really appeared the part.

Habituated to the two-faced Shen Fubai, Xiao Lin walked over to open the door, revealing the makeup artist outside.

The finely groomed makeup artist stood before the entrance, choosing not to step inside. “Am I disturbing you? The initiation ceremony is prepared, Director Xu called you over. I’ll come back later to apply your makeup.”

Xiao Lin smiled. “Understood, thank you.”

“Well, then I’ll be off. You know it needs to be quick,” the makeup artist said as they swiftly disappeared at the doorway.

Shen Fubai reluctantly pushed himself up from his chair, appearing collected and calm, saying in a serene tone, “Let’s go.”

If not for stumbling upon standing up, with his left foot tripping over the right, Xiao Lin wouldn’t have been able to infer that Shen Fubai was brimming with excitement, so much so that he had no idea where to put his hands or his feet.

He could meet Heng Heng again at the initiation ceremony!—

The initiation ceremony was simple; a table was set up in the open, adorned with offerings to the ancient patron-spirit. At its center rested the pig’s head as sacrifice, flanked by fresh fruits, and incense burned in an urn creating a faint mist.

Presentations and offerings to deities before movie productions was traditional, but the particular deity remained ambiguous. This time, the crew was shooting a drama set in the Republican era. The story centered around a troupe’s live stage actor. The troupe was also known as the Pear Orchard, and as such, the deity to be honored was the patron of the Pear Orchard—The Deity of Pear Orchard.

The most remarkable among these deities was the elderly official himself, the Tang Emperor who once penned the “Music of the Rainbow Skirt and Feather Dress,” Li Longji.

Before the initiation ceremony began, the crew assembled, cover the camera with a red cloth, the creative team took turns paying their respects, lit incenses, and the director wrapped it up with a summary. And with that, the ceremony was over.

Upon his arrival, Shen Fubai’s eyes couldn’t help flickering toward Jiang Heng’s direction, but he wanted to look yet didn’t dare.

Jiang Heng was an old acquaintance of Director Xu. The director was, in fact, the one who first recognized Jiang Heng’s potential. Right now, the two were exchanging pleasantries. His youthful features were gently handsome; he was charming and gentle as he spoke. Director Xu listened with a full smile on his face, showering him with words, which differed completely from his usual stern expression toward Shen Fubai.

Xiao Lin marveled, “This is the benefit of having connections…” he noted, comparing the warm reception Jiang Heng received with the less enthusiastic one Fubai faced under Xu’s eyes.

Shen Fubai gave him a sharp rap on the head. “Who are you insinuating has connections? Heng Heng is all talent! And I’ll warn you now, don’t speak ill of Heng Heng in front of me, or I’ll scold you. I’m a die-hard fan of Heng Heng.”

Xiao Lin clutched his head, feeling aggrieved.

Did he say that? No, he didn’t. He was only longing for Fubai. Who knew that Fubai would sell him out in an instant.

Xiao Lin declared, “Fubai, I have to warn you. Bootlickers will end up with nothing in the end.”

Shen Fubai: “Zip it. I’m not listening.”—

Jiang Heng was listening to Director Xu’s lengthy lecture, his peripheral vision caught a glimpse of the dazzling young man at a distance. It would be unjust if he himself was so immersed in conversation with the director, neglecting the idol who was also a co-star of the drama.

“Uncle Xu, let’s go greet Shen Fubai.” suggested Jiang Heng, “We are both leads for this drama, we need to get to know each other.”

Though privately, he already knew Shen Fubai quite well. He had watched every one of Shen Fubai’s variety shows, and listened through every one of his songs. There was even a time when he disguised himself and attended a concert of his, despite the significant risks involved.

This was the first time he’d have an explicit chance to interact with him.

“Ah, you are right. You two should meet each other.” Director Xu realized then. The two men walked together toward Shen Fubai.

Instantly, upon noticing this, Shen Fubai said, “Director Xu.” He focused solely on Xu, daring not to gaze in Jiang Heng’s direction.

The thought of laughing out loud in excitement or bursting out in tears had him scared.

Seeing Shen Fubai not glancing in his direction, Jiang Heng lowered his eyes, slightly disheartened, but his gaze rose to resume the guise of gentle warmth.

“Let me introduce you. This is Little Jiang, the renowned Emperor of the Silver Screen, Jiang Heng.” Director Xu heaped endless praise as he introduced Jiang Heng.

Jiang Heng quickly interjected. “Such high praise.”

“You deserve it, don’t underrate yourself.” Director Xu chuckled. “And this one… Little Shen, Shen Fubai.”

Jiang Heng nodded his head. “Stirring up the white waves, it’s a great name, carries an air of freedom.”

Shen Fubai was stunned. It’s the turn to compliment. “Yours isn’t bad either, jade is sown as the first stroke in “Jiang,” it implies purity.”

“Huh, it looks like the two of you hit it off pretty well.” Director Xu was pleased. Two leads getting along would produce better chemistry on-screen, hence better showing the results “Little Jiang, you have more acting experience than Little Shen, in the future, please teach him more.”

Jiang Heng muttered, “…Yes, I will.”

Director Xu continued, “Then, shake hands, let’s consider this getting to know each other.”

Shake…shake hands?

He hadn’t done any mental preparations for this.

Shen Fubai shakily waited for Jiang Heng to reach his hand out first, only to wait in vain.

Director Xu’s expression changed subtly. “It’s okay if you don’t want to shake hands…”

With haste, Shen Fubai stretched out his hand. “Mr. Heng… Please guide me through the rest of my life.”

Director Xu: “???”

“Ah, no. It’s my first time meeting Mr. Jiang, I felt a bit nervous.” Shen Fubai quickly corrected himself. “In the future, please guide me.”

Jiang Heng was slightly flushed but forcefully maintained his composure. Holding Shen Fubai’s hand, the soft touch made his heart flutter.

When Shen Fubai had, by mistake, blurted out those words “I implore you to guide me in the years to come,” Jiang Heng had nearly responded with a simple “good.”

Their hands were both trembling, but each of them thought that it was due to their own nervous shaking, inadvertently causing the other’s hand to become unstable as well.

Only the onlooker, Director Xu, sensed that things were more complicated than they appeared.

How come these two handled a handshake like an arm-wrestling match?