Top Dupe CH 065 Because Of Jealousy Part 2

How did Gu Xiaowei happen to buy tickets for "Rhapsody of Changmen"?

Moreover, he hadn’t expressed any surprise like "Oh, you also like 'Rhapsody of Changmen?" as if he had known all along that Luo Yu wanted to see it.

Perhaps, because they had both been taught by Professor Chen, Gu Xiaowei assumed Luo Yu wanted to see it too.

Today’s filming was quite physically demanding. Luo Yu wrapped himself in the duvet and fell into a doze within half a minute.

Gu Xiaowei reached up to turn off the bedside lamp, his hand resting on the edge of Luo Yu’s pillow, and saw him with half of his face buried in the pillow, his nose just sticking out from the top of the duvet.

"Are you recording horseback riding content tomorrow?"

"Yeah. The director said it’s very simple... mainly to promote next month’s upcoming equestrian competition..."

Luo Yu’s eyelids grew heavier. His battery was running low, in desperate need of sleep.

"Can you ride a horse?"

"Yeah..."

"When did you learn?" Gu Xiaowei gently pressed down the duvet, probably afraid of Luo Yu suffocating.

"You taught me..." Luo Yu’s voice grew softer.

Gu Xiaowei’s finger, which was about to touch the switch, suddenly froze.

"I... when did I teach you?"

"When we were filming ‘Viewing the Vast Sea’..."

Luo Yu had already fallen asleep, his breathing slow and deep.

Gu Xiaowei turned his face to look at him, and with a click, the lights in the room dimmed.

Luo Yu should have slept soundly, but he inexplicably remembered many things from his previous life.

"Viewing the Vast Sea" was a film. At that time, Luo Yu had been recommended for the audition by Sister Cui and Gu Xiaowei, for the role of Cao Hong under Cao Cao. (TN: historical figures)

When the director received Luo Yu's photo, he felt that Luo Yu was too handsome and didn’t have the grandeur of a battlefield general.

Gu Xiaowei then invited the director to watch a stage play that Luo Yu had performed in. Luo Yu played Zhao Wu in "The Zhao Orphan," vividly portraying male bravery and decisiveness, yet his lines and demeanor were righteous and unyielding, with no hint of the dark vengeance he bore.

The director immediately gave him an audition opportunity, with only one requirement—he had to learn to ride a horse.

As Cao Hong was a military general, his loyalty and bravery to Cao Cao, especially in the Battle of Guandu where he faced Zhang He and Gao Lan’s attack and defended the main formation, required a lot of full-body shots on horseback.

To succeed in the audition, Gu Xiaowei accompanied Luo Yu to learn horseback riding.

Although there was a coach teaching, Gu Xiaowei was always there watching.

The coach taught Luo Yu how to communicate with the horse and basic forward and stopping commands, but this was still not enough for Luo Yu’s audition.

Luo Yu truly loved the role of Cao Hong and was extremely anxious.

Later, Gu Xiaowei got on the horse, sat behind Luo Yu, and taught him step by step how to get his horse to walk, trot, gallop, and perform the different gaits, whether it was a slow trot or a light canter. Gu Xiaowei meticulously taught him everything.

Luo Yu still remembered how Gu Xiaowei’s arms wrapped around him, helping him control the reins, whispering in his ear about how to relax his body, control his center of gravity, and follow the horse’s movements.

Perhaps because Luo Yu had a martial arts background, his body coordination was good, and he quickly mastered horseback riding.

After the movie aired, many people did not recognize that it was Luo Yu, only thinking that Cao Hong's eyes were too attractive.

Especially the scene where Cao Hong battles Zhang He on horseback in which the murderous aura could be felt even across the screen, in which Cao Hong's bravery and decisive manner being expressed so vividly. This scene was even specially edited into a short clip and accumulated hundreds of thousands of views on video platforms.

Because of this scene, Luo Yu's equestrian skills became even more exquisite, and he often went to the horse racing field with Gu Xiaowei to compete and enjoy riding.

When the phone rang the next morning, Luo Yu, curled up under the duvet, did not want to move. It was only when he suddenly remembered that Gu Xiaowei was also sleeping here that he woke up abruptly.

Gu Xiaowei was already dressed and was packing his backpack. “You're up, hurry and wash up.”

Luo Yu sniffed, smelling the aroma of breakfast.

“Did you go for a morning run again today?”

“En.”

“You’re really disciplined. I need to learn from you.”

“You were already exhausted from recording the program yesterday, both physically and mentally. There’s no need for you to push yourself further,” Gu Xiaowei replied.

Luo Yu watched him make coffee with a handheld coffee grinder. The room was filled with a rich aroma, and Luo Yu felt hungry immediately.

He went to the bathroom and found the toothbrush lying across the cup, and the toothpaste already squeezed out.

He seemed to have complained yesterday that the hotel’s disposable toothpaste was difficult to open. He didn’t expect Gu Xiaowei to remember it.

While brushing his teeth, Luo Yu walked to the bathroom door and said towards Gu Xiaowei’s direction, “Mmph mmph…”

“Finish brushing your teeth first,” Gu Xiaowei said while filtering the coffee grounds.

Luo Yu spat out the toothpaste foam, washed his face, and came to Gu Xiaowei. “I wanted to say that I’ve noticed you take great care of people!”

Gu Xiaowei glanced at Luo Yu. “Probably only you would notice.”

“Xiao Qin must feel the same way. I remember that when we were filming late before, you didn’t make Xiao Qin immediately send the clothes for washing, but instead let her go home early to sleep. Xiao Qin is grateful to you.” Luo Yu took the breakfast plate from the small tea table. “Today’s breakfast is jade tofu buns?”

“En.”

“I tell you, these vegetarian buns are incredibly fragrant. Especially with tofu, vermicelli, mushrooms, and greens together, they’re even more delicious than meat-filled ones.” Luo Yu bit into one, taking a big bite.

“I know.”

What do you know? That the buns are delicious? Or that I like this flavor?

After finishing breakfast, they went to the pre-booked equestrian club with the film crew.

Unexpectedly, as soon as they got in the car, Gu Xiaowei leaned against the window and seemed about to fall asleep.

“What’s wrong? Didn’t you sleep well last night?” Luo Yu asked, a bit concerned.

“You know, you rode a horse all night last night?” Gu Xiaowei said with his eyes closed and a low voice.

Sister Cui, who was driving in the front, was taken aback, glancing at the rearview mirror, wondering what happened last night?

What does “riding a horse all night” mean?

Luo Yu also stared blankly at him.

After a long time, seeing that Gu Xiaowei didn’t provide any further explanation, Luo Yu patted his shoulder. “Don’t only say half and leave half unsaid. Did I kick you in my sleep?”

“If I said you took me as a horse, pulling my neck and shouting battle cries, would you believe me?” Gu Xiaowei lifted his eyelids slightly and then closed them again.

Luo Yu immediately felt guilty.

“Of… of course, I believe it. Sorry, if you didn’t sleep well, you can rest in the car later.”

“I’m just curious, did you dream about ‘Three Heroes Fighting Lü Bu’ or ‘Zhao Zilong’s Seven Times in Changban Slope’?”

“I… actually dreamed about Cao Hong’s great battle with Zhang He, the one in the Battle of Guandu.”

Although a bit embarrassed, as soon as Gu Xiaowei mentioned that scene, Luo Yu’s mind began to wander. “But I think you would be quite suitable to play Zhao Zilong. With a cold and decisive demeanor, riding a white horse with a silver spear…”

“Then would you play Liu Ah Dou?”

“Do I look like Liu Ah Dou?” Luo Yu didn’t understand Gu Xiaowei’s train of thought.

“I’d love to hold you and ride through the Changban Slope seven times.”

As soon as the words were spoken, Sister Cui burst into laughter.

“Yeah right, if it were really like that, you’d probably end up dropping me to my death,” Luo Yu laughed as well. “Actually, Guo Jia would suit you quite well. After all, ‘As long as Guo Jia is alive, the sleeping dragon will not appear,’ calculating every strategy, his wisdom is like a sword that must seal the throat.” (TN: A popular online saying that means ‘if Guo Jia does not die than Zhuge Liang, who is called the sleeping dragon, will continue to hibernate)

But actually, in his previous life, Gu Xiaowei played Xun Yu in “Viewing the Vast Sea,” from middle age to old age, without any sense of incongruity.

“Alright, I’ll give it a try if I have the chance.”

After Gu Xiaowei said this, he straightened up.

Luo Yu’s phone vibrated. It was a small group chat he had joined with Li Shengyu and Jiang Muxing yesterday.

Jiang Muxing: [Brother Luo, none of us can ride a horse. Can you? @Luo Yu]

Luo Yu touched his nose. He definitely could in his previous life, but in this life… does this body count as being able or not?

“What’s up?” Gu Xiaowei asked from the side.

“It’s nothing, just Li Shengyu and Jiang Muxing asking if I can ride a horse.”

“And then?”

“I have to ride first to know.”

“You almost rode me all night yesterday, and now you say you need to ride to know?” Gu Xiaowei propped his chin on his palm, elbow resting on the car window, glancing sideways at Luo Yu.

“Cough, cough, cough…” Luo Yu almost choked to death, “Gu Xiaowei, you have a reputation in the industry, don’t just drive a car recklessly!” (TN: drive a car=crack sex jokes)

“Ha, isn’t it you who grabbed the steering wheel and floored the gas pedal?”

Sister Cui, who was actually driving, had a complicated mood. Was this the conversation she could hear from the driver’s seat?

They arrived at the club and started the intense pre-activity preparations.

All the guests were taken to change into their riding outfits.

According to the program’s flow, to give the audience a visual feast, the guests would all wear formal equestrian outfits to make an appearance.

Complete with helmet, gloves, chaps, protective vest, breeches, and riding boots, the guests were presented in a particularly spirited and upright manner.

Even Jiang Muxing, who had a relatively slender physique, made a strong impression when he walked out.

The assistant director couldn’t help but say, “This plan is good, very eye-catching!”

Xu Mu smiled, “Let’s make a bet on who looks the most stunning in a riding outfit.”

A passing cameraman said with a smile, “It must be He Mu. I’ve previously shot an MV for him, and he was also in riding gear. His figure and demeanor are definitely scream-worthy.”

“The prince charming on a white horse for thousands of young girls, right?” Director Xu chuckled, “But now, besides the prince charming on a white horse, girls also like those who are usually reserved and gentle but become commanding and charismatic when they’re on the battlefield.”

The assistant director laughed, “Where can we find that type…”

The cameraman shook his head, glancing at the staff watching from the periphery of the horse track, including Sister Cui and Gu Xiaowei leaning on the fence.

The three of them smiled knowingly.

“That’s an elite. That issue of ALPHA sold out crazily, didn’t it?” the assistant director said.

“Not just that. My wife wanted to buy it but couldn’t, so she made me find someone in the industry to get a copy,” the cameraman sighed deeply.

“I heard from my daughter that that issue of ALPHA was selling for several thousand yuan per copy,” Director Xu shook his head.

What they were referring to, ALPHA, is a fashion magazine. Their editor-in-chief wasn’t keen on riding the wave of popularity but preferred treasure hunting.

Four years ago, when Gu Xiaowei was only moderately famous and not so red-hot, their editor-in-chief invited him to shoot a magazine cover and feature.

Among them was a set of photos in equestrian gear, where his handsome and elegant figure contrasted sharply with his cold expression, as if the power of masculinity was encapsulated within those tightened lines.

Although every inch of skin was covered, his figure still made everyone who opened that page feel an extreme attraction.

A week before the magazine's release, the TV drama in which Gu Xiaowei played a supporting role aired. He portrayed a horse trainer, and his handsome image and the tenderness he showed towards the horses attracted many viewers. His reserved demeanor and dedicated nature, along with his frequent assistance to the male lead in times of trouble, made his character very likable, and he gained some popularity.

Subsequently, with Gu Xiaowei’s rising acting career, the value of that issue of ALPHA also soared.

At this moment, however, Gu Xiaowei was dressed in loose sportswear, looking relaxed and at ease. Many staff members around couldn't help but glance at him.

He rolled up his sleeve slightly to reveal his muscular forearms, opened the thermos, and poured a small cup of coffee for Sister Cui, saying, “You’ve had a long drive this early in the morning. Thank you for your hard work.”

“It’s not hard at all,” Sister Cui replied as she accepted the coffee, thinking to herself that it was nothing compared to the exhaustion of being ridden by Luo Yu all night.

At that moment, Liu Songtao came out. He was tall and burly, with a noticeable beer belly, which he awkwardly patted, unable to resist.

The three men stationed in front of the camera laughed heartily.

Liu Songtao was calm, knowing that his role in the show was to be the comedic relief. Without his beer belly, he wouldn’t have any presence at all.

“Good thing I didn’t lose weight. Otherwise, when the handsome guys come out later, there won’t be anything interesting to see here,” Liu Songtao joked.

Jiang Muxing walked over and asked, “Teacher Liu, are your team members still not out?”

“Our team’s remaining two are both handsome guys. The star attractions will definitely come out last!” Liu Songtao teased.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Muxing said seriously, “The most handsome ones are from our team!”

Liu Songtao laughed even harder. “They’re all handsome; the ones still inside are all handsome.”

After two minutes, Mick emerged, with a cool expression on his face, putting on gloves as he walked towards Liu Songtao. Due to his long-term dance training, his physique was tight and muscular, which made Director Xu and the others nod approvingly.

The assistant director spoke up, “Didn’t Director Xu say earlier that we should bet on whose riding outfit look is the most stunning? I’m betting on Mick!”

The cameraman laughed, “Are you sure you’re not betting on He Mu? He’s the big favorite!”