A Star Who Can Do Everything Except Filming (3): 

Xiu Xiu saw all of this and told it to Si Qi. Si Qi didn’t really care, casually letting Fang Huai call again and again without being answered, so anxious that he kept pacing in place.

Chu Feng: “Is it Fang Huai?”

“Mm.” Si Qi turned his head to look at him, smiling: “Jealous?”

Chu Feng: “No.”

Si Qi raised his eyebrows, just about to say something, when Chu Feng said seriously: “I believe you.”

“So I won’t get jealous.”

Si Qi was pleased, laughing and cursing: “At least you know how to talk.”

After finishing the meal, Si Qi got up, told the butler to send a glass of hot milk to his room in an hour, then leisurely went to his own room to wash up and take a bath.

Chu Feng sat in place, watching the figure that seemed to merge into this home seamlessly, without the slightest sense of being out of place. Hard to say whether it was Si Qi’s natural ease, or his domineering and proud personality—wherever he went, he was always the one who had everyone around running in circles at his command.

The adjutant, seeing that the two had finished dining, came to Chu Feng and spoke of the next work arrangement: “The marquis hopes to see you tomorrow…”

Si Qi lay in the bathtub, letting out a comfortable sigh.

Xiu Xiu, being very considerate, adjusted the bathtub’s functions to Si Qi’s favorite setting. The flowing water streamed against his skin, brushing over acupoints on his body, easing his fatigue.

The treatment method the doctor talked about today for repairing mental strength gave him a crude feeling, like a medieval barber’s bloodletting. Too reckless, unreliable, lacking any of the precision and elegance of surgery.

Si Qi pondered how he might devise a treatment for mental strength suited to this world. After all, aside from Chu Feng, there were many soldiers who suffered mental force breakdowns from overfighting. For them, finding a “soulmate” to stabilize themselves would be nearly impossible luck.

He had Xiu Xiu pull up some videos of the warriors of this world fighting against alien beasts.

Just like the beasts of a technological world, the demon beasts in cultivation realms, or the magical beasts of the Xuanwu continent, this world also had alien beasts. These creatures constantly invaded human lands; if people wanted to live peacefully in the cities, there had to be an endless flow of soldiers stationed at the borders to resist them.

Alien beasts, like humans, could use mental force to form armor to resist external damage. Cold weapons and firearms could only deal with low- or mid-level beasts. High-level or especially powerful beasts could only be harmed sufficiently by strong warriors channeling their mental force.

Because of this, everyone understood how important warriors were. Fighters and soldiers were extremely valued on this planet, earning everyone’s respect.

It was thanks to them that peace could appear in people’s lives.

With such an atmosphere, in the empire no matter the industry—including the entertainment world—those with high combat ability or strong mental force were looked upon more favorably.

The original body, being the canon’s main character and official pairing, naturally wasn’t lacking in qualifications. Whether appearance, popularity, or mental strength, all were enough to match with Fang Huai, who would one day become a general.

Si Qi thought for a moment about the connection between the entertainment world and mental force, murmuring: “Acting… no, music?”

Forget acting—he had spent his whole last life acting as himself. In this world, he really didn’t want to keep making movies… he was already sick of it!

The next morning, Si Qi came downstairs for breakfast and saw Chu Feng in a formal suit: “You’re going out?”

A servant pulled out a chair for him, and Si Qi sat down. The adjutant came over and said: “Today the general is going to have talks with Marquis Zhou. You…”

“I’m going too.” Si Qi picked up a sandwich and ate a few bites. “Which marquis?”

“Marquis Zhou Mingyuan.” The adjutant hesitated. “Do you need me to tell you about some of this marquis’s background? You might stay at his manor for a while—they’re holding a banquet there, with many dignitaries attending…”

“No, no need.” By the time the adjutant had gathered the materials, Si Qi had already read through all the files Xiu Xiu transmitted to him in his consciousness.

After a pause, he instructed: “Bring a bottle of white wine from Mikagil, packaged as a gift—that’s the marquis’s favorite. Also bring a pair of the latest Roschwa pearl earrings. The marquis’s wife’s birthday is in a few days, we can give them then. Oh, and get me a dark blue tie—swap out the one Chu Feng is wearing, his current color combination is a disaster!”

The adjutant was stunned listening. Chu Feng instinctively glanced at his own tie.

Adjutant: “Uh, okay?”

He went to prepare the gifts, not bothering to ask Chu Feng’s opinion—last night Chu Feng had already told him: from now on, Si Qi’s orders were his orders, no need to seek further instruction.

Because of this, the adjutant placed Si Qi’s position very high and treated him with respect—though only because of Chu Feng’s command.

Yet seeing Si Qi casually speak of things even he didn’t know, a sense of awe quietly grew. He thought to himself, this general’s spouse might be far more capable than he had imagined.

The two gifts and the tie were delivered. After finishing breakfast, Si Qi dabbed his lips with a napkin, picked up the tie, and walked over to Chu Feng: “Raise your chin.”

Chu Feng: “…”

The adjutant watched nervously, worried the general might get angry or say something unkind.

Luckily, Chu Feng was sensible enough; hearing Si Qi’s words, he obediently raised his chin.

He felt the youth’s fingertips lift out the tie tucked inside his suit, casually pull it free and hand it to the adjutant, then smooth the new tie, tiptoed slightly, arms around his neck, tucking the tie under the shirt collar. Slowly and unhurriedly, he tied it while humming a soft, cheerful tune.

Maybe it was an illusion, but after hearing that song, Chu Feng felt his mood lighten too.

Perhaps this was what they meant by “loving someone makes you love everything about them”?

When Si Qi finished tying the tie, he patted Chu Feng’s chest. Stepping back, he looked him over and said with satisfaction: “Not bad, very handsome. This way, even walking next to me, you won’t be too overshadowed by my brilliance!”

The adjutant couldn’t help but chuckle.

Following Chu Feng, he was used to dealing with serious, stiff people. Suddenly encountering someone as lively and amusing as Si Qi, he felt an instant closeness that made it impossible to stay distant.

Even the normally stern, aloof general said nothing, his expression more relaxed than usual. Perhaps this was the warmth that came after marriage, a hint of domesticity finally appearing in a single man’s life.

With the gifts prepared, the group left the villa. Chu Feng and Si Qi sat in the same car. Chu Feng said: “If you run into any difficulties, you can come to me, or to Adjutant Zhang.”

He hesitated, then said something very rare for him—something he normally would never say, commenting on others behind their backs: “In that kind of place, no one is easy to get along with. Especially in your situation.”

What attitudes did those lofty dignitaries have when they saw a celebrity?

Chu Feng wasn’t familiar with the entertainment industry and didn’t care for gossip. But he had heard people at banquets casually mention someone’s companion being a celebrity, with disdainful, offhand tones—as if discussing a commodity with good looks, devoid of any respect.

He didn’t want Si Qi to become the subject of such talk, reduced to being spoken of in that manner.

Si Qi had no idea of his concern, still carrying his proud, arrogant air. With a small huff, he said: “What situation? I’m so outstanding, wherever I go, people will like me.”

Chu Feng: “…”

Chu Feng said: “Yes, you’re right.”

It was enough if Si Qi could keep believing that. The rest, Chu Feng would handle.

Thinking this, their car landed on the manor’s lawn.

The marquis, recognizing Chu Feng’s car, had already gone to the villa entrance to greet them.

But he hadn’t expected someone else to get out with Chu Feng.

A new face, someone he had never seen before. Very good-looking, tall and elegant, with excellent presence—not like an ordinary person.

“General Chu, I’m so glad you could come. And this is…”

“My partner, Si Qi.” Chu Feng turned toward him. Si Qi lifted his chin, took the gift from the adjutant, polite yet a little proud, carrying himself with composure that wasn’t fawning but equal: “Chu Feng said you like Mikagil white wine, so I specially found one to give to you.”

The marquis’s eyes lit up. He eagerly accepted the wooden gift box: “General Chu, you’re so thoughtful!”

Si Qi then took out a small box tied with a satin ribbon and said to the marquis’s wife: “Your birthday is in a few days. I heard you like Roschwa jewelry, so here’s a pair of pearl earrings. I think only someone with your elegance can fully bring out their beauty. I hope you’ll like them.”

A flicker of surprise passed over the marquis’s wife’s face. It wasn’t that she hadn’t received gifts before, and a pair of earrings wasn’t much. But for someone to inquire so carefully into her preferences showed genuine thoughtfulness. Especially since the giver was the famously aloof, hard-to-approach General Chu’s spouse…

There was no way this was Chu Feng’s doing, nor something his adjutants would bother investigating. Nine times out of ten, these gifts were prepared by Si Qi himself.

Considering Chu Feng’s personality, he clearly wasn’t the type to keep a lover. If he said “partner,” then it was truly his partner. And with Si Qi’s manner, he didn’t seem like some frivolous fool. The marquis’s wife made a quick judgment in her mind, smiling warmly: “Thank you for your gift, I like it very much. Please, come inside.”

The marquis, delighted with the wine, led Chu Feng inside toward the reception room, saying as they walked that he wanted to open it and share with him.

Chu Feng glanced at Si Qi walking toward the banquet hall, then at the adjutant. The adjutant understood immediately, and instead of following Chu Feng as usual, he stayed with Si Qi.

“My husband has matters to discuss with the general. Please, follow me to the banquet hall to rest for a while. I’ve prepared food and drinks—I hope you’ll enjoy a comfortable time…”

The marquis’s wife wasn’t interested in dramas, so she didn’t immediately recognize this young man who sometimes appeared in shopping mall ads. She only felt he looked very familiar.

She was curious about Si Qi’s relationship with Chu Feng, and asked: “General Chu kept you hidden so well. I only just found out he was married…”

Several ladies of high society gathered around, smiling greetings to the marquis’s wife, then turning their curious eyes on Si Qi.

One of the ladies recognized Si Qi. Her eyes carried an unconscious scrutiny mixed with disdain, clearly assuming he was some companion brought along by a powerful figure. Her gaze slid away carelessly, showing little interest.

But when she noticed that Si Qi remained where he was for quite some time, naturally chatting with the other ladies, she listened more attentively—and was soon left stunned.

Si Qi was far too at ease, none of that fawning eagerness small celebrities usually displayed. He conversed with them naturally, as equals. His manner of speech was elegant, seamlessly matching their topics despite coming from a different circle, and before long he had taken the lead in the conversation. He even began offering suggestions and guidance, casually revealing information like which officials cared deeply about which issues—details impossible for outsiders to obtain.

These weren’t things to be said openly at social gatherings, yet Si Qi spoke them as though making small talk. To those with an interest in such matters, they were priceless intelligence money couldn’t buy.

Realizing his capability, the ladies began deliberately flattering him, smiling, offering praise, and hoping he would share more useful tidbits. Such knowledge would benefit both them and their husbands.

The lady who had first recognized Si Qi instantly dropped her contempt, smiling warmly and striking up conversation with him.

The adjutant, who had been watching closely from the side, was astonished.

He had followed Chu Feng for years, witnessing many beauties trying—and failing—to enter these circles, only to be toyed with and humiliated. Ambition made those people vulnerable, giving the powerful an easy handle to mock and control them.

He had been worried Si Qi would be harmed the same way, keeping a close eye, ready to step in and invoke the general’s name to protect him if necessary.

But Si Qi had no need to lean on the general’s prestige. On his own ability, he effortlessly integrated into the circle, turning the tables so that those in power courted him as though he were the prize.

The whole process flowed so smoothly it seemed natural, yet the ability behind it was shocking.

While reflecting on this, the adjutant noticed a certain official’s wife approach Si Qi—the wife of someone who had previously clashed unpleasantly with the general.

She likely didn’t know who Si Qi was, which explained her unguarded approach. The adjutant was just thinking of how to warn Si Qi when, unexpectedly, Si Qi shifted the topic. He brought up a current difficulty troubling that very official, then suggested that Chu Feng could help build a bridge, provided the official stopped deliberately opposing him—thus dissolving the grudge.

Indeed, the wife admitted she hadn’t known who Si Qi was, and said: “We actually do want to reconcile with the general, to apologize for what happened years ago. But we don’t know if he would forgive us—his character is so upright…”

Si Qi smiled: “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure he forgets those unpleasant things. People should look forward, shouldn’t they?”

The surrounding ladies, overhearing this, immediately sensed his unusual identity. Someone asked curiously: “And may we know who you really are…?”

Placing his right hand over his chest, Si Qi gave a gentlemanly bow and said with a light smile: “I haven’t yet had the chance to introduce myself. I am Si Qi, Chu Feng’s partner. Please take care of me in the future.”

Everyone was startled. None of them had heard of this before!

The wife who had just confided in Si Qi felt both delighted and relieved. Thank goodness she hadn’t been stubborn just now, or she would have missed the chance to resolve the feud and might even have offended Chu Feng again!

Her impression of Si Qi instantly improved. She said: “What you said is so true—people must look forward! Please continue to maintain good relations with our family. My husband only struggled with his pride in the past, but he really isn’t a bad man…”

“Of course,” Si Qi replied, “if you—or any of you—ever encounter matters you find inconvenient to bring directly to Chu Feng, you can tell me. I’ll pass them along.”

The ladies lit up with joy. They understood the implication—many issues their husbands dared not bring directly to Chu Feng for fear of offending him could instead be passed on through their wives to Si Qi. This was an excellent channel to build ties!

The adjutant saw the atmosphere warm dramatically, and his respect for Si Qi deepened further.

So this was the legendary “diplomacy of the ladies”?

Their general had truly married someone remarkable…

With such a capable spouse by his side, the general’s standing in the empire would surely become even more unshakable. Already, at just one banquet, Si Qi had turned a former enemy into an ally and gathered many potential friends.

The ladies clustered around him, showering compliments. By now, even knowing of his celebrity background, none would dare look down on him—his prior display had been too impressive.

As the conversation grew lively, a group of young women entered the banquet hall. The one leading them spotted Si Qi standing out in the crowd and her face darkened.

The adjutant also noticed her. Recognizing her appearance, recalling her past deeds, he felt a sense of dread.

Before he could think of how to intercept her, she raised her sweet, piercing voice and called out: “Oh my, isn’t this that so-called star? What are you doing here? Are you going to put on a little circus act for us?”

She spoke so loudly that many nearby turned to watch.

Several people recognized Si Qi then, realizing he was the popular star of late. Hearing her words, they wondered what grudge he could have with the duke’s daughter. Amused, they sipped their wine, staring at Si Qi’s face and body with overcurious eyes, whispering, laughing, and even pointing at him.

The adjutant’s expression turned grim.

This was the duke’s daughter—and the fiancée of Si Qi’s ex-boyfriend.

Having stolen Si Qi’s lover through underhanded means, she could hardly harbor goodwill toward him. And now she insulted him publicly, showing her malice openly.

The ladies around Si Qi froze at her words. Realizing the speaker was the duke’s daughter, they hesitated, unsure whether to intervene in a conflict between such high powers.

They wondered uneasily—if the duke and the general had always been on good terms, why was his daughter ridiculing the general’s partner? Was this a signal that the duke wanted a break with Chu Feng?

If so, they definitely couldn’t risk taking sides. One wrong step could implicate their entire families.

The only one to step forward was the wife who had just gained favor from Si Qi. She said tactfully: “Miss Zheng, you must be mistaken. Mr. Si is here by formal invitation, accompanying his ‘partner.’”

She deliberately stressed the word partner, a veiled warning backed by Chu Feng’s authority. But the so-called heroine sneered, dismissing the threat. Raising her voice even louder, she said: “Oh, so you climbed up the ladder so quickly! Partner? Don’t make me laugh. It’s just a ticket into high society, bought with your body. Everyone here knows how filthy it is!”

Her hostility was blatant, impossible to miss.

She truly despised Si Qi.

Back when she was still a reader, she had hated his character—always bashing the main CP in the comment sections, calling Si Qi arrogant and conceited. He had no real ability, only caused trouble for the protagonist, flirted around the entertainment circle like a social butterfly, yet acted as if he were special, constantly throwing tantrums for the protagonist to appease, refusing even a touch. Their first kiss didn’t happen until the protagonist became a general—wasn’t that just mercenary opportunism?

And now, knowing that for Fang Huai to rise Chu Feng had to die, Si Qi still married Chu Feng casually. If he had even a shred of affection for Fang Huai, he could never have done this! No, he only saw Chu Feng’s high status, the wealth and glory awaiting after marriage—he didn’t care if Fang Huai lived or died.

So-called true love was nonsense. As long as the other party had money, he could be with anyone.

The heroine crossed her arms, sneering: “People like you, chasing power and status, are no better than rats in the gutter. You should stay hidden, instead of coming out to dirty everyone’s eyes!”

The ladies beside Si Qi, aware of his identity, were stunned. Did this mean the duke really intended to sever ties with Chu Feng, to dare let such words be spoken?

The adjutant was enraged. He stepped forward: “Miss Zheng, this is our general’s partner! I will report your words to the duke in full. The general will never forgive your insult just now!”

The onlookers, who had been grinning and enjoying the spectacle, froze. Some recognized the adjutant, knowing he was Chu Feng’s man. Connecting his words, they suddenly felt cold sweat run down their backs.

What? Damn it—this beautiful star was actually General Chu’s partner?

Would a man like Chu Feng marry just anyone for amusement? Impossible. That meant Si Qi was the future master of the Chu household, his legitimate other half!

And they had just ogled him with such vulgar eyes? Were they courting death?

They prayed Si Qi wouldn’t take their earlier disrespect as deliberate hostility. They truly hadn’t meant to take sides!

The previously noisy, mocking atmosphere instantly fell silent—so quiet it was almost terrifying.