Dark Stage

[A veteran, understated older-generation actor and cool, younger top × a gorgeous, fiery, older top, the industry's “little white flower”]

The announcement that the danmei novel The Journey would be adapted into a screen production stayed high on the trending lists for ages.

Veteran actor Jiang Wenluo, who started out as a child star, joining the cast was an even bigger shock to the entertainment world.

Audition submissions flooded the production team. Everyone had seen how quickly same-sex-themed works had become hits over the past decade.

And the chance to pair up with a “veteran” who's top-tier in reputation, acting, and looks made everyone even more eager to jump in.

Guided by the principle that “if you can't act, you shouldn't act,” Han Jiangcuo reluctantly went to audition at his agent's request.

After the audition, he confronted the veteran actor head-on, tearing right through the sunny, cheerful mask on his face.

It wasn't until Han Jiangcuo saw his photo on the trending list that he realized the spotlight had landed on him.

The trending topic was instantly flooded with criticism.

Han Jiangcuo wasn't a newcomer, an unknown, or a great actor.

He was a “shooting star” who debuted in the morning, got into a fight that evening, and had his career wrecked by midnight.

He rose to fame thanks to a stunning three-second shot in a variety show.

“Three seconds from the gods” was his first big break.

He was quickly signed and groomed for stardom.

Then came the “thirty seconds of hell” in a parking lot, his second “starry night.”

The name Han Jiangcuo was buried almost as soon as it came into being…

Then, without warning, a turning point in his life arrived.

Without knowing what the original work was about, he somehow ended up doing a month of acting boot camp with Jiang Wenluo.

He unexpectedly discovered the veteran actor's painful past and the irritable “Buddha” turned into a thoughtful “old nanny.”

Jiang Wenluo, in turn, got to see every side of the “scandal-ridden” entertainer.

In daily life, Han Jiangcuo took thoughtful care of him.

Professionally, Jiang Wenluo taught him by example.

Breaking the ice → finding their rhythm → growing in sync → unable to bear being apart

In just one month, he became someone the other couldn't let go of.

On set

The director shouted through a megaphone for the first time: “Han Jiangcuo! Stop looking at him like you feel sorry for him! Chu Ye wouldn't look at Liu Qi like that!”

The second time: “Good grief! Liu Qi is the one taking the hit for you. Why are you reacting so fast?!”

The third time: “Chu Ye is trying to stop Liu Qi! Why are you hitting him harder than Chu Ye does?!”

The director rubbed his forehead in exasperation. “This isn't working. We can't shoot the reunion scene like this. Separate them for three days!”

Han Jiangcuo roared, “How can I abandon him?!”

#Their CP is a huge hit, and their careers are taking off#

#Veteran actor Jiang Wenluo is drawing a flood of new fans and commercial offers#

#New actor Han Jiangcuo shines, with a brilliant future ahead#

Browsing fan forums, shipping the CP, reading fanfiction, trying to win a signed photo… and failing…

Wait!

Aren't I one of the people in this ship?

Why am I looking for crumbs?

I'll make my own!

Han Jiangcuo sincerely ships the RPS pairing, only to be forced into a system to curb his obsession.

Even one of the actual celebrities can't escape the curse of “I really mean it this time” and “I fall for it every time”…

What's real, and what's fake?

Han Jiangcuo grits his teeth and stares into Jiang Wenluo's eyes. “Do you really not need me anymore?”

Jiang Wenluo looks away, his face cold. “It's my fault. I forgot to teach you how to get out of character.”

“It's hard to get into character, but even harder to get out of it.”

But I'm the only one who can write the script of my life.

My script… doesn't have a final wrap. It only ends in death.

① Synopsis screenshot saved on 2026/08/03

② There are reasons behind his “scandal-ridden” reputation

③ Both are virgins. The veteran actor has done a lot of filming, but is young and has no kissing scenes

Theme: When the false seems true, and the true seems false