Huayu: This top star doesn't play by the rules.

"By the way, I see you're so popular now, do you always have to wear a mask and sunglasses when you go out? Have you ever been mobbed by fans?" As if he had just thought of something, Chen Zheyuan suddenly moved closer to Chen Chao and asked curiously.

"It's alright. I'm just a little popular now, not really famous. I was recognized by some fans at school just now." Chen Chao said with a smile, leaning back in his chair in a slightly lazy manner.

"Speaking of which, did anything interesting happen at school while I was away?"

"What could have happened? It's the same as always." Chen Zheyuan waved his hand. "But you're a celebrity at our school now. Teachers often mention you in class, saying you're the pillar of our performing arts department."

"But the music department says you've chosen the wrong department; you were born to be in their music department. By the way, quite a few classmates and upperclassmen often come downstairs to our dorm to see if you've come back."

With a somewhat helpless smile, Chen Chao didn't say much. He had already expected this outcome, after all, "Exchange of Lives" was incredibly popular right now.

"Come on, stop playing games, I'll treat you to lunch at the cafeteria." After chatting for a while, Chen Chao patted Chen Zheyuan on the shoulder. "The stir-fries on the third floor of the cafeteria, order whatever you like, as long as you can eat it."

"Great! It wasn't for nothing that your godfather used to bring you food all the time and take care of you. You've made something of yourself, big star." Hearing Chen Chao's words, Chen Zheyuan couldn't help but cheer. Then, as if he had thought of something, he suddenly put on an elder's demeanor, patted Chen Chao's shoulder, and wiped away non-existent tears from the corner of his eyes with his fingers.

"You unfilial son, prepare to die!" At this moment, all Chen Chao could do was to put his hard work and training on the set to use.

After fooling around for a while, Chen Chao and Chen Zheyuan left the dormitory and walked side by side toward the cafeteria. This time, without any disguise, he attracted the attention of many people along the way.

Although it's not lunchtime yet, it's already past four o'clock. Students who don't have classes in the afternoon or only have two classes have chosen this time to go to the cafeteria to eat, so as to avoid crowding with the crowds.

The cafeteria was bustling with people, and when Chen Chao appeared, many students who recognized him stopped and stared at him in surprise for a while before naturally taking out their phones to take pictures or videos.

"My God! It really is Chen Chao!"

"He actually ate in the cafeteria! How down-to-earth!"

"I want to sit at the same table as him!"

In just a short while, Chen Chao was surrounded by people. His good friend Chen Zheyuan, who was originally standing next to him, was pushed out of the crowd. Some people wanted autographs, some wanted photos, and some asked him about interesting things that happened while filming.

Chen Chao remained calm and patiently fulfilled everyone's requests until the cafeteria staff came to maintain order, at which point the crowd gradually dispersed.

"Your fans are terrifying." Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Chen Zheyuan was still shaken. "Now I know how tough it is to be a celebrity. You can't even eat in peace."

Chen Chao smiled and shook his head without saying anything. He had gradually gotten used to this kind of life. Although he sometimes found it troublesome, he was more grateful for the lovely people who liked and supported him.

After picking out the dishes they wanted, the two found a secluded corner to sit down. While eating, Chen Zheyuan kept asking Chen Chao about filming.

Faced with his good friend's question, Chen Chao did not hide anything and told him about some things to note during filming and auditions, which made Chen Zheyuan nod repeatedly.

"Speaking of which, what are your plans for the future?" Chen Zheyuan asked indistinctly as he picked up a piece of pork rib and put it in his mouth. "After graduation, are you going to focus on being an actor? Or are you going to try your luck in the music industry?"

"I haven't decided yet." Slowing down his chewing, Chen Chao pondered for a moment before gently shaking his head. "However, I have a movie to shoot next June, and I'm the male lead. As for music, I've written a few songs recently, and I should record them later. I'll try to make an album."

"Holy crap! You're amazing! You've actually become the male lead in a movie!" Chen Zheyuan was so incredulous at Chen Chao's words that his eyes widened, and he almost spat out the food in his mouth.

"It's just that I was lucky."

"What do you mean by good luck? It's clearly because you're really good at it!" Chen Zheyuan patted him hard on the shoulder. "If you ever become a big star, don't forget your good brother!"

"Don't worry, I won't forget." Chen Chao nodded with a smile. "Speaking of which, what are your plans for the future?"

"Well, since filming 'Secret Fruit,' the company hasn't given me any schedule. I'm either studying at school or training at the company," Chen Zheyuan said somewhat embarrassedly, scratching his head.

He was clearly ahead of his good friend Chen Chao last year and at the beginning of this year, but in just a few months, Chen Chao has far surpassed him.

.........

After finishing their meal, the two went back to their dormitory together. Just as they reached the dormitory building, Chen Chao ran into his class advisor, Teacher Wang.

"Chen Chao, you're back!" Seeing Chen Chao with his arm around Chen Zheyuan, Teacher Wang said with a smile, "I was just thinking of calling you, but I didn't expect to run into you here."

"Hello, Teacher Wang." Chen Chao and Chen Zheyuan quickly greeted him as well.

"You're back for the exam, right?" Teacher Wang nodded, looking at Chen Chao with admiration in her eyes. "Although you've spent most of this semester filming, your teachers have all given feedback that you, like the other students, submitted your assignments on time and to a high standard. Do your best on the exam and try to get in the top three."

"Okay, Teacher Wang, I will try my best." Chen Chao nodded with a smile.

"Okay, go ahead and study hard." Teacher Wang patted Chen Chao on the shoulder, her smile brightening even more. "If you encounter any difficulties, feel free to contact me anytime."

After saying goodbye to Teacher Wang, Chen Chao and Chen Zheyuan returned to their dormitory. Chen Zheyuan continued playing his game, while Chen Chao went to wash up and prepare to go out later to take Ji Ran, his temporary assistant, out for authentic Cantonese cuisine.

Because he was worried that he might not be able to eat later, he deliberately didn't eat any main dishes in the cafeteria, just some sweets to fill his stomach.