Chapter 104: A Foreboding Sense

The set was ready!

“We can start shooting at any time!” a crew member called out loudly, signaling to Fan Xie.

Fan Xie replied at once, then turned to Song Anhe and Lin Xi. “Come on, our Holy King and our Carefree Princess.”

They both laughed, following the director to the green screen set.

The photographer, Kindle, had already prepared all the equipment. After everyone exchanged greetings, the shoot was ready to begin.

“We’ll start with Senior Song’s character photos, then Xiao Xi’s, and finally the two of you together for the promotional shots,” Fan Xie arranged everything in perfect order. Strictly speaking, as chief director he did not need to be here personally, but Song Anhe carried weight, and Lin Xi was benefiting from the same favorable light.

After giving his instructions, Director Fan went off to handle other matters. Naturally, no one objected. Lin Xi waited to the side while her makeup was touched up.

Song Anhe picked up the prop sword and, clad in armor, adjusted himself until everything felt right. Only then did he step in front of the green screen for the official shoot. The moment the camera rolled, he entered the role at once. His sharp, cutting gaze was full of presence, instantly drawing everyone into the world of the Holy King.

Lin Xi could not help admiring him from the side. Such ruthless, decisive expressiveness could not be produced in a few seconds; it required years of acting experience and a powerful ability to move an audience. It was nothing that could be achieved overnight.

She pressed her lips together and nodded silently to herself. This was exactly how one learned from a senior. She had not taken the wrong job after all.

“All right, keep that state, hold it—” Kindle kept snapping photos and praising them nonstop.

Meanwhile, a martial arts instructor pulled Lin Xi aside to go over the movements she would need later.

That was child’s play for her, but she still followed the instructor’s guidance, holding the sword, turning, and striking, practicing repeatedly in pursuit of perfection.

After the two of them finished their solo character shots, Director Fan immediately ordered the joint stills. Lin Xi and Song Anhe stood side by side in front of the green screen. At first, they were a little stiff and awkward, but the photographer quickly lightened the mood with a grin. “Heh, now we’re doing father and daughter, all right? Even if the old man is a total villain, we still have to bear with it, Xiao Xi!”

With that, Lin Xi relaxed. Following Kindle’s direction, she worked with Song Anhe.

“At the beginning, the Holy King and the Carefree Princess are still on normal, harmonious terms. Xiao Xi, hold Senior Song’s arm, and keep your eyes a little more innocent. Senior Song, you should look more imposing.” Kindle handled the emotional direction as well.

Lin Xi smiled faintly. Nearby, someone whispered, “Her temperament and looks are unreal. That smile is so gentle and sweet—who could not fall for a beauty like that? I can’t believe I’m actually here watching this!”

They naturally struck the poses the photographer wanted, and the flashes went off in a frenzy.

“All right! In the latter part, the Holy King treats his daughter like a chess piece. Xiao Xi, sit in the chair in front, and Senior Song, place your hand around her throat from behind. Make your gaze sharper and more vicious, and Xiao Xi, look more helpless.” Kindle was impeccably professional.

Then the two of them completed a full series of promotional stills capturing the “love and hatred” between father and daughter.

Throughout the process, Song Anhe was very friendly, even tossing out a few jokes now and then to liven things up. The two of them had, at the very least, begun to build some tacit understanding for the scenes ahead.

When the day’s shoot finally ended, Director Fan even paid out of his own pocket to treat the crew to milk tea. By the time they wrapped, the sky had gone dark. Before leaving, Lin Xi politely bowed to everyone in farewell.

“Shooting stills is a major undertaking too!” Lin Xi said, a little tired, as she walked toward the RV arm in arm with Mia.

Mia helped carry her things. “It’s already dark. Go home and get some good rest.”

“Mm.” Lin Xi answered casually, but when she glanced up without thinking, she noticed a man in black hiding behind a pile of rocks not far away, peering at her.

Lin Xi had long since trained herself into having razor-sharp instincts. One sideways glance was enough for her to confirm that this was no ordinary paparazzo. She decided to stay calm and acted as though nothing were wrong, entering the RV with Mia.

The moment she got on board, her expression changed. “We’ve been watched.”

“What?” Mia turned pale with shock. She grew tense. “How could that be? Was it someone sent by the Y nation?”

She knew that if the young lady said they were being watched, then it was definitely not ordinary paparazzi. Could it be that the factions from the Y nation had tracked them here? No, that should not be possible.

Lin Xi shook her head calmly. “No. They would not have traced domestic information back to me. I do not know who it is yet. Let’s go back to the villa first.”

“All right.” Mia nodded worriedly and told the driver, “Little Li, back to Splendor Estate.”

After entering the neighborhood and getting out of the car, Lin Xi carefully checked their surroundings again. There was no suspicious person in sight, and only then did the two of them enter the villa.

When she stepped through the door, Lu Yuxiu had already prepared a full table of dishes and was waiting for her. Mia tactfully left first.

The moment Lin Xi saw him, her eyes widened in delighted surprise. “Xiu? Why are you back at Splendor Estate tonight?”

“Of course I came back to see my baby.” He walked over and wrapped her in his arms, his voice carrying nothing but open adoration and boundless tenderness.

Lin Xi smiled, dimples blooming into a blush like peach blossoms. “Didn’t you come at noon? I thought you were not coming again tonight.”

He lifted a brow, a trace of smugness in his expression. “What? Does your man need to schedule missing you by the hour?”

Lin Xi broke out in goosebumps and took a breath. “You are getting more and more cheesy!”

He ignored her and tightened his arms again, holding her small body close in his embrace. He drew in a deep breath, savoring the sweet scent on her.

Lin Xi hugged him back. After a while, they sat down at the dining table to eat.

Lu Yuxiu pulled up the episode of Storms of the Golden Age airing that night, and the two of them watched while they ate. Lin Xi only felt that the whole thing was wonderfully strange. Since she did not know how to comment on it herself, she could not resist taking out her phone and logging onto Weibo to see what viewers thought of the drama.

The comments were full of praise:

The relationship between the leads is not sugary romance, but a match between equals, evenly balanced, asking neither where they came from nor where they will return to. It is gorgeous and electrifying. That is the most exciting kind of setup!

This drama has top-tier acting across the board. There is not a single useless shot. That alone is impressive. And both leads are a powerful, equal partnership. I love this kind of dynamic. I am obsessed!

Sob, sob, I love the god-level Xiu and I love Xiao Xi. This drama is practically made for my heart!

Lin Xi felt warm all over. Her first work had been recognized by viewers and fans, and that was the best encouragement she could receive. She held her phone and grinned like a fool, while Lu Yuxiu did not rush her at all. He simply looked toward the television at the spirited young woman there.

The corners of his lips curved slightly. Joy and relief filled his heart. Since the girl loved her work and her acting career so much, he was willing to stay by her side, watching her shine in the entertainment world. For that, he would brave fire and water without hesitation.

Love is companionship. Love is helping one another become complete.