Chapter 19: Playing Matchmaker

Wen Jin was deeply moved by her words, tears shimmering in her eyes. Lin Xi leaned down and embraced her gently, holding her shoulders. “Come on, learn from me—let me share some optimism with you.”

Wen Jin burst out laughing through her tears and slowly wrapped her arms around Lin Xi’s waist.

“Thank you, Xiao Xi. No one’s ever said these things to me before,” Wen Jin said gratefully.

May you forget past anxieties and embrace new happiness, living bravely in boundless love. For those with pure hearts, life is filled with sweetness and joy.

“Why not join our company? I’ll look out for you!” Lin Xi released her, patting her chest in a big-sisterly manner.

Wen Jin couldn’t help but laugh again, already agreeing in her heart.

Suddenly, Lin Xi beckoned her over with a mysterious air, signaling her to lean in.

Curious, Wen Jin bent down.

Lin Xi whispered, “My fourth brother works at our company too!”

Wen Jin gasped and shrank back in shock. “Xiao Xi, how did you know—” She realized her slip and quickly covered her mouth, realizing she’d just given herself away.

Lin Xi smiled knowingly. As expected, her third sister-in-law wasn’t a lawyer for nothing—she’d spotted it instantly.

She patted Wen Jin’s shoulder reassuringly. “Don’t worry, Xiao Jin, I won’t say a thing. But you have to know, happiness is something you fight for. If you don’t tell him, he’ll never know. Be brave!”

Wen Jin’s face flushed a deep red.

The next day, Wen Jin signed with Starry Sky, officially becoming one of their artists, recommended by Zhou Xin to an experienced agent who would manage her future opportunities.

Now she no longer needed to worry about making a living, and her grandmother could finally receive treatment at a major hospital.

Lin Xi was already planning to host a gathering to celebrate Wen Jin joining Starry Sky, inviting her fourth brother to play matchmaker between the two.

If it worked out, all the better—her fourth brother would be lucky. If it didn’t, at least Wen Jin could move on sooner. She was a good girl and couldn’t be allowed to get hurt by that heartless fourth brother.

That evening, after filming wrapped up, Lin Xi had already arranged to dine with Wen Jin. Everything was ready—only her fourth brother, the “eastern wind,” was missing.

Lin Xi picked up her phone to call Gu Yao, completely unaware of the dark figure standing at the doorway.

She dialed, thinking of Wen Jin and Gu Yao, amused at her own efforts as a matchmaker, and couldn’t help but smile.

From the shadows, he watched her. Something was off—headquarters had told him, that expression was only for someone she liked.

With that thought, his heart turned cold, a terrifying darkness flickering in his deep eyes. An icy aura radiated from him, filled with hostility.

“Fourth brother, I’m treating you to dinner tonight,” Lin Xi said cheerfully.

“Don’t ask so many questions—just come to the new barbecue place at seven,” she added before hanging up. She laughed out loud, feeling quite pleased with herself.

No, she can only be mine!

“Didn’t you say you and Gu Yao were just like siblings?” Unable to contain himself, he stepped out of the shadows and grabbed Lin Xi’s arm, his gaze icy and intense.

It was Lu Yuxiu.

Lin Xi jumped, startled by the sudden grip, freezing in place.

“I…” Lin Xi didn’t know what to say.

She had never seen him like this, looking at her with such cold eyes that a dull ache throbbed in her heart.

“Do you like Gu Yao?” His voice was frighteningly deep, his entire being exuding a coldness that nearly made it hard for her to breathe.

“Of course not!” Lin Xi’s expression was flustered—she didn’t want him to misunderstand.

Seeing her so adamantly deny it, his earlier darkness faded and his tone softened. “Then why are you inviting him to dinner alone? You’re a woman, he’s a man—even if he’s a brother, it’s not right.”

Lin Xi blinked in confusion at his words.

“Ahem…” Lu Yuxiu realized he’d overreacted, but he could barely restrain himself. Xiao Xi, when will you finally fall for me?

Sensing the awkwardness, Lin Xi quickly explained, “I’m not the only one going. I also invited Wen Jin.”

“Then I want to come too!” Lu Yuxiu replied without thinking.

“Huh?” Lin Xi hadn’t expected that, but after a moment, she realized his presence might actually help her and Wen Jin slip away.

“Sure!” she agreed easily.

Now it was Lu Yuxiu’s turn to be surprised—he hadn’t expected her to agree so readily. That must mean she did care about him!

He couldn’t help but smile, Adam’s apple bobbing. His features were strikingly handsome, his bone structure refined and cool.

Lin Xi gazed up at him, once again falling into a daze—his Adam’s apple was so alluring; she wanted to reach out and touch it! No, no, she had more important things to do!

She quickly lowered her head, grabbed her bag, and with a feigned calmness headed for the door, her steps a little unsteady. “Let’s go,” she said.

Lu Yuxiu, Lin Xi, and Wen Jin arrived at the private room of the barbecue restaurant.

All three wore masks, keeping a low profile. Even if they attracted attention, no one dared approach—after all, who would believe they’d run into celebrities in real life? At best, people thought they just looked similar.

Lu Yuxiu and Lin Xi sat together, with Wen Jin on her own across from them. The three exchanged glances.

Wen Jin had thought she’d only be dining with Lin Xi, so the presence of this formidable figure made things awkward.

She was a little afraid of Lu Yuxiu—he was always reserved and dignified, cold and aloof. Had she known he would come, she would have backed out; his aura was simply overwhelming.

Meanwhile, Lin Xi was preoccupied with her grand “plan,” oblivious to the tension.

Lu Yuxiu’s gaze never left Lin Xi. He could tell she was up to something and decided to wait and see.

“Hello, sir, may I take your order?” a server approached, feeling the intense aura radiating from Lu Yuxiu, which seemed completely at odds with the casual setting.

Lu Yuxiu nodded and passed the menu to Lin Xi.

Lin Xi didn’t stand on ceremony—among friends, it didn’t matter who ordered. Since she was the foodie, it was only right.

She quickly checked off her favorite dishes and passed the menu to Wen Jin so she could add her own preferences, but Wen Jin quietly shook her head, so she handed it to Lu Yuxiu instead.

He glanced over Lin Xi’s choices, committing her favorites to memory, then returned the menu to the server.

Just then, Gu Yao arrived, looking travel-worn.

Wen Jin’s eyes lit up at the sight of him before she hurriedly lowered her gaze. Why was he here?

“What’s this, you’re all here already? And you too, Xiu?” Gu Yao sat down naturally in the empty seat beside Wen Jin.

“Mm,” Lu Yuxiu replied coolly, not even glancing at him.

Gu Yao was puzzled—why was Xiu being so unfriendly today? Had he done something wrong?

Just as the server was leaving, he caught sight of Gu Yao’s signature peach blossom eyes and almost jumped with excitement.

“Yao—Master Yao! Is…is it really you?” His voice cracked with excitement.

Gu Yao glanced at him, removed his mask, and smiled. “It’s me. Keep it quiet and I’ll give you an autograph.”

That cocky smile—no doubt about it, this was Master Yao!

The server nearly squealed like a prairie dog. After getting Gu Yao’s autograph, he left in a daze.

Wen Jin greeted him shyly, “Hello, Mr. Gu.”

“Miss Wen.” Gu Yao nodded.

Lin Xi was getting anxious. “Oh, come on! Why so formal? This is Xiao Jin!” She pointed at Wen Jin, signaling Gu Yao to use her given name.

Though puzzled, Gu Yao obliged. “Xiao Jin.”

His voice was as deep and resonant as a cello, and Wen Jin’s heart fluttered.

“Xiao Jin, Xiao Jin, don’t just stand there—call him Brother Yao!” Lin Xi nudged her.

Wen Jin blushed, her voice barely above a whisper. “Yao…Brother Yao.”

Gu Yao, sitting close, caught her mosquito-like reply and raised an eyebrow. Was she still afraid of him? Did he look so intimidating? The thought left him a bit deflated.

Lu Yuxiu watched the whole scene unfold. So, this little fool was trying to play matchmaker for Gu Yao and Wen Jin. She couldn’t even figure out her own feelings, yet here she was worrying about others.

Silly girl. He’d help her out—Gu Yao didn’t seem opposed, and actually looked quite interested in Wen Jin.

“Waiter, bring a case of beer!” Lu Yuxiu called out.

At his voice, Lin Xi’s eyes lit up—of course! They could get them drunk and have them speak their true feelings.

“Xiao Xi, why did you call us here anyway?” Gu Yao asked bluntly.

Lin Xi replied smoothly, “To celebrate Xiao Jin joining Starry Sky, of course!”

Gu Yao was taken aback.

Lu Yuxiu maintained his air of detachment, focused on serving Lin Xi food.

Wen Jin hurried to add, “Senior Gu, I look forward to your guidance.”

She watched Gu Yao anxiously for his reaction, worried he might be dismissive.

“Of course! Any friend of Xiao Xi is a friend of mine—just call me Brother Yao from now on,” Gu Yao said nonchalantly, openly acknowledging Wen Jin as one of his own.

Relieved, Wen Jin’s eyes curved into a satisfied smile, her gaze clear and bright.

“Thank you, Brother Yao,” she replied softly.

Gu Yao found himself momentarily dazed by her smile—her profile was gentle and impossibly lovely.

He narrowed his eyes at himself. Gu Yao, what’s wrong with you? You’re not even drunk yet.

Lin Xi watched their interaction, thinking they were a perfect match—how could fate allow them to remain apart?

A pair of chopsticks reached over, placing a piece of grilled meat in her bowl.

Lin Xi turned to see Lu Yuxiu raising his glass, his neck paler than most women’s, glowing softly under the light. When he swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbed enticingly—a picture of restrained allure.

Lu Yuxiu caught her gaze and curled his lips slightly—good, his little tease had worked. Hmph, were those two as good-looking as him?

Lin Xi snapped out of her trance, realizing she’d once again been captivated by Yuxiu’s breathtaking looks.

She hurriedly took a sip of beer, mortified.

The four dined together in a subtly charged atmosphere. In the end, none of them got drunk, and Lin Xi’s plan fell flat.

But she wasn’t disappointed—there had already been a major breakthrough between the two, making all her efforts worthwhile.