Chapter 20: Meeting the Parents

Over the next month, Lin Xi was constantly busy. "The Glorious Age" was in the midst of an intense shooting schedule, and she and Wen Jin also had to find time to record the variety show "Showbiz Stories."

Since the two had become close friends, their interactions on the show and on Weibo had increased considerably. Many netizens and fans became enamored with their sisterly bond, remarking how rare it was to find real friendship in the industry.

Wen Jin's fans called themselves "Little Sunbeams," a name she had personally chosen for her supporters, which happened to complement Lin Xi's fandom, the "Little Sunsets." Lu Yuxiu had even felt a pang of jealousy over this, though Lin Xi was, of course, completely unaware.

The two fandoms were unusually amicable, getting along almost like family.

Of course, there were still haters who targeted Wen Jin, mocking her baby-faced appearance, accusing her of pretending to be younger or currying favor with Lin Xi. Both fandoms would jump to her defense, firing back in response.

Filming a drama together and appearing on variety shows, it was only natural that Lin Xi and Wen Jin would become close; anything less would have been odd. The notion of currying favor was nonsense—those haters were simply spouting baseless criticism. Such lovely girls—how could anyone wish them harm?

Neither Lin Xi nor Wen Jin cared for these rumors. As long as their friendship was true, they didn’t worry about what the world had to say.

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Before they knew it, January had arrived, and the weather grew colder by the day.

Lying in bed, Lin Xi felt a bit frustrated; she still hadn’t managed to see clearly the face of the young man from her dreams. Yet, the figure in her dreams seemed vaguely familiar—his brows and eyes bore a resemblance to Lu Yuxiu.

At that thought, she quickly shook her head. Impossible. It must be because she’d been filming with him so often lately.

That morning, filming resumed.

Today’s scene was the aftermath of a treasure hunt: the four characters, returning together, encounter a flood dragon and engage in battle.

“All departments ready, action!” Director Lu’s command rang out.

“Watch out!” Ye Mochen growled, sprinting toward Ruan Wushuang. With a sweep of his long arm, he pulled her into his embrace, lifting her off the ground.

Sure enough, the next second, a torrent struck the spot where Ruan Wushuang had just been standing, leaving only a pool of water behind.

A piercing dragon’s roar sounded in their ears, and all four instantly slipped into battle mode.

“It’s a flood dragon!” Shen Fen cried out in alarm, rushing to Feng Changge’s side to shield her.

The actors coordinated with the wirework, performing the choreographed fight with exhilarating precision and flair.

Once the four stood firm, Ruan Wushuang stepped forward to collect the dragon crystal. Afterward, they exited the scene, awaiting the director’s call.

Just then, on a whim, Lu Yuxiu ad-libbed, “Wushuang, do you want to try some dragon’s head soup?”

Wen Jin and Jiang He looked momentarily puzzled.

Lin Xi, however, didn’t hesitate, tossing her head back and replying, “Sure! As long as you make it, I’ll drink it!” The two exchanged a knowing smile, perfectly in sync.

In front of Ye Mochen, Ruan Wushuang was always the feisty, coquettish girl, and her response was just right.

Everyone burst out laughing.

“Cut!” Director Lu finally called. He nodded in satisfaction—this improvisation had been excellent, and everyone had stayed in character.

He decided to keep the scene, and it later became the famed “Dragon Bone Soup” moment, much beloved by fans.

At lunch, as usual, Lu Yuxiu and Lin Xi squeezed into the same dressing room. He picked out all the dishes she disliked, giving her the ones she loved from his own meal.

“Ge’s here for a visit!!” Excited shrieks reached them from outside.

“What’s going on out there?” Lin Xi was curious. She set her chopsticks down and got up to look.

Lu Yuxiu had no choice but to follow. When they went out, they saw almost everyone gathered around the director’s lounge.

They made their way over.

In the crowd, Lin Xi finally saw the middle-aged woman at the center of attention.

It was obvious she’d taken excellent care of herself—time had scarcely left a mark on her face. Dressed in a cheongsam, she radiated elegance and charm, her lips curved in a gentle smile that spoke of kindness and warmth.

She was living proof that true beauty knows no age, instantly becoming the focus of the set.

Lin Xi stared in a daze as the woman walked toward her. At her side, Lu Yuxiu stepped forward to greet her, and they embraced.

“Mom, this is our leading lady, Lin Xi,” Lu Yuxiu introduced, pulling Lin Xi in front of his mother.

Ning Wan gave Lin Xi a gentle look, reaching out to take her hand. “Xiao Xi, may I call you that?”

So this was the legendary “Ageless Diva,” the soft-voiced songstress Ning Wan, wife of Lu Jin and mother of Lu Yuxiu.

Lin Xi felt the warmth of her hand and her goodwill. For a moment, she was stunned—was this what a mother’s touch felt like?

“Xiao Xi, this is my mother. Call her Auntie,” Lu Yuxiu prompted, a little nervously.

Lin Xi snapped out of it and obediently greeted her, “Hello, Auntie.”

The rest of the crew were in shock—this was practically a meeting with the parents! Ning Wan hadn’t made a public appearance since stepping away from the industry, but here she was, making an effort for her future daughter-in-law!

Ning Wan nodded with a smile, clearly pleased with her son’s choice—Xiao Xi was truly adorable; Old Lu hadn’t deceived her this time.

“I hope I didn’t impose by dropping in unannounced?” she said softly, still holding Lin Xi’s hand.

Lin Xi smiled back, “Of course not.”

Ning Wan nodded again. “I brought some hot tea for everyone—don’t be shy, help yourselves.” She patted Lin Xi’s hand, then said to Lu Yuxiu, “Son, make sure Xiao Xi gets a cup to warm her hands.”

With that, she turned and went back to the director’s lounge.

Worried that Lin Xi might feel uncomfortable, Lu Yuxiu watched her expression. “My mom just showed up out of the blue—don’t mind her.”

“Not at all!” Lin Xi’s smile was tinged with bitterness. “Your mother is very gentle.”

Lu Yuxiu frowned, sensing she was troubled by something. Not wanting her to be upset, he quickly fetched a cup of hot tea and handed it to her.

Lin Xi took a sip. Warmth seeped into her heart, and she smiled.

Seeing her smile, Lu Yuxiu finally relaxed.

Meanwhile, elsewhere—

Wen Jin, upon hearing that her idol Ning Wan had arrived, hurried over, eager to see the excitement—only to be stopped along the way.

“Stop right there!” The voice was sharp and unfriendly.

Wen Jin turned to see a woman in a pale purple costume—she recognized her.

During the casting for the second female lead, Feng Changge, she’d seen this woman before—her name was Hu Ziyan. The two had been the final candidates, but Director Lu had chosen Wen Jin. Apparently, Hu Ziyan had later auditioned for the fourth female lead as well, and Wen Jin rather admired her persistence.

“May I help you?” Wen Jin asked politely.

“Hmph!” Hu Ziyan crossed her arms, her expression disdainful. “No need to pretend. You must be pleased with yourself for getting the second lead, right? Don’t think I don’t know how you managed it!”

Wen Jin was taken aback. “What are you talking about?”

Hu Ziyan sneered. “Stop acting innocent! You think cozying up to Lin Xi means you’re set for life? You’ll never escape your lowly origins—don’t think you can turn into a phoenix overnight! You’d better remember your place. The day Lin Xi has no use for you, she’ll kick you aside. You’ll fall from heaven to hell—don’t say I didn’t warn you!”

She had been determined to win the role of Feng Changge, but out of nowhere came the unremarkable Wen Jin, who ended up beating her for the part.

She couldn’t believe it—there had to be something going on behind the scenes. Sure enough, Lin Xi and Wen Jin soon became famously close. Lin Xi must have said something to Director Lu, securing the role for Wen Jin, leaving Hu Ziyan as the runner-up.

Hu Ziyan’s words were harsh and unkind.

Wen Jin realized she was misunderstood. She waved her hand, hastily explaining, “I got this role on my own, without anyone’s help.”

“What makes you think you deserve the role of Feng Changge? How dare you compete with me? You’re just a nobody with no background—without connections, what could you possibly offer? It’s because of people like you that there’s no fairness in this industry! I was the best choice for the role! Feng Changge should have been mine!” Her face twisted with anger, her voice growing shrill.

Wen Jin quietly lowered her head, understanding that no matter what she said, the woman wouldn’t believe her. She didn’t want to argue—if Hu Ziyan needed to vent, so be it; it wouldn’t hurt her.

Gu Yao had come to pick up his sister for a gala at Xingchen, but unexpectedly happened upon the scene. He watched from the shadows for a while, curious how the girl would respond.

But seeing Wen Jin bow her head, showing no sign of speaking up, and noticing Hu Ziyan looked ready to get physical, Gu Yao could no longer restrain himself and strode forward.

The moment he appeared, both women were stunned.

“When did anyone get the right to lecture an artist from Xingchen? Which company are you from, daring to spout nonsense here?” His tone was combustible, his reputation for a bad temper well known throughout the industry.

Hearing Gu Yao’s rebuke, Hu Ziyan’s face froze. She never expected that Wen Jin had quietly signed with Xingchen—the dream company of countless artists.

Even more unexpected was that the famous singer Gu Yao would step in to defend Wen Jin.

She panicked, her voice trembling. “Yao, I was just joking with Wen Jin—please, don’t take it seriously!”

Gu Yao paid no attention to her words. Catching Wen Jin’s anxious gaze, he felt a strange spark of delight.

He looked at Wen Jin, his tone almost gentle, “How do you want to deal with her?” He might as well have been asking about the weather, yet he held Hu Ziyan’s fate in his hands.

Only now did Hu Ziyan feel true fear. Her face turned ashen, sweat beading on her forehead.

A chill crept through the air, so cold it stung to the bone and made it impossible to breathe.

She knew all too well—with Gu Yao’s status, one word from him and no one in the industry would dare work with her again. As Second Young Master of the Gu family, a single sentence could blacklist her for good, banishing her from the city forever.

Why hadn’t she checked Wen Jin’s background before so foolishly picking a fight with her?

“Miss Wen... I’m sorry, I’m sorry, please forgive me, I beg you,” she stammered, her face contorted in distress, clinging to the slim hope that Wen Jin would let her off.

Wen Jin’s heart pounded—she never imagined Gu Yao would step in, much less defend her.

She bowed her head, listening to Gu Yao’s calm voice and Hu Ziyan’s desperate pleas.

Quickly, she looked up at Hu Ziyan, reading the fear and helplessness in her eyes. Without hesitation, Wen Jin said, “It’s fine. I’ll pretend I never heard anything.”

Gu Yao smiled—just as he expected. This girl was always so kind.

Hu Ziyan’s eyes instantly filled with tears. She hadn’t thought twice before spewing so much venom, yet Wen Jin responded with kindness and forbearance, making her only more aware of how ugly her own behavior had been.

Wen Jin chose not to pursue the matter—everyone loses their temper sometimes.

Hu Ziyan’s look reminded her of her own helplessness when her grandmother was ill and she was forced to beg for help.

Wen Jin’s eyes sparkled as she glanced at Gu Yao, as if to say, Let it go.

Gu Yao cleared his throat and turned away, his voice icy. “Since Xiao Jin says it’s over, it’s over. But you should know—there are no shortcuts in Director Lu’s productions. If you spout nonsense again, don’t blame me for sending someone to teach you a lesson!”

With that, he took Wen Jin by the hand and led her away, unconcerned about what others might think.

Leaving Hu Ziyan standing there, at a complete loss. Gu Yao’s words had left her even more humiliated—she’d been blinded by jealousy.