Chapter 4: Encounter with the Divine Cultivator Once More

As they chatted, the car sped along, and before they knew it, they had arrived at the "Blue Moon Club," where the meeting with the director was set. This place, reputed to be the finest leisure and entertainment venue in the country, was renowned for its privacy, making it a favorite among the entertainment industry. Many fans would spend a fortune just for the chance to bump into their idols here.

Once they entered the private suite and had waited a while, almost everyone had arrived. Lu Jin caught sight of Lin Xi and a trace of surprise flickered in his eyes; her appearance matched the heroine of the script perfectly.

The novel's protagonist was described as breathtakingly beautiful, and Lin Xi’s fair skin and exquisite features left nothing to be desired. Her face was delicately stunning, both alluring and dignified. Her eyes were especially captivating—deep black and luminous—where a quiet chill mingled paradoxically with innocence and vitality, making her stand out unmistakably.

Lin Xi possessed a striking, high-class beauty that could be both seductive and commanding. She could be as delicate and pitiable as needed or exude a toughness that rivaled any man. Her beauty was almost otherworldly, with a versatility that was rare even within the whole entertainment industry.

There was a unique blend of gentleness and heroism in her looks, an unforgettable face not often seen among her peers. Lu Jin nodded inwardly, then spoke, "I'd like to see Miss Lin's acting. Talent speaks for itself; why don't we improvise a scene right here and take a look?"

This was, in essence, an audition.

"Of course, Director Lu." Lin Xi agreed, finding this the most straightforward and effective method.

"Glorious Age" was the most compelling of the three scripts Lin Xi had received. It was fresh, and the heroine’s character was dashing and decisive, brave and clever, and unafraid to love or hate.

Lin Xi stood before Lu Jin, closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, they were filled with helplessness and disappointment—she had already become Ruan Wushuang.

"Senior brother, why are you doing this?" Her tone was filled with grief and anger, her gaze brimming with disbelief.

This brief scene depicted Ruan Wushuang’s breaking point with her senior, the one who had always been by her side since childhood, who turned out to be an enemy spy, now standing on the opposite side. Ruan Wushuang could not understand, but there was nothing she could do.

"If this is your decision, then from now on, we meet as enemies." As she spoke, Ruan Wushuang collected all her emotions, leaving not a trace behind. No matter how much she was hurting, she could not show it in front of the enemy.

Her face became cold, her eyes devoid of affection as she turned to leave. This was the Ruan Wushuang from the author’s pen—her emotions never laid bare.

To match the historical look, Lin Xi had deliberately let her hair down today. The strands flicked with her every movement, giving her a commanding presence.

The performance had ended.

Lu Jin sat directly opposite Lin Xi. In just two lines, he had felt every nuance and emotion of her performance. The producer, assistant director, and author beside him were all full of praise.

Even though his son had given him a heads-up, Lu Jin had only promised Lin Xi priority for the audition; his standards would not be changed. Whether or not she won the role depended entirely on her.

But he had not expected Lin Xi to surprise him so—she had clearly undergone systematic training and possessed solid fundamental skills. Other than his eccentric son, it had been a long time since he’d seen such a gifted and spirited actor.

Yan Yu, the novelist and scriptwriter, could not contain her excitement. She stood up, grasped Lin Xi's hands, and exclaimed, "Wonderful! You are exactly the Ruan Wushuang I imagined!"

Lin Xi smiled in surprise, realizing the role was almost certainly hers. "Thank you, Miss Yan Yu."

Lu Jin looked at his future daughter-in-law and grew more and more pleased, nodding in approval and inwardly complimenting his son's taste, which clearly took after him.

"Excellent, Lin Xi. I look forward to working with you!" Lu Jin stepped forward, patted Lin Xi on the shoulder, and offered his hand.

With a confident raise of her brows, Lin Xi replied, "Thank you, Director Lu. It’s my honor."

Zhou Xin quickly chimed in, "Thank you, Director Lu. Please take care of our newcomer, Lin Xi."

"Of course. Let's review the contract, and if everything is in order, you can sign," said the producer.

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Lin Tianyou had just learned from his eldest brother that someone was secretly investigating his sister, so he decided to look into Lu Yuxiu.

He discovered that Lu Yuxiu was also a graduate of the International Academy of Charisma, likely the very friend his sister had been longing to find, and that all these years he had been searching for her as well.

Lin Tianyou understood immediately—this man must have feelings for his sister, but he had no intention of interfering. This was between the two of them. If he said anything, it might only distress Lin Xi further.

Lu Yuxiu was certainly worthy of his sister. If he could help her overcome her emotional barriers, so much the better. It remained to be seen whether he could truly reach her heart.

Sometimes Lin Tianyou wondered if it had been the right decision to send his sister abroad all those years ago. But at the time, he had no other choice.

After the incident, he had been wracked with grief, but for his sister’s safety, and to protect his parents’ lifelong efforts, he had kept everything secret and sent Lin Xi to their eldest brother. He barely had time to mourn, left alone to shoulder all responsibilities and keep the vast conglomerate afloat. Thankfully, things were now slowly improving.

He and his friends had agreed early on to treat each other as brothers rather than as business partners, so that if Lin Xi ever lost her memory, she would still feel the warmth of family—brothers who would always care for her, even without their parents. This way, even if Ai You’s future took a downturn, Lin Xi would never be left alone.

Thinking of this, Lin Tianyou’s face hardened, his brows furrowing deeply as he suppressed the throbbing vein at his temple.

He would never believe that what happened back then was an accident. He was determined to find the culprit behind it all.

In a few days, Lin Xi would attend the production’s opening ceremony and join the crew in November. She would have some time off herself, so she asked her brother what her fourth brother was up to. On learning he was busy filming his own music video, Lin Xi’s eyes glinted playfully.

Lin Tianyou needed only one look to know his sister was up to something mischievous again. He could only pity their fourth brother, who was about to suffer at her hands once more. Lin Tianyou shook his head with a wry smile.

Finding out that Zhou Xin was also her fourth brother’s agent, Lin Xi immediately asked for the filming location and hurried to Jiangcheng. She secretly called her fourth brother’s assistant, Mo Ke, who, upon hearing from the young lady, could only sigh inwardly.

Every time the young miss arrived, he was the unlucky one—he couldn’t avoid helping her keep secrets. Offending Yao was one thing, but crossing the young miss was another matter entirely.

Lin Xi carried a cup of "special" coffee, dressed in the most ordinary of trench coats and trousers, with a baseball cap and mask, disguising herself as an assistant and blending into the crowd unnoticed.

She moved deftly around the set, soon arriving at her fourth brother, Gu Yao’s, side.

It had been some time since she’d seen him, and she took in his appearance—a black leather jacket, arms crossed, with chestnut hair and striking features.

Under his sharp brows were long, alluring eyes, thick lashes that inspired envy, a straight nose, and thin lips. His brow exuded an unruly charm, making his handsomeness almost dangerous. The black earring flashing on his left ear added a lazy carefreeness to his sunny good looks.

He seemed even more attractive than before.

Gu Yao was intently watching the chemistry between the male and female leads on camera, completely unaware of the newcomer at his side.

Mo Ke, at a distance, wore a pained expression and silently screamed: Yao, look beside you! The young miss is here! Danger! Danger ahead!

But Gu Yao disappointed him.

Lin Xi lowered her voice and tugged her cap lower. "Yao, have some water."

Gu Yao, fully absorbed in the monitor, took the coffee without thinking and took a sip. The next instant, his face contorted, but his good manners kept him from spitting it out; he forced it down.

By now, others had noticed, and the director called "cut."

Gu Yao quickly realized what had happened and snatched the cap from the person beside him. Lin Xi’s long hair tumbled down, and she could no longer hold back her laughter. She pulled off her mask and laughed openly. "Hahahaha!"

"Xi, I knew it was you!" Gu Yao’s initial exasperation turned to laughter as he pulled Lin Xi into his arms.

Lin Xi threw her arms wide. "Fourth brother!"

The two embraced tightly.

The crew familiar with Gu Yao took this all in stride, though they were startled to realize the young miss had returned to the country.

Mo Ke stood silently to the side, hoping to slip away unnoticed, but Gu Yao caught him out. "Well, Mo Ke, you helped Lin Xi play a trick on me again. Don’t want your salary anymore, huh?"

Mo Ke froze on the spot, unable to voice his grievances, while Lin Xi watched, gloating.

Others on set, unacquainted with the situation, looked on in astonishment. Gu Yao was notorious in the industry for his wild, unrestrained demeanor, sharp tongue, and explosive temper, not someone to cross lightly. As the young master of Starshine, with powerful backing, no one dared offend him.

But now, seeing him so intimate with a young woman—could she be his mysterious girlfriend?

Noticing the stares, Gu Yao, for once, grew serious and led Lin Xi forward. "Everyone, this is my sister, Lin Xi. She’s just visiting the set."

Upon his introduction, realization dawned on those around. So this was the legendary younger sister of Master Yao!

The director and the leads came over.

"Xi, this is Director Song," Gu Yao said, smoothing his sister’s hair as he made introductions.

Lin Xi gave a slight bow. "Hello, Director Song."

Director Song, an easygoing man, nodded and teased, "So you’re the famed little sister Gu Yao always talks about. Finally, we meet in person!"

The set erupted in laughter, the atmosphere light.

Gu Yao laughed and continued, "This is my good friend, Lu Yuxiu."

Lin Xi was visibly surprised at the familiar face. "Hello, Master Xiu!" She’d heard Miya talk about him so often that she used the nickname as well.

Lu Yuxiu was even more astonished to run into Lin Xi again, and as Gu Yao’s sister, no less. Were they cousins? He didn’t recall any family ties between the Lin and Gu families, and wondered silently.

Hearing her greeting, his usually cool face softened into a slight smile. "We meet again, Miss Lin. No need for such formality—just call me Yuxiu. I’m a year older than you."

At that moment, he was immensely grateful he’d agreed to appear in his friend’s music video.

Lin Xi was momentarily stunned by his smile. His chiseled features were almost unfairly handsome, and when he smiled, the hostility vanished, making him even more appealing.

"Just call me Lin Xi," she replied. She was surprised to learn he was only a year older than her—only twenty-five and already so accomplished.

Gu Yao couldn’t contain himself and looked back and forth between the two. "You know each other?" The iceberg smiled!

Just a moment ago, Lu Yuxiu had coldly refused a staff member’s request for a photo, but now he was inviting Lin Xi to call him by his given name—something unprecedented.

"We’ve met twice," Lu Yuxiu explained calmly.

He felt a little sour—how could Gu Yao have kept his sister such a secret? He’d been searching for so long.

But in truth, Gu Yao had been wronged. Known for doting on his sister, everyone around him, even fans, knew about his precious little sister; surely, everyone was tired of hearing about her. It was only Lu Yuxiu’s indifferent nature that had led him to ignore such details, automatically tuning out what didn’t concern him.

The female lead of the music video bounced over, waving. "Hi, I’m Qi Qi. I think I’m a bit older than you."

Lin Xi smiled and reached out. "Hello, Sister Qi Qi! I love pretty ladies best. Let’s add each other on WeChat." In the entertainment industry, more friends meant more opportunities.

"Of course!" Qi Qi replied cheerfully, taking out her phone.

"Add me too!" Lu Yuxiu chimed in, holding out his phone. Lin Xi, seeing no harm, added him as well.

Qi Qi noticed the subtle dynamic, glancing from Lu Yuxiu to Lin Xi, and instantly understood.

Only Gu Yao remained in the dark, frowning in confusion. How did Lu Yuxiu become so proactive around his sister? Had he eaten something strange?

Qi Qi, amused by Gu Yao’s expression, clapped his shoulder and gave him a meaningful look.

Gu Yao was even more bewildered. Had he missed something? That couldn’t be right!