Chapter 65: The Press Conference
Ruan Wushuang calmly withdrew her hand, her gaze sweeping indifferently over the crowd below the arena. Their faces were flushed with excitement as they awaited the final showdown.
“Dong—” The referee stepped to the center of the stage, struck the gong, and announced loudly, “Ruan Wushuang wins!”
Li Weiyang was carried away by her attendants. Ruan Wushuang stood tall at the very center of the arena, turning her head to meet a pair of clear, deep eyes. She raised her chin and smiled lightly, then addressed the crowd below, “I told you before, only Ye Mochen is worthy to stand by my side.”
“Bravo!” As the sun set behind the western hills, the fervor of the capital ignited, welcoming an unprecedented chorus of cheers.
“Cut! That was excellent!” With the final scene in the arena completed, Director Lu Jin gave the order, “Let’s order some late-night snacks!”
“Yes! Long live Director Lu!” everyone cheered.
As soon as they wrapped up, Lu Yuxiu headed straight for Lin Xi, considerately lifting her down from the stage.
“Whew—” Lin Xi let out a long breath. “All our major scenes are finally done!”
“Mm.” Lu Yuxiu gazed at her with tenderness, gently tidying her long hair.
Lin Xi was quite sentimental. “Thinking that we’ll soon finish shooting and disband the crew, I really can’t bear to leave!”
She pouted and snuggled into his arms. “Why does it seem like you’re not nostalgic at all?”
Lu Yuxiu kissed her forehead soothingly and whispered softly in her ear, “Darling, all good things must come to an end, but you and I will never be apart.”
Nestled in his embrace, Lin Xi heard the words resonate from his chest, a wave of warmth flooding her heart.
“To me, having you by my side is enough.” His captivating voice lingered at her ear.
Parting is the way of the world—no one is immune. But from now on, I will never leave you again.
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Only a few days remained. The filming of “Prosperous Times” was nearly complete; supporting actors and extras had wrapped their parts one after another, and all that was left were some reshoots and close-ups for the four leads.
On this day, the crew had scheduled a launch press conference. Lu Yuxiu, Lin Xi, Jiang He, Wen Jin, and Director Lu Jin bustled around the set, reshooting a few scenes before driving directly to Dragon City, where the press event was to be held at the Dragon City Film Base.
When they arrived, the outside of the film building was packed with crowds and fans, all visibly excited. Many held up support banners, and the shrieks echoed across the plaza.
Lin Xi leaned against the car window, her lips slightly parted in surprise at the frenzy outside. Even from inside the car, she could hear fans screaming, “Lu Yuxiu! Our star! We’ll always support you!”
“Wow!” Jiang He marveled, “This is my first time seeing anything like this! Truly spectacular!”
Lin Xi and Wen Jin both looked at Lu Yuxiu, nodding in agreement.
“Silly kids—what’s so great about being a fan? They’d be better off spending their time reading,” Lu Jin muttered, glancing at his son with confusion. “What’s so special about him anyway?”
The three exchanged glances, covering their mouths to stifle laughter at the show.
Receiving this teasing from his own father, Lu Yuxiu remained calm, even joining in the joke for once. He spread his hands, saying, “Maybe it’s talent.”
Everyone burst out laughing. Even their “star” had learned to be deadpan!
Security maintained order as fans were cordoned off to create a path. The car edged forward through the crowd, and the shouts grew louder: “Lin Xi! Lin Xi!”
“They’re calling you, Lin Xi!” Wen Jin patted her shoulder, signaling her to look outside.
Lin Xi leaned closer, listening to the fans’ heartfelt screaming and cheers. She felt both moved and a little pained for them. She rolled the window down just a bit, smiling and waving to the fans outside.
Her simple gesture nearly sent the crowd into delirium. The screams grew even louder, enthusiasm pouring in through the window. Lin Xi was almost overwhelmed.
The car slowly entered the film base, reaching the end of the line of fans. Smiling, Lin Xi was just about to close the window when a piercing shout rang out, “Lin Xi, get together with our star Lu Yuxiu!”
Her hand froze mid-action. The other three in the car were caught off guard too, then immediately burst into laughter, “These fans are too much! They’re helping their idol chase after his girl!”
After that shout, the entire plaza fell silent for a second, then suddenly everyone caught on and started chanting in unison, “Lin Xi and Lu Yuxiu, together! Lin Xi and Lu Yuxiu, together!”
Lin Xi was utterly stunned.
“Amazing!” Even Lu Jin couldn’t help nodding, glancing at his son. “Well? Your fans are more anxious than you are!”
Lin Xi nearly choked on her own laughter.
Jiang He fanned the flames from the side, “Hurry up and make it official! Spare a thought for your shippers—they’ve worked hard for their candy!”
Lu Yuxiu, however, was as composed as ever. He tilted his head slightly, his lazy gaze lingering on Lin Xi’s bright red cheeks, idly stroking her small hand. He spoke softly, “It’s all up to Xi. She knows best whether or not I’m up to the task.”
Lu Jin could hardly bear to look—it was simply inappropriate for the occasion! Was his son the only one with a wife? Hmph! Wen Jin and Jiang He, on the other hand, exchanged amused glances, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.
The press conference began...
Led by the event staff, the group took their seats on stage. Below them were members of the media, entertainment reporters, and fans holding banners, whose cheers never ceased.
As soon as Lu Yuxiu appeared, the flashes and shouts of his name were endless. Lin Xi kept her polite smile, until she glanced up and saw a huge support banner.
It was pink, with bold letters held high by a row of fans: “Lu Yuxiu and Lin Xi, together!”
Below that, in smaller script: “Lin Xi, take a look at our star!”
Sitting on stage, Lin Xi was torn between laughter and tears, her expression difficult to describe.
The others on stage naturally noticed too, casting meaningful glances at Lin Xi and Lu Yuxiu, their faces full of teasing amusement.
The host, ever the professional, began the standard round of questions for the leads and director.
As expected, the questions were about their characters, similarities to their real personalities, and hints at the plot—questions they all answered with practiced ease.
“All right, we’ve finished our main questions, but I’m sure the media isn’t satisfied yet. So, our organizers have prepared a little game, ‘The Compatibility Challenge,’ to see how in sync our two couples are!” As the host introduced the segment, questions appeared on the big screen behind them.
The host gestured, “Let’s have our star and Lin Xi go first, okay?”
The two nodded in unison. Lin Xi curled her lips, glancing at Lu Yuxiu, and asked the host, “What are the rules?”
The host quickly explained, “You both answer the questions on the screen at the same time, rapid-fire. Let’s see if your answers match.”
Lu Jin turned to look at the big screen, which was filled with a list of questions. He felt a headache coming on—being a director was better, at least he didn’t have to handle these odd interviews.
The host, ever perceptive, suggested, “Why don’t we have Director Lu ask the questions?”
The fans below whooped with excitement, while Jiang He and Wen Jin watched the fun with undisguised glee.
“Ah...” For once, Lu Jin was at a loss for words.
“Come on, Director Lu!” Jiang He urged with a mischievous grin. Wen Jin looked at him expectantly.
“All right then...” Lu Jin relented, figuring it wasn’t him who had to answer.
“Okay, Director Lu will ask the questions from the big screen to our star and Lin Xi. Remember, rapid-fire answers!” the host reminded them, as media and fans in the audience craned their necks, unable to hide their excitement.
“Let the game begin!” the host declared.
Lu Jin picked up the microphone, “First question: Hotpot or spicy skewers?”
“Hotpot!” Lin Xi and Lu Yuxiu answered in perfect unison.
“Coffee or milk tea?” Lu Jin fired off the next question without pause.
“Milk tea!” Again, their answers matched. Lin Xi glanced at Lu Yuxiu in surprise—wasn’t he supposed to prefer coffee?
Lu Jin continued, “Favorite snack?”
This time, Lu Yuxiu and Lin Xi exchanged a smile, sending the fans into a frenzy. “White Rabbit creamy candy.”
“PUBG or Honor of Kings?” Lu Jin frowned—what were these games?
“Honor of Kings!” Lin Xi blurted out, and Lu Yuxiu matched her answer.
“Shopping or gaming?”
“Gaming.” Their answers still matched perfectly. Lin Xi was amazed at their synchronicity.
“Wow!” The host couldn’t help but exclaim, “Our star and Lin Xi are incredibly in sync! Want to hear more?”
“Yes!” the fans screamed, wildly enthusiastic.
“I’ll keep going then.” Lu Jin didn’t even need the host to guide him. “Emotional or rational?”
Lin Xi wore a faint smile as the questions grew deeper, but their answers matched again: “Rational.”
“Looks or character?”
“Character.” Lin Xi, a self-confessed looks enthusiast, hesitated but still chose character—anyone with substance would.
“Last question: Do you believe in love at first sight or love that grows over time?” Lu Jin raised an eyebrow, sure this one would set them apart.
But their answers still came out together: “Love that grows over time.”
Lin Xi looked at Lu Yuxiu with deeper meaning—this guy had obviously set his sights on her from the start! He was definitely love at first sight, yet he picked “love that grows over time”?
“Wow! Game over! Our star and Lin Xi’s compatibility score is 100%! Let’s give them a big hand!” The host was visibly excited, addressing the media and fans below.
The flashes and cameras never stopped. Facing the barrage of lenses, Lin Xi and Lu Yuxiu exchanged a smile, and the atmosphere had quietly grown ambiguous and sweet.
Next it was Wen Jin and Jiang He’s turn for the rapid-fire questions. Their answers weren’t quite as perfectly matched, but Jiang He’s naturally humorous personality kept the mood lively and fun.
Afterwards, the host turned to the group with his cue cards, “We all know ‘Prosperous Times’ is a grand period drama. Did you have any interesting or exciting experiences during filming? Please share with us!”
He handed the microphone to Lin Xi. She tilted her head playfully, glancing at Lu Jin as if a little afraid.
Lu Jin waved his hand grandly, “Go ahead, I won’t scold anyone today.”
The whole press conference erupted with laughter.
“Well, here goes. I remember one night shoot where everyone was hungry and tired. I hid behind our star and shouted, ‘Director, treat us to a late-night snack!’ And Director Lu actually bought supper for everyone.”
Her story made Lu Jin nod in mock exasperation, which only made the crowd laugh harder. Lin Xi stuck out her tongue, a little embarrassed.
The host picked up the thread with a laugh, “Looks like Lin Xi is quite the daring one, even bold enough to tease our director!”
Once again, the venue was filled with good-natured laughter.