Chapter 7: Joining the Crew Together

"Splendid Times" was being filmed in Hengdian, the ancient city. It was a three-hour drive from Longcheng to the old city, so Lin Xi joined the crew a day early. She didn't have to worry about her luggage; all she had to do was be ready to get in the car and depart.

That morning, Miya and two assistants arrived at the villa to help her pack. Lin Xi rose early and went downstairs for a run. There would be plenty of action scenes, and it was out of the question to rely entirely on a stunt double; that would be unprofessional. Yet, after barely finishing a single lap, she unexpectedly ran into someone she hadn't anticipated.

Lin Xi stared in surprise as Lu Yuxiu ran toward her. He was dressed in casual sportswear, sunlight slanting across his body, accentuating his sculpted muscles. Not a bead of sweat marred his chiseled, striking features. He looked clean and aloof.

"Xi? Lin Xi." Lu Yuxiu's voice seemed to come from afar.

Her gaze slowly focused, and she saw a faint smile on his handsome face. His lips were thin and delicate, radiating a refreshing warmth that seemed to melt into her heart. At this moment, his deep, dark eyes were fixed on her, filled with her reflection, sparkling as if she were the only thing in his world.

Lin Xi snapped out of her daze and quickly stepped back to a safe distance. She didn't notice the fleeting look of regret in Lu Yuxiu's eyes.

"Shen… Yuxiu-ge," she stammered, her words tangled.

She closed her eyes in frustration, her cheeks burning. How could she be so undignified? With so many dashing brothers at home, she should be used to it by now. Otherwise, she might have thrown herself at him just now. Beauty is truly dangerous—Lin Xi, maintain your composure!

She shifted her gaze, eyes drifting to the small sun motif on the hem of his jacket. No wonder it looked familiar—it was her own design.

She hadn’t expected her brother to move so quickly; her designs were already making waves at home. He wore it so well.

Lu Yuxiu regarded her with amusement, watching her swing between annoyance and regret. She was still the same little flirt as before. For the first time, he was grateful his parents had given him such good looks. He wanted to tell her not to hold back if she couldn’t.

"Yuxiu-ge, what are you doing here? Do you live here too?" Lin Xi finally remembered to be surprised and asked.

He smiled gently, completely at ease. "Yes, I live in this building." He pointed at the one in front of them.

"What a coincidence! I’m in the one right next door," Lin Xi said, unexpectedly delighted.

Watching Lin Xi’s bright smile, Lu Yuxiu felt completely satisfied and proud. Of course, it was no coincidence.

"When are you heading to the set?" he asked, as if casually.

"I’m leaving soon—setting off at nine-thirty," she replied.

"Then let me come with you. I was planning to leave today as well, but all my assistants are busy. Since you’re leaving today, otherwise I’d have to drive myself." He spoke up without hesitation, any trace of his usual aloofness gone.

At that moment, his so-called "busy" assistant—Zhou Jun—was sound asleep in bed. As if sensing something, he scratched his rear. Zhou Jun’s only task was to be ready on call for Lu Yuxiu; there was no other business to attend to.

Lu Yuxiu maintained his calm demeanor, though inside he was nervous, afraid she might be put off.

"Ah—" Lin Xi blinked, hesitated a moment, then nodded, thinking it would be tiring for him to drive himself.

"I’ll wait for you downstairs at nine-thirty," Lu Yuxiu said, finally relieved.

His features were striking even at rest, giving him an air of cool, unapproachable detachment. But when he smiled, the harsh lines softened, like a clear spring, and Lin Xi’s heart skipped a beat.

"Okay..." Lin Xi found herself distracted again, nearly drooling.

He was like a piece of jade, radiating a gentle glow. Lin Xi began to doubt the rumors—how could someone so warm and gentle be the cold, ascetic figure described online? Clearly, rumors were not to be trusted; he was so approachable and kind!

When Lu Yuxiu returned, he called Zhou Jun to tell him he would be joining the crew today.

Zhou Jun woke with a start. "Boss, weren’t you going in tomorrow? I haven’t prepared anything! I’ll call for a car right now."

He was completely thrown off.

"No need," Lu Yuxiu replied coolly. "I’m catching a ride with Lin Xi. You can come this afternoon."

Now Zhou Jun understood—it was Miss Lin Xi. That explained everything.

Ah, the cold, imperturbable boss became a different person around Miss Lin Xi.

After making arrangements, Lu Yuxiu half-heartedly packed a backpack and sat there, dazed, wishing time would pass more quickly. The ever-composed, unflappable "Shen" was actually a little nervous. After thirteen years apart, he wasn’t sure how to interact with her.

He found himself anticipating their meeting like an awkward youth.

At nine-thirty, Lu Yuxiu waited punctually outside Lin Xi’s house.

Miya spotted him first, gasping in surprise. Lin Xi and the other two assistants rushed out at the sound.

Apart from Lin Xi, the other three all looked stunned, quickly turning into starstruck fans. In their minds, Lu Yuxiu was like an immortal, aloof and unapproachable—a man who lived above the clouds. Yet here he was, in casual clothes, standing calmly before them, nothing like the cold, intimidating figure of rumor, but rather an ordinary man descended from his pedestal.

Lin Xi found their reactions hilarious. They were even more starstruck than she was. All the better—by comparison, he wouldn’t notice her being so taken with his looks.

"You’re here!" Lin Xi called out with a smile as she walked over.

Seeing her smile, he couldn’t help but smile in return.

The others could hardly believe it—Shen was smiling! His rabid fans online had never seen him smile; in photos, he was always scowling or expressionless. The only film still of him with a wicked grin had been shared endlessly.

Some fans even joked they’d stay single for life just to witness Shen smile.

Yet here the three of them were, witnessing it firsthand—what luck! If they knew he’d already smiled at Lin Xi multiple times that day, they’d probably faint.

"Shen, could I have your autograph? I’m your idol… no, wait, you’re my idol," one of Lin Xi’s assistants stammered, trembling as she handed him a pen and paper.

Lin Xi burst out laughing at her words.

Lu Yuxiu’s gaze never left Lin Xi as he replied offhandedly, "Another time. There will be plenty of opportunities."

The assistant stared blankly, looking from one to the other, then, as if she’d uncovered a great secret, nodded solemnly.

"Where’s your luggage?" Lin Xi asked, noting he only carried a backpack.

"It’s fine. If I need anything, I’ll just buy it there," he replied softly, his tone gentle.

Lin Xi pursed her lips—such extravagance.

"We’re all set. Let’s go!" Lin Xi said with a light smile, and under the incredulous stares of the others, Lu Yuxiu followed her into the car.

Together, they set off for the ancient city.

———

At noon, they arrived at Hengdian. Lu Yuxiu helped Lin Xi carry her luggage to the hotel arranged by the production.

"Splendid Times" was a major IP project, eagerly sought after by investors, so the hotel was naturally first-rate, only slightly less comfortable than home.

Upstairs, Lin Xi discovered that Lu Yuxiu’s room was directly across from hers.

She found it odd. Actors rarely stayed in the same hotel, let alone so close—mainly to avoid rumors or being photographed. Just days ago, a scandal had erupted on Weibo over paparazzi shots of a popular actor and actress entering a hotel separately.

Lu Yuxiu saw her confusion and said, without a hint of embarrassment, "This way, it’ll be easier for us to rehearse and discuss the script."

Lin Xi tilted her head, then nodded in agreement. If even a superstar like him wasn’t worried about gossip, why should she be?

Lu Yuxiu smiled to himself. This little girl was so easy to fool, believing everything he said.

But that evening, Lin Xi, all business, brought Miya along to his door to rehearse, catching him off guard.

The next morning, Lin Xi, accompanied by Miya, was preparing to go to set when she opened her door and saw Lu Yuxiu waiting, his expression gentle. "Let’s go. We’ll go in together."

"Great, you can help me get to know everyone," Lin Xi agreed.

"Mm." Lu Yuxiu gave a soft reply.

His little girl was so beautiful, dazzling even with casual styling. He wished he could hide her away, for his eyes only. Lu Yuxiu closed his eyes, suppressing his possessive impulses. When he looked up again, his face had resumed its cool, distant mask.

On the side, Zhou Jun thought to himself: Boss, with your face-blindness, it’s a miracle if you can even tell who’s a man and who’s a woman, let alone make introductions. He shook his head.

Miya, though a fan, found it overwhelming to see her idol every day, especially when he was so gentle. Maybe it was better to admire him from a distance on screen—her image of the aloof, solitary Shen was shattering fast.

Lu Yuxiu and Lin Xi entered the set together. Many actors were already there—no one dared be late for a Director Lu production.

Seeing the two arrive together, people were surprised, yet somehow it seemed only natural, as if they were destined to be a pair. The thought startled even themselves.

Naturally, Lu Yuxiu didn’t do the introductions—Zhou Jun stepped in and did it for both.

Lin Xi greeted everyone with humility; after all, these were all her seniors, and she was a newcomer in her own country.

Meeting one actor after another, she was amazed by Director Lu’s discerning eye—every one of them was striking, male or female. Her excitement for filming soared; she was practically drooling.

Lu Jin was known as a strict, responsible director—the gold standard of the industry. Every actor who starred in his films became a star.

He personally approved every actor, from leads to extras selling buns on the street. He never made a wrong casting choice.

Every one of his productions was filled with true talent, industry gems. Actors of all levels longed for the chance to appear in his films, though most never got the opportunity.

This time, the lead female role had been given directly to Lin Xi. Though many netizens were envious, no one doubted Director Lu’s casting judgment.

Lin Xi suddenly felt a heavy weight on her shoulders. Thankfully, she’d rehearsed today’s scenes with Lu Yuxiu the previous night and felt reasonably prepared.

"Get changed! We’re starting soon," Director Lu barked, and the set instantly fell silent. Lin Xi froze—Director Lu’s authority was palpable.

This tense, serious atmosphere was nothing like the film sets she’d experienced overseas.

Lu Yuxiu watched her closely, feeling a pang of sympathy. He leaned in and whispered, "Take it slow. I’m here."

Lin Xi’s thoughts scattered at once, her ears burning. "I—I’m going to get changed," she stammered, and hurried off with Miya.

Behind them, Lu Yuxiu’s dark eyes glimmered with amusement, his lips curled in a faint smile.

As he turned, he nearly collided with Wen Jin, the second female lead. Seeing the expression on his face, she froze.

In the blink of an eye, Lu Yuxiu’s face returned to its usual shadowed, indifferent severity as he walked past her.

Wen Jin shook her head—she’d always found him intimidating. She must have imagined what she’d just seen.