Chapter 11: Gu Yao Holds the Fort

The afternoon was reserved entirely for Ye Mochen and Ruan Wushuang’s scenes together. Director Lu postponed all the major scenes, saying he wanted the two to develop their chemistry first. The second male and female leads’ scenes were delegated to the assistant director, while he personally focused on these two, sincerely worrying over his son’s pursuit of love.

Their time together proved fruitful. On set, the pair joked, discussed the script, teased each other, and laughed, filling the air with playful banter. Even the usually stoic immortal began to show a hint of warmth, much to the disbelief of the crew who could hardly trust their own eyes.

A cold wind swept through, biting and sharp. As soon as the scene ended, Lu Yuxiu took the down jacket from Miya’s hands and draped it over Lin Xi, afraid she might catch cold. He pulled up the hood, ensured it was snug, rubbed her hands, and handed her a hand warmer—all without sparing a thought for his own thin robe.

Lin Xi, meanwhile, remained calm, as if accustomed to such treatment. She had always been pampered since childhood, her brothers fussing over her every little bump and scrape, so being dressed warmly was nothing new to her.

Nearby, television media teams assigned to capture behind-the-scenes moments watched in amazement, smiling gleefully at the sight. It was simply unbelievable—so sweet! When the drama airs, these clips are sure to explode in popularity. They could already see the profits rolling in.

Filming continued until dusk, and the day’s schedule was accomplished. Director Lu granted everyone two days off for rest. Before leaving, he said to Lin Xi, “We’ll meet again very soon,” leaving her a little puzzled.

Afterwards, Lu Yuxiu carried Lin Xi’s bag, and the two returned to the hotel together. Lu Jin, observing his son’s diligent attentiveness toward Lin Xi, shook his head in resignation. Truly, everyone has their match. His son, indifferent to most things, became lively and earnest in Lin Xi’s presence.

He remembered his wife waiting at home for his report and hurried to leave as well.

Though their cars drove one after another, Lu Yuxiu comfortably sat in Lin Xi’s van. Some staff, unaware of the situation, whispered and pointed, but dared not take unauthorized photos.

Lin Xi chatted casually with Miya in the car. She was carefree, living as she pleased, unconcerned with rules or etiquette. It didn’t matter which car she rode in since they were headed to the same hotel.

However, she failed to notice that across the street, someone crouched behind a large stone, capturing images of the pair boarding the van.

“Boss, how long do we have to keep following them? We’ve got tons of photos but haven’t released any,” asked Xiaowu, a paparazzo.

“You don’t get it! Keep shooting. When the time is right, we’ll hit the jackpot,” replied Lang Ge, the lead paparazzo.

While they conversed, Lu Yuxiu seemed to unconsciously glance at the stone, then withdrew his gaze indifferently.

The vehicles moved slowly forward.

Back at the hotel, Zhou Xin called Lin Xi, asking her to promote the variety show “Inside the Entertainment Circle,” which was set to air that night. Lin Xi was caught off guard—it was such short notice, and this was her first domestic program.

She quickly posted a promotion on Weibo. The comment section was warm and supportive, promising to tune in on time. She noticed she now had a fan club called “Little Sunset,” which touched her deeply.

That evening, the show aired punctually on DragonTV. Lin Xi was astonished to see that Shen Yingying hadn’t been edited out. After the previous incident, hadn’t her third brother ordered a total ban? Normally, all her appearances should have been erased.

Lin Xi didn’t know this was Gu Jue’s idea. As a businessman, he understood that keeping Shen Yingying would draw more attention and benefit Lin Xi.

Gu Jue was friendly and modest, with no hint of a CEO’s arrogance, but when it came to his sister, he handled matters just as ruthlessly as his eldest brother, Feng Mo—never leaving a way out for others.

Indeed, not only did the stars’ fans tune in, but even curious viewers gathered with snacks in front of their TVs and computers.

After Shen Yingying’s scandal involving hired paparazzi, her image among netizens plummeted. Everyone saw her as malicious, viewing her through tainted lenses.

When Shen Yingying confessed to Lu Yuxiu on the show, fans reacted strongly: “Disgusted, don’t involve our Immortal,” “Your admiration is your business, leave Immortal out of it,” “This woman is so fake, I used to think she was decent.”

Lin Xi read the comments and laughed; these fans were so strict.

When Lin Xi spoke, the director gave Shen Yingying’s dismissive sneer a close-up, and the editor zoomed in intentionally. Now fans understood—Shen Yingying clearly looked down on Lin Xi, not bothering to hide it.

The comments rallied behind Lin Xi: “She’s too low-key, being bullied like this,” “I want to go in and slap her,” “So relatable, I’m getting angry,” “Little Xi, tell her who you really are—watch her jaw drop! That’d be so satisfying!”

Lin Xi was perceived as timid and easily bullied. Many viewers sympathized and switched allegiance, helping her scold Shen Yingying. For a while, Lin Xi became the group favorite.

She watched the passionate comments streaming by, thinking her fans were utterly adorable.

When Lin Xi connected live with Qi Qi, many Qi Qi fans screamed in delight—“It’s our Qi Qi!” The friendship between Lin Xi and Qi Qi surprised many, and from then on, their fans began praising each other, both gaining countless new followers.

Lu Yuxiu, after watching the broadcast, paid no attention to Shen Yingying; he didn’t even remember her face. What bothered him was why Lin Xi had called Qi Qi instead of him.

Clearly, he wasn’t doing enough—Lin Xi didn’t think of him first. Lu Yuxiu realized he needed to act, but couldn’t rush things. What should he do?

He didn’t understand that Lin Xi couldn’t possibly have called him in such a setting, especially since they weren’t close at the time—she’d even forgotten she’d added him on WeChat.

Who knew if Lu Yuxiu would spit blood when he found out?

Lu Yuxiu pulled out his phone and sent a message in a group named “L Headquarters”—

Fish: [How do you pursue a girl? Everyone must answer.]

This message instantly triggered a cascade of exclamation marks.

Little K: [!!!!!!]

Yao Dada: [!!!!!!]

...

Little K: [...Boss, now that you’ve found your sister-in-law, you don’t have to rub it in!]

Jun Ge Old Black: [I’m used to it. Boss, I recommend you buy the book “How to Get Along with Girls”—it’ll be useful!]

Zhen the Expert: [This is my specialty. Step one: Invite her to the movies. Step two: Treat her to good food. Step three:...]

Yao Dada: [Boss, don’t listen to these single guys...]

Ling Jia Jia Jia: [This is a rare event—screenshot it!]

Jun Ge Old Black: [Don’t stir things up... Watch out or the boss will hit you with an M82A1.]

...

Lu Yuxiu scrolled through the messages, deep in thought.

-------------------------------------

Lu Jin granted two days’ rest.

Lin Xi immediately returned to Long City on the first day to record the second episode of “Inside the Entertainment Circle,” accompanied personally by Zhou Xin.

Previously, Miya had handled her schedule, while Zhou Xin was busy with Gu Yao’s concert.

If Zhou Xin had accompanied Lin Xi last time, perhaps Shen Yingying would have been more restrained, and things wouldn’t have ended so badly.

After finishing her makeup, Zhou Xin led Lin Xi toward the studio. On the way, they ran into Wen Jin, the actress playing the second female lead.

Lin Xi understood—this was the new MC filling the role.

Wen Jin had quietly filmed since joining the cast, her introverted personality making her presence barely felt despite her status as the second lead. Lin Xi found her likable; few actresses these days focused solely on acting.

After greeting each other amicably, Lin Xi boldly took Wen Jin’s hand, leading her to the studio. Since they were in the same group, they might as well look out for each other.

Wen Jin was overwhelmed, staring at their joined hands. Her own was icy cold; Lin Xi’s hand was warm and soft. A pang struck her heart—she was just the unloved daughter of the Wen family. After her mother’s death, only her grandmother cared for her; no one else bothered, let alone someone willing to hold her hand without reservation.

Once the four were seated in the studio, recording began. Each introduced themselves as usual, all curious about the show’s mysterious guest.

The next moment, Xu Feng’s announcement struck everyone like a bomb.

“Next, please welcome our mysterious guest, the top star of the music world—Gu Yao!” Xu Feng raised his voice.

Lin Xi was stunned—her fourth brother was here? She hadn’t known at all. She glanced at Zhou Xin, who smiled, revealing their conspiracy.

She didn’t notice Wen Jin beside her, equally dumbfounded.

Gu Yao entered, dressed in black leather, backlit, his peach blossom eyes slanted with a mischievous gleam, sparkling like stars, moist and enchanting. His nose was straight, lips curved in a lazy, beguiling smile. His features were exquisitely matched—a true dark knight.

Lin Xi recovered and grinned; her fourth brother was always dazzling, no matter where.

“Welcome, welcome!” An Leju, always admiring this younger talent, stood up excitedly to shake Gu Yao’s hand.

Gu Yao politely shook hands with everyone.

When it was Wen Jin’s turn, she nervously extended her hand, fingertips meeting his palm. She shyly glanced up at him, heart pounding, then quickly lowered her head and withdrew.

Just seeing him like this, she felt content.

Gu Yao met her clear, pure gaze, momentarily distracted, as if something clawed at his heart. He’d never encountered such dark, pristine eyes in the industry, yet they felt oddly familiar.

He refocused and stepped toward Lin Xi.

“Fourth brother!” Lin Xi happily threw herself into Gu Yao’s arms; with her own, Lin Xi was always at ease.

Gu Yao laughed and embraced her fully.

No one doubted their relationship any longer—recognized by Old Master Gu, Gu Yao and Gu Jue were true siblings, naturally close to Lin Xi.

Wen Jin watched their unbreakable bond with envy.

She had admired him for so long and never seen him so gentle with anyone. Surely, this was his beloved. She was happy for him—they suited each other well. Still, her heart ached.

The other two men also sighed; the usually wild and unrestrained Gu Yao was deeply devoted to his sister. Many female fans would be heartbroken.