Chapter 12: A Major Blunder

The group was recording the show in a lively, cheerful atmosphere, playing games together. With Fourth Brother's arrival, Lin Xi felt even more at ease.

"Now, it's time for Yao's fan Q&A segment," Xu Feng announced, glancing at his script. He still felt a bit nervous, worried something unexpected might happen.

Gu Yao was famously difficult in the industry: unpredictable on variety shows and biting in his remarks. Yet, his fans adored this brazen, uninhibited side of him.

At this moment, Gu Yao nodded compliantly, looking as if he was all ears.

"May I ask, how do you view the saying, 'Fans' actions, idols take responsibility'?" Xu Feng read from the script.

Gu Yao let out a derisive laugh. "The most ridiculous phrase I've ever heard is 'Fans' actions, idols take responsibility.' But it's also the most brutally honest. After all, those so-called 'fans' of yours use your name to do things that harm your reputation and integrity—things that disgust you."

"And just because they claim to be your fans, you have to shoulder all the blame for their misdeeds. It's truly revolting. This is not a duty we 'idols' should have to bear!"

He was always outspoken, never fearing to offend. After his words, the recording studio fell silent for a moment.

Lin Xi wasn't surprised. Fourth Brother always managed to showcase his flair for bravado in every situation that allowed it.

Sure enough, Wen Jin found herself mesmerized by Gu Yao as he spoke, as if he radiated an irresistible light, impossible to look away from.

Xu Feng, a seasoned host, recovered quickly from his surprise and continued, "And how do you view online 'anti-fans'? Anything you'd like to say to them?"

"Aren't you tired? Even keyboards need a break, you know," Gu Yao replied, staring straight into the camera with a provoking expression.

During a later segment, Gu Yao was penalized in a truth-or-dare game. He drew a dare: [Princess-carry one of the present females and do ten squats.]

Wen Jin's heart leapt into her throat, pounding wildly as if it would burst free.

But in the next second, Gu Yao nonchalantly said, "Xi, come here."

Lin Xi smiled helplessly, as if Fourth Brother had no other choice.

Wen Jin felt a bitter, stabbing ache inside, as if needles pricked her heart again and again. Her hands clenched tighter and tighter as she watched Lin Xi and Gu Yao, feeling that they were a perfect match; only a bright, lively girl like Lin Xi could be worthy of him.

She mocked herself inwardly. Wen Jin, what are you hoping for? Sometimes, liking someone is a solo act—a one-person play.

Everything could only remain hidden, the heartache and disappointment tucked away inside. He had merely helped her out casually; how could she expect him to see her?

If Lin Xi had known her casual behavior would lead to such a misunderstanding from her future sister-in-law, she wouldn't have dared move a muscle—wouldn't even let a single strand of Fourth Brother's hair touch her.

During the show, Wen Jin's headset malfunctioned and her voice wasn't being picked up, but she didn't dare interrupt the recording. Lin Xi noticed and asked the director to give her a new one.

After recording, everyone went their separate ways.

Gu Yao drove Lin Xi and Miya back to their villa, planning to grab a meal. Now that they didn't have to worry about paparazzi, they wore no hats or masks and didn't bother avoiding suspicion.

On the way, Gu Yao's car passed Wen Jin's. Wen Jin saw clearly that Lin Xi and Gu Yao were laughing together in the car, and her heart was pierced once more.

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The three arrived back at Glorious Palace late in the evening.

The Gu family had a rule that women shouldn't have to cook, so even the once unruly Gu Yao was forced by his mother to learn from childhood. He had a real knack for it and cooked well.

Even though he was only there for a meal, Lin Xi only cared about eating, and Miya was only half-competent in the kitchen. The cooking naturally fell to Gu Yao; they couldn't just order takeout.

Lin Xi curled up on the sofa, hugging a soft pillow, snacking as she reviewed her script. She'd always had a child's palate—jelly and chips were her favorites.

Gu Yao and Miya prepared dinner in the open kitchen, visible from the living room.

"Xi, lay off the snacks. Dinner's almost ready!" Gu Yao called out, sounding like an old nag. He knew his sister could never keep her mouth idle.

"Alright, alright, you're so fussy, Fourth Brother!" Lin Xi replied, pouting but not pausing her snacking.

"Ding dong—" The doorbell rang suddenly.

"Miya, are you expecting a delivery?" Lin Xi asked, puzzled. Who could it be at this hour?

"I ordered two packages, but this is fast," Miya answered from the kitchen.

Lin Xi wiped her hands and hurried to the door. To her surprise, it was Lu Yuxiu.

Earlier that morning, Lu Yuxiu had come to Lin Xi's door to invite her to the movies. He'd heard from someone at headquarters that this was the first step to courting a girl. But upon learning she’d gone back to Longcheng, he chased after her and waited at her place all day, even cramming a book called "How to Get Along with Girls." Only when he saw the lights on next door did he rush over, unable to wait any longer.

"Hey? Yuxiu," Lin Xi greeted, puzzled. "It's late, do you need something?"

"I came to..." he began, but was cut off by a man's voice from inside. "Xi, who is it?"

In an instant, Lu Yuxiu's eyes turned icy, devoid of any warmth. His dark eyes were like bottomless ink, glinting coldly.

Mockery curled at his lips, his already pale mouth growing even paler, exuding a chilling aura that made those around him uneasy and wary.

Lin Xi was taken aback by his presence, frowning—why did his aura remind her so much of that person? She instinctively took a small step back.

Lu Yuxiu felt foolish. Why hadn't he just kept her by his side the moment he'd found her, rather than letting some other man swoop in now?

He stared at Lin Xi—she was as beautiful and distant as the moon, unattainable. He felt as if she could vanish at any moment, and that thought unsettled him deeply.

Unable to hold back, Lu Yuxiu reached out and pulled Lin Xi into his arms, crushing her to his chest and burying his head in her neck, greedily inhaling her delicate fragrance.

"Ah!" Lin Xi, caught completely off guard, shrieked as her phone slipped from her hand to the carpet, her heart nearly stopping.

The grip around her waist tightened, almost making it hard to breathe.

"Yuxiu..." she murmured, muffled in his embrace.

Lu Yuxiu seemed to see an ugly monster shredded before him, then swept away by an inexplicable wind.

Suppressing the cold rage that threatened to boil over, Lu Yuxiu finally loosened his grip, brow furrowed, voice hoarse: "Sorry."

He looked utterly desolate, like a wounded beast burdened with unbearable exhaustion and pain.

Lin Xi didn't know why he was this way, but she sensed he must be deeply troubled.

"What's wrong, Xi?" Gu Yao rushed out, alarmed at the commotion.

Lu Yuxiu looked up and saw, to his shock, that it was his good friend Gu Yao. His carefully maintained composure shattered, and he stared wide-eyed in disbelief.

So it was all a misunderstanding!

With Gu Yao there, Lu Yuxiu felt at a loss, head bowed, rubbing his brows in exhaustion, not knowing how to explain. At that moment, Lin Xi spoke up.

"Oh, Fourth Brother, don't ask. He was just rehearsing with me and got a bit too into character. Is dinner ready? I'm starving." Lin Xi shoved Gu Yao back toward the kitchen.

"Almost, almost. Yuxiu, stay and eat with us," Gu Yao called as he walked away.

Once he was out of earshot, Lin Xi asked gently, "Yuxiu, what's wrong? Did something upset you? It's okay, everything will pass. Come in and eat."

Lu Yuxiu gazed at Lin Xi—she was so gentle and understanding, her eyes warm and wise like clear water, drawing him in helplessly, his heart nearly melting.

"Alright," he replied, his voice low and husky.

Dinner was sumptuous: two meat dishes, two vegetables, a soup, and rice.

Lin Xi, smiling, picked up a cola chicken wing and placed it in Lu Yuxiu's bowl. "Try this—it's Fourth Brother's specialty. It's delicious."

"Yes! Yuxiu, try it; you haven't tasted my cooking yet. It's Xi's favorite," Gu Yao chimed in.

"It's my favorite only because it's the only thing you do well!" Lin Xi teased him mischievously.

"Hey!" Gu Yao tapped her on the head with his chopsticks. "Cheeky brat!"

Lin Xi stuck out her tongue, while Miya watched with glee.

Lu Yuxiu narrowed his eyes. It seemed he needed to learn how to cook.

Suddenly, he asked tentatively, "You two aren't blood-related..."

"No, but we're as close as real siblings. Xi is my little sister," Gu Yao replied casually.

"Exactly!" Lin Xi nodded at Lu Yuxiu, cheeks still bulging with food.

Lu Yuxiu relaxed. They were just like siblings. Before he'd found her, he was glad someone cherished and protected her. But from now on, he'd take over—it would be him and him alone.

"By the way, Xi, is your gift ready for Dad's birthday tomorrow?" Gu Yao asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course! I’ve had it prepared for ages," Lin Xi replied proudly, then turned to Lu Yuxiu, "There’ll be lots of seniors from the industry tomorrow. Are you coming?"

"He won't!" "I will," Gu Yao and Lu Yuxiu said at the same time—one certain, the other indifferent.

Lin Xi blinked, looking back and forth between the two. Miya watched the drama unfold.

"You usually hate these events," Gu Yao remarked, surprised.

"My father told me to go," Lu Yuxiu replied coolly. Lin Xi suddenly understood, "Oh, so that's what Director Lu meant when he said we'd meet again soon!"

Lu Yuxiu looked at her with a lazy smile, "That's right."

"When did you start listening to your dad?" Gu Yao muttered.

Miya finally understood—Yuxiu had set his sights on Sister Xi! Her idol was interested in her boss! What in the world?

Considering Yuxiu's background, Miya silently lit a candle for Sister Xi.

Sister Xi... danger incoming!

But thinking of Lin Xi's own powerful connections, she lit another candle for Yuxiu.

Yuxiu... also in danger!

Finally, imagining their combined influence, Miya felt she should just pray for herself.

Miya... out cold!

After dinner, it was late. Gu Yao decided to stay the night, since there were plenty of guest rooms.

But Lu Yuxiu said nothing, simply dragged him off to his own place.

Along the way, Gu Yao kept chattering, "When did you move here? You're actually letting me stay at your place? You always lived alone!"

Lu Yuxiu ignored him, draping his coat over his arm and walking ahead.

Xi, when will you finally understand my feelings? What must I do?