Chapter 16: Peril

On the other side, after Sun Yao finished treating Wen Sipei’s wound, the two returned to the banquet hall. They couldn’t leave early, lest they give others something to gossip about.

Wen Sipei’s injury drew many curious glances. She deliberately kept her distance from Wen Yiming, afraid someone might mock him and anger him.

Wen Yiming stepped forward to offer birthday wishes, his demeanor refined and polite. “Mr. Gu, happy birthday. May you enjoy many descendants.”

“Mm.” Gu Ting nodded with considerable authority. Though he disapproved of some of the Wen family leader’s methods, he knew better than to strike at a smiling face.

Wen Yiming seemed unfazed by Gu Ting’s attitude. Turning around, he inadvertently caught sight of Lin Xi beside Gu Ting, and froze. His gaze clung to her, flickering slightly—she looked so much like his Pei’er.

Lu Yuxiu, standing nearby, noticed something was off. Sensing Wen Yiming’s predatory stare, his expression darkened instantly, his eyes flashing with a coldness as sharp as daggers.

The force of Lu Yuxiu’s presence startled Wen Yiming, snapping him back to himself. He hurriedly shifted his gaze away, finished his well-wishes in a rush, and retreated awkwardly to the side.

He failed to notice another gaze filled with hatred—Lin Tianyou’s. Lin Tianyou’s eyes had never left Wen Yiming.

Previously, Lin Tianyou hadn’t revealed Lin Xi’s identity, partly out of concern that those with ill intentions might trouble his sister, and partly to observe Wen Yiming’s reaction firsthand, since Lin Xi so closely resembled their mother. According to the disgraceful facts he’d uncovered, he wanted to see for himself.

Indeed, it was him—the car accident involving his parents was connected to Wen Yiming.

Lin Tianyou clenched his fist, barely containing his rage. He hated him deeply, determined to torment him slowly until he confessed the truth.

The banquet began.

The celebrant, Gu Ting, took the stage to speak.

“Good evening, everyone. I am Gu Ting. Today, we are gathered among distinguished guests, and I am delighted. First, thank you all for taking time out of your busy lives to attend my birthday banquet. I am pleased to share this happy occasion with you. Second, I must thank my wife for her years of tolerance and companionship.” For a man as serious as Gu Ting, this sentimental touch was rare, and the applause was enthusiastic.

Madam Gu watched him from the audience with gentle affection.

“There is another important matter to announce.”

The applause ceased; everyone listened in silence.

Gu Ting extended both hands down from the stage. Lin Xi and An Shiying exchanged smiles, then walked up together, standing at either side of Gu Ting.

Holding one hand of each, Gu Ting first raised Lin Xi’s, shaking it gently. “This is my goddaughter, Lin Xi—the eldest young lady of the Gu family. I believe many of you present already know. Friends from the entertainment industry, please take extra care of her.”

Many guests were astonished. They knew Lin Xi was Mr. Gu’s goddaughter, but had not expected such a formal introduction.

Now, no one would dare provoke Lin Xi, though envy simmered among many, and more than a few wealthy young men looked excited—their target had arrived.

Lu Yuxiu narrowed his eyes; now even more people would be drawn to his precious one.

On stage, Gu Ting raised his other hand and solemnly announced, “This is the wife of my son Gu Jue, An Shiying—the daughter-in-law of the Gu family, now one of us.”

An Shiying greeted everyone with a smile.

Below, Wen Sipei was stunned as if struck by lightning.

He was completely dumbfounded, only now realizing he had narrowly escaped disaster. These two—one was the wife of the Gu family’s eldest son, the other their eldest daughter. How did Wen Jin know such influential figures?

“Mr. Gu is finally willing to bring his daughter-in-law out!” someone in the crowd joked.

Gu Ting laughed heartily.

Gu Jue came up, putting his arm around his wife’s waist. “Our wedding date is not set yet, but when it is, you are all invited to celebrate with us.” He spoke with tact and grace, and An Shiying nestled gently into his embrace.

“Congratulations, Mr. Gu, congratulations, Young Master Gu!” the guests laughed.

“A double blessing! Wishing Mr. and Mrs. Gu a hundred years of harmony and marital bliss!”

“Yes, Mr. Gu is truly fortunate…”

Gu Ting cut the cake, giving the first slice to Madam Gu, showing off a little affection. No one was surprised; it was well known that Mr. Gu was thoroughly henpecked in front of his wife—a public secret.

“Enjoy yourselves, everyone!” Gu Ting called, and the crowd began chatting among themselves.

The banquet drew to a close.

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Lin Xi returned to the ancient city overnight; she had filming to do the next day. Lu Yuxiu, naturally, went with her, boarding her car and leaving his elderly father behind.

The old man, however, was delighted and supportive.

Lin Xi asked casually, “Where’s Director Lu?”

Lu Yuxiu answered calmly, “He wants us to communicate more, talk about the script.”

Lin Xi nodded. “Director Lu is really dedicated.”

A while later, Lin Xi suddenly looked at Lu Yuxiu with a meaningful gaze, humming thoughtfully.

Lu Yuxiu felt uneasy under her stare, worried she might see through something, and asked cautiously, “What is it?”

“Be my model!” Lin Xi said directly.

“What?” Lu Yuxiu was momentarily stunned.

“I want you to model for me. I can’t find inspiration for my designs,” she replied.

“You design clothes? Men’s wear?” Lu Yuxiu was surprised.

“Yes! What, do you doubt me? The brand ‘Sun’ you wore last time was my design,” Lin Xi said proudly.

Lu Yuxiu was startled, his voice rising, “Sun is your design? You’re Feng Tong? That’s my favorite brand!”

“Haha, well said! As long as you agree to be my model, all my clothes will be yours, free of charge,” Lin Xi said happily.

Lu Yuxiu confirmed it, excitement simmering beneath a calm exterior. “All right, I promise. What do I need to do?”

Lin Xi smiled. “I’ll tell you when the time comes.”

Lu Yuxiu watched her, his eyes full of laughter—his girl was truly talented, exceptional!

They were bound by fate; as expected, he and his girl could not be separated. His favorite brand was designed by the one he loved most.

Lin Xi lifted her long hair with a graceful hand. The pale blue bracelet she wore gleamed beautifully, adorned with tiny pearls all around, seemingly hiding a secret. On her delicate wrist, it exuded an air of gentle elegance.

Lu Yuxiu noticed she never took it off and finally asked, “Why do you always wear that bracelet?”

Lin Xi touched it lightly. “My eldest brother gave it to me. I promised him I wouldn’t take it off.”

Lu Yuxiu squinted—she had an elder brother, too? His rivals were truly numerous!

He struggled to rein in his emotions, and, not knowing what else to do, produced a White Rabbit candy, popping it into his mouth. Lin Xi watched in surprise.

“Yuxiu, you like White Rabbit candies too? Me as well!” she laughed carelessly.

Lu Yuxiu tugged at his lips, handing her one, then mumbled as he watched her, “It’s only because of you that I like them.”

But Lin Xi was busy eating her candy and didn’t catch what he said.

Sweet treats really do lift the spirits!

All these years, whenever Lu Yuxiu thought of her, he’d pop a White Rabbit candy in his mouth—a habit now, always carrying them with him.

For a time, his fans caught on, and would bring him heaps of White Rabbit candies when meeting him at the airport. The candy even became wildly popular because of him.

The next day, the two resumed filming as usual.

Today’s scenes involved not just the two leads; the second female lead, Wen Jin as Feng Changge, and the second male lead, Jiang He as Shen Fen, would join the main characters in fighting monsters and hunting treasure.

During rehearsals, Lin Xi saw Wen Jin and thought again about bringing her into Starry Entertainment, quietly considering.

Wen Jin was still moved by Lin Xi’s bold defense of her at the banquet, eager to repay her somehow.

After the four rehearsed their lines, filming began at Director Lu Jin’s command.

That day, Ye Mochen and Ruan Wushuang searched for ancient treasures in the tranquil forest, the air thick and eerie, sending chills down their spines.

Suddenly, a flash of swordlight—two figures appeared before them, blades drawn. Tension filled the air.

“Who are you?” Ruan Wushuang’s expression was wary.

“Treasure hunters, of course!” Shen Fen replied bluntly, while Feng Changge nodded amiably.

Seeing no hostility, Ruan Wushuang swiftly sheathed her sword.

“In that case, why not join forces? We can watch each other’s backs,” Ruan Wushuang suggested.

“Absolutely!” The two were happy to agree.

Ye Mochen remained impassive as ever; aside from Ruan Wushuang, few could stir his emotions.

The four set off together.

“Hiss—” came the sound of a snake’s tongue flicking.

“It’s a golden python!” Ruan Wushuang reacted instantly. The group entered combat mode, hoisted by wires.

No one noticed that the pulley on Wen Jin’s wire was beginning to slip loose.

Following the choreography, Wen Jin spun around; the next move was to be lifted by the wire. But at that moment, the pulley detached, the wire slackened uncontrollably, and the staff pulling the rope lost their footing, falling to the ground.

“Ah—!” Wen Jin lost all sense of gravity, wind rushing past her ears as she plummeted toward the ground.

Everyone on set was stunned; Director Lu Jin leapt up in shock.

“Quick, save her!” someone cried.

Lin Xi was closest. In that critical instant, she reacted swiftly, tossing aside her sword, grabbing the wire with both hands, and darting toward Wen Jin.

Lu Yuxiu, furthest away, could only watch in helpless horror. Seeing Lin Xi rush to Wen Jin’s aid, his breath caught. He gripped his sword tightly, knuckles pale, veins bulging.

Lin Xi moved decisively, wrapping an arm around Wen Jin’s waist and clutching her tightly.

As they neared the ground, Lin Xi calculated the landing, relaxed her hold, and both rolled onto the safety mat below.

“Are you all right?” Lin Xi and Wen Jin lay on the mat; Wen Jin’s face was pale, still in shock.

Crisis averted.

Lu Yuxiu rushed forward, grabbing Lin Xi, searching her anxiously, then pulled her into his arms, overwhelmed by relief.

The others soon reacted, crowding around. They helped Wen Jin up, checking her condition.

Wen Jin, now spent, took a few breaths. Seeing everyone’s concern, she shook her head, still shaken. “I—I’m fine.”

Lin Xi, still held in Lu Yuxiu’s arms, felt his heart pounding, his warm breath on her cheek. She was touched.

Lin Xi patted his shoulder gently. “Yuxiu, I’m fine!”

Lu Yuxiu trembled slightly, finally letting her go. His deep, obsidian eyes locked onto her, as if to draw her in completely. His gaze was inscrutable.

Wen Jin and Miya hurried over, grabbing Lin Xi’s arm, anxious. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, we're both fine!” Lin Xi smiled reassuringly.

“Move around a bit!” Jiang He called.

Everyone on set stared at the pair; even the prop crew looked unsteady.

Both moved their arms, jumped, making sure they were unhurt.

“Really, I’m fine—I deliberately eased the landing,” Lin Xi comforted everyone.

The crew breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Director Lu Jin had remained silent. Now, all eyes turned to him; his face was grim, clearly angry.

His brows furrowed tightly as he spoke sternly, “Investigate this thoroughly! Find out the cause before we resume filming!”

No one dared speak. Tension filled the air as the staff began their investigation in earnest.