Chapter 30: Initiating Flirtation

The day after tomorrow was New Year’s Eve. Once they finished this meal of dumplings, the film crew would be on break for a while. Director Lu was never harsh during the holidays—he simply gave everyone a full week off, with work resuming after the New Year.

“See you next year!”

“Happy New Year~~”

“Don’t forget to collect your red envelopes!”

Many actors were leaving one after another, offering their blessings as they went. Lin Xi felt the thick warmth of the New Year’s atmosphere, her heart full of gentle happiness.

It was already midnight. Lin Xi planned to return to Longcheng early the next morning, and naturally, Lu Yuxiu would go with her.

He sent her the movie script, taking advantage of her free time for her to read through it.

The film, "Polaris Fails to Connect," was a patriotic, inspirational story filled with passion, but also a poignant romance. The heroine, Bei Mumu, was a renowned game commentator—goddess-like, stunningly beautiful, open-minded and wise. The male lead, Qin Zexing, was a professional KPL player, a top-tier expert who had brought many honors to the country—handsome, aloof, silent, and deeply cunning.

It was said the screenwriter had tailored the male lead specifically for Lu Yuxiu, inviting him three or four times, but he never agreed—only saying he didn't want to do any intimate scenes.

The screenwriter was a devoted fan of his. Even knowing that the "God of Xiu" had never filmed a romantic scene, she never gave up hope, keeping the rights in her hands, convinced he would accept one day. And now, finally, he had agreed.

Lin Xi glanced through it—it was an e-sports story, which left her at a bit of a loss. She had hardly played any games before.

Lu Yuxiu seemed to sense her hesitation, the corners of his mouth curving in a smile, “Don’t worry, I’ll teach you during this break.”

“You play games too?” Lin Xi’s mouth dropped open in surprise. She really couldn’t imagine someone as cool and ethereal as him playing video games.

Lu Yuxiu frowned helplessly—was it so hard to believe?

“Yes, I’m quite good at it. It’s easy to pick up, don’t worry.” He reassured her.

“All right,” Lin Xi agreed, since she also had her fourth brother, a gaming expert, at home.

She continued reading the synopsis and the film’s ending.

“Wow! Yuxiu, your character is really controversial!” Lin Xi was astonished—he’d actually accepted such a role that would ruin his image? Was the screenwriter secretly not his fan, but his anti-fan?

Lu Yuxiu laughed softly at her reaction, “The ending is inevitable. Controversial roles aren’t a problem. If the script is good, it’s worth it.”

“True,” Lin Xi agreed, rubbing her chin thoughtfully.

A sudden wind drifted by, tossing Lin Xi’s hair into disarray.

Lu Yuxiu reached out to gather her dark hair, quietly pleased. Now he didn’t have to worry; with them spending so much time together, he was confident he could win her heart.

He lowered his gaze to her; her fair cheeks were now tinged with a brilliant blush, her lips red, her teeth white—a beauty as dazzling as the stars.

His deep black eyes narrowed, his tongue pressing against his upper palate as he suppressed the desire swelling inside him. Remembering not to scare her, a clear light flashed through his eyes.

“Let’s go back and rest early,” he said, gently smoothing her back, perfectly measured so she’d feel no discomfort.

“Mm,” Lin Xi nodded lightly.

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

Early the next morning, Miya helped Lin Xi pack, while Lin Xi herself carried her bag to the car.

Stepping outside, she was surprised to see Gu Yao at the set.

He was busily carrying things in Wen Jin’s dressing room, while Wen Jin stood by, looking a bit embarrassed. Her assistant, Xiao Ruo, watched in shock at the famous, sharp-tongued superstar working so industriously.

Lin Xi smiled knowingly. So her fourth brother was here to pursue someone after all—well done.

Wen Jin stood awkwardly to the side. Ever since their honest conversation, Gu Yao had been sincerely courting her, giving her plenty of face. All her team and her manager knew, but said nothing. The manager even told her to get along well, since it was their own second young master.

If it were anyone else, Wen Jin would have been strictly forbidden from seeing him.

“You… you don’t have to do this, it’s just a few things,” Wen Jin tugged at Gu Yao’s sleeve, feeling it was a bit unseemly for someone of his status to be doing these chores.

Sensing her discomfort, Gu Yao set down what he was carrying and took her hand in his, her palm soft and delicate.

He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, speaking in a low voice, “It’s all right, just wait a moment. I’ll be done soon, then we can head to Longcheng together.”

Wen Jin blushed, surprised, “You didn’t come here just to pick me up, did you?” As soon as she asked, she felt she was being self-important and lowered her head.

“Yes, I came just for you—don’t doubt it.” Gu Yao bent his head, their breaths mingling, his voice colored with a special tenderness.

Watching them, Lin Xi couldn’t help sighing, “A gentle giant, indeed!”

She was truly unaccustomed to seeing her usually stoic fourth brother act so tender and proper.

Suddenly, Lin Xi felt her hand lighten. She turned to see Lu Yuxiu taking her bag, responding to her words, “Of course. He’d naturally treat the girl he likes differently.”

His eyes were deep, seeming to hint at something. Lin Xi blinked in confusion.

He smiled faintly, “Let’s get in the car. Time to go.”

Lin Xi tossed her uncertainty aside and nodded. She’d always been carefree and wouldn’t trouble herself over it.

Both cars set off for Longcheng. Lin Xi and Wen Jin rode together, chatting, with the two men accompanying them. Miya, Zhou Jun, Mo Ke, and Xiao Ruo were left behind in the other car.

Luckily, Miya was outgoing and Zhou Jun talkative, so the car was lively, filled with industry gossip and laughter.

Lin Xi’s RV was spacious, the four of them facing each other, enjoying the snacks she kept on board.

“Wen Jin, why not spend New Year’s Eve with us?” Lin Xi asked, chewing on a White Rabbit candy, eyes full of anticipation.

“What?” Wen Jin stared wide-eyed, clearly not expecting the invitation.

“Come on, Wen Jin. Since Grandma’s in the hospital, you can’t possibly spend New Year’s there,” Lin Xi said with concern.

Wen Jin smiled, “Thank you, Lin Xi. But I’ll have to pass. This year, I want to spend New Year’s Eve with Grandma in the hospital. I might not have the chance again in the future…” Her eyes dimmed as she spoke.

Lu Yuxiu patted Lin Xi’s hand, shaking his head at her.

Lin Xi realized she’d been inconsiderate, inadvertently bringing up something painful for Wen Jin. Wen Jin’s words were frank, and she couldn’t insist further.

Gu Yao couldn’t bear to see her sad and started to speak, “Then I…” But before he could finish, Wen Jin pressed her finger to his lips, understanding his intent.

“I want to keep Grandma company myself,” she said gently but firmly.

Gu Yao had no choice but to hold her hand, nodding in compromise.

Lin Xi didn’t want the atmosphere to grow somber, so she comforted her, “Don’t worry, Wen Jin. With Zhen Shuai there, what you’re worried about definitely won’t happen.”

Wen Jin nodded obediently, understanding that life and death are unavoidable, and that day would inevitably come. Still, she couldn’t help herself—she’d always been a pessimist.

Gu Yao, sensing her low spirits, placed his hand at the back of her neck, massaging gently to help her relax.

Wen Jin felt his touch, as if he were silently saying everything would be all right, that as long as he was there, her cold heart would be warmed.

Lin Xi and Lu Yuxiu chatted idly.

“Where’s Zhen Shuai? Haven’t seen him lately.”

“He’s probably off having his fun again. Only Zhou Jun knows where he’s disappeared to.”

“Hahaha,” Lin Xi laughed.

“By the way, what’s that game you mentioned? King of Glory, right? Since we’ve got time, why don’t we play a bit?” Lin Xi asked eagerly.

Lu Yuxiu declined calmly, “Let’s wait until we’re home. Now isn’t the right time.”

Unwilling to give up, Lin Xi turned to Gu Yao, “Fourth Brother, you play King of Glory, right? Take me for a few rounds.”

“Now?” Gu Yao frowned and disapproved, “No, wait till you’re home. Playing in the car will make you dizzy.”

Even her doting fourth brother wouldn’t indulge her, which made Lin Xi pout in dissatisfaction. They were both ganging up on her.

So Lin Xi turned away, her young lady’s temper flaring, ignored them, and closed her eyes to nap.

Lu Yuxiu, a little helpless, pinched the bridge of his nose and pulled a blanket from the seat behind, draping it over her and gently drawing her into his arms. “You’ll catch a chill like that,” he said softly.

With a free pillow, Lin Xi made herself comfortable in his embrace and quickly fell asleep.

Seeing her asleep, Gu Yao and Wen Jin lowered their voices, leaning close and conversing quietly.

Having gotten up so early, by the time they reached Jin Xiu, Lu Yuxiu didn’t wake Lin Xi, but carried her inside and let her sleep on.

When Lin Xi finally woke up, it was already noon, and she was so hungry she felt dazed.

She reached for a White Rabbit candy by the bed, savoring its sweetness before heading out to find food.

As soon as she stepped out, the aroma of food wafted from the kitchen downstairs. Going down, she saw everyone was busy in the kitchen, even Lu Yuxiu.

She walked over and stared, dumbfounded.

Lu Yuxiu was amused by her reaction. He wiped his hands, tapped her forehead, and asked with a smile, “What’s wrong? Surprised?”

Lin Xi nodded vigorously.

“Isn’t it because someone said that men who can cook are especially charming?” Lu Yuxiu’s deep voice was playful as he leaned in close, clearly hinting at something.

He gazed at her, the smile in his eyes softening his usual aloofness—a charm as dangerous as poison, drawing her in irresistibly.

“Lin Xi, come taste this!” Wen Jin’s voice called from afar, snapping Lin Xi out of her daze.

She realized she’d been lost in his looks again—so embarrassing! Forcing herself to stay calm, she quickly walked over to Wen Jin.

Lu Yuxiu shook his head with a laugh, regretful—it was a shame.

Soon, the kitchen was filled with the bustle of cooking, and before long, the table was set with a sumptuous meal.

“Happy New Year!” Everyone raised their glasses in a toast.

They were all of similar age, with no airs between them, and plenty of common topics. The laughter and conversation made the time fly—it was as if they were celebrating a small New Year at Lin Xi’s home.

After the meal, everyone left. Gu Yao took Wen Jin to the hospital. Lin Xi gave Miya the day off, and Zhou Jun, ever perceptive, had already slipped away with an excuse.

Only Lin Xi and Lu Yuxiu remained.

Lin Xi sprawled lazily on the sofa, contentedly rubbing her belly, feeling as though she’d gained a whole size. There was no helping it; Chinese food was just too delicious.

Lu Yuxiu watched her relaxed, unguarded state and found it amusing—she truly didn’t treat him as an outsider.

“When are you going home for the New Year?” Lin Xi asked, seeing him looking at her.

“What, are you trying to kick me out?” He raised a brow, lips curved in a half-smile.

“Of course not!” Lin Xi sat up a little, waving her phone. “Come on, teach me how to play that game!” Her voice brimmed with excitement.

Lu Yuxiu leaned in close, his eyes filled with undisguised teasing, his words landing right in her heart, “You want your big brother to teach you how to play so badly?”

!!!

Lin Xi was completely stunned.