Chapter 43 Building a Snowman

The set was growing chilly as night fell. Lin Xi instinctively crossed her arms, rubbing them for warmth.

“Xiao Xi.” Lu Yuxiu appeared at her side just as she drifted into thought, unconcerned whether anyone was watching.

As before, he hooked her little finger with his index, gently stroking it.

“Hm?” Lin Xi tilted her head up to look at him, and he immediately sat beside her so she wouldn’t have to crane her neck.

“Tired?” Lu Yuxiu reached out to caress her cheek, lowering his head to press a kiss to her forehead.

A soft blush colored Lin Xi’s cheeks. She slipped her hands inside his coat, wrapping her arms around his waist. “Not at all. I’m actually a bit excited.”

She smiled gently.

“Then, do you want to play a game?” He encircled her in his arms, warming her, his voice rich and melodious.

“Yes!” Lin Xi perked up, lifting her head from his embrace, her forehead bumping his chin. Their breaths tangled together, and she thought she could even hear the pounding of his heart.

Around them, the actors and crew still waiting for their late-night meal all pretended to look away, fixing their eyes on anything but the couple. It was as if they didn’t exist at all—leaving the singles on set envious and helpless. They were still here, after all!

Lu Yuxiu’s gaze darkened as he looked at her rosy lips, his Adam’s apple moving as he swallowed.

Lin Xi sensed danger.

“Takeout’s here!” Just then, Jiang He hurried over, carrying two large bags full of takeout boxes.

“I’ll get it!” Lin Xi sprang from Lu Yuxiu’s arms at the sound.

The others, seeing Jiang He, reacted as if they’d seen a savior. At last, they were saved! Everyone grabbed their food and vanished into their respective lounges.

Jiang He was left baffled by the scene.

It was too late; they never managed to play their game. After supper, everyone went to rest.

The dawn came late. Even at seven, a misty haze lingered outside. Overnight, Dragon City had been blanketed by a long-awaited heavy snow. Flakes tumbled from the sky, painting the ground a pure, untouched white that made one reluctant to spoil it with footprints.

Those who rose early to see the snow were thrilled. “Come out! It’s snowing!” someone shouted, sharing the joy.

Hearing this, Lin Xi dashed outside. Seeing the white expanse, she nearly leapt with excitement.

“Wow!! Miya, Miya, come quick!” Her delight was uncontrollable as she hurried out, leaving deep footprints behind her. “It must’ve snowed all night! We can build a snowman!”

“Xijie, your coat! It’s cold!” Miya chased after her, holding Lin Xi’s bright red down jacket.

Lu Yuxiu strode over, taking the coat from Miya and heading out to find Lin Xi. Just as he turned, a huge snowball hit him square in the back, scattering into pieces.

He looked up to see Lin Xi standing not far away, squinting with laughter, her black hair already dusted with snow.

Lu Yuxiu smiled helplessly, stepping forward with the coat and wrapping her up snugly from head to toe.

“You really aren’t afraid of the cold? If you catch a chill, I’ll be the one to worry.” He pinched her icy cheek.

The snow was lighter now, delicate flakes swirling and drifting down like willow catkins.

As he spoke, his breath was visible in the cold air. Lin Xi blinked at him, her lashes catching fine snowflakes.

Seeing her staring at him, Lu Yuxiu couldn’t help but laugh, his eyes deep as he looked at her.

“Your hands are freezing.” The moment he touched her small hands, he frowned and tucked them into his pockets.

Lin Xi beamed, her dimples showing. Lu Yuxiu poked one gently with his finger, then rubbed her cold cheeks.

“I just thought of something,” Lin Xi mumbled, burying her mouth in her sweater collar.

“What is it?” Lu Yuxiu played with her long hair.

She looked up, eyes smiling. “It isn’t truly winter without a heavy snow and a warm embrace.”

She lifted her arms, tilting her head, waiting for him to hug her.

Lu Yuxiu’s heart melted. He had no defense against her. Smiling, he pulled her into his arms.

“Come inside or you’ll catch a cold!” Wen Jin and Guo Yao came out hand in hand. Seeing the two of them standing outside, they couldn’t help but call out.

It had been late last night, so Guo Yao hadn’t left; the two had spent the night chatting in the makeup room.

Guo Yao squinted at his friend, clearly displeased. He put his arm around Wen Jin’s shoulders, steering her back. “Leave them be. I can’t believe I raised my sister just to let that guy snatch her away.”

Wen Jin chuckled. “You can’t say that! Yuxiu is truly outstanding.”

“What did you say?” Guo Yao’s eyes instantly locked on Wen Jin’s. He reached out to lightly squeeze the back of her neck, indignant that she could praise another man in front of him.

Wen Jin fell instantly silent, her scalp tingling at his gentle but insistent grip.

“Your man is right here. You dare compliment another man in front of me?” His soft voice was laced with authority.

Looking up at his face so close to hers, Wen Jin’s heart pounded, her cheeks flushing crimson.

“I didn’t…” Just as Wen Jin struggled to defuse the situation, Lin Xi entered.

“Hey! Fourth Brother, why are you still here? Are you bullying Xiao Jin?” Lin Xi hurried over, seeing Guo Yao’s accusatory posture, and pulled Wen Jin to her side.

“I was just looking for you!” Guo Yao grieved. “How could you let Lu Yuxiu win you over so easily! I’m furious! I ought to give him a beating!” He looked every bit like someone whose precious cabbage had been stolen.

Lu Yuxiu strolled over. “What’s this? Who wants to hit me?” His expression was calm, unruffled.

Guo Yao grew even more annoyed at his demeanor, stepping up nose to nose with him. “You! I wondered why you were so attentive to Lin Xi before. Turns out you were after my sister! You beast!”

Lu Yuxiu met his gaze, not refuting him.

Some crew members perked up, watching intently. Was this the showdown of the century between the Movie King and the Song King?

Wen Jin feared things might get physical. She hurried over and hugged Guo Yao’s arm. “Alright, enough! Come on, I have something to tell you.” She winked at Lin Xi, then dragged him away.

Lin Xi could only laugh and shake her head, tugging at Lu Yuxiu’s sleeve. “Were you really going to let him beat you up?”

Lu Yuxiu’s eyes softened, a chill flickering beneath the surface of his calm gaze. “Even if he did, I’d take it. He’s cared for you all these years in my stead.”

Hearing this, Lin Xi felt a quiet warmth and sweetness wash over her heart—a little ache, too. They really had missed so many years.

She wrapped her arms around Lu Yuxiu’s waist, burying all her emotions in his embrace.

Meanwhile, Wen Jin finally soothed Guo Yao. The set was preparing to start work, so he couldn’t linger and, as he left, shot Lu Yuxiu a glare.

Lin Xi watched her Fourth Brother with mixed feelings. Their usual bickering had always seemed trivial, but now that she was truly in a relationship, she felt his care more than ever—though he expressed it through anger.

Outside, the snow lay thick, nearly to the ankles. Lin Xi, still unsatisfied, yearned to tumble through the snowy world, but with filming about to begin, she could only steal a glance, her eyes sparkling mischievously. Before Director Lu Jin could call “Action,” she seized the moment. “Let’s go build a snowman!”

She could hardly contain her excitement, addressing everyone on set.

“I want to join too!” Jiang He chimed in. Nearly everyone, cast and crew alike, was tempted.

Lu Jin glanced around at the eager faces, then out at the snow. This year’s snowfall was heavier than any in recent memory—a rare gift.

Taking the role of benevolent patriarch, Lu Jin waved a hand. “Go on, have fun.”

“Yesss!” “Woohoo! Let’s go!” Several actors cheered, dashing outside.

“Long live Director Lu!” Lin Xi grinned widely, dragging Wen Jin out with her.

Lu Jin could only smile and shake his head at the group of unbridled youths. To be young really was a blessing.

He turned to his son, Lu Yuxiu, whose gaze was locked on Lin Xi. Just as Lu Jin was about to ask why he wasn’t joining them, Lu Yuxiu spoke first. “Dad, make sure to boil some ginger tea.”

A faint smile lingered in his eyes as he grabbed his phone and dashed after Lin Xi.

“…!” Lu Jin was left speechless—his son never missed an opportunity to give his old man a task.

“Push, push!” Lin Xi and a few actresses muddled through the snow, rolling a ball. Nearby, some actors rolled an even bigger one, sending it tumbling through the white.

Lu Yuxiu watched from the side, snapping candid photos of Lin Xi. In every shot, her smile was radiant, as if she were still a child.

After a while, “This should do! Let’s put them together and see,” one actor suggested.

“Alright,” Jiang He agreed.

The men placed the large snowball firmly on the ground, then helped the women lift the smaller one on top. After a moment, it held steady.

Lin Xi clapped her hands in delight. “We did it!” The snowman took shape.

“Amazing, this is my first time building a snowman!” Wen Jin couldn’t hide her joy.

“Let’s decorate it!” Jiang He hurried back to the set, searching for items to serve as eyes and a mouth.

Lu Yuxiu joined Lin Xi, standing side by side. She looked up at him, satisfied, and wrapped her arms around his waist. “I feel so accomplished! I’ve never built such a big snowman before!”

“You’re amazing, kid.” Lu Yuxiu praised her without reserve, pinching her red nose and warming her cold hands with his breath.

Lin Xi mischievously buried her chilly face in his neck, making him suck in a breath.

“Here we go!” Jiang He returned with two bottle caps and a curved banana, which they used for the snowman’s eyes and mouth.

Now their snowman was smiling. Lin Xi took off her own scarf and wrapped it around the snowman’s neck.

“Let’s take a picture for Weibo!” Jiang He brandished a selfie stick from somewhere, and everyone crowded into the frame, beaming for the shot.

He posted it online, tagging the entire crew.

Lin Xi and Wen Jin reposted it, and before long, “Building a Snowman on the Glory set” was trending.

Netizens were full of envy:

@Kawashima Nanako: Oh my god, don’t do this! I’m so jealous! It’s so rare for a crew to be this close!

@CravingTurkey: That snowman is nice! Well done! And Yuxiu actually joined in, haha. Everyone, let’s build snowmen together!

@XiaomingWantsMoney: Lin Xi is so beautiful! Mama loves her! And it’s my first time seeing such a harmonious crew!

Soon, the entire internet was swept up in a snowman-building craze inspired by the cast of Glory.