Chapter 44: At the Charity Gala

After having their fun, the actors dutifully returned to filming, and the intense morning shoot came to an end. At noon, Director Lu dropped another bombshell that thrilled the crew.

“Everyone, you get a half-day off this afternoon!” Director Lu Jin announced, tossing out a deep-water grenade.

“Wow, today’s our lucky day!” The actors and staff erupted in cheers and laughter.

“Really?” Lin Xi turned to Lu Yuxiu, surprise still bright on her face. Did this mean she could blissfully nap for a while? Or maybe play a few rounds of her favorite game?

Lu Yuxiu mercilessly shattered her daydreams. “There’s an event in the industry this afternoon. Your agent should notify you soon.”

“What?” Lin Xi’s face fell instantly. Why? Lu Yuxiu chuckled, reaching over to ruffle her hair.

Lin Xi glanced at Zhou Xin’s sudden message: “Charity gala hosted by ‘Elegant Lady’ magazine this afternoon. Attendance required.”

This was an insiders’ event, with few media invited, but many stars used these galas to polish their reputations and widen their network—a prime opportunity for connections.

“Xi, my agent says we’re going together,” Wen Jin said, having received her own notice.

“Great, then we’ll just follow Director Lu, right?” Lin Xi replied.

“Sure,” Wen Jin nodded.

Lu Yuxiu then hooked his little finger around Lin Xi’s, whispering softly in her ear, “You’re coming with me.”

Lin Xi’s cheeks flushed bright red once more. He never missed a chance to tease her—had he mastered the art of seduction?

Director Lu Jin clapped his hands, addressing them: “Alright, go get ready. Change your clothes—arriving early is a good chance to meet people.”

“Alright.” In their group, only Lu Yuxiu, Lin Xi, Wen Jin, and Jiang He were invited. Naturally, the four went in together with Director Lu, while the others enjoyed their half-day off.

Lin Xi and Wen Jin headed to the dressing room to choose evening gowns. Zhou Xin had thoughtfully prepared several current-season dresses for Lin Xi, anticipating such occasions, and now they proved useful.

Since it was a charity gala, flashy attire wouldn’t suit the event, so the two chose simple, elegant styles.

“By the way, Jin, I want you to be my model,” Lin Xi said on a whim, helping Wen Jin with her makeup.

“Huh?” Wen Jin widened her eyes, then seemed to recall something. “Oh, for clothing modeling?”

Lin Xi applied moisturizing cream, admiring Jin’s flawless skin. “Yes, I’m planning to design women’s wear, and you’ll be my muse!”

“Xi, you’re so talented!” Wen Jin gazed at her in awe.

Praise made Lin Xi’s pride soar; she cocked her head confidently. “Of course! But don’t worship me too much!” She finished her words by stroking Wen Jin’s cheek, brazenly taking advantage.

“Oh, Xi!” Wen Jin blushed, scandalized by Lin Xi’s cheekiness.

“Is Fourth Brother coming?” Lin Xi asked, applying eyeshadow.

“He said he might not make it,” Wen Jin replied with a squint.

Lin Xi nodded slowly. “Well then, I’ll make you look extra lovely, so he’ll regret not coming when he sees your photo! Hahaha.”

“Stop it!” Wen Jin protested playfully, but couldn’t help joining in the laughter.

“Ladies, are you ready?” Jiang He knocked on the door, his voice filtering in.

“Almost!” Lin Xi called back, quickening her hands.

When they finally stepped out, the three gentlemen were already dressed and seated in the Rolls-Royce, each holding a glass of red wine.

“Sorry for the wait!” Lin Xi and Wen Jin, radiant and wrapped in shawls, climbed aboard.

All three men’s eyes turned to them.

Jiang He whistled, but didn’t seem vulgar. “Looks like we’ve got goddesses here~”

“Haha, not bad, you’re catching on!” Lin Xi arched her brows at him, settling into her seat as Lu Yuxiu pulled her in.

Wen Jin smiled quietly, taking her place next to Lin Xi, and Jiang He handed her a glass of wine.

“You two, don’t get so caught up chatting that you forget everything else. I’ll introduce you to people—make the most of this chance,” Director Lu Jin reminded them.

Jiang He nearly teared up. “Director Lu, you’re the best director I’ve ever met! You’re like a second father to me, you—”

“Haha!” Lin Xi and Wen Jin laughed, unable to help themselves.

“Alright, enough!” Director Lu frowned, clearly unable to stand it, cutting Jiang He off with a wave. “Don’t hand me the good guy card, just behave yourself.”

“Absolutely! I won’t let you down!” Jiang He nodded earnestly.

Lin Xi collapsed laughing in Lu Yuxiu’s arms—Jiang He was truly a treasure.

“You’re amazing!” Wen Jin clutched her stomach, laughing.

The car sped swiftly to the gala venue.

Soothing music played at the scene, and many were already seated, all glamorous and clearly eager to network. In the entertainment industry, connections are everything; with the right contacts, you’ll never worry about surviving in this circle. Opportunities come from introductions.

“Let’s go,” Director Lu Jin led the way, the four following calmly behind.

Along the way, Lin Xi attracted all sorts of glances—curious, probing, admiring... Since the variety show aired, she’d become somewhat popular, and now, moving with Director Lu Jin, she was recognized and accepted by insiders. Some exchanged nods, which Lin Xi returned with poised smiles.

Thanks to Director Lu Jin’s influence, others approached to greet him. As soon as they entered, a director came up.

The director had a round belly and a bald head.

“Ha! Lu, fancy seeing you here! I was just thinking of having a drink with you in the old city,” the director chuckled, reaching out to shake hands.

Director Lu Jin smiled, patting the director’s shoulder. “Let’s see who can outdrink whom!”

“Haha!” Their laughter was hearty.

“What projects are you busy with lately?” the bald director asked.

“Oh right, introductions.” Director Lu Jin inclined slightly, bringing out the four behind him. “I’m filming ‘Splendid Times’ right now. These are my cast members.”

He introduced them one by one.

“This is Director Fan, say hello,” Director Lu Jin prompted.

“Excellent, excellent, all fine young talents. Your son’s here too, I see!” Fan Xie sized them up, and they greeted him politely.

Fan Xie nodded repeatedly, turning to Director Lu Jin. “Perfect timing. I have a film coming up—if there’s a suitable role, I’ll come to you!”

“Deal!” They shook hands again.

“Of course! Unless you refuse to let your people go when the time comes!” Fan Xie joked, spotting someone waving to him and preparing to leave. “That’s that, I’ll head over. Let’s set up a drink sometime!”

“Sure!” Director Lu Jin responded warmly, though it was merely polite banter—they were all too busy for such things.

Lin Xi stood quietly by Lu Yuxiu’s side, arm in his, marveling at how much effort relationships required.

The group continued inward.

The organizers were thoughtful, seating each group together. They settled at a round table.

Lin Xi, in her rush to leave, wanted to drag Wen Jin to the restroom.

“Jin, come with me to the bathroom,” she whispered in Wen Jin’s ear.

“Alright.” Wen Jin nodded, just about to stand when Gu Yao suddenly appeared and clasped her neck.

Wen Jin looked up in shock, unsure if she’d mistaken him.

Director Lu Jin was now busy chatting with other directors with Jiang He, paying them no mind.

“What’s wrong? Didn’t you recognize your man after just a little while?” Gu Yao slipped effortlessly into their group, grinning smugly.

Wen Jin’s lips parted in surprise, his intimate gesture making her blush and her heart race. She hurriedly tugged his arm away. “Didn’t you say you wouldn’t make it?”

Gu Yao gazed at her delicate face, feeling displeased, and possessively hooked her so she couldn’t escape. “If I didn’t come, who would you be dressing up for? Hmm?”

“What are you talking about!” Wen Jin gently pushed him, careful not to draw attention.

With Gu Yao clinging to Wen Jin, Lin Xi went off alone, and Lu Yuxiu rose to join her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and whispering, “Let’s go, I’ll come with you.”

“Alright.” Lin Xi smiled shyly, her charm radiant. “Intern boyfriend, you’re scoring extra points today~”

Lu Yuxiu’s gaze deepened, his tone teasing as he deliberately breathed warm air onto her neck. “There are even more bonus points to be had, want them?”

Lin Xi was stunned by his shamelessness, goosebumps prickling her skin. She pretended to scold him, “You, you, you, don’t flirt in front of everyone~”

Chatting, they soon reached the restroom.

“Go ahead, I’ll wait outside,” Lu Yuxiu said, ruffling her hair.

“Okay.” Lin Xi smiled and walked in, her steps light. He really did all the things other men couldn’t, giving her a sense of security.

Elsewhere, Gu Yao and Wen Jin sat sweetly at their seats, speaking softly to each other. Their mutual smiles made it obvious to any observer that they were a couple.

This scene pierced the heart of He Wen, who had just entered. Despite all this time, she hadn’t given up. She’d come today specifically to see if the rumors about Gu Yao and Wen Jin were true.

Now, her last hope was shattered.

So it had all been her wishful thinking. She’d believed Gu Yao was special to her—but he’d fallen for Wen Jin? Why? Why did Wen Jin quietly steal everything from her the moment she appeared?

He Wen nearly crushed her wine glass, biting down hard on her lip.

“He Wen, this way please,” a staff member guided her to her seat.

“Thank you, I’m coming.” He Wen forced herself to look away, managing a smile more painful than a grimace.

“He Wen, are you alright? Are you feeling unwell?” The staff member was dutifully concerned.

He Wen’s expression froze, her tone cold. “I’m fine!” Meddlesome!

The staff member, rebuffed, retreated quickly.

Seated, He Wen’s eyes couldn’t help but drift to Gu Yao and Wen Jin. Watching their intimacy felt like needles in her heart.

Wen Jin, listening to Gu Yao, felt as if someone was staring at her. She glanced back and locked eyes with He Wen.

Both jolted, quickly looking away.

“What’s wrong?” Gu Yao pinched Wen Jin’s cheek.

“Nothing, just saw someone I know,” Wen Jin replied, lowering her head. Fortunately, Gu Yao didn’t notice anything amiss and continued speaking.

He even thoughtfully handed her some juice. Wen Jin smiled at him softly.