Chapter 55: An Unexpected Concern from My Younger Sister

At lunchtime, Lin Xi received wonderful news from her third brother and sister-in-law: they had finally decided to hold a proper wedding ceremony, and the date was set for February 14th, Valentine’s Day.

Lin Xi was so excited she jumped high into the air, clinging to Lu Yuxiu’s sleeve and shaking it for ages before letting go.

Waving her phone, she declared, “Don’t worry, sister-in-law! I designed your wedding dress ages ago! You can finally wear it! Let big brother have it flown in, you’ll be the most beautiful bride in the world!”

A slightly shy voice of An Shiying came through, “And remember to tell Xiaojin, I want you both to be my bridesmaids, you can’t refuse~”

“Of course!” Lin Xi nodded joyfully.

The moment she hung up, she dashed into Wen Jin’s dressing room, making Lu Yuxiu laugh and shake his head as he closed her lunch box to keep it warm.

Lin Xi burst through the door, startling Wen Jin so much that she almost choked on her food.

“Xiaojin, Xiaojin, my third brother and sister-in-law are having a wedding! She’s asked us to be bridesmaids!” Lin Xi gleefully linked arms with Wen Jin.

“Really?” Wen Jin hesitated. Wouldn’t that mean meeting Gu Yao’s parents...

“Xiaoxi, is that really appropriate?”

Lin Xi clearly hadn’t thought of that, and asked in confusion, “Why wouldn’t it be? We’re best friends!”

Wen Jin lowered her head, lost in thought.

“It’s fine, my fourth brother will be a groomsman too! And our whole family will be there, you...” As Lin Xi spoke, she realized what was wrong—Xiaojin was nervous about meeting Gu’s parents!

Lin Xi took her hand, understanding her anxiety. “Don’t worry, Xiaojin, Gu’s parents are really easy to get along with. They’ll definitely like you.”

“Stay at my place tonight, okay? Remember you agreed to be my model? I haven’t forgotten,” Lin Xi winked.

Wen Jin nodded slightly, pushing her unease aside for now.

That evening after work, Lin Xi brought Wen Jin to her dressing room, leaving Lu Yuxiu outside—much to his frustration.

But Lin Xi was in no mood to care. Clutching her sketchpad, she had Wen Jin change into outfit after outfit, using her as inspiration.

“Xiaoxi, am I just your mannequin?” Wen Jin fussed with a skirt, a little uneasy.

“Exactly! Your figure is perfect, you’re giving me so many ideas.” Lin Xi slyly asked, “Xiaojin, do you think ruffled hems or lace look better?”

“Ruffles,” Wen Jin answered absentmindedly.

If Wen Jin had thought about it, she would have noticed something strange: all the dresses Lin Xi gave her were long, pure white gowns or fluffy, voluminous skirts.

Watching Wen Jin obediently change, Lin Xi couldn’t help but laugh. She finally understood: her fourth brother liked cute girls!

Xiaojin was just his type.

Lin Xi’s sudden proposal tonight was because she wanted to design a wedding dress just for Wen Jin. After all, Xiaojin was already the one her fourth brother had chosen, and she herself had picked Xiaojin as her closest friend and family. Sooner or later, she’d be part of the family anyway—why not prepare early? She’d designed her sister-in-law’s dress well in advance too.

Every girl should have her own unique wedding dress.

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These days, apart from rushing through filming, nothing special happened. Everyone was looking forward to Valentine’s Day and the wedding of Gu Jue and An Shiying.

It had been a while since Lin Xi had seen her older brother, so that afternoon she took some time off to visit Lin Tianyou.

When she arrived, Lin Tianyou was still in a meeting, so she waited in his office until he emerged.

As soon as Lin Tianyou opened the door, he saw Lin Xi curled up on the sofa with her phone, looking up at him with aggrieved eyes.

He couldn’t help but laugh, hurrying over to sit beside her and reach out to ruffle her hair.

But Lin Xi dodged, making him miss, and Lin Tianyou paused, then burst out laughing.

“Hmph! You’re laughing? Admit it, you’ve forgotten you even have a little sister!” Lin Xi huffed.

“Of course not! I’ve just been busy with a new project lately, haven’t had time.” Lin Tianyou explained helplessly, getting up to fetch her a bottle of White Rabbit milk.

Lin Xi wasn’t having it. She didn’t even look at him. “You forgot, you don’t even reply to my messages!”

“Alright, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have ignored you and made you upset. I apologize, okay?” Lin Tianyou softened his tone, opened the milk, and handed it to her.

Lin Xi still pouted, but took the milk and sipped it.

She licked her lips, knocking his arm with her fist. “Why are you so busy? Can’t you take a break? What if you wear yourself out!” She really did care about her brother.

Lin Tianyou doted on her, flicked her forehead, and said, “If I don’t work, who’ll take care of our little princess?”

“I can earn my own money now! I can support you too!” Lin Xi huffed, pushing his hand away.

“Alright, our little Xi is all grown up and can look after herself,” Lin Tianyou smiled helplessly.

Realizing she couldn’t win, Lin Xi put down the milk and grew serious. “Brother, third brother’s having a wedding. Will you be a groomsman?”

“I’ll skip being a groomsman, but I’ll definitely attend.” Lin Tianyou dabbed at the corner of her mouth. “What about you? I heard you’ll be a bridesmaid.”

“Of course, fourth brother and Xiaojin will be groomsman and bridesmaid too.” Lin Xi rested her chin on her hand and nodded.

Lin Tianyou pressed the intercom, “Assistant Cheng, order a set of desserts from Lance and bring them up.”

“Yes, President Lin,” came the formal reply.

Lin Xi tilted her head, suddenly remembering something. “Brother, will big brother come back for the wedding?”

Lin Tianyou paused in his paperwork, “Most likely not, he can’t get away.”

“Oh, right...” Lin Xi realized as soon as she asked—big brother had to stay at headquarters and couldn’t just leave.

While waiting for dessert, Lin Xi replied to third brother Gu Jue’s voice message, “I think sister-in-law will love the first option!”

“What’s that?” Lin Tianyou thought she was talking to him.

“Nothing, third brother asked for my opinion on wedding decor details.” Lin Xi perked up, moving to sit across from him.

“Brother, third brother is so thoughtful—he’s handling all the wedding details himself, just to give sister-in-law a perfect, grand, romantic scene,” Lin Xi sighed.

“Mmm, he’s always been attentive,” Lin Tianyou commented absentmindedly.

“Then...” Lin Xi deliberately drew out her words.

Lin Tianyou looked up, curious. “What is it?”

“When are you planning to fall in love, brother!” Lin Xi finally asked.

Lin Tianyou immediately froze, clearly never having considered the question.

“Hmm?” Lin Xi pressed.

Just as Lin Tianyou was searching for an answer, hoping to dodge the question, a knock came at the door.

“President Lin, the cake you ordered is here. May I come in?” Assistant Cheng called.

“Come in!” Lin Tianyou sounded as if he’d just been rescued.

Lin Xi frowned—her brother was avoiding the question!

“Miss, your dessert is here,” Assistant Cheng set the box in front of her.

“Thank you, Assistant Cheng,” Lin Xi smiled politely, then turned to her brother. “Brother, please answer my question directly.”

Lin Tianyou rubbed his forehead, giving Assistant Cheng a pleading glance.

Assistant Cheng, who had been with him since adulthood, immediately understood and sat up straight. “President Lin, Group Eight has called an emergency meeting and requires your presence immediately!” His face was utterly composed, a testament to his training.

“I’ll be right there!” Lin Tianyou stood, putting on his suit jacket. “Xiaoxi, be careful on your way back. I have to go. Don’t forget to eat your dessert!”

“Brother!” Lin Xi stood as well, dissatisfied—he was dodging her again!

But Lin Tianyou, as if fleeing a wild beast, strode out the door in a hurry.

There are few things more terrifying than parents urging marriage—except a little sister urging you to fall in love.

Lin Xi returned to the set, empty-handed.

The next day, Lu Yuxiu and Lin Xi went to the studio to shoot stills and promotional photos for “A Flourishing Age.” When filming began, they’d immediately started shooting without time for costume tests or official stills.

Now, they sat side by side in front of the makeup mirrors, letting the artists work on their faces.

With her eyes closed as eyeliner was applied, Lin Xi chatted, “Aren’t we changing into more than a dozen costumes today?”

“Mmm,” Lu Yuxiu replied, recognizing her excitement.

Sure enough, Lin Xi’s face twitched, nearly causing the makeup artist to smudge. “That’s amazing! I can’t wait to put on Ruan Wushuang’s empress outfit! I get to wear it today!”

What girl doesn’t love beautiful clothes, especially the ceremonial Han Chinese dresses for an empress’s ascension?

Lu Yuxiu laughed and pinched her gently, signaling her to stay still.

Lin Xi peeked open one eye, only to see the makeup artist’s helpless look. She stuck out her tongue mischievously and closed her eyes again.

A while later, they emerged from their changing rooms in splendid costumes that outshone everything around them. Several staff members hurried to snap photos, full of admiration.

Standing together against a white backdrop, they followed the photographer’s directions, posing in various ways and at different angles. Lin Xi thought some of the shots were absolutely stunning.

For the early scenes, Lin Xi wore her character’s youthful costume, standing back-to-back with Lu Yuxiu—she holding a sword, tall and indifferent; he wielding a blade, facing the camera with icy detachment.

Later, their faces were nearly touching, breaths mingling, gazes full of affection. To soften the light, the photographer had countless candles held nearby, creating an astonishing effect—an atmosphere tender and charged with unspoken longing.

Lin Xi finally donned Ruan Wushuang’s empress gown.

The shimmering red dress set off her exquisite beauty; a phoenix crown adorned with pearls, jade, and coral tassels crowned her head, resplendent and regal. The gown’s intricate layers cascaded gracefully without a hint of heaviness, the train sweeping the floor, dignified and noble—she was the very image of an immortal from a painting.

Her lips crimson, teeth white, skin like snow, every movement exuded charm. Her every glance and smile captivated the soul, the splendor and beauty in perfect harmony. The aura she emitted left everyone breathless.

Lin Xi could feel the heat of their stares, accepting it with composure. After all, she was wearing magnificent attire—and she was looking forward to seeing Lu Yuxiu’s costume as well.