Chapter 62: A Handsome Man Emerging from the Bath

When Lu Yuxiu finished all his work and turned around, he saw Lin Xi already curled up in the blanket, lost in sleep in a typical posture of self-protection.

He leaned in to look at her. Her little face was buried obediently in the blanket, her whole body wrapped tightly except for one small foot peeking out. Lu Yuxiu gently lifted the edge of the blanket and stroked her cheek.

“Darling, if you’re sleepy, let’s go back to the bedroom.” His voice was soft and low, afraid of startling her.

Her eyes remained closed, clearly struggling to stay awake; her delicate face was flushed pink, her rosy lips pouted. Her mind was a muddle, her eyelids heavy as lead—she couldn’t lift them for anything, only mumbling incoherently in her drowsiness.

Lu Yuxiu gazed at her with indulgent affection, carefully slipping his arms under her shoulders and knees, lifting her in a princess carry. Her little head bobbed like a pecking chick, nestling docilely into his embrace, so gentle and adorable.

Dimly aware, she felt herself cradled in a warm, loving hold, the air around her tinged with his cool, masculine scent that enveloped her completely, giving her a deep sense of security. With eyes closed, she relaxed utterly and fell fast asleep.

The next morning, Lin Xi opened her eyes and lay in the large bed, staring at the pure black ceiling in a daze for a while before sitting up and realizing she was in Lu Yuxiu’s room.

She couldn’t help but chuckle quietly—she must have been carried here by him last night. What surprised her was how all her usual vigilance seemed to vanish in his presence.

She checked the time—seven o’clock. She pushed open the door to look for him.

The living room was empty and silent. Glancing at the room she’d just left, which seemed to be the master bedroom, she figured he must be resting in the guest bedroom next door.

Lin Xi walked to the guest bedroom door and knocked gently.

“Yuxiu? Are you there?” she asked with her ear close to the door. No one answered. She pushed gently, and the door creaked open.

She stepped inside. The curtains were still drawn, the room dim and furnished in a palette of black and gray, cold and austere.

The bed was neatly made; the computer on the desk was still on, but the room was empty.

She ventured a few more steps in when the sound of running water suddenly reached her ears. Turning her head, she saw the bathroom bathed in warm light, a blurry silhouette moving within.

She realized instantly and, annoyed with herself, frowned in frustration, deciding to pretend nothing had happened and tiptoe back out.

But fate had other plans. At that exact moment, the bathroom door swung open with a soft click.

Standing directly opposite the door, Lin Xi froze on the spot as she and he came face to face.

Lu Yuxiu emerged from his shower, a towel wrapped low around his waist. His pale, toned abs shimmered with droplets of water under the light, his tall, powerful frame with broad shoulders and narrow waist, strong chest and sharply defined muscles outlined perfectly.

He hadn’t noticed her yet, toweling his hair, messy bangs falling across his forehead, shading his closed eyes. His face was expressionless, but his high-bridged nose and sharp features radiated an untamed, magnetic allure.

As if bewitched, Lin Xi couldn’t look away. She stood rooted, staring blankly at him, swallowing hard. What a sight! A beautiful man fresh from the bath!

Sensing the heat of her gaze, Lu Yuxiu’s eyes flashed toward her, sharp as arrows, dark as obsidian veiled in mist. His cool face seemed shrouded in a gossamer haze, giving him a dreamlike beauty.

He paused for a moment when he recognized Lin Xi, then raised an eyebrow and smiled, a teasing glint in his eyes.

Lin Xi just stood there dumbly, caught in the shock of his naked torso, unable to process what was happening.

Lu Yuxiu seemed perfectly at ease, walking straight to the bed to pick up his shirt. Lin Xi’s mind was a mess, her gaze unconsciously following his every move.

He slipped on a white shirt, his clean, slender fingers buttoning it slowly from top to bottom. Throughout, his deep eyes remained fixed intently on her little face.

Lin Xi stared right at him, watching bit by bit as his exposed muscles—those abs—vanished from view.

Seeing her so entranced, Lu Yuxiu shook his head with a low, amused chuckle and asked, a bit lazily, “Darling? Have you seen enough?”

His words rang like a wake-up call, snapping Lin Xi out of her trance. Suddenly she realized what a fool she’d made of herself—she’d actually been caught drooling over Lu Yuxiu’s abs! How mortifying!

The next moment, she tried to dash for the door, but Lu Yuxiu’s long arm wrapped swiftly around her waist, pulling her into his embrace.

Her forehead burned with shame, her mind a jumble, cheeks ablaze. She couldn’t believe she’d been so brazenly caught ogling a beautiful man.

“Oh? Brave enough to look, but not to admit it?” Lu Yuxiu said, his voice low and magnetic as he held her.

Lin Xi buried her face, eyes darting, too embarrassed to say a word. He wouldn’t let her go, holding her firmly.

He lowered his gaze to her flushed cheeks, a playful glint flickering in his dark eyes. “What’s there to be afraid of with your own man? Look all you want.”

Seeing she still wouldn’t meet his eyes, he gently lifted her chin with his fingers, leaning in close to her graceful neck, his voice soft as a caress. “Darling, so shy? Hmm?”

As he spoke, his large palm stroked her back soothingly.

Lin Xi’s heart quivered beneath his teasing. She tilted her head to look at him; his damp bangs softened his usually icy demeanor. She couldn’t see his expression clearly, only his lips pressed into a thin line.

Suddenly, he looked up, his black eyes locking onto hers. Lin Xi shrank back instinctively—caught staring at him again! She was so embarrassed she wanted to dig a hole with her toes and crawl inside.

She hurriedly covered her face with her hands. Hearing his low chuckle nearby, her cheeks grew even hotter.

“Darling,” he murmured, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he stroked her long hair, “look at me.”

Lin Xi bit her lip and slowly raised her head, blinking up at him. He smiled gently, warmth in his eyes. “I’m yours. Look as much as you like.”

“You…” Lin Xi’s heart fluttered with shyness. She hung her head, about to say something when she realized he was still only wearing a towel. Her face turned crimson, ears burning.

Her heart pounded wildly, her mouth dry, her whole body feeling as if it was on fire.

“You… you… Put on your clothes first!” she stammered, trying to stay calm as she turned away. “I’ll go out first.”

Without daring another glance, she fled as if chased by wild beasts.

Lu Yuxiu watched her retreat with a fond smile. His little darling was becoming more lively by the day.

Lin Xi sat on the sofa, her face still burning, the image of that perfect body vivid in her mind.

Mia used to gush over men’s abs on social media, showing her photos, but Lin Xi had always been unimpressed. Weren’t all eight-pack abs the same? What was the big deal?

But now, having seen his abs up close for the first time, the impact was overwhelming! He was the very definition of temptation.

Lu Yuxiu usually dressed with elegant restraint. She’d always known he had the kind of body that looked slim in clothes but was muscular underneath. Still, she’d never imagined he could be so drool-worthy.

Oh no, oh no! Had she actually drooled just now? How humiliating! As she wallowed in embarrassment, Lu Yuxiu quietly joined her, sitting down at her side.

She felt the seat sink beside her and tensed, not daring to move her neck—her eyes widened, sneaking glances at him from the corner of her eye.

Lu Yuxiu couldn’t help but laugh at her guilty look. He reached out, gently smoothing her stiff back as he leaned closer.

Trying to act composed, Lin Xi cleared her throat, but the fresh, clean scent of his post-shower skin made her cheeks blush even pinker.

“Hungry? Let’s have breakfast,” Lu Yuxiu said considerately, not mentioning what had just happened. He took her hand and led her to the dining room.

He settled her at the table, pressing chopsticks into her hand. Breakfast was a feast—steamed buns, soy milk, fried dough sticks, bread, milk, cheese—a blend of Chinese and Western dishes.

Lin Xi’s mouth fell open in surprise. “Where did you get all this food?”

Lu Yuxiu sat opposite her, arranging the dishes before her. “I brought them back from my morning run. I can’t let my little sleepyhead go hungry.”

His words made her lips curve in a warm smile, touched by his thoughtfulness.

“Hurry and eat, we have to rush to the set,” he said, pouring her a glass of milk and pushing it to her. “Drink more milk.”

“Okay.” Lin Xi gave him a sweet smile, took a sip, and said, “We need to hurry—Director Lu will be angry!”

After breakfast, they sped to the old city. Director Lu was filming scenes with Changge and Qi Tian and had no time for them, so the makeup artist quickly dragged them off for styling.

As the wrap date approached, only a few major scenes remained. After today’s big shoot, many minor actors were preparing to leave, leaving only the four leads’ scenes.

During the set change, staff busied themselves adjusting props while Lin Xi, Wen Jin, and the others waited nearby. The set was soon crowded with people in various costumes.

“Sister Lin, today’s my last scene. I’ll really miss you all,” one supporting actress said wistfully to Lin Xi and Wen Jin.

A male supporting actor nodded. “Yeah, our crew’s atmosphere is the best! I’ve never been on such a harmonious team.”

Lin Xi smiled, looping her arm through Wen Jin’s. “Let’s cherish the rest of our time together. If we get the chance, we must work together again!”

Everyone nodded eagerly, hoping for happy memories, even if the odds were slim.

Today’s major scene was the banquet with Ye Mochen, Ruan Wushuang, Feng Changge, and Qi Tian. The capital was hosting the once-in-a-century martial arts conference, drawing heroes from across the land—whoever emerged champion would be celebrated by all.

This conference also marked the foundation for Ye Mochen and Ruan Wushuang’s future as Emperor and Empress.