Chapter 68: The Final Scene in a Flourishing Age

In a short while, he lowered his head again, his cool lips falling upon her neck and collarbone, leaving a trail of crimson marks as he nibbled and caressed her for what felt like ages. A rush of warmth and tingling sensation swept over her body, making her shiver and goosebumps erupt across her skin.

Lin Xi couldn’t take it any longer. Unwilling to let him continue his reckless behavior, she cupped his face in her hands, leaned down, closed her eyes, and bit down hard on his thin lips.

He paused, his expression darkening, his narrowed eyes flashing a warning. With a low chuckle, he said, “You’ve grown bold, darling.”

Lin Xi was startled. Oh no, she thought, she’d plucked a tiger’s whiskers. Like a frightened rabbit, she regretted her actions instantly and tried to wriggle free from his lap.

He gave her no chance, his arms tightening around her, eliminating any space between them.

His gaze was deep; the tips of his ears flushed red as he gently pinched her chin. His voice shifted, mellifluous and seductive: “You truly are my poison.”

With those words, he captured her lips again, fiercely entwining her tongue with his own, kissing her until her lips tingled and she was left utterly powerless, collapsing against him.

“You really are getting outrageous!” Lin Xi feigned anger, tugging at his ear.

Lu Yuxiu raised an eyebrow and smiled, his prominent nose tenderly pressed against her cheek. “Can’t help it. You’re just too tempting, darling—I can’t resist.”

Lin Xi’s cheeks burned, and the two continued to speak intimately, their faces pressed together.

After a while, as it grew late and tomorrow’s scenes needed to be reshot, Lin Xi finally managed to chase this hungry wolf back to his own room.

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The next day marked the final day of filming for “Glorious Times.” The four of them wrapped their last scene, and the show was officially finished.

Early that morning, the crew had already set up the real-life sets, awaiting Director Lu’s command to start shooting.

Lin Xi and Wen Jin had changed into their costumes early and chatted non-stop on set. After today, their chances to meet would become scarce.

In the entertainment industry, every day was a race against time, a whirlwind of activity. There was little opportunity for friends to gather; meetings happened mostly during events, and even seeing each other again was rare.

Luckily, they were now in the same company, and Xiao Jin was still Fourth Brother’s girlfriend. Meeting up was always possible.

“It’s time to start. Let’s go.” Lu Yuxiu had also changed into a matching regal costume, looking dignified and impressive.

“Alright.” Lin Xi linked arms with Wen Jin and headed to the set.

Perhaps because it was the final scene, a faint melancholy hung over the set, and even the crew lacked their usual vigor.

“Oh come on, everyone, cheer up—we’re just wrapping up, not parting forever!” Jiang He clapped his hands to liven the atmosphere.

“Yes, exactly.” Lin Xi smiled, comforting everyone. “Think about it—we’re about to have a holiday!”

Laughter erupted, and everyone was soon smiling.

“OK, last scene—everyone get ready!” Lu Jin, sensing the mood was right, gave the order.

Lin Xi and the others quickly composed themselves and slipped into character.

“Action!”

Today was the day Ye Mochen and Ruan Wushuang would announce themselves to the world atop the Summit of Limitless.

Qi Tian and Feng Changge had been invited to witness the ceremony. Ye Mochen’s territory—the Summit of Limitless—was a sacred place that countless talents yearned to see.

Today, the two would call themselves “Emperor Chen” and “Empress Phoenix.”

Inside the resplendent hall, two rows of Ye Mochen’s elite guards stood at attention, while outside, Ruan Wushuang’s soldiers were fully armed, ready to support their master.

Of course, this would all be replaced with green screen effects in post-production.

From afar, Ye Mochen and Ruan Wushuang approached, radiant and stunning in their imperial attire.

Ruan Wushuang’s hand rested lightly in Ye Mochen’s palm. She lifted her chin, her presence commanding, the train of her dress embroidered with crimson phoenixes trailing behind.

Together they strode upon clouds of dust, leaving brilliance in their wake.

“Honor to the Emperor and Empress!” Ye Yi led the elite guards in salute.

Ruan Wushuang’s soldiers followed, shouting in unison, “Honor to the Empress and Emperor!”

Qi Tian and Feng Changge watched from the side, nodding in greeting.

Under the gaze of all present, Ye Mochen and Ruan Wushuang ascended to their thrones, clasped hands, and exchanged smiles.

“Good! Cut!”

With Lu Jin’s voice, “Glorious Times” officially ended, and Ye Mochen and Ruan Wushuang’s story came to a close.

Applause thundered through the set. “Congratulations on wrapping!”

The four stepped out of character, each receiving a bouquet from the crew.

“Thank you, Uncle Yuan!” Lin Xi’s flowers were handed to her by Uncle Yuan, the supervisor. She looked gratefully at the mentor who had always cared for her.

“Happy wrap!” Jiang He shouted, feeling liberated.

“Haha, you can’t wait to go celebrate, can you?” Wen Jin teased, cradling her flowers.

“Exactly! Qi Tian’s role really locked me down!” Jiang He blurted out.

Lu Jin put down his walkie-talkie and raised an eyebrow at him. “So I’m the one who held you back? Guess I shouldn’t work with you again!”

Jiang He panicked, waving his hands. “No, no, Director, that’s not what I meant!”

Laughter rippled through the group at his antics.

Lin Xi laughed too, though she felt a hidden pang of sadness, and turned to nestle into Lu Yuxiu’s arms.

The greatest comfort for Lin Xi was that Lu Yuxiu would continue with her, seamlessly joining the cast of “Polaris.”

“Director, I’ll really miss you.” Lin Xi stood before Lu Jin, truly reluctant to part with him. Her first project upon returning home had met such a responsible director; she considered herself lucky.

Lu Jin was momentarily stunned before laughing heartily. “Why miss me? If you marry into our family, we’ll see each other every day!”

“Oh, Director, don’t joke!” Lin Xi blushed, but she spoke earnestly, “Director, let’s work together again sometime!”

Though Director Lu was usually stern, he was the kind of director actors longed for: he knew your talent and limits, and helped you bring out your best.

That was why he’d remained evergreen in the industry for so many years.

“Of course! There’ll be plenty of chances!” Lu Jin patted her shoulder. His son had truly found a wonderful daughter-in-law!

“Kids, happy wrap today—see you again in the world!” Lu Jin swept his gaze over everyone, saluting with a fist.

“Thank you, Director Lu!” “May our ratings soar!” “Happy wrap!”

Everyone chimed in, and soon it was time to part. Lin Xi and Wen Jin’s eyes secretly reddened.

They gathered for plenty of group photos.

Lin Xi picked a favorite and posted it on Weibo, captioned: “Happy wrap.”

Many supporting actors who had already finished filming left comments, and fans did as well.

@MumuIsHere: Congratulations, darling, happy wrap [love you so much]—can’t wait for Wushuang to appear!

@SnackLoverE: Happy wrap! Xi Xi, rest well and hurry to unlock your next character [cheering]

Lu Yuxiu and Wen Jin liked and commented.

Now Lu Yuxiu appeared on every one of Lin Xi’s Weibo posts, and fans were used to it. His devoted followers even gave her a “Xi Xi’s iron fan” badge—what couldn’t he do?

With “Glorious Times” completed, Lin Xi and Lu Yuxiu had three days to rest.

They bid farewell to Lu Jin that day and rushed back to Dragon City’s Splendid Villa District. Home was always more comfortable.

No need to say it—they went straight to Lin Xi’s place. As soon as Lu Yuxiu entered, he headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner, since his little darling had been crying for food since getting out of the car.

She collapsed onto the living room sofa the moment she walked in, and Lu Yuxiu went over with an amused smile, straightening her up and setting a plate of fruit on the table for her. He also found “Big-Eared Tutu” for her on the TV.

Lin Xi enjoyed her boyfriend’s care without reservation. She ate fruit with a little fork, giggling at the antics of “Tutu” on the screen.

With the open kitchen, every sound in the living room could be heard.

While washing the knives, Lu Yuxiu called out to his little darling, “What do you want for dinner, baby?”

“Hmm…” Lin Xi thought for a moment. “Steak—I think there are a few pieces left in the fridge.”

“Alright, I’ll cook it for you.” Lu Yuxiu agreed without hesitation.

Lin Xi was delighted, her smile unconcealed. She gave him a thumbs-up, her gaze full of praise. “You’re so capable, extra points!”

Soon, the two were eating steak. Since it was just the two of them at home, there was no need for formality—they sat around the coffee table in the living room.

They ate and watched TV, with Lu Yuxiu thoughtfully cutting her steak into small pieces.

They chatted, the atmosphere light and happy.

Suddenly, Lin Xi’s phone vibrated. She had no qualms, switching to speaker and setting it beside her plate, while Lu Yuxiu lowered the TV volume.

“Xi Xi, happy wrap!” Zhou Xin’s cheerful voice came through.

Lin Xi replied with a smile, “Thank you, Sister Zhou~”

“Did Mia tell you about the arrangements ahead?” she asked.

Lin Xi shook her head, her confusion making Lu Yuxiu reach over to pat her head. “No, she just said I’d join the new cast in three days, and it’s still in Dragon City, so I won’t have to travel.”

“Right. I just got some news—I’m not sure if it’s good or bad for you,” Zhou Xin teased.

“Oh, just tell me, Sister Zhou!” Lin Xi pouted.

“Haha.” Zhou Xin relented. “Since ‘Polaris’ is about e-sports, Director Yan Mei has partnered with the official King of Glory team. Soon there’ll be a KPL All-Star match, and you and God Xiu will join the live broadcast, teaming up with pro players. After the event, filming will continue on site to ensure perfect authenticity to the original novel.”

“Ah!” Lin Xi stared at Lu Yuxiu in shock, who clearly already knew and raised an eyebrow at her.

“So, you’d better start preparing. Your character, Mu Bei Bei, is a game commentator—you’ll need to get familiar with all the game's skills and match points. Director Yan will probably send you videos; watch them when you get a chance.”

Lin Xi nodded blankly, “Okay, got it, Sister Zhou.”

“Good, then rest early. I’ll hang up now,” Zhou Xin instructed her like a child.

“Alright, bye, Sister Zhou.” Lin Xi responded, ending the call.

As soon as the phone hung up, Lin Xi looked at Lu Yuxiu with a face full of grievance.