Chapter 87: The Most Anticipated Drama Series

After Lin Tianyou left, the crew resumed their busy work, with Lu Yuxiu and Lin Xi retaking their scenes. As evening approached, they finally achieved the quality standard Director Yan demanded, making the afternoon's efforts worthwhile.

At dusk, as filming wrapped up, Yan Mei decided to treat everyone to a late-night feast in celebration of the afternoon's successful shoot, ordering heaps of spicy crayfish and lamb skewers. Since it was already late, everyone simply stayed with the crew for the night, indulging in good food together.

The actors gathered around the round table on set, which, in the film, served as the dining spot for the T&K Club members. Between bites, laughter and chatter filled the air; though the shoot had lasted barely twenty days, the camaraderie among the crew had forged deep bonds of friendship.

Lin Xi sat between Lu Yuxiu and Shu Yunyi. As usual, Lu Yuxiu was peeling shrimp for her, piling her little bowl with shells.

Lin Xi had been quietly observing Shu Yunyi these past few days, wondering if she had misread things. Yunyi was gentle and adorable in group settings, always smiling warmly at everyone. Lin Xi hoped that her worries were unfounded; such a lovely girl should never suffer from depression.

Lin Xi chatted with Yunyi, her long, glossy black hair cascading like a silk ribbon.

"Yunyi, where's little Yiran?" Lin Xi gently stroked Yunyi's hair, soft and delicate.

Yunyi smiled, handing Lin Xi a few lamb skewers. "He has school, you know."

"Right," Lin Xi grinned. Kids had to attend school; they couldn’t hang around the set every day.

"But little Yiran is so sweet and considerate," Lin Xi reminisced about the boy's concern for his sister—a tiny person, yet so thoughtful, and he was the one to notice Yunyi might be unwell...

Shu Yunyi felt a pang of sadness at Lin Xi's words, though she kept her face composed, betraying nothing.

Suddenly, the shrill ring of a phone broke the moment. For some reason, Lin Xi always seemed to receive Zhou Xin's calls during meals.

Lu Yuxiu answered for her, putting the phone on speaker.

"Xi, have you finished for the day?" Zhou Xin's voice came through.

"Yes, Zhou, we just wrapped up. We're all enjoying some late-night snacks," Lin Xi replied.

Hearing the lively background noise, Zhou Xin asked, "Is God Lu with you? I've got some good news for you both."

"He's here," Lin Xi replied eagerly. "What’s the good news?"

"Director Lu told me that your drama, 'Prosperous Winds,' has been awarded the Most Anticipated Drama prize at the Green Tree Awards. The ceremony is tomorrow night—you’ll need to attend and accept the award," Zhou Xin said, her voice tinged with delight.

"Wow!" Lin Xi's eyes lit up, her smile broadening as she tugged on Lu Yuxiu's sleeve. "Our show hasn’t even aired yet, and we’ve already won!"

Lu Yuxiu's lips curled in a subtle smile, the amusement deepening in his dark eyes.

"Yes, Director Lu said it’s his first time winning this award. I just spoke with Director Yan, and she said you can take leave to attend, Xi. But God Lu has to reshoot some scenes, so he might not be able to make it," Zhou Xin explained.

"Huh? So only Director Lu and I can go?" Lin Xi looked disappointed, casting a plaintive glance at Lu Yuxiu.

Lu Yuxiu, amused, played with her hand and then delivered even worse news: "My parents are traveling abroad—they probably won’t make it back in time."

"What?" Lin Xi froze. Would she have to attend the awards ceremony alone? She’d barely been in the industry, knew hardly anyone... How awkward!

"Zhou, please, no—help!" Lin Xi’s face wrinkled in distress.

Zhou Xin burst out laughing. "Haha, Xi, you think I’d abandon you? Don’t worry, I didn’t schedule anything for Gu Yao tomorrow. He’ll accompany you—he sang the theme song, so it’s perfectly justified."

Lin Xi laughed, clapping in delight. "Perfect! Let Fourth Brother go with me—Zhou, you’re brilliant!"

"Just focus on looking beautiful tomorrow night," Zhou Xin said, showing no mercy when it came to Gu Yao. After all, the boss had ordered that everything revolve around Lin Xi—it wasn’t her fault.

After hanging up, Lin Xi continued to gloat, leaning against Lu Yuxiu and laughing until her stomach hurt.

She couldn’t stop grinning, teasing Lu Yuxiu, "I wish I could see Fourth Brother’s reaction to this news!"

Lu Yuxiu, unconcerned about his friend’s feelings, agreed, "It’ll be hilarious."

They burst into laughter together.

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Gu Yao only learned of the matter the next day. In the car, as his assistant Mo Ke recited his schedule, he had planned to spend the evening pestering Wen Jin, but suddenly this awards ceremony popped up, nearly making him leap from the vehicle.

"Zhou! How could you do this? You’re no longer the considerate Zhou I knew!" Gu Yao growled into the phone, his face black as the bottom of a pot.

Zhou Xin ignored him. "It’s not my fault—the boss approved it!"

"I knew it! Hmph!" Gu Yao hung up, fuming. He truly was just a tool—both his brother and sister set him up!

Mo Ke, risking Gu Yao’s wrath, nervously reminded him, "Yao, we’re running late. We still need to change outfits and pick up Miss Lin."

Gu Yao, nearly grinding his teeth to dust, glared at him but had no choice. Deflated, he muttered, "Let’s go..."

He must have owed the lot of them in a past life.

Gu Yao picked up Lin Xi at Jinghong Garden, and together they headed to the ceremony.

When Lin Xi got in the car, Gu Yao’s face was still dour. Sitting beside him, she couldn’t help but snicker.

"Brat!" Gu Yao tapped her forehead with his finger.

Lin Xi dodged, covering her face and pleading, "Hey, Fourth Brother, I’m sorry! Don’t mess up my makeup!"

"Admit your mistake!" Gu Yao, hearing her beg, felt a surge of triumph—such opportunities were rare!

Lin Xi dropped her arms and gazed lovingly at her brother.

Gu Yao turned, meeting her eyes sparkling like a galaxy. But within them, he caught a faint, threatening question, sending a chill through him.

"We’re almost there!" Gu Yao quickly shifted her attention to the window. The last time he’d seen that look, their father had scolded him mercilessly. He didn’t want a repeat.

Lin Xi pouted, generously deciding not to argue.

Miya, nearby, watched their banter, amused.

Just then, they arrived. Lin Xi looked out—the long red carpet led to the venue’s entrance.

They waited in the car for staff to signal them to walk the carpet.

"I’m wearing heels—don’t let me fall!" Lin Xi was notoriously bad at walking in heels, something her brothers all knew.

Gu Yao looked at her helplessly. "You won’t. How little faith do you have in your fourth brother? Am I that unreliable?"

"Hmm… You’re still under review," Lin Xi said, pursing her lips.

"Please proceed to the red carpet!" came the staff’s call from outside.

"Let’s go." Gu Yao got out first, then courteously helped Lin Xi from the right side, and together they stepped onto the carpet.

Lin Xi stood tall in a custom black strapless gown—her clear, bright eyes, graceful brows, flawless skin tinged with a delicate blush, lips soft as rose petals, and slender shoulder and neck line, her hair styled in vintage curls, all accentuated her elegance and poise, exuding a fresh, tranquil charm.

She walked arm in arm with Gu Yao.

Gu Yao wore a black suit, his features sharply defined like a sculpture. His alluring eyes brimmed with emotion, inviting one to lose themselves, while his expression held a hint of pride and aloofness. His left hand rested casually in his pocket, his demeanor effortless yet noble, making him a picture of unmatched beauty.

In the center of the red carpet, they were bathed in the flash of cameras.

"Lin Xi, Gu Yao, over here!" "Look down here!"

Meanwhile, Weibo updated live: Gu Yao and Lin Xi appeared together at the Green Tree Awards, both stunningly attractive—the sibling duo stole the show!

Fans erupted at their unexpected joint appearance:

—Absolutely flawless! True aristocratic siblings, showcasing the grandeur of their family!
—Ahhh, Xi Xi is so gorgeous! I can only describe them as radiant as roses, utterly captivating. The aura these two possess is unmatched! Can’t wait for the upcoming drama and for Ruan Wushuang!
—Popularity and talent combined, beauty and physique both outstanding. Please support our Xi Xi’s drama "Prosperous Winds" and our Gu Yao’s new song "Unparalleled." You won’t regret investing!

After the media finished photographing, the host approached for a brief interview.

"Welcome, Gu Yao and Lin Xi, to our red carpet. What surprises have you brought for everyone?" The host handed the mic to Gu Yao.

Gu Yao first held the mic to his sister. Lin Xi spoke to everyone, "Today we bring our upcoming drama, 'Prosperous Winds.' Please support us!"

Once Lin Xi finished, Gu Yao took back the mic. "My new song, the theme for 'Prosperous Winds'—'Unparalleled.' Please look forward to it."

"Thank you! Please proceed to the venue," the host gestured.

Gu Yao offered his arm to Lin Xi, walking slowly to match her pace. Only once they were seated did Lin Xi’s feet feel at ease.

Many dazzling artists and actors already occupied the seats. With the ceremony not yet begun, acquaintances took the chance to exchange greetings.

Gu Yao and Lin Xi’s arrival caused a small stir—many craned their necks to glimpse the legendary little princess of Xingchen.

People whispered below, "The Xingchen princess is truly precious—her first appearance at an industry event, and Gu Yao is accompanying her."

Another chimed in, a bit sour, "She debuted at the peak—others can only envy."

Lin Xi didn’t hear any of this. Bored, she tugged at Gu Yao’s sleeve and asked, "Fourth Brother, how does this ceremony work? Is it just awards, speeches, and then everyone leaves?"

"Pretty much," Gu Yao replied, leaning closer. "Award ceremonies are boring—that’s why I didn’t want to come."

"Do you see anyone you know?" Lin Xi asked.

Gu Yao didn’t blink, his tone cool, "Have you forgotten my reputation in the industry? Bad temper! Who’d dare befriend me?"

Lin Xi laughed, amused by his self-deprecating honesty.

"Are you cold? The air conditioning is strong here," Gu Yao noticed her exposed shoulders and arms.

"A little," Lin Xi rubbed her arms.

"I knew you’d be cold, but you wouldn’t listen when I told you to bring a little blanket!" Gu Yao looked at her with exasperated affection.

"Come on, who walks the red carpet wrapped in a blanket? That would look awful!" Lin Xi frowned, shooting her brother a look.

"Fine, fine, you’re right. I’ll ask Miya to bring the blanket in," Gu Yao relented, indulging his little princess sister as always.