Chapter 111: Such a Favorite
A single shout sent the reporters into a frenzy. The fans were equally impatient, their high-pitched screams growing ever more intense, causing those further back, unaware of the cause, to crane their necks in anticipation.
They did not have to wait long. Almost as soon as his name was called, Xiao Jingxuan emerged from the car. Dressed in a white Tang-style jacket subtly embroidered with fine gold thread, he bathed in the dazzling lights, creating a breathtakingly radiant spectacle.
With his tall, lean physique, handsome and bewitching features, and an aura of profound mystery, the alluring smile that played on his lips sent the onlookers' cheers soaring to the heavens, triggering a deafening, cascading roar of excitement.
Shutters clicked incessantly, and the bright white flashbulbs gilded Xiao Jingxuan in a luminous glow, making him appear all the more dreamlike and enchanting.
After stepping out of the car, Xiao Jingxuan did not immediately pose for the reporters. Instead, he turned back, bowed, and extended his hand in a deeply gentlemanly gesture. This move instantly consumed a significant amount of camera memory and ignited another wave of high-pitched screams.
Soon, the crowd was left dumbfounded. The reporters had expected Xiao Jingxuan’s companion to be at least an A-list star, if not a diva; no one had anticipated seeing such an unfamiliar face. Moreover, this face was certainly not from Fengjing Entertainment—a company whose roster many had studied thoroughly during its recent meteoric rise.
Could she be a newly signed talent?
Chu Luoxi stepped out of the car, gracefully taking Xiao Jingxuan’s hand. Her gaze drifted with a natural, radiant charm.
She wore a long, crimson evening gown that perfectly accentuated her exquisite, delicate curves. The impeccable tailoring made it clear at a glance that it was the work of a master designer, not only highlighting Chu Luoxi’s elegance but also complementing Xiao Jingxuan’s attire so harmoniously that they looked like a divine couple stepped straight out of a painting. The sight left people stunned, filled with envy.
Perhaps to coordinate with Xiao Jingxuan, Chu Luoxi’s gown incorporated many Hanfu elements, giving her overall look a touch of classicism. Combined with the hairstyle Liu Yun had crafted for her—a coiled crown with flowing locks—it seemed simple yet was profoundly elegant. It deepened that classical, gentle grace, lending her an ethereal quality, like an orchid in a secluded valley, fragrant and intoxicating.
Seeing everyone frozen in a daze, Xiao Jingxuan couldn't help but find it amusing. A glimmer of starlight danced in his dark eyes as he spoke in a warm, refined tone: "Don't you want to take any photos? If not, I'm leaving."
As he spoke, he made a gesture as if to walk away, and Chu Luoxi cooperatively linked her arm with his, ready to depart.
Although they knew Xiao Jingxuan was joking, the stunned crowd reacted with a reflexive scramble, frantic to snap photos for fear of missing out on a spectacular moment. The red carpet was long, but it was crowded with peers; each journalist could only gather materials within their limited reach. If they let Xiao Jingxuan pass by, they would be left watching others get the shot.
A handsome man and a beautiful woman—a pair who could hold their own in any photo—missing this chance would be a massive loss.
"Wow, what a classy beauty. Where did Xiao Jingxuan find her? Is she in the industry?" Xiao He, unable to reach the front, could only watch his colleagues ahead with envious eyes, clicking his tongue in wonder.
At this moment, the reporters positioned near Xiao Jingxuan and Chu Luoxi were frustrated. With security strictly maintaining the perimeter, they could only record with their cameras and couldn't conduct any interviews. Otherwise, they would have already spun several versions of a story. Besides, the fans' screams were deafening; even if they tried to shout questions, they wouldn't be heard.
Or rather, even if Xiao Jingxuan heard them, he could simply pretend not to. This was, after all, not the time for formal interviews.
Chu Luoxi was generous and cooperative, posing with Xiao Jingxuan for the cameras. The contrast of red and white, paired with their seamless chemistry, created such a beautiful scene that the reporters and fans behind them were staring with hungry, wolf-like intensity.
"She's an industry insider, definitely!" Wu Bin’s voice trembled with excitement. "I don't know why, but I have a vague sense of familiarity with her, though I can't place where I've seen her. Xiao He, keep shooting, get good shots! I’m going to try for an interview."
With that, Wu Bin took one last look and began to squeeze his way toward the host’s area. If there was one spot on the red carpet where one might squeeze in a question, it was at the end, near the host. At that moment, the previous guest had just arrived and was engaged in a brief interaction.
Unfortunately, Xiao Jingxuan was the main attraction, and countless others were eyeing him as well. Wu Bin had a prime vantage point and had reacted quickly, but it was still a struggle. By the time many others realized who it was, they had to fight tooth and nail to get close.
It was a pity—being a reporter was not just a technical job, it was a test of physical endurance. A lifetime in this business could turn anyone into an expert.
Following custom, after allowing them to shoot for a while, Chu Luoxi linked her arm with Xiao Jingxuan’s and stepped onto the red carpet for the first time in this life. She felt a twinge of melancholy; in her previous life, she had never enjoyed such a smooth path. Her first time attending an awards ceremony back then held no good memories—or rather, she couldn't even remember it. It had passed like a breeze, without leaving a ripple.
Such ceremonies were broadcast live, and naturally, there were many enthusiastic supporters. Seeing so many stars at once was only possible at these major awards shows, allowing fans to satisfy their craving for glamour.
While the reporters didn't know where Chu Luoxi had emerged from, the fans who followed her were incredibly excited.
Although Chu Luoxi hadn't had a new release in half a year, and some curious viewers had drifted away, Xiao Jingxuan’s album and the drama *Dragon Roars Through the Heavens* were still very hot, naturally keeping her in the conversation.
Moreover, since Lan Lun became Chu Luoxi’s agent, he had handled various administrative matters, such as setting up her personal website and releasing a profile, which had helped accumulate a core group of fans. Thus, she was recognized by more than just a few.
"Ah! Our Xixi actually appeared with King Xiao! What is going on?" Someone, in a fit of excitement, immediately posted on Chu Luoxi’s fan forum, instantly drawing attention. Though the forum was still small, it didn't stop those who happened to be online.
"Where? Where? Is it really her?" The forum moderator, 'Hao Xifan', immediately popped up, almost incoherent with excitement. Ever since being captivated by Chu Luoxi’s portrayal of Yun Tianxue, Hao Xifan had considered himself her number-one fan, as evidenced by his changed username.