Chapter 19: The True Nature of an Agent

There was no need for doubt—Xiao Jingxuan was indeed her idol. Yet, for Chu Luoxi, her admiration stemmed from professional respect rather than the fervor of a fan. So, even with the opportunity now before her, she felt no desire to interact up close. She was wary, after all, of the tragic sense of disillusionment that often accompanied meeting one’s idol.

Xiao Jingxuan’s innate nobility and commanding presence had always been the favorite attributes of his fans—the ones that drew the loudest cheers. Chu Luoxi herself used to admire and envy these qualities. In the entertainment industry, even fame and status seldom allow an artist to stand tall and act as they wish. Unable to achieve that herself, she naturally admired those who could.

But now, Chu Luoxi found Xiao Jingxuan’s personality particularly vexing. Truly, when one is on the receiving end of such dominance, it’s hard to appreciate it—the only feelings left are helplessness and frustration.

After weighing her options, Chu Luoxi realized she could not defy this master. Resigned, she took out her phone and called Ji Yanjin, successfully driving a second person to distraction.

Just look at this—what tremendous destructive power!

Seeing Chu Luoxi had settled the matter, Xiao Jingxuan’s smile grew even brighter. With impeccable manners, he extended an invitation, “Junior Chu, please— as your senior, it’s only right that I show you hospitality.”

Chu Luoxi was speechless, exasperated. She had already said she wasn’t here to tour, so why was he suddenly displaying this alumni affection? Did the great Xiao Jingxuan even possess such a thing? Could it be that, in her previous life, the world’s media and colleagues had collectively slandered him? Was the legendary master actually easy-going and helpful?

Well, even if she were reborn again, Chu Luoxi doubted she could ever believe that.

Now that she’d informed Ji Yanjin, Chu Luoxi no longer felt rushed. She calmed herself and followed Xiao Jingxuan into the ancient street.

She glanced sideways at him, furrowing her brows, and said as though by chance, “Senior Xiao, I don’t recall us ever meeting.” To be precise, she couldn’t remember when Xiao Jingxuan had gotten to know her. If she’d experienced such a thing, there was no reason she would have forgotten it so completely.

Xiao Jingxuan let out a light laugh, one that teased at the senses, seemingly casual yet intentionally alluring. “Well, now we know each other, don’t we?”

Momentarily dazzled by that world-stopping smile, Chu Luoxi felt, for the first time, the sheer force of Xiao Jingxuan’s presence. Just walking beside him, she sensed a heavy pressure.

A faint, unique fragrance lingered at her nose—not body wash, nor perfume, nor shampoo. What was that scent? Chu Luoxi found it pleasant and soothing. She sighed deeply, realizing she’d likely get no answers from the great master himself. Best to ignore it, lest she trouble herself for nothing.

As if sensing her sigh, Xiao Jingxuan’s brows flickered, amusement lighting his eyes. Those dazzling pupils seemed to hold the Milky Way itself, brilliant as a starry sky.

It wasn’t that he refused to explain, but rather that he couldn’t. Investigating someone privately was improper—even if they hadn’t dug deep, only checked basic information and school files.

Fortunately, Chu Luoxi was composed. After all, she’d been reborn; what could she not accept? Her earlier shock had simply been a matter of surprise.

Wandering through the streets set for a period drama, Chu Luoxi suddenly remembered—this was when Xiao Jingxuan was filming a costume drama, slated to air over the summer. The storyline was considered one of the finer ones in years, with the director’s careful craftsmanship, beautiful visuals, and Xiao Jingxuan’s peerless appearance in historical costumes. When the show aired, it became a sensation, securing countless fans for the great master and firmly establishing him as a top-tier artist.

Still a student, Xiao Jingxuan had made his debut as a freshman—a legendary feat. Though he didn’t release works frequently, each one was solid. He’d even dropped a solo album with astonishing sales, and so, in just a few years, he had risen to the top tier.

Such rapid progress was extraordinary. Xiao Jingxuan was no shooting star who burned bright and faded quickly; every step he took was steady and sure, unmatched by ordinary people.

Thinking of this, Chu Luoxi actually felt a desire to tour the set. A hit show, one destined to become a classic and often replayed—such a chance to glimpse behind the scenes was not to be missed.

With newfound interest, Chu Luoxi followed Xiao Jingxuan into an old-style inn, where a flurry of activity reigned. Though everyone was busy, the chaos was remarkably orderly—clearly, the crew was experienced and skilled.

The surroundings, the decor, even some of the actors evoked a bygone era. Yet among them moved modern staff, creating a subtle sense of time travel. Chu Luoxi couldn’t help but feel a touch of nostalgia; her very cells seemed to breathe in the atmosphere of the set—it had been so long…

Just as her memories brushed against the scene, someone suddenly appeared before her, making her pause, struck by a realization: everyone around Xiao Jingxuan seemed to come and go like shadows, always preferring surprise entrances, just like the master himself.

This person was clearly here for Xiao Jingxuan, hands on hips with an almost shrewish stance—though he was, in fact, a man. “Xiao Jingxuan, where did you run off to again? I turned my back for just a moment and you vanished! Do you know we’re about to start shooting, and you haven’t even done your makeup? You know perfectly well how long it takes for a period costume look, and you’re still not worried? I’m telling you, the makeup artist has been searching for you all morning, even asking me where you are…”

He rattled off a stream of complaints without pausing for breath. Chu Luoxi was quietly impressed—luckily, they’d just entered, and the place was tucked away. Otherwise, such a spectacle would surely attract a crowd.

Xiao Jingxuan listened calmly to his manager’s tirade, clearly used to it.

After venting, the manager turned his gaze and suddenly noticed the beautiful woman beside Xiao Jingxuan. He froze, words unfinished, staring in astonishment at Chu Luoxi, their eyes meeting in mutual surprise.

Chu Luoxi touched her nose awkwardly, offering a sheepish smile. Was her presence really so negligible? How had he only now noticed her?

Yet her smile was only half-formed before she abruptly swallowed the rest, her eyes round and bewildered as she looked at the man before her. Suddenly, she remembered who he was.