Chapter 62: Finally Discovered

Though she watched, Chu Luoxi only lurked and never revealed herself. She had no intention of posting her own information; the time for that was far from now. Rather than seeking attention, she preferred to maintain an air of mystery. The current audience was simply intrigued by novelty; true fans were few and far between. Of course, if anyone leaked her details, she could do nothing to stop it.

In this circle, there were countless examples of dazzling talent that vanished after a single moment of brilliance. The handful of fans she had gathered thanks to "Dragon" and "Cycles of the Moon" might not remain loyal. Real fandom required time to grow.

Still, if she continued to produce works, those who claimed to like her would gradually become genuine fans. So, Chu Luoxi decided to let things develop naturally. Despite the many requests she saw on the forum, she would not take the initiative to reveal anything.

After browsing the posts and feeling a certain satisfaction, Chu Luoxi resumed her idle banter with Bai Yun, her tone languid: "I’m joining the film crew the day after tomorrow. Who knows how long the shoot will last? I’ll take this time to really focus on writing and updating!"

Bai Yun's second novel had only just begun, but signs of success were already emerging. Now, approaching a hundred thousand words, it enjoyed a strong reputation. The regular surges in various metrics left Bai Yun feeling almost unreal, prompting him to constantly seek confirmation from her. The contrast with his first book was so stark, happiness seemed to have arrived too swiftly. He never imagined that simply changing his mode of expression would yield such different results.

"That’s only natural. This time, will the shoot be long?" Bai Yun, unfamiliar with the world of film production, only knew what little Chu Luoxi had mentioned, and that was at a layman’s level.

"I’m not sure yet. I’m not the lead, but the role is important and the scenes are plenty. The exact duration will depend on circumstances," Chu Luoxi replied simply, indicating she truly couldn’t say.

"Alright then. But really, joining a film crew is like going into seclusion. Can’t you bring your laptop?" Bai Yun grumbled. With her gone, who would he chat with? Over the past year, he’d grown used to their daily exchanges, and the sudden prospect of losing contact felt like something would be missing.

"I haven’t hired an agent or assistant yet. Bringing too much stuff into the crew is inconvenient, and with so many people around, it’s hard to find someone trustworthy. Besides, I haven’t even bought a laptop!" Chu Luoxi sent a rolling eyes meme. "I’m as new as it gets; that meager wage barely lifts me out of poverty. Agent and assistant? I can’t afford them yet."

Her family wasn’t poor—her father ran a well-established company—but Chu Luoxi wanted to be self-sufficient. She wasn’t in urgent need of an agent or assistant, so there was no reason to ask her family for money.

Now it was Bai Yun’s turn to roll his eyes, breaking out in a sweat.

The next day, Chu Luoxi didn’t rush into the film crew like an eager newcomer. Instead, she used this gap to settle a few matters. In fact, even if she went early, she’d be idle; there was no need to hurry.

If she had nothing else to do, she wouldn’t mind going early to network, but after the incident with Zhu Xueshuang the night before, she was still uneasy.

Last night, Zhu Xueshuang and Liu Yujia hadn’t returned to their dorm. Their families had quickly sent people, found a highly secure place, and moved them there to await their entry into the "Crystal Romance" crew.

They had spoken by phone, and Zhu Xueshuang had gone to the hospital for a full check-up, only relaxing after confirming she was fine. With some rest, she’d recover completely.

These two friends were in a different situation from Chu Luoxi. At least Chu Luoxi had training; ordinary thugs weren’t her match. She couldn’t shake the feeling that some unseen eyes were watching the other two, and Zhu and Liu urgently needed protection.

After some thought, Chu Luoxi dialed a memorable number. She figured that by now, this person must have begun his professional work.

Some matters required a specialist. Since the other party could solve problems with money, why should she be outdone?

Soon, in a discreet corner of a café, Chu Luoxi met the person she was looking for.

"Here’s the address. I want all information on someone named Tang, including everyone he’s met and his interpersonal relationships." Seeing the familiar face, younger than she remembered, with features so ordinary they would disappear into a crowd, Chu Luoxi couldn’t help but feel a touch of nostalgia. With over ten years of business between them in her previous life, she trusted this man’s character and professional ethics.

He was only a private detective, not some underworld figure. There were certain things best left untouched; once entangled, they could be impossible to escape. But a private detective was different. If you found the right person, you could learn a lot of secrets. The transaction was simple—one side paid, the other did the job, clean and efficient.

Ye Shen glanced at the address written on the note, apparently a bridal photography studio. He took it calmly, slowly folding the slip of paper. In truth, he only needed a single glance to memorize it, but the gesture was for the client’s benefit.

Compared to the task at hand, Ye Shen was more interested in this first-time client. Who had referred him? She had used his more private number; after five years in the business, few knew that number—only friends or long-standing clients. Who was this woman, so striking at first meeting?

Though curious, Ye Shen maintained proper professionalism. He couldn’t damage his own reputation. "When do you want the information?" Most remarkable was that this first-time client seemed to know his methods well; every move was perfectly executed, as if they’d worked together countless times. She never crossed any of his strict boundaries.

Normally, a private detective being so thoroughly understood would feel uneasy, and would avoid such a client, yet he found her company comfortable. So much so that a job he’d hesitated over, he now accepted readily.

"As soon as possible," Chu Luoxi replied with a slight smile, guessing Ye Shen’s thoughts.

In her previous life, she had found this man’s abilities almost terrifying—he was everywhere, and even the most private matters were exposed before him, as if stripped bare. As long as you could afford his fee, you’d get the information you wanted. If his business wasn’t so good, she’d suspect he had another identity and that detective work was just a side job.

Thankfully, he had principles. He wasn’t someone who valued money above all else. Though their relationship had only been transactional, she owed him many favors. So, when trouble arose, he was the first person she thought of.