Chapter 64: Just for This?

It sounded almost unbelievable, but Chu Luoxi instinctively knew this was the answer: “Perhaps at that time, Wang Yanan was already someone’s mistress. Xiaoxue, when you said that, it struck a nerve, so she hated you and wanted you to truly taste what it feels like to be toyed with. Maybe, coincidentally, her patron’s son became interested in a beauty from Emperor Shadow, and everything just fell into place.”

Chu Luoxi had seen much in her previous life, so it was easy for her to guess Wang Yanan’s mindset. Zhu Xueshuang’s words had cast doubt on her and Tang’s so-called ‘true love’! Although Xiaoxue meant no harm, some people, wracked with guilt, simply couldn’t allow others to speak.

“Are you serious? Just that little thing is enough for her to bear such a grudge?” Zhu Xueshuang couldn’t quite wrap her head around it, thinking it all sounded too exaggerated.

“You’ve already encountered something so frightening, and you still think it’s just a joke? Have you ever considered, if you weren’t careful and fell into their hands, what would happen?” Because she had experienced it in her past life, Chu Luoxi understood the cruelty all too well; unconsciously, her expression grew solemn. “Don’t forget, her thoughts are always so twisted. With just a few words, it’s not impossible for her to hate you to the bone.”

“Yes, Xiaoxue, I think it’s very likely too. After that day, I saw her glare at you viciously several times. At first, I thought it was just leftover unhappiness from our quarrel, but thinking back, she must have had ill intentions then!” Liu Yujia agreed, finding Wang Yanan utterly unreasonable.

Zhu Xueshuang fell silent for a moment, showing her decisive and resolute side: “No matter her reasons for targeting me, she’s caused me plenty of trouble, and she’s still watching like a hawk. I won’t let danger remain by my side. I can’t always count on being lucky and having Xiaoxi save me. Later, I’ll show the information to my parents…”

This was no longer something she could solve on her own. Consulting with her parents was best, and it would put everyone’s mind at ease.

“Yes, it’s best you think this way. Actually, Wang Yanan isn’t hard to deal with, especially since everything she has is built on her patron. Looking at the detailed information, that Tang—the father—is a nouveau riche, has some money but no business acumen, and is extremely autocratic. Setting a trap for him would be simple.” Chu Luoxi suggested, feeling deeply that if Wang Yanan lost her patron, she would be nothing.

Of the four roommates, Wang Yanan’s family background was the most ordinary. No one knew where her inexplicable arrogance came from.

Hearing this, Zhu Xueshuang’s eyes brightened, and she smiled gently: “You’re right, I’ll talk to my parents.”

“And me—don’t forget me! Last time at the photography studio, if it hadn’t been for Xiaoxi, I’d have suffered too. Hmph, even if she wasn’t targeting me, she provoked me, and this favor must be repaid.” Liu Yujia was resolute; if the mouse doesn’t show its claws, she’d be taken for a sick cat. The Liu family made their fortune in business—how could they be easy to deal with?

Chu Luoxi gave a gentle laugh: “Anyway, you two handle it as you see fit. I’ll leave the information with you. Tomorrow I’ll join the crew, and I won’t meddle any further.” She’d helped as much as she could, and compared to the Zhu and Liu families, she had little place in the forthcoming action.

“Xiaoxi, thank you again.” Zhu Xueshuang hadn’t expected Chu Luoxi to uncover such detailed information, finally understanding who the ‘enemy’ was. It was much better than spending every day on guard.

“Yes, Xiaoxi, you’re amazing. With this information, if I can’t deal with that Tang, I might as well change my surname.” Liu Yujia clenched the papers in her hands, gritting her teeth. After all, living together in the same dormitory, there was a bond, but Wang Yanan was willing to destroy someone over a trivial matter. How could anyone speak of friendship?

“Heh, it’s all right!” Chu Luoxi laughed, though in her heart she thought the truly impressive one wasn’t her, but Ye Shen. His work was always so flawless, impossible not to admire!

With that, she let the matter go completely, no longer concerned with how the other two would deal with those people. The next morning, Chu Luoxi set out relaxed and ready, arriving at the Film City before eight and heading straight to the crew.

The Imperial Capital Film City operated twenty-four hours a day, rarely quiet. Many shops provided round-the-clock service. Even if there weren’t always visitors, film crews often shot day and night, so early mornings were lively. Eight o’clock wasn’t even considered early.

“Hey, Chu Luoxi, you’re here?” Qiu Xian was surprised to see her reporting in so early. Normally, she would have come yesterday, and even then, not so early today.

“Hehe, yes, Director. You’re not going to complain I’m too early, are you? Aren’t you all preparing to start work?” Summer mornings were always bright, and Chu Luoxi definitely wouldn’t admit she’d fled from the enthusiastic attentions of the Zhu and Liu parents. Since there was nothing pressing, she might as well come straight here.

If she wished, Chu Luoxi could radiate a warmth that made it easy to blend in with others, so even though she’d only met Qiu Xian and the others once, she felt comfortable joking with them to build rapport.

“That’s right, coming so early—aren’t you planning to mooch a couple extra boxed lunches?” Qi Yue chimed in with a bright smile, as if teasing Qiu Xian’s stinginess.

Chu Luoxi was speechless: “In such a big crew, would my couple of boxed lunches even matter?” Surely the daily budget exceeded just those two.

“Pfft!” Qiu Xian burst out laughing and shot a glance at the comedic Qi Yue. “Have Qin Shi come over and show Xiao Chu to her accommodation.”

As Qi Yue nodded and walked off, Qiu Xian turned back, “Qin Shi is the crew’s general manager. If you need anything, just ask him. Hmm? Where’s your assistant?”

After the audition, they’d signed the contract, so he’d seen Ding Ju before. Her absence today was unexpected.

“Hehe, I don’t have an assistant yet. Ding Ju that day just brought me to the audition, purely to help out,” Chu Luoxi answered calmly. “Don’t worry, Director, I’ll take care of myself and never let it affect my work.”

Some actors became helpless without an assistant, but not her. After signing with the company in her previous life, she had over ten years of experience and never let herself become that dependent.

“Oh? Is that so.” Qiu Xian nodded thoughtfully. Was Ding Ju sent by Leng Daji? He thought he’d seen her at Fengjing Entertainment… What kind of game was going on here?

When Qi Yue finally brought Qin Shi over, Qiu Xian introduced them, and Chu Luoxi followed Qin Shi to settle into her accommodation—after that, everything else would be easier.