Chapter 65: The Ways of the World

Qin Shi wore a pair of glasses, giving him a somewhat scholarly appearance. However, perhaps because he’d spent years dealing with people, he had acquired a certain efficiency and smoothness. As for his physique—Chu Luoxi couldn’t help but suspect that the demanding work of a production manager had worn him down, otherwise how could he be so thin and lanky, like a bamboo pole?

The chief production manager was, after all, the caretaker of the entire crew, responsible for everyone’s food, clothing, shelter, and travel. Though he had plenty of subordinates for delegation, he still had to worry about everything, didn’t he?

“Are you playing Consort Rou?” Qin Shi sized up Chu Luoxi as they walked, inwardly marveling. He wouldn’t have guessed this woman was so formidable; with such fierce competition, she still managed to stand out. He’d heard Qi Yue unconsciously praise her more than once.

“Yes, I’ll be counting on you in the days ahead, Brother Qin,” Chu Luoxi replied sweetly, not at all stingy with her flattery. After all, he was the one who held her livelihood in his hands—best not to offend him.

“Heh, not a problem at all.” Qin Shi’s impression of Chu Luoxi instantly improved. He had thought she must have some powerful backing, but she was unexpectedly polite.

He’d seen plenty of arrogant actresses and countless ingratiating newcomers, but he could tell Chu Luoxi’s words were genuine. Anyone would find her easygoing nature likable.

People like them, working behind the scenes, were rarely noticed by most. It was perfectly normal.

“Hey, Chu Luoxi, you’re here this early?” At the entrance to the lodgings, they ran into a “familiar face.”

Yawning unabashedly, Huang Zixue looked utterly unconcerned with his image. Chu Luoxi, sweating, replied, “Is it so strange to be early?” Since when was being late preferable to being early? Why did everyone look so surprised?

“Haha, not strange at all,” Huang Zixue responded awkwardly, inwardly puzzled. Why did he always feel like the junior around Chu Luoxi? Was she really still a student?

Chu Luoxi smiled lightly, her eyes arching. “Are you heading to work already?” Not that it would do much good going too early—the guys’ traditional makeup and costumes took ages to prepare. Judging by the time, he must already be running late. He’d probably shot late into the night yesterday and had a later call today. Otherwise, how could he still be here?

“Exactly. Director Qiu just loves working us to the bone.” Huang Zixue yawned again, his eyes involuntarily watering.

Watching the two interact, Qin Shi couldn’t help but chuckle, drawing their attention. “If the director hears you talking about him behind his back, you’ll have it even worse.”

“Haha, Brother Qin, how about I treat you to a late-night snack tonight?” Huang Zixue suddenly turned fawning, clearly at ease with the crew.

Qin Shi rubbed his chin, a sly smile breaking his scholarly air. “That’s not bad. These days have been so busy—I could use a feast.”

“Hey, Brother Huang, don’t forget me,” Chu Luoxi chimed in, raising her brows and refusing to be outdone. These days, every man was “brother,” every woman “sister,” and as a newcomer, she was the youngest.

“No problem! Since you just joined, I’ll treat you to a good meal,” Huang Zixue declared, patting his chest. His assistant shot him a helpless, faintly disdainful look, and only then did he remember he didn’t have time to chat. He hurriedly excused himself and rushed off.

Chu Luoxi was left speechless. In her previous life, she had indeed worked on a crew with Huang Zixue, but they’d rarely interacted. She hadn’t realized he was so adorably clueless. Perhaps he’d been acting so long his brain cells were used up.

Qin Shi was used to Huang Zixue’s antics, but Chu Luoxi piqued his curiosity. She had the shyness and tact of a newcomer, yet also the practiced savvy of someone long in the business. She knew how to ensure she wasn’t forgotten in front of her seniors, and handled relationships with effortless ease, leaving a very favorable impression.

Tsk tsk, if all newcomers were this capable, what would become of the rest?

“So, where are you from, Luoxi?” Qin Shi asked casually. Though he was inwardly impressed, he couldn’t help but warm to her; even his way of addressing her had changed.

“From CD. I’m now at the Imperial Film Academy, finally on break!” Chu Luoxi replied with a grin, completely ignoring the fact that she knew every nook and cranny of the film city. “You’re far more familiar with the film city than I am, Brother Qin. Tonight, you can’t go easy on us.”

“Of course not. It’s not every day I get to fleece that kid…” Qin Shi didn’t even notice that, at some point, he and Chu Luoxi were chatting away like old friends, with their distance closing considerably.

As for tidying up, there wasn’t much to do. Chu Luoxi mainly needed to get her bearings, just so she’d know where to sleep at night. With everything sorted in a few moments, she headed for the set.

She still hadn’t received Consort Rou’s script. When she’d signed the contract, Director Qiu had said the script needed revisions, so he hadn’t given it to her. Now that things were down to the wire, this had to be settled.

There was also the matter of her makeup and costume, which needed to be finalized today; otherwise, her scenes would be delayed another day. So wasn’t it a good thing she’d arrived early? There was so much to do!

“Oh, Xiao Chu, you’re here already?” Director Qiu spotted her again, greeting her without a second thought.

Chu Luoxi felt awkward—did she really seem like she shouldn’t be here? “Uh, Director, you haven’t given me my script yet. I’m about to go on, but what am I supposed to play?”

“Oh, that!” Qiu Xian slapped his forehead. “Look at my memory! Go find Qi Yue, he has the script. Take a good look and try to get your look settled this afternoon. Filming starts tomorrow. Once everyone’s done in makeup, find the stylist and makeup artist—I’ve already spoken to them.”

“Thank you, Director.” Chu Luoxi let it go, relieved that the director had kept her in mind. Otherwise, she’d have been out of luck.

This was when having an agent or assistant really mattered. With so many people in a crew, a lot had to be handled proactively. If someone helped, it saved a world of trouble. The crew never had the time or resources to serve just one person—unless you were the lead, you couldn’t expect constant special treatment.

She first found Qi Yue and got the script. Following his directions, she went to the makeup and costume room. Peeking in, she saw the place bustling, with many actors getting ready, so she didn’t force her way in.

The lead actors, being famous, had their own makeup artists and didn’t need to squeeze in here. Those who did were tended by the crew’s own makeup artists; extras were another matter. Chu Luoxi wasn’t in a rush. She grabbed a stool, carried it outside, and sat under the eaves to read her script.

Inside, it was crowded and stuffy, and she’d only be in the way. Sitting outside was far more comfortable.