Chapter 78: Caught in the Act

Ding Ju was quite surprised—Chu Luoxi actually had an online friend she got along with so well. Considering her profession, it was almost unthinkable; generally, those closest to her would either be insiders or at least half-way involved in the industry.

But young people these days practically live on the internet, and Ding Ju was no exception. So when they were in the room with nothing to do, each would amuse themselves separately, occasionally exchanging a few words for entertainment.

Chu Luoxi, however, couldn’t help but wonder why Ding Ju seemed to orbit around her, as if she were a real assistant, even when dealing with her own affairs. She never asked, perhaps thinking Ding Ju was just trying to get familiar with the job and enjoyed it this way.

If Ding Ju knew what Chu Luoxi was thinking, she would probably cough up blood. All this time, she had been worrying, dreading that Chu Luoxi might ask, since Leng Daji had strictly instructed her not to “expose” herself. How would she even explain?

“Did you eat much tonight? Should I go get you some late-night snacks?” Ding Ju lifted her head from her computer, fulfilling her duties and fearing that she might let Chu Luoxi grow thinner and thinner.

Although actresses love keeping a certain figure, Chu Luoxi didn’t need to lose any more weight. This was best, lest she become as frail as a reed that collapses with a gust of wind.

“Hmm? Go ahead and get some, I’m actually hungry. Grab some snacks too if you can,” Chu Luoxi’s eyes lit up; she hadn’t eaten much that evening, and she tossed her wallet to Ding Ju.

“All right, I’ll go now.” Ding Ju hesitated briefly but took Chu Luoxi’s wallet and headed out. Only then did she realize that Leng Daji hadn’t just sent her on an undercover mission, but had also given her funds to use. What was the plan here? Was she supposed to tie Chu Luoxi to the ship of Scenic Entertainment?

Chu Luoxi teased the great Baiyun online for a while, her mood soaring. When she finally calmed down, she was just waiting for Ding Ju to return so she could eat and sleep.

Checking the time, she slipped into the bathroom for a comfortable bath. Emerging wrapped in a towel, she heard the door open and couldn’t suppress her delight: “You’re back! What did you get?”

Without any warning, Chu Luoxi went to greet Ding Ju, only to be stunned for five seconds before recovering. She didn’t scream, panic, or feel embarrassed. She simply blinked calmly, turned around, picked up her clothes, and went back into the bathroom. The entire scene was so quietly normal that it was almost eerie.

In truth, Chu Luoxi was internally raging. Damn it, is this really a girls’ dormitory? Does her roommate have any sense at all? She went out alone and came back with someone else, and most crucially, brought back a man. Seriously, was her luck just that bad? How else would she have met them right after a bath?

“Uh…” Ding Ju hadn’t expected to see Chu Luoxi wrapped only in a towel upon her return. Thankfully, nothing was exposed, or she’d have no idea how to explain.

Chu Luoxi’s composure was shocking—the lack of urgency was enough to make anyone anxious on her behalf. Ding Ju couldn’t help but glance at the other person, thinking to herself: This is a disaster…

As for Xiao Jingxuan, who accidentally witnessed the scene, his eyes flickered for a moment, but he quickly entered the room with his things, sat down with ease, and began to leisurely observe the room as though nothing awkward had happened.

Less than a minute later, Chu Luoxi emerged fully dressed and calmly sat beside Xiao Jingxuan. “Senior Xiao, you’re here!” Seeing him nod, she pulled over the bags, took out the hot food, and prepared to dig in.

Ding Ju was utterly bewildered. Why could these two so seamlessly gloss over what had just happened? Why was the one seen and the one who saw both so steady, as if nothing had happened? Damn it, why was she, the “outsider,” the only one feeling anxious for them?

On TV, these situations always provoke dramatic reactions, but with these two, it simply didn’t apply. Ding Ju silently grumbled, feeling plaintive and realizing she was overthinking. Observing the harmonious atmosphere between them, she felt she really should heed Leng Daji’s advice and make an early exit.

“Eh, aren’t you eating?” Chu Luoxi noticed Ding Ju’s intention to leave and couldn’t help but ask, glancing at the bags filled with food. Did she really eat that much?

With the question, Ding Ju immediately caught Xiao Jingxuan’s gaze. She didn’t quite understand its meaning, but her instincts told her she was too conspicuous. If she didn’t leave, she might be exposed the next second. Her heart trembled, animal instincts kicked in, and she excused herself: “You eat first. Leng Daji needs me for something. I’ll eat later—just save me some!”

With that, she bolted from the room, only regaining her composure after closing the door, exhaling deeply. Truly, Xiao Jingxuan’s “stunning” gaze was overwhelming for mere mortals like her.

But seeing Chu Luoxi’s satisfied expression as she eyed the food, how did Xiao Jingxuan know she would like it? Ding Ju couldn’t figure it out. She’d run into the boss and Leng Daji as soon as she went out, and everything she bought was picked by the boss. She was still baffled!

Chu Luoxi watched Ding Ju’s “retreat” with curiosity, marveling at Leng Daji’s ability to manage people—her little assistant was so proactive.

When the door closed, Chu Luoxi’s gaze landed on Xiao Jingxuan, who sat casually, still emanating an undeniable presence. That innate aura of authority seemed to draw all eyes to him, every moment. “Leng Daji came with you?”

“Yes,” Xiao Jingxuan replied softly, leaning back with his hands resting naturally on the sofa, exuding elegant laziness that was dazzling to behold.

He tilted his head, eyes half-squinted, watching Chu Luoxi enjoy her food with such happiness that it stirred his own appetite. He genuinely wondered—was it really that delicious?

After being stared at for a while, Chu Luoxi began to feel awkward. It really was a bit discordant to eat alone. “Senior Xiao, have you eaten? Would you like some?” She offered a succulent, bright red shrimp with her chopsticks, as if to show her goodwill and that she wasn’t being stingy by eating alone.

So, please stop looking at her like that—it made her seem miserly…

“Hmm…” Xiao Jingxuan gave another of his mysterious catch-all answers, and just as Chu Luoxi was puzzling over what he meant, something happened that nearly made her collapse.

What? Chu Luoxi’s eyes widened in shock. She had only intended to make a gesture, not to actually feed him—yet Xiao Jingxuan ate directly from her chopsticks.

This world truly was full of surprises!