APR 41

The mobile makeup trailer was parked just over a dozen meters away by the roadside, surrounded by a few crew members. After confirming his identity with the staff, Zhong Su was permitted to approach the vehicle.

Stepping onto the footboard, Zhong Su slid the door open with a whoosh. Inside, the makeup artist was already spritzing setting spray on someone seated before the mirror, putting the final touches on their look.

The man in front of the mirror wore a police uniform. The tactical gun sling accentuated the lines of his back muscles, stretching the well-tailored shirt to its limits while tapering perfectly at the waist, subtly exuding an air of provocative allure.

Zhong Su paused mid-step, surprised to find someone already in makeup at this hour.

Hearing the door open, the man first froze, then spotted Zhong Su through the mirror and flashed a smile, greeting him via the reflection, “Hey, how are you?”

Gently pushing the makeup artist’s hand aside, the man stood and walked toward Zhong Su. He had classic mixed-race features—vivid green eyes, finely sculpted brows that were elegant yet masculine, a tall nose bridge, and deep brown hair neatly swept back.

Even Zhong Su, who was utterly disconnected from celebrity culture, recognized him as a frequent face on billboards.

Zhong Su tried to recall the man’s name. He remembered it was something like… Lu something?

“I’m Lu Yizhou, playing the police officer ‘Si Xiaoxing’ in Sailing the Righteous Sea,” Lu Yizhou said, cutting off Zhong Su’s train of thought as he shook his hand. His voice was as smooth as water. “First time meeting. You must be the newcomer Director Jiang mentioned—Zhong Su, right?”

His gaze, tinged with amusement, briefly swept over Zhong Su. His enunciation carried a distinct, offbeat rhythm, clearly marking him as not a native of Yangang. “No wonder Director Jiang was so thrilled. Now that I see you in person, I understand—he really has found a rare ‘treasure.'”

He introduced himself simply as “I’m Lu Yizhou,” without any additional explanation, as if certain that no one could possibly not know him.

A noticeable, sweet-liquor-like scent of men’s cologne clung to him. Zhong Su felt the hand he shook was warm, slender, and completely free of calluses—the hands of someone accustomed to a life of ease.

In contrast to Lu Yizhou’s warmth, Zhong Su’s response was notably cool. He released the hand after a brief grip. “I might have surprised you, but I don’t like being called ‘treasure.’ You’d better save that term for others who don’t mind it. I’ll pass.”

“Ahaha,” Lu Yizhou laughed, as if Zhong Su’s bluntness had tickled some strange funny bone. His bright green eyes crinkled, pupils narrowing slightly like a cat’s, brimming with mischief. “Zhong, your way of speaking is so amusing—it’s just like characters from those classic old films.”

As he spoke, he noticed a corner of Zhong Su’s collar was folded awkwardly and sticking up. Pointing to his own corresponding shoulder, he said, “Your collar is folded up there.”

Zhong Su instinctively reached up and smoothed it down.

Lu Yizhou blinked, then suddenly reached out and lightly pinched Zhong Su’s earlobe. “You’re really sexy.”

His fingertip brushed provocatively and covertly over the earring as he added, “It’s a shame I’m not too fond of your earring, though—deciding your own pain and body adornment without regard for others… doesn’t that sound rather sly?”

The warm touch on his ear made Zhong Su stiffen all over, and he immediately swatted the other’s hand away. “Take your hand back. Who said you could touch me?”

Lu Yizhou didn’t seem embarrassed at all, withdrawing his hand as naturally as if he’d merely been scratched by a cat. Instead, he remarked with keen interest, “Zhong, your appearance and personality make for a surprisingly stark contrast.”

“It seems winning you over won’t be easy, but don’t dislike me too much—I’d be heartbroken. Besides, we’ll be working together as acting partners for the next several months.”

The corners of his eyes curved slightly as he leaned forward with a smiling expression. “So let’s get along well. I’m really looking forward to our scenes together.”

Zhong Su sensed a performative exaggeration and falseness in Lu Yizhou’s demeanor. He turned his head toward the mirror, about to say he needed to start his makeup to end the conversation.

Just then, a clamor of voices arose outside the vehicle. Among them, an exaggerated female voice shrilled in a comforting tone, “Kevin, don’t mind Director Jiang scolding you for being late. No matter what, this opportunity is hard-won. You must make the most of it.”

A furious young male voice retorted, “Lin Jie, could you please stop? I’m already annoyed enough as it is!”

Bang.

The car door was suddenly yanked open from outside, and several people crowded in, escorting a male celebrity into the makeup trailer.

At first glance, the male star resembled a sunny, cheerful boy-next-door. Though his features were far from stunning, he was somewhat handsome by ordinary standards.

The only flaw was the numerous acne scars on his face, concealed under a thick layer of greasy white powder. His complexion appeared pale and oily, and combined with his rather sharp facial contours, he exuded an indescribably awkward demeanor.

Zhou Kaiwen, who had been wearing a sour expression, visibly brightened upon seeing Lu Yizhou. “Senior Lu, what a coincidence! I didn’t expect you to be here for makeup too.”

He moved closer to Lu Yizhou, attempting familiarity. “That acting technique you taught me last time was really effective. I have so many more questions about acting and even took detailed notes.”

Lu Yizhou maintained a spring-breeze-like smile but avoided the other’s approaching arm. “I’m glad it helped. If the film wraps up smoothly, it’ll be easier for me as the other lead too.”

“I’ve finished my makeup, so I’ll head out now.”

Before leaving, he deliberately patted Zhong Su’s shoulder, his voice soft and slow, sweet as if coated in tempting frosting. “Zhong, it was a pleasure meeting you. I’ll see you on set later.”

Zhong Su disliked Lu Yizhou’s two-faced nature. Staring at Lu Yizhou’s retreating figure, he frowned inwardly: Damn foreigner.

Nearby, Zhou Kaiwen’s expression darkened instantly upon seeing Lu Yizhou smile at an unfamiliar minor actor and display such affectionate concern.

Though Zhou Kaiwen marketed himself as a sunny, boyish pretty-boy, his pettiness surpassed a needle’s point. He couldn’t stand others stealing the spotlight.

“Hey, you extra,” Zhou Kaiwen immediately crossed his arms and sneered sharply at Zhong Su. “What are you still doing here? Get out quickly.”

“Go on, are you deaf? Didn’t you hear me say I need makeup?”

Zhong Su was already irritated by Lu Yizhou’s inappropriate behavior. He shot him a glance and said coldly, “I don’t care who you are. Don’t you understand the rule of first come, first served? You arrived late. Who’s disturbing whom is still up for debate.”

After speaking, he pulled out the chair and sat down, letting the makeup artist begin working on him.

“What—?” Zhou Kaiwen’s face turned beet red. He never expected an unknown newcomer to dare talk back to him like that.

His agent quickly held him back, repeatedly urging him to focus on getting his makeup done first.

Zhong Su paid no attention to the chaotic argument from Zhou Kaiwen’s side. His makeup and styling were simple, so he finished quickly and left.

It wasn’t until all the actors had their makeup done that they were arranged to wait by the set.

The crew was bustling with final preparations before filming. Jiang Xun, carrying a megaphone, was shouting instructions across the set.

“Xiao Lao Dao, I have a question for you,” Zhong Su said casually, leaning against the car. He had changed into the black suit prepared by the crew, with earrings in both ears and a sharp, aloof demeanor—the very image of a gangster enforcer.

He glanced at Lu Yizhou and Zhou Kaiwen standing about ten meters away and asked, “What’s the deal with those two? I still don’t know the rest of the cast for this film.”

“Which two?” Xiao Lao Dao craned his neck to look, then slapped his forehead. “Oh! I forgot you don’t follow celebrities. That’s the male lead and supporting male lead from Sailing the Righteous Sea.”

He pointed at Zhou Kaiwen and said, “That effeminate one is Zhou Kaiwen, a high-maintenance pretty boy with no talent. I heard from my uncle that he was forced into the crew as the male lead through some investor’s connections. He started causing trouble even before joining the set, my uncle is already sick of him.”

“As for that foreign devil, hmph,” at this point, Xiao Lao Dao curled his lip in disdain, “he won last year’s Starlight Award. His acting is passable, but nothing special. He rose to fame mostly through hype.”

Zhong Su found Xiao Lao Dao’s indignant expression amusing. “What did that foreign devil do to offend you? You sound so resentful.”

Xiao Lao Dao pouted exaggeratedly and insisted stubbornly, “No reason. I just don’t like him. He looks like the type who puts on airs. I have no idea what my ex-girlfriend saw in him, she kept dragging me around to take photos of him. Am I the only one who finds him unpleasant?”

In some ways, Xiao Lao Dao’s intuition about people was quite accurate.