TSSRWAB Chapter 32

“Where’s my ring?”

 

Lu Xi asked Pete. He had given all his personal belongings to Pete.

 

“My prince, how could I possibly lose the ring for your succession to the throne? I’ve got it stored away, let me find it.” Pete pretended to rummage through his pockets, then remembered the ring was in the car. He grinned sheepishly and said, “It’s worth tens of millions. How could I dare carry something so valuable around with me? I’ve put it in the safe. You can go to work without worry.”

 

Lu Xi: …

 

Just then, the assistant director started calling for people to begin filming. Lu Xi had to give up for now. As he left, he said to Pete, “Keep my imperial jade seal[mfn]玉玺 yùxǐ – traditionally symbolizing the legitimacy and authority of the emperor. Lu Xi is jokingly comparing his precious inheritance ring to it.[/mfn] on me at all times.”

 

“Yes, yes, yes.”

 

That lingering, persistent gaze was exceptionally intense and sticky, making Lu Xi break out in goosebumps. He silently cursed to himself. If this is a ghost, it’s a real lecher. But his older brother said it couldn’t possibly be a ghost.

 

Then it got stuck this time.

 

Xiao Lu is originally afraid of ghosts, but now that the scene was cut, he actually hoped it was a ghost so he could find it and beat it up. Two consecutive takes failed, and Director Yuan started cursing in frustration: “Do you even know how to act? What the hell is this crap you’re performing? Lu Xi, why is your face so wooden? Can you make any expressions?!”

 

The crew on Director Yuan’s set was already used to this style and didn’t pay much attention. Zhao Yu’s agent watched the spectacle with a smile on his face. Pete dropped his playful expression and wanted to step in to apologize to the director on Lu Xi’s behalf, to say something nice. But Lu Xi shot him a glance, and he obediently retreated to his spot, deciding not to get involved.

 

Lu Xi apologized himself.

 

“Don’t apologize to me, it’s useless. Can you do it or not?”

 

“I can.” Lu Xi nodded.

 

This time, the pressing, scorching gaze was gone.

 

After venting his anger, Director Yuan returned to his director’s chair, only to feel a chill run up his spine from the base of his neck to the top of his head. He shuddered involuntarily and turned around, but there was no one there.

 

How strange. Yuan Tang muttered to himself, not daring to think about anything else.

 

But that chill remained. Director Yuan forced himself to focus on the filming. The camera pushed in for a close-up of Lu Xi. This time, his expression flowed, his spirit soared, exuding the arrogance and unruliness of a young prodigy.

 

Good!

 

He really hit the jackpot this time.

 

Yuan Tang appreciated Lu Xi in his heart, but didn’t show it on the surface. He was the type who, once he took a liking to an actor, would set strict and demanding standards, criticize them, push them to improve, and drive them to their limits. Not to mention Lu Xi was a newcomer to acting, a rough gem with talent and potential, who, of course, needed to be polished.

 

So, with a stern expression that gave nothing away, he said, “Let’s do that shot again. Lu Xi, pay attention.”

 

Unlike web series, movies are a different story, especially on Director Yuan’s set, where shooting eight or ten takes of a single shot is quite common. With a substantial budget, Director Yuan isn’t afraid to spend on filming and strives for perfection.

 

When the shot finally wrapped.

 

Pete hurried forward with a coat to put on Lu Xi. Lu Xi wasn’t cold, though, as running back and forth had made him quite warm.

 

“That’s way too demanding. I thought your third take was excellent.” Pete murmured quietly, pouring hot water for Lu Xi to soothe his throat after saying the lines so many times.

 

Lu Xi took a sip and stopped, not wanting the hassle of wearing a robe to the bathroom.

 

Pete had no choice but to put it away.

 

“It’s okay, it’s also a learning experience for me. I think the latter takes were more polished.” He got into character faster.

 

If the third take is the kind where inspiration strikes, then the latter ones were professional requirements. He’d try both.

 

Yuan Tang sat in his chair, replaying the shots several times. “The third take is still the best.”

 

That inexplicable chill radiated from behind him again.

 

Lu Xi’s scenes in the early part of the film are dialogue-driven, but there are action sequences later on. He had used wire work in Little Male Fox, but only for two shots. Applying that experience here clearly wouldn’t work, so after finishing his scenes, Lu Xi couldn’t go back to rest. Instead, he found an open space to practice with the martial arts coordinator.

 

Fortunately, Director Yuan focuses on capturing the sheer beauty and romance of the shots rather than going for a brutal, hand-to-hand combat style; otherwise, Xiao Lu would have been dead.

 

The first day wrapped up after nine at night.

 

When the van stopped, Lu Xi got on, his legs and arms aching. He had years of dance experience, and although he had a two-year hiatus, the foundation was there. A hot bath at home would mostly fix it. But he was just too tired and dozed off with his eyes closed. The car door closed, and a gust of cold air rushed in.

 

The dazed Xiao Lu stubbornly struggled to his feet.

 

“The ring. Give me the ring.”

 

Pete: …

 

Now he was starting to believe it was a symbol of royal succession. He was so tired and exhausted, yet he was still looking for the ring. Pete might have been grumbling to himself, but he still felt bad for Lu Xi. He’s been running around all day, so he quickly found it and said, “Here you go, Little Prince.”

 

Lu Xi’s eyes were just slits. Like a blind man, he felt the ring with his fingers and slipped it on with his eyes closed.

 

The last thought before falling asleep.

 

If that pervert dares show his face again, there’s only one word for him: Screw him![mfn]淦 (gàn): Originally a variant of the character 干 (gàn), meaning ‘to do’ or ‘to fuck’ in vulgar slang. It became popular internet slang as a euphemistic or humorous way to express strong frustration, anger, or annoyance, similar to “damn it,” “fuck,” or “screw this.”[/mfn]

 

The hotel is a half-hour drive from the film set, assuming there’s no traffic.

 

Director Yuan’s crew has money, so the hotel wasn’t bad, and everyone is staying at a four-star hotel. However, Lu Xi’s room wasn’t in the best location. It faced away from the sun and was a bit gloomy. Pete had asked the front desk, but all the south-facing rooms were full. When he checked with the production coordinator, he was told, ‘The south side is occupied by so-and-so, so-and-so,’ implying that Lu Xi wasn’t big enough to warrant one. If he wanted to change rooms, he should go find someone else to do it.

 

Pete did all this behind Lu Xi’s back. It’s the job of a manager and assistant to make sure the artist can focus on their work and get a good rest when they return home. Lu Xi didn’t know about any of this, and even if he had, he would have said it wasn’t necessary. After all, by the time he finished work, it was already nighttime, and he would only see the room. Whether the room faced south or north, he wouldn’t see the sun anyway.

 

It was chilly as soon as he walked in.

 

Lu Xi looked wide awake, his sleepy eyelids straining to keep his eyes wide open.

 

Oh, no lecher in sight. His eyelids drooped again. He changed into slippers and planned to sleep.

 

“Is the room heater broken?” Pete felt the cold, noticed the AC was off, and, without complaining, turned the heater on first. Seeing Lu Xi so tired that he’d fallen asleep in his clothes on the sofa, he quickly said, “I’ll run your bath. Do you want to eat something?”

 

“Ugh, I don’t want to eat. I want to sleep.” Lu Xi said groggily.

 

Pete: “You have to eat something. Just a little something. You used up a lot of energy today.”

 

He ran the hot water, turned up the temperature, and ordered congee and xiaolongbao[mfn]小笼包 (xiǎolóngbāo): A type of Chinese steamed bun or dumpling, traditionally filled with pork and a rich broth that turns into soup when cooked. They are known for their thin skin and the ‘soup’ inside.[/mfn] from the hotel.

 

“Young master, time for a bath.”

 

Lu Xi: Zzz (。-ω-)

 

“Little prince, it’s time for your bath.”

 

Lu Xi: “Huh? Help Your Highness up.”

 

Pete: … You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you!

 

The hot bath was incredibly soothing. The soreness in his limbs eased. Lu Xi felt a pleasant tingling in his scalp, became slightly more alert, and less sleepy. After his bath, he put on a robe. The room temperature had risen, and the scent of food wafted through the air.

 

“Pete!!!!”

 

Pete’s hand, which was holding the bowl and chopsticks, jerked so suddenly that he nearly knocked them over. Annoyed, he said, “What’s all the shouting about?”

 

“I’m going to give you a raise!”

 

Pete: “…”

 

He broke into a chrysanthemum-like smile[mfn]菊花笑容 (chrysanthemum smile): A humorous visual description in Chinese internet slang. ‘Chrysanthemum’ is a euphemism for the anus (especially on danmei/BL novels), so a ‘chrysanthemum-like smile’ jokingly implies a wide, beaming, or perhaps slightly unsettling smile, often used to describe a shameless or sycophantic grin.[/mfn] and said warmly, “Your Highness, dinner is served.”

 

The two joked around, which cheered Lu Xi up. While eating, he told Pete to go back and rest early. While he filmed, Pete waited. When he finished, Pete served tea, brought water, fetched his boxed meal, and ran around taking care of things. He was tired too.

 

And tomorrow would be another day.

 

“Alright then, I’m going to sleep. What do you want to eat tomorrow?”

 

“I want steamed buns with red bean paste filling,” Lu Xi said.

 

Pete nodded in acknowledgment. “Okay. Call me if you need anything.”

 

Feeling sleepy and drowsy after eating, Lu Xi forced himself to brush his teeth. It was past ten. He asked Dahl how the twins were doing, learned they were both asleep, and Dahl even sent a short video.

 

The two little ones slept soundly with rosy cheeks. Lu Xi felt relieved and closed his eyes.

 

Perhaps it was because he had some congee, but just a few hours after going to bed, Lu Xi felt the urge to use the restroom. Still half-asleep, he made his way to the bathroom. On his way back, his gaze happened to fall on a corner of the room, and he jumped in fright, his hair standing on end.

 

There was a dark, shadowy figure on the chair by the window!!!

 

Xiao Lu’s legs went weak.

 

Ge!!!

 

You said there were no ghosts!

 

XiXi is scared.

 

Then, his legs gave way and he collapsed into the blankets. Xiao Lu wrapped himself up tightly in the covers, leaving not a single gap for the breeze to slip through, for fear that a ghost might slip in. The image he had conjured up made him wide awake and full of energy, so he pretended not to see it.

 

It can’t see me.

 

Ah no, it doesn’t know I can see it. So I have to pretend I can’t see it.

 

Lu Xi was muttering to himself when his acting instincts kicked in. He pretended to be incredibly sleepy, rolled over, and pulled out his phone as if to play with it. Then, as a chill crept over him, he tucked the phone under the covers and prepared to send a message to his older brother.

 

No, that won’t do. He asked Pete if he knew any ghost hunters.

 

[Pete, come quick, my room has a ghost.]

 

[Hurry, if you’re one step too late, you won’t have a boss anymore.]

 

After sending the messages, the blanket felt too stifling. Lu Xi poked his black, fuzzy head out to test the air.

 

Good, no chill on his scalp, and it was warm. So he pulled the blanket down.

 

A pair of eyes appeared, meeting another pair directly.

 

Lu Xi: … He was completely dumbfounded.

 

Fortunately, he froze and didn’t scream.

 

The other figure straightened up. Lu Xi pretended to yawn and casually glanced over. He wanted to see what this lecherous ghost looked like.

 

And then-

 

!!!!

 

Am I still asleep?!

 

Am I dreaming?!

 

Why does this ghost look exactly like Xie Zhuhan?

 

Lu Xi looked away, his mind a jumbled mess.

 

He pinched himself under the covers. It hurt. Poor Xiao Lu. It couldn’t be a dream.

 

That means there are two possibilities.

 

The ghost bears a resemblance to Xie Zhuhan, but Xie Zhuhan isn’t exactly an ordinary-looking person, so that theory is out. As for the rest-

 

Is Xie Zhuhan dead?

 

Lu Xi: …

 

For a moment, he didn’t know what to think. Although still, his first love being dead is a little… too much.

 

Xiao Lu isn’t that kind of mean-spirited ex.

 

A faint snicker came from under the covers.

 

By the bedside, Xie Zhuhan frowned slightly. The young man had worked hard all day, yet instead of sleeping, he was hiding under the covers playing with his phone. Still so childish. And now he was laughing under there. Did he see something funny?

 

The doorbell rang.

 

It’s an urgent matter.

 

Lu Xi thought of Pete and sprang out of bed. Realizing it was Xie Zhuhan, the timid, ghost-fearing Xiao Lu Xi vanished. He turned on all the lights and glanced at the figure as he went to open the door.

 

It really was Xie Zhuhan.

 

“Boss Xi, are you okay? Please open the door quickly! Are you sure you’re not gone already?”

 

“It’s cooling down too fast, isn’t it?”

 

Lu Xi: …

 

He opened the door and spoke before Pete could say a word. “Nothing’s wrong at all. Xiao Lu is not cold. Xiao Lu just had a nightmare. Sorry for disturbing you. Go back to sleep quickly. I’ll buy you milk tea tomorrow. Now turn around and go back to bed.”

 

Pete swallowed the words that were stuck in his throat, cursed silently to himself, and went back to bed in a huff.

 

Lu Xi closed the door and acted as if no one was in the room. He got into bed, turned off the light, wrapped himself in the blanket, and closed his eyes to sleep.

 

His older brother said that evil spirits wouldn’t dare come near him.

 

Xie Zhuhan isn’t dead, nor is he a ghost. Lu Xi knows that. So-

 

Let’s see what it is.

 

Seeing that the young man had fallen back asleep, Xie Zhuhan wondered if he had been startled awake by a nightmare just a moment ago.

 

The edge of the bed dipped slightly.

 

Lu Xi: …That bastard is still sitting on the edge of his bed!

 

“Go to sleep, I’m here with you, don’t be afraid.”

 

Lu Xi: … Well, thank you very much.

 

Out of sight, out of mind.[mfn]眼不见，心不烦  yǎn bù jiàn, xīn bù fán – what the eye doesn’t see, the heart doesn’t grieve over[/mfn]

 

So he fell asleep quickly.

 

The next day, Pete bought red bean buns, sporting dark circles under his eyes. Lu Xi felt a bit embarrassed. It was all Xie Zhuhan’s fault!!!

 

He munched on the red bean paste buns with relish. On the way, he had a video call with Doubao and Dougao, who were also eating breakfast.

 

“Daddy, we’re eating steamed buns too! Uncle Dahl made little steamed buns.” Doubao held up a bun.

 

The xiaolongbao were filled with shrimp. Lu Xi envied them, holding up his big steamed buns. “Daddy has a big steamed bun, so it’s like the three of us are having breakfast together today.”

 

“Wow! I’m so happy.”

 

Dougao also held up his little steamed bun.

 

Lu Xi was overcome by the cuteness.

 

He had breakfast in the car, and a wonderful day began.

 

Xie Zhuhan didn’t follow. Lu Xi pretended the man didn’t exist. After finishing his makeup and styling, he started filming. When lunchtime came and he opened his boxed meal, he suddenly saw Doubao and Dougao right beside him. Lu Xi nearly gave himself away completely.

 

“Daddy is eating.”

 

“Eating a chicken drumstick.” Doubao nodded his head.

 

Dougao said, “We’ll eat chicken drumsticks when we get back.”

 

Having achieved the goal of eating with his Daddy, Doubao became happy, turned around, and ran into his Big Daddy’s arms, calling out, “Big Daddy!”

 

Xiao Lu, who was munching on a chicken drumstick while eavesdropping, nodded at first. Eating well is good for your health. Then he heard ‘Big Daddy’ and thought, Huh?!!! Xie Zhuhan had gone behind his back to win them over! And Big Daddy?

 

Big what Daddy!

 

Why is it Big?!

 

Hey!

 

Xiao Lu angrily took a huge bite of his chicken drumstick. He’s going to kill Xie Zhuhan!

 

Playing “Daddy Can’t See Us” with those two little rascals has its perks: it lets him know how they’re doing. Doubao and Dougao squatted next to their Daddy. Doubao hasn’t stopped talking for a second, recounting every little detail about what happened at kindergarten today and what they had for lunch, down to the smallest detail.

 

Xie Zhuhan may not be much as a human, but he’s still somewhat useful as a ghost, Lu Xi thought.

 

He felt no qualms about using Xie Zhuhan as a tool to see the two buns.

 

He’s called “Big Daddy” for a reason!

 

The two stayed for ten minutes before Xie Zhuhan took them away. Lu Xi finished eating and was drinking water when he noticed Xie Zhuhan was back, standing right there watching him.

 

Lu Xi: …

 

Doesn’t Xie Zhuhan have anything else to do?

 

Has his family’s business gone bankrupt?

 

After the break, filming resumed. The makeup artist also did touch-ups.

 

Today, he has a scene with Zhao Yu. Zhao Yu’s character, Young Master Yu, was the same age as Wuji. Both were hailed as child prodigies, both composing poetry and practicing swordsmanship, yet he was always one step below Wuji.

 

During a sword and poetry contest, Young Master Yu declared that if he lost to Wuji, he would willingly submit to Wuji’s command; conversely, if he won, Wuji would have to write a letter of submission to him.

 

And so, he went from being “Young Master Yu” to “Xiao Yu,” Wuji’s personal attendant.

 

This plot was exactly why Zhao Yu’s agent’s face had soured when he learned Lu Xi would play Wuji.

 

It’s practically a mirror image of reality. The agent suspects that Director Yuan must have known something when he chose Zhao Yu to play the supporting role to Lu Xi.

 

The action scenes will be later. Today’s filming involves Young Master Yu, who, true to his word, abandons his status as a young master and becomes Wuji’s servant. But Wuji didn’t want him. He’s wild and promiscuous by nature and doesn’t want anyone following him around. Young Master Yu, however, is proud and unwilling to be condemned by the world for being a sore loser, so he insists on staying. Wuji then teases him with words, fully and utterly the flirtatious rogue.

 

In short, in today’s scene, Lu Xi is going to flirt with Zhao Yu.

 

Lu Xi glanced over, and Xie Zhuhan appeared again.

 

He’s got the nerve to be still sitting in his chair today!

 

 

 

Author’s Note:
Xie Zhuhan was completely unaware that his identity had been exposed, and he is still very much the B-King!

 

 

–