Facing Yu Jinghao’s increasingly bold provocations, Baili Xiao felt an ominous sense of impending trouble.

So, when *Chang’an* finally resumed filming, a certain actor packed up a small suitcase, left his luxurious apartment without a second glance, and returned to the humble dormitory with a sense of relief.

Dai Jue’s room had long been vacated, and when Baili Xiao arrived at the set, he found the door open, windows wide for ventilation, two large suitcases lying on the floor, and even a succulent plant sitting on the bedside table.

Mike glanced inside and said, “Looks like Sen Mu has already moved in. I remember you two get along pretty well? If you’re bored, you could go chat with him.”

Baili Xiao showed no interest. He stroked Baili Xiao, who let out a soft meow and nuzzled his hand.

“I feel more relaxed around cats.”

“If you keep this up, you won’t have many friends.”

Baili Xiao merely chuckled. “I doubt that.”

As expected, not long after he shooed Mike away and started hanging his clothes in the wardrobe, there was a knock at the door. Naturally, the visitor was none other than the energetic young man, Sen Mu. Now officially debuted, though without a major project yet, Sen Mu had earned some money from a few variety show appearances. His fashion sense had clearly improved since before.

Baili Xiao had heard that Huanyu Entertainment was investing quite a bit in Sen Mu. As the second male lead in *Qing Ge Chang’an*, Sen Mu had recently secured a fashion endorsement with a trendy brand, whose pieces sold for over a thousand yuan each. He was wearing that brand’s outfit now—black hoodie and pants with gothic-style dark graffiti, giving him a cool vibe.

“Xiao!” Sen Mu spread his arms wide as soon as he saw him, aiming to give Baili Xiao a big bear hug. But, unfortunately for him, Baili smoothly sidestepped, predicting the move with ease.

Sen Mu, having missed the hug, put on a pouty face. “What’s up? Haven’t seen me for a while, and now you don’t miss me?”

Baili Xiao sighed, not willing to answer such a sensitive question, and instead stepped aside to open the door. “Come in and sit down.”

“Nah, I’m good,” Sen Mu replied, still as carefree as ever. “Getting handed the second male lead feels like a gift from above—I’m still freaking out. I’ve got several scenes this afternoon, so I need to finish unpacking and then go over the script.”

Baili Xiao recalled that since Yu Jinghao and director Luo Wei had coordinated it, his scenes had all been moved up. With a total of ninety-six shots to film within a week, he would be quite busy. In fact, most of today’s scenes were between him and Sen Mu.

While chatting, Sen Mu pulled out his phone to check the shot schedule. He scrolled down a bit, then suddenly gasped in excitement. “Wait, Bai Yiting is coming for a cameo? No way! She’s my goddess!”

“Your goddess?” Baili Xiao’s tone dropped a little, difficult to read.

“Yeah! I game a lot, and she cosplayed as one of my favorite characters before—Lulu. You know her?”

Baili Xiao shook his head. “I know which games are popular, but I don’t really play them.”

“No worries! If you ever want to play, hit me up—I’ll boost your rank!” Sen Mu laughed heartily, then sighed. “Alright, enough chatting. I’ve got to read the script and take a shower. Might meet my goddess this afternoon!” He waved as he headed back to his dorm, leaving Baili Xiao standing at the door.

Sen Mu, a straightforward and down-to-earth guy, didn’t bother with pretensions like some other celebrities. He left his door wide open for ventilation and squatted on the floor, unpacking his suitcase, oblivious to the fact that his rear was sticking out in Baili Xiao’s direction.

Baili Xiao watched him for a moment, feeling a bit speechless, then gently closed his door.

“Lulu…” Baili Xiao muttered, passing by Baili Xiao, who was lounging on the bed. He scratched the cat under its chin. “Do you know her?”

“Meow?” Baili Xiao blinked up at him innocently, then seized the chance to jump into Baili Xiao’s arms, clinging to him affectionately. Baili Xiao sighed, resigned, and let the cat settle on his lap. He pulled out his phone and quickly searched for “Bai Yiting Lulu” on Baidu’s image results.

The images quickly loaded, with the first search result being a collage of two pictures: on the left was Lulu’s original artwork, and on the right, Bai Yiting dressed in cosplay. Lulu was a short character with a pointy elf hat and an expression that was a mix of quirky and cute, which matched well with Bai Yiting’s style.

Baili Xiao glanced at it for a moment, then sighed silently.

Alright, maybe he was still out of touch with this world, unable to understand Sen Mu’s love for this.

Just the day before, Mike had informed him that Bai Yiting was indeed a student from Class 4, Grade 5, Guiyang Road Elementary School. Apparently, she had been quite the little class flower—pretty, smart, adored by both teachers and students, almost like a little princess.

Given this, if Deng Zirui was likely the former Li Xiao, then it was quite possible that Bai Yiting had been Li Xiao’s crush since elementary school. Baili Xiao absentmindedly petted Baili Xiao, a subtle hint of anticipation growing inside him for the afternoon’s filming.

What kind of person would this Bai Yiting turn out to be?

…

When *Qingge Chang’an* resumed filming for the second time, Director Luo Wei had specifically bought two long strings of firecrackers to set off, claiming it would chase away bad luck. Baili Xiao found this ritual incredibly ridiculous. How strange this world was—some people found his talks about star charts and astrological signs superstitious, yet wholeheartedly believed in traditional practices like warding off evil with firecrackers. Wasn’t that contradictory?

What bad luck could firecrackers chase away anyway? They only polluted the air and damaged people’s eardrums.

As Baili Xiao silently grumbled to himself, Director Luo, whom he hadn’t seen in days, suddenly turned his head, scanning the crowd until he spotted him.

“Xiao, come here.” The kind old man waved at him. “You’re the big lucky charm of our crew. This time, we have to shoot this film smoothly, no matter what.”

Baili Xiao smiled. “Don’t worry, Director Luo. This time, nothing will go wrong.”

With Dai Jue gone, most of the crew had rather average luck, with only a few exceptions. But there wasn’t any bad luck in the air anymore, so no further accidents should happen.

As soon as the firecrackers were set off, Baili Xiao was rushed off by his assistants to get dressed and made up. After he finished changing, Mike took a long look at him and slowly remarked, “Why do you seem like you’ve lost some weight? You eat regularly—I’ve never seen you skip meals.”

Baili Xiao was a bit surprised at this and turned to the mirror to check his waist. As soon as he did, he caught a glimpse of Mike’s furrowed brow in the reflection. His manager sighed, then muttered, “You’re getting more and more unreal.”

Baili Xiao raised an eyebrow. “You like me too?”

“I’m straight, thanks,” Mike deadpanned. Then, after a second, his eyes widened. “Wait, hold on! ‘Too’? Did that someone actually confess to you?”

Baili Xiao smiled mysteriously, grabbed his script, and walked toward the set, leaving his stunned manager and his shocked expression behind.

That afternoon, Baili Xiao had seven scenes to film. The first six were one-on-one scenes with Sen Mu, and the final one included Shen Yuan and Bai Yiting.

He had to admit, though Sen Mu seemed carefree on the surface, he was indeed a talented actor.

This was Sen Mu’s first real acting role. Earlier, when filming was about to start, Baili Xiao was casually sipping his coffee in a chair while watching Sen Mu, who was on edge—constantly double-checking his position with the crew and nervously reciting his lines to himself, as if preparing for battle.

Baili Xiao initially expected that the whole afternoon would be filled with takes and retakes. But to his surprise, Sen Mu was the type to be anxious before filming but immediately switch into high gear once the scene began. His lines were clearly well-rehearsed, delivered with precision and without sounding forced. Despite knowing that dubbing would be done in post-production, he still gave his all.

The role of the second male lead wasn’t particularly complex in the early part of the story, before his character’s descent into darkness. It was a relatively straightforward role, making it easy for Sen Mu to get into character. The only issue Sen Mu faced was with his positioning on set—during the final scene filmed at dusk, he had one accidental outtake because he got too absorbed in the scene and unintentionally stepped out of frame.

This was indeed a mistake only a newcomer would make. When Sen Mu apologized to Director Luo, his face turned bright red. However, Luo Wei was quite forgiving towards new actors and waved his hand, saying, “It’s fine, just do it again.”

On the second attempt, Baili Xiao could see Sen Mu’s nerves. So, staying true to his usual work ethic, he kindly adjusted his own positioning to help guide Sen Mu into the right spots, ensuring they both landed in the correct positions. After they finished the take, Luo Wei praised them, and Sen Mu shot Baili Xiao a grateful look.

“Xiao, I knew you had a cold exterior but a warm heart. You’re really a nice person,” Sen Mu said, a hint of excitement in his voice as he walked over. “I was really afraid the director wouldn’t be satisfied with me. Being able to get through these first few scenes means so much to me. Thank you!”

Baili Xiao glanced at him, somewhat exasperated. “Why do you always have to point at your fingers when you talk?”

“Well…” Sen Mu’s face flushed as he turned his hands behind his back, feeling a bit embarrassed. “I don’t really know why. I don’t usually do this… Maybe it’s just that when faced with someone whose presence is stronger, I turn into a bit of a silly sweetheart.”

Baili Xiao was taken aback for a moment, and for some reason, the face of Yu Jinghao suddenly popped into his mind.

Could it be that his presence was stronger than Yu Jinghao’s?

He could only say they were about even… After all, Yu Jinghao’s usual coldness and sharpness, when compared to his calm and composed demeanor, were really quite intense.

Seeing that Baili Xiao had fallen into thought, Sen Mu assumed his words hadn’t been clear enough. After a moment of consideration, he added, “Oh, or maybe it’s just that when facing someone you genuinely like, you instantly turn into a silly sweetheart, just wanting to earn their affection.”

“Ah?” Baili Xiao’s heart skipped a beat, and he suddenly shot a glare at Sen Mu, saying angrily, “What nonsense are you talking about?”

As he spoke, he felt an unexpected sense of guilt and turned to walk away.

Sen Mu was left behind, bewildered. What did he say?

…

Baili Xiao made his way back to the changing room and closed the door behind him, letting out a long sigh. He plopped down onto a small stool in the cramped space, which was lined with mirrors on three sides. As he slightly turned his head, his face was reflected from various angles in the small, enclosed area.

A flushed face.

Baili Xiao felt dazed, his mind going blank as he wondered what was happening to him.

When had he ever interrupted someone in such a flustered manner? When had he blushed? When had he felt this panicked?

He anxiously lowered his head, wanting to avoid seeing his reflection. He unconsciously turned on his phone, only to find a message from Yu Jinghao that had come in half an hour ago.

“I suddenly realized that you returning to the set so eagerly isn’t to avoid me, is it?”

Baili Xiao’s heart raced even faster. He quickly typed “no,” then reconsidered and deleted the “no.” After a moment of contemplation, it was as if he’d been jolted, and with a click, he locked his phone screen again.

A terrifying thought gradually began to surface in his mind.

Could it be that he was actually attracted to Yu Jinghao, who was aloof during the day but flirtatious at night?

Baili Xiao sighed inwardly. Although he couldn’t discern his own romantic fortune, he could read Yu Jinghao’s. Yu Jinghao’s romantic star was fluctuating wildly; if he could sense an auspicious sign, it would mean that his romantic endeavors would go smoothly. Conversely, if there were no auspicious signs, it would indicate that he was merely daydreaming. In that case, he could also deduce his own romantic fortune.

Should he try to predict it again for him…?

If there truly were auspicious signs, what would he do then…?

Baili Xiao felt overwhelmed. After living two lifetimes, he had never liked anyone before. Throughout his life, he had always been solitary, and he never thought there was anything wrong with being alone. He lived as he pleased, naturally reaping the rewards.

If another person truly entered his life, what would that feeling be like?

Baili Xiao’s mind once again conjured Yu Jinghao’s face, recalling the beautiful hand that had stroked Xiao’s fur while they sat together on the carpet under the moonlight.

**Knock, knock, knock.**

“Xiao, are you in there?”

Mike’s knocking suddenly broke Baili Xiao’s deep thoughts. He jolted awake, quickly standing up to open the wardrobe door. “What’s up?”

“Uh…” Mike was startled, hesitating as he sized him up. “Why are you locked in this tiny wardrobe? This is for staff, not for artists… Look at you, your face is all flushed.”

“…”

“Come on out, we’re about to film the last scene. Shen Yuan and Bai Yiting are here; they’ve already done their makeup and are just waiting for you.”

“Oh.” Baili Xiao licked his lips, making an effort to push aside his earlier thoughts. He turned to the mirror to tidy up his costume, then regained his usual expressionless demeanor as he followed Mike back to the recording studio.

As soon as he entered the studio, he heard the lively chatter inside, much louder than before. Mike leaned in close, saying, “Your elementary school classmate is here; she’s also considered a senior.”

“Mm.” Baili Xiao nodded. As soon as he stepped inside, the sharp-eyed Shen Yuan spotted him, greeting him with a warm smile. Since he was somewhat familiar with Shen Yuan, he naturally strolled over to exchange pleasantries.

However, when he turned his head, he noticed another group of people huddled at the other end of the studio, separated by a considerable distance, almost like a divide between two armies.

What had felt noisy at the entrance now seemed… a bit tense?

Seeing him glance toward the opposite side, Shen Yuan looked a little awkward as well. “The results from the last audition haven’t come out yet, so it might…”

“Oh.” Baili Xiao nodded, being considerate enough not to let Shen Yuan continue. Although he hadn’t experienced such things himself, he could understand the awkwardness.

“Don’t worry, both your acting skills and popularity are top-notch,” he reassured Shen Yuan, genuinely believing that she was indeed a star who balanced both popularity and talent. If Shen Yuan were unable to handle a role, it was unlikely that any other actress in the industry could do better.

“That’s true, but…” Shen Yuan sighed, casting a complex glance over at Bai Yiting. “If there were no other factors at play, they wouldn’t suddenly arrange for someone to compete with me for something that was already decided to be mine. Xiao, in this industry, many times, it’s not just about strength.”

“Uh…” Baili Xiao was at a loss for words. Shen Yuan was speaking the truth, and there wasn’t much he could do about it. So, he could only smile at her and say, “Just take it easy; gains and losses are all part of fate.”

While Baili Xiao was talking to Shen Yuan, Director Luo Wei gestured for the actors to get ready, signaling that they would start filming in five minutes. The previously noisy crowd gradually quieted down as the small assistants clustered outside began to disperse, finally revealing the girl in the center.

Shen Yuan rolled her eyes slightly, turning her back to glance at her script.

At that moment, Bai Yiting, dressed in makeup, looked very much like her photos—lively and cute. She glanced over at Baili Xiao, and unlike her rumored boyfriend, her gaze wasn’t deep; instead, she appeared a bit innocent and naive. As she walked toward Baili Xiao, her voice sweetly chimed, “Xiao, hello! Nice to meet you.”

Baili Xiao still had little expression, but he politely nodded, “Hello, nice to meet you.”

Bai Yiting chuckled, “I’ve heard you’re a bit introverted, and it’s true! But you’re really good-looking, and your skin is so nice with such a light foundation. I’m so envious!”

Baili Xiao felt a bit uncomfortable with the girlish compliments and awkwardly muttered a thanks.

He casually glanced at Bai Yiting and noted that she belonged to the minor star position of the Ziwei constellation, which placed her among the upper ranks of ordinary people. However, this difference was too subtle, almost negligible; for someone like him or Yu Jinghao, Bai Yiting was just an ordinary person.

This level of fortune was unexpected for Baili Xiao. He had thought that anyone deeply entwined with Deng Zirui’s fate would be a major star. But indeed, even if Deng Zirui had liked Bai Yiting since childhood, with his sudden rise to wealth and power, one could never know if he would change his affections.

The world was unpredictable, but the stars would not lie.

Taking advantage of Bai Yiting’s moment away to position herself in front of the green screen, Baili Xiao leaned in closer to Shen Yuan and whispered, “Don’t worry, her luck is just average, nowhere near yours.”

“Ah?” The leading actress, who was focused on her script, paused in surprise. “Why do you say that?”

Baili Xiao didn’t answer directly; he simply said, “It’s almost time to shoot. Let’s go.”

This scene depicted Shen Ziting accompanying Tang Wan at a market when they stumbled upon Xue Niang, who was being coerced by a brothel owner in a back courtyard. Xue Niang was clearly still an innocent girl who had fallen into this predicament due to her family’s decline and was being deceived, yet she remained defiant. When Shen Ziting discovered her, she was knocking her head to the ground until her forehead bled. Unable to bear it, Shen Ziting decided to buy her freedom, allowing her to find a new path in life.

In the novel, this subplot was meant to set up the following events, where Tang Wan would coincidentally encounter a villain emerging from the brothel while accompanying Shen Ziting to pay. This would further propel the story forward, but that was a matter for later.

The three main cameras were set up, and the three leads were ready. The clapperboard snapped.

Shen Yuan and Baili Xiao walked over slowly, engaged in quiet conversation. Shen Yuan casually glanced forward and suddenly frowned, “Ziting, what are those people doing?”

Baili Xiao followed her gaze and saw a woman in a pale pink sheer gown kneeling on the ground nearby. Bai Yiting was truly dedicated to her role; she was earnestly bowing her head one after another to a background actress, tears streaming down her face, “Please, I can work off my debt in other ways.”

The boss naturally refused, snorting coldly and ordering his henchmen to lock her in the woodshed. As Bai Yiting was pulled to her feet, she glanced back and met Shen Ziting’s gaze.

Those tear-filled eyes made Baili Xiao tremble slightly.

It wasn’t that he found Bai Yiting particularly beautiful; rather, the glistening eyes held not only the clarity and helplessness described in the script but also an enchanting allure.

At that moment, Baili Xiao sensed Shen Yuan beside him suddenly growing restless. Shen Yuan was a professional actress, adept at keeping any emotions not aligned with the script at bay. Yet, Baili Xiao was no ordinary person; he keenly picked up on that subtle restlessness.

Having seen so many facets of life, a flicker of understanding sparked within him.

Baili Xiao found it amusing yet managed to keep a neutral expression. He approached as scripted, skillfully persuading the henchmen and negotiating with the boss to buy the girl’s freedom, successfully completing the scene.

“Cut! Great job!”

Director Luo Wei stepped forward and said to Bai Yiting, “You really went all out for this cameo.”

Bai Yiting, still embodying her character—“weakened and half-supported in Shen Ziting’s embrace”—wiped away her tears and smiled brightly, “Director Luo is joking. Just getting to work with you, even if it’s just for one scene, I have to give it my all!”

Baili Xiao felt a bit speechless. He silently tried to pull his arm away, but the woman seemed oblivious and remained pressed against him.

Suddenly, Shen Yuan interjected, “Xiao, I think Mike is calling us about that incident from yesterday.”

“Oh, that should be it.” Baili Xiao quickly replied, bowing his head to say, “Excuse me,” before finally pulling away from Bai Yiting’s grasp. He and Shen Yuan hurriedly exited the set.

Shen Yuan looked at the awkward expression on Baili Xiao’s face and sighed, “Now you know why I think she’s a bit complicated.”

Baili Xiao hadn’t expected Bai Yiting to have such a personality, leaving him momentarily unsure of how to respond. After a moment of contemplation, he could only reassure Shen Yuan, “It’s just a cameo. Once this scene is over, she’ll be gone. It’s fine.”