Lou Yuming slept a bit chaotically.
His usually impeccable hair was messy, and after just one night, a blue-green stubble had sprouted on his jawline.
The collar of his pajamas was slightly open, revealing his collarbones.
Song Xi stared at him for a long time.
Who would have thought that Director Lou, who was second only to one person and above ten thousand, would have a day of being sick and dejected?
If Zhang Qi and the people in his company saw him like this, they would probably be flabbergasted!
Her intense gaze made Lou Yuming uncomfortable. His expression darkened, and he said, "What's so great to look at?" before heading to the bathroom.
Oh, he's shy now.
Song Xi pursed her lips, suddenly feeling that Lou Yuming from last night, when he had a fever, was cuter.
After Lou Yuming finished showering, he came out to find Song Xi already eating without him.
He frowned and pulled out a chair to sit down.
Although the memories of last night were a bit blurry, the feeling was profound.
He rarely got sick and hadn't been taken care of by anyone in many years. His heart felt a little warm.
"Your hair isn't dry yet. Do you want to catch a cold again?"
Song Xi noticed water droplets still clinging to the ends of his hair and her face fell.
Her tone was just like a nagging mother.
Lou Yuming pursed his lips.
Song Xi dutifully went to find the hairdryer.
Lou Yuming leaned slightly to the side, ready to enjoy having his hair blow-dried, but to his surprise, she placed the hairdryer directly on the table.
"Remember to dry it later."
"..."
Lou Yuming gave her a look of mixed emotions, then pushed the hairdryer away with a dark expression, "No need."
Song Xi had taken care of him all night and was now too sleepy to keep her eyes open. Seeing his ungratefulness, she became a little angry, "Suit yourself."
The atmosphere froze for a moment.
Song Xi quickly finished her porridge. She had a scene at nine o'clock, and if she went early, she could still get some sleep on set.
"Oh, right. Miss Anna called you yesterday, and I took the call."
Lou Yuming's expression was unreadable. He just lowered his head and continued eating his porridge.
Seeing his lack of reaction, Song Xi was a little surprised. She had expected him to be angry and had even prepared her response.
"Wait."
Just as she took two steps, he suddenly spoke, his voice clear and cold.
"Accompany me to a banquet tonight."
He added, "There are benefits."
It sounded as if she were someone who was easily swayed by money.
Song Xi quickly returned to the dining table. "How much?"
Lou Yuming slowly wiped his mouth, his gaze falling on her dark circles. He lowered his eyes slightly. "We'll discuss it when we get there."
Song Xi mentally scoffed, but she still agreed.
She didn't have any scenes tonight anyway, so earning some extra cash wouldn't hurt.
...
On set.
The scenes today were not difficult. Although Song Xi hadn't rested well, she didn't hold back the production.
Ye Tian's scenes were scheduled for the evening, so he didn't come in the morning.
The director saw Qin Feng's Weibo post from yesterday and specifically called Song Xi in for a talk.
The implication was clear: they didn't want to escalate the matter, as the production couldn't afford any more twists and turns.
Song Xi was helpless. "Director, I understand, but this matter concerns Ye Tian. Whether or not to pursue it is up to him, and it has nothing to do with me."
The director said, "But you're close to him. He's always called you 'sister.' Song Xi, you're a smart person. This is your first drama; don't make it too ugly."
Even so, she wouldn't interfere with whatever choice Ye Tian made because he was simply defending the rights to his work.
"I heard Ye Tian injured Qin Feng because of you?"
After the director left, Jin Ying, in a long dress embroidered with gold thread, walked over.
Song Xi glanced at her but didn't say anything.
Jin Ying said sarcastically, "It seems your relationship is not simple. Qin Feng has now hooked up with a wealthy woman, and Ye Tian resorting to violence this time will likely lead to trouble for him."
Wealthy woman?
Jin Ying sneered, "It looks like they'll have to change the male lead again."
Her indifferent attitude made Song Xi a little puzzled. "Aren't you worried?"
"What am I worried about? If it can't be filmed, even better! This drama was already considered low-tier. Do you think I'm like you, without even a company now, and who knows if I'll even have acting roles in the future!"
Song Xi's heart sank.
Jin Ying was right. It was very difficult to go it alone. She still needed to find a company.
But finding a company wasn't that easy. She had searched all day without any leads until Lou Yuming sent a message, reminding her that it was time.
Song Xi had to put it aside. After changing her clothes, she left the set.
A familiar Porsche was parked on the street. Only Yao Yifan was inside. Upon seeing her, he said, "Miss Song, Sir asked me to take you to get ready first. I'll see you at the banquet."
"Okay, thank you," Song Xi nodded and got into the car.
Not far away, a man hiding behind a bush was taking pictures with a "click, click" sound.
He stared with intense jealousy in the direction the car had driven off, clenching his camera tightly.
...