Huayu: Starting with Hextech

Tong Liya quietly stepped aside and continued to distribute the cake to everyone.

Her fingers trembled slightly, and she almost got cream on her hands while cutting the cake.

When it was Yang Mi's turn, Tong Liya lowered her head and asked softly, "Sister Mi, do you want more?"

"No need, I'm on a diet~" Yang Mi waved her hand and turned to Lin Xiao, saying, "Junior brother, you're not allowed to eat too much either. You have to film tomorrow, and a swollen face won't look good on camera."

These words sounded like concern, but everyone present understood another meaning—she was trying to control him.

Tong Liya gripped the plastic knife tightly, her knuckles turning white.

The next hour is free time.

The production crew brought in karaoke equipment, and a few of the more boisterous actors started singing.

Yu Zheng and several investor representatives were talking in a corner.

Most people chatted and ate in small groups.

Lin Xiao found a relatively quiet spot by the window and sat down, looking at the antique street scene outside.

Red lanterns hung outside the restaurant, and in the distance, another film crew was shooting a night scene. The director's voice could be faintly heard yelling "Cut!"

"Teacher Lin."

Tong Liya's voice rang out from behind.

Lin Xiao turned around and saw her walking over with a glass of juice.

"Why don't you go sing?" he asked.

"I...I'm not very good at it."

Tong Liya sat down in the chair next to him and handed him the juice.

"Have something to drink, you're probably tired of the cake you just ate."

Lin Xiao accepted it: "Thank you."

The two sat quietly for a while.

The lantern light from outside the window shone through the glass, casting warm spots of light on the table.

"Teacher Lin," Tong Liya suddenly spoke, her voice very soft, "you and Sister Mi... have such a good relationship."

Lin Xiao paused for a moment: "She's my senior, she takes care of me."

"Just my senior sister?" Tong Liya asked, then immediately regretted it, her face turning bright red. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked that..."

"It's nothing." Lin Xiao took a sip of juice. "She really helped me a lot on set."

This statement is watertight, but it doesn't answer the core question.

Tong Liya lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her sweater.

After a long while, she said softly:

"Teacher Lin, one of the wishes I made today... is about you."

Lin Xiao turned to look at her.

"I hope..." Tong Liya raised her head, her eyes clear and earnest, "I hope you can continue to act well and always have a bright future. You are the most dedicated and talented actor I have ever met, and you deserve the best."

Her voice trembled slightly, but she spoke each word with great effort:

"I know I'm not really qualified to say this, but... I really think you're exceptionally kind."

After saying that, she seemed to have used up all her courage and suddenly stood up:

"I'll go check if there's any cake left... Please, please have a seat!"

She practically fled.

Lin Xiao watched her retreating figure, a mix of emotions welling up inside him.

He knew that Tong Liya had feelings for him, and he also knew that these feelings were pure and sincere.

But he knew even more that he couldn't respond.

It's not that I don't want to, it's that I can't.

"Hey, what are you talking about?"

Yang Mi walked over at some point, carrying two glasses of champagne, and handed one to Lin Xiao.

"We didn't talk about much." Lin Xiao took the cup.

"I saw it," Yang Mi said, sitting down opposite him and crossing her legs. "Ya Ya talked to you for a long time, and her face was all red. Did she... confess her feelings to you?"

"no."

"Of course not," Yang Mi scoffed. "That little girl's thoughts are written all over her face."

She took a sip of champagne, her gaze drifting towards Tong Liya, who was talking to the director in the distance.

"But it's good that she's given up sooner. It'll save her from getting hurt even more later."

Lin Xiao didn't say anything.

"What's wrong? Feeling sorry for her?" Yang Mi leaned closer and lowered her voice, "Lin Xiao, don't forget what you promised Tangtang. And don't forget... what kind of relationship we have now."

Her fingers were under the table, gently hooking around Lin Xiao's little finger.

"You're mine, both on and off screen."

Lin Xiao looked at her, at the almost obsessive possessiveness in her eyes.

He knew that this game was no longer just a game.

Tong Liya may be the first innocent person to be dragged into this mess.

Suddenly, the sound of fireworks rang out outside the window.

The two turned their heads at the same time—it was some film crew celebrating, with large, colorful fireworks bursting in the night sky, illuminating the entire night sky of Hengdian.

Very beautiful.

But fireworks fade quickly.

Like some relationships that should never have started, and some heart-fluttering feelings that were destined to have no outcome.

……

On the sixth day of the first lunar month, just after the Spring Festival, the temperature in Hengdian was still very low.

The crew of "Palace" has resumed work for three days and filming has entered the second half.

Lin Xiao and Yang Mi's scenes together are becoming more and more frequent, and their chemistry on set has reached the point where they can understand each other with just a glance.

This tacit understanding comes half from the practice of acting together and half from the private "communication" that cannot be told to outsiders.

At 10 a.m., the crew filmed a group scene outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation in the Ming and Qing Palace.

The Eighth Prince, the Fourth Prince, the Crown Prince, and several other princes accompanied Emperor Kangxi in discussing state affairs, while Qingchuan served as a palace maid in the emperor's presence.

"Cut! That's a good take, get ready for the next shot!"

After the director yelled "cut," the actors relaxed.

Lin Xiao went to the rest area to get a drink of water, and Yang Mi followed behind him, naturally picking up his thermos and taking a sip as well.

"My water," Lin Xiao reminded him.

"I know it's yours, what's wrong with taking a sip?" Yang Mi raised an eyebrow and handed the cup back to him. "You're such a cheapskate."

The staff members nearby didn't seem surprised.

Over the past few months, everyone knows that Yang Mi has taken meticulous care of Lin Xiao, from acting together to everyday matters, they are almost inseparable.

Just as Lin Xiao was about to speak, his gaze suddenly passed over Yang Mi's shoulder and landed on the entrance to the film set.

A familiar figure stood there.

Wearing a dark gray long down jacket, a white scarf, and with long hair draped over her shoulders, she wore a mask, but Lin Xiao recognized her at a glance by her bright eyes.

Liu Shishi.

Why is she here?

Yang Mi noticed Lin Xiao's gaze and turned her head away.

Upon seeing Liu Shishi, her smile faded slightly, but quickly returned to a brighter grin as she waved and called out:

"Shishi! Over here!"

Liu Shishi walked over, took off her mask, and revealed her delicate and clean-cut face.

She smiled at Yang Mi first: "MiMi."

Then, his gaze turned to Lin Xiao, pausing for a second.

"Lin Xiao." She called his name softly.

"Shishi," Lin Xiao nodded, "Why are you here?"

"I'm here to play a cameo role," Liu Shishi said. "Teacher Yu's new drama 'Beauty World' is also being filmed in Hengdian, and I play the lead role in a small segment. I heard you were here, so I came to see you."

Her gaze swept between Yang Mi and Lin Xiao—Yang Mi was standing very close to Lin Xiao, so close that their shoulders were almost touching, and she was holding Lin Xiao's thermos in her hand.

"Oh, Shishi is coming to make a cameo appearance in 'Beauty World'?" Yang Mi naturally took Lin Xiao's arm. "Why didn't you tell me beforehand? I could have visited the set!"

The movement was so natural that Lin Xiao didn't even have time to react.

Liu Shishi's eyes darkened slightly, but she still wore a gentle smile: "It was a last-minute decision, arranged by President Cai."

"President Cai is so good to you~" Yang Mi said with a grin, but her hand didn't let go. "By the way, have you eaten? Our crew's boxed lunches are pretty good, want to try some?"

"No need, I've already eaten," Liu Shishi said. "I just came to check in and won't disturb your filming."

As she spoke, her gaze shifted to Lin Xiao: "How...have you been lately?"

"It's fine," Lin Xiao said. "How about you?"

"I'm fine too." Liu Shishi paused for a moment. "I've read the script for 'Scarlet Heart,' and it's very well written. President Cai said... he might cast you as the Fourth Prince."

Lin Xiao already knew about this.

Cai Yinong called him a few days ago to formally extend an invitation.

But he hasn't given a clear answer yet.