Huayu: Starting with Hextech

Lin Xiao detached himself from the role and let out a soft breath.

This scene was very demanding; he could feel his temples throbbing slightly.

"Teacher Lin Xiao, water." A bottle of mineral water was handed to him.

It's Wang Likun.

She walked over at some point.

"Thank you." Lin Xiao took it and took a big gulp.

"You acted really well in that scene just now."

Wang Likun said softly, her tone full of admiration, "Especially when he turned around at the end, the slight slump in his shoulders perfectly conveyed Zhou Yafu's despondency at that moment."

Lin Xiao glanced at her with some surprise.

He figured this out himself; he never expected Wang Likun to have observed it so carefully.

"You're very good too. You've handled Shen'er's naivety in the early stages and her transformation later very well." Lin Xiao returned the favor.

Wang Likun smiled faintly, said nothing more, and turned to leave.

She's always like that—appearing at the perfect time and leaving without any hesitation.

Not far away, Yang Mi took in all of this.

She bit her lower lip, a hint of displeasure flashing in her eyes, but she quickly regained her bright smile.

She walked over quickly and naturally reached out to straighten Lin Xiao's slightly disheveled collar:

"Are you tired? I just had my assistant buy some coffee, it'll be brought over in a bit."

Her fingers lingered on his collar for a moment, the warmth of her fingertips seeping through the fabric.

"Thank you, Sister Honey."

Lin Xiao thanked her, but leaned back slightly to avoid further contact.

Yang Mi's hand paused in mid-air for a moment, then she casually withdrew it and smiled:

"Why are you being so polite with me? By the way, are you free after work tonight? Teacher Yu Zheng said he'd like to discuss adjustments to the remaining scripts."

"Teacher Yu Zheng is looking for me?" Lin Xiao raised an eyebrow.

"Hmm, it seems he has a new project idea and wants to hear your opinion." Yang Mi blinked. "I really went to great lengths to get this opportunity for you."

Yu Zheng did indeed favor Lin Xiao, but "striving for opportunities" was more of Yang Mi's excuse.

Lin Xiao pondered for a moment: "Okay, Sister Mi, tell me the time and place."

"Then it's settled!"

Yang Mi smiled, her eyes crinkling, and as she turned to leave, her high heels clicked crisply on the ground, exuding a victorious air.

Evening, in the hotel's small conference room.

When Lin Xiao arrived, Yu Zheng was already there, along with screenwriter Li Shunci.

Yang Mi was indeed there. She had changed into casual clothes, her hair casually draped over her shoulders. She looked less refined than in the drama and more relaxed and at home.

"Lin Xiao's here, have a seat," Yu Zheng greeted him. "How's filming going these past few days? Have you fully grasped the character of Zhou Yafu?"

"I'm still working hard. I'm grateful to Teacher Yu Zheng for the opportunity." Lin Xiao sat down, his posture humble.

"You don't need to be so polite with me."

Yu Zheng waved his hand, his gaze lingering on Lin Xiao's face for a few seconds, and he couldn't help but sigh.

"Honestly, Lin Xiao, with your looks, you were born for this job. It's only been a few months, and you seem different again."

Lin Xiao smiled but didn't reply.

Yu Zheng continued, "I called you here today for two reasons. First, to discuss some minor adjustments to the later episodes of 'Beauty's Rival in Palace.' Second, I have a preliminary idea for a new project and would like to hear your thoughts as young people."

Over the next hour, the group discussed some minor adjustments to the script.

Yu Zheng indeed values ​​Lin Xiao highly, and consulted him on many revisions.

Lin Xiao's answer was both professional and prudent, expressing his own views while fully respecting the creative intentions of the screenwriter and director, demonstrating excellent tact.

Yang Mi listened from the side, occasionally interjecting a few words, but her gaze would often fall on Lin Xiao's focused profile.

Under the light, his long eyelashes and high nose bridge, along with the slight furrowing of his brows when he was thinking, made her heart race.

The discussion came to an end, and Yu Zheng received a phone call and left first.

Only Lin Xiao and Yang Mi remained in the conference room.

The atmosphere quieted down and became somewhat subtle.

Yang Mi stretched, revealing her curves.

She walked to the window, looked at the night view of Hengdian, and suddenly said softly, "Lin Xiao, sometimes I feel that you live a particularly... clear-headed life."

Lin Xiao looked up: "Isn't it better to be sober?"

"Good, and bad."

Yang Mi turned around, leaned against the windowsill, and looked at him intently.

"The good thing is that you know what you want and won't be easily swayed. The bad thing is... being too clear-headed takes away a lot of the fun."

Her words were loaded with meaning, and her eyes held a clear probing and challenge.

Lin Xiao met her gaze calmly: "What do you think is fun, Honey?"

"for example……"

Yang Mi took a few steps closer, and the distance between them was reduced to less than half a meter.

She looked up at him, her breath sweet as orchids, "Like right now, a man and a woman alone in a room. Like... you know I have feelings for you, but you always keep your distance."

Her bluntness made Lin Xiao raise an eyebrow.

"Mi Jie is Tang Yan's best friend," Lin Xiao reminded her.

"so what?"

Yang Mi laughed, a hint of slyness and nonchalance in her smile. "Isn't it more exciting to have your best friend's man? Besides, Tangtang isn't here."

Her words became increasingly bold, and her gaze grew more and more intense.

A dangerous, ambiguous atmosphere filled the air.

Lin Xiao could feel his body reacting instinctively.

Yang Mi is beautiful and alluring, and she actively throws herself into his arms. This kind of temptation is a huge test for any man.

But he took a deep breath, took half a step back, and created some distance.

"Sister Honey, you are a great actress and a great friend."

Lin Xiao's voice remained calm, "I respect you, and I respect Tang Yan. Some games, if played too far, are bad for everyone."

Yang Mi's smile froze for a moment.

She hadn't expected Lin Xiao to refuse so decisively.

But soon, she laughed again, though her smile held a hint of complexity: "Lin Xiao, you really are... a special man."

"I just know what I should and shouldn't do." Lin Xiao glanced at the time. "It's getting late, Sister Mi, you should get some rest. You have filming tomorrow."

After saying that, he nodded slightly, turned around and left the conference room.

The door closed, leaving Yang Mi alone in the room.

She stood there, staring at the closed door, the smile gradually fading from her face. After a long while, she walked to the mirror, looked at her beautiful yet resentful face reflected there, and murmured to herself:

"Lin Xiao... I'd like to see how long you can stay sober."

Back in his room, Lin Xiao took a cold shower.

The cold water washed over his body, gradually calming the heat that Yang Mi had stirred up.

He dried himself off and stood in front of the mirror.

The man in the mirror has a perfect physique, handsome features, and deep eyes.

This body and this face are among his greatest assets in this industry.

But he knew that Yang Mi was not Tang Yan, and he couldn't control her yet.

And what he needs now is a clean, focused, and ambitious image.

A newcomer embroiled in scandals and with messy romantic relationships is unlikely to go far in the entertainment industry.

He wanted more than just to be an actor, and more than just to enjoy beautiful women.

What he wants is the power to speak, capital, and the ability to control his own destiny and even influence the entire industry.

After drying his hair, Lin Xiao walked to his desk, opened the script for tomorrow's filming, and began to study it carefully.

Outside the window, Hengdian World Studios was brightly lit, and the film crew was still busy with their night shoot.

But Lin Xiao's journey has only just begun.