Chen Yuxi didn’t want to catch an overnight “red-eye” flight, so he checked in with the production team beforehand and flew into the filming city a day early.
Naturally, the extra night’s stay was at his own expense.
It had been a long time since he had been on TV or booked commercial shows. Over the past few years, he had made a modest living by writing OSTs (soundtracks for TV shows, films, and games) and doing occasional arranging and audio tuning—scraping by on pennies, leading a very lazy, “salted fish” life, yet feeling remarkably happy.
Aside from being a bit broke, there wasn’t a single thing wrong with it.
Because he was paying out of pocket, he booked a budget hotel. It wasn’t even a top-tier business suite, but a standard room: 168 yuan a night, breakfast included.
Utterly perfect.
He was thoroughly satisfied and even sent photos to a close friend to brag about his rare business trip away from home. Ignoring his friend’s disgusted emoji, he happily closed the chat window and went to sleep.
6:15 AM.
Chen Yuxi hit his alarm, crawled out of bed to wash up and put on his makeup, leaving only his lipstick to touch up after breakfast.
Then, he casually headed downstairs to eat.
Soy milk, fried dough sticks, boiled eggs, fried rice, various vegetables and whole grains… along with both sweet and savory porridge. The portions were generous, filling, and grounded, completely worth the hundred-plus yuan room rate.
Chen Yuxi grabbed two eggs, a cob of corn, and poured himself a bowl of porridge before finding a seat by the window.
“Teacher[1]Chinese speakers call a senior actor “Teacher” (老师, laoshi) as a sign of deep respect for their experience, expertise, and status as a role model in their craft, this doesnt mean they … Continue reading jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_3519055_1_1').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_3519055_1_1', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], }); Chen?”
Just as he set down his porridge bowl, Chen Yuxi subconsciously turned around.
A tall young man wearing a ball cap, oversized dark sunglasses, and an athletic windbreaker walked over—very tall, about a head taller than Chen Yuxi.
Chen Yuxi stared blankly. Who is this?
The man was muffled up too tightly; even standing right in front of him, only his chin and nose were visible…
He looked familiar, but Chen Yuxi couldn’t place who he was.
Feeling a bit guilty, Chen Yuxi apologized, “I’m sorry, may I ask who you…”
The young man didn’t answer. He simply glanced at Chen Yuxi’s breakfast and said, “Did you just get here? That’s perfect then, wait a moment for me.”
With that, he turned and walked toward the buffet counter.
Chen Yuxi stared at the man’s retreating back, desperately trying to remember—did he have a long-lost friend or a client around here?
Before he could figure out a clue, the young man returned carrying two plates of food and sat down directly across from him.
He then removed the oversized sunglasses that blocked half his face.
Chen Yuxi was shocked, losing his composure: “Teacher Qi—Qi Xun?!”
Thankfully, he managed to recover his manners at the very last second.
However, he hadn’t controlled his volume at all.
He hurriedly looked around.
It wasn’t even seven o’clock yet, and it wasn’t a holiday. Aside from a few elderly folks from a retiree tour group, there was hardly anyone in the dining room.
And those elderly people were all boisterously calling out to gather up; no one paid any attention to the two of them in the corner.
Relieved, he shifted his gaze back.
The young man across from him pushed his ball cap up slightly, nodded toward him, and said in a calm, indifferent voice, “I’m glad you recognize me.”
Chen Yuxi: “…”
He hadn’t done it on purpose.
With that bank-robber look just now, it would be a miracle if anyone could recognize him.
He said drily, “Teacher Qi, you must be joking. Who wouldn’t recognize you…”
Wait a minute, this is Qi Xun!!
The mega-movie king, Qi Xun!
The Qi Xun who has won over a dozen Best Actor awards, big and small!!
…The Qi Xun who is rumored to have an extremely terrible temper!!
…How does he know me?
Chen Yuxi asked cautiously, “Teacher Qi, you know who I am?”
Qi Xun pulled out a paper napkin and slowly wiped down his cutlery.
He didn’t take off his hat, and with his head lowered, his expression was impossible to read.
He only heard him say casually, “Aren’t you the creator of Undercurrent?”
Undercurrent was the OST for one of Qi Xun’s movies, a song Chen Yuxi had written last year.
However, Qi Xun wasn’t someone who sang OSTs; they had never had any direct contact before.
Chen Yuxi was bewildered.
Qi Xun continued, “Qinghe is pretty familiar with you, right?”
He set down the napkin and looked up at him. “Didn’t he recommend you to join Long Vacation?”
Xu Qinghe was the singer of Undercurrent, as well as a heavyweight star in film, TV, and music!
Chen Yuxi was stunned.
No wonder Long Vacation had suddenly invited him!
He had been trembling with anxiety, unable to figure out where this massive pie in the sky had dropped from.
In disbelief, he said, “Teacher Xu and I only collaborated once, we aren’t actually that close.”
Qi Xun: “Oh.”
He lowered his head and began eating his breakfast.
He had zero intention of answering or explaining further.
Chen Yuxi: “…”
As expected of Qi Xun.
He silently picked up his own eating utensils, glanced at the napkin used to wipe cutlery across from him, hesitated for a second, and then followed suit.
After sipping two mouthfuls of porridge, he pieced things together. “Teacher Qi, are you participating in Long Vacation too?”
Qi Xun didn’t even raise his head, merely letting out a brief “Mhm.”
Chen Yuxi held back again and again, but couldn’t resist his curiosity: “Didn’t the production team arrange a hotel for you?”
This was a budget hotel!
He was staying here to save money—how could a dignified Film King end up here?
Qi Xun swallowed his food and calmly said, “Flight was delayed. Didn’t feel like looking for a hotel, so I asked the staff, and the closest one was yours.”
…And so he just came over? Chen Yuxi thought to himself. Didn’t rumors say the Film King had a terrible temper and was extremely particular about his lifestyle?
He’s sitting here eating fried rice at a budget hotel’s cafeteria-style breakfast—what could possibly be wrong with him?
Taking another look at the Film King who was burying his head in his food, Chen Yuxi felt like he was in an alternate reality and silently continued eating.
As he ate, he stole glances at Qi Xun across the table, watching the man polish off a large plate of fried rice, a large plate of stir-fried seasonal vegetables, plus two boiled eggs.
…
…
Is Qi Xun’s next role playing a obese character?
He didn’t dare ask.
The two ate in silence without exchanging a word.
Qi Xun finished first, pulled out a napkin to wipe his mouth, and swept his gaze across Chen Yuxi’s face.
Chen Yuxi started getting nervous again. He quickly scarfed down his last two bites, wiped his mouth, and whispered, “Teacher Qi, later—”
“Teacher Chen,” Qi Xun interrupted him, “did you do your own makeup?”
Chen Yuxi: “Ah? —Yes. Is it… not done well?”
He subconsciously touched his face.
His makeup skills were decent… right?
Qi Xun: “I have an interview at 8:30, and my makeup artist can’t make it in time.”
Chen Yuxi: “…So?”
Qi Xun looked at him: “Do my makeup for me. Quote me your price based on what my makeup artist charges.”
Chen Yuxi: “…”
This was a turn of events he had never anticipated.
He instinctively tried to decline: “How could I? My makeup skills are very average—”
“Double the price.”
Chen Yuxi shook his head repeatedly: “That’s not what I meant, I—won’t the production team’s staff be arriving soon? Why not ask them?”
The show definitely had on-set makeup artists.
Qi Xun: “Their makeup artist’s flight was delayed. The earliest they can arrive is 9:30.”
Chen Yuxi: “…”
As expected of a Film King, taking on work commitments even while in transit.
He hesitated, “But…”
Qi Xun said in a calm tone, “It seems I was being too presumptuous. If it’s inconvenient for Teacher Chen, then forget it.”
The hairs on Chen Yuxi’s neck stood on end, and he immediately said, “No, no—I was just wondering if my makeup products are suitable for you.”
That dangerous aura instantly dissipated.
Qi Xun pulled out his phone and opened his QR code: “Let’s add each other’s contact info.”
Flattered, Chen Yuxi immediately took out his own phone.
Soon, a new contact named “Qi Xun” appeared in his address book, featuring an avatar of a golden sky that looked like dawn.
Using a scenery photo as a profile picture.
Hmm, a very mature style. As expected of a senior!
While Chen Yuxi was looking at the avatar, Qi Xun sent over a string of numbers.
Qi Xun: This is my room number. I’ll go back and tidy up first. Sorry for the trouble, Teacher Chen.
Without waiting for Chen Yuxi to speak, he put on his sunglasses, pulled down his ball cap, grabbed his tray, and walked off.
Chen Yuxi: “…”
Polite words, but an overbearing attitude—no wonder the rumors said Qi Xun was arrogant and bossy.
Lacking courage and backbone, 12 minutes later, Chen Yuxi still dragged his suitcase over and rang the doorbell to Qi Xun’s room.
A moment later, the door opened.
Having removed his hat to reveal a handsome face, Qi Xun took two steps back upon seeing him and pulled the door open: “Sorry to trouble you.”
Chen Yuxi glanced inside the room and asked drily, “Um… if I don’t do a good job, what will the consequences be?”
“You’re just filling in for an emergency, you don’t need to bear any consequences.” Qi Xun stepped aside, gesturing for him to come in, and said calmly, “Unless you give me stage makeup meant for children.”
As everyone knew, the blush on children’s stage makeup was applied as heavily as humanly possible.
Chen Yuxi couldn’t help but laugh: “It won’t be that bad.”
Qi Xun: “Then we’re good.”
He added a line, “Besides, my looks aren’t so challenging that they test a makeup artist’s capabilities.”
Chen Yuxi’s eyes subconsciously swept across the man’s face.
Qi Xun truly lived up to being a Film King who had withstood the test of the silver screen: his dark, thick eyebrows slanted up toward his temples, his nose bridge was high and straight, his facial contours were sharp without a bit of extra fat, and his lips were perfectly shaped… He was handsome even without makeup; putting on makeup was merely icing on the cake—
Qi Xun suddenly let go of the door and turned to walk inside: “It’s getting late, let’s start.”
Chen Yuxi quickly closed the door and followed him in.
Qi Xun’s belongings were already packed up; his suitcase stood against the wall, leaving only his phone on the desk.
Chen Yuxi pushed his own suitcase against the wall and looked left and right while holding the makeup bag he had prepared in advance: “Where should we do it?”
Qi Xun pulled a chair over to the sofa: “The living area. The light is good.”
“Okay.”
Chen Yuxi placed his makeup bag on the coffee table, arranging the bottles, jars, and various tools. “I didn’t bring spare powder puffs or brushes. Is it alright if I use mine?”
“Mhm.” Qi Xun sat down on the sofa, his arms resting on his thighs as he leaned forward, looking at him.
Chen Yuxi hesitated for a moment and said, “The sofa is too low. How about you sit in the chair instead?”
Qi Xun gave a slight nod toward the sofa: “You sit.”
Chen Yuxi shook his head: “It’s hard to work that way.”
If they sat face-to-face, Qi Xun’s legs alone would keep him ten thousand miles away; his arms would be exhausted.
Without another word, Qi Xun stood up and switched to the taller chair.
Chen Yuxi looked at him twice, first pulling out toner and serum to explain the necessary moisturizing steps before applying makeup, only to find that Qi Xun had already closed his eyes, looking completely at his mercy.
Relaxing quite a bit, Chen Yuxi got to work.
He poured out toner, mixed in two drops of serum, gently pressed it onto the man’s face, and slowly spread it out, massaging a bit more on areas prone to cakey makeup.
Qi Xun remained completely still and quiet.
Chen Yuxi relaxed entirely and went all out.
Moisturizer, concealer, foundation, eyeshadow, contouring… he moved faster and faster.
Or rather, Qi Xun’s facial features were so good that every step saved effort, making the process breeze by.
The only issue was that Qi Xun’s skin tone was tanner and healthier than his, so he had to adjust the foundation shade.
Having finished the base makeup in one go, Chen Yuxi picked up an eyelash curler.
The moment it touched the man’s eyelid, Qi Xun pulled back and opened his eyes.
Chen Yuxi: “?”
Qi Xun: “No need to touch the eyelashes.”
Chen Yuxi blinked, glanced at the man’s long, dense eyelashes, and put down the tool: “Then we’re almost done… What shade of lipstick would you like?”
Qi Xun: “No need—” His gaze swept across Chen Yuxi’s lips, and he changed his mind: “What colors do you have?”
Chen Yuxi opened both lipsticks he had brought and showed them to him: “Just these two shades.”
Both were ones he used daily when going out, clearly showing signs of usage.
“Let me wipe it with a tissue before you—”
Before he could finish his sentence, Qi Xun snatched one of them and swiped it directly across his lips.[2]Lhaozi’s note: Kyaaaahhh hahahaha I smell unrequited love lmao hahaha I luv this! jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_3519055_1_2').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_3519055_1_2', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });
Chen Yuxi: “…”
Perhaps his expression was too obvious. Qi Xun asked, “Did I not put it on right?”
Chen Yuxi wanted to say he was way too informal, but hesitated before pointing at the corner of the man’s lips: “It smudged outside.”
Qi Xun: “Oh.”
Taking Chen Yuxi’s small compact mirror, he looked into it and wiped it twice with his finger. “Done.”
Chen Yuxi: “…”
He really is extremely casual about this.
Qi Xun handed the lipstick back to him: “Thanks for your hard work.”
Chen Yuxi hurriedly said, “You’re welcome, as long as you don’t dislike it.”
Qi Xun said calmly, “It’s better than bare skin.”
Because the man had been quietly cooperative the entire time, Chen Yuxi grew bolder and cracked a joke: “Were you afraid that going on camera bare-faced would cause marketing accounts to spread rumors that you’ve washed up?”
Qi Xun actually didn’t get angry and even explained to him: “My manager is quite annoying. If I go on camera without makeup, he’ll bring people to chase me down for reshoots, leaving me without a moment of peace for days.”
Chen Yuxi couldn’t help but laugh: “Then he’s very responsible.”
Qi Xun let out an “Mhm” and stood up.
Chen Yuxi: “Hey, hey, we haven’t styled your hair yet.”
Qi Xun: “No need.”
He picked up the ball cap from the sofa and snapped it onto his head.
Chen Yuxi: “…”
Talk about quick and hassle-free.
Qi Xun picked up his phone.
Chen Yuxi tactfully moved out of the way to pack up his things. Suddenly, his phone on the coffee table vibrated, the screen lighting up.
He quickly grabbed it and said to Qi Xun, “The production staff should be here—eh? Why did you send me a message—”
Qi Xun: WeChat Transfer: ¥80,000.00
Chen Yuxi: “?!!”
Just as he was about to speak, a hand reached over from beside him and tapped his screen.
【Received Transfer: ¥80,000.00】
Chen Yuxi: “…Teacher Qi, you—”
Qi Xun calmly replied, “Makeup fee.”
Chen Yuxi: “…Teacher Qi, I only helped you put on a basic base makeup. I even used my own cosmetics, didn’t spend a single cent, and didn’t do any hair styling or outfit planning…”
Qi Xun: “Ah, that’s the price calculated without styling.”
Chen Yuxi: “…It’s that expensive?”
Qi Xun gave an “Mhm,” looking down as he tapped his phone, as if casually explaining: “My manager needs to know the cost of being high-maintenance.”
Chen Yuxi: “…”
The phone vibrated again—this time, it was finally a call from the show’s staff.
Chen Yuxi quickly answered: “Good morning, Teacher Zhang—yes, yes, Teacher Qi is with me—yes, yes—wait a moment, let me ask.”
He turned his head.
Qi Xun had already walked to the door, resting his hand on his suitcase while looking at him.
Chen Yuxi: “…”
He hurriedly said a few words to the person on the phone, trotted over, pushed his own suitcase, and walked out together.
The production team had prepared a mid-sized commercial van. Chen Yuxi sat in the back row—because Qi Xun was indeed conducting an interview inside the car.
It wasn’t even a drama promotion or an entertainment gossip magazine, but a proper, serious financial interview.
Wearing a ball cap and casual clothes, Qi Xun sat right in the vehicle seat answering questions. All sorts of hard-to-understand economic and financial terms and policies rolled off his tongue naturally, looking effortless and handsome.
Chen Yuxi secretly pulled out his phone—
Click.
The journalist, the photographer, and even the staff in the front row all turned around to look at him.
Chen Yuxi: “…”
Help—this is so embarrassing.
Gancing at Qi Xun, who was completely unaffected and calmly speaking, Chen Yuxi cupped his hands and bowed repeatedly toward the journalist and photographer to apologize.
The recording was still ongoing, so the two journalists looked at him twice and turned back.
Chen Yuxi breathed a sigh of relief and immediately reconfigured his phone settings, not knowing when his shutter sound had been turned back on.
It took nearly an hour to drive from the hotel to the filming location, and Qi Xun’s interview lasted for over half an hour.
When it concluded, the female journalist smiled: “Thank you for your time, Chairman Qi.”
Qi Xun nodded slightly: “You’re welcome.”
Seeing that the photographer was still flipping through the footage to check if any retakes were needed, the journalist struck up a casual conversation: “It’s rare for Chairman Qi to accept an interview, and you seem to be in a good mood today. Did something good happen?”
In the back row, Chen Yuxi poked his head out secretly to observe Qi Xun. Does this expressionless face count as being in a ‘good mood’?
In the front seat, Qi Xun answered candidly: “Indeed, something good happened.”
Chen Yuxi: “!”
His gossiping ears immediately perked up.
The female journalist was also surprised and asked with a smile: “Do you mind sharing?”
Qi Xun said coldly, “I do mind. Financial journalists shouldn’t take on entertainment reporting jobs—entertainment reporting comes at a different price.”
The implied meaning: you have to pay extra.
Journalist: “…”
Chen Yuxi: “…”
Does a Film King who drops 80,000 yuan on a basic makeup look really care about this little bit of money?
Is this the attack power of someone in a ‘good mood’?
Author’s Note:
I, Hu Han-Cui, am starting a new novel again~
According to my settings, this should be a short novel (my “short novels” aren’t the 30k-50k word type of short!!).
Although my updates are short each time, I am consistent!! (Proud)
So, everyone can jump into the pit with peace of mind~~~
Also, I haven’t decided which story to write for the next upcoming project yet. Everyone can bookmark my column first so you don’t miss out on amazing stories (bushi/just kidding), and you can also check out various styles of couple dynamics messing around in the column (huh?) [Blushing][Blushing]
Alright, no more chatter~~ Everyone hurry up and go outside to raise some dogs, and bring back more nutrient fluid! [Dog head][Dog head]
References[+]