His question sparked a wave of enthusiastic responses.
The girls shook their heads vigorously.
“Perfect! That’s the only word for it! Truly perfect!”
One girl even gave him two thumbs up. “Teacher Lu, you’re not strange at all. You’re so beautiful it’s a crime! You’re so beautiful you’ve left us all with no way out!”
Lu Ren’s mouth twitched. *Is all this really necessary?*
Perhaps because he seemed particularly approachable and gentle today, the girls felt emboldened.
“Teacher Lu, excuse me,” one girl couldn’t help herself and reached out to touch his collarbone. “Oh my god, Teacher Lu, your collarbone is so sharp you could rest chopsticks on it!”
“So flat and straight!”
Lu Ren blinked. “…Huh?”
Before he could process what was happening, someone pinched his waist. He flinched, and the next second, another girl gazed at him with a wistful expression. “Teacher Lu, your waist is so slender too.”
“Your calves are so smooth, Teacher Lu. Which clinic did you go to for laser hair removal?”
Lu Ren had never been pawed at by so many women in his entire life. His face flushed a deep crimson.
Overwhelmed by their fervent enthusiasm, he instinctively took a step back. “I—I’ve always had very little hair…”
“No hair at all? Teacher Lu is truly a rare a natural beauty!”
Lu Ren’s mouth twitched. *Was she about to call me a ‘rare beauty’ or a ‘piece of work’?*
“You girls… you should show a little more restraint,” Lu Ren said, his ears burning as he waved his hands to stop them from touching him. “I am a man, after all…”
As he finished his earnest plea, the girls exchanged a glance and burst into laughter.
Far from backing off, they started teasing him even more.
“Why is Teacher Lu so shy today?”
“Hehe, does Teacher Lu like reserved girls? Then I’ll be extra reserved for you~”
“Yes, yes! A shy Teacher Lu is even more beautiful!”
“Teacher, why don’t you lift your skirt and pose for us? I’m great at editing photos, and I have a million-follower account on FaceZan. Can I post it?”
Lu Ren: “…”
Fortunately, a production assistant arrived just in time to rescue him from the “Pansi Cave.”
The boy sent to fetch him happened to be the same one who had stopped him at the entrance earlier. Upon seeing him, the boy’s face flushed crimson, and he stammered, calling out, “Lu Renren!”
The intense reactions of everyone around him made Lu Ren feel a mix of guilt and an indescribable, awkward embarrassment.
*He was a grown man. No matter how good he looked in women’s clothes… it wasn’t exactly something to be praised, was it?*
***
Meanwhile, Rao Mengmeng clenched her fists, covering her face. Her small face was pale with rage, her expression twisted.
Beside her, an assistant whispered, “Forget it, Mengmeng. I heard they only put Lu Ren in for plot reasons. There will be other opportunities next time.”
“Plot?!”
Rao Mengmeng’s voice rose in pitch, but she quickly caught herself, taking a deep breath.
Gritting her teeth, she hissed, “What kind of plot ignores a woman like me and uses a man to play a female role?”
“…Isn’t he already playing a crossdresser in the story?”
“Impossible! This is the final scene. His acting is terrible how could they let him wrap it up…?”
“Besides, he’s even wearing Balwin today! Lu Ren must have suck up to that guy again!” Rao Mengmeng cursed. “He’s such a—”
*Such a bitch!*
The words were on the tip of her tongue, but the next second, they got stuck in her throat.
Lu Ren was being escorted over by a crowd.
The entire set fell eerily silent for a few seconds.
The next moment, the filming area seemed to boil over, instantly erupting into a cacophony of eager gossip and gasps.
Lu Ren seemed to be blushing from the commotion. His long, wavy hair cascaded down his back, and he wore a red gown that revealed his slender, swan-like neck.
Though he stumbled awkwardly in high heels, it was precisely this unpracticed clumsiness that seemed to bring a deeper flush to his cheeks. With his dark brows, snow-white skin, and crimson gown, his aura naturally exuded a shy, demure charm.
Someone beside him said something that made him trip. He managed to steady himself, but he shot the other person a bashful, feigned glare.
He was breathtakingly beautiful.
Rao Mengmeng’s “bitch” remained stuck in her throat. After a long moment, the “pure and innocent starlet” couldn’t help but mutter a curse under her breath, staring blankly as Lu Ren walked past.
The assistant beside her was equally dumbstruck.
*Lu Ren… that sissy… looks absolutely lethal in drag.*
At the same time.
Deep, dark brows lifted.
Yin Beilin slowly closed the script in his hand, the corner of his lips curving into a slight, appreciative smile.
***
Lu Ren practically had to keep on the move, dodging and weaving, before he finally found a quiet spot.
Because of the dress, he couldn’t spread his legs too wide. Instead, he had to keep them slightly crossed, leaning forward with his chin resting on his hand as he pored over the script.
Suddenly, a shadow fell over him.
Lu Ren looked up and saw Director Xu.
He felt a sudden wave of awkwardness and quickly sat up straight.
From the original host’s memories, Director Xu had never paid much attention to him. Lu Ren had originally considered asking the director for guidance, but after recalling those memories, he had decided against it.
He never expected Director Xu to break his usual pattern and approach him on his own.
“Hello, Director Xu,” Lu Ren said quickly.
“Hmm.” Director Xu nodded sternly. “Hello.”
After the greeting, an awkward silence hung in the air.
Lu Ren forced a smile. “Director Xu, is there something I can help you with?”
…*Why does it feel like Director Xu doesn’t even know my name?*
“It’s nothing major,” Director Xu said, seemingly realizing the awkwardness. He cleared his throat. “Beilin recommended you, so I just came to take a look.”
“Your look…” Director Xu pondered for a moment, his face still stern. “Beilin was right. It really does suit you.”
Lu Ren felt a bit embarrassed. “Maybe this styling is just a good fit…”
“It’s a perfect fit.” Director Xu nodded, his words flowing more freely than before. “We could reshoot the earlier scenes. This time it’s a red dress, but the bar scenes could be changed to white. White would definitely look better…”
At this point, Director Xu cleared his throat and regained his stern expression. “I mean better from a cinematic perspective. Don’t get any ideas.”
“I know,” Lu Ren said, feeling even more embarrassed as he scratched his head. “Thank you, Director.”
Lu Ren had been a bit on edge. For one, the original owner’s memories described Director Xu as eccentric and sharp-tongued, which made him a little apprehensive.
For another, back in college when he was running around film sets, he’d never been able to approach the main director directly. He usually only dealt with assistant directors or even their assistants. Facing the main director now, Lu Ren felt a huge amount of pressure.
But looking at it now, Director Xu’s tone was actually quite gentle.
Lu Ren quickly seized the opportunity and asked, “Director, there’s actually something I don’t quite understand.”
Lu Ren recounted his thoughts on the ending to Director Xu and then asked in confusion, “Director, what’s the purpose of this scene? Is it that I’m preparing to hunt the protagonist, only to be killed in self-defense by the protagonist?”
Hearing Lu Ren’s question, Director Xu’s previously stern face softened as the conversation turned to this topic.
After Lu Ren finished speaking, the director paused thoughtfully. “It’s good that you’re thinking for yourself,” he said.
“But for this scene, I don’t want to constrain your interpretation,” Director Xu continued. “You can approach it from that angle if you wish; there’s no problem with that.”
Although he was satisfied with the newcomer’s look this time, Director Xu still had little faith in his acting. He couldn’t even remember the kid’s name, but his previous performances had barely been passable.
Fortunately, the role of the crossdresser didn’t have much screen time. With the right editing and lighting, a formidable presence could still be achieved.
So, even if the newcomer seemed to have finally grasped things this time, Director Xu still had no real expectations for him.
There was no point in discussing things that were impossible to achieve. Telling him or not would make no difference.
It was better not to say anything and let him rely on his instincts; perhaps that would yield a better result.
With this thought, Director Xu said, “Just memorize your lines and immerse yourself in the character.”
“This is an improvised scene, so it relies more on your immediate reactions. Beilin will help you get into the right mood.”
“Just stay in character. All you need to do is react to Beilin’s actions and convey that reaction back to him.”
*All I need to do is convey the reaction?*
Even as they took their positions and truly prepared for the “action” call, Lu Ren still found it a bit hard to grasp.
Yin Beilin, playing Chen Dao, stood opposite “her.”
Chen Dao was a genius of a man taciturn, letting his actions speak for him.
The streetlights were dim. It was dusk, and the light was gradually fading below the horizon.
The magnificent sunset glow reflected a murky, uncertain light in Lu Ren’s eyes.
He slowly and deliberately sliced the meat with a knife in his right hand.
A gust of wind blew past, sending a strand of hair at his temple fluttering backward.
Wen Nian gently tucked it back. His voice dropped, tinged with an indescribable, eerie tenderness. “You know… I’ve always wanted to thank you.”
Director Xu, wearing headphones, heard Lu Ren’s voice. His sternly furrowed brow twitched.
*That line… was actually delivered quite well.*
Chen Dao seemed completely unfazed by Wen Nian’s words, continuing to eat his meal as if nothing had happened.
Director Xu’s words still echoed in his ears.
“Just memorize your lines and fully immerse yourself in the character.”
Yin Beilin’s performance was too stiff and dull.
Lu Ren was unsure how to proceed.
He only had two lines in this scene: “You know, I’ve always wanted to thank you,” followed by, “This knife… it’s beautiful, don’t you think?”
After that, he was supposed to take the specially designed steak knife and start cutting into Chen Dao.
But Director Xu had told him to be drawn into the character by Yin Beilin. Yet Yin Beilin remained completely motionless. How was he supposed to be drawn in?
*No, I can’t do this.* Within seconds, Lu Ren’s mind raced, his eyes darkening as he made a decision.
Inside the camera frame, Wen Nian’s right hand, clutching the steak knife, twitched slightly.
“She” narrowed her eyes, using her other hand to brush aside a stray lock of hair. With a satisfied look, she placed a piece of beef into her mouth.
Her lips were painted an exceptionally vivid red today, yet the only light came from the headlights of the car, casting a dim glow. As she swallowed the medium-rare beef, it felt as if human flesh mixed with blood was being chewed inch by inch in her mouth.
Beside her, Chen Dao remained oblivious, eating his meal in silence.
*Clang!*
The sharp blade pierced through the steak, its tip striking the plate.
Only after the *clatter* did Chen Dao seem to notice, his hand holding the steak knife pausing mid-air.
“This knife…” Wen Nian raised his right hand slightly, his voice a low, eerie murmur.
The next second, Wen Nian or rather, Lu Ren found his eyes widening in shock.
He hadn’t even finished saying, *This knife is so beautiful.*
Lu Ren stared down, his eyes wide.
A knife was pressed against his stomach.
Almost without warning, his neck was seized in a crushing grip, his hair yanked back. Chen Dao no, Yin Beilin loomed over him, his eyes dark and intense.
Lu Ren choked, the air vanishing from his lungs. He forgot his lines.
The steak knife, a symbol of slaughter, clattered to the floor.
Chen Dao retrieved it.
Lu Ren was forced to tilt his head back, meeting Chen Dao’s dull, frigid gaze.
The knife’s edge traced the contours of his face.
Lu Ren swallowed hard, his body trembling uncontrollably.
Just as he tried to struggle, a searing pain sliced across his sharp collarbone. A bloody gash appeared a second later.
*Yin Beilin… That madman, Yin Beilin, is actually cutting me with a real knife.*
Lu Ren stared at Yin Beilin in disbelief and terror.
*Is he really trying to kill me…*
“This knife…”
Chen Dao’s face, previously as still as a deep well, suddenly broke into a smile.
A mysterious and eerie smile.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
A cold sweat instantly broke out on Lu Ren’s back.
“Cut!”
Director Xu clapped his hands vigorously. “Excellent, very excellent! We’ll stop here!”
“Great job!”
The crew immediately erupted in cheers, but Lu Ren’s heart was still pounding wildly.
While the people around him were celebrating, he felt as if the blood in his entire body had frozen solid.
Lu Ren finally understood why this scene had been added.
So, from the very beginning, Chen Dao was the serial killer all along.
*He* was the one being hunted the seventh body.
But…
But!! Why was Yin Beilin still acting with him after the director had called “cut”??
Lu Ren swallowed hard, his hands pressed against the floor as he kept scooting backward.
However, Yin Beilin merely smiled faintly at him, stepping closer with each stride.
There was an indescribable, sinister aura to that smile. In this moment, Yin Beilin and Chen Dao seemed to merge into one.
Something pressed against his back. The next second, a knife was used to lift his chin.
The icy blade pressed against his chin, and Lu Ren’s throat tightened, leaving him unable to speak.
The next moment, Yin Beilin leaned down.
Like a mouse caught by a cat, Lu Ren’s body trembled even more violently.
His two hands were pulled up, and Yin Beilin’s deep, magnetic voice sounded beside his ear, gentle to the point of being terrifying.
“Didn’t you say you’d be the most obedient toy?” That magnificent voice carried a hint of unyielding coldness. “Where are you planning to go?”
*Where? I’m not going anywhere!*
*Did I really need to go this crazy over getting off the car early, you damn male lead?*
His two hands were seized by a single hand.
Yin Beilin’s face was magnified right before his eyes, less than a palm’s distance away. Lu Ren could even see a faint mole on Yin Beilin’s eyelid with absolute clarity.
Yin Beilin’s long eyelashes were like black fans, and his pupils were as dark as evil ink, staring at him quietly and unfathomably.
His chin was still pressed against that super sharp steak knife. That icy and deadly sensation made Lu Ren want to burst into tears!
Lu Ren’s voice trembled, “I, you… I… I was wrong—”
He couldn’t even finish saying “I was wrong.”
Yin Beilin suddenly released the hand holding Lu Ren’s chin.
Lu Ren’s breath hitched.
The next second, Lu Ren’s gaze followed Yin Beilin’s long, clean fingers downward, watching as Yin Beilin gently pressed a spot on his collarbone.
A bandage had appeared.
Lu Ren: “…?”
Completely bewildered, Lu Ren looked up at Yin Beilin, his expression blank.
“What are you looking at me for?”
Yin Beilin seemed amused by Lu Ren’s vacant expression, his lips curving into a faint smile.
He asked calmly, “Aren’t you going to get up?”
“…???” What???
Seeing that Lu Ren still hadn’t processed the question, the man opposite him chuckled softly and shook his head.
Before Lu Ren could snap out of it, an arm tightened around him, and Yin Beilin helped him to his feet.
Only after Lu Ren stood steadily on the stiletto heels did Yin Beilin withdraw his hand.
His phoenix-like eyes, with pupils as bright as stars, lowered halfway.
Lu Ren was utterly confused.
The next second, a familiar, low-pitched chuckle reached his ears.
“Idiot.”
Lu Ren: “…??”