Chapter 28: Bewitched by Beauty

As soon as Bai Chenxi arrived at the entrance of the film set, she was surrounded by a throng of reporters. They chased after her, bombarding her with questions about her relationship with Chu Muyun. It took considerable effort for Bai Chenxi to break free from their encirclement.

Although the media had been speculating endlessly about the connection between the two, Chu Muyun had not appeared lately, and Bai Chenxi had been busy filming. The two had not been photographed together in recent times.

Unable to secure new interviews, the media began digging up old stories. The foremost among these was the recent incident of her liking a post, which was initially believed to be a gesture to shield Lin Yue but now seemed to reveal that she was the main subject. Some even claimed that Chu Muyun’s own social media posts hinted at their relationship.

Others went further, uncovering instances where the two wore matching outfits. Old interviews resurfaced, in which they described their ideal partner in ways that matched each other’s descriptions.

The speculation became a spectacle, leaving Bai Chenxi dumbfounded. She couldn’t believe how convincing the rumors were—if she weren’t herself, she might have believed them too.

For now, however, none of this concerned Bai Chenxi. She remained absorbed in her work on set. On the final day of shooting, the crew arranged a celebratory dinner.

Jiang Jize sent a message to Chu Muyun: “Brother, here’s your chance to ‘mix business with pleasure.’ The crew is having a wrap party tonight. Since you made a cameo, you should at least make an appearance.”

Chu Muyun glanced at the message, set his phone aside, and didn’t reply.

Bai Chenxi did not expect to encounter Chu Muyun at the wrap party.

The man who arrived with Chu Muyun wore a black suit. Though he looked young, he radiated an air of elite professionalism that commanded respect.

The director hurried forward to greet them. “President Jiang, I never expected you’d come. And our superstar Chu—what an honor!”

Chu Muyun responded with a casual nod, while Jiang Jize expertly engaged in polite conversation. During a lull in their exchange, Bai Chenxi quietly asked Lan Tian beside her, “Who is that? The director seems so enthusiastic.”

Lan Tian looked at Bai Chenxi in disbelief. “Sister, do you not research before joining a crew? That’s the biggest investor in our project, President Jiang Jize of Kai Jia Culture. He’s also my boss—and Chu’s.”

“Chu Muyun’s boss?” Bai Chenxi’s curiosity was piqued.

She glanced at the sullen-faced Chu Muyun, then at the smiling, sociable boss. At first glance, she would have mistaken him for Chu Muyun’s agent. Bai Chenxi whispered to Lan Tian, “Are you sure he’s his boss?”

Lan Tian understood her implication without needing further explanation. “Doesn’t seem like it, right? He—”

Before Lan Tian could elaborate, the director brought the two men over and warmly introduced Bai Chenxi.

“President Jiang, this is our leading lady, Bai Chenxi.” He then turned to Bai Chenxi, “This is President Jiang.”

“Good evening, President Jiang.”

Jiang Jize regarded Bai Chenxi with a probing gaze, pausing for a moment before speaking. “Bai Chenxi, you truly live up to your name. Your beauty matches it perfectly.”

Bai Chenxi’s expression twitched—was he always this oily? She replied politely, “Thank you, President Jiang, you flatter me.”

Jiang Jize seemed not to notice her polite dismissal and explained earnestly, “Not at all. You deserve the praise. And…” He glanced at Chu Muyun, “From now on, just call me Jize.”

What was this about? The feeling was mutual among those nearby. Chu Muyun coughed, his face darkening.

Hearing Chu Muyun’s cough, Jiang Jize decided to rein himself in, adopting a serious tone. “I was only joking. I hope Miss Bai won’t mind.”

Bai Chenxi forced a laugh. “Not at all, not at all.” Of course she minded—how could she not? He was as annoying as Chu Muyun, truly a pair.

The director smoothed things over with a laugh. “President Jiang, our superstar Chu, let’s take our seats.”

Chu Muyun was about to head elsewhere when Jiang Jize placed him beside Bai Chenxi, whispering, “Don’t thank me too much.”

Watching Chu Muyun sit next to her, Bai Chenxi felt an urge to confront Jiang Jize: Do you have a grudge against me or something, putting me through this?

“What, are you unhappy I’m sitting next to you?”

Chu Muyun’s voice carried a hint of menace. Bai Chenxi remembered she had to tread carefully—he was notoriously temperamental.

She put on a smile. “Not at all—it’s just, you know, I worry about strange rumors cropping up again.”

Chu Muyun’s expression eased, and he reassured her, “It’s fine, this place isn’t usually photographed. I’ve already said we’re just friends, so even if photos are taken, it’s no big deal.”

Bai Chenxi responded perfunctorily: Big brother, you may not mind, but I do! The fans’ criticism isn’t directed at you.

Throughout the meal, Bai Chenxi kept an eye on Chu Muyun’s eating habits—he was indeed as picky as his grandmother had said.

Her familiarity with his habits was entirely thanks to his grandmother, who often talked about Chu Muyun during their conversations. Over time, Bai Chenxi had learned quite a bit about him. She wouldn’t claim to know everything, but she was clear about his likes, dislikes, and certain quirks.

“You’ve been staring at me since dinner began—have you fallen for me?” Chu Muyun’s low whisper reached her ear, tinged with seduction.

Bai Chenxi’s heart fluttered. Truly, his voice was his greatest asset.

“Of course not.” Even her retort carried a hint of coquettishness. “Your grandmother told me you’re picky, so I pay extra attention when you eat.”

“Oh? Did she tell you what I like and dislike?” Chu Muyun wasn’t annoyed; instead, he continued gently.

“She did.” Bai Chenxi’s candid response surprised Chu Muyun. The way she looked at him now was exactly like his fans. Something seemed to dawn on him.

Chu Muyun’s gaze softened, a smile tugging at his lips. His voice grew even deeper. “Would you help me pick out the dishes?”

“Sure!” Bai Chenxi was so entranced she answered without thinking. As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized what she’d said and nearly bit her own tongue.

She couldn’t even meet Chu Muyun’s eyes, burying her head in her plate only to find it empty. Flustered, she grabbed her drink, only to choke on it.

Chu Muyun’s smile deepened as he watched her panic. Now he finally knew where her weakness lay.

Later, when Jiang Jize recalled this episode, he wore a mischievous expression and summed it up for Chu Muyun in four words: “Stealing the show alone.”

Halfway through the banquet, the customary toasting began. Social rituals at the table were indispensable.

As a woman at the wrap party, Bai Chenxi wasn’t expected to drink. But Chu Muyun was different—he was a superstar in the entertainment industry, and many came to toast him. It would be unreasonable for him not to drink.

Remembering his grandmother’s warning about Chu Muyun’s stomach problems, Bai Chenxi watched him with concern.

She whispered, “Are you alright? If you can’t drink, don’t force yourself.”

Chu Muyun looked at Bai Chenxi. Perhaps he’d had a bit too much; his eyes lost their usual sharpness, becoming more dazed and gentle, reminiscent of his demeanor when he was sick.

Bai Chenxi’s heart was at war with itself: What should I do? I really want to ruffle his hair—he’s so adorable.

Chu Muyun unknowingly leaned closer. “What’s this? Worried about me?” It was as if he were murmuring right in her ear.

Bai Chenxi’s ears flushed red. She gently pushed him away and placed more food on his plate. “Eat more to help with the alcohol.”

Looking at this version of Chu Muyun, Bai Chenxi was convinced he was drunk. If he were sober, he’d never act like this. But honestly, please get a grip, or I really won’t be able to handle you.

She was a sucker for good looks, and Chu Muyun’s appearance was beyond comparison. If he hadn’t been so unpleasant when they first met, she would have become a fan at first sight.

Being flirted with by such a handsome man—she truly couldn’t handle it. Bai Chenxi could only hope he’d sober up soon; this side of Chu Muyun was more than she could bear.