Chapter 22: Contrast

Human nature is always extremely complex.

Li Luo is no exception.

He can act bravely for justice, yet also employ tactics with self-interest in mind.

Xu Qing is not only a major star but can also provide immense assistance, and most importantly, she is extraordinarily beautiful; to completely win her over, he has no qualms about uttering words that make him himself feel cloyingly sweet.

Some of these words he has never even said to Chen Lifeng.

Between him and the young nun.

Not only in his view, but both sides tacitly accept their relationship as mutually beneficial within the film crew.

And Xu Qing.

He has no objection to developing a long-term relationship with her.

Her age being a bit older doesn’t matter—this Beijing girl’s bloom lasts far longer than most!

Hearing these words brimming with passion, coupled with the sensation of being powerfully conquered and continuously reaching peaks, Xu Qing became utterly tender and soft.

“Xiao Luo.”

Gazing steadily at Li Luo, she whispered: “I understand your feelings, but our age difference is simply too great—no one else could ever understand this.”

“Don’t speak.”

Seeing Li Luo’s urgency, she placed her hand over his lips, her eyes hazy: “Listen to me—out in public, you’re just my adopted younger brother.”

“And I will always be your adopted older sister.”

“What about in private?”

The girl countless men long for but could never attain now blushed shyly in his arms; Li Luo’s lips kept curling upward.

“You’re annoying!”

With a playful scolding, her tiny fist lightly tapped his chest.

“Dong dong dong~”

At that moment, the door banged urgently: “A Luo, we came to see you!”

The two exchanged glances.

They quickly pulled apart.

Xu Qing pinned up her hair, swiftly pulled on her fisherman’s cap to cover her damp locks, and Li Luo stuffed all her soaked clothes into her shoulder bag—within seconds, the scene was cleaned up.

“Coming!”

Li Luo shouted toward the outside.

“I’ll go back first.” Her voice paused slightly; Xu Qing shyly kissed his cheek: “Get some rest early—I’ll come see you again tomorrow.”

After confirming nothing was amiss, she opened the door with a nervous heart.

“Qing Jie?”

“Xu Qing Jie!”

Opening the door startled the people outside.

“Come in, all of you.”

Looking at the group outside, Xu Qing smiled and stepped aside: “I had nothing to do this afternoon, so I came to bring Xiao Luo some food.”

Having spent years immersed in front of the camera.

In just a few seconds, she had nearly returned to her usual self.

Her cheeks were still flushed, but the people outside would never think of anything improper—after a chorus of greetings, a large crowd filed in like a string of candied haws.

There were martial performers like Du Yun and Lin Can who often drank together, as well as young actors like Chen Lifeng and Miao Dingding.

They carried all sorts of things.

Food, drinks, and several bouquets of flowers.

Li Luo has good relationships with everyone.

After this incident, those with free time had gathered to come visit him.

“You guys chat.”

Xu Qing picked up the items, nodded to everyone, then quickly left the ward.

Once they were gone.

The atmosphere inside the room instantly relaxed.

“A Luo, you’re impressive!”

Du Yun spoke first, envious: “You made a huge splash today—saving Miss Xu Qing. If she’s willing to help you later, you’ll never lack roles.”

“Yeah, yeah!”

Chen Lifeng and Miao Dingding nodded vigorously as well.

Everyone had heard of Xu Qing’s background—her connections include many big names in the industry.

Just a little finger slip.

Could make someone fat and satisfied.

Envious glances kept falling on Li Luo; many fantasized that if they had been the one to save Xu Qing, they’d gladly break an arm for it.

“Come on.”

Li Luo lay back on the hospital bed and chuckled softly: “I didn’t save her for those things.”

“If any one of you had been in that situation, I’d have acted without hesitation.”

“I couldn’t just watch someone die!”

His words stirred shame in the hearts of the group.

Compared to him.

Their own thoughts seemed filthy!

Having shut down their remarks, Li Luo swiftly changed the subject, asking about the film crew’s situation.

Amidst a chorus of voices.

Everyone explained why they’d arrived so late.

The entire crew held a meeting; safety issues alone took two hours to discuss. The rigging crew was fired outright—even though it was an accident, they had to make an example of someone.

Only after all that fuss did they find time to come to the hospital.

After half an hour of casual chat, everyone began to leave. Although the young nun Chen Lifeng wanted to stay longer,

she feared others might notice how close she was to Li Luo.

She was the first to leave.

Watching the closed door, Li Luo savored Xu Qing’s myriad charms, then activated his panel with a thought.

【Li Luo】

【Physique: 67】

【Charisma: 70】

【Performance: Beginner, Exp 63/1000】

【Physique: Not Beginner, Exp 67/100】

【Dialogue: Not Beginner, Exp 70/100】

【Mastered Skills:】

【Long Fist (Beginner) Seven Stars Sword Art (Beginner)】

Due to constant rehearsals with the crew’s actors, his three basic attributes have risen further, and the thirty performance points gained from Xu Qing just now make the outlook promising.

Performance promotion still seems a while off.

But Dialogue and Physique should reach Beginner level soon!

Today, though he saw some blood, he successfully won over Xu Qing, earned a debt of gratitude from Zhang Zhong, and pocketed five thousand yuan under his pillow.

Truly a bountiful day.

With a smile on his face, he drifted back into deep sleep.

Time flew by.

After the rigging accident, the film crew finally ran smoothly.

During filming.

Fenghu Chong, Ren Yingying, and Yi Lin doted on each other.

After wrapping.

Li Luo, Xu Qing, and Chen Lifeng seized chances to be intimate.

They were playing with contrast.

Days passed quickly, soon reaching the scene where Lin Pingzhi masters the Biexie Sword Manual and personally kills Yu Canghai and Mu Gaofeng.

Beneath the sun, beside a thatched hut.

Under Yuan Bin’s guidance, Li Luo spun sword flourishes; sunlight glinted off the flashing blade, blinding those around him, and the whistling sound made them swallow repeatedly.

If this sword came down.

Even without a sharp edge, it would still draw blood!

At this moment, he wore a red underdress beneath a sheer black gauze cloak, his long hair flowing freely in the wind.

Paired with special makeup.

He looked one-third feminine, seven-thirds sinister.

“Enough.”

Seeing the long sword fluttering like a butterfly among flowers, Yuan Bin nodded in satisfaction: “I thought I’d have to attach rubber bands to your hands and split the shot into several takes.”

“Didn’t expect you to wield it better than I do now.”

“Thank you, Director Yuan.”

With a tight smile, Li Luo performed a graceful, feminine curtsy toward him.

“Get lost!”

Yuan Bin shuddered, his face twisted in disgust: “You little brat, don’t be so unnatural.”

“Hahaha~”

Li Luo’s expression turned serious as he threw back his head and laughed loudly.

The effeminate aura vanished completely, restoring his usual handsome, masculine presence.

“Big Brother Yuan.”

Under the sunshade, Zhang Zhongzhi called out loudly: “Little Luo, you two come over here.”

They exchanged a glance.

Both strode over together.

Beneath the erected sunshade lay numerous props and monitors; besides Zhang Zhongzhi, several actors were resting here, but in just a moment, a few more strangers had appeared.

“Director Wu.”

Yuan Bin, usually so aloof and intimidating, fixed his gaze and hurried over with a grin to the man around fifty: “What brings you to the set?”

Yuan Bin was ugly and fearsome; many on set were afraid of him.

Yet now, scurrying about like a puppy, he made Li Luo stumble in place, barely managing to control his facial expression.