Chapter 125: That Wisp of Killing Intent

It was another Saturday. Both of Chu Luoxi's roommates, Zhu Xueshuang and Liu Yujia, had been picked up by their agents for their respective schedules. Chu Luoxi checked the time before heading out, arriving at the film studio right on schedule.

Although it was a cosplay project, the costumes and background architecture were based on ancient themes, making the film studio the perfect setting for the shoot.

When Chu Luoxi arrived, she found that Xiao Jingxuan’s makeup was already nearly finished. Since they were the only two involved, the makeup artist was in no rush.

Chu Luoxi was surprised to see that the makeup artist was Liu Yun, and she couldn't help but feel puzzled. She had assumed that Liu Yun and Xiao Jingxuan were not particularly close, even if they were acquainted. Otherwise, why would Liu Yun have been so envious of the internal, exclusive-use skincare set she possessed? If he were really close to the great Xiao, couldn't he have just asked for a set?

"How are you feeling today?" Once Liu Yun finished his work on Xiao Jingxuan, he pressed Chu Luoxi into a chair and ran his hands over her face, checking her skin condition for the day.

A seasoned makeup artist chooses cosmetics based on the subject's daily skin state, which is optimal for the complexion. However, Liu Yun had barely touched her face—not even having the chance to observe closely—when he felt a chill creep up his spine. An inexplicable aura of murderous intent struck him, startling him so much that he froze in place.

Having worked with Liu Yun several times, Chu Luoxi was familiar with his habits. Seeing his hand stiffen on her shoulder instead of continuing to check her skin, she turned her head in confusion. "I feel great. I slept very well last night."

The quality of one's sleep has a significant impact on the skin's condition for the day, so it was a question that required an honest answer.

When she turned around, the murderous aura was gone. Liu Yun wiped a drop of cold sweat from his brow, feeling completely baffled and assuming it had been his imagination. "Yes, your skin is good today..." He reached out to touch her face again, but the murderous aura flared up instantly—even more intensely than before—startling him into pulling his hand back as if he had been electrocuted.

"What's wrong with you?" Chu Luoxi asked suspiciously, thinking Liu Yun’s behavior was quite abnormal. Wasn't everything fine just a moment ago?

"It's nothing!" Liu Yun gave a dry laugh. He glanced over at Xiao Jingxuan, who was adjusting his costume, and then at Lan Lun and the others nearby. Seeing that no one else seemed unusual, he couldn't help but feel a twitch in his eye. "You sit here for a moment; I need to go to the..."

"Oh, go ahead!" Chu Luoxi teased, her expression one of knowing amusement that made Liu Yun feel rather awkward. So, he was in a rush to use the restroom; no wonder his reactions were so bizarre.

With a cold expression, Lan Lun watched Liu Yun leave. A flicker of amusement passed through his eyes, though inwardly, he thought to himself that Xiao Jingxuan clearly had ulterior motives regarding Chu Luoxi.

"Are you two very close?" Xiao Jingxuan sat down nearby and asked casually.

"Hm?" Chu Luoxi looked up from a magazine and blinked blankly. "Oh, you mean Liu Yun? We met during the filming of 'Rivers and Mountains.' He’s very skilled! By the way, where is your usual makeup artist, Senior Brother Xiao?"

It was impossible that Xiao Jingxuan didn't have a personal makeup artist; she had already enjoyed such services when filming the MV for 'Circle and Deficiency.' Seeing Liu Yun here, she felt quite surprised.

"He had something to do and went elsewhere." A trace of frustration flickered in Xiao Jingxuan’s eyes. If that hadn't been the case, why would he have let Lan Lun call in someone so "unprofessional"? Makeup is just makeup; why the need to touch and poke?

The resentful Great God Xiao had completely forgotten that just a moment ago, he had thought Liu Yun was quite talented and skilled.

Since it was a short film with only two actors, this makeshift crew wasn't overly complex, though the total number of people was still significant. According to the script, the short film would last about five minutes, with four of those minutes consisting of fight scenes. Therefore, the use of wire harnesses was a given, and since both of them had to be in the air simultaneously, the number of crew members required was quite high.

Chu Luoxi tugged on the fluorescent fabric strips around her waist and nodded in satisfaction. The costumes were top-tier gear from the game being cosplayed, so they were naturally magnificent. Fortunately, the female lead's outfit wasn't revealing—a detail that had helped "Seeking the Way" win the hearts of many female players.

If it hadn't been for that, Chu Luoxi might have opposed the cosplay plan.

"Little Chu, are you ready? If so, we're going to start," Director Li Xun asked with a beaming smile, appearing very amiable and easy to get along with.

"Yes, I'm ready!" Chu Luoxi replied cautiously. She wasn't swayed by Li Xun’s superficial demeanor; instead, she remained wary.

Although Li Xun didn't possess the massive popularity or fame among the general audience that directors like Li Shuangmu or Qiu Xian held, he was still very well-known in the entertainment circle. Moreover, his temperament was directly proportional to his fame: not only was he fickle, but he was also quite eccentric.

This wasn't just about him changing his personality during filming; even in daily life, the guy was more temperamental than a woman. Some said he lived life exactly as he pleased, while others called him neurotic. Of course, regardless of the rumors, his technical skills were beyond doubt. Li Xun was a director who straddled the line between television and film; in general, as long as he was happy and willing, he could film anything.

In her previous life, many people couldn't stand his erratic temperament. Many actresses were reluctant to work with him, and those who had—regardless of gender—all claimed to have been put through the wringer. This wasn't because Li Xun was difficult about how to act, but because dealing with his volatile temperament was exhausting enough.

Chu Luoxi had worked with Li Xun before, but she had never figured out how to get along with him. Perhaps there was no logic to it at all. She hadn't expected Xiao Jingxuan to invite him to film this short project.

Sure enough, a second later, Li Xun’s attitude shifted. With a look of skepticism, he said, "I don't know why Xiao Jingxuan values a newcomer like you so much that he’d have you film an endorsement with him. However, I’ve heard Old Man Qiu praise you, and I’ve seen 'Rivers and Mountains.' If you can maintain that level of performance, it won't be bad. Work hard!"

After saying this, Li Xun turned away to check on the preparations of each unit, leaving Chu Luoxi standing there, feeling a mix of amusement and frustration.

See? She told you he was a director more erratic than a woman. You never knew what he would be like the next second, and he never cared about social niceties or whether he made people feel awkward or discouraged; he only cared about his own mood.

To be honest, there must be something significant behind Li Xun, otherwise, how could someone like him have risen to prominence? Not to mention achieving such success in this circle.

However... Chu Luoxi’s thoughts shifted. It was clear that Li Xun gave Xiao Jingxuan a lot of face. Just what was behind the great Xiao?

"Don't take it to heart. Director Li has always been like this. He has an eccentric temperament, but he doesn't have any malicious intent. Besides, his directing skills are excellent," Xiao Jingxuan said comfortingly, assuming Chu Luoxi was feeling uncomfortable because it was her first time encountering someone like him.

He had no idea that Chu Luoxi’s thoughts had already wandered to what was behind him.