Chapter 39: None But Her

“Mm.” Xiao Jingxuan raised an eyebrow calmly; as expected, he didn’t deny it. He wasn’t at all surprised that Chu Luoxi could guess as much.

Outwardly composed but inwardly astonished, Chu Luoxi had only made a casual remark, never expecting it to hit the mark.

Tsk, tsk. The great Xiao truly was a genius—not only did he write remarkable songs, but his stories were just as captivating. Then again, it made sense; “Cycles of the Moon” had been both written and composed by Xiao Jingxuan himself. Without a story dwelling in his heart, how could he have crafted such a profoundly moving and soul-stirring narrative?

Nodding, Chu Luoxi couldn’t help but sigh. “The story is wonderful. If it were adapted into a television series or a film, it would be far more captivating than the clichéd, melodramatic fare so popular nowadays.”

She spoke without intent, but Xiao Jingxuan listened with interest. Her words planted a subtle seed of consideration in his mind.

Chu Luoxi thought nothing more of it. She read through the script twice more, then closed her eyes to ponder. Though it was only a music video, she was determined not to cut corners. Besides, this project was far more complex and rigorous than Ji Yanjin’s song. If she didn’t do it justice, wouldn’t it become a blemish on the great Xiao’s record? She certainly couldn’t bear that responsibility…

With such motivation spurring her on, Chu Luoxi devoted herself wholeheartedly.

It had to be said—the first official trailer of “Dragon’s Roar Across the World” not only astounded audiences everywhere, but also made Yuntianxue’s costume an instant sensation. Drawing from ancient fashion elements that would become popular in the coming years, the design debuted ahead of its time, and everyone found it stunning.

A gradient robe, white at the top fading to crimson below, with a touch of plum red at the hem—a vibrant accent against a backdrop of pristine snow, bringing a hint of allure to the pure white, an undercurrent of seduction to the elegant beauty.

A light breeze stirred the inky strands of her hair, billowing her flowing sleeves. That peerless face, noble and aloof, stood before everyone, exuding an air of ethereal isolation. Yet, in the arch of her brow and the corner of her eye, there lingered a trace of captivating charm.

This character, truth be told, bore some resemblance to Yuntianxue—both exuded an otherworldly aura tinged with a touch of the demonic. The styling borrowed certain essence from Yuntianxue, but without the slightest sense of repetition.

Xiao Jingxuan’s personal stylist truly was a master, skilled and innovative, never rigid, always eager to embrace fresh, creative ideas and seamlessly blend them into her own work.

However, this new character’s presence was even more commanding than Yuntianxue’s. The contrast between innocence and seductive charm was sharper—after all, she was a true plum spirit, born with a hint of enchantment that never diminished the red plum’s peerless pride. The striking conflict between these opposing qualities made the heroine the story’s most memorable and compelling aspect.

To perform in a music video—especially one with a narrative—was akin to acting in a colorful silent film, with no lines to deliver. Thus, body language and facial expression became paramount.

In truth, the demands on acting were even higher than in a typical television drama—provided, of course, that the plot was sufficiently exciting, distinctive, and profound. Otherwise, it would be little more than a photo shoot—hardly a test of one’s acting skills.

But Xiao Jingxuan’s “Cycles of the Moon” was exactly such an extraordinary piece. The styling alone could capture the audience’s attention and draw them into a world of bittersweet entanglement between immortal and spirit.

As the heroine, Chu Luoxi was naturally the focal point. Each time her makeup and styling were complete, the key team members—including the director—would gather to share their impressions and suggestions, revising the look several times before finally settling on the perfect version.

Without question, simply standing there, she was already mesmerizing—leaving everyone eager to see her on screen.

“Tsk, tsk, I’m beginning to wonder if Xiao Jingxuan wrote this story just for you. Oh dear, my fragile little heart can’t take it!” With no outsiders present, Leng Lu instantly dropped his professional facade, clutching his chest with one hand, bracing himself on the table with the other, frowning and feigning weakness—the very picture of someone begging for a playful smack.

Straightening her billowing sleeves, Chu Luoxi’s gaze fell on the pink at her cuff. The costume faded from white to plum, so the sleeves were merely pink. “Director Leng, when is your little heart not fragile? How are you still alive and well—no signs of shock or heart attack, that I’ve seen?”

During her time playing Yuntianxue, she’d long since given up expecting anything from this legendary ‘cold-faced agent.’ Perhaps she’d been reborn into a parallel universe, for the Leng Lu she knew now was nothing like the one in her memories. Such a discrepancy was only to be expected.

Wounded, Leng Lu clutched his chest melodramatically, his tone full of grievance. “Xiao Xi, how could you curse me like that? See, you’ve picked up all these bad habits from Xiao Jingxuan!”

Chu Luoxi was speechless. How could Leng Lu be so untrue to his solemn surname? He was a chatterbox, prone to bizarre trains of thought, always managing to render her speechless after just a couple of quips. If she didn’t know his personality, she might have thought he was flirting with her!

Hearing his name, Xiao Jingxuan looked up silently, casting a glance at the clowning Leng Lu. Meeting Chu Luoxi’s gaze, his dark eyes deepened. “Ignore him.”

At this, Chu Luoxi smiled softly. Unconsciously, her shimmering eyes sparkled with radiant charm, crystal clear and luminous, reflecting the few crystals adorning her brows, and the delicate plum-red lines at the corner of her eyes, lending her an unearthly allure. In that moment, her beauty seemed to eclipse heaven and earth, stunning all who beheld her.

Leng Lu, who had just been wailing in mock despair, fell silent, staring blankly at Chu Luoxi’s enchanting smile. He muttered under his breath, “A true enchantress…”

Xiao Jingxuan’s hand paused on the page, his gaze rippling with light. The corner of his mouth lifted in a faint, almost imperceptible smile.

Completely unaware, Chu Luoxi glanced teasingly at Leng Lu after her smile. “Senior Xiao, did you just write this music video’s story?” She knew he was making it up—without a story, how could “Cycles of the Moon” exist? Did he really think that just because she didn’t write songs or work in the music industry, she’d have no idea? Don’t forget, as a performing arts major, many of her courses were closely tied to vocal performance—even the exams emphasized it!

As expected, Xiao Jingxuan replied without batting an eye, “It was the story that inspired ‘Cycles of the Moon.’”

With this confirmation, Chu Luoxi arched her brows with sly charm. “Director Leng, keep spinning your tales! Back then, Senior Xiao probably didn’t even know me. You really can talk a flower into bloom!”

Xiao Jingxuan couldn’t help but chuckle, enjoying the sight of Leng Lu being flustered. Although the character wasn’t exactly written for Chu Luoxi, when it came time to find the heroine for “Cycles of the Moon,” she was the first who came to mind. He couldn’t quite explain it, but he simply felt no one else would do. Anyone else would fall short of the effect he desired.