1.19
Just by looking at Su Mo's clear and elegant face, everyone could see that he had the potential to become popular. With Shenghuang's backing and Yin Yin's protection, his rise to fame seemed almost guaranteed.
Thinking this, their attitude towards Su Mo quickly shifted from coldness to enthusiasm.
"So you're Queen Yin's junior fellow apprentice. Nice to meet you."
"Su Mo, I think I've heard your name before."
"…"
Su Mo understood Yin Yin's intention behind the introduction and felt touched. Although he had a rather aloof demeanor, he was polite and had good emotional intelligence.
In the entertainment industry, actors without connections are often bullied. Yin Yin introduced Su Mo to make it clear that he was under her protection and to prevent any potential mistreatment before their relationship was publicized.
Those who spoke with Su Mo soon learned that he had debuted earlier but had taken a break due to personal reasons.
When Liang Xin arrived, she expected someone to greet her, given her status as one of the most famous in the crew after Yin Yin. However, it seemed that everyone's attention was on Yin Yin.
Liang Xin's jealousy flared up again.
But then she saw the man who had captivated her at first sight, and her thoughts became slightly disoriented.
He was truly stunning.
Liang Xin tried to walk over with an air of grace.
"Hello, my name is Liang Xin. And you are?"
As Su Mo was glancing at his wife out of the corner of his eye, he heard someone speaking to him. Turning, he saw a young woman in a short red skirt and heavy makeup, her eyes fixed on him.
The intensity of her gaze made him frown slightly, and his already cold demeanor became even more pronounced.
Out of politeness, he introduced himself briefly.
Liang Xin noted Su Mo's indifference, but rather than being discouraged, she became even more intrigued.
"So your name is Su Mo? What a lovely name. I haven't heard of you before, so you must be new. I'm confident I can make you a star."
She spoke enthusiastically, flaunting her industry status and resources, while edging closer to Su Mo.
Su Mo's expression grew colder, and he distanced himself from her carefully.
Yin Yin, who had just been called away by the director, returned to find a young woman talking to Su Mo with undue familiarity. Was this woman trying to seduce her husband right in front of her?
Clearly, Su Mo's face was as captivating as ever, deserving of his sudden fame. But it was obvious from his expression that he was growing impatient.
Yin Yin walked over quickly and said to Su Mo, "Su Mo, you're here. Let's go over there. I have something to tell you."
Upon hearing Yin Yin's words, Su Mo was visibly relieved and quickly followed her, anxious to avoid any misunderstanding.
Yin Yin cast an indifferent glance at Liang Xin without saying a word.
As a top-tier movie queen, she had every right to be proud.
Liang Xin watched as Su Mo was escorted away by Yin Yin and felt the sting of being dismissed. Angrily, she resolved that one day, she would bring down the so-called "old woman" Yin Yin.
---
Su Mo followed behind Yin Yin like a well-behaved partner, his lips moving as if to explain something, but Yin Yin spoke first.
She addressed him softly, "You're so lucky."
---
Su Mo muttered to himself, "As expected," with a rueful expression. "Sister Yin Yin, she approached me on her own. I have no interest in her. I'll keep my distance."
He hurriedly explained, worried that Yin Yin might misunderstand him. He looked as helpless as a child.
Yin Yin chuckled, her movements graceful as she shot him a playful look. "Okay, I was just teasing you."
Relieved by her words, Su Mo's expression remained a mix of helplessness and mild grievance.
His wife always enjoyed teasing him.
Yet, he adored her for it.
Soon, the opening ceremony of *Phoenix Road* began. After the ceremonial incense burning, the group returned to the hotel, with shooting scheduled to start the following day.
Although Yin Yin could have had a floor to herself given her status, she requested the director to place Su Mo on her floor to facilitate their scenes together.
The director, familiar with Yin Yin's dedication to perfection, didn't find it unusual. She often rehearsed scenes multiple times if she was unsatisfied with a take.
Most people accepted the arrangement without question, knowing that Su Mo was Yin Yin's junior fellow apprentice.
Liang Xin, however, was frustrated. She had hoped to arrange Su Mo's room next to hers for easy access during rehearsals, but Yin Yin's decision thwarted her plans.
Annoyed, Liang Xin pounded the pillow on her bed in frustration.
---
Meanwhile, Yin Yin had just returned to her room and asked Su Mo to join her.
They connected via WeChat video on the computer to speak with Dudu.
On the other end of the video call, Dudu was enjoying lunch in the kindergarten cafeteria, his cheeks puffed up adorably.
"Mom and Dad!" Su Yuanjin's eyes sparkled with excitement as he saw them, his voice full of enthusiasm.
"Dudu's having lunch."
"Yes, I'm having braised pork and cabbage. Mom and Dad, have you eaten?"
"We're about to."
Yin Yin had already arranged for two meals to be delivered from the hotel, which would arrive shortly.
Curious classmates gathered around Dudu, eager to see his parents, especially his mother, whom they had not met.
Dudu proudly showed them, eager to let them know he had a mother.
Soon, a group of little kids crowded around the video call, chattering away.
"Su Yuanjin, your parents are so good-looking."
"Su Yuanjin, your mother looks like a fairy."
"I understand now why your mother hasn't come before. She must be a fairy from heaven, and it takes a long time for her to come down."
"…"
The children soon knew that Su Yuanjin had a fairy for a mother.
Yin Yin felt a mix of amusement and embarrassment, with a touch of pride on her face.
Her mother must indeed be the most beautiful.
Concerned about interrupting Dudu's meal time, Yin Yin ended the call promptly. Kindergarteners usually take naps shortly after eating, and she didn't want to encroach on Dudu's schedule.
Shortly after, the ordered meals arrived.
Yin Yin preferred spicy food, so her dishes were generously seasoned with chili, while Su Yuanjin's were lighter to suit his taste.
Noticing the shrimp in Yin Yin's dish, Su Yuanjin donned gloves and began peeling them for her without a word.
His slender, well-defined fingers, encased in transparent gloves, moved methodically. Though peeling shrimp seemed mundane, he approached it with the seriousness and precision of a sacred task.
(End of this chapter)
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