C11 Famous Rumors

The upcoming scenes were executed flawlessly by Shan Ruoshui, who had a strong sense of presence on camera. Director Liu Ann couldn't help but praise her repeatedly, noting the efficient progress of the shoot.

Over the next few days, Shan Ruoshui and Xi Mu performed several scenes together. The director had initially worried that as a newcomer, Shan might be overshadowed by the seasoned actor or become flustered and forget her lines. However, these concerns proved to be unfounded, as Shan demonstrated an unexpectedly high level of professionalism.

During a break, Xi Mu stood under a lush, green tree, dressed in a sleek black robe that accentuated his strong, athletic build. His wig was tied up with a crown, highlighting his chiseled features and giving him a commanding presence. He looked every bit like a general from an ancient painting, inspiring admiration.

Subtly, Xi Mu glanced in Shan Ruoshui's direction, his curiosity growing. After spending a few days with her, he noticed that some of her habits were strikingly similar to those of Jian Yan. She would instinctively sniff her drink before sipping, arrange her food with chopsticks, and avoid cilantro and green peppers. Before acting, she would zone out for a moment, rubbing her thumbs together—a style reminiscent of Jian Yan.

Could there really be two people so alike in the world?

Putting aside his doubts for the moment, Xi Mu often offered Shan guidance on her acting, showing a willingness to mentor her. Unbeknownst to him, Shan found the situation both amusing and exasperating. She couldn't refuse the seasoned actor's goodwill, so she played along, pretending to be eager to learn. Sometimes, she would intentionally let him lead during their scenes, her eyes filled with curiosity.

Their close rapport appeared quite intimate to onlookers.

One day, Xi Mu was teaching Shan Ruoshui some acting techniques.

"Hey, Ruoshui! What are you and our big movie star chatting about that looks so fun?" Qiao Faang's sugary voice chimed in beside them.

Qiao Faang played the third female lead in the show and usually didn't interact much with them. Shan Ruoshui remembered how, before she became Jian Yan, Qiao Faang would always hover around her, trying to win her favor with flattery, which only made Ruoshui dislike her more. Despite her lack of acting skills, Qiao Faang had managed to become a second-tier actress.

Ruoshui didn't answer Qiao Faang's question. She just gave a polite smile and looked down at her script.

Lately, Qiao Faang had noticed how close Movie King Xi Mu was with this newcomer, and jealousy simmered within her. She had tried everything to get close to Xi Mu, dropping hints left and right, but he remained indifferent and distant.

The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. Qiao Faang clenched her fists, her long nails digging into her palms, but she kept a smile on her face.

She turned to Xi Mu, her expression full of feigned hurt, as if Ruoshui had wronged her somehow. If it weren't for the calculating look in her eyes, she might have been quite charming.

The set was bustling, and many people noticed the situation, watching the drama unfold.

"Nothing much," Xi Mu replied, seeing that Ruoshui wasn't reacting. His tone was now cool and distant, unlike the warmth he had shown earlier.

Qiao Faang looked at Xi Mu's handsome face, momentarily speechless. Realizing this, her face flushed a deep red, like a boiled lobster.

The atmosphere grew awkward, and it was clear to anyone watching that Qiao Faang was trying to wedge herself between the two. Unfortunately for her, the big movie star wasn't interested. Many onlookers quietly chuckled, casting sidelong glances at Qiao Faang with a hint of disdain.

Qiao Faang couldn't handle it anymore and decided not to embarrass herself further. She stomped her foot and ran off, a dark anger in her eyes. This Shan Ruoshui had made her look foolish in front of the movie star, and she wasn't going to let it go!

Qiao Faang vowed to make Shan Ruoshui pay for this!

Watching Qiao Faang run off, Shan Ruoshui and Xi Mu exchanged a knowing smile, then went back to their business.

Seeing the movie star take an interest in newcomer Shan Ruoshui made many who were still confident in themselves feel envious. With Qiao Faang's experience as a cautionary tale, many young women in the crew decided to behave themselves.

Time passed quietly.

One day, Shan Ruoshui arrived early on set. Her scenes were wrapping up soon, and she felt a bit reluctant about it.

Wearing a hat and sunglasses, she went mostly unrecognized. Suddenly, she overheard two girls nearby discussing something and discreetly listened in.

"I heard that newcomer Shan Ruoshui caught the eye of movie star Xi Mu!"

"No way! Xi Mu wouldn't be interested in her. She's not that pretty, just has a sly look about her!"

"Really?" one girl asked, puzzled.

"Yeah, I heard Shan Ruoshui used her role to cling to the movie star shamelessly! A lot of people in the crew know about it. Wang told me just a few days ago," the other girl said confidently.

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