Tao Tao immediately nodded, almost blurting out “Then what’s her private identity?” She quickly lowered her head to hide it. Don’t ask what shouldn’t be asked.
But asking about the cake should be okay, right? Sister Mu valued privacy, but as an assistant, she needed to arrange many things based on the actual situation. She couldn’t just interrupt when the lovebirds were being affectionate. That would be tactless.
Before Gu Yu came over, she quietly asked, “Sister Mu, did you eat the cake Teacher Gu made?”
Jiang Bomu nodded, puzzled.
Tao Tao was a bit excited and continued with three rapid questions. “Was it the first slice? Was it good? Did she give cake to anyone else?”
“Why are you asking this?” Jiang Bomu looked confused.
“I had a small cake for breakfast and suddenly thought of the one Teacher Gu made. Just asking casually, just asking casually.”
She laughed it off, but couldn’t hide her delighted expression. She could finally ship her CP up close!
A few minutes later, Gu Yu arrived, breathless. “Sister Mu, am I late?”
Jiang Bomu glanced at her phone and smiled. “No, keep up the good work, little assistant.”
Tao Tao quietly shuffled a bit further away. These lovebirds and their games.
Leaving the hotel, the three got into the car heading for the set.
Gu Yu had only slept four hours. She yawned continuously but couldn’t sleep. She forced herself to stay awake, but her heavy eyelids were winning. Her head kept drooping, only a bit better when leaning against the seat back.
Jiang Bomu looked at her with concern. “Shall I send you back?”
“No need,” Gu Yu sat up straight, trying hard to widen her eyes. “I’m not sleepy at all.”
“You slept so late last night. How much better to sleep at the hotel. Why suffer on set?” Jiang Bomu shook her head, sighing. “Why won’t you listen?”
Because I want to be with you, to be by your side every moment.
Gu Yu didn’t answer, silently turning her head to look out the window.
Ten minutes later, the three arrived at the set and headed straight for the makeup room. They weaved through the bustling chaos, nodding greetings to minor celebrities, and entered a private makeup room.
Though Jiang Bomu was only a guest star for five days, she was a top-tier A-list female star, so the production had prepared a private room. The makeup artist and hair and makeup artist were already waiting. Seeing her come in, they immediately swarmed, ushering her to her seat.
Tao Tao also started bustling about, checking the items needed for the day’s shoot. With outsiders present, it wouldn’t look good for Gu Yu to be idle, so she also came to help.
People in the entertainment industry were all savvy. Even though they’d long noticed the unfamiliar Gu Yu, they pretended not to, observing her every move from the corner of their eyes, then exchanging knowing glances.
“Tao Tao, pour me a glass of water.”
Tao Tao immediately responded. The water dispenser was outside. She took the cup and went out, stirring a breeze.
Gu Yu didn’t even have time to offer, so she gave up.
“Why not let the little assistant do it?” the makeup artist asked with a smile.
Jiang Bomu looked at Gu Yu in the mirror and said calmly, “She’s the new assistant, Xunxun. Just arrived yesterday. I almost forgot she was here.”
“Xunxun? What a lovely name.”
Jiang Bomu nodded slightly. “Mm, Gu Xunxun.”
She hadn’t said her real name, to avoid unnecessary trouble. Gu Yu understood completely. She smiled brightly and bowed in greeting. “Nice to meet you, Senior.”
The makeup artists and such hired for this production were well-known in the industry, so the costumes and makeup were all good. Although Gu Yu didn’t know them, calling them “Senior” couldn’t go wrong.
Such a girl was likable to anyone. The makeup artist, while applying foundation, glanced at her and asked, “Just past twenty, right?”
“Mm, twenty-two. Just graduated.” Gu Yu added two years to her age.
“So young,” the makeup artist sighed, then looked at Jiang Bomu. “I remember you were even younger than her when you debuted. But seeing you now after so long, your condition just keeps getting better. Not even a fine line. How do you maintain it?”
Jiang Bomu exchanged a few casual words and then fell silent. Even after seven years in the industry, she still wasn’t good at socializing.
It was Gu Yu who seamlessly picked up the conversation, chatting with the makeup artist for a long time. The makeup artist, whose smile had been somewhat fake at first, now wore a much more genuine expression.
Jiang Bomu listened quietly, occasionally glancing at the person in the mirror. She always felt that Gu Yu was glowing.
She always possessed the ability to make people happy.
Close to nine o’clock, the entire look was finally complete.
Jiang Bomu stood up. The magnificent Hundred Butterflies Through Flowers gown seemed to flutter like a dance. The hairpin by her temple swayed gently. She slowly turned around, and her backward glance held a hundred charms.
Gu Yu gasped. “Sister Mu… Sister Mu, you’re so beautiful.”
A flicker of regret in her eyes. She’d almost called her “Sister”! All the beauty’s fault!
The makeup artist was also very pleased with her own aesthetic. She couldn’t stop marveling, “Thank goodness I overruled everyone to give you this exquisite makeup, this elaborate gown. The viewers are in for a treat!”
In recent years, the costumes in fantasy dramas had been very plain. Netizens jokingly called it the “Funeral Style.” Though harsh, it was a fact.
They didn’t chat long. The assistant director came over to invite Jiang Bomu to the set.
Seeing Gu Yu standing there dumbly, the makeup artist kindly reminded her, “Go help your Sister Mu.”
Rare to find someone you could chat with. Giving a little help here and there was nothing.
“Oh, oh, oh!” Gu Yu had almost forgotten her role and quickly stepped forward.
Jiang Bomu glanced at Gu Yu, and with her support, slowly walked out of the makeup room.
“Did you know that makeup artist from before?” Gu Yu was a little puzzled. Their conversation had seemed very familiar. But people in the entertainment industry were all naturally friendly; she wasn’t quite sure.
Jiang Bomu lowered her eyes to watch the path and said softly, “When I first debuted, the makeup artist on set was her. Later, we collaborated a few times at events.”
Seven years ago, they were all small fry in the entertainment circle. Later, each rose to prominence.
“Hey, that’s the female lead, Song Zhiwei, right?” Gu Yu’s sharp eyes caught a white-clad figure flash by. She was a little excited. “I quite like her.”
Song Zhiwei had debuted third place on the hugely popular talent show “In the Prime of Youth,” then filmed several web dramas, starting from supporting roles. She had a likable appearance, passable acting, and a good reputation. Spotted by investors, she was cast as the female lead in this drama—her first leading role.
Jiang Bomu’s brow furrowed slightly. A flicker of displeasure crossed her heart. Before she could figure out where this emotion came from, Gu Yu spoke again, “Sister, can you get me her autograph later?”
“I’m busy,” she refused instinctively, her voice cool. “Get it yourself.”
“But she doesn’t know me…” Gu Yu felt wronged but also knew Jiang Bomu was indeed busy. She had no choice but to say, “Fine, I’ll try.”
“…Forget it,” Jiang Bomu glanced at Tao Tao. “Go get one later.”
Tao Tao was still grinning foolishly. This was clearly the classic jealousy plot between couples!
Seeing one of the lovebirds look her way, she quickly suppressed her smile and responded with professional propriety.
Although it was just past nine, the sun was already very strong. The moment Jiang Bomu sat down, Tao Tao diligently raised the wide black sun umbrella, then handed a small fan to Gu Yu.
The set was chaotic. Assistants generally didn’t have designated seats. Gu Yu certainly couldn’t attract too much attention. She crouched beside Jiang Bomu, sharing the small fan.
Ancient costumes were layered, trapping heat. Even doing nothing, sweat soon appeared. Gu Yu ignored her own discomfort, pointing the fan at Jiang Bomu, and grumbled quietly, “It’s so hot today. Why don’t they film the scenes inside the brothel?”
“What’s filmed each day is planned. I can’t make those decisions,” Jiang Bomu said evenly, then tried to persuade her, “If you really can’t stand the heat, go back.”
No way.
Gu Yu dropped the subject, looking around to distract herself. Unexpectedly, she saw that white figure walking this way. It was Song Zhiwei, calling out from afar, “Teacher Jiang!”
Jiang Bomu looked over and nodded faintly.
In recent years, talent shows sprouted one after another. Young fresh-faced stars popped up like bamboo shoots after rain. She didn’t know many. She’d only met Song Zhiwei yesterday.
She had no close friends in the industry. Her polite attitude was the same regardless of status. She had no intention of forming deep connections. They were just colleagues for a while. Why put on a show of deep friendship?
Song Zhiwei was also one of her fans, certainly aware of this senior’s temperament. So she didn’t act overly familiar and smiled, “I was too shy to talk to you much at dinner yesterday. I came to find you as soon as I had a break today.”
Under her idol’s gaze, she rubbed her hands nervously and formally introduced herself, “Hello, I’m Song Zhiwei, an artist with Qinyi Entertainment. I’m twenty years old this year…”
The rest of the words barely registered with Jiang Bomu. Her mind was filled with Qinyi Entertainment.
Four words she hadn’t heard in a long time.
The person opposite extended a hand. Jiang Bomu hesitated a second before placing hers in it, revealing a faint smile. “Very pleased to meet you.”
Although the handshake lasted only a second, Song Zhiwei almost screamed. Mom, my fan dream came true!
Facing her warm idol, she couldn’t help but try to get closer. “You’ve worked with so many people from our company. Today it’s finally my turn. Teacher Jiang, could I have an autographed photo?”
Not expecting her to be a fan, Jiang Bomu naturally nodded and wrote her a personalized autograph.
Gu Yu felt a pang of jealousy. She didn’t even have a personalized autograph! I don’t care, I want one too!
“My little assistant really likes you. Could I trouble you for an autograph?”
Just as she was feeling unhappy, unexpectedly Jiang Bomu proactively asked for Song Zhiwei’s autograph. Gu Yu blinked, forgiving her for one second.
Song Zhiwei was, of course, willing, let alone one autograph. Even a thousand, she wouldn’t tire of it!
She simply wrote a personalized autograph as well. Looking up, her gaze naturally fell on Gu Yu’s face. A flash of admiration crossed her eyes. She complimented, “Teacher Jiang’s assistant is so pretty too.”
Gu Yu wore no makeup today, just a black mask. But based on those large, round eyes, one could tell she was a striking girl.
“Naturally. I personally vetted her yesterday,” Jiang Bomu smiled, looking at Gu Yu. “Not just pretty, but very service-oriented.”
Like last night’s sleep-coaxing service.
A secret chord in Gu Yu’s heart gently twanged. She was saying something only the two of them understood.
In such a place, where walls have ears and a single sentence could be interpreted in dozens of ways—she spoke without reservation.
After Song Zhiwei left, Gu Yu’s heart still surged. She crouched down, leaned close to Jiang Bomu, and whispered, “I only provide services to my one and only Sister.”
Jiang Bomu looked straight ahead. Her red lips parted slightly. “Continue tonight.”
