Chapter 90: Start

Returning to the hotel suite with Sheng Shaoyan, Lao Ji had already arrived. A huge makeup case was open, filled with neatly arranged makeup tools.

In the year since filming for “Mountain Range Line” wrapped up, Shen Xici had sent greetings and chatted about recent events with Lao Ji during holidays. He knew that not long after “Mountain Range Line” finished, Lao Ji had tried to create his own makeup brand, “Qingyun,” and had already made samples, though it hadn’t officially gone into production yet.

This time, for the Qingwu Awards, when Ge Lanjing was discussing which makeup artist to hire, Shen Xici said he would ask Lao Ji first.

Initially, Ge Lanjing was a little worried. Although Lao Ji had a considerable reputation in the industry, he wasn’t a professionally trained makeup artist. If something went wrong on the red carpet, it would be a major problem. The studio would be the first to be cursed to death by the fans.

A few days ago, during the makeup trial, the two products Lao Ji brought out had excellent effects, especially the colors, which were stunning. The overall makeup look was indeed better than what previous makeup artists had done, which finally put her mind at ease.

Shen Xici’s makeup was being done in a room within the suite. When Lao Ji saw Sheng Shaoyan walk in with him, although he was secretly surprised by the man’s attire and aura, he was tactful enough not to ask questions and just smiled, “It suddenly feels like we’re back on the ‘Mountain Range Line’ set.”

Sitting in the makeup chair in front of the mirror, Shen Xici smiled. “Luckily, Director Wan Shan doesn’t know that I was the one who encouraged you to start a makeup brand, causing him to lose a great general from his ranks. Otherwise, I wouldn’t dare to show my face in front of Director Wan in the future.”

Lao Ji laughed heartily. “Don’t worry, don’t worry, I will absolutely not expose you!”

Male actors’ makeup is never heavy, especially since Shen Xici had an excellent base. A little touch-up was all it took for a stunning effect. However, Lao Ji was still very attentive, handling every detail with extreme care. He knew very well that Shen Xici had asked him to do his makeup this time out of respect for their past friendship.

The current Shen Xici had extremely high topic and traffic value. Coupled with the prestige of the Qingwu Awards, what makeup artist wouldn’t want to work with him? Just the title “Shen Xici’s Qingwu Awards Collaborative Makeup Artist” was enough for countless makeup artists to fight over.

Especially since he was self-taught, having previously focused on film styling, this red carpet collaboration was an excellent opportunity for him to gain industry attention and fan recognition.

Lan Xiaoshan was busy organizing things on the side when he suddenly let out a sound of surprise. “Brother Shen, you changed your keychain? The one on top… I recognize it! It’s that fish you’re raising, Brother Shen, Moon God! It’s so exquisite!”

Sheng Shaoyan was watching Shen Xici’s makeup session from the side. Hearing this, his gaze fell on Lan Xiaoshan’s hand.

The bronze good luck charm engraved with “Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak” that Zhong Yue had given him, Shen Xici had stopped using last year. He later found out that this good luck charm wasn’t just given to Shen Xici; many people in the crew had one.

But he had indeed held a grudge.

However, he had his pride. For such a small matter, if Shen Xici had kept it on his keychain, he would not have interfered.

Seeing Sheng Shaoyan’s reaction in the mirror, Shen Xici smiled. “I had someone introduce me to a jade carver with excellent skills. He carved two glass-type jade fish modeled after Moon God. It took a long time to find suitable material. They were just finished and sent over two days ago. Don’t they look just like Moon God?”

Lan Xiaoshan nodded vigorously. “They’re so beautiful, simply lifelike. This carver’s craftsmanship is really good!”

Sheng Shaoyan caught the key point. “Two?”

Shen Xici asked him, “Yes. I was thinking we could each have one. Do you want one?”

Sheng Shaoyan didn’t hesitate. “I do.”

Lan Xiaoshan, listening silently on the side, had a “I’m shipping this” smile on his face—even their keychains had to be a couple’s set! The CP he shipped was indeed the sweetest!

After the makeup and styling were done, Shen Xici changed into the vintage haute couture piece that Saherny had specially delivered.

The white silk shirt collar was intentionally designed to be wide, draping downwards to reveal the exquisite lines of his neck and his cool, fair skin. The hem was tucked into black suit trousers, and a layered metal chain at the waist accentuated his waistline, reflecting a faint golden light as he walked.

The black peaked-lapel jacket was smoothly tailored, its length reaching only to his thighs. On the left lapel was a bird made of diamonds and red gems. The red of the gems easily brought to mind wings that had been injured and were once again striving to fly high. Paired with black fingerless leather gloves, every detail was exquisite and magnificent.

Under the lights, the diamonds and gems, the silk and metal, shone brilliantly, like a rebellious and unrestrained noble young man from the last century, exuding an air of extravagance and mystique, reminiscent of a clear river rolling with gold foil.

Shen Xici put on a single silver earring. Lao Ji quickly adjusted the makeup details according to the clothes, and the group hurried to take the departure photos.

Half an hour later, Ge Lanjing and Xiao Ning were in the suite’s reception room, selecting and editing photos. Shen Xici had nothing to do. After wandering around for half a minute, he was urged by Ge Lanjing to get more rest and maintain his best state, whether by sleeping, reading, or just lying there in a daze.

The bedroom door was closed. Shen Xici had just turned around when he was pressed against the wall by the door by Sheng Shaoyan, kisses falling like a summer downpour.

Sheng Shaoyan had just returned from a business trip a few days ago and had come straight to the hotel from the airport. Even though they had video calls every day and their messages never stopped, the feeling of having the real person right in front of him, within reach, was still different.

Conscious of the people outside the door, Shen Xici’s voice was extremely low and intermittent. “Ah Shao… there’s lip balm…”

The sweet scent melted between their lips and tongues. Sheng Shaoyan seemed to have been holding back for a long time. Not only did he not stop, but he became even more unrestrained. For a moment, Shen Xici forgot about the people just beyond the door. The sounds of discussion and exclamations from outside gradually faded, becoming a distant background noise.

He felt as if he had been pulled into the swimming pool’s water again. In this silent world, only he and Sheng Shaoyan were sinking together.

He didn’t know how much time had passed before Sheng Shaoyan finally reined in his force, slowly and meticulously kissing his lips, whispering, “The first time I saw you, I wanted to do this…”

Shen Xici gripped Sheng Shaoyan’s clothes, a numbing sensation shooting up his spine. Because of these words, his legs felt a little weak.

This man in front of him could always easily evoke his desire and trembling.

The curtains were drawn, and the room grew dim. On a chair, Shen Xici had taken off the vintage haute couture outfit and was sitting on Sheng Shaoyan’s lap wearing only a white bathrobe. In the dim light, his entire person seemed to glow.

Leaning on Sheng Shaoyan’s shoulder in an intimate and dependent posture, Shen Xici closed his eyes and pretended to doze off. After a while, he said, “Ah Shao, out of the four hundred million from the movie’s profit share, I want to give you three hundred million to manage for me.”

Shen Xici thought this idea of his was absolutely brilliant! Although his math was very good, he didn’t know much about finance. But Sheng Shaoyan was different. A person who owned more than one bank on Wall Street, even when he had amnesia, could earn hundreds of thousands in a short time with a principal of only five thousand!

Sheng Shaoyan leaned back lazily in his chair, gently stroking the slender back of the person in his arms. He chuckled at his words. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll secretly transfer your money away?”

Shen Xici didn’t even lift his eyelids, just said in an exaggerated tone, “No way, no way. Would Chairman Sheng really be interested in this little bit of my money?”

Finding him inexplicably cute, Sheng Shaoyan couldn’t resist kissing his hair. “Alright, I’ll manage it for you.”

Shen Xici rubbed against the other’s warm neck and added, “With the rest of the money, I want to use part of it to support the studio’s operations and gradually expand its scale. But I’m still just a newcomer now. This plan will probably remain just a plan for a year or two, so I’ll put this idea on hold for now.”

Sheng Shaoyan asked, “And the other part?”

“The other part, I want to use to set up a scholarship. Because I myself was able to go to school and take the college entrance exam thanks to the scholarship the school gave me.” Shen Xici had been pondering this for a long time. “Not just a scholarship, I also want to set up a small student aid foundation, not limited to one school. Any student who meets the criteria can apply.”

He sat up straight and looked at Sheng Shaoyan. Just talking about it made his eyes shine. “Even though it’s just a small amount of money, it might just completely change someone’s destiny.”

Sheng Shaoyan knew what he was thinking and discussed, “Do you want to publicize it?”

Shen Xici shook his head. “No, let’s not. When I make money in the future, I’ll just put a portion into that fund each time. It should be fine to maintain it. If we solicit donations from the public, simple things will become complicated.” He then asked, “Will Ah Shao help me?”

He had mulled it over and over. If he hired someone else specifically for this task, it would be easy for things to go wrong because he couldn’t guard against people’s selfishness and greed. And once he started filming, he wouldn’t have that much energy to supervise this student aid foundation.

But several of the Sheng family’s charitable foundations had been operating for more than half a century and already had a mature operating system in this regard.

Sheng Shaoyan only felt that Shen Xici was asking for too little and immediately agreed. “Okay, I’ll have someone handle it. Shenghe has a dedicated office responsible for the operation of its charitable foundations. Your student aid fund can be handed over to them.”

“I knew it! Ah Shao is the best!” Lowering his eyes, Shen Xici suddenly changed his tone. “Ah Shao, actually, I’m a little nervous.”

Seeing that he was doing it on purpose, Sheng Shaoyan held his waist steadily and cooperatively asked, “What’s wrong?”

“The role of Gu Changsheng, I loved it the first time I read the script. I put a lot of effort into it, almost completely immersing myself in the character. But I don’t know if I can win an award this time, so I’ve been a little nervous.”

Sheng Shaoyan thought, of course, he could easily arrange for this award to be given to Shen Xici, but he knew very well that this was not what Shen Xici wanted.

Shen Xici had his own career and goals he wanted to achieve. Even if they were in the most intimate relationship, he couldn’t interfere without permission.

“Then how can I make you less nervous?”

His arms wrapped around Sheng Shaoyan’s shoulders and back. Shen Xici showed weakness, yet was alluring. “Ah Shao, just kiss me and I’ll be fine.” He curled the corners of his lips, showing a willfulness and pride he had never shown before. “But you can’t mess up my makeup.”

At six in the evening, Xinglan Avenue was already jam-packed. The two sides were crowded with media and fans who had rushed over. Cheers rose and fell like ocean waves.

The moment Shen Xici stepped onto the red carpet, the “click” sounds of countless cameras merged into one. Flashes flickered, and the light layered, as bright as day.

The fans waiting on both sides held up banners. Besides his own name, Shen Xici also saw “Yangzhou in the Third Month of Spring,” “Yigu Shengen,” and “Republic-era Charmer,” a wide variety of everything. He smiled, bowed to the cheering fans, and remembering, quickly raised his hand and waved, receiving a wave of laughter and screams.

After walking the red carpet once with Lu Jiming and the “Fleeting Life” crew, Shen Xici quickly returned to the entrance and walked it again with the “Capital City Massacre” crew. The second time, after posing for the media in front of the signature board, the host held a microphone and asked, “As the only actor to walk the red carpet twice at this year’s Qingwu Awards, is there anything Shen Xici wants to say to us?”

Shen Xici smiled at the microphone handed to him. “It’s such a coincidence. I didn’t expect we’d meet again so soon.”

The media reporters holding cameras below all laughed.

At the same time, the official Saherny account once again claimed Shen Xici’s vintage haute couture outfit with lightning speed. The comments and shares immediately skyrocketed.

“—Shen Xici and this outfit are a perfect match, completely showing its essence! It made my eyes light up again and again. He reaches a new height of beauty at every red carpet!”

“—I wanted to say it when I saw the departure photos from the studio. Shen Xici’s temperament is too charming. How can he be both alluring, cool, and magnificent, completely interpreting what the aesthetic of ‘dazzling wealth and dissipation’ is!”

“—Although I’m a casual observer, I personally think this is the best dressed on the red carpet this time. How can Shen Xici’s waist be so thin and his legs so long! These proportions are too amazing!”

Entering the inner venue, from the entrance, countless people, both known and unknown, came over to greet him, shake his hand, and exchange pleasantries. The short distance took him nearly half an hour to walk. He finally managed to sit down in his seat.

Lu Jiming had clearly just been through the same thing. He lamented, “I now understand that saying: as long as you’re famous, everyone around you is a good person, whatever you say is right, and everyone will look at you and flock to you. Socializing all the way here was more tiring than staying up all night editing!”

Just then, another producer came over to greet them. Shen Xici stood up, put on a standard business smile, and announced the other person’s identity as a reminder for Lu Jiming.

Stand up, sit down, stand up again, sit down again. Lu Jiming was simply at his wit’s end. “Even animals in a zoo don’t work like this. My face is sore from smiling. If everyone who came to see me had to pay an admission fee, I would have definitely earned tens of thousands tonight!”

Shen Xici opened a bottle of mineral water, took a sip to soothe his throat, and comforted him, “The red carpet outside should be finishing soon. Just hang in there. Once the show starts, no one will come over.”

Lu Jiming nodded, then gave Shen Xici a thumbs-up in admiration. “So many people, and you can actually match all of them, giving their names and identities. Your brain is too good!” He then looked suspicious. “You don’t have some kind of game panel, do you? The kind where you look over and everyone has their detailed information floating above their heads!”

Shen Xici looked up at the top of Lu Jiming’s head and recited as if it were a fact, “World-famous director, winner of the Flanders Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award, creator of a hundred-billion box office, Lu Jiming.”

Lu Jiming really wanted to hold back his laughter to appear more composed, but he couldn’t help it. He pointed at himself and burst into a blooming smile. “Really? I’m going to have a hundred-billion box office in the future? Hehe, and I can even get a lifetime achievement award? This dream is pretty good. I’ll dream a little longer!”

Many fans in the inner venue were taking videos and posting them on Weibo. Shen Xici was the focus of countless cameras.

“—#ShenXiciLuJimingInnerVenue# What is Sloppy ‘er thinking about, smiling so happily? Why is it that next to Shen Xici, Sloppy ‘er seems to not have a brain, looking stupidly cute?”

“—#ShenXiciRedCarpetVintageCouture# Ahhh, just now when he was walking the red carpet, it was like Gu Changsheng was standing in front of me again! Shen Xici’s acting really doesn’t seem like a newcomer who has only filmed three movies, two of which were supporting roles. The infectiousness is too strong. Gu Changsheng is my number one character!!”

“—#ShenXiciAtWork# As expected of the Republic-era Charmer. How come it feels like everyone in the venue went to chat with Shen Xici and Lu Jiming for a bit? Hahaha, the Miracle Group is working hard online!”

“—There are so many people here! While there are many people, I’m offering a high price for an original Shen Xici Son of the Mountain God photo card!”

“—Seeing Shen Xici makes me want to go to the cinema to watch ‘Fleeting Life’ and ‘Capital City Massacre’ again. I’ve watched ‘Fleeting Life’ five times. Every time Gu Changsheng appears on the big screen, I still gasp!”

“—#ShenXiciRedCarpetVintageCouture# Our baby is really becoming more and more successful. The chief designer of Saherny wrote another long essay on foreign social media praising him, wishing he could pull Shen Xici to be their brand ambassador, hahaha!”

After the red carpet ceremony outside ended, the awards ceremony officially began.

The male and female hosts, dressed in magnificent attire, appeared on stage. As was routine, everyone clapped and smiled. After a while, Lu Jiming started to get restless and whispered to Shen Xici, “Do you think our movie will win an award this time?”

He knew that because the box office of “Fleeting Life” had exceeded everyone’s expectations, many film critics and influential bloggers had made predictions about how many awards “Fleeting Life” would win before the awards ceremony. Everyone’s expectations had been raised. With that came huge pressure and anxiety.

Shen Xici said in a low voice, “I think it should.”

Lu Jiming nodded. After a while, he turned to Shen Xici again, his voice nervous, his face a little pale. He swallowed. “Shen Xici, what if we don’t win an award this time? We’ll definitely be ridiculed by everyone, right?”

“If we don’t win an award this time, then we’ll just make an even better movie.” Shen Xici’s gaze was calm. “Director Lu, this is just our starting point.”

Shen Xici’s tone was firm. Lu Jiming suddenly calmed down, and the anxiety and restlessness in his heart suddenly dissipated. His eyes, as before, shone brightly, full of ambition and longing. “Right! We will make even better movies in the future and win lots and lots of awards!”

Shen Xici was about to nod when he heard Lu Jiming say with great excitement, in a breathy voice, “This is just the beginning of our legend!”

Shen Xici: “…”

Okay, I get it. This chuunibyou is probably incurable.