Chapter 18 Showbiz Secrets

Chapter 18: Entertainment Industry Secrets

"Mr. Fu, this document requires your signature." Qin Xianzhao placed the file on the desk and presented it.

Fu Nanyu gave it a quick look before signing. He trusted Assistant Qin's capabilities.

Even after signing, Qin Xianzhao remained standing. "What's the matter?" Fu Nanyu asked.

Qin Xianzhao smiled mysteriously and handed over a tablet. "I suggest you check the trending topics."

Fu Nanyu took the tablet. Lu Jingtang's name was prominently displayed as the number one hot search on Weibo.

He clicked on it, and the first image that appeared was Lu Jingtang sitting beside Ji Ruyan. Even next to the acclaimed actress, she held her own, her eyes bright as stars, curving into crescent moons when she smiled.

Below, people were digging into Lu Jingtang's identity. Some comments, clearly from female users, read, "What an adorable girl! Honestly, I'm into girls too."

Another comment followed: "You're asking for trouble! She's from the Fu family."

"Gotta admit, the princess has a great figure—slim where she should be and curvy in all the right places. Hehe!"

Reading this, Fu Nanyu's expression darkened. "What is this nonsense? Get it taken care of immediately."

Qin Xianzhao replied, "Understood."

"Wait."

Just as Qin Xianzhao was about to leave, Fu Nanyu stopped him. He stared at a GIF on the tablet of Lu Jingtang watching Ji Ruyan blow smoke rings, her face seemingly filled with admiration.

"Call Ji Ruyan's agent. If she smokes in front of Lu Jingtang again, I'll fund her to smoke on stage."

Lu Jingtang simply thought Ji Ruyan's smoking looked cool.

Ji Ruyan, a heavy smoker, was immediately warned by her agent, who hurried over and whispered a few words to her. Startled, Ji Ruyan choked on her smoke and gave Lu Jingtang a peculiar look.

Would Fu Nanyu, that iceberg, actually warn her specifically because of Lu Jingtang?

She stubbed out her cigarette, picked up a glass of red wine, and smiled faintly. "Miss Lu, long time no see. How has your big brother been lately?"

Fu Nanyu and Ji Ruyan had been classmates in high school and college and maintained a fairly good relationship.

Unsure of her body's alcohol tolerance, Lu Jingtang picked up her glass, clinked it with Ji Ruyan's, took a small sip, and set it down. "Big Brother is doing well... except... he's grown taller recently."

Without thinking, she blurted out a line from *Empresses in the Palace*.

Ji Ruyan's mouth twitched. "Oh, really? That's quite a miracle!"

Lu Jingtang mentally prayed that her big brother would never find out about their conversation.

Meanwhile, in another city, Fu Nanyu was sweating it out in the gym when a sudden cramp shot through his right leg.

Fu Ting stopped. "Big Brother, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, just a cramp." Fu Nanyu turned off the treadmill and sat down to rest.

Fu Ting grinned. "Big Brother, are you... growing taller?"

Fu Nanyu shot him a complex look, wondering why his younger brother always seemed so foolish.

When Lu Xiao entered the venue, all media cameras turned toward him. He faced the lenses calmly, smiling confidently. Other celebrities watched with a mix of envy and admiration.

Lu Xiao's seat happened to be directly across from Lu Jingtang's. She thought he looked even more handsome in person than on screen and nervously wondered how to ask for an autograph without making it awkward.

Her large eyes kept glancing his way, unaware of the pressure she was putting on him.

Lu Xiao felt a tingle down his spine under her gaze and forced a wry smile. Fame had its dangers—offending Miss Lu could spell the end of his acting career.

Celebrities flaunted their jewelry, charming wealthy socialites into making lavish purchases.

Lu Jingtang sat through the evening without finding the right moment to ask for an autograph.

During a break, she went to the restroom. After washing her hands, she decided to get some fresh air before returning. As she approached a secluded corner of the corridor, she heard some suggestive noises.

"Mmm... you animal, don't bite... ah..."

Lu Jingtang froze, her ears burning. Not wanting to interrupt, she turned to leave but then realized the voices sounded unusual—like two men, and somewhat familiar...

She took a step closer and saw Lu Xiao pinned against the wall by a man, kissing so passionately he could barely breathe. Yet, his arms were wrapped around the other's waist, clearly a consensual embrace.

Lu Jingtang's mouth fell open. Her high heels slipped with a click, startling the entangled pair. They immediately broke apart and looked over.

Lu Xiao's face was flushed, his eyes watery with embarrassment. He buried his head in the other man's chest, while the man glared warily at Lu Jingtang.

"Miss Lu, is there something you need?"

Lu Jingtang forced an awkward smile. "Heh, no, it's just too dark here—I can't see anything. I'll head back now." She turned and fled.

Returning to her seat, her neck and ears flushed red. So Lu Xiao liked men—and his partner was quite handsome. She felt like she'd stumbled upon a ship she could ship.

When she had calmed down, Lu Xiao returned, his lips noticeably swollen. He sneaked a glance at the girl who had caught them, his heart pounding. Would she expose him?

If he could no longer act, maybe he could open a small bakery with that person.

Near the end of the event, Lu Xiao's agent approached him and whispered a few words. Frowning slightly, Lu Xiao followed his agent to Lu Jingtang's side.

"Miss Lu, nice to meet you. I'm Lil from Star Chuan Entertainment. This is the artist I manage—he's here to greet you," the agent said.

The higher-ups had noticed Miss Lu's apparent interest in Lu Xiao and specifically instructed them to make an introduction.

Lu Xiao shook her hand. "Miss Lu, hello."

Lu Jingtang paused briefly before smiling. "Hello."

Lil patted Lu Xiao's back. "Sit and chat with Miss Lu for a bit."

Though reluctant, Lu Xiao complied. The two sat down, an awkward silence hanging between them.

Lu Jingtang broke the ice. "About what happened earlier—don't worry, I'll pretend I saw nothing."

Her eyes shone sincerely. "But could I get your autograph?"

Lu Xiao was taken aback, then smiled sheepishly. He had misjudged her. "Of course. Thank you."