Bai Lu got scammed, but I became a superstar through e-commerce.

As time passed.

Since Qingxiao took full charge of coordinating all projects across the company, he has lived his life like a perfectly accurate clock.

They are no longer just executors focusing on a single project or a single stage, but rather stand at the height of the company's overall strategy, holding the core say in all projects that are being advanced.

From film and television project approval and filing, business cooperation coordination, final budget approval, filming schedule, post-production scheduling, publicity and pre-heating rhythm, artist schedule coordination... from the start-up and release date of film and television projects worth tens of millions of yuan, to on-site scheduling of the crew, overtime scheduling in the post-production room, and detailed reconciliation with partners, he has every single detail under his control.

The office's large whiteboard is covered with colorful progress bars, responsibility sticky notes, and key milestone markers, clearly distinguished by red, yellow, and green: red for urgent supervision, yellow for ongoing follow-up, and green for successful completion.

Without fail, he holds a project morning meeting at nine o'clock every day and reviews the day's progress at ten o'clock in the evening. No delay, communication breakdown, or execution oversight can escape his notice.

At first, the subordinates felt that the young coordinator was too strict and almost inhumane, but in less than half a month, the whole team was completely convinced.

No matter how chaotic the cross-departmental coordination, how difficult the partners, or how delayed the execution team, Qingxiao always manages to ensure clear logic, concise instructions, and accountability.

He never yelled, but he could keep everyone on their toes by asking precise questions down to the hour and to the person in charge, forcing everyone to be vigilant.

The company does not have any long-standing legacy projects or chaotic team dynamics with constant internal conflicts.

Under his strong leadership, things gradually got back on track, and everyone worked together as one.

During this period, Qingxiao's life was completely filled with work.

Long-term hotel stays, boxed meals, making do on an office sofa for one night, and keeping your phone on 24/7 have become the norm.

Others saw him working non-stop until he was almost exhausted, but he only felt at ease.

I slept no more than three hours a day, giving it my all.

He knows better than anyone that he has been able to hold this position and maintain this voice not because of luck or temporary connections, but because all his projects have been successfully implemented with zero errors and in a closed loop.

Only by producing solid and impeccable results can he establish an unshakeable foundation in the company, and only then will he have the confidence to protect the people he wants to protect and accomplish the things he wants to accomplish in the future.

In this high-pressure, stressful daily routine, the most constant urging comes from Brother Chen of Asia Pictures.

The veteran producer who initially recognized his talent and strongly recommended him to play the male lead and produce "Yu Zui" would call him almost every two or three days, always starting with a helpless urging and a great deal of importance placed on him.

"Qingxiao, when exactly are you going to be able to get away? The entire crew of 'Yu Zui' is ready. The main creative team, filming locations, costumes, props, and sets are all in place. All the actors have completed their readings and even the auspicious time for filming has been repeatedly finalized. The entire crew is just waiting for you."

Qingxiao stared at the scrolling project progress chart on the computer screen, his fingers gripping a black pen. His voice was calm and steady, without the slightest wavering: "Brother Chen, I know the crew has been waiting, and I appreciate your trust. But all the projects assigned to me by the company haven't been fully completed yet."

"I understand your concerns." Brother Chen sighed on the other end of the phone. "You're afraid that if you leave, the project here will fall into chaos, and you won't be able to explain it to the company. But you know better than anyone how rare this opportunity is for 'Yu Zui.' This is a crucial step for you to firmly establish yourself as a leading man in film and television. We can't keep wasting time like this."

"I am indeed interested in this role." Qingxiao's gaze swept over the last few yellow marks on the whiteboard that needed to be completed, his tone confident and unwavering.

"But when I do things, I either don't take on any project, or if I do, I have to see it through to the end. All the projects that come my way in the company must be completed smoothly and successfully, without leaving any problems, without any unfinished projects, and without any cooperation disputes, before I can leave with peace of mind and devote myself to 'Yu Zui'."

He paused, leaving no room for negotiation: "I won't keep you waiting long. Once all projects are completed, I'll join the team immediately and there will be no delay in starting filming."

Brother Chen knew Qingxiao's personality all too well. He appeared gentle, but deep down he was very opinionated and acted with great composure. Once he made up his mind, he would never easily change it.

Moreover, this composure—characterized by not being rash, taking responsibility, and always being prepared to handle things—is precisely what he admires most about Chongqing Xiao.

"Okay, I'll wait for you." Brother Chen finally relented. "I'll keep the crew firmly under control. The personnel, schedule, and preparations will remain completely unchanged. We're just waiting for you to take the helm. Don't push yourself too hard, and take care of your health."

"Thank you for your understanding, Brother Chen."

After hanging up the phone, Qingxiao rubbed his throbbing temples, his gaze returning to the densely packed work forms, without the slightest sign of relaxation.

Rising in the morning and setting in the evening, the sunlight shifts and changes.

Two whole months.

He didn't overlook any detail or slack off at any stage, keeping a close eye on and supervising the entire process to ensure that the final work of each project was done to the best of his ability.

All business contracts were finalized and archived; projects awaiting production were prepared smoothly; film crews under construction were shooting steadily; completed works entered post-production on schedule; all promotional materials were finalized and implemented; and all partners were satisfied and signed off... There were no mishaps and no unfinished tasks.

When the final project completion report was signed with the name "Qingxiao," and all the progress bars on the whiteboard turned green, signifying a successful conclusion, the tense atmosphere in the office, which had been building for so long, finally relaxed completely.

Looking at the flawless results before him, Qingxiao's long-tensioned shoulders finally relaxed slightly.

He picked up his phone, intending to tell Brother Chen immediately that he could join the cast of "Yu Zui" at any time, but then his thoughts suddenly changed, and he remembered the figure who had been working silently on set all along.

Bailu.

She has been part of the "The Mystic Nine" production team for some time now.

For the past two months, he has been fully focused on the entire project, and the two of them have only exchanged a few brief messages late at night to let each other know they are safe.

All he knew was that after joining the crew, she honed her acting skills from scratch, learned from the senior members of the crew day and night, and spent every day on set working non-stop without ever complaining about the hardships.

Now that all the work has finally been settled, he has a rare half-day of free time and doesn't want to immediately throw himself into the next tough battle.

He wanted to go see her.

Go to the film set and see her for yourself.

The filming location for "The Mystic Nine" is a large film and television base located in the suburbs of Beijing.

On a sweltering summer afternoon, the outdoor heat was unbearable, but the indoor photography studio was brightly lit and the air conditioning was on full blast, yet it still couldn't dampen the tense atmosphere of the entire shoot.

Qingxiao arrived at the film set entrance discreetly without giving any prior notice. After briefly verifying his information with the production assistant, he quietly walked into the studio, deliberately standing in the shadows on the outermost side of the crowd, without making a sound or disturbing any staff.

Today's filming scene is the most significant and memorable moment in the early part of the entire series—Zhang Qishan lighting three sky lanterns at the Crescent Moon Hotel.

The studio was recreated at a 1:1 scale, showcasing the auction hall of the New Moon Hotel in Beiping during the Republic of China era: gilded retro decor, long guest seats, a raised auction platform with main seats, and seating for spectators below—every detail was meticulously crafted, maximizing the sense of history and atmosphere. The production team, including the script supervisor, lighting technicians, camera operators, sound engineers, and costume and prop specialists, performed their duties diligently, maintaining complete silence except for the subtle hum of the equipment.

This scene is the core highlight of the entire series; the plot and dialogue cannot be altered in the slightest and must strictly adhere to the original work.

To save his brother Er Yuehong's wife, Zhang Qishan, under the alias of Peng Sanbian, a wealthy merchant from Northwest China, sneaked into the New Moon Hotel in Beiping to bid for the life-saving medicinal herb, Deer Antler Grass.

During the banquet, they encountered malicious price gouging and relentless pressure from Japanese forces. To protect his brothers' lives and the reputation of the Nine Gates, Zhang Qishan spared no expense, lighting three sky lanterns in a desperate act to intimidate everyone present. This also marked the beginning of his lifelong entanglement with Yin Xinyue, the young lady of the New Moon Hotel.

Qingxiao stood in the shadows, his gaze not on the main cast and crew, but straight through the crowd and landed on Bai Lu, who was dressed as a young lady from the Republican era.

In just two months, she has undergone a complete transformation.

She is no longer the naive and timid newcomer in the industry who relied entirely on instinct to act and whose eyes were empty and helpless.

At this moment, she is wearing a light pink Republic-era dress, pearl earrings that accentuate her fair and delicate face, and her hair is styled in a gentle and charming updo. She has completely shed her naivety off-screen and stands in the camera's field of vision, her entire demeanor is completely different.

It's not about physical beauty, but about composure and focus when immersed in a role.

She didn't look around, showed no nervousness or unease, and displayed none of the helplessness a newcomer might feel when facing a major production. She simply stood quietly in her position, eyes lowered, fingertips gently clutching the silk handkerchief from the play, her brow slightly furrowed, silently pondering the character's emotions, exuding a focused and tranquil aura.

Qingxiao stood quietly in place, his heart softening slightly.

He didn't go up to disturb them, but simply waited quietly for filming to begin.

Shortly after, the director strode to the center of the set with a walkie-talkie, and the entire set fell silent instantly.

This director, known for his meticulousness in the industry, never hesitates when filming important scenes. He gets straight to the point, and his clear voice covers the entire set.

"Attention all departments, filming of the core scenes for episode 11 is about to begin: the bidding for the Crescent Hotel and the lighting of three sky lanterns. I'll go over the characters' logic and emotional pacing again to ensure precision and accuracy. No mistakes are allowed."

He first looked at Chen Weiting, the actor who played Zhang Qishan, and spoke in a solemn tone.

"This scene with Buddha is the first time in the entire series that he truly reveals his sharpness. In the early stages, you disguised yourself as Peng Sanbian, enduring, restraining, and hiding your sharpness. When the bidding became fierce and the Japanese pressed you step by step, you had nowhere to retreat. Your motivation was not to fight, but to save your brothers and guard the Nine Gates. Your emotions were calm with a resolute determination, and calm with a desperate gamble. When you shouted 'Light the Sky Lantern,' don't yell, don't be agitated. The calmer you are, the greater the power."

After speaking, the director turned to look at Bai Lu, his tone slightly softer but still stern.

"Bai Lu, you play Yin Xinyue. This scene marks the beginning of your and Buddha's destiny. At first, you are curious about this imposter Peng Sanbian and find him daring and interesting. But the moment he recklessly lights the sky lantern, your emotions must undergo a qualitative change."

"You are the young lady of the Crescent Hotel, accustomed to the wealthy and powerful, and spoiled brats. You've never seen anyone dare to be so reckless and loyal on your turf. You don't need to show your emotions outwardly; they're all conveyed through your eyes: the first light, you're shaken; the second light, you hold your breath; the third light, you're completely captivated. You understand arrogance, but you also understand heroism. You bring out that nuanced quality in your performance."

Bai Lu stood ramrod straight, nodded slightly, and spoke in a clear and steady voice, showing none of the panic of a newcomer: "Director, I understand."

"Alright, let's go over the key lines and camera movements one last time. Everyone in position, get ready for filming!"

The entire venue was operating at high speed, actors were in position, lights were focused, and cameras and sound recording were all ready.

Qingxiao remained in the shadows, his gaze fixed solely on Bailu.

When moving around, she was not perfunctory at all. Every turn, every glance, and every angle at the male lead was strictly in line with the director's requirements. Even before the actual filming started, she was completely immersed in the character of Yin Xinyue.

The inexperienced newcomer he remembered, who needed to meticulously refine his movements and find the right emotions, was now completely different.

"Silence!"

"Camera work is complete!"

"Lights OK!"

"Reception OK!"

"Actors are ready!"

The crisp sound of the clapperboard fell—

"Episode 11 of 'The Mystic Nine,' Scene 23, Shot 1, Action!"

The actual filming has officially begun.

On the high platform, the auctioneer's voice was loud and passionate:

"Deer antler grass, starting bid now, one million!"

Once the reserve price was announced, bidding surged, and the price soared.

During the meeting, the Japanese representative had a sinister look in his eyes and maliciously raised the price, clearly intending to cut off Zhang Qishan's livelihood.

Qi Tiezui, sitting beside him, was sweating profusely and urged in a low voice, "Master, we can't raise the price any further! This is already astronomical; we simply can't afford to go any higher!"

Zhang Qishan sat upright at the table, his black suit making him look as tall and straight as a pine tree. His face showed no panic, and his eyes were as calm as a cold pool, as the price was pushed to a level that ordinary people dared not reach.

All the guests were watching the spectacle, waiting to see this "wealthy businessman from the Northwest" retreat in a sorry state.

The Japanese representative sneered as he held up a sign, arrogantly declaring, "Three million!"

The entire audience erupted in uproar.

Qi Tiezui's face turned deathly pale: "Buddha! Think it over! This will bankrupt us!"

Just when everyone thought he would back down, Zhang Qishan slowly raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping across the entire scene. Without the slightest hesitation, his voice was deep, steady, and resounding: "I will light this sky lantern."

The moment those words were spoken, the entire room fell silent.

Lighting a sky lantern means that no matter how much the other party raises the price later, the person who lit the sky lantern will bear the entire cost; one lantern is enough to squander half a lifetime's fortune.

But Zhang Qishan did not stop.

The Japanese representative's expression changed drastically, and he began aggressively raising prices to exert pressure.

The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop; all eyes were fixed on him.

The man's expression was cold and resolute; his mind was made up. He spoke a second time with unwavering determination: "I've lit the second sky lantern."

The atmosphere at the scene instantly became extremely tense.

Yin Xinyue, sitting in the side seat, had a playful and curious look in her eyes, but at this moment she froze completely.

Qingxiao stood in the shadows, staring intently at Bai Lu in the camera lens, his heart tightening slightly.

In that instant, she made no exaggerated expressions, made no flamboyant gestures, and even her breathing became extremely soft.

But those clear eyes gradually revealed an extreme sense of awe.

What started as mere curiosity turned into genuine fear.

From a bystander watching the drama, I was completely struck by this courage and sense of responsibility.

Her eyelashes trembled slightly, her gaze fixed on the figures at the table, her eyes no longer showing the emptiness of a newlywed, but filled with layers of genuine emotions—surprise, astonishment, disbelief, and a hint of a quietly budding heartbeat.

She stood there quietly, her performance of Yin Xinyue's emotional turmoil at that moment both restrained and precise.

On the high platform, Zhang Qishan gave no one time to react.

For the sake of brotherhood, for the chance to survive in dire straits, he raised his hand for the third time. His voice was calm, yet it possessed a power that shook the entire room. Each word resounded throughout the hotel: "The third lantern, I have lit it."

He lit three sky lanterns, giving his all, without asking where he was going.

The entire venue fell into complete silence; everyone was utterly stunned by the do-or-die spirit of the scene.

The camera slowly zoomed in on Yin Xinyue's face.

At this moment, Bai Lu's gaze reached its most moving sublimation.

There was no screaming, no loss of composure, and not a trace of acting.

She looked at the man who remained as upright as a mountain even in dire straits, and the shock in her eyes gradually faded, replaced by a gaze full of tiny starlight.

The spoiled and willful young lady was used to playing along with social niceties and the superficiality of the powerful, but she had never seen a man who was so loyal and righteous, so courageous and responsible, and who bravely shouldered the burden of a raging storm.

The corners of her lips curved upwards for a fleeting, extremely slight smile—not a deliberate, sweet smile, but an unconcealable infatuation and admiration when her heart was overwhelmed with emotion.

In just a few seconds of dialogue-free footage, the film perfectly captures Yin Xinyue's fateful feeling of "falling in love at first sight."

"Card!"

At the director's shout, the entire audience snapped back to reality.

In front of the monitor, the director stared at the playback, his tense expression completely relaxing, unable to hide his approval. He spoke loudly into the walkie-talkie, "Perfect! The emotion in this take is spot on! Chen Weiting's presence is spot on, Bai Lu..."

He emphasized his words, his voice carrying throughout the set: "Exceeded expectations! You nailed the eye acting, the emotions built layer by layer, without a single slip-up, excellent! Keep it up!"

The crew members on set looked at Bai Lu with surprise.

No one has forgotten that when she first joined the crew, she was a complete newcomer with raw acting skills in period dramas, needing the director to meticulously refine her details.

In just two months, she was able to steadily handle such heavy scenes with her co-stars, withstand the pressure of the high-profile moments, and portray the character's delicate thoughts so accurately and movingly.

Qingxiao stood in the shadows, remaining silent for a long time.

He looked at the girl in the center of the set, who, after being praised by the director, still kept her head down and listened attentively to the follow-up instructions, without the slightest hint of arrogance.

The soft light from the ceiling fell on her hair, gentle yet dazzling.

He truly realized that the girl he had always kept in his heart and silently cared for was no longer the newcomer he needed to protect at every turn.

While he was busy working hard and had no time to spare, she was also on her own battlefield, silently gritting her teeth, silently reflecting, and silently honing her skills, turning all her immaturity and clumsiness into composure, talent, and radiance in front of the camera.

She never got to stand in front of the camera by sheer luck.

She truly is someone who, through her perseverance and hard work, has gradually grown into a capable actress.

A faint, gentle smile silently appeared on Qingxiao's lips.

really.

He didn't misjudge him.

And she ultimately did not let down every effort she had made.