Chapter 142.2: Bosen Manor (2)
Shi Yu had only borrowed the location for a few days, so they needed to complete all the scenes set in the Bosen Manor within that tight window.
More importantly, the New Year was just around the corner.
Though no one lived in Bosen Manor now, it still didn’t feel right to spend the holiday in someone else’s estate. They had to finish filming the manor scenes quickly, then leave and give the crew some time off.
Time was tight. Whether it was Producer Shi Yu or the directors, everyone began to spring into action as soon as Butler Shen left.
Led by the manor staff, the Storm crew’s makeup artists were shown to the makeup rooms.
After the staff who brought them there left, several stylists began to examine the cosmetics laid out on the tables, chatting in amazement as they did.
They were all familiar faces who’d worked together on various productions and were friends in private, so they spoke freely without restraint.
“Each of these makeup rooms is bigger than any we’ve used before. And earlier, Butler Shen said he arranged nine of them… That’s just… unbelievable.”
“What’s even more unbelievable is that they’re using an entire villa just as the makeup department. When we took the elevator up, I felt like I was dreaming.”
“Nine rooms—there are exactly nine members in The Galaxy. You believe that’s a coincidence? I sure don’t.”
“All the cosmetics are already prepared—and not a single item is cheap. It’s really hard not to read into this.”
“But since entering Bosen Manor, Shen Xiu hasn’t shown any reaction. Sure, we’re all trying not to be as obvious as Xiang Yueting, but you can still see the excitement in our eyes. Only Shen Xiu is completely unfazed. Are we reading too much into it?”
“Or maybe… the fact that he hasn’t reacted is the clearest sign of all? That’s just how Shen Xiu is—his lack of expression might be the biggest clue. After all… if you’ve grown used to luxury furnishings and stunning views, what’s left to react to?”
“Damn, you’ve got a poi—”
“Hey, what are you guys talking about?” Xiang Yueting’s voice suddenly came from the doorway, cutting off their conversation.
The stylists froze for a second, then quickly turned around and laughed awkwardly.
“Oh, nothing, nothing.”
“Just some random chit-chat.”
“Haha, yeah, just small talk.”
“Are we starting now? Are you getting ready all together or separately?”
Hearing that, everyone stopped worrying about the stylists’ earlier conversation and instinctively turned to ask their teammates.
“I’d like to get ready together—do you want to join me?”
“Let’s do it together.”
“Anything works for me.”
“Same here, I’m fine with either.”
“Together sounds good—we can chat while we’re at it.”
—
Within just a few minutes, all nine of them unanimously agreed to do their hair and makeup in the same dressing room.
The makeup artists breathed a sigh of relief. Since they had to follow the crew, there weren’t many of them to begin with—if the nine actors were to split up, they’d have to constantly run back and forth between rooms.
Having all nine in one place was much more convenient.
Once the decision was made to use a single room, the mirrors and chairs from the other rooms were quickly moved over.
In less than ten minutes, the nine were either sitting in their respective chairs waiting for the makeup artists to get started, or heading to the changing rooms to put on their costumes for the upcoming scenes as required by the production team.
With a group that size, and with chatterbox Xiang Yueting around, it was inevitable that conversation would spark.
As the makeup artists worked according to the script’s requirements, they also got to listen in on the gossip, which made them work even more energetically.
Xiang Yueting came out after changing, tying his tie while continuing to chatter without pause.
“I’m really curious—it’s already winter, so how is the giant outdoor pool not even slightly frozen? The water’s bright blue—it looks kind of amazing.”
Song Chengwang, eyes closed as the makeup artist applied eyeshadow, responded lazily, “Probably a heated pool system. Just guessing though—I’ve only ever heard of those, never seen one. Not many people actually use them outdoors.”
“And that painting in the center of the living room when we first came in—I swear it looked so familiar, like I’ve seen it somewhere before.”
Shang Yu said, “Once we’re done shooting here and you get your phone back, just search it online and you’ll know why it looks familiar.”
Xiang Yueting: “…You can’t just tell me now?”
The thought of how curious Xiang Yueting must be—like he had ants crawling all over him—made Shang Yu, who had been mentally foggy a moment ago, suddenly feel invigorated. He smiled at Xiang Yueting with mock gentleness. “Nope.”
“You guys? You’re just going to sit there and watch Shang Yu b*lly me?” Xiang Yueting turned indignantly to the others.
Zhuang Yi shook his head. “Don’t look at me—I have no idea either.”
Xia Wenhao didn’t even bother to spare Xiang Yueting’s feelings. “What else would you use to look with? Not your eyes? Your feet?”
Ning Sinian turned to Zhuang Yi. “I know. I’ll tell you secretly later.”
Hearing Ning Sinian’s words, Xiang Yueting felt even more hurt. “Nian Nian, you’ve changed! It must be Xia Wenhao and Song Chengwang who led you astray!”
Then, Xiang Yueting turned his gaze to Shen Xiu. “Captain Xiu, can you tell me?”
Shen Xiu, who had been quietly observing and suddenly got pulled in: “…”
Seeing Xiang Yueting look at Shen Xiu, Shang Yu’s gaze also shifted to him.
The others, who had nothing else to do, followed suit and looked at Shen Xiu too.
It was the first time they were seeing Shen Xiu in this kind of situation, and they were genuinely curious—would he spill the answer to Xiang Yueting?
Faced with all those eyes, Shen Xiu was torn.
He had recognized the painting at first glance, but both Xiang Yueting and Shang Yu were his close friends.
Which meant, no matter whom he sided with, the other would be hurt.
Shen Xiu already hated making decisions, and now he felt an even stronger urge to flee.
He had never imagined a day when his own friends would end up on opposing sides.
But with everyone staring at him so intently, it was clear that no answer wouldn’t be accepted.
After struggling internally for a while, the famously diplomatic Shen Xiu still couldn’t make a choice. Overwhelmed with tension, he suddenly sprang to his feet.
Once standing, Shen Xiu had no idea what to do next—so awkward that he practically wanted to curl his toes into the floor.
Everyone had just been wondering whose side Shen Xiu would take. None of them expected that he’d stand up abruptly without a word, face expressionless and cold.
The eight others: “…”
Oh no, they’d taken it too far—Shen Xiu seemed to be genuinely upset.
Jiang Yanxi gave an awkward laugh. “Captain Xiu, we were just… joking around…”
Standing there awkwardly, Shen Xiu nodded quickly when he heard Jiang Yanxi’s words. “Yeah, I know.”
Then he caught sight of the costume the makeup artist had just taken out of the suitcase. It was like seeing a lifeline. He immediately walked over. “I’ll go get changed.”
With that, Shen Xiu grabbed the costume and all but fled into the changing room.
As the door closed behind him, Shen Xiu looked at himself in the large full-length mirror inside. He raised a hand to rub his stiff face and let out a heavy sigh of relief.
Trying to stay neutral and please both sides—terrifying!
Watching Shen Xiu’s back disappear, Xiang Yueting scratched his head. “Did Captain Xiu just… walk away because he didn’t want to get involved in our little argument? That’s… kind of cute?”
“Xiang Yueting, I dare you to say that again. Better yet, say it to his face when he comes back.”
Even though Shen Xiu had walked away, the fact that he hadn’t chosen sides left both Shang Yu and Xiang Yueting secretly satisfied.
Meanwhile, the makeup artists, still eavesdropping, slowly came to a realization—among the nine members of The Galaxy, everyone else had spoken at some point, while Shen Xiu had quietly listened the whole time without saying a word.
And now, that same silent Shen Xiu had actually been driven out by the others’ bickering.
The famously cold and stoic Shen Xiu—flustered over not knowing which friend to side with—had gotten up and left. Honestly? Xiang Yueting might be right… that was kind of adorable.
After changing into his costume, Shen Xiu hesitated at the door, unsure whether it was safe to go back out.
He lingered in the dressing room for a few more seconds before finally mustering the courage to open the door.
“Wait a minute…” Xiang Yueting suddenly shifted his attention away from Shen Xiu. His expression lit up with excitement, like he’d just discovered a huge secret.
Just as the door to the dressing room opened behind him, Xiang Yueting turned and saw Shen Xiu. He immediately blurted out excitedly, “Captain Xiu, that butler—Butler Shen—has the same surname as you!”
Hearing Xiang Yueting’s words, the makeup artist applying makeup to an actor froze for a second.
The makeup artists collectively: “…”
So Xiang Yueting really was just like his fans described—his mental reflexes were so slow, they could probably wrap around the earth a few times.
But… was this the real bombshell they’d all been waiting for?
They’d speculated plenty among themselves in private, but none of them had solid proof, and certainly no one dared to ask Shen Xiu—the very center of all this gossip. Xiang Yueting, on the other hand, had no fear! Truly courageous!
In that moment, they officially crowned Xiang Yueting their bravest warrior.
Their hands kept moving, but every ear was tuned in like radar.
The other members of The Galaxy: “…”
Seriously? After being here this long, was Xiang Yueting really the only one still clueless? Still thinking that the reason the Bosen Manor was lent to them was just because Butler Shen was kind-hearted and helpful?
He actually asked that? Wasn’t it obvious?
Shen Xiu hadn’t had any secret interactions with Butler Shen since they arrived—it was just like before. He clearly didn’t want to talk about it. And Xiang Yueting, being all oblivious, just had to bring it up.
At this moment, they finally understood the phrase: “a little smart, but not much.”
Shen Xiu: “?”
Yep. He hadn’t stayed in the changing room long enough!
But thankfully, this question was way easier than choosing between Shang Yu and Xiang Yueting earlier. He didn’t even need to think.
While silently regretting not hiding out in the dressing room longer, Shen Xiu answered Xiang Yueting’s question in a dazed tone, “Yeah, same surname.”
There were so many people in the world, even people with the exact same full name—it wasn’t strange at all to meet someone who just shared a surname. Shen Xiu really didn’t think much of it.
Hearing Shen Xiu’s calm reply, Zhuang Yi and Jiang Yanxi—who were sitting closest—exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with understanding.
With Captain Xiu staying so composed, it could only mean one thing: their suspicions were right!
After answering, Shen Xiu realized with a sinking feeling that not just his teammates, but even the makeup artists were exchanging looks.
His head immediately throbbed—he couldn’t stay in this room any longer!
Luckily, his makeup was done and he had already changed into costume. Shen Xiu took the opportunity and said, “I’m going to take a look outside.”
Before anyone could respond, he made a hasty exit, practically fleeing the room that now felt more terrifying than any battlefield.
—
Out in the corridor, Butler Shen was puzzled.
He couldn’t quite understand it—he had clearly hinted that there were nine separate rooms available. Why had Mr. Shen chosen to share one makeup room with the other eight actors instead of using the one prepared specifically for him?
How was he supposed to discuss Mr. Shen’s plans for the New Year now?
Still confused, Butler Shen spotted Shen Xiu approaching from the other end of the hallway. Instinctively, he straightened his posture, and seeing that no one else was around, he walked over.
Shen Xiu: “…”
So now he’d just escaped the wolf’s den only to walk right into the tiger’s jaws?
Why was today going so badly for him? He didn’t understand!
Just as Shen Xiu froze, trying to figure out how to greet him, he heard the butler’s low voice:
“Mr. Shen, will you be staying here for the New Year this year?”
Hmm