Chapter 72: Excessive Sensibility Is Nothing But Calculated Scheming

"Wow, it's Movie King Lu!"

Qiao Qianyi was so excited that she hugged Lin Ye, who was equally thrilled.

Di Jia'er clutched Zu Xinen's sleeve tightly. "Brother En, can I go ask Movie King Lu for an autograph and a photo?"

Zu Xinen hesitated. "Wait a minute, why do I feel like Movie King Lu... is coming to our regular waiting lounge?"

Bai Lu was silent.

Be confident, she thought. My dad is indeed coming to this lounge, to see me!

Her father wore sunglasses, a leather jacket, and black jeans—almost unbearably handsome.

The entire crew was starting to tremble.

There was no helping it; her father had already reached legendary status. He rarely attended commercial events, only participating in charity work or serving as a judge at film festivals.

TV dramas could never afford to invite him, and he made so few films—one every two or three years—because only the best scripts and teams could move him.

Lu Yiting walked straight into their lounge, took off his sunglasses, and smiled slightly. "I hope I'm not disturbing you all."

"No, no, not at all—not at all!!!"

The entire lounge—artists, their assistants, crew—went wild.

Utterly ecstatic.

Movie King Lu!

Bai Lu’s lips twitched.

Her father was definitely doing this on purpose.

Just to see everyone’s awestruck, silly reactions to him.

His manager, Mei Mei, spoke politely but with an air of pride. "It’s fate that brought us together. Movie King Lu specially came to greet the younger generation."

Qiao Qianyi clasped her hands in front of her chest, making a prayer gesture. "No wonder he’s Movie King Lu! Always looking out for the younger generation!"

Bai Lu thought, No, you’re really misunderstanding my dad.

Her father smiled with impeccable charm. "I’ve watched your variety show—very interesting."

The crew could hardly believe it.

Life fulfilled!

Bai Lu feared that if this continued, the entire lounge would lose their minds, so she stepped forward. "Thank you, Movie King Lu. We know you have a schedule, so we won’t keep you—"

"Not a bother," her father replied, sitting down at once. "Looks like we’re on the same flight. Let’s go together, if you don’t mind?"

"Of course we don’t mind!!!!"

Everyone spoke in unison.

Bai Lu could only sigh inwardly.

Not only was her father childish, he was extremely childish.

Lu Yiting pointed a finger. "Bai Lu, Director Zhang showed me your performance and asked for my opinion. I think you have a good chance of competing for Best Actress. When the series airs, the crew should submit you for the Magnolia Award."

Bai Lu knew this was her father supporting her.

Movie King Lu’s approval was no joke.

It would raise her profile instantly.

She felt both moved and helpless.

How little faith did her father have in her?

"Thank you, Movie King Lu." Bai Lu bowed her head respectfully and humbly. "I still have much to learn. Even a nomination would be enough for me; I wouldn’t dare dream of winning Best Actress."

Mei Mei was shocked.

Lu Yiting’s standards were extremely high, yet he praised Bai Lu so openly?

Having worked with Movie King Lu for over a decade, this was the first time she’d heard him compliment anyone so directly.

Mei Mei instantly produced a business card. "Bai Lu, I look forward to hearing from you."

Bai Lu accepted it with both hands. "Thank you, Sister Mei, thank you, Movie King Lu. But I’ve just signed with a management company. Yu Xing Entertainment treats me well, so I’m afraid I’ll have to decline your offer for now."

Lu Yiting crossed his left leg elegantly over his right and turned to his manager. "Good acting, good character, and a sense of gratitude. Kids like this are rare these days, aren’t they?"

Mei Mei nodded repeatedly. "Yes, very rare. I’m willing to wait a year for Bai Lu."

Lu Yiting smiled faintly and put his sunglasses back on.

How could anyone in the room not understand what was happening?

So much for ‘fate’ and ‘just stopping by to say hello.’

Movie King Lu was here to scout Bai Lu—he wanted to poach her!

Bai Lu was numb.

Spoiled numb by her father.

Lu Yiting was a VVIP with every airline; even first class passengers had to board after him.

As soon as Lu Yiting left, the lounge erupted.

"Sister Bai Lu, you’re incredible!! Movie King Lu came in person just to sign you!" Lin Ye was so excited he wanted to hug her, but Zu Xinen quickly grabbed him by the collar and pulled him back.

Zu Xinen said, "Our Bai Lu really is amazing."

Di Jia’er smiled, "Congratulations, Bai Lu. With Movie King Lu’s recognition, your path ahead is wide open."

Qiao Qianyi was so excited she grabbed Bai Lu by the neck. "Are you out of your mind? That’s Movie King Lu! He personally tried to recruit you and you actually refused him! Are you insane? You turned down Movie King Lu! If you dare reject my idol, I’ll fight you!"

Bai Lu was bewildered.

The crew all came to congratulate her as well.

It was obvious just how much weight her father’s words carried.

Just a single compliment from him, and a minor artist could soar.

Shen Xinluo also came up to congratulate her.

The jealousy in her voice could probably be heard all the way back home.

Bai Lu forced a smile, one uglier than crying. "Turning down Movie King Lu—I could cry. But I just signed with Yu Xing Entertainment, and I have to honor my contract. Please, just let me cry by myself for a bit."

The director commented, "I think what Movie King Lu appreciates most is your character."

Bai Lu thought, You’re overthinking it.

That’s my dad.

It’s hard for him not to like me.

On the return flight, Bai Lu and Qiao Qianyi sat in first class.

Her father was right next to her.

Qiao Qianyi trembled with excitement like a Chihuahua, but didn’t ask for an autograph or photo—every fan knew that Movie King Lu never gave those on private trips.

The crew had already returned Bai Lu’s backpack and snacks.

Bai Lu, ever dutiful, shelled some nuts. "Movie King Lu, would you like some?"

Movie King Lu replied, "Shell a bit more of those."

"Alright." Bai Lu nodded. "How about these, Movie King Lu?"

"Too sweet."

"These aren’t sweet, try them."

Mei Mei sat behind them, her expression shifting.

She had appeared in Lu Yiting’s first film—he was the leading man, she was a bit player.

As an actress, she failed miserably.

So when Lu Yiting founded his studio, she unhesitatingly gave up acting and became his manager.

Over more than ten years of working together, they had become friends.

Lu Yiting seemed gentle and refined, but at heart, he was cold and kept others at a distance.

She had never seen him so warm with anyone in the industry.

Could it be that, after more than twenty years with no scandals, Movie King Lu had finally been moved—by a young girl barely of age?

Then what did her years of loyalty mean?

"Sister Mei, would you like some?" Bai Lu turned around and offered Mei Mei a bag of snacks.

After all, Mei Mei was the only person ever rumored to be involved with her father, and had worked with him for more than ten years.

That practically made her half an aunt to Bai Lu.

Bai Lu thought for a moment, then, with great reluctance, handed over an extra bag. "Sister Mei, here you go."

Mei Mei accepted it with a smile. "Thank you, Bai Lu. You really are thoughtful."

So thoughtful, it was almost calculating.