The Rise of the White Lotus

The whole crew was in tears as they could feel the lyrics with so many feelings in it. Moreover, how Ethan Lu sang and delivered it, they were beyond touch by the unrequited love of the rabbit to Chang'e as it was too noble.

"Tch… even in the movie, he's going all out with his public display of affection." Grumbling beside Rika, Elliot Gong dissed as he could not believe that Ethan Lu had gone this extreme to impress Lexi.

"Shut up, boo hoo~! How can he be so perfect? Chang'e should abandon Long Yutao!" Wiping her tears on the corner of her eyes, Rika expressed the overwhelming feelings she felt from the scene.

"Stop destroying my ship!" After she wiped her tears, Rika vented her frustration to the innocent Elliot Gong who was just doing his best in portraying Long Yutao's character. She pinched his shoulder and mildly slapped them as she continued to accuse him of interfering with her ship.

Meanwhile, Ethan Lu walked towards Lexi with a smile. Lending his hand out, he helped her stand up from wherever she laid earlier.

"Thanks," Forcing a smile, Lexi awkwardly send her appreciation.

"Sorry about last night," Since she was ignoring him for a whole day, Ethan Lu took advantage of the fact that they were in the middle of the set as everyone started doing what they needed to do.

"Uh… it's fine. Forget about it." Slightly shaking her head sideways, Lexi murmured.

"It's not fine…" Upon hearing her response, Ethan Lu frowned. He resumed, "I will understand if you get mad at me, punch me, kick me, or curse me— it's fine, but don't ignore me… please?" 

"Ethan, I am alright, okay? And, I am not ignoring you because of that." Rolling her eyes, Lexi heavily sighed. 

Indeed, surprisingly enough, Lexi wasn't entirely mad about what he did. However, her heart was uncontrollably racing last night until she fell asleep for god knows how late. Hence, she tried to remain distant for the day since every time she sees him, her heart started to beat faster and reminded her about his heated soft lips touching her skin.

"Huh?" Confused, Ethan Lu was puzzled if he should believe her or not. After all, he certainly believed that what happened last night traumatized her. Hence, he already gave Lyrick Jiang the shock of his life that he would be working on the temple while he cleanses his immoral soul.

Just then, the assistant director approached them saying Arnold Shen wanted to talk with them. After receiving the message, Ethan Lu and Lexi agreed and followed the assistant director— pausing their conversation.

***

"Uh… " Rubbing his chin, Arnold Shen was conflicted about where this story was going. 

First, they made some twists in the story with the ending of Long Yutao and Chang'e due to their chemistry. However, after the scene with Ethan Lu, even the writers were struggling as Lexi and Ethan Lu's chemistry was great as well. What's more? The effect of the scene actually gave Long Yutao in a bad situation— hence, the dilemma.

"Hehe, Director Shen, can I have a minute?" Guessing what he wanted to discuss, Ethan Lu smiled. 

When both Ethan Lu and Arnold Shen were a little farther from them, Ethan Lu started talking while Arnold Shen lent him an ear.

"You know Director Shen, I don't want to make things harder for you just because I'm your investor. But, I have another request. Will you hear me out?" 

Arnold Shen scrutinized Ethan Lu's relaxed front before he sighed and nodded.

"Will you cut off my face with all the scene with Chang'e?" Without further ado, Ethan Lu requested. Actually, back when he asked for a cameo, he never intended to reveal his face. He just wanted to experience working with Lexi and at the very least, let the whole world feel she was being loved by him.

After all, he never actually need to show his face— just one song is enough. Moreover, he commended Arnold Shen as he had done a good job with the cameo script because Ethan Lu would actually request for him to sing for her or even just a touching song that she would hear.

"Huh?! You— Young Master Lu, is that fine with you?" Slightly surprised, Arnold Shen asked again to confirm that he heard him right. He intended to ask Ethan Lu if it was fine to make him faceless in this scene since it was the easiest way for Chang'e and Long Yutao not to destroy their ending.

After all, how Ethan Lu portrayed the human rabbit: his facial expression when she held her, his gestures, and even how he sang the song— one would be a robot if they didn't have the 'feels'. Therefore, cutting his face and only showing glimpses of his lips, eyes, and his back would be enough.

"Hmmm, also, thank you for the opportunity, Director Shen." Courtly bowing his head, Ethan Lu sincerely thanked from the bottom of his heart.

Seeing his kind gesture, Arnold Shen smiled as he bowed back. This was the reason why even though he doesn't usually ask his artists or even an investor like him regarding the storyline— Ethan Lu was an exception. He was a humble young man that doesn't think highly of himself despite shelling out money in this movie.

After exchanging endless kind words, Arnold Shen prepared for the last scene of the day. But before he goes, he asked him: "If you don't mind me asking, Mr. Lu— do you perhaps like Miss Yang?"

Ethan Lu smiled, "I don't." His gaze then shifted to Lexi who was busy consoling Rika, with a tender gaze, he added; "I love her." 

His response made Arnold Shen smile as he slightly bowed his head. "I wish you the best— for you and Miss Yang." He said before he left.

****

Since Lexi's role was an important and interesting character, her screen time has added. Hence, she has to stay for the last scene together with Rika, Elliot and other main characters that were relevant in the story.

Meanwhile, Ethan Lu watched them from the distance as his eyes never left Lexi. He didn't pay attention to the scene they were doing but his instincts told him that it will be a hit. After intently watching her, no matter how he knew Lexi, but the Lexi he was looking at right now was an entirely different person. 

He would be lying if he said he didn't want to strangle Elliot Gong whenever his hand touches her or any physical contact they made. He had been counting the times in every physical contact as he counted them as Elliot Gong's debt.

Regardless of the fact that he was being drowned with vinegar, Ethan Lu remained relaxed and didn't throw a huge fit. After all, he recalled that this was Lexi's one of her bucket list; to work with Arnold Shen.

It still surprised him that he would have this kind of vast understanding towards her. He was known to be a short-tempered guy, yet, when it comes to her, everything was understandable.

"I'm so proud of her…" He whispered with a subtle smile.

Until now, he could not believe that the Lexi he deeply loves had gone through horrible things. When he met her, she already hit rock bottom and was willing to kneel and swallow her pride.

But now, she was slowly standing up and little by little, moving forward from the past. Thus, he felt honored to witness her growth. Forget about the time when she would accept his love, for him, seeing herself getting together again was also an achievement fulfilled.