At half past nine in the morning.
The atmosphere in the makeup room of The Chaos of War film crew at the studio was tense.
Director Li Mo paced back and forth with his hands behind his back.
The makeup artists, with nothing else to do, busied themselves by working on the supporting actors who had arrived earlier.
The current shooting schedule had been adjusted under the guidance of the Gu family to accommodate Su Qianqian’s time, ensuring she could wrap up her scenes as soon as possible.
Today’s first scene was hers—makeup at nine, filming at nine-thirty—yet there was still no sign of her.
The ensemble scenes later couldn’t proceed without Lin Wan either.
"Has Qianqian still not arrived?" Li Mo finally couldn’t hold back his question.
The newly appointed assistant director quickly pulled out his phone. "I’ll contact her assistant right away."
Meanwhile, in the underground garage of Cloudtop Apartments.
Ling Wei and Fang Qing stood beside Su Qianqian’s van, their expressions tight.
Little Chen, standing by the driver’s seat, was also checking the time.
Ling Wei’s phone displayed five missed calls from the crew.
Fang Qing’s phone wasn’t faring any better—messages from the production team and assistant directors kept pouring in, one after another.
"Qianqian still hasn’t replied," Fang Qing whispered, frustration lacing her voice.
They had been waiting here since eight, sending countless messages, all met with silence.
Ling Wei pursed her lips, her gaze flickering to the side.
Not far away, beside a luxurious Rolls-Royce, Assistant Zhao stood in his suit, still waiting patiently.
Young Master Gu Chengyu hadn’t come down yet either.
Who would dare go upstairs to rush him?
Top floor, master bedroom.
Su Qianqian lay nestled in the plush bedding, only a small portion of her delicate face visible.
Her lashes were shut, her breathing even—clearly still deep in slumber.
A slender, porcelain arm peeked out from the covers, resting limply on the pillow.
By the bed, Gu Chengyu was already impeccably dressed.
He had finished breakfast before returning to the room.
Leaning down slightly, his large hand gently brushed over Su Qianqian’s head, his voice tender. "Qianqian, wake up."
"Didn’t you say you had work at nine?"
"Mmm…" In her sleep, Su Qianqian nuzzled deeper into the pillow, showing no signs of waking. Instead, she buried her face further, her voice muffled and drowsy. "No… still so sleepy…"
Gu Chengyu watched her adorable, coquettish demeanor, his phoenix eyes filled with both affection and a smoldering, unspent desire.
He recalled last night—how she had tried to escape but couldn’t, her slender waist firmly held in his grasp, every inch of retreat only pulling her back into his arms for more.
Then, she had arched her delicate neck, soft whimpers spilling from her lips, trembling under his touch like a fragile blossom caught in a storm—a breathtaking mix of innocence and seduction.
The sheer contrast had nearly undone him.
At the memory, his Adam’s apple bobbed involuntarily. Even now, he craved her.
But he had restrained himself last night, mindful of her return to work today, not keeping her up too late.
So why was she still so exhausted? It was past her usual waking time.
Gu Chengyu pondered briefly.
Could it be that after a month without his touch, she had become especially sensitive, leaving her unable to rise this morning?
In truth, Su Qianqian’s body, worn thin from recent exhaustion, was quietly being replenished.
Her deeper drowsiness was simply her system demanding more rest to fully recover her energy and vitality.
Gu Chengyu tried once more, attempting to coax her out of bed.
"Be good. You’ll really be late if you don’t get up now."
"No…" Su Qianqian whined softly, her voice thick with sleep, her body melting bonelessly against him, impossible to lift.
Her fingers curled around his, her plea sweet and pitiful. "Chengyu, just five more minutes… please?"
Faced with her pleading, snow-white face, Gu Chengyu’s heart softened instantly.
He sighed, abandoning his efforts to rouse her.
His other hand tenderly combed through her hair before he bent down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.
"Sleep well, then," he murmured, indulgence lacing his words.
After tucking the blankets snugly around her, he rose, footsteps silent as he moved to the door.
He turned off the hallway light, leaving only the soft glow of the nightlight, then quietly shut the door behind him.
Underground garage.
The elevator doors slid open.
Gu Chengyu stepped out, his expression composed.
Ling Wei, Fang Qing, and Little Chen immediately straightened.
Assistant Zhao gave a slight nod in greeting.
Without pausing, Gu Chengyu strode toward the Rolls-Royce, speaking as he went.
"The three of you—double pay today."
Ling Wei, Fang Qing, and Little Chen blinked, momentarily stunned.
Before they could react, Gu Chengyu was already seated in his car, the window rolling down as he added,
"Your task today is to contact the person in charge of the South Bay Resort project immediately."
"Then inform Director Li Mo that The Chaos of War crew is taking the day off—organized trip to the resort."
He paused, then clarified, "Losses from the halt in production will be covered by additional investment from the Gu Group."
"All expenses will come from my personal account, coordinated directly with Assistant Zhao."
With that, the window rolled up, shielding his aristocratic features from view.
From the driver’s seat, Assistant Zhao shot the trio an envious glance before the Rolls-Royce’s engine purred to life, gliding smoothly out of the garage.
Left behind, the group exchanged bewildered looks.
Their shared thought: Young Master Gu’s generosity knows no bounds!
Back at the studio.
The assistant director’s phone rang—Fang Qing calling.
He answered, his eyes widening with each passing second, mouth falling open in shock.
"South Bay Resort? Day off for everyone?" His voice boomed, drawing the attention of everyone in the makeup room.
Director Li Mo turned. "What’s going on?"
Hanging up, the assistant director’s expression was a mix of awe and disbelief.
"Director Li, Young Master Gu has arranged for the entire crew to take the day off."
"We’re all going to the Shen family’s South Bay Resort—fully funded by him personally."
"Production losses will be compensated by additional Gu Group investment."
The makeup artist gasped. "Good heavens, what extravagance…"
When the news spread to the crew’s group chat, the entire set erupted in excitement.
"South Bay Resort? That’s the most exclusive getaway in S City!"
"Isn’t it still in pre-opening? Not even officially launched yet!"
"Who cares? Free luxury day trip—I’ll take it!"
The shuttle buses arrived swiftly.
Fang Qing, Ling Wei, and Little Chen waved as the crew boarded.
Director Li Mo stood at the back, clicking his tongue as he glanced at the now-empty set.
A mix of disbelief and glee filled him: Damn, the elite class really is on another level.
Just to give Qianqian an unofficial day off, he goes all out like this?
Well, not complaining—paid vacation for this old man too!
