After getting off the plane, Ji Nian followed the crew's pickup person to the hotel.
Since she didn't sleep well last night, she had just taken a nap on the plane, and upon arriving at the hotel, she immediately started reading the script, learning that the plot was about a modern special police officer falling in love and at odds with a mafia boss.
The entire story revolves around drug interdiction and arms trafficking, with the male lead pretending to be a hoodlum getting close to the female lead, from initial battles of wits to both of them becoming deeply entangled, and eventually parting ways for the sake of justice.
"Whoa, there's even a kissing scene!" Ji Nian exclaimed in surprise, looking at He Yi who was drinking water and staring at her in disbelief.
He Yi gave her a slightly annoyed look and said, "Isn't a kissing scene normal? Previously in the crew, Shuyao and Cheng Liran also had kissing scenes, but they were stand-ins, and President Ye wouldn't allow the real thing."
"Do I have a stand-in as well?" Ji Nian asked.
"Do you not know your own stature? Shuyao couldn't film kissing and intimate scenes, so President Ye arranged for a stand-in. You, on the other hand..." He Yi said in astonishment, then continued, "Sister, kissing scenes are normal, can you please be more professional about it?"
"Well..." Ji Nian wasn't lacking in professionalism, but it just felt strange to her, as she had never been in a relationship before.
"Let me tell you, Director Xiao is a renowned international director. I don't know why he chose you, but he's known to be very strict. Kissing scenes! You really can't have a stand-in," He Yi gave her a 'you're on your own' look.
Ji Nian paused, involuntarily touching her lips and asking, "Who's the male lead?"
"How would I know? Hurry up, let's go take the costume photos," He Yi urged.
Ji Nian followed in a daze, her mind filled with the thought of the kissing scene. Although it was just acting, she still felt it was quite strange, and had the feeling she couldn't bring herself to do it...
The staff politely led them to the filming location.
Director Xiao was reviewing the script, discussing the scenes with the other two supporting actors, and when he saw the actress arrive, a look of fascination flashed across his eyes, and he stood up.
"You must be Ji Xiaonian?" Director Xiao was very satisfied with her appearance, although she looked like a student, her face was even more suitable for the role than in the photos - cold and enchantingly beautiful.
"Hello, Director," Ji Nian looked at the young man in front of her, who seemed quite amiable, never imagining he was a renowned international director, truly a young and accomplished individual.
"Mm, good." Director Xiao nodded and said, "Go get your makeup done first, then come back to rehearse a scene with the male lead."
Ji Nian still had a somewhat bewildered expression, wanting to curiously ask who the male lead was, but she was directly pulled away by He Yi.
Peng He saw Ji Nian's retreating figure, then looked at his artist's smiling face, inwardly calling him a "cunning fellow."
"Luo Bai, getting you to accept this role wasn't easy at all," Director Xiao said with a smile as he saw the man already in costume.
Yu Luobai had changed into a police uniform, his handsome face now exuding a sense of steadfastness and ruggedness, his tall stature making the uniform look even more imposing.
"Acting..." Yu Luobai chuckled, a gentle look flashing in his eyes. "I'll teach her well."
Director Xiao knew there was a hidden motive, and he quietly sidled up, saying, "Are you interested in Ji Xiaonian?"
This project had been in preparation for a long time, and he had wanted to invite Yu Luobai to play the male lead, but because of the many kissing scenes involved, even though it was a good project, it had been rejected.
Last time he saw Yu Luobai's concert, Director Xiao had been drawn to Ji Xiaonian's face, thinking that she was perfect for the female lead role - enchantingly beautiful yet with a cold elegance. So he had contacted HuaYu Company.
As a result, when Yu Luobai heard about it, he directly agreed to play the male lead.
"So if she has any issues, tell me, I'll go solve them. You need to curb that fierce temper of yours," Yu Luobai said with a raised brow.
"Alright, I'm just an outsider, you take charge as the director," Director Xiao said with a hint of annoyance. "But the end result has to be good, no matter what."
"Okay." Yu Luobai was pleased by the words "your person," his eyes gleaming with delight.
Ji Nian was wearing a black tight-fitting halter dress with a peplum, a burgundy leather jacket, her long hair curled into big waves, her face made up elegantly, the bright red lipstick making her look breathtakingly beautiful.
But this stunning woman was currently being supported by her manager, as Ji Nian stared at the twelve-centimeter high heels on her feet, wincing, "Goodness, my feet are killing me..."
"Sister, it's not that bad," He Yi rolled her eyes, but still supported her, saying, "Didn't you used to wear high heels before? Why can't you walk in them now?"
Ji Nian walked in a crooked manner, swearing that she had never worn such high heels before. "It's been so long, I feel like I can't wear them anymore..."
He Yi thought about it and realized she was right, it had been a while since she'd worn high heels. During the previous concert, those had only been mid-heels, around five or six centimeters, but these were a whole twelve centimeters - no wonder they were so difficult.
"Go practice at home, you need to get used to walking in them. As an elegant lady type, you have to master it," He Yi instructed.
Ji Nian nodded, adapting a bit, but still felt uncomfortable walking. She glanced over towards the director's side, only to unexpectedly spot a familiar face.
"Professor Yu!" Ji Nian exclaimed in surprise, as if she couldn't believe it. "What are you doing here?"
Yu Luobai had already noticed her awkward gait in the high heels, the corners of his mouth curving upwards with amusement as he looked at her.
Ji Nian was stunned for a moment, her eyes shining with delight, her pace quickening, but suddenly she stumbled and ended up falling into his embrace.
Yu Luobai was quick to catch the girl throwing herself at him, chuckling teasingly, "So excited to see me, are you? Jumping into my arms as soon as you arrive."
Ji Nian blushed, steadying herself and releasing her arms from around the man, embarrassed. "Sorry about that, Professor Yu, these heels are just too high."
Yu Luobai, seeing her attire today, was also captivated. Fortunately, the outfit was still relatively normal - if it had been too sexy, he definitely would have made her change.
"So this is my female lead!" Director Xiao exclaimed excitedly upon seeing the woman's appearance.
This was exactly the image he had in mind for the mafia boss - alluring yet wild, with big wavy hair, fiery red lips, and high heels, practically the embodiment of the character.
"Though she still lacks a bit of that aura of authority," Director Xiao mused, carefully examining her again. "Xiaonian, don't look so bewildered, give me a cold, disdainful expression, as if you're looking down on everyone without needing to even glance at them."
Ji Nian paused, then followed the director's instructions, quietly composing herself and gazing indifferently.
"Good! That's it!" Director Xiao said excitedly. "Alright, let's go take the costume photos and do a scene trial."
"Professor Yu, are you the male lead?" Ji Nian reverted to her confused expression.
Yu Luobai smiled, nodding. "Looking forward to our collaboration."
He Yi immediately guessed the hidden connection, could it be that Ji Xiaonian was able to get this role because of Yu Luobai?
"Director Xiao is very picky about who he chooses, he felt your image was suitable, that's why he cast you. I only found out later," Yu Luobai habitually patted her head, not wanting her to misunderstand.
"You knew but didn't tell me." Ji Nian recalled their conversation at the airport, realizing this man had been pretending to be unaware.
"Details like that had to be kept confidential before I joined the crew," Yu Luobai said gently, looking down at her.
"Okay." Ji Nian pouted, feeling she had been tricked. So he had known all along, but just didn't tell her.
