On the set, everyone was silently watching the lead actors perform. Their hearts couldn't help but knot up because this was already the director's third call for a retake. If there was another call, it was estimated that he would burst out in anger.
Ji Nian kept her head down, feeling extremely conflicted. She knew acting was difficult, but she didn't expect it to be this challenging. After the third retake, she clearly saw Cheng Liran, who was opposite her, furrowing his brows.
The director's face had turned dark from the initial patience, and now everyone was silent and not saying a word.
After a long while, the director took a deep breath and recalled the way the woman had acted in the scene. Her acting was flawless, so it must be that she wasn't in a good state today.
The director made an effort to suppress his anger and said, "Let's shoot the scenes of the female lead first. Ji Xiaonian, take a break and adjust your state."
Shen Shuyao, who was on the side, looked at Ji Nian and genuinely worried for her. She walked over and softly asked, "Xiao Nian, are you okay?"
Ji Nian looked at the female lead and felt a bit wronged. Her nose tingled, and she had the urge to cry. Ji Nian knew it was her fault for not doing well.
Although the director didn't scold her, everyone could sense his anger from the oppressive atmosphere.
With so many crew members on set, all of them constantly watching her stumble and then do it again, the feeling of powerlessness surged in Ji Nian's heart, making her feel ashamed and self-reproachful.
"I believe in you," Shen Shuyao comforted. "Go sit on the nearby bench for a while. I'll go over first."
Ji Nian nodded and went to sit on the small bench outside the set. As she watched the female lead adjust her state and start filming, she couldn't help but envy her. The other person was a professional, but what about her?
He Yi noticed the disappointment from his own artist and decided to bring her a glass of water to calm her nerves. However, when he came back, he saw Cheng Liran walking over. He paused in his tracks, not knowing whether to give the water to her or not.
Ji Nian kept her head down, somewhat absent-mindedly looking at the script in her hand. Suddenly, she began to miss Yu Luobai. When they were in class, if she didn't perform well, he would gently correct her.
She didn't expect that after only three retakes during the actual filming, she could feel the director's anger. Her heart couldn't help but tremble.
A shadow fell on the script, and Ji Nian looked up, surprised to see him.
Cheng Liran furrowed his brows and asked, "Didn't the screen test go well?"
Although she didn't know why he came, she felt like there was no ill intent. Ji Nian sighed in frustration but didn't say anything.
"Ji Xiaonian," Cheng Liran sat down next to her and said in a voice that only the two of them could hear, "This is work. I hope you won't let personal reasons affect the whole crew."
Personal reasons? What reasons? Ji Nian murmured under her breath.
But Cheng Liran still heard it. He was puzzled because this woman was completely different from before.
Ji Nian ignored him and took out her phone to message Yu Luobai, telling him about her embarrassing day.
On Yu Luobai's side, after finishing work and picking up his phone, he smiled when he saw the contents of the message.
Ji Nian: Teacher Yu, what should I do? I messed up the performance today, and the director's face was so dark... I'm trembling in fear. (Crying)
Yu Luobai: Isn't it normal for your acting to be criticized?
Ji Nian: (Pathetically) Save me, please.
Yu Luobai: Which scene did you mess up? Tell me about it.
Ji Nian: It's the first meeting between the male lead and the supporting female character.
Yu Luobai: Eye expressions are your weak point.
Ji Nian: Sigh.
Yu Luobai: Imagine suddenly seeing a handsome guy, and you feel a sparkle in your eyes.
Ji Nian: With so many people watching me act, I'm too nervous to have any other thoughts. Even if it's a naked man, it wouldn't surprise my panicked heart.
Yu Luobai: ...
Ji Nian: What should I do? I'm so scared, it feels like it's my turn again...
Yu Luobai: Keep going and give it your best shot~
On Shen Shuyao's side, the female lead finished all her scenes flawlessly, instantly improving the director's complicated mood.
"Xiaonian, have you rested well?" the director shouted. "We can start now!"
Ji Nian had just finished reading Yu Luobai's message when she heard the director's call. Her hand trembled, and she hurriedly put down her phone, feeling a bit guilty as she ran over.
"Xiaonian, how's your state of mind after the adjustment?" The director's anger had dissipated.
Considering their previous romantic relationship and recent breakup, it was understandable that their emotions were not in the best place. He decided to cut the young people some slack.
Ji Nian saw the director's kind demeanor and felt a bit nervous. "I should be... adjusted now," she said hesitantly.
The director nodded and said, "Okay, let's begin."
What had to happen finally happened. Ji Nian took a deep breath and prayed in her heart, hoping for divine protection, the blessings of Yu Luobai, and the support of the female lead. She must succeed!
As the performance began, a man descended from the sky on a wire, dressed in a fairy-like white robe. His facial features were handsome, and he held a long sword, effortlessly eliminating a demon in just a few moves.
The camera then shifted to the woman he had saved, who was sitting on the ground in a disheveled state, wearing a look of astonishment. She looked at the destroyed demon and then gazed up at the man.
Ji Nian momentarily forgot that this was just acting. She suddenly realized Cheng Liran's outstanding looks. Due to her nervousness earlier, she had been avoiding eye contact and hadn't noticed.
This entrance completely stunned her. No wonder the original owner of her role was head over heels in love with him. In that moment, she was almost mesmerized.
"Cut! It's a pass!" The director, afraid of another failure, didn't expect the eye acting this time to be so genuine.
The on-site staff couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. To be honest, they were also afraid of the director's temper. When the boss was angry, it made everyone's life difficult.
Ji Nian snapped back to reality and heard the director excitedly say, "It's a pass!" She was completely bewildered. What? What just happened?
Shen Shuyao and He Yi, who had been nervous just a moment ago, smiled at each other upon hearing the director's "pass" call.
"Sis, you're amazing!" He Yi approached and helped the woman still sitting on the ground.
Ji Nian blinked her innocent big eyes, looking confused. "I'm telling you, this is another accident. Do you believe me?"
He Yi patted her on the head and said, "You always talk about accidents!"
The director walked over, his face filled with admiration, and said, "Xiaonian, well done, keep it up."
"Okay, thank you, director," Ji Nian replied with a nervous smile.
"Next, you have a scene where you talk to the male lead," the director smiled and immediately called over the crew to tidy up the actors' clothes.
After everything was arranged, the extras and actors took their positions. Ji Nian glanced at the lines and felt excited! She could do this!
Having acted opposite Yu Luobai for a long time, she still had a bit of acting skills. She let out a relieved breath in her heart...
In the shot, a woman was helped up by a servant and she looked at the man, performed a dignified bow, and thanked him, saying, "Thank you, kind sir, for saving me."
"This place is frequently disturbed by the demon clan. You should be careful," the man said coldly, his face expressionless as he sheathed his long sword.
"You don't need to worry," the man glanced at her.
"Then, may I ask which sect the kind sir belongs to? Today, you saved my life, and my father will surely come to express his gratitude," the woman looked at the man, her head lowered, showing a slightly shy expression.
"No need," the man said, giving her a brief glance.
"Then, could the benefactor please tell me which sect you are from?" the woman's tone sounded a little anxious.
"Liu Shan," the man said, and in the blink of an eye, he flew away on his sword.
The woman looked in the direction where he had long disappeared, unable to help but ponder. She murmured, "Liu Shan?"
