Chapter 434: Acting With Conviction

Chapter 434

During the break, [Yuan Director] and the [Editor] watched the footage that had just been filmed over and over again. They had filmed this scene six times, and [Yuan Director] was quite happy with each take.

"The pacing was light in the first take. I feel like the beginning part can be kept, but the actions and expressions when entering the bamboo house and putting down [Gong Lan] later on were a bit frivolous."

The [Editor] next to him started taking notes.

[Yuan Director] watched the second and third takes again:

"The close-up of [Zhao Yu]'s expression here is particularly good. Make sure you pay attention to it."

He gave commentary and made annotations for the next few takes as well. [Yuan Director] leaned back satisfied in his chair and stretched lazily:

"As expected, it's necessary to film multiple takes in order to discover surprises. In the last take, although [Zhao Yu] was already tired like a dog, the expression in her eyes when she carried [Gong Lan] to the bed was spot-on. When looking at the woman in front of her, the dissatisfaction, joy, and fatigue were all naturally expressed. It was brilliant!"

The [Editor] didn't disagree with this point, but...

"The actress is completely motionless. Did you tire her to death..."

The [Editor] pointed to the image on the monitor.

[Yuan Director] took a glance, then looked at the time again. The corners of his mouth curved up:

"She just fell asleep, let them rest. Other staff get prepared, we're going to film the next scene."

...

[Qiao Sixiao] had also fallen asleep, but she woke up soon after because of the heat. [Qin Wei] was different though. She had just hauled several round trips worth of rice sacks, manual labor she wasn’t used to at all. It took her half an hour just to catch her breath, so it wasn't strange that she fell into deep sleep now.

"Wake up, time to work..."

[Qiao Sixiao] pushed her roommate's shoulder helplessly. Jeez, she was sleeping so soundly. Meanwhile, [Qiao Sixiao] herself couldn't fall asleep and her movements were restricted. In the end, she had no choice but to ask [Xiao Wang] to bring her phone over to play with, using the hand that wasn't pinned down.

When [Xiao Wang] got to the dog-tired [Qin Wei], she dragged her right up.

[Li Liang]: "Σ(?д?lll)!!!"

[Qiao Sixiao]: "( ? ? ?)..."

[Qin Wei]: "( ?-ω?`)???"

Anyone who saw this would yell—

"[Xiao Wang] is so tough!"

[Xiao Wang’s Diary: When I get back I’ll ask [Li Liang], don’t her upperclassmen work at big tech companies? I was bored recently so I looked through some front-end books, it doesn’t seem that hard to me. I’m not thinking about quitting, just giving myself a backup plan in life.

What am I doing?? Why do I need to meddle in this?? Master said he’s too busy with homework lately to guide me, what should I do?]

“Quiet.”

[Zhao Yu] rubbed the ache in her chest. That slap packed quite a punch and it was still stinging now...

The room was utterly thrashed after their intense scuffle earlier and neither were in the mood to tidy up. [Zhao Yu] simply sat at the bedside to rest. She said to [Gong Lan]:

“There’s no need to pretend ignorance. You already know just as well as I do. Then why act so frivolously? If His Highness knew that his precious treasure behaved so cheaply, how heartbroken would he be.”

Perhaps those words struck a nerve. [Gong Lan] no longer sobbed or struggled, quietly lying motionless on the bed.

Only then did [Zhao Yu] untie her bindings.

“Prince [{Prince}]’s illness took a turn for the worse so he tasked me to bring you back no matter the cost. I was wrong to say those things earlier, but the circumstances are extraordinary right now. I will accept any punishment when we get back!”

As she spoke, [Zhao Yu] knelt before her.

“Cheap of myself... Stranded in a foreign land, not knowing if I’ll live to see tomorrow, how could Young Master expect me to carry myself with the arrogance and grace befitting those of royal blood?”

She turned her head, glaring at [Zhao Yu] with resentment burning in her welling eyes,

“[Gong Lan] knows full well the value of her status yet has no means to choose death over dishonor. All these years I’ve navigated among those in power without truly submitting myself to any man. Regardless of who you are, there’s no need to be so harsh with words without experiencing my hardships!”

[Zhao Yu] closed her eyes, eyebrows knitting together, regretting what she had said.

“When he fell ill, His Highness Prince entrusted me and others to bring you back no matter what. Those words from earlier were my mistake. However the situation is extraordinary right now. I am willing to accept any punishment after we return!”

As [Zhao Yu] spoke, she knelt before [Gong Lan].

“Cut! Very good! It’s a wrap!”

[Qin Wei] sighed in relief. This scene really wore her out. Just as she was about to get up, [Qiao Sixiao] pressed down on her shoulder.

“Hey now, you’re going to let your dad kneel this whole time? Aren’t you afraid of shortening his life?”

[Qin Wei] immediately started chirping in protest. Alas, she was spent at this point with absolutely no will to struggle left.

“Here.”

[Qiao Sixiao] asked [Xiao Wang] to pass 500 yuan over, then directly gave it to [Qin Wei].

[Qin Wei] couldn’t help the corners of her lips turning upwards, but she tried her best to restrain her delight. Accepting the money, she licked her lips:

“What’s the meaning of this...”

[Qiao Sixiao] leaned on one hand and cocked her brows:

“You made your dad kneel, and as your mom I ought to show my feelings, no? Isn’t it going overboard otherwise?”