The October morning was neither too cold nor too hot, with perfect weather that left everyone feeling refreshed and clear-headed. Many celebrities had already arrived on set and immediately began exchanging pleasantries with Lin Chenghuan, the group chatting animatedly.
“Finally seeing you again! That outrageous rumor last time gave me such a scare, and then I couldn’t even reach you,” said Xu Sheng, one of the lead actors who shared a good rapport with her.
“Sorry to make you worry. I was just as shocked when I woke up,” Lin Chenghuan sighed.
“I was pretty shaken up back then too. It’s so heartwarming to see Huanhuan again. I wanted to chat with you yesterday, but our seats were too far apart,” another actor chimed in.
“Haha, thank you for your concern. I’ve missed you too, Sister Sisi.”
“Glad you’re back. If you’d disappeared any longer, who knows what the internet would’ve come up with next.”
Most of the people present lived in Beijing and hadn’t seen Lin Chenghuan in a long time, making their reunion all the more lively with plenty to catch up on. Of course, there were also those collaborating with her for the first time, previously unfamiliar with her.
Lin Chenghuan had also lived in Beijing before, so even if she hadn’t worked with some of those present, they had likely crossed paths at social events. However, Han Ruoruo, with whom she shared many scenes, was a complete stranger.
“Sister Huan, I’ve long admired your work… We have the most scenes together, but I might hold you back. I apologize in advance,” Han Ruoruo approached timidly.
“Mm, all newcomers go through this phase. I understand,” Lin Chenghuan replied with a gentle smile and a nod.
The other actors glanced at Han Ruoruo, their expressions mostly neutral, though similar thoughts crossed their minds, how did a newcomer land such a coveted role? She must have connections.
Nevertheless, having powerful backers was commonplace in the entertainment industry, and no one would openly comment. Only netizens felt free to criticize such matters without restraint.
Han Ruoruo then proceeded to greet and thank each senior colleague, her attitude impeccable. Even those who resented her for snagging a role they had wanted maintained polite facades, and the atmosphere remained harmonious.
Lin Chenghuan still needed to get an autographed photo from Han Ruoruo for her younger sister. Such requests were hardly a concern, after wrapping up, celebrities typically signed numerous photos for the crew. If they got along well, she could even ask for a personalized dedication.
While Lin Chenghuan chatted idly with a few others, occasional waves of excitement from fans outside signaled the arrival of another colleague. Male actors were scarce in this palace drama, and when the male lead playing the emperor showed up, he exchanged a few awkward pleasantries before quickly retreating backstage.
The auspicious time for the prayer ceremony was set for 9:30, which was approaching. Instead of heading backstage, Lin Chenghuan wandered over to admire the life-sized Pikachu nearby.
Han Ruoruo soon followed, seemingly reminded of something by the plush toy. She looked as if she wanted to laugh but didn’t dare, so Lin Chenghuan turned and observed her calmly.
“Why hasn’t the top star Xia Yao arrived yet? Could he have overslept?”
“Ah! I haven’t seen the boss these past couple of days,” Han Ruoruo replied after a moment’s pause, as if recalling who Xia Yao was, her tone slightly shy.
Lin Chenghuan smiled leisurely and continued gazing absently at the red wall ahead. Before long, the fan crowd stirred again.
This time, however, it wasn’t screams or synchronized chants of a name, but a mix of chaotic murmurs and a sudden, overwhelming commotion that gradually faded into silence.
But soon, a bright, penetrating female voice rang out from the crowd: “President Lu, did you succeed in giving Huanhuan some psychological counseling?”
This was followed by another wave of laughter from the crowd. Lin Chenghuan followed the sound and couldn’t help but smile as well.
She turned and took a few steps toward the passageway, where she saw Lu Zhiwei dressed in a light-colored professional outfit, yet radiant as a star. Lu Zhiwei smiled and replied something to the crowd nearby.
As usual, entertainment reporters were snapping photos not far away, the sound of shutters clicking everywhere. Such a grand scene was truly fitting for the top star of Xia Yao.
By then, others had also approached, greeting Lu Zhiwei as soon as she entered the venue. Lin Chenghuan, squeezed among them, called out “President Lu.” When Lu Zhiwei met her gaze, her eyes flickered briefly before she nodded to the group.
“President Lu, you look so radiant today! We could hear the voices of the ‘Lin-Wei’ CP fans from far away, haha,” Xu Sheng remarked.
“Thanks to Chenghuan, I get to be cheered into the venue by fans too,” Lu Zhiwei said with a bright smile.
“Not at all. With President Lu’s popularity and charm, you’d naturally be the center of attention anyway,” Lin Chenghuan replied modestly.
Lu Zhiwei gave her a meaningful look but had no time to say anything before being surrounded by more people.
With the arrival of the producer and investors, the time for flattery and pleasantries began. Everyone chimed in one after another, and the scene once again grew lively and chaotic. Soon, director Qin Xiao, the producer, and others emerged from backstage to exchange greetings with Lu Zhiwei.
In the end, the actors gathered together, either chatting idly or playing on their phones. Finally, at the auspicious hour, the production team and main cast took turns stepping up to the incense table to offer incense.
As Lin Chenghuan stepped forward to burn incense, she thought to herself, I wonder when Yuan Yiran will be back. It’s not a good sign that one of the main actors is missing even before filming has started. Guan Sheng Emperor, I hope everything goes smoothly from here on out.
Finally, Lu Zhiwei and the producer unveiled the red cloth covering the camera, officially marking the start of filming for Joy Before the Monarch.
After the unveiling, the media began their interviews. As an actress who had recently trended multiple times on social media and remained a hot topic even after a two-year hiatus, Lin Chenghuan was naturally surrounded by many entertainment reporters.
“Sister Chenghuan, long time no see! It’s been two and a half years since you last appeared on set. Was your return carefully considered, and do you plan to spend more time with your audience now?” one reporter asked.
“Yes, during my break, I was actually hesitant about the right time to return. I’m grateful to the crew for giving me this opportunity. I’ll work hard and not let my fans down,” Lin Chenghuan replied with a relaxed and cheerful smile, facing the cameras.
“It seems you’re also very excited about the first role you’ll be playing after your comeback.”
“That’s right. When I read the original novel, I really loved the character Wei Shihuan…”
And so, Lin Chenghuan began racking her brains to handle the interviews. Even though she had prepared many responses in advance, the back-and-forth still drained a lot of her energy.
After the interviews, Lin Chenghuan felt completely disoriented. If only the entertainment industry didn’t have all these complications, and we could just focus on acting…
However, once the opening ceremony concluded, everyone still had to head to the hotel for the celebratory meal. Lu Zhiwei did attend the gathering this time, but she was seated at a table with several major investors, making it impossible to catch a glimpse of her.
Director Qin Xiao sat at the table with the main cast, exchanging pleasantries about looking forward to the next four months of collaboration. The atmosphere was warm and harmonious. There were no award-winning film stars in the crew, as movie actors tended to look down on such TV dramas. In previous years, palace intrigue dramas might have attracted the attention of film queens, but not anymore.
Although everyone was of similar status, eliminating the need to tread carefully around anyone, social gatherings like this still drained energy. After the meal, Lin Chenghuan hurried back to her hotel to rest, while the production team and investors went off somewhere else, chatting and laughing.
“What a battle-like day…” Lin Chenghuan slumped onto the sofa. Li Xiaoyi was massaging her legs, and gradually, her gaze grew unfocused.
That day, Lin Chenghuan went to bed early and woke up a little after seven the next morning, heading straight to the makeup room on set.
After the familiar process of hair and makeup, Lin Chenghuan changed into her costume. The drama was set in a fictional world blending elements of the Tang and Song dynasties, so the attire closely resembled Song dynasty styles.
Once she put on the ancient-style clothing and styled her hair in a traditional updo, Lin Chenghuan’s entire demeanor transformed. She now exuded the grace and elegance of a classical beauty. Though Li Xiaoyi had worked with her on period dramas before, she was still mesmerized, wearing an expression that seemed to say, “This makes my life worthwhile.”
“You look stunning! Being your assistant is the luckiest thing that’s ever happened to me,” Li Xiaoyi exclaimed while smoothing out the wrinkles in Lin Chenghuan’s costume.
“No wonder you’re so full of energy even after such exhausting days,” Lin Chenghuan remarked with a smile, standing still.
“How could I ever get tired when I get to see my goddess every day?”
Nearby, Han Ruoruo had also finished her makeup, and the two went out together to take promotional stills. Their characters were closely connected, so they also took a few joint photos for promotional purposes.
“Perfect, thank you both for your cooperation!” the coordinator said with a smile.
“Oh, when did President Lu arrive? I didn’t notice earlier,” the publicist added cheerfully before turning around and startling slightly.
“I’ve been here for a while.”
“Look at me, I didn’t even see you. President Lu, please have a seat.” Lin Chenghuan replied, withdrawing her hand from Han Ruoruo’s shoulder.
“No need, please carry on with your work. I’m just here to observe,” Lu Zhiwei said with a light smile.
“Of course.”
Though Lu Zhiwei wore a smile, she felt a pang of regret. Everyone addressed her as “President Lu,” and Lin Chenghuan, in front of others, naturally had to do the same.
She soon approached Lin Chenghuan and Han Ruoruo, praising them warmly, “You both look beautiful. How many sets of promotional photos are you shooting today?”
“Two sets, I believe. The scenes scheduled for this afternoon are set after the characters enter the palace, so we can only manage two sets today,” Lin Chenghuan explained.
Their current makeup and styling were for the pre-palace phase. Later, they would undoubtedly have to change into post-palace attire. For now, Wei Shihuan (Lin Chenghuan’s character) only needed to take a few photos with her cousin. The publicist and photographer were busy with other actors, leaving this area temporarily quiet.
“I see.” Lu Zhiwei glanced at the other actors taking photos. After finishing their promotional shots, they seemed to prefer pairing up for joint photos, prompting Lu Zhiwei to shake her head in mild resignation.
“It looks like this is another drama keen on promoting on-screen couples.”
“Can’t be helped. These days, most dramas can’t avoid this trend,” Lin Chenghuan shrugged, then glanced at her co-star Han Ruoruo beside her.
The young actress had remained quiet since greeting Lu Zhiwei earlier, wearing a humble and respectful expression. As a newcomer, there was still much she didn’t understand, and such an attitude was appropriate.
Lu Zhiwei also turned her gaze to Han Ruoruo, who quickly responded with a humble and awkward smile. Lu Zhiwei then said, “Focus on filming well. It’s normal to feel a bit unaccustomed when taking on a heavily weighted role for the first time. Learn more from the seniors.”
“Yes, President Lu, I will definitely work hard!”
“There’s someone over there who’s been watching you. Is that your assistant? They might need you. You should go check.”
“Alright, thank you for the reminder, President Lu.” Han Ruoruo promptly agreed and hurried off.
With no idle bystanders around for the moment, Lin Chenghuan relaxed and gazed leisurely at the other person.