“The makeup session this morning was quite tedious. Why did you arrive so early?” Lin Chenghuan remarked.
“Not too bad. Watching you all get made up is quite interesting,” Lu Zhiwei replied casually, pleased with Lin Chenghuan’s noticeably relaxed demeanor.
“You returned quite late yesterday, didn’t you?”
“I got back at 9:30, which isn’t too late. You’ve often worked past that hour during previous shoots.”
“Mhm. That Pikachu was really fun, though it’s a shame there was no chance to dig. It seems only Sister Wei could have such a magical experience.”
“Indeed. Legends aren’t meant to be replicated.”
After chatting idly for a while, Lin Chenghuan returned to the makeup room to prepare for her post-entry-into-the-palace look. Once Lu Zhiwei entered, she couldn’t focus solely on Lin Chenghuan, so she casually observed everyone in the room.
Every film crew had a highly respected supervisor or producer who would periodically check on everyone’s work, overseeing and keeping the team in line. The crew members were accustomed to this. Lu Zhiwei sat in her spot, appearing utterly at ease, yet her presence was as steadying as an anchor.
By the time the second set of promotional photos, various promotional shots, and group photos were finished, it was already noon. After lunch, the crew officially began filming in the afternoon.
Since the actress playing Liu Fuying hadn’t arrived, many scenes couldn’t be shot. However, seizing the opportunity to film other scenes wouldn’t delay the overall progress. As usual, the crew preferred to start with emotionally intense scenes later in the script, helping the actors get into character and build chemistry quickly.
Thus, the first scene to be filmed was the encounter between Wei Shihuan and her cousin Jiang Shiwan in the imperial harem, where they met for the first time as concubines. The dialogue in this scene was emotionally charged and brimming with tension, making it ideal for two actors to build rapport during their first scene together.
In the grand hall, upon hearing that Lady Jiang had requested an audience, Wei Shihuan was overjoyed and went straight out to greet her. In the courtyard, Jiang Shiwan, seeing her sister approach, slowly curtsied.
“Your humble servant pays respects to Lady Wei,” Han Ruoruo said calmly.
“Rise quickly. There’s no need for such formality between us,” Lin Chenghuan said with delight, helping the person before her to her feet.
However, once Han Ruoruo stood up, a mocking glint appeared in her eyes, and she remarked with a faint, sarcastic smile, “Sister never expected I’d make it into the palace, did you?”
Lin Chenghuan paused, then turned to the attendants nearby. “All of you, leave.”
As the other actors dispersed, Lin Chenghuan tried to lead Han Ruoruo into the hall, but the latter frowned and pulled away.
“The harem is treacherous, but… since you’re already here, we must accept it and make the best of it. If we rely on each other and act cautiously, we can still secure a peaceful life,” Lin Chenghuan had no choice but to speak these words in the courtyard, her tone resigned.
“Is that all? With Sister’s skills, soaring to great heights and reaching the pinnacle in one step should be no trouble at all.”
“What do you mean?” Lin Chenghuan delivered her line while inwardly marveling.
This newcomer opposite her showed no signs of stage fright, and she hadn’t broken character or laughed, causing an early NG. Despite usually appearing timid, the girl was remarkably reliable when it counted.
“Stop pretending. Did you think I wouldn’t find out? I truly believed you were indifferent to fame and fortune, yet you sweet-talked me into failing the selection with you, only to scheme an ‘accidental’ encounter with the Emperor yourself!” Han Ruoruo retorted with burning anger.
“You think… I deliberately arranged to meet His Majesty? But I merely saved someone on a whim. How could I have known it was the Emperor?”
“That’s enough, don’t treat me like a fool.” Han Ruoruo flicked her sleeve and turned away, but her foot accidentally stepped on a pebble, causing her to lose her balance and nearly fall. Lin Chenghuan quickly reached out to steady her.
“…” The two locked eyes in silence. Lin Chenghuan struggled to hold back her laughter, this wasn’t part of the script; the other actress had genuinely lost her footing.
But since the director hadn’t called “cut,” they had to continue. Han Ruoruo broke free from her grasp once more. With sorrow in her eyes, Lin Chenghuan spoke, “We grew up together since childhood, yet you doubt me like this.”
“If you bring up the past, it only makes this more absurd. Everyone in the Marquis’s household says you’re meticulous and shrewd, but I never paid it any mind, always thinking of you as a good sister. Now it seems I was far too trusting.”
“Fine, think what you will. But the palace is not like the outside world, a single misstep could lead to ruin. Why don’t we join forces? It would give us both more strength…”
“Who would join forces with you? So, you can deceive me again?” Han Ruoruo let out a cold laugh. “I’ll manage my own affairs from now on; there’s no need for your concern, sister. Farewell.”
With that, Jiang Shiwan stormed off in a flurry of sleeves, while Wei Shihuan remained standing in place for a long time.
The final scene of silent tears had arrived. Lin Chenghuan stared blankly toward the palace gates, profound agony evident in her eyes. Soon, tears welled up, and she finally closed her eyes, allowing them to stream down her face.
The director finally called “cut,” and applause broke out from all around. Lu Zhiwei watched Lin Chenghuan, her face etched with pain, completely immersed in her role, and felt a complex mix of emotions, even finding herself somewhat affected by the sadness.
“So, President Lu, seeing your former employee like this, does it feel like running into an ex who’s doing perfectly fine without you? Must be quite the emotional roller coaster,” Qin Xiao whispered mischievously as she sidled up.
“…Could you use a different analogy?” Lu Zhiwei shot her a look as if she were insane.
“Hahaha, so much fun.”
Ignoring the intermittently eccentric director, Lu Zhiwei turned her attention back to Lin Chenghuan. The actress had opened her eyes and, upon seeing Han Ruoruo walking back from outside, finally burst into laughter.
With the scene wrapped, Lin Chenghuan, who had been holding it in for so long, could finally let loose. The sight of her wiping away tears while laughing was rather bizarre. Han Ruoruo awkwardly apologized, “Sorry, sorry, I lost my balance.”
“It should be fine,” Lin Chenghuan replied, then glanced at Qin Xiao, who praised, “Ruoruo acted wonderfully, holding your own beyond expectations! Even the momentary loss of balance suited the character, it works.”
“What a relief,” Han Ruoruo sighed, and the group erupted into laughter, everyone chattering and discussing at once.
The coordinator remarked, “No wonder they’re the most popular couple in the series.”
The camera assistant suggested, “Should we release a few behind-the-scenes stills from this scene?”
The publicist agreed, “Yes, yes! I’ll contact an influencer with millions of followers. We can release them in a few days.”
Lu Zhiwei: “…”
Amid the lively commotion, only Lu Zhiwei stood apart, feeling like an outsider. She couldn’t help but feel irritated with herself. They were just filming and promoting as usual, why was she suddenly so affected? Hadn’t she personally planned to hype their on-screen pairing before?
“You both acted very well,” Lu Zhiwei finally said with a smile to the two actresses.
“President Lu, you flatter me. It’s all thanks to Sister Huan’s guidance…” Han Ruoruo humbly replied, while Lin Chenghuan raised an eyebrow with a smile. “Thank you for your recognition, President Lu.”
Lu Zhiwei glanced at them and gave a casual hum. As her gaze shifted, Lin Chenghuan couldn’t shake the feeling that she was up to no good. Was she scheming to create another publicity stunt by shipping them as a couple?
“Chenghuan, let’s discuss the next scene.” Inside the main hall, the props team had already set up for the upcoming shoot, and the director called out to Lin Chenghuan.
“Coming.” Lin Chenghuan exchanged a subtle glance with Lu Zhiwei, unable to decipher the meaning behind her expression, and then focused on her work. After all, promoting the new drama was part of her job. If Xia Yao wanted to create buzz for their production, she was more than willing to cooperate.
Soon, Qin Xiao finished briefing Lin Chenghuan and the male lead on the scene. Both actors confirmed their understanding, and the second scene began as scheduled.
In an exquisitely decorated bedchamber, the cameras were set, the crew had arranged the scene, and the two leads took their seats. The clapperboard snapped shut.
“Check.” Lin Chenghuan smiled charmingly, placing her piece on the board before looking playfully at the emperor. Her eyes sparkled with a natural, unrestrained confidence.
For a moment, everyone on set seemed mesmerized by her smile. The script supervisor sighed in admiration, “She’s stunning. Her expressions are so vivid and nuanced. And in the previous scene, her portrayal was spot-on, she could cry on cue. Who says Sister Huan can’t act?”
“Exactly. The internet just loves to nitpick over trivial things,” Li Xiaoyi agreed wholeheartedly, her eyes shining as she watched her idol hard at work.
“Haha, it seems I’m about to lose again. My beloved consort is truly remarkable,” the actor playing the emperor remarked.
“Your Majesty has gone to great lengths to let me win. Isn’t such a game of chess exhausting?” Lin Chenghuan’s smile took on a careless tone as she glanced at the emperor with a hint of displeasure, though her feigned annoyance only added to her charm.
“How could it be exhausting? No, I would never go easy on Huan’er,” the emperor retorted with a raised brow and a laugh.
Nearby, the publicity team members watching the scene began to exchange meaningful looks. One of them sighed sadly, “This is so frustrating. I used to really like Brother Bai, but now I feel a bit of resentment. How dare he flirt with my goddess…”
“Same here,” Li Xiaoyi nodded in shared distress.
“Well, you two are in for more frustration. Later on, he’ll be flirting with countless other consorts, and this emperor is also the type to seek substitutes, a real scumbag dragon,” the production coordinator chimed in.
As they joked around, Lu Zhiwei stood further back, observing everything like a producer overseeing her domain. Lin Chenghuan’s acting was indeed exceptional, and her professionalism was widely praised by many directors.
No wonder I fell for her without even realizing it. It’s just a pity I noticed too late… Why did it take her leaving the company for me to see it?
On set, the two actors were resetting the chessboard. Soon, the seal-holding eunuch entered, bowing as he requested an audience.
“Your Majesty, Consort Liu seeks an audience.”
The scene was straightforward, a clichéd plot where a discarded consort pleads to see the emperor, and the favored consort pretends to intercede on her behalf. It wrapped up in one take. As soon as filming ended, Lin Chenghuan dropped her seductive, manipulative demeanor and returned to her usual aloof expression, heading over to Li Xiaoyi to ask for water.
She had vaguely sensed Lu Zhiwei watching her earlier, which made her unusually nervous. Fortunately, it hadn’t affected her performance, though it did leave her feeling a bit parched.
“What are you spacing out for? Water.” Lin Chenghuan walked behind the camera, snapping Li Xiaoyi out of her starstruck daze, and spoke with a hint of exasperation.
Li Xiaoyi quickly fetched water and handed it to her, still in a daze from her earlier admiration as she stared at Lin Chenghuan’s profile while she drank. Lin Chenghuan soon lowered her head, returned the water, and smiled at her assistant’s slightly dazed expression.
“Still not used to it? You need more practice,” Lin Chenghuan teased, patting her assistant’s shoulder.
“No matter how many times I come to Hengdian, I’m always mesmerized by my goddess,” Li Xiaoyi said, trying to flatter her.
“Hey, Chenghuan’s assistant sure knows how to sweet-talk. Two scenes shot perfectly in one take, what a great start to the day. I’m falling for Huanhuan too,” Director Qin Xiao chimed in with a playful grin.
“All thanks to Director Qin’s guidance,” Lin Chenghuan replied with a smile. She watched as the director walked away before turning her attention to Lu Zhiwei.
Lu Zhiwei was leisurely observing her, seemingly already comfortable in her role as the “treasure of the crew” and now taking on the additional responsibility of producer. Lin Chenghuan approached her and raised an eyebrow. “Any advice, President Lu? Feeling tempted to try acting yourself?”
“Yes, and I’d love to act opposite you,” Lu Zhiwei replied earnestly.
“That would be something to look forward to. If President Lu joins the cast, this drama would definitely attract a lot of attention.”
“Of course. After all, I’m one of Xia Yao’s top stars.”
The two of them began to banter casually. Neither Lin Chenghuan nor anyone else believed that someone of Lu Zhiwei’s stature would actually step in front of the camera. Investors and bosses were meant to orchestrate everything behind the scenes and count their earnings while they were at it.