The second scene Shang Lu was currently filming was the confrontation between the female lead and the supporting female character—the fake heiress in the drama, played by an actress named Yang Xuan.
Unlike Ji Xue’s pure and lively charm, Yang Xuan had a completely different style in terms of appearance.
Her eyes were slightly upturned, giving off an arrogant impression. Yet her features were delicate and refined—with makeup, she looked striking and intense, while bare-faced, she appeared more innocent and fresh.
Now, as the two faced off, Yang Xuan had a stronger presence, but Ji Xue’s aura was more unique.
Watching their performances, Shang Lu sighed softly. “Ji Xue really has a face made for a female lead.”
Xin Yan suddenly asked, “What do you mean by ‘a face made for a female lead’?”
Shang Lu turned to look at him. She had been muttering to herself and hadn’t expected him to actually ask.
Still, she explained, “It means having distinctive features that catch people’s attention at first glance—that’s a face made for a female lead.”
As she spoke, she pointed at the screen. “Yang Xuan is beautiful too, but her beauty lacks memorability. She looks fine on her own, but once she stands next to Ji Xue, Ji Xue—who seems to have ordinary features—actually stands out more because her eyes are exceptionally beautiful.”
“There are plenty of handsome men and beautiful women in the entertainment industry. To stand out, you must have something special—whether it’s your looks or your aura, it has to be unique.”
Xin Yan studied the screen carefully and seemed to agree.
He looked at Shang Lu and couldn’t help but say, “You have a face made for a female lead too.”
Naturally, Shang Lu was pleased by the compliment, but she was also self-aware. “My kind of looks don’t translate well on camera—I don’t look as good on screen. But you, on the other hand, have a face made for the big screen. What a shame.”
Shang Lu wasn’t teasing him; she genuinely felt it was a pity.
If Xin Yan entered the entertainment industry, even with poor acting skills, he would probably become a top-tier star.
Xin Yan, who had been expressionless, couldn’t help but feel a bit helpless upon hearing this again. “I have no talent for acting.”
“Alright then,” Shang Lu said, just making conversation.
She watched the confrontation between the two on the screen and called out, “Cut! Yang Xuan, go change your clothes. We’ll film the next scene!”
On the first day of filming, most of the scenes were of Ji Xue at home.
Yang Xuan played the highly favored fake heiress, so her costumes were luxurious and different from the current popular styles.
Her clothes weren’t candy-colored but leaned toward the elegant and subdued Morandi palette—a decision Shang Lu had made after extensive discussions with the costume designer.
Now, Yang Xuan was changing into a bluish-gray silk top, paired with a slightly pink overall-style short skirt. The design of the overalls was particularly innovative, embroidered with a few plum blossoms, instantly creating a sense of understated luxury.
Although Yang Xuan was the supporting female character, she had nearly 50 costume changes throughout the entire series.
As the female lead, Ji Xue’s costumes were mostly beige and white due to her character’s persona. Shang Lu wanted to shape her into a jasmine-like character.
However, in a crucial scene later on, the female lead would undoubtedly undergo a dramatic wardrobe change to create a strong sense of contrast.
Taking advantage of this break, Xin Yan prepared to leave.
He had come this time merely out of curiosity, wanting to see Shang Lu’s working state.
Shang Lu and Tan Le walked him out, but he stopped them.
His car was parked outside, with the driver waiting.
After Yan Ranran and her group were driven out by security, they likely felt too embarrassed to stay and left.
The few of them escorted Xin Yan to the entrance. The spring wind was sharp, carrying a slight chill. Suddenly, a gust of wind blew, lifting Xin Yan’s trench coat. Shang Lu, who was already dressed lightly, now felt the cold seeping into her bones.
Seeing her shiver, Xin Yan understood she was cold. He had originally intended to say more, but in the end, it all condensed into a single sentence: “Your final condition—I agree.”
This abrupt and seemingly out-of-context remark left Tan Le utterly confused.
Shang Lu, however, understood immediately. A bright smile instantly spread across her face. “Then when can we sign the contract?”
Xin Yan glanced back at the busy film crew. “It depends on your schedule. After you finish this production, you can come find me at Huasheng.”
“Great! It’s settled then!” Shang Lu hadn’t expected him to agree so readily. A heavy weight that had been pressing on her heart was finally lifted.
Xin Yan didn’t linger any longer. He got into his car and left.
Just before departing, he had the driver roll down the window and couldn’t resist saying to Shang Lu, “Spring can be harsh. You might want to wear a bit more.”
Shang Lu looked down at her pink dress. It did seem a bit too thin.
Only after he had left did Tan Le finally lose his patience, mimicking sarcastically, “‘Spring can be harsh. Wear a bit more~'”
Shang Lu immediately shot him a glare. “You knew I was cold, yet you didn’t even offer me your jacket? All the thought I’ve put into you has been wasted!”
Tan Le hadn’t expected to be countered like this. “Wait, what do you mean? You’re the one secretly exchanging glances with someone behind my back, and now you’re blaming me?”
He was the one who should be angry!
When did Shang Lu even get to know Xin Yan? How come he didn’t know anything about it?
“Tell me, how did you meet him? Do you even know who he is? My brother told me to stay away from him, and yet you go running up to him. Aren’t you afraid of being devoured?”
He vented his frustration angrily.
Shang Lu was also surprised by how strongly Tan Le reacted.
But Xin Yan… he didn’t even exist in the original novel, did he?
Curious, she leaned closer. “I met him through Director Pang, about a month ago. I only knew he was from Huasheng. Why? Do you know his background?”
With this explanation from Shang Lu, Tan Le’s anger subsided slightly.
“Him… his relationship with the Xin family is too complicated to explain in a short time. Anyway, ever since he appeared, the Xin family has been thrown into chaos. My brother says he’s no ordinary person. You… it’s best to keep some distance. You can cooperate with him, but absolutely don’t have any private dealings with him. Got it?”
Tan Le meant well for Shang Lu. With no power or influence of her own, if she collided with the behemoth that was the Xin family, even a slight scrape could shatter her to pieces.
Unexpectedly, Shang Lu burst into laughter and couldn’t help but pull him back toward the building.
“Alright, alright, don’t worry. It’s just a business collaboration. Besides, I think your mind is in the gutter. Do you think he’s interested in me? Not to be blunt, but you’re overthinking it.”
Of course, she understood the implication in Tan Le’s words, but she didn’t believe she would get entangled with someone like that.
“I admit I’m good-looking, but he’s seen plenty of great beauties. Even if he judges by appearance, it’s unlikely he’d choose me. So rest easy, okay?”
Tan Le, seeing her indifferent demeanor, couldn’t hold back his anger. “Hmph, I’ve told you anyway—whether you listen or not is up to you! In any case, the Xins are all rotten to the core!”
The Xins are all rotten to the core?
Shang Lu was somewhat taken aback, because in the novel, as the male lead’s family, they had no scandals to speak of?