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(゚д゚lll)!!!"
[Qiao Sixiao]: "( ̇ ̆ ̇)..."
[Qin Wei]: "( ́-ωก`)???"
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?]
...
Although [Qin Wei] was sleepy, fortunately she had rested for a bit and recovered a lot more strength. While [Xiao Yan] came over to do her makeup, she closed her eyes to rest them for a good while longer.
She stood up to stretch and loosen up, preparing for the upcoming performance.
“Awake?”
RIGHT on time, [Yuan Director] came over. Seeing both actresses, he couldn’t help but tease,
“You two truly are the cream of the crop. To be able to sleep with it so noisy on set, this is my first time seeing... Forget it, don't explain to me. Let’s move on to the next part, we’re filming [Gong Lan]’s small bit right after she wakes up.
Although there’s not much dialogue, grasp the emotions well.
When [Gong Lan] wakes up finding herself in a strange environment, she would definitely be nervous. But as a hostage princess sent to the enemy country, she also has to face the country ruler's lechery. That string in her heart is constantly taut to begin with.
She has strong psychological endurance. At this time, what she is thinking about more is trying to buy time to recover her strength, all in order to protect herself. She knows life is most important."
[Yuan Director] talked about the emotions of the scene conscientiously and gave the actress room for expression. This short section was [Qiao Sixiao]’s chance to shine while [Qin Wei] just had to cooperate and connect with the flow of the scene.
After communicating and not seeing any issues, [Yuan Director] called action—
Picking up after the previous scene, [Zhao Yu] places the sleeping [Gong Lan] onto the bed and is just about to get up when [Gong Lan] suddenly opens her eyes. As they look into each other's eyes, [Gong Lan] embraces [Zhao Yu] by the shoulders with both hands, pressing her down onto the bed!
At this moment [Gong Lan] also discovers that her body hasn't fully recovered...
If they were to fight, she might not have the upper hand. So the hand that was about to lock her throat suddenly turned into a light caress, and the sharp look in her eyes instantly became enticing charm. She leaned in close to [Zhao Yu] and whispered in her ear:
“Why would I not understand the intentions of Young Master for bringing me here...”
As she spoke, she raised her hand to touch the other woman. Both were startled, [Zhao Yu] pushed her to the side, then stood up.
“You’ve misunderstood...”
Before she could finish speaking, [Gong Lan] suddenly kicked towards her. Fortunately, [Zhao Yu] reacted quickly and retreated half a step by going with the momentum, otherwise she would’ve squarely taken that kick to the gut.
But it still hit her leg and [Zhao Yu] winced.
In that brief window, [Gong Lan] had already recovered her breath. Even though she wasn’t fully recovered, catching the opponent off guard and gambling on an escape to protect her life was still possible.
[Gong Lan] stood up and slapped her in return. The two then fought close combat for a stretch of ten moves without determining a winner.
During a lull, [Gong Lan] grabbed [Zhao Yu] by the shoulder and her other hand struck towards the back of her neck. But [Zhao Yu] blocked it by raising her hand. Then she grabbed both of [Gong Lan]’s hands to pin them behind her back. She tore off [Gong Lan]’s hair ribbon and used it to tie her hands down before pressing her onto the bed.
Upon this, [Gong Lan] immediately burst into tears, sobbing:
“All Young Master wants is for me to submit myself to you. Please don’t be so rough! As long as you don’t kill me, whatever you want, I’ll give!”
[Zhao Yu] gave a cold laugh, mocking herself for being tasked with rescuing someone so afraid of death and desiring life. She looked down on [Gong Lan] a bit more.
“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?”
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