Actors, director, lighting, cinematographer, production assistants...

Almost everyone rushed towards the food area like hungry wolves, howling as they went, each with a large bowl in hand, lining up to get their food.

When Zhou Yang finished her makeup and came out dressed in an exquisite ancient imperial chef's outfit, she witnessed the grand scene of "fighting for food".

Wow! Mr. Zhou, your outfit is impressive! You really look the part!

"Exactly! That aura is just like that of a royal chef!"

"Not only is his cooking delicious, but he's also so handsome! It's outrageous!"

While everyone was wolfing down their food, they didn't forget to give Zhou Yang a thumbs up.

Zhou Yang and Xu Yao smiled, picked up their bowls and chopsticks, and served themselves some food.

Lin Chuan brought over a large bowl of rice and dishes, shoveling rice into his mouth while speaking indistinctly.

"Zhou Yang, Xu Yao, you two have scenes this afternoon. I've marked them all. Remember to familiarize yourselves with your lines after lunch and prepare in advance."

"While we're eating, I'll also tell you some key points about filming."

"Yes, Director Lin, please go ahead."

Zhou Yang responded.

Lin Chuan swallowed a big mouthful of stir-fried pork with rice and smacked his lips in satisfaction.

"Don't worry, acting isn't difficult. Nowadays, we rarely do those long takes that last in one continuous shot. The requirements for actors aren't that demanding."

"As for the lines, we can do post-production dubbing. You just need to match your lip movements and make sure your expressions and actions are right. There's not much pressure."

As Zhou Yang and Xu Yao listened to his explanation, they couldn't help but twitch their lips.

No wonder there aren't many good dramas these days; have everyone's standards become so low?

Lin Chuan, unaware of Zhou Yang's thoughts, pointed to the script, "This afternoon we'll mainly be filming these scenes, the first one..."

Zhou Yang took the few pages of the script from Lin Chuan and quickly scanned them, mainly focusing on the lines and movements of the young imperial chef "Qi An," whom he was playing.

The content is not much and the plot is simple: Qi An discovers that the Empress, who is refusing to eat because she is angry with the Emperor, has sneaked into the Imperial Kitchen to steal food. Out of pity, he makes her a bowl of noodles.

He thought for a moment, went through a few key facial expressions and movements in his mind, and then gave Lin Chuan an "OK" sign to indicate that he was fine.

"Not bad, kid! You're confident enough! Let's give it a try!"

Lin Chuan grinned, admiring Zhou Yang's decisive and efficient manner.

soon.

"Attention all departments! Prepare! Scene 15, Shot 1! Action!"

The clapperboard snapped shut, signaling the official start of filming.

The camera was pointed at the prop window.

Lin Yue, who plays the female lead, the Empress, was wearing an ill-fitting eunuch's robe. She exaggeratedly and tiptoed through the window, almost stumbling when she landed, looking quite comical.

She glanced around furtively, like a thief, and after confirming that it was "safe," she tiptoed and sneaked to the cabinet next to her.

She opened the cabinet door, grabbed a plump white steamed bun, and stuffed it into her mouth. Her cheeks bulged out instantly, like a little squirrel stealing food.

Just then, Zhou Yang, dressed in an exquisite imperial chef's uniform, walked in from the other side of the kitchen, carrying an empty tray.

According to the script, he should first be surprised, then recognize the empress's identity, and finally be amused by the empress's pitiful appearance of wolfing down her food.

Zhou Yang's performance was almost instinctive.

He deliberately kept his footsteps quiet as he entered, and his gaze naturally swept over the kitchen.

When he saw the "little eunuch" dressed in eunuch's clothes, his mouth stuffed with steamed buns, staring at him with wide, terrified eyes.

He paused, his brow furrowing unconsciously, a hint of surprise and confusion subtly flashing in his eyes...

Watching Zhou Yang's natural performance from behind the monitor, Lin Chuan couldn't help but feel somewhat surprised.

I initially thought Zhou Yang's acting skills might not be up to par and that he would need more training, but most people can pass the test after a few rehearsals.

He thought it would just take a little more effort, but he didn't expect Zhou Yang to be so easy to deal with!

"Cut! Pass!"

Lin Chuan excitedly slapped his thigh, stood up from behind the monitor, and gave Zhou Yang a big thumbs up.

"Great job! Zhou Yang! Your movement was very precise, and your emotional transitions were excellent. It didn't feel like your first time acting at all!"

"There's nothing I'm dissatisfied with about this one, so let's just leave it at that for now. We'll discuss any changes later if needed."

"Yes, Director Lin, I'm glad you're satisfied."

Zhou Yang smiled calmly, as if he had just done something insignificant.

But actually, he was a little nervous, after all, he had never acted before.

But Lin Chuan's behavior just now didn't seem like he was just offering empty flattery.

It seems he does have some acting talent.

Sure enough, outstanding people excel in everything, Zhou Yang couldn't help but feel secretly proud.

Xu Yao, standing beside her, felt like she was on a rollercoaster.

When she watched Zhou Yang act just now, her palms were sweating with nervousness.

On the one hand, they secretly applauded Zhou Yang's performance; he was really amazing, doing everything so well!

On the other hand, enormous pressure also followed.

Zhou Yang acted so well, I absolutely can't let him down when it's my turn!

She took a deep breath and silently clenched her small fist.

Soon, it was Xu Yao's turn to play the role of the palace maid "Qiao'er".

This scene is a one-woman show for her, depicting her struggling to keep watch for the Empress while simultaneously worrying about the Empress being arrested and fearing that she herself would be implicated.

"Action!"

Xu Yao immediately got into character.

Her face was full of anxiety, and her eyes looked around in a panic. Although she didn't make any big movements, her small hands were twisting together.

"Your Majesty, please don't let this be discovered... It would be so embarrassing if we were found out..."

His tense, worried, and slightly complaining expression was vividly portrayed.

"Okay! Pass!"

Lin Chuan shouted "Cut!" again with satisfaction. "Well done, Xu Yao! You've got talent! You portrayed the little palace maid's anxiety and worry perfectly! Excellent!"

He was in a great mood, and even patted his chest to guarantee: "Zhou Yang, Xu Yao, you two have amazing talent!"

"If this drama becomes a hit, I, Lin Chuan, will definitely reserve important roles for you guys when I start a new drama in the future!"

Xu Yao felt delighted to be praised by the famous director, and her cheeks flushed slightly.

In the following scenes, Zhou Yang and Xu Yao's acting improved significantly, with very few takes and a promising filming schedule.

Both of them felt that acting wasn't as difficult as they had imagined!

Lin Chuan watched Zhou Yang and Xu Yao's performance on the monitor and became more and more satisfied.

Xu Yao's delivery of lines, in particular, was a pleasant surprise.

"Xu Yao," Lin Chuan called out to Xu Yao, who had just finished filming a scene.

"I find that you delivered your lines really well! Your pronunciation was clear, your breath control was steady, and your emotions were spot on. You could totally use your own voice without any post-production dubbing!"