Chapter 10
Even if she has a lot of complicated thoughts in her mind, she will put them aside once she starts working. Immersing herself in the play is her favorite and most enjoyable state.
Inside the RV, Shen Li ate breakfast while reading today's script. Her co-star was veteran actor Li Jun, who was a special guest.
I've worked with her many times. This time, I'm playing Lord Xie, the father of the female lead Xie Huaixi, who dies and disappears at the beginning of the film and lives only in her memories throughout the movie.
He is one of the two guest actors in this drama. The other is his son, Li Nan, who will also join the cast later to play a villain in a case.
With veteran actors and frequent collaborations, the performance is incredibly smooth. They seem to step right out of the original story, requiring no rehearsals or rehearsals.
Shen Li originally estimated that their five scenes together would take at least a day to film, but they finished filming in less than half a day.
"It looks like Lord Xie will be able to wrap up filming today," Shen Li said as she walked. "Uncle Li, you've gone to all this trouble to fly over here. Shall we have dinner together after we finish work tonight?"
Li Jun laughed: "Okay, but I'm tired of the food around Hengdian, so I'll just make do for now. After filming wraps up, I'll see if I have time to come to my house with Li Nan for a meal. It's been a long time since I've been a guest, hasn't it?"
"Then I'll talk to him about it." Shen Li dodged the question, trying to gloss over the topic. She hadn't been to the Li family since marrying Fang Wei.
He has starred in three movies and two TV series with Li Nan, and has worked with him countless times as a supporting actor. They are old friends who know each other very well and are familiar with each other's teams.
With so many collaborations, rumors of an affair were inevitable, and the two issued clarification statements until she got married.
Regarding the paparazzi's claim that they developed feelings for each other while filming, she genuinely believed for a time that Li Nan had feelings for her. She even had a frank conversation with him, only to be met with ridicule for overthinking things.
After clarifying that their relationship was not beyond friendship, the couple continued to promote their on-screen romance openly and didn't care about the media's gossip.
But things changed after marriage. Fang Wei said she understood, but she was actually a little bothered. After marriage, she was careful to avoid male actors and rarely took on romantic roles.
How much did she unknowingly compromise in this marriage? In retrospect, it was all just her self-pity.
"The actor I was acting opposite this afternoon, was he replaced after the incident? Is he a newcomer?" Li Jun asked.
"Yes, his action scenes are quite good. If there's anything in his dramatic scenes that's not quite right, just point it out. He's quick-witted and can perform well with just a little guidance. He's not the kind of person who can't stand criticism."
After Shen Li finished speaking, she looked at Li Jun's expression and saw that he had some concerns. She then said, "He should be filming action scenes in Group B right now. How about I take you there to meet him first, and I'll watch from the sidelines when filming starts this afternoon to give you my opinion?"
Upon hearing this, Li Jun finally relaxed his brow: "Hey, good, I've been waiting for you to say that."
Shen Li could understand Li Jun's mentality. He was happy to give advice to younger people in the industry. He had participated in variety shows as a mentor. Most of the newcomers nowadays are impetuous, eager for quick success and instant benefits, and cannot stand criticism. They get annoyed when older people say too much and don't take it to heart.
Some new actors, such as those who transitioned from idols, have large followings and strong financial backing, making them difficult to deal with. If the show's editing is misleading, and veteran actors say too many candid things, it can easily be misinterpreted as them being arrogant and contemptible, leading to criticism.
As a result, Li Jun's evaluation of the contestants changed significantly in the later stages of that variety show.
Sometimes, when dealing with new actors, it's harder for experienced people like them to find the right balance in their interactions.
Upon arriving at the B group's location, they saw Luo Mingxiu and the male lead actor practicing swordsmanship together in the distance. This was to film a fight scene where the potential conflict between the two actors was triggered after the female lead was injured.
Shen Li and Li Jun stopped to watch as Luo Mingxiu practiced with extreme seriousness. His sword strikes were swift and powerful, but not in an unsightly, brute-force manner; they were fluid and rhythmic.
This aligns well with the book's portrayal of Li Ze as someone who has practiced martial arts and swordsmanship for many years.
Strictly speaking, "Detective Xie Huaixi" is an ancient costume detective anthology series. The main cast consists of two men and two women, and apart from the female lead Xie Huaixi, the other three are skilled in martial arts.
Xie Huaixi is the intellectual backbone and emotionally stable core of this team.
The male lead and the character played by Luo Mingxiu are equally matched in terms of acting ability.
Judging from this practice, the male lead's swordsmanship is slightly inferior, lacking the natural grace of Luo Mingxiu, and some of his movements still need correction.
As she had hoped, Luo Mingxiu practiced with the sword, sometimes holding it and sometimes putting it down, correcting his movements as he went. She even taught him to perfect the details, including the way the sword scraped the ground and kicked up dust, making him look as if he were about to go into battle at any moment.
When he finished sheathing his sword, he even performed a perfect sword flourish, which was a feast for the eyes.
"Arrogant brat," she thought to herself, but the smile on her lips betrayed her pride.
Li Jun clapped and stepped forward. The two juniors turned their heads to look over. Luo Mingxiu first made eye contact with Shen Li, and then saw Li Jun, whom he was going to rehearse with that afternoon. He bowed to him and said, "Hello, Teacher Li. Please give me your guidance."
"Hello, Xiao Luo, with your movements and demeanor, no wonder Shen Li praised your action scenes," Li Jun shook hands with him and whispered, "It must be tough being a sparring partner. I've sparred with Yuan Haoxuan before."
Luo Mingxiu shook his head. Yuan Haoxuan, who was next to him, heard this and leaned over to look at them: "Old Li, what are you saying? Mingxiu is my new buddy, can you give him some face?"
Judging from their joking tone, the two had a good relationship. Luo Mingxiu didn't know this, but Shen Li knew very well that Li Jun and Yuan Haoxuan had starred in a movie before.
Their friendship likely began around that time. Yuan Haoxuan debuted as a child star and later had to manage his family business.
He temporarily withdrew from his acting career for two years, then made a comeback by participating in a talent show to regain popularity. After his group activities, he returned to acting and is now one of the top male celebrities in terms of popularity.
Before the audition for "Detective Xie Huaixi" began, Li Junyou recommended Yuan Haoxuan to her for the male lead, saying that he was a rare talent in the industry who loved acting and could settle down to hone his skills.
Shen Li was initially skeptical, but considering that playing the male lead required both acting skills and sufficient popularity to attract investment, and there weren't many actors in the industry who met the criteria, she gave him an audition opportunity.
Fortunately, after getting to know him, it was proven that Li Jun was telling the truth. Yuan Haoxuan would immediately try to solve any problems with his acting, he was straightforward and honest, and he was good at communication, which made him popular on set.
It's incredibly reliable and hassle-free.
“Since we’re all here, Lao Li, could you help Mingxiu with his lines later? He’s so nervous about acting with you, he’s asked me for your lines so many times this morning,” Yuan Haoxuan said. “Since the seniors are here, I won’t give any unsolicited advice.”
“Okay, let’s go through it directly.” Li Jun checked the time.
Shen Li winked at Luo Mingxiu: "Then hurry up and finish this match. Ask for advice as soon as possible so as not to miss dinner."
"Okay, please wait a moment, senior." After saying that, Luo Mingxiu picked up his sword and ran towards the director, leaving behind a gust of wind.
The action scene, which had been practiced, was very effective and passed smoothly. Group B's morning task was successfully completed. The staff dispersed, and Yuan Haoxuan and Luo Mingxiu walked over together.
"Thanks, bro. Thanks to you for teaching me swordsmanship. We're done so quickly!" As they walked to where Shen Li and the others were waiting, Yuan Haoxuan gently nudged Luo Mingxiu. "Keep it up, bro. Come find me after you're done with your scenes. I'll treat you to ice cream."
Luo Mingxiu stumbled from the sudden push, and Shen Li reached out to block him so he could regain his balance. Then Yuan Haoxuan's voice came from behind. The person who hadn't gone far turned back: "Sister Shen Li, Lao Li, come with Mingxiu, there's ice cream."
His voice was unusually loud, causing several passersby to turn around and look at him. Li Jun smiled speechlessly.
"I understand," Shen Li replied, and Yuan Haoxuan left with peace of mind.
"OK." Shen Li turned around and made a clapperboard gesture, and Luo Mingxiu, who played Li Ze, and Li Jun, who played Lord Xie, officially began rehearsing.
This is also a flashback. Many years ago, a fire took away Li Ze's entire family. He survived and became an orphan, living a life of wandering and homelessness. When he was hungry, he stole steamed buns and was beaten. He ended up in a group of refugees.
I heard that Xie Mingde, the magistrate of Qinghe County, is kind and compassionate, and has recruited a large number of hooligans and ruffians.
Seeing a glimmer of hope for survival, Li Ze decided to seek refuge with the authorities. He endured hardships, drinking river water, catching fish, and even fighting with dogs for food. Finally, he made his way from the village to the county, where he collapsed at the entrance of the government office.
And so, the helpless Li Ze was rescued by Lord Xie.
The yamen had no shortage of constables, so he made an exception and took him into his household, adopting him as his godson and raising him.
Li Ze gradually discovered his talent for martial arts, and through diligent practice, he became a guard to protect the Xie family and the girl he grew up with.
She is Xie Huaixi, the daughter of Xie's benefactor, and is showered with love and affection. However, she is not arrogant at all. She is beautiful, intelligent, and quick-witted, and often helps Lord Xie solve cases.
As Xie Huaixi's fame spread, danger began to appear around her. Li Ze, a highly skilled martial artist, was greatly valued and became Xie Huaixi's personal bodyguard, protecting her every step of the way.
They investigated cases together, rescued people together, and escaped together. Before they knew it, Li Ze's gaze was always drawn to her, and his eyes held a different kind of affection.
On Xie Huaixi's birthday, the Xie mansion was filled with distinguished guests and friends. Li Ze wandered around the mansion and, passing by the back garden, inadvertently stole a peek at the beautiful scene of the young ladies from various families playing and laughing among the flowers.
He should have continued his patrol, but he was distracted by the smile of the person among the flowers and stopped to admire it from afar. Then, an arrow shot out and flew towards the person among the flowers.
Li Ze leaped over the railing and flew away, carrying Xie Huaixi with him. The two of them fell into the pool together.
Upon hearing the news, Xie's father rushed over and found his daughter had already returned to her room. After checking that she was alright, he glanced at Li Ze behind him, whose hands were trembling and had abrasions. He began questioning him...
...
"See who shot the arrow?" Li Jun's clear and profound delivery of lines immediately drew the audience into the play. His expression and demeanor were exactly like Lord Xie from the book, giving his opponent no time to breathe.
“I failed in my duty and didn’t see anyone,” Luo Mingxiu knelt down. “I only know that the arrow came out from behind me, as if someone had laid an ambush behind the artificial hill.”
"Okay, thoroughly investigate the back garden again, and clarify the locations you suspect."
"Alright, I'll go right away."
The emotions flow smoothly in this scene, and even though Luo Mingxiu is still wearing the costume from the previous scene, Shen Li doesn't feel out of character.
"Wait, treat your wound first." Lord Xie patted his shoulder heavily, and Li Ze immediately showed an expression of unbearable pain.
Lord Xie: "As expected... you wanted to hide it from me. Why didn't you say you were shot with an arrow?"
"Are you afraid of punishment, or afraid that I'll transfer you away from Huaixi?"
These words struck a nerve. Li Ze looked up, his eyes filled with a turbulent emotion.
"That's a bit much," Shen Li thought, her brows furrowing slightly as she watched the performance, but she didn't say anything and didn't interrupt them.
"When did your feelings for Huaixi begin?" Lord Xie's question clearly indicated that he had already noticed Li Ze's strange behavior around his daughter.
Luo Mingxiu had no lines, but his expression was one of surprise, sadness, and distress—quite complex.
This time, Li Jun couldn't hold back any longer: "Stop, you're not getting into the right emotional state, there's something wrong with you here."
“Teacher Li, please speak.” Luo Mingxiu stood up.
Li Jun bluntly stated, "When I asked about leaving Huai Xi, your expression was too quick. It would have been better to wait until I was talking about feelings to show that overly surprised expression."
Seeing that Luo Mingxiu was a little confused, Li Jun glanced at Chen Li and said, "I think your teacher Shen also noticed it. Let her explain the reason to you."
Luo Mingxiu looked at Shen Li. He had actually seen Shen Li frown earlier and roughly knew that he had done something wrong: "I think that since Li Ze has liked Xie Huaixi for so long, he must be very emotional when someone points it out here."
"Why do you think that way? The fact that Li Ze's gaze was fixed on the female lead in the flashback doesn't mean he was aware of his own feelings."
Upon hearing that Lord Xie was transferring him, his first reaction shouldn't be excessive surprise, as if his secret crush had been discovered. Instead, he should be momentarily stunned: "Oh, so I do have feelings for Huaixi."
"Then in the next paragraph, Lord Xie further pointed out that his feelings were affection, which made him look surprised and indescribable."
Furthermore, this expression couldn't be too obvious, because initially, when Li Ze discovered he liked Xie Huaixi, he should have internalized the feeling of denying it, rather than accepting his unrequited love and becoming heartbroken.
"The realistic scene in this part is the scene that Li Ze recalls when the female lead is seriously injured and about to die. That complex and sad emotion should be placed in reality so that it can contrast with the initial stirrings of love in the memory. Do you understand?"
"I understand now. Li Ze's feelings for Shen Li weren't fully developed from the beginning; they had to be shown gradually to give the character depth," Luo Mingxiu said.
“It’s Xie Huaixi,” Shen Li glared at him. “I think you’re not thinking clearly today.”
Luo Mingxiu realized what he had said, blushed, and immediately corrected himself: "Xie Huaixi, I misspoke."
“That’s good. Problems can be identified and avoided in advance,” Li Jun said. “Let’s stop here for now and go have lunch.”
After talking for a while, Shen Li's stomach started growling, so she followed her assistant and left first.
Luo Mingxiu walked slowly behind, his mind still replaying Shen Li's analysis of Li Ze's feelings.
She is so perceptive about the inner world of the characters she plays, so what can she discern off-screen?
Li Jun, who was standing nearby, sighed and said, "It's certainly the easiest way to immerse yourself in the emotions when acting, but you have to learn to control it, otherwise..."
He stopped there, patted Luo Mingxiu on the shoulder, and left.
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