Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

"Cut——" the director called for stop again.

Even if Director Miao made his hair into a mess, it couldn't relieve his anxiety.

Hearing the director call for a stop again, Cheng Cheng's face turned pale:...

"Your expression is still not into the role enough. Think about it, the person sitting opposite you is the person you love the most, Ling Xiao. He is inviting you to see the peach blossoms on Bitan Mountain. You should be shy. There should be love in your eyes. He loves you, understand? Your expression is too wooden now, as if you are looking at a colleague." The director put down the walkie-talkie, walked up to Cheng Cheng and Zhang Weizi who were acting, and personally demonstrated to Cheng Cheng.

"Do it again--" the director walked back to the monitor and spoke with a frown.

"Cut——" they were stopped again.

Being stared at by the whole audience, Cheng Cheng felt a little embarrassed, guilt washing over her. She didn't dare to look at the director's face, as she was sure it must be ashen.

The more I tried to act well, the worse I performed, and the lines I had memorized by heart suddenly got stuck.

Knowing that it was useless to put more pressure on her, Miao Hongzhi restrained his temper helplessly and sighed.

"It really can't."

"Just use the substitution method and imagine him as your boyfriend. Look at Ling Xiao the same way you normally look at your boyfriend, and be a little more affectionate, okay?"

Cheng Cheng smiled bitterly: "I don't have a boyfriend, Director Miao."

Her last relationship was a long time ago, and she had long forgotten the feeling of being moved. It was really difficult to find that feeling suddenly.

Miao Hongzhi was speechless: "Then it's your ex-boyfriend. Have you never been in love? Really."

Seeing that the director was about to get angry again, Cheng Cheng didn't dare to say anything more and quickly said, "We have discussed it, we have discussed it, Director, I will find him right away."

After saying that, he looked at Zhang Weizi, trying hard to imagine his face as Zhou Yue's.

Think hard, think intensely.

"Ka-ka-ka!" Miao Hongzhi put his hands on his hips, a puzzled look on his face. "I asked you to look at your lover, not your enemy! Why are you gritting your teeth?"

Cheng Cheng bit his lip and lowered his eyes: "......." Oh no, he wasn't into the role just now, but now he's too into it.

It is the hottest time of the day now.

It was summer in Hengdian at the time, and they were wearing costumes that were exquisite but heavy. In this season when even short sleeves were too hot, the white undershirts underneath had been soaked with sweat several times.

Cheng Cheng was a newcomer to the industry, and she was playing an important role on her first day, opposite the male lead, so she was inevitably a little nervous.

The more anxious the director became, the more nervous Cheng Cheng became.

Zhang Weizi's assistant was very observant. As soon as the director called "cut", he would immediately trot over, take out a fan and blow it towards Zhang Weizi.

Although Xiao Xia did not have as much experience in serving people as him, she was a good learner. She hurriedly followed suit, picked up a fan and trotted over. Before she got close to him, Cheng Cheng stopped her with a look.

Cheng Cheng: You didn’t act well in the first place, and you’re still so squeamish. The director must be even angrier.

"I'm sorry, director. I'm wrong. I've wasted all the teachers' time." Cheng Cheng looked guilty.

She bowed firmly to Zhang Weizi.

Coupled with that tearful expression, those who didn't know would think they had accidentally walked into a memorial service.

Zhang Weizhi:......

If he didn't speak up, he was afraid Cheng Cheng would present him with a wreath next, so he jokingly defended her: "Director, I know I'm handsome, but you can't expect Cheng Cheng to fall in love with me the first time we meet. It's normal for her to have trouble getting into the role as a newcomer. Why don't we shoot other scenes first? Let's develop our relationship before filming this scene?"

Cheng Cheng looked at Zhang Weizhi with gratitude.

Zhang Weizhi also winked at her: "......"

The director thought for a moment and said, "Okay, let's shoot something else first. Cheng Cheng, you take a break and watch others perform."

"Okay, okay." Cheng Cheng quickly and obediently stepped aside and moved a small stool to watch Zhang Weizi perform.

After all, Zhang Weizi has acted in several movies and TV series, so he doesn't need to take care of Cheng Cheng, a complete newcomer. He is very efficient and can pass a shot with at most three NGs.

Thinking about how he had to do more than a dozen NGs today and how he had wasted Zhang Weizhi's time, Cheng Cheng wanted to apologize: "Teacher Zhang, I'm sorry for wasting your time today. How about I treat you to dinner tonight to make amends?"

"Don't call me teacher, just call me by my name." Zhang Weizhi waved his hand and said nonchalantly, "I don't need to apologize, but I can still get a free meal, haha."

The meal brought Cheng Cheng and Zhang Weizi closer together.

It was already late when we returned to the hotel after dinner.

Cheng Cheng did not rest, but re-sorted out Qingyao's personality and biography.

Qingyao, the daughter of the head of the Yuqing Sect in the immortal realm, is of noble descent. Engaged to Lingxiao since childhood, she remains deeply devoted to him. Upon learning of Lingxiao's feelings for Yueli, she does not resent her, but instead aids her in times of need, ultimately sacrificing her own life to save her.

Such a kind and intelligent character who ultimately sacrifices himself is very pleasing if played well.

Cheng Cheng practiced today's NG clips repeatedly in front of the mirror and felt that he had grasped some tricks.

When they were filming again the next day, the director really praised her.

.........

As they spent time together day and night, Cheng Cheng also became familiar with Zhang Weizi.

When there is no filming, the main actors will get together in the RV to play cards and eat hotpot.

Even Tong Ziqian joined in.

Cheng Cheng and Jiang Wantong are still unfamiliar with each other.

One reason is that she doesn't have many scenes with him, and the other reason is that Jiang Wantong looks down on a nobody like her.

According to her assistant Xiao Xia, Jiang Wantong did not stay in the presidential suite booked for her by the crew.

She has her own villa in this film and television town, and as long as she is not shooting night scenes, she will return to her villa to rest.

Cheng Cheng felt envious after hearing this, wondering when he could live such a good life.

However, she only thinks about these things occasionally. Most of her time is spent on studying her acting skills. Even when she has no scenes to shoot, she will report to the scene to see how others face the camera.

I received praise from the director on the spot several times.

"Cheng Cheng's acting is getting better and better."

She also gradually fell in love with acting.

Jiang Wantong is arrogant and likes to be alone, but Zhang Weizi is very versatile and has nothing bad to say about everyone in the crew, from actors to stagehands.

Jiang Wantong not only has conflicts with Zhang Weizi, to be precise, she has a bad relationship with everyone.

Even Tong Ziqian had complained to Cheng Cheng several times.

She doesn't like to be criticized if she makes a mistake, but gets angry if someone else makes a mistake.

After hearing this, Cheng Cheng was once again glad that he didn't get the role of Zi Yan.

Not only does she have conflicts with actors, she also often finds fault with the lighting technicians and props team. In order to meet her personal requirements, the props teachers often have to run around for several hours to meet her bizarre demands.

Thanks to her, the other actors became more easy-going when compared to Jiang Wantong.

However, Cheng Cheng also admires Jiang Wantong and Zhang Weizi. Even though they don't say hello when they meet in private, as soon as the camera is turned on, they still look at each other affectionately.

In the blink of an eye, the filming progress has been more than half completed and the publicity plan has been put on the agenda.

The crew began releasing leaked footage on official accounts across all platforms.

Among them, Jiang Wantong, as the leading female role, was given the most materials by the crew, and they used the Reuters videos taken by fans to create a lot of hype.

But not long after, the official of "Nine Heavens and Mysterious Moon" released another solo leak of Qingyao.

The clip of Cheng Cheng wearing a flower crown, with her clothes fluttering and smiling under a tree, received a huge amount of likes. Her cool face and extraordinary temperament made netizens call her the Flower Fairy.

Within a few days, the video received over a million likes, and Cheng Cheng's account also gained followers rapidly.

"Oh my god, there are such beautiful girls in the domestic entertainment industry. Was I blind before?"

"I checked and it's been three years since her debut. What did she do during those three years? Why is she only popular now?"

"The company is not good, Kairui Entertainment, a small company that no one has ever heard of. It was really buried in the past."

"She used to be the face of the idol group. I've seen her dance videos, she's super charming."

The entertainment industry has not had fresh blood for a long time, especially in the ancient costume circle. The same few people are engaged in "transfer love" over and over again, and the audience is aesthetically fatigued.

At this time, a new face suddenly appeared, which was a big surprise.

For a time, Cheng Cheng's popularity soared, and relying solely on the power of passers-by fans, she could even compete with Jiang Wantong's regular fans.

The happiest person in this incident, besides Cheng Cheng and her fans, is her agency.

Kairui Entertainment can be said to be a company where treasures come to you as long as you sit in it.

After Cheng Cheng became popular, endorsement contracts came to her.

They all saw her potential and wanted to sign her at a low price before she became famous.

Agent Su Qing has been very busy recently with various collaborations.

I can only find time to visit Cheng Cheng's class.

Not only did Su Qing show up, she also generously treated the entire group to afternoon tea.

While everyone in the crew went to get their milk tea, Su Qing pulled Cheng Cheng aside and whispered to her about the ways of the world: "Don't be afraid to treat people when you have time. The company will reimburse you for the money. Win over their hearts and get them to say good things about you. It won't hurt."

Cheng Cheng looked embarrassed. How could she not know this?

"But," Cheng Cheng frowned, "because of my character's recent popularity, Jiang Wantong has started to look at me with eyes that aren't eyes and nose that aren't nose."

"I'll treat her to another meal and steal her thunder."

"She's going to tear me apart alive." Cheng Cheng's scalp tingled when he thought of her going crazy.

Forget it, it’s better to have less trouble than more.

Besides, Jiang Wantong was already helping her win people's hearts, so there was no need for her to add fuel to the fire.

"Look at you, you're so cowardly." Su Qing rolled her eyes at her.

"Forget it, do whatever you want." Su Qing waved her hand and ignored it.

I took the opportunity of the meeting to explain everything that needed to be explained.

Su Qing: "You are not the same as before. You need to pay more attention to your image. The company wants to assign you another assistant."

Cheng Cheng: "No need, Xiao Xia is doing a great job, she's capable enough on her own, the company can just give her the extra salary."

"That's fine, as long as you get along well." Su Qing thought about it and didn't insist.

"There is one more thing—" Su Qing, who always spoke very quickly, hesitated.

Cheng Cheng: “?”

"The company... wants you to take Zi Qian with you as well." Su Qing found it difficult to speak.

"Oh." Cheng Cheng was stunned for a moment, then asked, "How do I bring it?"

"It's just... taking a few pictures of you guys together, just to show off your friendship or something. Aren't you guys actually in the same crew? That would be a natural progression."

It is obvious that the company does not want to give up Cheng Cheng's current popularity and wants her to lead other people in the company as much as possible.

"Sure, it's just a photo, simple." Cheng Cheng agreed without hesitation.

"You...are willing?" Su Qing was a little surprised.

"I thought you would be unhappy because of what happened with your previous role."

"How is that possible! She stole the role of Zi Yan from me, but didn't the company get Qing Yao for me later? What else can I be dissatisfied with?" Cheng Cheng waved her hand generously. To be honest, she was the one who got the better deal.

If she really acted opposite Jiang Wantong's female Tyrannosaurus, she was afraid that she would get depression.

"The company will give Qingyao to you." Unexpectedly, Su Qing's expression suddenly became complicated after hearing this.

"Yeah, what's the matter?" Cheng Cheng didn't understand what Su Qing meant by what she said.

"......" Su Qing said nothing in the end.

"We've been approached by several endorsement deals lately, but I've turned down all the short-term, sales-boosting ones. It's too damaging to fans and not good for your career."

"You've just started on this journey. Don't rush to make quick money. You need to take a steady approach in the early stages. There will be plenty of opportunities to make money in the future."

"Yeah." Cheng Cheng and Su Qing agreed on this point, and she was reluctant to cut the leeks of her fans.

"After this drama is finished, you'll have at most a week's break. I'll get you on a few variety shows to make you more well-known. This will also help you maintain your popularity and avoid a break."

Cheng Cheng nodded like a chick pecking at rice.

This is what Su Qing is most satisfied with Cheng Cheng.

She is very clear-headed and there is no need to explain to her in detail why we should do something. She will understand immediately.

And I trust my agent enough, so he is a good partner.

Unlike some stars, who have no brains and don't listen to their agents' advice, and love to show off without brains.

When the fans finally settled accounts, they didn't blame their own brothers and sisters, but instead the agent took the blame and was accused of "failing to protect the boss" and "failing to give timely advice", and they had no way to express their grievances.

At night, Cheng Cheng lay on the bed in a silk suspender pajamas, one hand grabbing her long hair and twirling it, revealing a large area of ​​naked back skin and snow-white neck.

However, there are several conspicuous red spots at the junction of the smooth neck and shoulders, which ruin this beautiful scene.

"Tsk tsk—" Xiao Xia applied ointment to Cheng Cheng and finally couldn't help but utter the classic line:

"It would be a shame if I didn't cupping my back."

Cheng Cheng's shoulders twitched slightly when he heard that, and he couldn't help but turn around and glare at her: "I'm itchy all over, stop making me laugh."

Cheng Cheng has an allergic constitution. The reversed day and night schedule for filming these days has caused her immunity to drop. In addition, the hot weather and non-breathable clothes caused her to develop a rash on her body.

Xiao Xia: "I heard that Jiang Wantong was scolded and cried because her assistant drank the milk tea you bought for her. She didn't even dare to eat dinner today."

"She's too petty." Xiao Xia's ability to gather intelligence often made Cheng Cheng sigh that it was a pity not to be a paparazzi.

"How did you know?" Cheng Cheng closed his eyes lightly, his long eyelashes fluttering like a fan.

"Assistant Qinglan told me." Qinglan is also one of the leading actors in "Nine Heavens and Mysterious Moon".

"No wonder." Cheng Cheng thought thoughtfully, "Qinglan has been given a hard time by her too. Her assistant might not be saying this to you out of kindness."

"You didn't say anything at that time, right?" Cheng Cheng confirmed with Xiao Xia worriedly.

"No, no." She quickly shook her head to assure him, "I just listened to her and didn't interrupt her. You taught me -"

"Be careful with your ears and keep your mouth shut." Xiao Xia patted her chest and said, "I remember everything."

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