After Jiang Yu left, Yu Shiqing got into the car and went with Lin Anjin to the film set. The opening ceremony finished, and shooting began at ten o’clock. Just before the first take, Director Shi Zhefing walked over. The actors gathered together after burning incense.
“Where’s Yao Lun?” he asked.
Yao Lun was standing in a corner. Last night, Jiang Yu had mocked him openly. Yao felt embarrassed and avoided Yu Shiqing today. Since joining the set, he felt people whispering behind his back. That small episode might spread fast.
When Director Shi spoke, Yao stepped forward. “Director Shi, I’m here.”
“Your scene is first,” Shi said. “Set the tone for everyone.”
Yao Lun was a skilled crime drama actor aiming for film roles. His steady work ethic earned respect. Hearing this from Shi Zhefing shocked him there were many actors more famous than him. But now the director recognized him first.
“But, Director Shi…” Yao glanced at Yu Shiqing. “I thought Yu’s scene was first?”
Shi smiled. “I want him to find the right feeling.”
“Find feeling?” Yao straightened up. Acting required real skill if Yu, the lead, couldn’t even find feeling before his scene, he would be out of the market soon.
He ignored the audience’s gaze. Talent speaks louder.
They shot the first scene. Yao clapped and took water, then moved to sit near Yu, confident and acting at ease. Soon it was Yu’s turn. Yao and Ren Bai watched the monitor.
Only Ren Bai sat where Yu had been. Not knowing last night’s drama, he even greeted Yao.
Yao asked: “How’s Yu feeling?”
“He’ll be fine,” Ren said eagerly. “Yu doesn’t usually search for feeling on set he knows the character from the script. Years in theater sharpened him.”
Yao frowned. Yelling so much and praising just him? Of course, talent speaks.
Soon assistants called to prepare. Yao eagerly headed there, even more than Ren. Ren watched.
Yu Shiqing and Director Shi talked. “You’ll need to work hard,” Director Shi laughed. “But I’ve waited years you deserve that.”
Yao thought: tough take ahead, but why so much praise already? He wanted to see Yu struggle.
People gathered around him. “Yao bro, great job earlier no wonder Director Shi favors you.” They cheered: “Maybe you’ll be lead next time.”
Yao smiled politely. His resentment faded. He watched Yu rehearse nearby.
Soon shooting went silent. Yu read his script, ready to enter. Yao called out: “Come on, Yu!”
Yu glanced at him. Seeing Yao’s forced smile and his own cold eyes, Yao hesitated a moment afraid last night’s drama would repeat. He stepped aside.
Yu moved to his mark. He’d seen many self-important actors this wasn’t new. He remembered Jiang Yu unique among all.
Behind him, Yao clenched his fist, determined to see Yu’s real skills on camera. An actor with no hits since debut how good could he be?
They started shooting. Yu played a college student working part-time. He said goodbye to a coworker, took a call from “Mom” about money, then got bumped from behind and saw people arguing. He considered stepping in but instead resumed calling home. Police sirens came; someone ran past and asked for help with groceries. Yu caught the bag and resumed the call. Then Officer Lin Anjin entered.
Yu hung up, saw Lin. “Officer?”
Lin showed silver bracelets. “Come with me.”
Yu froze. Lin looked down, revealing a gun. The shot ended on Yu’s stunned profile.
“Cut!” applause rang out.
Yao watched the monitor, frowning. Yu delivered every line perfectly natural, clear, flawless. His performance was subtle and compelling. Yao expected errors but found none even Director Shi grew up to clap and gave Yu a thumbs-up. “All departments, reset. Another take.”
Someone praised Yao: “That was pretty good, too!”
Yao frowned.
“Of course, not as good as Yu!”
Yao forced a smile. They returned to the mark for the next long shot. He expected errors but on monitor, Yu performed differently: same lines, same scene, but with distinct emotion and micro expression revealing new character depth. Again, perfect.
Director Shi applauded again. They did six long takes. Every shot flawless. Yao watched, unable to find fault. The applause grew louder, yet Yao tensed no one asked him if he was next not a word. Instead distant whispers:
“I heard Yao said Yu had no skill that’s so pathetic.”
“No talent? He’s amazing! Yao thought he was something special so stupid.”
“Jealous, obviously. He can’t stand someone better.”
Yao’s face flushed. He excused himself, returned to the lounge, and left the hotel later.
Ren Bai learned about last night’s incident from gossip only in the afternoon. Seeing Yao’s state gave him satisfaction. Lin Anjin rode with Yu Shiqing back. Ren and Lin talked quietly. Yu typed messages:
Jiang Yu: “Did it go well? Anyone give trouble?”
Yu: “Went fine. Just wrapped.”
Jiang: “Nothing special?”
Yu: “No.”
Yu: “You?”
Jiang: “I’m still rehearsing.”
Yu: “Get it done, rest early.”
Jiang: “Sure.”
When Ren saw, he rolled his eyes and left.
Lin stepped out behind Yu, stumbled and fell forward. Yu caught him by the arm. Lin held the fabric, shaken. “You okay?” Yu asked. Lin released and said, “Yes, I just tripped. Thanks. You okay?”
Yu nodded: “Let’s go.”
Lin wiped his flushed cheek and followed.
At the hotel, Yu and Ren had dinner and showered. Afterward, Yu saw an unread message from Jiang Yu:
“Don’t forget your suppressant.”
Yu smiled and took the pill, sent a photo of the empty bottle.
Jiang set down his mic, took a towel, and said: “Give me your phone.”
Meng Chen, surprised: “Jiang, you saw too?”
Jiang glanced: “Saw what?”
Scrolling through messages, he smiled, ready to reply. Meng hesitated: “It’s the trending topic you and Lin Anjin.”
Jiang froze and looked at Meng with a changed expression. Meng swallowed hard: “You and Lin Anjin trending?”
Jiang silently stared at the message thread.
Nothing special. Good.
