“Brother Wen, about your scene today…” The assistant cautiously started to speak, but Zhu Wen’s glare cut through her words like a knife. She immediately shut her mouth.
Zhu Wen already knew what she was going to say, which made him even angrier. He didn’t want to utter a single word.
Who knew what trash had written this script? The second male lead was nothing but a pile of garbage—and he had to play it!
Thinking of Yu Junqing, flawless and breathtaking in the scene, compared to his own role as a spoiled, almost foolish supporting male, Zhu Wen felt frustrated.
The assistant dared not speak, keeping her head down as if unaware. The dressing room was deathly quiet. After a while, Zhu Wen grabbed the script and stormed out—he couldn’t take it anymore. He had to find Director Wang!
“Hmm, last night, your performance was spot on—but don’t let my praise get to your head, okay? Hahaha!” Director Wang laughed, patting Yu Junqing’s shoulder.
Yu Junqing felt the genuine praise and sincere smile on Wang’s face. His lips curved involuntarily.
“I’ll keep working hard and won’t disappoint you, Director Wang!”
He meant it. Wang was the kindest in the crew, with no hidden agenda—like a mentor recognizing a talented actor. Wang even often took Yu Junqing’s suggestions. Actors rarely found directors like this in the industry.
Wang, with his years of experience, saw Yu Junqing’s gratitude and genuine attitude. A promising talent, expressive and likable—the film would surely succeed with him on board.
“Alright, Director Wang, I’ll go prepare. Zhu Wen’s already here,” Yu Junqing said, having seen Zhu Wen and reviewed last night’s footage. The next scene involved him and Zhu Wen directly.
“Go ahead,” Wang waved, noticing the fleeting resentment on Zhu Wen’s face. Something between him and Yu Junqing clearly didn’t sit right. Whatever the reason, Wang’s impression of Zhu Wen instantly dropped a few points—he’d seen enough in the industry to know private grudges shouldn’t spill onto set.
Zhu Wen didn’t notice Wang’s thoughts. Seeing Yu Junqing walk away, he hurried over, hesitant to speak.
Wang assumed he was asking about the scene, so he explained the next sequence. After talking for a while without reaction, Wang frowned. “Is there something about the scene you don’t understand?”
Zhu Wen’s mind raced. He blurted: “I think the second male lead’s personality doesn’t really fit.”
Doesn’t fit? The scene or you personally? Wang’s expression darkened immediately. Just assumed he was cooperative—now exposed. Is he trying to add or change the scene?
“It’s almost time. Go put on your makeup. Don’t delay. The rest we can discuss later,” Wang replied flatly, his refusal clear.
Zhu Wen felt stifled. Proud by nature, being rejected by Wang was humiliating. He said nothing, turning to the makeup room.
“Come here, Junqing, let’s take a photo! Looking this handsome after makeup, we can’t waste it!” dy, smiling unusually, pulled Yu Junqing along. From the start of makeup, she’d been teasing him—now he couldn’t escape. He cooperated, saying “cheese,” his usually cold, nuanced, and gentle character from the film suddenly looked silly.
Zhu Wen’s mood soured. Striding over, he muttered, “Time for my makeup! The director’s waiting!” and accidentally bumped Yu Junqing’s shoulder.
Yu Junqing stood firm; his shoulder ached slightly but didn’t matter. Not wanting to watch Zhu Wen sulk, he greeted dy and left.
Alone, dy returned to her serious expression and finished Zhu Wen’s makeup.
Zhu Wen wanted to say something to please dy, hoping she’d make him look camera-ready. But recalling dy and Yu Junqing’s playful demeanor, and her deadpan expression with him, he couldn’t form a word.
dy noticed his tightening face and felt annoyed.
Zhu Wen was well-mannered and obedient when he first arrived; she didn’t dislike him. But compared to Yu Junqing, sincerity versus pretense was obvious. dy wasn’t foolish—she didn’t bother currying favor with every actor. Zhu Wen, relying on connections for a mediocre role, didn’t deserve special treatment.
After finishing, dy went outside to wash her hands, unwilling to stay in the awkward atmosphere.
Yu Junqing sat, reviewing the script for a long while until he heard Zhu Wen arrive.
Director Wang, stern-faced, quickly started filming the scene.
“What are you doing? What do you think you’re doing?” Zhu Wen’s second male lead, clad in flashy clothes, sneered at the suited elite male in front of him, clearly unimpressed.
Yu Junqing’s male lead, icy-faced, warned in a low, controlled voice: “I warned you—if you lay a hand on her again, I will not forgive you.”
The pressure from the man hit Zhu Wen instantly. He faltered, stepping back.
“Cut!” Wang’s face darkened.
Here, Zhu Wen should have fearlessly confronted Yu Junqing—but instead, he stepped back.
Realizing his mistake, Zhu Wen quickly apologized to Wang: “Sorry, Director Wang. I shouldn’t have stepped back. My fault.”
Wang’s expression softened slightly. Yu Junqing’s performance was solid; Zhu Wen being overshadowed wasn’t surprising. Wang adjusted the equipment and resumed filming.
“Heh, interesting… so she’s yours now?” Zhu Wen smirked maliciously at Yu Junqing, scanning him up and down. “Didn’t expect her to struggle in front of me, but lie flat for you?”
Yu Junqing’s face remained calm: “You’d better take back what you just said.” His hands clenched tightly behind his back, veins standing out.
A silent storm seemed to swirl around him, ready to erupt at any moment.
“Heh, what if I don’t?” Zhu Wen mocked, his eyes full of malice and disgust.
“Cut!” Wang’s expression darkened further.
Zhu Wen’s attitude went beyond the malice required for the scene—his personal dislike for Yu Junqing was obvious. That wouldn’t work on camera.
Wang gestured, Zhu Wen, sensing trouble, obediently approached.
“Read through it first, then shoot,” Wang instructed Yu Junqing.
Yu Junqing’s expression twisted—Wang was teaching Zhu Wen a lesson publicly.
“Go ahead,” Wang waved, and Yu Junqing reluctantly left to prep.
Zhu Wen remembered all his lines, performed smoothly, flawlessly.
“See? That’s acting. Don’t think the audience can’t read your thoughts. Eyes are the window to the soul!” Wang muttered, while Zhu Wen simmered behind him. What was this? Being compared to Yu Junqing?
Fuming, Zhu Wen completed the scene. Yu Junqing saw Wang’s subtle manipulation—the prey had fallen into the trap. But it didn’t concern him; he remained indifferent.
Back in the dressing room, Zhu Wen finally lost his temper, kicking a chair. The assistant jumped, asking: “Brother Wen, what’s wrong?”
“Hmph! What’s wrong? It’s that Yu Junqing! A washed-up, third-rate actor who got lucky once dares to look down on me—I’ll make sure he regrets it!”
Just then, a faint silhouette flickered outside the door.