Chapter 4: Back to the Film Set

Chapter 4: Back to the Film Set

For Tang Fei and He Zhou, who had been struggling financially for years, a lavish feast was nothing more than a chain barbecue joint. After indulging in seafood until they were stuffed, the mere expense of six hundred yuan left them feeling content with life.

Walking leisurely towards the hotel where the film crew was staying, they both placed their hands on their protruding bellies.

"Older Cousin, Aunt and Uncle ask about you every year. Aren't you going back for this Spring Festival?" He Zhou suddenly brought up the recurring topic. Ever since Tang Fei's incident, she had been in a cold war with her parents, resulting in her not returning home for over three years.

"I think I won't go back just yet; I'm not quite prepared for it." The sudden appearance of unfamiliar parents has left her with a slight inclination to evade the situation.

"He Zhou, Aunt mentioned that your cousin has been accepted into high school. Don't you want to go back and take a look?" He Zhou stretched lazily, a contented air about him after a satisfying meal.

Her sister?

Tang Fei immediately delved into the original owner's memories. Her younger sister was currently fifteen years old. More than three years ago, she was still in primary school. The academically challenged original owner had never paid attention to her sister's studies, only providing financial support for her to buy phones and clothes.

"Jiaojiao has been admitted to high school?"

"Jiaojiao's academic performance has been consistently rising since junior high. Her aunt and uncle have put in a lot of effort," He Zhou said, leaning on his hand with a slight protruding belly.

"I won't be going back unless I make a name for myself. I'll just float around the capital," Tang Fei decided to follow the original owner's temperament.

After a restful sleep at the hotel, they both geared up early the next morning. Their departure from the hotel had the air of going into battle, their strides carrying a breeze.

This was Tang Fei's first battle in this world. She wanted to continue her journey in the entertainment industry, both for herself and the original owner. Although she lacked the fundamental weapon of an actor – acting skills – she had her cheat, the Clear Water Lotus Makeup Card. Each morning after applying it, she couldn't resist sending emojis expressing how she woke up to her own beauty. For this drama, she would rely on her looks to tough it out.

Her already delicate and stunning features appeared even more captivating in the mirror, her skin glowing radiantly. A slight hint of vulnerability in her gaze could elicit sympathy. Even when she kept a straight face, her gentle demeanor was palpable.

When Tang Fei changed into her costume and finished styling her hair on set, the renowned stylist Min Kai, passing by from afar, was so surprised that his sleepy eyes widened in amazement.

"Teacher Tang, who did your makeup? It looks fantastic," Min Kai exclaimed, turning towards Tang Fei with an overly enthusiastic tone.

He waved away the stylist who was about to touch up Tang Fei's makeup. There was no need; Tang Fei's current makeup was flawless. As someone sensitive to makeup, he could tell that while Tang Fei remained the same person, the makeup had almost achieved the effect of minor plastic surgery.

He admired her closely, contemplating the techniques and products used as he praised her non-stop, "Teacher Tang, both you and your makeup are stunning. What brand are these cosmetics you're using? They blend seamlessly with your skin."

"My cousin put on makeup?"

When did she do it? He hadn't been aware, as they had been together the whole time.

"Her makeup is subtle yet striking, as if tailored exclusively for Teacher Tang. It's flawless," Min Kai glanced at He Zhou. "He Zhou, are you hiding some ace stylist from us?"

"Tang Fei did it herself. Just extra hydration made her skin look good," Tang Fei calmly fibbed. With the system as her cheat, she wasn't afraid of being exposed.

Min Kai chuckled, seemingly understanding. "Alright, alright, I won't push you. But can I at least take a look?"

"Certainly," she said, not bothered to hide. The more enthusiastic the stylist was, the happier Tang Fei felt – proof of the system's advantage.

Min Kai seemed a bit thrilled and took out his phone. "Teacher Tang, may I take a photo?"

He Zhou was taken aback by Min Kai's politeness. How long had it been since he'd received such treatment?

"No problem," Tang Fei said generously.

Min Kai snapped pictures of Tang Fei from every angle. "Thank you, Teacher Tang. From now on, leave your styling to me on set."

Once Min Kai had left, He Zhou said, "I've never seen him be so attentive before."

"There's something in it for him, of course he'd be eager," Tang Fei replied.

"Speaking of which, when did you put on makeup? I didn't even notice," He Zhou asked.

"Tsk, have more confidence in your own eyes. Your cousin here is naturally beautiful, no need for makeup," Tang Fei winked, leaving He Zhou more confused than ever. Had she or hadn't she put on makeup?

By eight o'clock, the set was mostly prepared, and filming began. Tang Fei was the third female lead, sixth billing, with few scenes. After the main female character left the palace, Tang Fei's character didn't follow, so often she would just sit and watch others perform in her elaborate costume.

The male lead was a popular heartthrob, full of youth and vigor, with plump skin and decent looks, though not particularly striking unless one looked closely. His acting skills were... familiar to him, but not to acting itself. However, his attitude was much better than Tang Fei's previous life, at least he memorized his lines and tried to convey happiness, sadness, and anger.

But the performance Tang Fei witnessed on set lacked any sense of immersion.

The main female lead, Zhong Xue, was a newcomer sponsored by her wealthy family. They had invested in this production to promote her, pairing her with a popular heartthrob.

She was quite attractive; if she remained still for a photoshoot, she and the male lead made a visually pleasing pair on screen.

Now, the two were performing love at first sight. Both of their gazes seemed unfocused, reminding Tang Fei of an old Spring Festival Gala sketch from her past life, where Teacher Cai Ming played a robot with an emotionless demeanor. The romantic dialogue between them felt as flat as a monk reciting scriptures.

In the following scene, the subplot involving the second male lead was introduced. The second male lead, Zhu Xiao, was a trained actor with a conventional handsome appearance, characterized by his thick brows and striking eyes.

The scene depicted the female lead, Zhong Xue, tending to the injured Zhu Xiao in a dilapidated temple. Upon waking up, he discovers that she is a princess and, torn between killing her and his conscience, decides to knock her unconscious instead. The male lead then arrives just in time to save the princess. They had already filmed the male lead's heroic rescue, and now it was time for Zhu Xiao's part. With an ethereal touch, Zhu Xiao's hand gently yet firmly grasped around Zhong Xue's neck, while his other hand supported her from an angle unseen by the camera, guiding her away.

Zhu Xiao's performance was quite chivalrous; he skillfully separated his actions from his expression. His cold gaze contrasted with the visible veins on the back of his hand, suggesting great exertion despite not actually applying force.

Tang Fei, who had previously struggled in her role, was impressed. The second male lead's acting was far superior, as expected from a professional actor's training.

Even Zhong Xue seemed to have been influenced, her performance appearing less wooden and more genuinely frightened.

"Hero, please let go of me, I can't breathe," Zhong Xue pleaded.

Without any spoken lines, Zhu Xiao, masked, revealed a hint of reluctance in his eyes. Initially prepared to strangle the female lead, he hesitated halfway through, witnessing her coughing, trembling in fear, and shedding tears – though Zhong Xue's tears were still forced. Ultimately, his intent to kill softened, and he opted to render the princess unconscious with a single blow.

Zhu Xiao's portrayal vividly conveyed the character's inner turmoil, while Zhong Xue fell slightly short. Nevertheless, her chemistry with Zhu Xiao surpassed that with the male lead.

As Tang Fei waited, she observed and learned from their performances. She had struggled tirelessly in the hospital, unable to perfect the scene, but watching others execute it effortlessly and flawlessly, in just one take, was enlightening.

It wasn't until well past eleven at night that she was finally informed that her nighttime scene was scheduled - the one where she would encounter the male lead in the palace.