Chapter 50: The Game of Glimpses

Chapter 50: The Game of Glimpses

At the Jiangzhou Film Studio, in the interior set of the A-group production for Spiritual Frenzy.

Tang Fei had already completed two interior scenes, leaving only one more. The lighting technicians were adjusting the illumination, moving equipment and altering positions and colors.

Director Xu Jianguo and the script supervisor were reviewing the remaining shots, while the set designer arranged some small props within the scene.

Dressed in a white inner garment, Tang Fei wore a simple makeup with pale lips and hollowed cheeks accentuated by the makeup artist's use of light and shadow to make her appear gaunt and emaciated. Her large eyes seemed even more prominent.

The appearance of long-term bedridden, frail, and sickly was vividly portrayed.

To match the mood of these supplementary scenes, Tang Fei had adjusted her state, just as she did during the original bedridden scenes. Since yesterday noon, she had neither eaten nor drunk anything, minimizing any signs of swelling to emphasize her character's weakness.

After a day of fasting, her lips lacked color, her breath was weak, and her voice sounded feeble.

By utilizing external conditions, she deepened her understanding of her character's state, allowing for a better portrayal.

During a break in filming, Tang Fei leaned half her body off the bed, stretching her neck upward to relieve the strain on her back from lying on the hard surface all morning.

Guan Liu sat aside engrossed in the script as He Zhou draped a large padded jacket over Tang Fei. "Sis, do you still have any strength left? Should I get you something to eat?"

Tang Fei covered her mouth with both hands. "Please, stop tempting me."

From outside the shed, there were loud greetings, and they heard someone call out Xiao Yuan's and Gao Mang's names.

In no time, Xiao Yuan's manager, Gao Mang, clad in a brown padded coat, entered, carrying a large bag of honey tangerines, swaying like a bamboo pole supporting a sack.

Addressing the director, Gao Mang exclaimed, "Director Xu, these are from a student that Yuan Yuan has been sponsoring. The child grew them at home and sent them as a token of gratitude to our Yuan Yuan. I brought them here for everyone to try."

Upon Xu Jianguo's invitation, those who were free gathered around to grab a tangerine, praising Xiao Yuan for her kindness.

After a while, Xiao Yuan herself came in, making a point to talk to Xu Jianguo before joining Gao Mang to distribute the oranges to the busy crew members.

Tang Fei, leaning on the bedside with her small face uplifted, said to He Zhou, "A Zhou, fetch one for me to taste. While you're at it, ask who's in charge of the sponsorship program. We should also consider supporting a few children."

With her financial struggles easing, Tang Fei's heart was stirred by the idea of charitable donations.

He Zhou rolled his eyes. "Sis, don't fall for his boasts. Xiao Yuan is sponsoring a child who's related to her. She blows it out of proportion, pretending it's a charitable donation to a needy student."

It's common knowledge that if you see through something, you don't necessarily call it out. That's why no one exposed her."

Tang Fei's eyes widened in surprise. Could it be that they were openly promoting something fake? How thick-skinned must they be?

She glanced at Gao Mang, who was quite pleased with himself, and Xiao Yuan, who accepted the compliments with ease. She also observed the surrounding crowd, who were all playing along. It felt like she was watching a satirical comedy.

Tang Fei tugged at her cotton jacket that had slipped off her shoulder. "Then let's find a genuine charity project to donate to. Can you help me get in touch with a reliable one?"

"Heh," He Zhou nodded.

Observing Gao Mang and Xiao Yuan's actions, he knew that today was Tang Fei's last day of filming. Something about their high-profile appearance made him feel uneasy. "Cousin, keep an eye on them. A few days ago, when I was having dinner with someone, I overheard someone mentioning that Gao Mang tried to extract information from the weaving master, suggesting that you had practiced weaving beforehand and were predestined to win the role before nine o'clock. They hinted at some insider deal between you two."

Tang Fei frowned. "I had a conflict with Guan Yun over roles, but not with them. Why would they target me?"

"He Zhou, have you forgotten?" His reaction was so strong that he almost lost his composure. He scrutinized Tang Fei, who wore an utterly bewildered expression.

She truly had forgotten. His cousin's memory was as short as a goldfish's.

He explained, "Xiao Yuan debuted around the same time as you, remember? When she first started out, she issued over three hundred press releases to tout her cuteness while criticizing your stiffness.

You were so furious that you immediately changed your style to the cute and cuddly route. Whenever she went live, you did too, to snatch away her viewers. Whenever she posted, you'd counter with your own posts to overshadow her.

To compete against her, you deliberately dressed similarly and styled your hair alike. You used your looks to dominate her in every photo together. Each picture, accompanied by articles with millions of views, felt like a knife piercing through her heart.

Let me count, you must've given her at least seventy or eighty such stabs, Sister. Do you think they hate you?"

So Xiao Yuan was the adorable actress who had clashed with Tang Fei's original owner?

In the original owner's memories, she was so insignificant that not even her name remained!

The original owner must have had it too easy, winning without bothering to remember her rivals.

Tang Fei chuckled awkwardly. "Oh, right, it's her. I remember now."

Xiao Yuan followed her agent, delivering oranges to everyone, and eventually made her way towards Tang Fei.

Seeing Xiao Yuan, memories flooded back to Tang Fei. She recalled the Xiao Yuan of old, a round-faced girl with big eyes, endearing as a neighbor's little sister.

Now, though still a beautiful woman with a round face and large eyes, that youthful charm and innocence were gone. Her dark circles, weary gaze, and the evasive manner when facing Tang Fei all suggested a less than ideal state.

Tang Fei sensed that Xiao Yuan was not doing well.

"Long time no see, Tang Fei," Xiao Yuan said softly upon reaching her.

"It's been six or seven years," Tang Fei sat up in bed, clutching her blanket.

"You haven't changed a bit, still the same as before," admiration flickered in Xiao Yuan's eyes. Tang Fei's condition seemed untouched by the five years of suppression and cold storage.

She was truly fortunate. Xiao Yuan bit her lip, feeling a bitter jealousy.

"Our Yuan Yuan has mentioned several times how she wanted to visit you since learning you're here. But you've been too busy, we haven't had a chance to get close. Yuan Yuan isn't as lucky as you, finding the support of Nine O'Clock," Gao Mang said with a jovial smile, but his words held a subtle barb.

Tang Fei's smile froze, and she turned an unfriendly gaze towards Gao Mang, who chuckled and took a step back.

Was she being accused of being arrogant and ignoring people? Or was she being ridiculed for clinging to others?

Tang Fei spoke to Gao Mang, "What's the matter? Does Xiao Yuan want to join Time Culture? Is she uncomfortable at her current company? It's fate that we've known each other for so long. If she wants to switch jobs, leave it to me. When is she planning to terminate her contract?"

Gao Mang's smile froze for a moment. His words now seemed to imply that Xiao Yuan wanted to join Nine O'Clock, dissatisfied with her current company.

Xiao Yuan opened her mouth as if to speak, but then closed it again upon seeing Gao Mang's expression.

Gao Mang's thin, weathered face broke into another forced smile. "Oh, Feifei, you're always so witty. Just joking around. We came specifically to see you since we heard you finished shooting today."

"Tang Fei bluntly shot back, "Wasn't it because a student Xiao Yuan sponsored sent oranges over, and you came here to distribute them to everyone?" The scene became quite awkward.

The sound was like nails scraping against a glass blackboard, causing discomfort to those present.

Gao Mang awkwardly chuckled and lifted the honey oranges. "Yes, all of them are for you. I kept them especially for you, they're very sweet."

As Gao Mang tried to reach out to shake Tang Fei's hand, He Zhou stepped in front of her, taking his hand instead. He shook it while guiding Gao Mang away.

Gao Mang attempted to return, but He Zhou kept holding him back. Gao Mang glared fiercely at Xiao Yuan, trying to signal something to her.

Xiao Yuan recoiled slightly and looked at Tang Fei's face, clenching her fists. With determination in her eyes, she said softly, "Tang Fei, I have a favor to ask of you."

"So serious? What is it?" Tang Fei grew cautious. Xiao Yuan put on a pitiful expression and said, "Back when we first started out, we were both newcomers. Now, you're still the lead actress, while I'm already playing the fourth female lead.

"I want to ask if you could help me gain some exposure. Only you can do this for me.

Let's record a small game, something we play during breaks between shoots, to promote the drama and ourselves. Could you please include me?"

Xiao Yuan's attitude was surprisingly humble, but her voice was loud enough to draw the attention of those around them. She even went forward to take Tang Fei's hand. Tang Fei, sensing her proximity, retreated into her blanket, yet Xiao Yuan comfortably sat down on the prop bed.

"Tread lightly. The prop might not hold our combined weight," Tang Fei coldly asked her to stand up. Xiao Yuan stood awkwardly aside as Tang Fei queried, "What kind of small game are you referring to?"

"During breaks, we can practice our basic skills to show our dedication and eagerness to learn. It will demonstrate the good atmosphere on set and how seriously everyone takes their acting.

How about a contest of eye acting? Since Teacher Guan Liu is here, he could be a perfect judge. He specializes in Peking Opera and has high standards for eye acting."

Guan Liu instinctively sensed the tension escalating and began to put away his script, ready to make an escape. However, Xiao Yuan directly targeted him with her request.

"Well..." Guan Liu looked at Tang Fei. After so many scenes together, he knew that Tang Fei's acting with her eyes was rather average, and Xiao Yuan had always been famous for her expressive gaze since her debut. Clearly, Xiao Yuan's proposal held ulterior motives.

"I'm not sure if I'm qualified to be a judge." Despite the cold winter, Guan Liu was breaking out in a sweat.

Just as Tang Fei had managed to shake off the label of being a poor actress, Xiao Yuan came forward to challenge her.

He was being dragged into the fray amidst the verbal sparring.

If Tang Fei agreed to the contest, she might end up being overshadowed by Xiao Yuan, and her acting skills would be questioned. If she refused, her abilities would still be doubted—the edited clips could always be claimed as carefully planned, implying that she lacked confidence by avoiding the competition.

"Fei, please help me out," Xiao Yuan pleaded, finally showing a hint of her past demeanor, the one that looked down on Tang Fei. The humility in her tone couldn't conceal her smugness.

With Tang Fei's hesitation, Xiao Yuan's self-assurance gradually returned.

"Considering we debuted together, I'll definitely help you!" A smile spread across Tang Fei's face, igniting her fighting spirit.

It was an old tactic—issuing a public challenge to boost oneself by belittling others.

In that case, she wouldn't mind planting another dagger in Xiao Yuan's heart, adding more memories of defeat to her record.

Tang Fei's fingers twitched under the covers, and the system interface appeared. She slid open the card slot, clicked on the Peeping Card, and dragged it over to Guan Liu.

"Using Peeping Card."

"Peeping Target: Guan Liu"

"Acquiring target skills..."

"Target's incomplete skills: Peking Opera Eye Techniques: 4% expertise, Peking Opera Finger Techniques: 97% proficiency, Leading Male Role Singing: 92% proficiency, Peking Opera Footwork: 86% proficiency, Peking Opera Postures: 86% proficiency, Script Memorization: 60% proficiency, Photography..."

Seeing this list, Tang Fei understood why she couldn't peep at acting skills – acting was a complex combination!

Guan Liu's most advanced skill was her eye techniques, making her an appropriate judge. Xiao Yuan had planned this meticulously.

Well thought out indeed, Tang Fei chuckled. She dragged the Learning Card over to Guan Liu and selected Peking Opera Eye Techniques, then clicked "Use!"

Since they wanted to step on her to highlight themselves, Tang Fei wouldn't mind using a cheat to fracture the foot that was about to trample her.