Chapter 131 – Staying True to One’s Character

Chapter 131 - Staying True to One's Character

"Tang Fei, when a hero saves a beauty, shouldn't the beauty show some gratitude? I wouldn't mind offering myself in return," she playfully tossed out this bait, not entirely serious but with a hint of anticipation.

What was she anticipating? Perhaps that her boss might momentarily lose his senses and agree?

One had to hold onto their dreams.

After all, what if He Zhou was being genuine?

"Tang Fei, don't joke around like that," Zhou Weichuan responded, not at all as Tang Fei had anticipated—his mind was still clear, and he failed to detect the unprecedented girlishness in her words.

He was slightly annoyed.

Not because he was upset about being compared to a beauty, nor because of the jest she made. Instead, he was anxious and frustrated that Tang Fei didn't seem to perceive any potential threat towards him.

Tang Fei was far too relaxed in the face of danger.

Moreover, afterward, she never felt anything was amiss. Even if she had pretended to acknowledge her mistakes and vowed not to act impulsively again in the past two instances, those were mere empty promises. When faced with another situation, she still remained the most impulsive one.

This was already the third time.

How long had it been?

Did that mean they needed someone to keep an eye on her during every shoot from now on?

One could tolerate twice, but not thrice! Three strikes, and you're out.

Faced with Tang Fei's playful stubbornness, Zhou Weichuan sighed. He couldn't bring himself to say anything too harsh. Instead, he turned to Zheng Haisheng and said, "Haisheng! Priority should be given to hiring bodyguards for the team."

"Understood, Boss!"

Boss Zhou was angry, and Boss Zhou intended to assign bodyguards to keep an eye on Tang Fei.

However, Tang Fei didn't understand Zhou Weichuan's perspective. She was fine, everything was under control. Her specialized talent in Fists of Power was genuinely useful. If not for her, Zhou Weichuan might not have escaped unscathed. She believed her presence had a positive impact, a constructive one! So why did it seem like she was the one at fault now?

Did Zhou Weichuan view her as a mere product or commodity, or did he treat her as a human being?

His actions gave Tang Fei a false impression.

It was as if Zhou Weichuan liked her and cared for her, yet treated her like a product, focusing on whether she would be unable to act due to injury or become unsuitable for stardom with a disfigured face, rather than genuinely caring about her as a person.

Tang Fei truly couldn't figure it out.

She decided to clarify things today. This constant guessing was too torturous!

Tang Fei's cheeks puffed slightly as she exhaled deeply. Clasping her hands together, she gazed intently at Zhou Weichuan, pouring all her acting skills into the moment and genuinely expressing her heartfelt emotions.

In an instant, a myriad of feelings swirled in Tang Fei's eyes. The depths of that reservoir revealed a young girl's affection, as she spoke earnestly to Zhou Weichuan, "Boss, I'm serious. I'm not joking around."

Tang Fei's acting skills were now highly refined, and the emotions she summoned were incredibly contagious. The sincerity in her eyes effortlessly drew Zhou Weichuan in.

Their eyes locked, and something ineffable flowed between them.

Zhou Weichuan's heart stirred fiercely.

At that moment, the colossal 'third wheel' Jiang Xiaoying illuminated the scene with her radiant presence, diligently fulfilling her role as a lightbulb. She jumped up to hug Tang Fei, "Wow! Master! You got into character so quickly! How did you evoke such emotions so fast? Can I learn from you? Your gaze changed instantly, and I almost drowned in it.

Is this Xu Wan? She can captivate even women, not just men."

Zhou Weichuan, pulled out of his immersion forcibly: "…"

Tang Fei, expecting an answer: "…"

"Was I used as an experiment for your acting skills?" Zhou Weichuan's mind was in turmoil. Unable to calm himself, he stepped back, "Your performance was indeed excellent. I was moved. You go check the viewing figures for Si Cuichuan first. I'll tidy up loose ends."

The storm within Zhou Weichuan raged, and his remaining reason compelled him to withdraw. He hadn't expected Tang Fei to suddenly employ such emotions, derailing their entire conversation.

Uncontrollably, he pondered that perhaps Tang Fei wasn't suited for stardom. Impulsive, reckless, she lacked the concept of a public image, carried no airs of an idol, and didn't engage much in the intricacies between the production team and capital.

If they were to marry, with Tang Fei's dedication and effort, anything could be achieved without her needing to be a star.

Yet, Tang Fei's acting progress was so remarkable, her passion for acting too evident.

With a shared goal, if he worked alongside her to mold her into a superstar, they might harmoniously walk together for a decade or two. But what if he asked her to stop being an actress?

Tang Fei might have some affection for him now, and there might be a chance for them to develop further. However, the reality they faced demanded consideration. If everything was laid bare, would they have two harmonious years together?

When goals differ, it's destined not to last long.

He couldn't repeat the tragedy he had experienced himself.

Should he emulate his parents and never communicate again?

He'd rather be lifelong partners with Tang Fei, sharing the same aspirations. He didn't wish to impose the burden in his heart onto her.

Zhou Weichuan walked away with his head down.

Tang Fei called out from behind, "No, wait, Boss, let me explain. I did use some techniques to stir up emotions, but what I said was true."

"Master, which part was true?" Jiang Xiaoying clung to Tang Fei. "What were you really saying?"

Tang Fei pulled him down impatiently and walked back dejectedly. "I mustered up so much courage and got the best opportunity, but I didn't expect... such an oblivious third wheel."

"Master – do you know martial arts? You were so cool just now! Besides acting, I want to learn martial arts too. Will you teach me?"

"Get lost! I need some peace!"

...

Tang Fei returned to the set, gazing at the balloons and colorful lights above, yet her mind was filled with Zhou Weichuan's image, her focus on the ratings fading.

Upon entering, Jiang Xiaoying approached He Zhou. One of them had a video call open, while the other monitored the real-time ratings platform, both observing the changes together.

Jiang Xiaoying inquired, "What's the rating now? Little Shifu."

"Hey, hey, let's stick to formalities. With the way you're calling me, I thought we were filming a wuxia drama," He Zhou corrected Jiang Xiaoying's address.

"Seriously, I just watched a live-action wuxia scene. There were seven or eight guys out there, each as broad as two of you, and my master knocked them all down with a few swift moves. Within a minute, they were all sprawled on the ground."

"Heh, that's just your lack of experience showing. You should have tried to stop your sister when she was dealing with them. If she loses control, she could easily end up bankrupt from paying medical bills. My sister often gets into trouble at school, hehe, because she tends to push people around."

He Zhou tapped on his phone screen. "Whoa! In just a few seconds, the ratings broke 1.5!"

"The advertisement has just begun at 0.7, the ratings are soaring so rapidly. Where has the drama progressed to? I'll go take a look."

"Well, Master is incredibly charming! The palace maidens exude authority, that gaze, tsk tsk, that presence - she interrogates the captives immediately without any delay. No wonder the ratings are skyrocketing. It's so intense.

But I feel that Master's acting skills have improved even more now. I can hardly tell that she's acting; it's as if she herself embodies the character.

Si Cui feels that Master is still quite inexperienced... Is it really just a difference of five or six months?"