Chapter Sixty-Six: Acting and Shuttle Runs

The assistant hurriedly shook her head, and only then did Meng Ling relax enough to answer the call.

"Alright, Sister Xia, I understand."

Whatever Sister Xia said, Meng Ling agreed to everything without hesitation.

After hanging up, she tossed her phone into the assistant's arms. "Go and buy some snacks and drinks for the crew. Tell them it's from me."

Meng Ling paused, then took her phone back to send a text: Don't worry. Before you return, I'll keep an eye on him for you.

Bai Chenxi felt the weight of countless stares as she walked over. It wasn't until she reached Director Li, whose cold indifference finally grounded her in reality.

"Have you read the script?"

"Yes, I have," Bai Chenxi replied instantly.

"Good," Director Li said, then shouted out, "We'll start soon. Everyone, stay focused and let's get this done early."

Bai Chenxi couldn't shake the feeling that there was a hidden meaning behind his words.

"Cut!"

Sure enough, Bai Chenxi hadn't even uttered her first line before Director Li called cut.

"Bai Chenxi, you're playing the Imperial Noble Consort. With no Empress in the harem, you are the highest-ranking woman there. Where is your presence? Are you playing a palace maid?"

The crew struggled to stifle their laughter at Director Li's words. Bai Chenxi's face burned with humiliation.

"Let's try another take."

Once again, before Bai Chenxi could say a word, the director called cut.

"Bai Chenxi, are you playing a rooster? So arrogant and overbearing. If you can't act, don't waste everyone's time."

The director's temper flared. No one dared to speak, nor did anyone want to.

Though no one wanted trouble with Bai Chenxi, not a single person liked someone who climbed the ranks through underhanded means. Since Director Li was willing to take the lead, the others were happy to watch the drama unfold.

"Director Li, I'm sorry. I promise I'll get it right this time. Sorry for causing trouble for everyone."

Bai Chenxi apologized to the group.

"Take a ten-minute break before we shoot again. If you keep this up, you won't need to act at all."

Dejected, Bai Chenxi slumped into her chair. Xiao Yu handed her a bottle of water. "Have some water. Don't rush."

Bai Chenxi took the water, as if coming to a decision, and strode purposefully toward Director Li.

Her determined stride drew the eyes of those nearby, perhaps because her aura was so commanding.

Director Li glanced at her with disdain. "What, you can’t go on?"

If she couldn't, so much the better—just say she quits, smash something, and storm off.

To his surprise, Bai Chenxi smiled brightly at him. "Director Li, have some water."

He accepted it warily. What trick was she up to now?

"Director Li," Bai Chenxi suddenly said, her expression earnest.

He had just twisted the cap off. Should he drink or not?

He set the bottle down. "What is it? Speak."

"Director, about the last scene—I thought, though the Imperial Noble Consort is the highest in the harem, she's also a pawn. She acts this way for her mother’s sake, but deep down, she resents it."

The director raised his head, expressionless, his eyes cold as ice.

Bai Chenxi swallowed nervously. "So, I don't think she should be all domineering. There should be a touch of indifference and gentleness, at least."

Without looking at her, Director Li replied, "You've thought a lot about this. But did you show any of it in your performance?"

Bai Chenxi didn't know how to answer. She hadn't even managed a single line before he called cut.

"Xiao Lin, show her the playback."

Bai Chenxi looked up in disbelief. The director barked, "What are you standing there for?"

"Oh!" Bai Chenxi hurried over. Watching the playback, she frowned.

Director Li hadn't been wrong—the performance on screen was nothing like what she had envisioned.

Bai Chenxi lowered her head in frustration. She was still far from where she needed to be.

"I'm sorry, Director. I'll follow your direction closely from now on."

Director Li looked at her bowed head, his anger flaring further.

"What now? Giving up already? So you really did get here by pulling strings. I was just starting to think you had some potential, but you're already quitting."

Bai Chenxi looked up. "Director Li, what did you say?"

He slammed the script on the table. "What, upset to hear you got in through the back door?"

"No," Bai Chenxi said, unfazed by his words. "Director, you said you thought I had potential. Does that mean you agree with my interpretation?"

Director Li's face was stormy, but he nodded nonetheless.

Seeing this, Bai Chenxi beamed. "Thank you for your recognition, Director. I’ll do my best."

With that, she ran off, excitement in every step. Watching her retreating figure, the director thought: she does have some redeeming qualities, after all.

"Cut!"

After the break, Bai Chenxi was called to a halt almost immediately.

The crew’s patience was wearing thin as they looked at her.

Director Li called out, "Bai Chenxi, come watch the playback."

Lifting her long skirt, Bai Chenxi hurried over.

Cut! Cut! Cut!

Again and again, Bai Chenxi was halted, running back and forth endlessly.

The crew’s patience dwindled with every take. Just then, Meng Ling appeared, bringing drinks for everyone.

In an instant, the restless mood was soothed, and everyone looked at Meng Ling as if she were a goddess.