Joann knew why the director made that request. In today's movie making industry, creating hype is unfortunately more important than the content of the movie itself. Going viral required newsworthiness and going full frontal was definitely one of the ways to do so.
Of course, this ran the risk of overhyping the movie but to be disappointed, the viewers first had to watch the movie itself and by then the movie's purpose would have been fulfilled.
Joann's agency probably negotiated the non-nudity clause in her contract to protect her image as a married woman but a professional actor's responsibility was to the selling of movie tickets, and Joann was nothing but a consummate professional.
"I understand, director. You have asked for a professional and if you think this will improve the cinema going experience of the viewers, then of course I am more than willing to oblige. We, actors are but tools to fulfill the director's vision after all," Commented Joann.
The director was overjoyed. As if afraid that she might renege on her words, he quickly got into motion, "Thank you so much, Joann. You better get ready then, I will have the crew clear out the room first."
"Sister Joann, this so brave and professional of you. I would not be able to do the same thing in your place," was all Qing Qing could utter before she was ushered out of the set by the director alongside all the other crew members. The place was cleared to give privacy to the actors.
After doing several sets of push-ups and sit-ups to prepare for the "big scenes", Joann's screen partner, Lee Mu wandered over to talk to her, "Joann, are you sure you want to do this? While I respect your professionalism, shouldn't you at least call your husband to ask for his opinion first?"
Lee Mu was an actor who joined the industry about the same time as Joann did. They had been paired in many movies before so they shared a friendly, if not close relationship.
Since Lee Mu was going to start the scene half-naked so he did not think it was necessary to put on a shirt. The sweat from his earlier intensive work-out slithered down his powerful shoulders and muscular body, making it glisten seductively.
"That won't be necessary. He understands this is a professional breakthrough and something required by my profession. There is no reason for me to get his opinion, my private and professional lives are separate and he has no say on the latter, similar to how I will not give my opinion with regards to his work," Joann answered.
Lee Mu seemed like he wanted to say something more, perhaps in defense of Joann's husband but he decided to hold his tongue. He understood butting into other people's relationship was always a bad idea. Therefore, he only smiled and said, "Well, if you say so…" before wandering off.
The director soon came back with instructions, "Lee Mu, you will exit the bathroom and then walk over to hug Joann from behind while she is busy with the flower arrangement. Alright, you two take your places, and action!"
…
Closing the shower, Lee Mu stepped out of the shower with just a towel around his waist. Following the script, he pulled Joann into his strong embrace from behind.
Lee Mu started by planting kiss on the back of her neck before leaning forward to cover the curve of her neck, her cheek and finally her lips with kisses. As expected of a professional actor, Joann responded accordingly.
As the temperature rose, Lee Mu snuck his arms underneath Joann's clothes. Joann sucked in a hasty breath as response.
The actions might seem fiery from the outside but internally, both actors were focused on timing and their lines.
About two seconds later, Joann moved her lips to the side and smiled a shy smile, adding, "You've been rushing around for so long, aren't you tired?" She did not forget to throw in a breathy word or two for authenticity's sake.
"Even if I'm tired, I'll rest after I finish making love to you," Lee Mu growled before moving in on her lips again.
He slowly edged Joann towards the bed, being extra carefully not to trip on her since they were physically entangled together. As they fell onto the bed, Lee Mu made sure to lean his body to the side so as to not crush Joann under his weight.
He proceeded to unbutton her top and planted kisses all over her body as demanded by the script.
Joann made sure her body was turned in strategic angles so that her naked form would appear artistic to the camera and not too porn-like.
Amidst the series of moans and groans, Lee Mu climbed on top of Joann, leaned into her ear and whispered, "The viewers today are such perverts, wouldn't you agree? They hound for scenes like these…"
Since the whisper would not be picked up by the audio boom, the whisper was mainly for Joann's benefit, to make her laugh. Lee Mu's favorite pastime at work was to make his fellow actors break character.
He would add in the actual line, "Qiao Qiao, last night in America, I already wanted to do this..." with post-editing.
Joann allowed herself a small smile before wrapping her legs around Lee Mu's bare buttocks. She made sure to kick extra hard as her revenge.
This caused Lee Mu to grit his teeth in pain but from the camera, it looked like he was preparing for the "finale". Of course, they were not doing "it" for real. All they ever did was create a fantasy, for was that not a professional actor's job?
The scene was soon wrapped up and the director thanked both Lee Mu and Joann for a job well done.
…
Later that day, a slender figure entered the editing room. She asked the director in a sweet, innocent voice, "Mr. Director, do you mind giving me a copy of today's shoot?"