The First Day of Shooting
"Okay, I know that we will all be very busy starting today. Since this is our first day, let's do our best to keep everything in order. We have a deadline to beat." Director Han reminded the whole crew as he stood in the middle of the movie studio.
"Yes, Director Han!" Everyone replied in unison. The excitement in their faces was evident. Everything was all set. The cameras were in place and the studio had been designed into a room. Since the first few scenes needed to be shoot inside the studio.
Xu Jia Li would act as Yu Suyin. Luo Daming who stood beside her would be Yang Xin. On the opposite side were Li Yun who would be Bo Honghui and the new second female lead, Meng Lulu who would portray Chang Biyu.
It had been 8 days since the press conference. There had been no news about Qi Xenjin or her whereabouts. She just vanished with Hong Tingguang. Due to what happened, netizens and fans abhorred Qi Xenjin.
The social media networks were flooded with insults and curses for her. But like everything else, the news slowly dissipated and was forgotten by the people. It was like that in the entertainment industry, one moment you're loved and adored, and then, the next thing you know, you're totally forgotten.
Since Qi Xenjin was removed from the movie, she was replaced by Meng Lulu, a new rising star from Sun and Star.
Meng Lulu was a sweet and innocent girl who always had a smile on her face as she greeted everyone. Her face was also pretty. She was friendly and kind which made the whole crew accepted her easily. Unlike Qi Xenjin, she was warm to everyone. She would be Li Yun's best friend in the movie who fell in love with the character of Lou Daming.
"Since we are shooting scenes 34 and 35, Li Yun and Luo Daming will need to rehearse their fighting scenes," Director Han turned his head to the on-set personnel, "Where are the stunt doubles?"
"They've already been briefed Director Han." Assistant Director Chua answered.
"We'll start now. Did the artists finish with their make-up and costumes?"
"Yes, Director Han. We already assigned rooms for the casts. Li Yun and Luo Daming are both ready." Production Designer Xi replied.
"Okay, let's get ready."
The two actors already had their rehearsal of the stunts the previous days so it would be easier to shoot the fighting scenes.
The shoot began after a few minutes of explaining the scenes. It was the scene where Luo Daming hated Xu Jia Li because he thought she left him for Li Yun. Due to his anger, he attacked Li Yun.
"You, jerk!" Lou Daming yelled as he threw punches on Li Yun's face, "How dare you take her away from me?! Huh?! Bastard! I'll kill you!"
Li Yun returned his punches as he grabbed Lou Daming's collar, "She was never yours and will never be! Now that I have her, I won't let you take her from me!"
The two actors were so engrossed in their scenes that it only took one take. By the time they finished, it was already past lunch.
"Cut! Nice take!" Director Han's voice echoed inside the studio. He was clearly beyond satisfied with the scene.
Li Yun and Luo Daming bowed to each other as the crew clapped their hands.
"Nice take! Only actors as great as you two can finish the fighting scene in just one take." Assistant Director Chua complimented them.
"Thank you, Assistant Director." Luo Daming bowed his head before he walked back to his dressing room.
Li Yun also bowed before he strode towards Xu Jia Li's dressing room. Before he could reach her, Manager Ho called him,
"Yun, the next scene will be taken tomorrow. Director Han said we can go now."
"I'll just ask Xiao Li if she already ate."
Li Yun knocked before Shen Linqin opened the door, "Yun-ge, you're here. Did you finish the scenes?"
"Yes. Where's Xiao Li?"
"Linqin, who's that?" Xu Jia Li asked before she stood.
"Li-jie, it's Yun-ge."
Hearing Li Yun's name, she walked towards the door. Upon seeing Li Yun with Manager Ho behind him, she bowed before she asked, "Yun-ge, what brought you here?"
"Did you have your lunch?" Li Yun asked gently. The smile on his face was so warm that Xu Jia Li couldn't help but feel sad because she couldn't return his love.
"Yes. We already did." She nodded then she continued, "Yun-ge, I think it doesn't look appropriate that you continue visiting me here. I – "
"Don't feel pressured, Xiao Li. I really just want to know if you're okay," Li Yun smiled before he continued, "I'll get going now. Good luck on shooting your scenes."
Xu Jia Li didn't know how to react as she stared at Li Yun's retreating back.
"Li-jie, don't you think that's a bit harsh?" Shen Linqin pouted as she gazed pitifully at the man.
"Linqin, it's even harsher if I let him believe in false hope."
Xu Jia Li was about to return to her chair when one of the crew called her, "Miss Xu, we will shoot your scene with Miss Meng now."
****
"I love him so much. Please take care of Yang Xin." Xu Jia Li had tears on her eyes. She was lying on the bed as Meng Lulu stood beside her.
The scene was inside the house of Xu Jia Li's character. She pleaded Meng Lulu to take care of Lou Daming.
"You don't have to say that. You're already divorced. What right do you still have to talk about Yang Xin? I don't know why you're saying that to me but I love Yang Xin. Even if you back down on your words, I will never let him go."
After Meng Lulu left the house, Xu Jia Li was left quietly crying on her bed. No one knew that she had leukemia except Li Yun.
"I'm sorry, Xin. I… love you dearly."
The film crews inside the studio were also brought to tears. They really admired Xu Jia Li's acting skill. She had never won best actress award since she debuted as an actress. She only won one award as Best New Female Actress. Since she hadn't filmed many movies because of her tours and album released, all her awards were about her songs and her talent in singing.
"Cut! Perfect!" Director Han beamed as he clapped his hands. The scene might look easy for others because she only had to cry but it was really challenging.
Xu Jia Li registered nicely on the camera. Her eyes spoke so much emotions that Director Han got captivated by them. As a director, he worked with different artists. They were good but only few managed to pull him inside their characters.
They already finished shooting scenes 28 and 40. This made Director Han even happier.
"Wow! She's really great in acting. Whoever said that she's only an empty shell is clearly jealous!"
"Awww, you're right. I still have tears in my eyes."
"I also had goose bumps all over my body. Can't you see how beautiful she is? She looks like an angel even though she looks pale."
The film crews continued to compliment and congratulate Xu Jia Li as the scene finished. She bowed her head as she thanked everyone, "Thank you for all your hard work!"
After she talked to Director Han, Meng Lulu approached her, "Senior Xu, you're so great. I really look up to you."
"Thank you!"
Xu Jia Li smiled awkwardly as the lively Meng Lulu held her hand, "Senior Xu, I brought food for everyone. It's already dinner. Let's eat!"
"Ah, thank you, Ms. Meng but –"
"Senior Xu, just call me Lulu," the young girl smiled before she turned to everyone, "Dinner's ready everyone! I brought food for all of you."