Their first shooting took place in a rugged, mountainous terrain, where the air was unbelievably fresh and cool. Alas, the heavenly scenic spot was plagued with mosquitos and other insects.
To accommodate the large production, crews had labored for weeks constructing an encampment of colossal tents, each emblazoned with the names of its occupants.
The film's leading stars and high-ranking production members were afforded the privacy of individual tents, while Shen Jingwei had to share a tent with Lang Yuxuan.
On the first day, all actors and actresses were asked to wear various ensembles of costumes designed for their characters.
They then partook in promotional photo shoots to hype up the anticipation leading to the drama's release.
Having only been relegated to minor appearances in the past, it was Shen Jingwei's first time being ensconced in a dressing room, while makeup artists, hairdressers, and costume designers tended to his appearance with the focused intensive of a bee hive.
"I need the silver hairpin, quickly!"
"Mr. Shen, please lift your chin."
"Mr. Shen, not too high. Your hair crown is about to fall off!"
"Mr. Shen, lift your arms, please!"
With so many people around him, giving contradictory instructions one after another, Shen Jingwei was the very picture of obedience.
The less he talked, the quicker they would finish.
But once they did, the transformation was nothing short of miraculous.
As Shen Jingwei confronted his reflection in the full-length mirror, he was met with a vision of unparalleled beauty.
A handsome young man, utterly transformed, stared back at him.
His long, lustrous hair, partially bound in a high ponytail, was crowned by a resplendent silver dragon adorned with brilliant green emeralds.
The remaining tresses flowed freely, cascading down his shoulder like a silken waterfall, imbued with inky darkness that contrasted strikingly with the crown's gems.
The makeup artist executed their craft with exquisite subtlety. Mere wisps of white powder, a delicate touch of rouge and blush, and a precise definition of his eyebrows were all it took to elevate Shen Jingwei's features to a level of ethereal perfection.
The overall effect was one of otherworldly allure, a stark departure from the man who had entered the dressing room just moments before.
Clad in a magnificent golden robe, its surface alive with the intricate artistry of embroidered dragons, Shen Jingwei's slender figure was accentuated to striking effect.
The garment seemed to dance and shimmer with every movement, a testament to the skill of the costume designers.
As he stood there, fully transformed, it was impossible to deny the overwhelming sense of majesty that emanated from him.
Shen Jingwei was no longer simply an actor donning a costume; he had become Xie Jianyu, the Crown Prince of the Heavenly Empire, a character exuding the aura of regal splendor.
The hairdressers, makeup artists, and costume designers could not help but shed tears of happiness upon seeing the result of their hard work.
Before they had the chance to congratulate each other for their remarkable achievement, Shen Jingwei was ushered out of the preparation tent and in came Lang Yuxuan, ready to be transformed into Liu Wenyuan.
"Woww," he praised as he looked at Shen Jingwei from head to toe. "Looking good, Senior Shen."
"Thanks."
"Hey, Xie Jianyu is ready!" A production staff cried out some distance away from him.
"Mr. Shen, will you please come over here!"
Shen Jingwei endured a solitary photoshoot for nearly an hour before Yan Renzhong made his entrance.
The A-list actor cut an imposing figure, clad in a sinister ensemble -- spiky, dark metallic armor layered over form-fitting, opulent attire of the same color.
His wrists were encased in menacing silver gauntlets, while his feet were adorned with heavy chain boots.
They clinked ominously with every step, accentuating the aura he radiated, which was both majestic and tyrannical at the same time.
Shen Jingwei hated to admit it, but Yan Renzhong was irrefutably as handsome as ever.
"Supreme General Zhang Fengxi has arrived!" Another production staff cried out.
"Mr. Yan and Mr. Shen, will you two please pose together? Get a little closer, please."
They stood side by side stiffly.
"Not like that, closer, please!" The cameraman urged.
"..."
Again, they moved closer to each other. At this point, Shen Jingwei could literally hear the sound of Yan Renzhong's breathing.
"Supreme General Zhang Fengxi, will you please put your arms around Crown Prince Xie Jianyu, thank you!" The author's treacherous voice was heard.
Shen Jingwei's lips fell open in amazement. Before he could say the word "censorship", Yan Renzhong already slid his arms around Shen Jingwei's slender form and held him close.
Shen Jingwei was inadvertently drawn into the abyss of Yan Renzhong's eyes. Twin pools of obsidian darkness, they seemed to stretch infinitely, threatening to consume anyone who gazed too deeply.
His mind emptied as quickly as the darkness filled his vision and held him captive.
The poor man was even rendered powerless against the scorching pair of hands pressing against his waist.
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Author's note :
Author : Lalala~ (｡･ω･｡)ﾉ♡
Shen Jingwei : La, your head! How dare you make him touch me! (ノಠ益ಠ)ノ彡┻━┻
Author : Really? He is going to touch you everywhere from now on. Better prepare yourself mentally.