A palpable tension filled the air during morning assembly. At the far right, Yan Renzhong exuded a chilling aura that seemed to seep into the room. In stark contrast, Shen Jingwei, positioned at the opposite end, radiated an intense heat, creating an invisible wall of warmth. Caught in the crossfire, the cast and crew found themselves shivering involuntarily as the clashing temperatures enveloped them.
Everyone was rather worried about the day's filming progress.
They talked to Director Ma separately, but the optimistic director failed to see any problem.
"I think our protagonist and male lead have been working hard to muster up the emotional ambiance we need for the next act!"
The next act to shoot started with the scene where Zhang Fengxi kissed Liu Wenyuan, witnessed by Xie Jianyu and Shi Qingyue.
Although the crew did not share Director Ma's optimism, the director turned out to be right.
The filming went off without a hitch, each shot a visual triumph. As the day wore on, the crew's concerns dwindled. Unbeknownst to them, Shen Jingwei was grappling with a maelstrom of emotions the entire time.
Had they known, they might rush over to bring the man an Oscar.
Shen Jingwei was upset.
Terribly upset.
How dared Yan Renzhong question his commitment to the drama?
How dared he criticize him for his unwise usage of time?
How dared he...???
Shen Jingwei could go on and on, but each incriminating, unspoken question directed at Yan Renzhong was akin to a rusty nail being hammered into his tender, bleeding heart.
Of course, Emperor Yan, he thought bitterly to himself while shooting daggers at Yan Renzhong's back.
You are the greatest.
You are the most awesome, most revered, most talented A-List actor in the film industry.
Look at how dedicated you are in kissing Lang Yuxuan.
...
Goodness, this cursed scene.
Shen Jingwei found himself curling his fingers into fists when he was forced to look at Yan Renzhong and Lang Yuxuan.
Yan Renzhong's eyes, clear and bright, held an undeniable adoration for the other man.
With a gentle touch, he cradled Lang Yuxuan's face, their eyes closing just before their lips met in a tender kiss.
Shen Jingwei's breath hitched in his throat.
Their kiss was a delicate, sweet exchange that touched even the most hardened soul. A look of profound, unfiltered love passed between Lang Yuxuan and Yan Renzhong as they drew apart.
The entire production crew and cast had to suppress an "Awwww" as their hearts melted at this profound display of affection.
Meanwhile, a choked sob threatened to erupt from Shen Jingwei's lips.
He really wanted to cry.
And he hated himself for this vulnerable side of his.
Shen Jingwei didn't even have to suppress his emotions in order to act out Xie Jianyu's reaction toward the kiss.
Jealousy, pain, and self-hatred coalesced into a toxic brew that erupted in the harsh words he hurled at Zhang Fengxi in the next scene.
Oh, poor Xie Jianyu.
Poor, poor Xie Jianyu.
If he were a real person and not just some fictional character in the author's novel, Shen Jingwei would want to hug him tight and not let go.
The scene ended, and another followed.
The next scene depicted Zhang Fengxi finding out about Liu Wenyuan's undeserved punishment.
Angrily, he barged into Fuxi Palace, falsely accusing Xie Jianyu of a wrongdoing and then physically assaulting him.
This unprovoked attack was yet another unforgivable transgression in Fengxi's list of offenses against the Crown Prince.
As always, Yan Renzhong shone brilliantly, successfully depicting Zhang Fengxi's rage on Liu Wenyuan's behalf.
Shen Jingwei endured the filming with every ounce of strength in his body.
He took the beating without a word.
He swallowed all the pain and resentment into his stomach, not letting them bleed through during the take.
But then, once the day's shooting was completed, he marched into the author's tent. Luckily, Lu Shui had to share her tent with no one, thus granting them the privacy Shen Jingwei desperately needed.
"I don't understand, Author," he said. "Why didn't Xie Jianyu remove Zhang Fengxi from his life for good?"
Lu Shui blinked at the actor who played the male lead in her story.
"Obviously because I don't want the story to end there," she stated plainly.
"..."
Shen Jingwei's jaw dropped to the floor.
"And for that petty reason you made Xie Jianyu suffer for years!"
Lu Shui laughed and gave Shen Jingwei hearty pats on the back.
"Shen Shen, what is wrong? Why are you so agitated?"
She kindly pulled Shen Jingwei to a fluffy floor cushion.
"Sit, sit, talk to your author."
She swiftly poured a cup of tea for him.
"All I am saying is that this Zhang Fengxi is a scum, a bastard who doesn't deserve a second chance. He was regretful up until the moment he regressed, and then he forgot all the pain and suffering he caused Xie Jianyu. Why should Xie Jianyu put up with him?"
Lu Shui took a sip from her tea.
"Love?"
"..."
Shen Jingwei clawed into his scalp and groaned like a wounded animal.
"Stop that. Love shouldn't be an excuse to torture yourself!"
"He isn't, though. All Xie Jianyu ever wishes for is Zhang Fengxi's happiness. Other than that, he leads his own life, separate from Zhang Fengxi. Whomever Zhang Fengxi ends up with is not important at all."
Shen Jingwei pursed his lips.
"Isn't he too kind for his own good? Zhang Fengxi, this scoundrel, doesn't deserve his time and energy and effort at all."
Lu Shui cocked her head to the side and grinned at Shen Jingwei.
"Are you talking about Zhang Fengxi or someone else?"
---------------
Author's note :
Mini theater!
Shen Jingwei : I swear, the author is either a psychic or a stalker. She scares me.
Author : ʕ ꈍᴥꈍʔ Don't be scared. Let this author give you a hug.
Shen Jingwei : No! Stay away from me! (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻