Although this scene did not use small flying insects, several cameras were installed on the indoor roof set, allowing for simultaneous close-ups and different shots during filming. This eliminated the need to shoot additional shots afterward, unlike Xize's previous life.
The various camera angles mostly focused on Xize, especially a top-down shot capturing his entire face. His clear, deep black eyes contrasted sharply with his pale complexion. Despite being at death's door, his eyes showed no trace of fear, and his delicate features were flawless.
Recently, Xize had been so exhausted from hunger that everyone felt pity for the frail boy when they saw him in person. However, through the camera lens, the crew standing behind the director were astonished to see that the pitiful boy had vanished. In his place was Ayer—a weak yet sunny and fearless youth facing death with unwavering courage.
Tom stood in front of the camera screen, stroking his chin as he watched Xize's close-up. He finally breathed a sigh of relief. He had been worried that Xize's frailty might prevent him from portraying Ayer's inherent vitality and cheerfulness. But now, he realized his concerns were unfounded. Xize's eyes alone conveyed the necessary emotions.
The first scene went smoothly. Despite the challenging nature of the scene, everything proceeded well, which the crew saw as a good omen. However, someone carelessly threw a nutrient bag that hit Arnold. The crew, who had been deeply sympathetic towards Xize, fell silent when the bag hit Arnold's chest. The women who had been throwing nutrient bags around excitedly now didn't dare approach.
Strangely, Xize, like a little mouse, held the nutrient bag in his mouth, swallowing it. Arnold, instead of being angry, picked up another bag from the ground and handed it to the weakened Xize.
So, the scene everyone saw was this: Xize, gripping the nutrient bag with both hands, innocently looked up at Arnold, who was kneeling beside him, holding out another nutrient bag. Arnold, still wearing his mask, met Xize's innocent gaze with his icy blue eyes.
Everyone: "......!!!"
First day, first scene!! Are you serious?! Interacting so openly from the start?! Get the mobile light screen for photos!! Cameraman, keep the camera rolling, dinner's on us tonight!
Is male interaction really that exciting? Normally, no, but if one is the always aloof male god Arnold and the other is a weak, hungry Asian newcomer... what are you waiting for?! Life is short, seize the moment! The era of appreciating male beauty is here!
The atmosphere on set became charged with excitement after Arnold and Xize's simple interaction. Those with mobile light screens took photos, and those without used their wristbands, all acting as if their lives depended on capturing this interaction.
Xize, oblivious to the outside commotion, accepted the nutrient bag, thanked Arnold, and sat up. Arnold stood and walked towards Tom.
The first scene was completed in one take. As soon as Xize stepped off the set, he was surrounded by a group of women, all showing concern. Jane Anning, who had been chatting with Xia Li outside, quickly came in and protected Xize, calling for a makeup artist to touch up his makeup.
Tom was very pleased with the first scene. He looked at Xize getting his makeup touched up and then said to Arnold, "He's been fasting for two weeks for a few scenes. Let's finish the rest of his scenes today."
Arnold glanced at Xize and nodded, "Alright."
Just as he finished speaking, the assistant director appeared and whispered to Tom, "Director, Ms. Selena is not very happy..."
Tom immediately understood.
"Dragon Sparrow" starred Arnold, and acting opposite him could greatly benefit any actor's career. If the first scene was promoted as a scene with Arnold, it would naturally help with publicity. Given Arnold's rare availability, Selena didn't want to miss this opportunity.
Selena's manager had previously discussed this with Tom. As a commercial director, he understood the importance of promotion and had initially agreed. However, due to Xize's involvement, the first scene was changed. Tom, prioritizing the film's quality, had informed Selena, expecting her to understand. But it seemed she was more prideful than he anticipated.
Tom snorted slightly, "She's the female lead, what's she worried about?" He felt Selena was being overly arrogant and told the assistant director, "Tell her to get ready, we'll start in half an hour."
He then grabbed a megaphone and shouted, "Prepare for the second scene! All departments, get ready. Xize, the next scene is Ayer's first encounter with Jo. Get ready."
After drinking the nutrient liquid, Xize felt a bit more energized. He returned with fresh makeup and a change of clothes to find the set transformed into a cluttered laboratory.
Arnold had also changed into camouflage, still wearing a mask that covered half his face. Tom walked in, explained the scene to Xize, and asked, "There's a lot of movement. If you're unsure, we can do a test shoot."
Xize mentally rehearsed the movements and shook his head, "No need, I'm ready."
Tom returned to the camera and used the megaphone, "All departments ready! This is a formal take!"
Hearing the director's command, several crew members praised Xize. Jane Anning, standing nearby, proudly said, "Of course, our Xize is from Soloro Academy's acting department."
A top student from a prestigious academy?! Wow!
This scene was Ayer's first encounter with Jo in his father's lab. Ayer didn't yet know his father was dead. He had seen news about the dangers of reverse genes on TV and had sneaked into his father's abandoned lab, where he met Jo, who was searching for Dragon Sparrow genes. Jo initially mistook Ayer for a rebel agent.
The lab was a mess, with various experimental items and broken equipment scattered around. It was clearly abandoned.
Ayer squatted, covering his nose with one hand to endure the lingering stench, while searching the lab with the other. He sifted through metal boxes and glassware, but found nothing useful.
Standing in front of the lab bench, Ayer hesitated, then stepped back, bumping into another bench. The unsteady bench wobbled, causing everything on it to fall. Startled, Ayer turned around, his eyes wide like a frightened deer. He quickly steadied a metal stand he had knocked over.
The lab was eerily quiet. As Ayer glanced around, he caught a glimpse of a shadow. Thinking he was imagining things, he turned but saw nothing.
Just as he was about to relax, he sensed someone behind him. In less than a second, he reacted, swinging the stand behind him. He saw a flash of deep green but didn't have time to see clearly before he ran.
The air was thick with danger. Just as he took a step, a gun was pressed against his shoulder. He froze, knowing what was against his shoulder blade.
Ayer didn't dare turn around. His eyes were wide with fear. The figure behind him didn't move, but after a few seconds, a cold voice said, "Turn around."
Ayer obediently turned, raising his hands in surrender. He slowly turned to see the man behind him.
The man wore deep green camouflage and polished boots, with a leather mask covering his lower face. Only his forehead and eyes were visible, but his icy blue eyes and powerful aura were undeniable.
Ayer was stunned, his eyes wide. Seeing the gun pointed at his chest, his pupils contracted. The man, narrowing his eyes, holstered the gun and coldly stated, "You're Ayer." It was not a question but a statement.
Ayer, still in shock from nearly being shot, couldn't believe he had encountered someone familiar. But he couldn't trust the stranger. As soon as the gun was holstered, he turned and ran like a rabbit.
Before he reached the door, the man caught up and grabbed him. Ayer struggled, shouting, "Who are you? This is my father's lab!"
The man, cold and silent, held Ayer with one hand and lifted him effortlessly, carrying him towards the door.
The action was smooth, as if Ayer weighed nothing. The man, masked and cold-eyed, walked silently, holding a gun in one hand.
Jo carried Ayer towards the main camera, each step exuding silent, cold authority.
Ayer, still a fragile youth, struggled in Jo's grasp. No matter how he moved, he couldn't break free. Furious, he shouted for Jo to let go, but the man remained silent, carrying him towards the camera.
Finally, Jo looked down and coldly said, "Don't move."
Crew: "......"
Director!!! Have you considered making Ayer the female lead?? This male interaction is so compelling! We don't believe Ayer isn't the "female lead"! Jo's love for Ayer is undeniable! Writer, can you honestly say you didn't intend for Jo and Ayer to be together when you wrote the script?
The scene went smoothly. Arnold's scenes were challenging, but Xize handled them effortlessly. In contrast, Arnold and Selena's scenes were rocky, with Tom yelling through the megaphone several times. Many actors struggled with Arnold, but Tom's expectations had been raised by Xize's earlier performance, making him particularly critical of Selena's acting.
Jane Anning felt elated seeing Selena scolded. Compared to Xize, Selena seemed to have no future. Jane felt grateful Selena had moved to another agency, giving her the chance to work with Xize.
Selena, frustrated, glared at Jane, who smiled and walked away proudly. Selena trembled with rage. She couldn't believe she was outshone by a newcomer on the first day and lost the first scene. But what could she say? Nothing! The newcomer was backed by Silver Fox's boss Xia Li and the seasoned agent Jane Anning. Handsome, talented, and a Soloro Academy acting student! Comparing herself to him was maddening!
But worse was yet to come...
That night, Silver Fox Entertainment's main page featured a new promotional photo. The entire page was filled with an image of a flawless, handsome Asian youth with distinctive black hair and eyes against a starry background.
The night of frenzy had just begun.