In truth, Xize found his daily life and work largely unaffected by the online chatter of fans. As a celebrity and a former Best Actor, his mental fortitude was strong enough to withstand the occasional discomfort of being fantasized about in homoerotic scenarios. Given the current social climate, where same-sex marriage was now legal, scandals involving such relationships had become commonplace. Back when he was in his home country, where same-sex marriage was not allowed, it was mostly a source of amusement for a niche group of fujoshi. But now, with changing times, it was all par for the course.
Jane Anning did her best to keep Xize off the internet, steering him away from chaotic interviews and ensuring he focused on his script. She hoped that the current storm of attention would eventually subside.
The script had already been sent over. Xize quickly skimmed through it; the main storyline, set against the backdrop of a genetic war, remained unchanged. His scenes had been altered slightly, with fewer romantic elements. The script had been revised to meet the standards of a blockbuster, emphasizing the overarching plot.
Jane Anning asked while Xize was reading the script, "Did Tom add a romantic subplot?"
Xize shook his head, "Not really. The romantic elements are quite subtle, with no explicit love scenes. Blockbusters usually have straightforward romantic subplots, and the director wouldn't add unnecessary romance."
Jane Anning nodded in agreement. After all, it was a major film; it wouldn't spend so much time just to show two men falling in love on the big screen.
After flipping through the script from start to finish, Xize felt that the revised version, which removed the female lead, was even more refined. His scenes hadn't increased significantly, and Ayer still met a tragic end. However, the film's overall theme became more pronounced.
Having finished the script, Jane Anning casually glanced through it as well, feeling a small sense of relief. She muttered to herself, "Thank goodness Tom didn't go crazy and add a kissing scene." At most, the script had added a few more interactions between the two leads, playing on the edge of their rivalry.
Xize was speechless, "It's not a romance film."
Jane Anning marveled at Xize's composure. How could a nineteen-year-old young man have such a grounded mindset, especially when his co-star was a superstar like Arnold? She asked, "Isn't Arnold good? He's a public heartthrob, and many stars dream of acting in a romance film with him."
Xize, changing clothes in his room and preparing to head to the set, waved dismissively, "I prefer Federal credits over a heartthrob."
So blunt? Jane Anning chuckled behind him.
As a director, Tom strictly regulated his crew, forbidding any discussion of Xize and Arnold during work hours and prohibiting anyone from secretly taking photos of Xize, especially reprimanding the starry-eyed female screenwriter under his charge.
The female screenwriter, who had revised the script over a hundred times, almost ended up in the hospital. She felt a bit regretful about the new script, which, being a blockbuster, had minimal romantic elements, only adding a few more scenes between Xize and Arnold. Once, in a daze at her workstation, she muttered to her colleague, "Should we add a bed scene?"
Tom overheard and sternly rebuked her, "I think you want to act in that bed scene with Xize yourself! Wake up!!"
The female screenwriter jolted awake, stammering, "No, no...!"
Today's shoot started at 3:30 AM, filming the scene where Jo reunites with his mercenary team and faces an ambush from anti-government forces.
Due to the scene's requirements, it was filmed on a film planet. Tom spared no expense, bringing in three small mechs and six medium mechs, setting up the battle backdrop. They filmed for a gruelling ten hours straight, wrapping up at 2 PM, leaving the entire crew and all the actors who had started at dawn utterly exhausted.
Arnold had the most screen time, unlike other actors who could take breaks and rest after their scenes. He had been filming non-stop from dawn till noon.
When Xize arrived on the film planet by spaceship, Arnold was just shooting the final scene. This shoot used small drone cameras, with the director and most of the crew underground. Arnold filmed alone, with protection staff outside the camera frame, making it a highly dangerous scene.
Xize entered the underground studio, seeing numerous screens showing different angles captured by the drone cameras. The main screens all focused on Arnold's face from various perspectives.
Xize had no idea how many scenes Arnold had filmed that day. He walked over to Tom, hearing him instruct Arnold through the walkie-talkie, "That last take wasn't good. Do it again. When you slide down, keep your eyes up. Land smoothly and dash out immediately."
Onscreen, Arnold, without his mask, had makeup artists touching up his face. Despite a hint of fatigue, he nodded, "I'll try."
The assistant director reminded Tom, "This scene has been shot multiple times. Arnold's stamina is waning. Should we let him rest?"
Tom frowned, knowing Arnold had been filming for a long time but had no choice. Mech props were expensive to rent, and filming was usually concentrated. He thought for a moment, "If he really can't do it, we'll use post-production. We can shoot indoors later."
But Arnold raised his hand to stop him, "No need, I can shoot."
Xize, having researched current filming techniques, knew that shooting large-scale scenes was exhausting and dangerous. While post-production could seamlessly cover any flaws, actors today often chose to perform their own stunts for higher popularity and better career prospects, rarely using body doubles or relying on post-production.
Arnold's status was earned through hard work, taking on scenes others wouldn't dare. The title "heartthrob" wasn't given lightly.
Xize admired Arnold's dedication. Despite having filmed so many scenes, Arnold insisted on performing his own stunts, showing his deep love for his craft.
The scene involved dodging the last attacking mech, sliding past its right arm, landing, and rushing to a ground vehicle to escape. This was done without wires, using a back-mounted hover device that responded to body movements, providing safety measures.
Xize was already several meters high, standing on the mech's right shoulder. The screens showed the full scale of the mech, making Xize's wrist tremble slightly. This was real danger; a single mistake could be fatal.
Tom shouted "Action," and the previously fatigued man onscreen instantly donned a solemn expression. He crouched and slid down from the mech's shoulder, almost vertically along the right arm.
Seeing Arnold's descent from such a height on the panoramic screen startled Xize. Unlike previous wire stunts with safety measures, Arnold slid down without any cushioning below.
Yet, onscreen, Arnold showed no hesitation or fear. The close-up captured his face in sharp detail, revealing no tremor, as if he were merely stepping off a small ledge.
Diving, side-sliding to avoid a mech's metal arm, and performing a mid-air flip before landing. The final shot was an upward angle from the ground, showing Arnold's head-first descent. Xize, watching from the underground studio, couldn't help but sweat for Arnold.
But onscreen, Arnold embodied Jo, the cold, ruthless, and fearless mercenary. His icy blue eyes pierced through the camera, exuding control over the situation. He landed on a mech joint, using the rebound force to drop to the ground, ending with a graceful kneeling pose, eyes fixed on the camera.
Xize met Arnold's gaze through the lens, feeling a sudden jolt as if he were drawn into the scene, no longer Xize but Ayer, witnessing Jo's bravery against the mech.
"Cut!" Tom's voice through the intercom pulled Xize back to reality. Turning back to the screen, he saw people surrounding Arnold.
Tom said, "Okay, that's a wrap for today. Arnold, go rest and recover." Then he turned to Xize, "Get ready. You'll go up with me, and the mech instructor will guide you."
Xize glanced at the screen, not seeing Arnold, only a crowd of heads. He nodded in acknowledgment.
Arnold, having filmed for ten hours straight, was physically drained. After the medical team confirmed he was fine, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Arnold, without assistance, walked back to the underground studio, coincidentally meeting Tom and Xize heading up.
Arnold, in camo pants, stood on the dirt, his upper body in a sleeveless shirt, revealing his well-toned physique. Not overly muscular, but a perfect male form, with taut muscles visible when he moved. Covered in dirt from multiple takes, his rugged appearance exuded a raw masculinity.
Tom patted Arnold's shoulder, "Still pushing hard, huh? Can your body handle it?"
Arnold, holding a bag of nutrient fluid, shook his head, indicating he was fine, his gaze shifting to Xize behind Tom.
Xize, glancing at Arnold's physique and reminiscing about his own, snapped back to reality under Arnold's gaze, greeting him politely.
Tom looked at Xize's slim frame, "He's not like you, no intense fight scenes. You seem in good spirits, still have time to worry about others."
Sam, peeking from behind Arnold, worried Tom might add another scene, pushed Arnold, "Director, we'll be off. You carry on."
Tom nodded, seemingly unaware of any issue with his previous comment, leading Xize upstairs. Xize followed, nodding to Arnold and Sam as they passed.
Arnold's shoot was done for the day. As he and Sam walked towards the studio, Sam mused, "That Asian newcomer, Xize, doesn't seem like a nineteen-year-old. Too composed. With all the online chatter, fans linking him to Arnold, how can both be so calm when meeting? Arnold's always been like this, but Xize, a newcomer, doesn't seem to care, not even trying to cling to Arnold."
Arnold, swinging his bag of nutrient fluid, headed to the underground studio. Sam, thinking he was leaving, was about to pack up when he saw Arnold heading towards the studio.
Sam caught up, "Not resting?"
Arnold entered the room, standing before the main screen, "Just watching."
Sam wondered what Arnold was watching, only to see the director guiding Xize through a roll dodge. Xize, speaking onscreen, then rolling smoothly, showing no sign of inexperience. His interactions with the director and mech instructor were natural and serious, without the awkwardness of a newcomer.
Arnold, watching the screen, squinted before turning to leave.
Sam, puzzled by Arnold's actions, followed, hearing Arnold say, "Check that newcomer's background."
Sam paused, "Why?"
Arnold glanced back, "I'm curious, can't I be?"
Sam, "…Fine."
Many outside admired Xize, with even more fans fantasizing about him with Arnold. Naturally, there were those skeptical or even disliking Xize.
Xize's debut was unique, his rise to fame even more so. His immediate popularity was partly due to his Asian heritage and striking features, and partly due to the numerous coincidences linking him to Arnold.
Without these coincidences, Xize might have been just another pretty face. But these perceived connections with Arnold brought him both fame and controversy.
Some believed Xize wouldn't be so popular without Arnold; some saw him as Arnold's accessory. Others doubted his talent, thinking his roles were secured through his connections with Arnold and his backing by the entertainment giant, Silver Fox. The incident of replacing the female lead further fueled rumors of Xize using underhanded tactics to rise to fame.
With fans come critics. The public, unsure of the facts, often held a skeptical view. Xize's rapid rise, coupled with his Asian features, naturally drew both admiration and envy.
The internet buzzed with debates about Xize. Fans defended him rationally, but skepticism persisted. Within the industry, opinions varied.
Some envied and resented him, while others, like Ivy, supported him. The straightforward pop diva openly expressed on FW, "Everyone clamored for an Asian star, and now we have a pure-blooded newcomer, yet people mock him for just having looks and no talent. Come on! Looks are an asset too! If you had his heritage, you'd flaunt it! Appearing glamorous on screen isn't easy. Where's the logic in 'good looks mean no talent'?! Don't cry when his movie releases and his acting slaps you in the face!"
Most in the industry, however, adopted a wait-and-see approach. In this circle, everyone was shrewd. Without knowing Xize's background, few would comment. Only Ivy's forthright nature led her to speak so boldly.
Anquiro was similar. As a fellow Silver Fox artist, he had seen Xize's stunning promotional photos at the exchange meeting. However, he remained cautious, never speaking ill of others publicly. Even when many from the same company welcomed Xize, he stayed silent.
Today was Anquiro's first day on set. Arnold had already left, and he was scheduled to shoot a scene with Xize.
Anquiro played a member of the mercenary team, Alzo, who despised Ayer at the film's start. To him, Ayer, weak and unable to lift a gun, had no place in their team. He repeatedly suggested to Jo that they abandon Ayer, as their team didn't need weaklings.
Today's scene was a confrontation, the only time Jo didn't have Ayer by his side, leaving him with Alzo out of necessity.
Anquiro, in makeup and costume, saw Xize finishing his previous scene. It was Xize's first time filming with a mech, a thrilling and dangerous experience, leaving him both nervous and exhilarated.
Watching Xize's elated expression from afar, Anquiro thought, "Still just a kid." He approached Tom, hearing the director praise Xize, "It's rare for a newcomer to work so hard. I got lucky choosing Xize."
Anquiro, always cautious, was puzzled. What made this newcomer so special to earn such praise from the usually critical Tom? Could it be Arnold's influence? But Tom rarely praised even Arnold.
Tom, noticing Anquiro in costume, said, "Old Ro, you'll be acting with a newcomer later..."
Anquiro, thinking Tom would ask him to look after the newcomer, said, "I know how to handle it."
Tom, eyes wide, laughed, "Not asking you to look after him. Just saying, don't hold back because he's new. Act as you would. Xize can keep up with you."
Anquiro was incredulous. Was Tom exaggerating? But Tom wasn't one to praise newcomers lightly. What was Xize's secret? Had he brainwashed the director?
Seeing Anquiro's doubtful expression, Tom, unconcerned, waved, "You'll see. Just a heads-up, so you don't call for a retake."
Anquiro, "…Director, have you become a brainwashed fan of Xize?"
Xize didn't keep everyone waiting long, quickly changing and greeting Anquiro before heading to the set.
The scene was shot outdoors with regular cameras. Tom, squeezing his bulky frame into a small chair, coughed into the loudspeaker, "All departments, ready."
Xize and Anquiro took their positions, with Anquiro silently observing Xize—a composed young man, genuinely unflustered, undeniably handsome with pure-blooded features, yet exuding an inexplicable aura.
At 37, Anquiro was a well-respected veteran in the industry, known for his calm and meticulous nature. Yet, standing opposite Xize, he felt an odd sense of familiarity, as if they were peers, despite the young man's exterior. This feeling only emerged when they faced the camera, not before.
How strange, Anquiro thought, shaking his head.
With everything ready, Tom's "Action" signaled the start. Xize, checking a message on his wristband from Jane Anning, snapped into character instantly, eyes shifting into focus.
Anquiro, seeing the change in Xize's gaze, was momentarily stunned. Was this acting? Indeed, Xize's eyes now held a wary look, no longer Xize but Ayer.
Ayer looked up at Alzo, brow furrowed, eyes full of caution. They stood on a cliff, below which lay a bottomless abyss.
Ayer faced Alzo, shoulders tensed, cautiously stepping back.
Alzo, expressionless, stared at Ayer, then slowly approached the frail youth.
Wind and sand whipped across the cliff, stinging their faces. Exhausted from days of fleeing, Ayer's black eyes reflected Alzo's impassive face, his retreating steps halting.
Alzo stopped, unmoving, staring at the boy, "Ayer, you should have left long ago. Jo's stubbornness will be the death of us all."
Ayer, still wary, remained silent, then slowly said, "You want to kill me."
Alzo's lips curled in a faint smile, indifferent to the word "kill," as if life meant nothing to him, "Of course. Without you, we can safely deliver the goods."
Ayer's face showed a hint of surprise, "You think I'm a burden?"
Alzo sneered, "Have some self-awareness."
Everything seemed normal until Anquiro noticed a change in Xize's eyes. Xize's expression turned more mocking, his smile and deep, intense gaze reflecting disappointment in Alzo.
Anquiro, caught off guard by Xize's subtle yet profound expression, momentarily lost his composure. Quickly regaining his focus, he furrowed his brow in irritation.
Alzo, uninterested in deciphering Ayer's smile, only wanted to rid himself of this burden by throwing him off the cliff. But Ayer suddenly lunged, grabbing his collar, no longer the weak boy needing protection. He glared at Alzo, his voice icy with anger, "What difference does it make if I die? Will my death ensure the goods' delivery? Why don't you, Jo, and the others understand? You can't deliver the goods."
Anquiro, staring into those black eyes filled with anger, impatience, and something else, instinctively tightened his grip on Ayer's arm, prying his hands off.
The pain reddened the boy's eyes, but he continued to glare at Alzo, his voice breaking with anger, "What difference does it make if I die?! My body won't last a few more years anyway! But you'll get Jo killed! You, and the others, none of you truly want to help Jo. You bind him with the team's name, yet criticize him as friends. Which of you isn't selfish?! You just want money! The others want the secret of 'Dragon Sparrow'!"
Alzo, veins bulging, eyes wide with rage, threw the boy to the ground, drawing his gun.
The boy, however, sat up, glaring at Alzo with a fierce determination, unafraid of the gun, "You'd better kill me now, so Jo can see what kind of people his so-called friends really are!"
Anquiro, with a gun in hand, stared in astonishment at Xize lying on the ground. Suddenly, he blinked and raised his hand to signal towards the director.
Couldn't keep up with the scene! Xize's intensity was overwhelming!
"Cut."
Tom, holding the loudspeaker, rolled his eyes behind the camera, silently mocking Anquiro—didn't I warn you? Couldn't keep up with the scene, could you? How does it feel to be outperformed by a newcomer? The cliff's right behind you, want to take a jump?
At this point, Anquiro no longer underestimated Xize. He even felt a bit ashamed; it wasn't the newcomer who failed to match his performance, but rather he, the seasoned actor, who couldn't keep up. Xize, dusting himself off, gestured towards the director, offering Anquiro a way out, "It was my fault, I didn't perform well. Sorry."
Tom, rocking back and forth in his small chair, said through the loudspeaker, "Blame yourself~~"
Everyone: "..." Director, please, don't be mischievous!!
Xize's gesture helped Anquiro save face, and Anquiro understood what had happened. He finally dropped his skeptical attitude and began to think highly of Xize. Adjusting his mindset, the scene went smoothly without any need for retakes.
After filming, Xize approached Anquiro to greet him politely, further improving Anquiro's impression of him. People are drawn to those who are similar to them; Anquiro, being a steady person, naturally liked interacting with someone equally composed. Moreover, Xize was Jane Anning's artist, and she had helped Anquiro in the past. This made Anquiro even more fond of the young man.
Xize was well-liked on set, even earning the director's admiration. Anquiro, seeing this, realized that Xize was genuinely talented. His attitude shifted, and he even exchanged contact information with Xize.
Anquiro was the type who never spoke ill of others, kept his opinions to himself, but was very loyal to his friends. This was why he and Ivy were friends, despite their vastly different personalities.
Ivy, a die-hard fan of Xize, heard about the scene Anquiro shot with him and pestered him for details. Anquiro, straightforward as always, said, "Xize is very good, very talented. You wouldn't think he's a newcomer at all."
As a devoted fan, Ivy immediately posted on FW, "Today, Old Ro and Xize had a scene together. I asked, and Xize's acting was fantastic!"
Anquiro, who hadn't joined the "Welcome Newcomer" trend before, surprisingly reposted Ivy's FW, adding four words: "The newcomer is excellent."
Anquiro was a well-known veteran in the film industry, a household name, but his popularity wasn't as high as that of idol stars. His honest and steady nature meant his social media posts rarely stirred excitement among fans. Typically, his posts received standard supportive comments.
However, this repost changed things. The fan responses were suddenly different, making Anquiro wonder if he had opened the screen correctly—
"Anqi is adorable!"
"Anqi actually reposted Ivy's fw. Anqi, wake up! Anqi, tell me, is Xize even more handsome in person?!"
"Anqi, let go of Xize. Xize belongs to the heartthrob. If you can't find a boyfriend, you can find me!"
"Anqi, does your household need a robot? One that went to college and can speak human language?!"
"What did Xize do to you?! Anqi, you used to be so serious, and now you're suddenly adorable. I'm not used to it, what do I do?!"
"Anqi, sorry, but before praising you, let me @ the heartthrob. Did he approve of you praising Xize?"
"Xize belongs to the heartthrob. Anqi is mine, don't steal him!!"
...
Anquiro: ".................."
That night, Anquiro found himself on the real-time news headlines.
"Anquiro praises Xize, fans respond 'Anqi is adorable!'"
Anquiro: ".................."