In any genre of film, intimate scenes can elevate the storyline, often becoming major selling points. Some companies even specifically extract them during post-production to use as promotional gimmicks.
The emotional connection between Zhou Zhi and her character in the movie involves a close scene with Chen Shuyuan, who plays the eldest senior brother. The set was cleared, with only Wang Fu and the cameraman staying.
Though Chen Shuyuan had been in the industry for a few years, he had only played tough, war-movie roles and had never had intimate physical contact with an actress. He had never been in a relationship and didn't understand the subtle approach to the scene, so he had to ask Feng Hao for advice.
"Relax, just act naturally and aim to get it in one take," Feng Hao said.
Chen Shuyuan clenched his jaw, "I also hope to get it in one take."
Feng Hao patted his shoulder, feeling a bit down himself. It was inevitable to encounter such scenes in acting. He'd been through similar situations, where kissing scenes were often filmed using substitutes, but Wang Fu was a weirdo, insisting on real physical contact, mouth-to-mouth, and even wanting full emotional involvement. No faking allowed.
In this film, Zhou Zhi's emotional scenes with Chen Shuyuan were more than his own with Chen Jia.
Chen Shuyuan, with his sharp features, rubbed his palm on his knee. "This is my first time working with Zhi."
Feng Hao, distracted by his phone, muttered, "Mine too."
Meaning, he couldn't help him.
Chen Shuyuan went over his lines repeatedly, nervously brushing his teeth, chewing gum, and doing push-ups. When Zhou Zhi came over after makeup, he was drinking red wine, half a bottle already gone.
"Shuyuan, why are you drinking so much?"
"To relax," Chen Shuyuan replied gently. "Zhi, if I do anything, please don't get angry."
Zhou Zhi froze for a moment. "Well, it depends on what you do."
Chen Shuyuan gave an awkward smile. "...Right."
He finished the rest of the wine and went to change into his costume.
Zhou Zhi stood by the wall, quietly rehearsing her lines, when suddenly she was startled by footsteps behind her. She turned to see a man leaning against the wall. They made eye contact from across several chairs.
Yu Ze squinted, playing the role of a patient hunter, giving his prey enough time to drop their guard, allowing him to get closer.
"We're about to start!" Wang Fu turned to Yu Ze, who hadn't moved. "Mr. Yu, we're about to start."
Yu Ze, not intending to leave, took out a cigarette. "What's the scale? Is it too much for a fantasy film?"
"No, it's just a simple hug, a quick kiss," Wang Fu replied. "They are both professionals. Don't worry."
Yu Ze's hand froze as he was about to light the cigarette. His gaze suddenly darkened. "No substitutes?"
Wang Fu wasn't concerned. He put on his hat. "In my crew, we don't use substitutes."
Chen Jia opened the door, half her makeup done. "Cousin, didn't you say you had an important meeting this afternoon?"
Yu Ze didn't turn around, unbuttoning his shirt, his face dark. "Not in a hurry."
Chen Jia rolled her eyes. "Oh, not in a hurry now?"
At the sound of the scene marker, Zhou Zhi stood in front of a blue backdrop. Several wind machines started up, her blue costume and black hair flowing in the air, looking as if she were on a mountain cliff.
Chen Shuyuan, attached to a wire, flew over, wrapping his arm around her from behind. Zhou Zhi tilted her head, their faces close together, noses touching. The intimate distance was ambiguous, their necks twisting as if they were entwined—seemingly real.
They had used a substitute after all. Wang Fu frowned. "Do it again."
Yu Ze exhaled a smoke ring, revealing his bright, white teeth in a fake smile. "It looks fine. No need to reshoot."
Wang Fu shuddered, bewildered.
The scene passed in one take. Zhou Zhi breathed a sigh of relief. She was always nervous about such scenes. In her earlier years, like Chen Shuyuan, she had been anxious, brushing her teeth, chewing gum, but now she was a little calmer—though nowhere near as composed as she appeared.
Chen Shuyuan also relaxed. After chatting with Wang Fu, he went to prepare for the next scene. As he left, he felt a cold gaze on him, but when he looked around, it was gone.
Jian Yu brought Zhou Zhi water and tissues, sneaking a glance at the tall figure standing there. His features were deep and sharp, better looking than most male stars. It was such a waste that he wasn't a celebrity.
"Zhi jie, Chen Jia's cousin is so handsome," Jian Yu remarked.
Zhou Zhi didn't respond.
Jian Yu clicked her tongue. "He's even taller than my idol. He's got to be nearly 1.9 meters."
Zhou Zhi said, "Then you should switch."
Jian Yu's eyes widened. She coughed. "Forget it, I'm a one-man type."
"One-man type?" Zhou Zhi took a sip of water, clearing her throat. She had once thought the same, but the reality was that even if you could do it, the other person might not, or even if they did, you might not be able to. The chances of both people managing it were smaller than one would think.
The makeup artist lightly patted some powder on Zhou Zhi's face, stopping at the scar on her left temple. "Zhi jie, why don't you get this scar fixed? It wouldn't be hard if you spent some money."
Zhou Zhi clearly didn't want to continue the topic. "We'll talk about it later."
The makeup artist noticed the awkward atmosphere and awkwardly changed the subject.
But Jian Yu, lacking some social awareness, asked a question everyone wanted to know. "Zhi jie, did they ever find out who the owner of the car that caused the accident was?"
The makeup artist secretly listened, thinking she might overhear some big news, but all she heard was Zhou Zhi's blunt evasion. "I don't remember."
Worried her assistant would ask more questions, Zhou Zhi pressed her hand down. "Jian Yu, aren't you writing a new book?"
"Yes, the response has been better than expected."
Seeing a man approaching, Jian Yu quickly wiped the infatuated look off her face and politely greeted him. "Mr. Yu, hello."
Her eyes quickly scanned the two of them, Zhou Zhi and Yu Ze, then she turned her eyes and left without any excuse. The makeup artist followed her out.
Suddenly, Yu Ze reached out and brushed the hair from Zhou Zhi's forehead, exposing the scar to his gaze.
Unexpectedly, Zhou Zhi's face remained calm, but her fingers trembled slightly.
Yu Ze softly asked, "Does it hurt?"
Zhou Zhi frowned and subtly avoided the question. "Mr. Yu, we don't seem to be that familiar."
"We'll become familiar soon." Yu Ze rolled up his sleeve to check his watch. "Miss Zhou, what time do you finish tonight? Let's have dinner together."
Zhou Zhi looked at him curiously. "Are you asking me out?"
Yu Ze smiled faintly. "Yes."