Caught in Affairs with Superstar

Chapter 274: Chapter 236: Rising Phase: 72

Zhou Yun asked Zhou Lan if she could take a few days off in August.

Zhou Lan said, ”At most three days.”

Zhou Yun relayed the information to Song Chi.

Song Chi agreed and decided to arrange it during those three days.

After knowing the reason, Zhou Lan regretted, ”You should have told me earlier. If I had known it was Song Chi asking for your time, I would have coordinated and arranged for a few more days off.”

Zhou Yun gave a sideways glance and said, ”And then you’d wear me out like a mule on the other days, right?”

Zhou Lan laughed.

Recently, the filming of ”Dingfengbo” was running smoothly, without any problems. Zhou Yun’s shooting was becoming increasingly smooth; on set, she was fully immersed in her character, dating Li Ci and having a love-hate relationship with Xu Siyao.

Actually, Zhou Yun really wanted to cut out the romance scenes completely. But that was impossible; a workplace drama simply couldn’t survive without a romantic subplot.

Zhou Yun could only try to make the romantic scenes appear more natural, not so much like an idol drama.

This idea was shared by Director Cong. The workplace scenes were turning out to be even more spectacular than planned, and turning the romantic subplot into an idol drama would affect the overall quality of the show.

But there were some issues with Li Ci. He was used to acting in idol dramas, both his gaze and expressions did not fit the overall tone of the show.

Director Cong could only pull Li Ci aside to discuss the script. Once or twice, Li Ci was still cooperative, but after that, Director Cong had to call ”cut” after each scene and discuss the acting with him. Probably feeling embarrassed, Li Ci became very impatient and visibly upset. Director Cong, being a clever director, didn’t wait for the producer to intervene and lowered his own expectations.

Having struggled in the industry for a long time, one either becomes a thorn or a slick operator; a thorn has the confidence of a thorn, and a slick operator has the skills of one. The worst are those who want to talk about reason and principles, because reason and principles mean troubling others and oneself.

Zhou Yun witnessed all this and felt sorry for Director Cong.

But she couldn’t say anything.

When it comes to the power structure of ”Dingfengbo”, Li Ci definitely ranks above Director Cong. Without Li Ci, ”Dingfengbo” wouldn’t have received the level of investment and resources it had.

People often ask, knowing those traffic celebrities can’t act, why do you still hire them?

Because without them, it’s impossible to even assemble a cast. Everyone needs to make money; no investor would finance a show for the sake of a good cinematographer, and few TV directors get investment on the strength of their own fame.

Zhou Yun and Li Ci’s performances were like two people in parallel universes. Li Ci couldn’t make his affection for a woman seem real and credible; it was all formulaic, and Zhou Yun, not willing to compromise, responded with the same method. The result was that each performed their own way, without any interaction.

In contrast, the scenes between Zhou Yun and Xu Siyao were always sparkling. Whether it was the earlier competition, the subsequent love-hate relationship, or later on, their reconciliation.

Director Cong had been worried before, fearing that their private relationship would affect the performance.

However, both were natural-born actors. Once in character, they left personal emotions behind; their exchanges held real friendship, a kindred spirit’s consideration and understanding.

The entire crew was stunned by their performances.

The assistant director whispered to Director Cong in awe, ”These two, they’re going places.”

It was only then that many in the crew remembered how He Yong had gotten to where he was today—it was all due to his unique vision.

His vision helped him discover one superstar after another. Those he took notice of all became famous.

Undeniably, whether it was Zhou Yun or Xu Siyao, both were spotted and signed by He Yong.

Xu Siyao hugged Zhou Yun, her eyes reddened but without melodramatic tears, moisture shimmering in her gaze.

She said, ”I really hated you before.”

Zhou Yun wiped the dust from Xu Siyao’s cheek, her eyes reddening as she smiled, ”You think I didn’t?”

Li Ci stood about two meters behind them, hands in his pockets, looking cool.

But at this moment, everyone’s attention was captured by the two women, and he was merely a beautiful backdrop.

Director Cong thought, when this film is released, the real eye-catchers will not be the male and female leads, but the female lead and the supporting actress.

How much longer can Li Ci stay popular?

No one knows the answer. It is not true to say that Li Ci is not dedicated, but he has too many bad habits that have become ingrained. Without changing these, his future path will be limited.

Director Cong sighed inwardly.

”Cut.”

He shouted.

Zhou Yun and Xu Siyao were standing behind him, watching the scene they just filmed. They glanced at each other inadvertently, eye contact was made and quickly withdrawn. Their real-life relationship could not be eased.

”It’s a wrap,” said Director Cong.

The set erupted in cheers.

The assistant director shouted through a megaphone, ”Zhou Yun and Xu Siyao have finished shooting their scenes.”

Someone brought over flowers that had been prepared earlier, a bouquet for each.

Zhou Yun and Xu Siyao each held their flowers, each filled with their own emotions.

When Zhou Yun first joined the cast, she faced skepticism from netizens, told she could only get roles in low-budget movies by novice directors, while Xu Siyao had just finished airing season two of ”Eighth Heartbeat”, at a small peak in her popularity, and had recently walked the red carpet with Li Ci, which greatly boosted her fame.

At the end of shooting, Zhou Yun was waiting to walk the red carpet in September, while Xu Siyao had just experienced a full-scale online attack.

The situation had reversed, with ups and downs.

Chengqian’s own production, his set up, wouldn’t be as drastically fluctuating with highs and lows as outside, but everyone was aware of the undercurrents.

Everyone gathered for a group photo.

Having experienced several wrap-ups, Zhou Yun no longer felt so sentimental easily. She did feel some melancholy about parting, but she kept it deep inside, no longer showing it outwardly.

Before she left, she hugged Director Cong and said, ”Thank you, Director Cong, for your guidance during this time. I’ve learned a lot and hope you will consider me for future projects.”

Director Cong, feeling emotional, replied, ”If I don’t have a good script, I can’t afford to hire you.”

Zhou Yun smiled and said, ”A bad script doesn’t deserve your direction.”

Carrying the flowers, she got into the car and left the set.

Zhou Yun relaxed and said, ”Xiaoju, let’s go for a massage.”

Zheng Xiaojue nodded, agreeing.

Zhou Yun stretched lazily.

She looked out the car window at the sky, which was clear and bright with the fierce sun.

She was glad to leave the set at the hottest time, otherwise it would have been like a steam box, a torrid ordeal.

Zhou Lan sent Zhou Yun a message; the film ”Heart Inquiry” was ready for dubbing and he was asking her availability.

Zhou Yun asked Zhou Lan to schedule it, knowing it wouldn’t be today anyway. She and Zheng Xiaojue had arranged for a masseuse to come over. Halfway through, Zhou Yun had already comfortably fallen asleep.