Chapter 402: Heard You Got Shelved (7)

The character he plays in this xianxia drama is a noble and aloof immortal, someone to be admired from afar but never approached, exuding a coldness that draws people in despite the distance.

In contrast to his shy and gentle demeanor off-set, he seemed like a different person when acting.

During the first scene, he only needed three takes before nailing it.

The director’s face was openly filled with admiration.

After all, the impact of Immortal Qingsu’s first appearance, meant to be a deeply moving moment, was no small challenge to portray.

Although the director knew this newcomer had also gotten the role through connections, he was different from a certain other female actress.

His acting skills were leagues ahead.

With this thought, the director’s previously dark mood lightened a bit.

However, something seemed off with Zhang Hao during the third scene.

He kept needing retakes, which was unusual for him.

Normally, the director would have been more understanding, but with Yu Jingchen on set, the stark contrast was impossible to ignore.

On one hand, there was a relatively unknown newcomer who had just entered the industry; on the other, a popular actor with years of experience.

The difference was clear.

The director’s temper flared, and his tone became harsher.

Zhang Hao’s assistant, trying to smooth things over, said with a forced smile, “Director Wang, the weather’s been a bit hot, and Zhang Hao’s been under the weather lately. Please don’t take it to heart.”

Director Wang wasn’t unreasonable.

The weather was indeed sweltering, so he said to everyone, “Let’s take a short break.”

Just as everyone was about to rest, a few people carried in a box of iced drinks. One of them said, “Director Wang, our sister Xiaoxing is treating everyone today. She hopes you’ll continue to take care of her during the shoot.”

Director Wang, already feeling parched, found his dissatisfaction with Tang Xiaoxing fading as he eyed the refreshments.

His expression softened a bit. “Well, thank you, Xiaoxing.”

Shen Mubai had sent the drinks after noticing that the male lead’s assistant seemed rather inattentive.

Yu Jingchen was sweating heavily, yet the assistant didn’t bother fetching a fan or a bottle of water, instead hiding in a corner playing on their phone.

Taking advantage of the break, she grabbed a bottle of iced water and walked over to Yu Jingchen.

He was wiping his sweat when he saw her and froze for a moment before smiling shyly.

Shen Mubai stopped in front of him, handed him the water, and said, “Your acting is pretty good. Have a drink.”

Yu Jingchen smiled bashfully, his beautiful eyes filled with curiosity and a bit of shyness.

His voice was pleasant, like jade falling into an icy spring, “Thank you.”

Shen Mubai propped her chin on her hand, watching him.

The more she looked at him, the more she felt that this pure and shy male lead was like a breath of fresh air in the entertainment industry.

“My name is Tang Xiaoxing. I’m playing the second female lead.”

Yu Jingchen’s cheeks turned slightly red, as if he wasn’t quite used to talking with strangers.

“Senior, please guide me in the future during filming.”

If anyone else were present, they might have burst out laughing.

Everyone knew that Tang Xiaoxing’s acting was among the worst in the industry, and even a newcomer could outshine her.

But Shen Mubai didn’t think he was joking.

His modest and sincere tone made her feel a genuine fondness for him.

She smiled and said, “My acting isn’t great, so I’ll be counting on you.”

Yu Jingchen stared at her face, momentarily stunned, before his blush deepened.

He stammered, “Senior, you’re joking.”