Chapter 3: Using Swordsmanship to Shock Everyone

This was Su Xingmian's first scene since joining the crew, and also one of only two highlight moments for her character in the entire drama. Liang Yin didn't disturb her further, simply keeping her quiet company.

Soon, it was time to shoot.

Accompanied by the music, Su Xingmian danced gracefully.

That red, gauzy dress displayed her exquisite figure to perfection; her soft waist, and the seductive glance she cast when looking back, were utterly captivating.

The director watched with great satisfaction at the monitor.

His productions usually reserved one or two roles for newcomers, but never had anyone handed him a perfect answer sheet like Su Xingmian.

"Liang Yin, you have a good eye this time. She's a promising seedling," Director Liu praised.

"Thanks to Director Liu for giving her the chance. Otherwise, no matter how good the seedling, it won't bloom without seeing the sun. If there are suitable roles in the future, hope Director Liu will continue to guide our Xingmian."

For a capable actor, Director Liu naturally wouldn't refuse, agreeing with a smile.

Soon, the take was wrapped.

Su Xingmian watched herself on the monitor and couldn't help but blush.

She had never danced such a bewitching dance before. During practice at home the past few days, she always felt it was lacking something, but the result on screen turned out quite good.

However, Su Xingmian didn't get complacent.

This was a period drama, her comfort zone. If it were another genre, she wouldn't know what the result would be. She still had a lot to learn.

To avoid more fuss, Su Xingmian stayed at the hotel provided by the crew during filming. She wasn't in a hurry to leave; after removing her makeup, she dragged a small stool and sat behind the monitor.

Here, she got an even more direct sense of Sheng Yuhen's prowess.

Every look and movement of his stemmed from the character's own feelings, with a strong sense of immersion.

At this moment, even dressed identically to Sheng Jue, Su Xingmian would not mistake them for the same person.

But when he stepped out of character and returned to himself, Su Xingmian would still feel a trance.

So, very spinelessly, she ran away first, slipping back to the hotel.

As an unknown eighteenth-tier actress, the room provided by the crew matched her status perfectly—a double room, shared with Liang Yin.

Enduring her agent's watchful gaze, Su Xingmian ate a large bowl of fried sauce noodles, paired with a cup of her favorite milk tea.

Just as Liang Yin couldn't help but reach for a knife, she swiftly stuffed a piece of small cake into her mouth, then looked up with an innocent, pitiful expression.

She didn't usually indulge her appetite; it was just that there was too much delicious food now, and she wanted to try a bit of everything.

"Actresses must maintain their figures. Just this once, no next time."

"Relax, Sister Yin. I exercise a lot every day; I won't get fat."

After saying this, Su Xingmian performed a set of boxing moves for Liang Yin to see.

Wow, such fluid skill—what a waste not to do action scenes!

She would tell Director Liu tomorrow that their Xingmian didn't need a stunt double; she could do it all herself.

Su Xingmian didn't know that just by following her usual habit and exercising for a bit, she had added to her own workload.

She was now comfortably taking a shower. After she came out and blow-dried her hair, she planned to sleep.

In terms of lifestyle, she still aligned with her previous life; as long as there was no work, she liked going to bed early and rising early.

But tonight, perhaps because of the changed bed, Su Xingmian didn't sleep soundly.

For the first time, she dreamed of herself in that world. As a bystander, she watched herself commit suicide in despair, and then saw Sheng Jue arrive against the light, clad in armor, blood dripping even from the tip of his blade.

"Sheng Jue, Sheng Jue, I'm sorry."

In her sleep, Su Xingmian murmured softly, a few clear tears sliding down her cheeks into her hair.

Meanwhile, in the top-floor luxury suite, Sheng Yuhen leaned lazily against the chair back, fingers tapping lightly on the documents on the table, his eyes holding an inscrutable tenderness.

"I'm going to Bailu Temple. Arrange the schedule."

He rapped his knuckles on the table, giving the order.

"President Sheng, your schedule is packed for the next half month. Would half a month later work?"

Zhou Chi asked while checking the itinerary.

Sheng Yuhen nodded.

He had waited three years; half a month was nothing. He could wait.

***

The next day, after Su Xingmian finished her makeup, Director Liu waved her over. Liang Yin, standing beside him, had eyes shining brightly, inexplicably giving Su Xingmian a chill down her back.

"Little Liang says you're good at action scenes and don't need a stunt double. Show me a bit."

Su Xingmian:????

I practiced the boxing last night, and the workload was added this morning. Sister Liang Yin, you're the best.

"Then I'll use a sword."

The character she played in the drama used a sword.

Taking the prop sword handed over by the props team, Su Xingmian smiled her thanks and weighed it in her hand.

Suddenly, the girl pushed off lightly with her toes, soaring into the air. As the sharp sword left its sheath, the blade's light flashed past her eyes. A fierce, murderous aura burst forth, sword shadows sweeping in like the wind.

That light and agile swordplay, sometimes fluttering, sometimes spinning, every move like a spring breeze brushing the face, yet concealing killing intent.

Everyone was stunned by this display. They forgot to blink, forgot to speak, making the lone sound of applause seem abrupt.

"Does Xingsheng's standard for signing newcomers run this high now? Junior Sister's skill is impressive!"

A dark, unreadable light flashed in Sheng Yuhen's eyes, but a shallow smile played on his lips.

"Let Senior Sheng laugh."

Su Xingmian sheathed the sword, a trace of loss in her eyes.

This swordplay was taught to her by Sheng Jue. Call it wishful thinking or delusion, she just wanted to try.

To make herself give up completely.

"You're both amazing!" Director Liu said, squeezing between the two. "Little Su, this sword routine is good. Use it for the fight in a bit."

"Where's the action director? Have him coordinate with Little Su and change the moves for the extras!"

Director Liu was a man of action and a perfectionist. He arranged everything for Su Xingmian clearly.

But the footage shot was indeed stunning, especially the part where she falls heavily wounded—breathtakingly beautiful.

"Mianmian, let's pack up and prepare to leap from the eighteenth tier to the eighth. I dare guarantee that once this drama airs, you'll definitely be famous."

Liang Yin was extremely excited. She had found a treasure; she really had found a treasure!!!

Thus, Su Xingmian finished all her major scenes. The remaining scenes were scattered, so she basically spent most of her day sitting in front of the monitor.

Director Liu cherished her talent and often taught her acting techniques. Other veterans, when they ran into her, would also pass on some experience.

Like this, six days later, Su Xingmian wrapped up filming with a full harvest!

She and Liang Yin packed their luggage into the car in a flurry, just about to leave, when someone stopped them.

"Senior Sheng is still filming. He specifically asked me to deliver this. Teacher Su, congratulations on wrapping."

Zhou Chi shoved the flowers into Su Xingmian's arms, not giving her a chance to refuse, and ran off quickly.

In the car, Liang Yin looked at her artist, then at the flowers in her arms.

Honestly! If Mianmian hadn't been under her nose these past few days, she would suspect something was really going on between them. What did Senior Sheng mean? Calling her Junior Sister one moment, sending flowers the next.

She hadn't seen any other female artist in the company get this treatment.

Suddenly, Liang Yin slapped the steering wheel.

(End of Chapter)