Chapter 25: Chapter 25 Start of Filming
Director Chen cleared his throat, stopping the actors from continuing.
「This is my matter. Let me deal with it, Director Chen.」
Yan Wen smiled warmly and turned to them. 「I'm sorry for affecting everyone's work progress. Please accept my sincere apologies.」
Her attitude could not be faulted. Everyone had seen the news online. Even though the matter had not been fully settled, Yan Wen's reputation had taken a serious hit and the fact that she was willing to take full responsibility was evidence of her good character.
The few actors had received a pay off from Jiang Lingyun to put Yan Wen in a difficult situation.
They immediately retorted. 「Sorry doesn't solve anything. Don't you know that several investors pulled out because of the damaging reports? It's only because Lingyun that President Fung is still investing in us.」
Director Chen and the assistant directors looked uncomfortable but what the actors said was true,
The whole production was dependent on the support that Jianbg Lingyun garnered. If there were no other investors, the production would have to be cut short and the quality of the finished product would suffer.
「So if I were you, I'd quit and stop creating problems for the director! What a jinx.」
Yan Wen had no room to retreat. Under these circumstances, arguing back would be like digging her own grave so she chose another option. Her smile became warmer and she looked pointedly at the speaker. 「According to you, if I can secure investments, then I am qualified to act?」
「Right... If you—」
「I never thought that consummate actors like yourselves would ever say such things. While I agree that investments are important, does it mean that anyone with money can just become an actor? Be careful about what you say.」 Said Yan Wen.
Everyone was silent for a while.
Those actors were unable to respond and looked mutinous.
The clapping started from the corners of the room but soon everyone apart from the select few were applauding Yan Wen's words.
「It's okay if everyone has doubts about me. Filming starts tomorrow. I'm willing to use my acting skills to show that I have the ability to be here.」 Yan Wen said confidently.
「If we tell you you can't act, will you go away?」 The actor would not let go of the issue. If Yan Wen did stay with the production team, she would take her revenge on them.
「Sure.」 Yan Wen turned the conversation around. 「But if my acting is not a problem, I want you to apologize to me in front of everybody.」
This was Yan Wen's strength. To face her doubters with confidence.
「Okay, that's settled then!」 The actors gave each other a look and left in a hurry.
Walking towards Director Chen, Yan Wen said, 「I was too impulsive...」
「No, compared to when I last saw you three years ago, you've matured. I look forward to your performance. It's getting late, see you tomorrow morning. We start at eight!��
Yan Wen shared a look with Xia and walked towards the hotel, script in hand. She was going to take every scene seriously and not do anything rash because of others' doubts.
The next morning, Xia was unable to find Yan Wen's dress. 「I definitely left it here yesterday!」
Entering the make-up room, Yan Wen laughed. 「Was it a burglar?」
Xia frowned and ran out. In the trash can along the corridor, she found the priceless JUDI dress.
「Those assholes, I'll hunt them down!」
「Xia.」 Yan Wen grabbed her. 「Forget it, it's not the first time this has happened. It's just a pity about his effort.」
In her eyes, it didn't matter that the dress was a limited edition. It was about the care he had taken to pick it out.
「I'll get someone to see if we can restore it to its former glory.」 Xia left in a hurry. Yan Wen's phone lit up. It was Jiang Sui-an.
「How's work? The weather report says the temperature will drop, take care.」
Yan Wen's mouth turned upwards and she crafted a reply. 「Not great, but I'll even out the odds.」
She put her phone back in her bag and walked to the set.
On the other end of the phone, his dark eyes flashed coldly and he tapped the tabletop.
「Send lunch to the set in Yan Wen's name.」
「Yes, President Jiang.」
He could stay out of her plan but he was not going to abandon her. The least he could do was to let everyone know that Yan Wen was not alone ion this and that someone was protecting her.
.....
Jiang Lingyun finally showed up after Yan Wen was all dressed and done with make-up.
「Sorry, Director. I'm not too well. I just checked out of the hospital.」 She said weakly, her hand on her forehead, looking tired.
Director Chen glanced through the day's schedule. 「You're not scheduled today, you can go back and rest.」
Jiang Lingyun smiled. 「I want to be with everyone. Don't worry about me and please carry on.」 Her assistant helped her to a seat on the side.
Yan Wen did not even look at her. Instead, she sat quietly on a bench and waited for the director's order. The actors saw how calm Yan Wen was and poked fun at her. 「She's not even reading the script. How many mistakes is she going to make?」
「She's probably already prepared to leave the production!」
After Director Chen and the deputy director had a short discussion, Director Chen picked up a loudhailer to announce, 「Let's get ready. First scene, Ziyan enters the mansion.」
He glanced at Yan Wen who was already in position. 「Alright?」
Yan Wen gave an OK gesture calmly. Once the director called action, her expression immediately changed.
In front of the camera, Yan Wen became another person. She wavered between excitement and nervousness, with some shyness thrown in, portraying second lead Ziyan's inner emotions perfectly.
Her head was lowered as she smiled, reaching out to knock on the door. She opened her mouth and took two steps back but stepped up again, pulling her courage together. She was about to knock on the door when it opened with a bang.
She saw the pavilion inside and her surprised face was flawless.
「I'll be living here in the future?」 The look in her eyes expressed her excitement and joy as she strode through the doorway.
The director watched the scene, satisfied. 「Cut! We're moving on!」
As expected, Yan Wen did not disappoint. Her star had not faded in the three years they had not worked together.
The crew on set nodded. Being able to interpret the role with just one walkthrough proved that Yan Wen was an amazing actress. They then filmed two more of Yan Wen's scenes including a long monologue and all were completed in one take.
Her final teary-eyed expression left everyone speechless with admiration.
Once the director yelled 'Cut!', she resumed her peaceable and quiet demeanor. It was indeed a textbook-level performance.
「Was she reading the script earlier?」
「No, I didn't see her bring the script over. Did she remember all those lines? That's amazing!」
「No wonder she's an award-winning grand slam actress. If she hadn't retired, who knows what she'd be worth now!」
Watching her performance nearby, Jiang Lingyun had been so angry that she could not sit still.
Thinking about it, she decided that letting Yan Wen remain in the production could be a good thing. She could take her time to torment her. 「Wait and see, I've got the production cash cow behind me. You're just a clown who can act!」
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