Hidden Affection - Chapter 05

Shen Yizhi told her that when Lin Shao sees her again, he will be polite.

Looking back now, it was not just politeness, but downright humility.

It’s unclear how Shen Yizhi managed to persuade this top gold medal agent in the industry to apologize to her.

Ning Zhi returned to the room.

The crew arranged a high-end single room for her, and Jiang Peng upgraded it to a suite on her behalf.

She was going to stay here for two months, so it was quite necessary for the environment to be a bit more comfortable.

The room was fully equipped with various facilities. Ning Zhi opened the wardrobe, and her assistant had already organized her luggage. The wardrobe was filled with her casual clothes, and other daily necessities were all placed in their respective spots. The suite now had many elements reflecting her personal style.

She took out a bathrobe, took a shower first, then made herself a cup of coffee. Holding the script, she flipped to the scene that was scheduled to be filmed tomorrow.

After seeing the filming site in person, many scenes from the script had physical forms that appeared vividly in her mind.

…

…

She followed the positioning instructions given by Meilan during the day, imagined the camera’s location, and began rehearsing the scene in her mind.

However, even though she was very focused, after running through the scene once, Ning Zhi still couldn’t fully immerse herself.

Both Meilan and Shen Yizhi had mentioned that for someone like her with little acting foundation, the best way to perform well was to fully embody the character. But no matter how much she tried to convince herself that she was Chi Sheng, a trace of Ning Zhi’s own consciousness always lingered deep inside.

Moreover, whenever she thought about acting opposite Shen Yizhi, Ning Zhi’s own awareness became especially strong.

She even found it hard to imagine Shen Yizhi stepping into Ruan Yinmeng’s role, let alone picture them being so intimate, sharing such deep affection.

The night before filming was about to start, Ning Zhi suffered from insomnia. After finally falling asleep, she dreamed that because she couldn’t act well no matter what, Mei Lan ruthlessly kicked her out of the crew. Shen Yizhi watched coldly, not only refusing to speak up for her but also telling Mei Lan to quickly find a new actor, someone with good acting skills this time.

She didn’t feel much about being kicked out by Mei Lan, but when she heard what Shen Yizhi said, Ning Zhi suddenly got angry. However, before she could argue with Shen Yizhi, the dream ended.

Her phone kept ringing nonstop. She endured the headache and reached out to grab the phone—it was the alarm she had set herself.

Ning Zhi let out a long sigh and quickly got out of bed.

Yang Yang had already bought breakfast and was waiting outside the bedroom.

When Ning Zhi came out and saw the scallion pancake, her eyes lit up. She was about to pick it up but then hesitated and put it down, looking at Yang Yang with a hint of sorrow: « I have to shoot ** with Shen Yizhi today. »

Shooting **, how can I eat food with a strong smell?

Yangyang, however, was slow to understand her meaning. After thinking for a moment, he slowly blinked and said, « So… congratulations? »

Ning Zhi couldn’t hold back and laughed. Her narrow eyes curved like a new crescent moon, but the next second, she remembered Shen Yizhi’s ruthlessness and betrayal in her dream, and her smile instantly vanished completely.

She picked up the millet porridge and took a couple of sips in frustration before heading to the set.

The crew gave her the full treatment befitting a top-tier star, arranging a private makeup room for her, along with a dedicated stylist and an assistant who followed the team, the same treatment as the ultra A-list celebrity Shen Yizhi.

The makeup artist was a woman in her thirties who had worked with many crews and was quite perceptive. She had heard that Ning Zhi had a rather proud personality and didn’t communicate much with others, but her temper was good and she wouldn’t cause trouble.

She quietly and quickly did Ning Zhi’s hair and makeup without striking up any conversation.

But after finishing, she couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration, “Director Mei really knows how to pick actors. A Zhi is more than capable of playing a seventeen-year-old, and she wouldn’t be out of place playing a middle school student.”

Ning Zhi changed into the summer school uniform: a white polo shirt with a blue collar, buttoned all the way to the top. Her skin was rosy and flawless, with not a single blemish in sight. Her hair was styled neatly, clean and elegant, radiating youthful vitality.

Hearing that the makeup artist was complimenting her, Ning Zhi politely said thank you.

She walked out of the makeup room to find Director Mei and saw Shen Yizhi sitting next to him.

Shen Yizhi is the opposite of her; she plays Chi Sheng, who is three years younger than her actual age, while Shen Yizhi plays Ruan Yinmeng, who is three years older than her actual age.

Shen Yizhi is twenty-eight years old this year, while Ruan Yinmeng is thirty-one.

When Ning Zhi was contemplating the character Chi Sheng, she also envisioned the image of Ruan Yinmeng.

She felt that the most important aspects of Ruan Yinmeng were the worldliness, charm, and helplessness she carried. The first two are masks Ruan Yinmeng wears in the pleasure quarters; after wearing them for so long, she can no longer take them off. The latter, however, is the helplessness etched into Ruan Yinmeng’s very bones—she struggles but cannot escape this devouring quagmire.

However, this is only her superficial understanding; Shen Yizhi’s perspective and depth of understanding may not be the same as hers.

At this moment, Shen Yizhi had already finished her makeup, her long hair draped over her shoulders with the ends slightly curled. She wore a light blue long dress, cinched tightly at the waist, outlining her slender and soft figure.

Ning Zhi’s gaze moved upward, landing on Shen Yizhi’s face. The makeup was light, not heavy or provocatively glamorous, which made Ning Zhi wonder: could it be that without relying on makeup, she was depending entirely on her acting skills to convey that deeply seductive charm?

Meilan was the first to see her and waved at her: « Come, say hello. You two don’t know each other yet, right? Get acquainted first. »

Following her words, Shen Yizhi also looked up in that direction.

She looked calm and nodded slightly at Ning Zhi, as if politely greeting a stranger.

Ning Zhi sneered inwardly; the act was convincing, indeed like strangers, but it was only because they just barely had the relationship to get a marriage certificate.

She walked over and gave Shen Yizhi a forced smile, saying, « Hello, Teacher Shen, my name is Ning Zhi. Nice to meet you, please take care of me. »

Shen Yizhi seemed unaware of the sarcasm in her words and replied gently, « Let’s listen to Director Mei talk about the play together. »

Dressed so well, truly deserving of being the best actress. Ning Zhi’s mockery deepened.

Meilan is usually casual, but when she works, she becomes very serious. She first went through the scene once, then picked out several parts that needed special attention, and broke them down, explaining each shot in detail.

This scene lasts a little over six minutes in total. Today, we’ll just work on this one scene, and we definitely need to shoot until we’re satisfied.

« Your emotions must be spot on, » Mei Lan said, looking at Ning Zhi.

Ning Zhi felt the weight of her gaze falling heavily on her, creating a strong sense of pressure. Her heart tightened involuntarily, and she nodded to show she understood.

The props team was ready and gave them an OK gesture.

Mei Lan stood up and asked, « Any more questions? »

Her gaze fell on Ning Zhi.

Ning Zhi quickly reviewed everything in his mind, making sure there was nothing unclear, then said, « No. »

Good, everyone take your positions!

Each group took their positions, the camera was brought in, bystanders cleared out, Mei Lan stood behind the monitor, directing the positioning, and Shen Yizhi also stood up and walked to the designated spot.

This was Ning Zhi’s very first shot in her first film ever.

She took two deep breaths, psyching herself up.

With a « clap, » the script supervisor clapped the slate.

In that very moment, she felt Shen Yizhi’s aura change.

It was as if she had become a different person. Her hand rested on the doorframe, her body clearly upright, yet she seemed as supple as the willow branches in mid-spring, tender and swaying gently, as if caressed by the spring breeze.

This was not Shen Yizhi; this was Ruan Yinmeng.

The door clicked shut behind her with a muffled sound.

Ning Zhi was instantly brought into the scene depicted by the script. She unconsciously swallowed, then hurriedly followed the script, her eyes scanning the room.

A clear space had already been arranged in the room, with an easel set up. The window was open, and the soft white curtain was pulled to one side, gently fluttering in the breeze.

The entire scene was bathed in pale sunlight, as delicate and light as an ink wash painting. Only Shen Yizhi, wearing a blue dress, stood out vividly in the frame. But upon closer look, the blue seemed to dissolve and flow into the pale beam of light.

Shen Yizhi closed the door and walked up to her. Crossing her arms over her chest, her gaze swept slowly over Ning Zhi—not exactly warm—and then the corners of her lips curled slightly, half teasing as she asked, « Do you want me to stand there completely still for you to paint? »

« No need. » Ning Zhi spoke her line and took two steps to the easel.

« Stop! » Mei Lan interrupted.

That abrupt shout instantly shattered the atmosphere of the play.

Mei Lan walked over,

Ning Zhi hadn’t realized where things went wrong, but she had a feeling it was because she didn’t perform well.

Shen Yizhi behind took two steps forward and gathered beside Meilan.

« Ning Zhi, your emotions are off here, you’re too nervous. » Meilan’s expression darkened slightly.

Ning Zhi said, « Sorry. »

She caught a glimpse of Shen Yizhi beside her out of the corner of her eye but didn’t clearly see his expression.

She didn’t want to embarrass herself in front of Shen Yizhi, but she had no way to act well.

Seeing her sincere attitude in admitting her mistake and considering it was her first time filming a movie, Meilan’s expression softened. She looked at her and advised, « Chi Sheng wouldn’t be this nervous. She is at the peak of her youth, the proudest moment of her adolescence. While other students are still anxiously preparing for the college entrance exam, she had already been admitted early to her dream school. She is a role model among her peers, a pride to her family, the ‘other family’s child’ that other parents talk about. Riding high on success, she is eager to see all the flowers of Chang’an in a single day. At this time, if someone appears who piques her curiosity and whom she instinctively wants to get close to, she might be a little nervous, but how could she not dare to approach? What you just showed was clearly avoidance; you didn’t even dare to look her in the eye. »

Meilan smiled as she said, « The vigor of youth and the first stirrings of a young girl’s heart—try to combine these two. »

She broke down the character and analyzed it thoroughly for Ning Zhi.

The emotions in this film are extremely delicate, greatly testing the actors’ expressions, eyes, and even their breathing. Every frame has a crucial impact on the emotions and the storyline.

Meilan gave Ning Zhi a few minutes to adjust.

On the second take, Ning Zhi took a deep breath. She glanced at Shen Yizhi, who remained calm. Noticing her look, Shen Yizhi showed no emotional fluctuation. When the clapperboard was struck, she immediately got into character, fully professional.

The second time, Ning Zhi still messed up the performance. She tried her best to act according to the feeling Meilan described, but it still didn’t feel right.

« You are going to the neighbor’s house to paint a portrait, not Tang Seng entering the Spider Cave. Why are you so tense? » Mei Lan frowned.

The third time.

The fourth time.

The fifth time.

None of the takes were good, and Ning Zhi even felt herself becoming increasingly restless and unable to get into character, while Mei Lan’s tone of voice gradually grew heavier.

By the tenth failed take, Mei Lan’s expression had completely darkened.

She waved her hand, signaling a break, then glanced at Ning Zhi and casually said, « Think it over carefully yourself, and we’ll continue later. »

Such a casually spoken sentence, tinged with slight weariness, was even more disheartening than the harsh reprimand earlier, as if she could no longer bear being taught.

The area was filled with crew members, and a few were sneaking glances at her.

Ning Zhi was used to smooth sailing and had received plenty of flattery over the past year. Being so mercilessly humiliated in front of such a large audience left her somewhat unable to save face.

She saw a prop chair by the white curtains, its back carved with floral patterns, beautifully vintage.

Ning Zhi quietly walked over and sat down, reflecting alone on where the problems lay in the several failed performances just now.

Just at that moment, Shen Yizhi came over.

It didn’t matter in front of whom she lost face, but in front of Shen Yizhi, Ning Zhi absolutely refused to show even the slightest hint of frustration or weakness.

Her low spirits instantly receded; she relaxed her brows and eyes, her lips unconsciously pursed slightly, wrapping herself tightly in an indifferent facade as she watched Shen Yizhi approach.

Before she could speak, Shen Yizhi smiled first. She nodded, seemingly in approval: « Hmm, this expression is actually a bit more vivid now. »

Ning Zhi was momentarily stunned before realizing that she was mocking the stiff expression she had while acting just now.

—–

The author has something to say:

Promise me, can you come a little earlier at ten o’clock tomorrow night?

Thanks to Ten Jin Little Lobster and Rocket Cannon of No Remaining Life

Thank you for the grenades and landmines of « Have You Seen the Starry Sky, » and the grenades and landmines of the parasitic spirit beasts

Thank you for today’s topics: climbing trees, panting with a bloated belly, Ling Pao Jun, A Shu’s girlfriend fans, strange names, Si Tian’s Shi Yi, smiling from ear to ear, how much sunlight in three inches, and whether Boss Chu stir-fried Qin Cheng today.

the Complete book is translated over on my Patreon