Chapter 26: Let Me Demonstrate

At two in the afternoon, sunlight streamed through the glass panels at the top of the studio, casting a languid warmth over everyone below.

The crew members sat in groups on folding chairs to rest, while the prop master checked the set pieces for the afternoon shoot. A rare, relaxed atmosphere permeated the entire set.

"The morning shoot went very smoothly, Old Jiang," Zhang Ming said, handing over an iced Americano.

"Remember to use formal titles on set, Deputy Director Zhang!"

Zhang Ming, who had been stooped and heavy-eyed, suddenly seemed injected with a shot of adrenaline. His exhausted body straightened instantly, his back rigid. His mouth tugged upward uncontrollably, and he broke into a silly, doting grin, revealing a mouthful of white teeth. "Ah! Yes! Understood, Director Jiang!"

He had been entrusted with a heavy responsibility by Jiang Ye, holding the title of Deputy Director! He was second in command on the set! When he first heard the news, he had been so excited he almost knelt down to call him "daddy."

Jiang Ye also placed great importance on him—moving equipment, coordinating extras, carrying the director's bag, buying coffee... He basically handled all the odd jobs, and without a salary, to boot.

"At this rate, if we finish three more shots, we can wrap up early today."

Jiang Ye took the coffee and sipped it. The bitter liquid slid down his throat, clearing the fog in his brain caused by continuous work. He scanned the shooting schedule, his gaze lingering on the final scene of the afternoon: the pivotal moment where the Crown Princess pins the Crown Prince against a wall for a forceful kiss.

"Have Meng Ziyi and Ou Hao get ready. We’ll start Scene 27 in twenty minutes." Jiang Ye gestured toward the makeup room with his chin.

Deputy Director Zhang nodded and turned to notify the actors. Jiang Ye walked over to the monitor to pull up the morning's footage for a review. The morning scenes had indeed gone smoothly; Meng Ziyi played the Crown Princess with just the right amount of naivety, and Ou Hao played the Crown Prince with the perfect touch of roguishness. Their chemistry was electric, and almost every take was a success on the first try.

"I hope the afternoon goes just as smoothly."

Twenty minutes later, all staff were in position. The set was an antique-style study. Meng Ziyi was dressed in a red palace gown embroidered with gold peonies, the hem of her skirt trailing on the floor like flames. Her willow-leaf brows and almond eyes were accented with orange-red eyeshadow, and a delicate floral decal adorned her forehead. Her bright red lipstick made her skin look like snow. However, her expression was unusually complex, as if she were troubled by something.

Ou Hao wore a moon-white robe, and the two stood quietly waiting for the start. The scene was picturesque.

"Scene 35, Take One. Action!" The clapperboard clicked, and the script supervisor quickly stepped aside.

On camera, Meng Ziyi marched toward Ou Hao with an aggressive aura. According to the script, she was supposed to shove Ou Hao against the bookshelf and kiss him forcefully. However, the moment her lips were about to touch his, Meng Ziyi suddenly turned her head away.

"Cut!" Jiang Ye frowned. "Meng Ziyi, what’s wrong?"

Meng Ziyi smoothed her hair, looking a bit embarrassed. "Sorry, Director. I... I think my hair got caught on Ou Hao's collar. Let's do it again."

Jiang Ye nodded. "Alright, again. Scene 35, Take Two. Action!"

This time, Meng Ziyi successfully pushed Ou Hao against the bookshelf, but as she leaned in, Ou Hao’s body clearly stiffened, his eyes darting around.

"Cut! Ou Hao, why are you dodging? The Crown Prince should be surprised but not resistant in this moment. You look like you’ve seen a ghost." Jiang Ye couldn't help but stand up from behind the monitor.

Ou Hao rubbed the back of his head. "Sorry, Director. Let me adjust."

Over the next hour, the scene was shot twelve times, and each time there was a different problem. Either Meng Ziyi would get cold feet at the last second, or Ou Hao’s reaction felt unnatural. The atmosphere on set gradually shifted from relaxed to heavy, and the staff began to whisper among themselves.

"Take Thirteen, Cut!" Jiang Ye finally couldn't hold back his frustration. "What is going on with you two? Didn't you have great chemistry this morning?"

Meng Ziyi and Ou Hao stood in the center of the set, both heads bowed in silence. Meng Ziyi’s cheeks were flushed, her fingers nervously twisting her sleeves. Ou Hao stared at the floor as if there were something fascinating there.

"Speak up, what is the problem?" Jiang Ye walked over to them, his voice laced with suppressed anger.

"I... I just feel a bit..." Meng Ziyi stammered.

"Director, this scene is too sudden. We might need more time to prepare..." Ou Hao tried to explain.

Jiang Ye took a deep breath, struggling to keep his temper in check. "Ou Hao, you are a professional actor. It’s just a kiss scene, what is there to prepare? Meng Ziyi, didn't you play the overbearing Crown Princess perfectly this morning? How can you not even film a simple kiss now?"

The set was silent; everyone held their breath. Jiang Ye rubbed his temples and suddenly made a decision.

"Fine. I’ll demonstrate it for you." He turned to Ou Hao. "You, come over and watch."

Ou Hao seemed relieved and quickly stepped aside. Jiang Ye walked to the bookshelf, leaning his back against the wood, his hands hanging naturally at his sides.

"Meng Ziyi, just like you did to Ou Hao, treat me as the Crown Prince. I’ll teach you how to act this."

Meng Ziyi’s eyes widened slightly. "R-right now?"

"Right now," Jiang Ye said, his tone brook no argument. "Let’s see where the problem is."

Meng Ziyi bit her lower lip and walked slowly toward Jiang Ye. The entire set focused their eyes on the two of them, and a strange tension filled the air. When Meng Ziyi stood before Jiang Ye, her eyelashes cast tiny shadows under the lights. Her lipstick had faded somewhat from the previous takes, revealing her natural, soft pink lips.

"Remember, the Crown Princess is determined to have the Crown Prince at this moment," Jiang Ye instructed in a low voice. "Your movements should be forceful and decisive. Do not hesitate."

Meng Ziyi nodded. Suddenly, she reached out and pressed her hands against the shelf on either side of Jiang Ye’s head, trapping him between her and the wood. Jiang Ye could smell the faint fragrance from her hair. As her warm breath brushed against his chin, he could see her Adam's apple move slightly. Her eyes were rimmed with red; despite maintaining this domineering posture, her fingertips were trembling slightly against the fabric.

He understood this awkwardness all too well. It was a newcomer's first time filming a kiss; they were so nervous they practically wanted to use a ruler to measure the distance for a camera trick.

"You don't have to be too nervous for your first time. When kissing, you can..."

Unexpectedly, Meng Ziyi didn't hesitate at all. She leaned forward and kissed Jiang Ye right on his babbling lips.

The kiss came suddenly, yet it was not rough. Jiang Ye could feel her heartbeat through their pressed bodies—fast and powerful. Time seemed to stand still in that moment. Jiang Ye had only intended to demonstrate, never expecting Meng Ziyi to be so invested.

When Meng Ziyi finally pulled back, her cheeks were flushed, but her eyes were exceptionally clear. "Just like this, Director. Correct?"

This... could she not have let him finish his sentence?