Becoming a Movie Star, System Only Finished Loading After Ten Years

"Is Fan Xuexue really willing to play this role?"

In history, Consort Wan might have been pretty badass, but in the movie "Dragon Gate Armor," she's just a very insignificant minor character.

Qi Hao didn't even care who was playing the part.

As a professional actor, no matter who his co-star is, he can ensure perfect chemistry.

"That's why it's just a guest appearance. If there were more scenes, it wouldn't be called a cameo anymore. She only has two scenes, and they can be filmed at a single location."

Xu Ke was sketching the storyboard on scrap paper.

His storyboards were amazing, and Qi Hao had recently learned a lot.

After all, he was a director who started halfway through his career, so being somewhat lacking in this area was inevitable.

But his drawing skills were awful; no one could understand his sketches but him.

Even though Qi Hao had a photographic memory, artistic talent is either there or it's not.

It's said that he's neck-and-neck with Jiang Wen in this regard.

"You're totally using a cannon to shoot a mosquito; it's really quite boring."

Qi Hao quipped.

"She happened to have some free time, and when we bumped into each other, we chatted a bit, then I invited her to cameo, and she agreed. You don't have any issues acting alongside her just because of some old rumors, right?"

Xu Ke did this on purpose.

He's the one who actively contacted Fan Xuexue.

To fit her schedule, he even changed the shooting location.

To add some promotional buzz, was it easy for him?

The historical prototype of Yu Huatian relied on Consort Wan to establish the Western Depot, entering the palace at age six as the eunuch Wang Zhi.

After Wang Zhi recovered from his injury, he was assigned to Consort Wan's Zhaode Palace as a low-ranking attendant.

Because he was clever, well-behaved, and cute, Consort Wan at the time liked him very much and promoted him as a head eunuch managing the Imperial Stables—a coveted position among eunuchs in the Ming Dynasty.

In the movie, the relationship between Yu Huatian and Consort Wan is one of mutual exploitation to bolster their own positions.

However, the camera work expresses a very ambiguous relationship between them.

Ambiguity, in many cases, is more enticing than stripping down and rolling together.

"Director, you're doing this on purpose!"

Qi Hao was speechless. "Dragon Gate Armor" is probably going to turn into a battlefield.

An Feng was the official fiancée.

Gao Yuanyuan and Zhou Xun were rumored girlfriends.

Though Qi Hao and Zhou Xun were just pals with no romantic entanglement, others didn't know that.

Some people with special interests even found Zhou Xun charming as a male friend.

Now, unexpectedly, Fan Xuexue was added into the mix.

And she's playing a role like Consort Wan, so in front of An Feng...

"To be honest, finding someone you've never had rumors with to perform with is indeed a bit difficult..."

Xu Ke joked.

"Shit, that's nonsense!"

Qi Hao insisted it was slander. There aren't several tens of thousands of female celebrities in the entertainment industry; how could he have had rumors with all of them?

"You and Fan Xuexue acting together will definitely hit the mark; with someone else, who could handle your performance?"

Xu Ke insincerely flattered Qi Hao.

The director had spoken to this extent, and since Fan Xuexue was already on set, continuing to argue would be unreasonable.

Qi Hao arrived a bit earlier, already made-up and waiting.

Makeup for female stars takes a lot of time. Even if Fan Xuexue's screen time is minimal, it's impossible to complete it without over an hour for her makeover.

"Hey, Qi Hao, hey An Feng, hey... oh, everyone's here?"

Fan Xuexue greeted everyone with a smile.

The main scenes today were between her and Qi Hao, with a bit of Gui Lunmei's scenes afterward.

An Feng, Zhou Xun, Gao Yuanyuan, and others shouldn't have been there.

It seemed they were just there to watch the drama unfold.

One wonders what thoughts An Feng had after watching.

Apparently, she wasn't unhappy.

After all, compared to those who liked Qi Hao but couldn't win his affection, An Feng was the clear winner.

There were announcements, and she was the fiancée...

Qi Hao was genuinely attentive to her, making his rumored girlfriends envious.

Although Fan Xuexue wasn't as obsessed with Qi Hao as Li Xue'xue was, she still felt a bit overshadowed.

Today was her turn to act with Qi Hao.

If she asked the director to clear the set now, would it drive these women crazy?

"Congratulations on your Best Actress win in Tokyo."

Even if Zhou Xun and Fan Xuexue had past conflicts, being in the same circle meant at least maintaining basic decorum.

"Thank you, I'll treat everyone to drinks after the shoot ends."

Fan Xuexue and Zhou Xun were once both under Mrs. Hua's management. Competing for resources as two leading actresses led to tension that supposedly resulted in arguments, even fighting backstage at the Golden Horse Awards.

However, now that they've both left Mrs. Hua, any conflict isn't as irreconcilable as before.

"Drinking, huh..."

Gao Yuanyuan looked at An Feng. She hadn't interacted much with Fan Xuexue, though fans often pitted them against each other in beauty contests.

Gao Yuanyuan, Fan Xuexue, Jing Tian, An Feng...

Zhou Xun didn't fit into this narrative; she might have a unique beauty, but she wasn't traditionally stunning.

"Let's drink until we're drunk!"

If An Feng really minded, she wouldn't have come to watch Qi Hao's antics.

"Can I go too?"

Gui Lunmei wasn't part of this circle, but her acting talent had gained everyone's respect.

"Let's finish filming first, and then we can talk about drinking if we wrap up today."

How had things developed to this point?

His current girlfriend and several rumored past girlfriends appeared together; how could this end happily?

Isn't it said that women can't tolerate even the tiniest speck in their eyes when it comes to relationships?

"Both of you are true professionals. We'll wrap up early today, so you won't miss your night out."

Xu Ke quickly said.

He was quite envious of Qi Hao.

Seeing these women gathered and not fighting is a testament to Qi Hao's limitless charm.

The official filming began.

Fan Xuexue was dressed in elaborate finery, surrounded by palace maids and eunuchs, carrying a small dog.

The dog was very docile, specially trained for film and TV shoots.

"Call... my dear little peanut... come here."

Fan Xuexue's voice was lazy and seductive.

Xu Ke directed her to act more coquettish and flirtatious.

And she genuinely captured the essence of the role.

The staff on set were having a hard time keeping their composure.

Fan Xuexue wasn't just beautiful; her aura was truly captivating.

She was simply a goddess.

Word was she had an interest in Qi Hao, and Qi Hao was indeed impressive.

Even such a woman wasn't enough to entice him.

But, to each their own; Qi Hao just liked An Feng's type, focused on her alone, a choice beyond reproach.

Fan Xuexue put down the small dog and sat on the chaise lounge.

Qi Hao picked up the small dog and walked over to sit with her on the lounge.

"Cut~ You two, this doesn't feel right."

Xu Ke wasn't particularly satisfied with this shot and walked over, indicating he would personally demonstrate.

Some staff members rolled their eyes.

Wow, the old man is trying to take advantage of the actress.

It's understandable; Fan Xuexue was just too alluring, wearing intricate costumes that seemed more suggestive than revealing.

Another day to envy the director!

But no one expected that when Xu Ke walked over, he actually made Fan Xuexue get up.

Fan Xuexue got up and moved to the side, and Xu Ke sat in her place, then gestured for Qi Hao to perform that scene again.

Qi Hao sat on the lounge, and Xu Ke's foot casually traced up Qi Hao's calf, resting on his thigh.

This process seemed unintentional yet was filled with deliberate teasing.

Wow, director, you're good!