Chapter 33: Chapter 33: Falling into Water
The male lead opposite Xinan in the play this time was a popular star with massive following, especially among female fans, despite not having acted in many dramas.
Because the filming today was on location outdoor, a large group of fans had already gathered around the set before shooting commenced.
All the actors took their positions, ready to start shooting.
Today's scene was about the Female Lead confronting the male lead to find out why he suddenly wanted to break up with her, only to discover that he was throwing a party at home and stumble upon him and the second female lead in an intimate scene. However, the truth was that the male lead had a reason for breaking up with her, and the flirtation with other women was merely an attempt to make her give up on him.
The shoot was set in a luxurious villa with bikini-clad beauties sitting on giant inflatable pads in the pool, each striking their own sultry or innocent poses,
while the male lead was surrounded by these women.
Seeing Xinan barge in unexpectedly, these women curiously examined her, even letting out disdainful taunts.
And there in the center, the male lead looked on as if nothing was amiss, fixing Xinan with a gaze as if watching a clown perform.
Xinan quickly got into the role, and seeing such a scene, she revealed a mocking yet desolate smile, "Ah Hao." This was the male lead's name.
"Come here, let's have a proper talk."
Before the male lead could respond, a seductive woman by his side retorted, "Who do you think you are? Brother Hao is not going to leave with you."
That was precisely the second female lead.
"Yeah, don't embarrass yourself here." Others chimed in as well.
Xinan closed and then opened her eyes again, ignoring the others and simply staring at the silent male lead beside her, before speaking again, "Ah Hao, if you don't come over, I'll never come looking for you again. I mean what I say."
These words finally elicited a reaction from the male lead. He lifted his eyelids and said indifferently, "You should go. We've already broken up; there's nothing left to say."
Hearing this, the Female Lead portrayed by Xinan completely gave up hope, tears whirling in her eyes. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, her eyes showing determination, "Fine, then I wish you happiness."
As she said these words, a tear slowly trickled down from Xinan's left eye, her feelings of hurt, confusion, and resignation were all released in this moment.
Observing this, the director quickly moved the camera in for a close-up, commenting, "Yes, yes, that's the effect I want. Very good."
People around showed their admiration, with some even starting to praise her.
"Xinan's acting is getting better and better!"
"Indeed, and now with Mr. Yi supporting her, her rise to stardom is imminent."
"How I envy her!!!"
Lin Wei watched on, her lips twisting into a bitter smile. Some people just effortlessly won everyone's admiration.
And without doing anything at all, they could receive all the affection from that one person...
Lin Wei's gaze slowly settled on Cheng Yi; today he was not in his usual suit but in casual attire, looking particularly laid-back, with an air of casual indifference that was nonetheless alluring.
His gaze was fixed solely on one person in the distance, the others around him might as well have been air.
Lin Wei's eyes filled with a sense of loss...
According to the script, after saying her piece, Xinan was supposed to leave without any hesitation, but as she turned to go, her foot suddenly slipped.
Xinan's face changed, as she tried to stabilize herself, but the large movement only made her lose her balance even more, causing her to tumble forward.
"Ah!" Xinan screamed, panic and fear overwhelming her.
With a "splash," Xinan fell directly into the pool.
Those on the shore were shocked; no one had expected such an accident to occur.
Just as everyone was still stunned, a tall figure suddenly leaped before them and dove into the pool.
This pool was not shallow, about five or six meters deep.
Xinan couldn't swim, and after flailing in the water a few times, the water rushed into her mouth, causing her great discomfort.
Just as she was about to sink, a pair of strong hands grabbed her waist and pulled her to the surface.
"cough...cough..." As soon as she surfaced, Xinan began coughing violently, expelling the water she had swallowed.
Cheng Yi carried her out of the pool and set her down on a chair on the shore.
The director hurriedly brought over a coat, which Cheng Yi took and draped over Xinan's shoulders.
Although it wasn't winter, there was still a chill in the morning air.
Xinan, cold, curled herself into a ball, her body shaking uncontrollably.
Seeing this, Cheng Yi immediately took her into his arms, tightening his hold to share his warmth.
"Don't be afraid," he said gently.
Xinan didn't respond to him, but held the coat tightly and buried her head in his chest, seeking to absorb as much warmth as possible.
Cheng Yi sighed helplessly, holding her closer.
When Xinan had recovered a little, Cheng Yi turned to the director with a cold expression, "Don't you check the ground before shooting?"
The director apologized with a mortified look, "I'm sorry, Mr. Yi, this was our oversight."
He then turned and shouted angrily at the crew behind him, "You good-for-nothings, can't even clean a shooting ground! What use are you?"
Xinan, seeing Cheng Yi about to get angry, said in a weak voice, "It's okay, Cheng Yi, it's not their fault. I was just too focused, so I didn't watch my step."
Cheng Yi sighed lightly, "Why do you always defend others?"
"I'm just being realistic."
Cheng Yi knew Xinan's character all too well. She was always kind-hearted, but sometimes, excessive kindness could be harmful.
Cheng Yi glanced at the crew standing aside and said, "Alright, get back to work."
"Yes, Mr. Yi."
When Cheng Yi spoke, the crowd quickly dispersed, and Lin Wei then approached and looked at Cheng Yi before turning her attention to Xinan, asking with concern, "Xinan, are you alright?"
Xinan gave her a small smile and shook her head, "I'm fine."
"That's good. I was so scared just now. Luckily, you're okay," Lin Wei said, patting her chest in relief.
Xinan wanted to go to the dressing room and change out of her wet costume herself, but Cheng Yi picked her up and carried her to the changing room.
Since the costume was soaked, the crew had to dry it, so because of this accident, Xinan's morning scenes were delayed until the afternoon.