"Yes, Director Zhang, I can start anytime!" Xiao Wenqiang quickly emerged from the shadows behind the prop box and headed towards the public dressing room for makeup and costume.
This time, the cameras had been moved indoors. The engineering department had built an antique-style boudoir. However, as it was the residence of the foremost courtesan in the capital, it was decorated with many brightly colored sheer fabrics to create an atmosphere.
Xiao Wenqiang had learned all the moves from her martial arts instructor. Then, while waiting for the prop master to finish, she walked over to Situ Chen. "Teacher Situ, could we spar a bit first to get familiar with the moves?" This scene was about Meng Wan revealing her true face and assassinating Xuanyuan Zhuo.
Situ Chen was also practicing his moves. Upon hearing this, he readily agreed, "Sure, let's do it!"
So, the two of them began to spar with each other, completely focused.
Initially, their movements were very slow. You strike with a palm, I with a fist; you sweep your leg, I duck. Later, as they became more familiar with the sequence, Xiao Wenqiang and Situ Chen sparred faster and faster. After going through it five or six times, they both stopped simultaneously, feeling they had got it right.
Director Wu Bo shouted, "Action!"
Taking advantage of the close-proximity dance, Meng Wan quickly drew the golden silk thread from her waist and wrapped it around Xuanyuan Zhuo's neck from behind.
"Wan'er, what is the meaning of this? Is this move also part of the latest dance routine?" Xuanyuan Zhuo showed no panic, instead calmly picking up a teacup from the table and taking a sip.
"Enough nonsense, hand over the list in your possession quickly. Perhaps I can spare your life!" Meng Wan's face now lacked its previous allure, her fierce eyes filled with killing intent.
"So you're one of Third Brother's people! You've been in hiding for quite some time!" Xuanyuan Zhuo obtained the information he wanted from the conversation.
"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just doing it for the money." Meng Wan's eyes flickered for a moment, then she tightened the golden silk thread, and blood began to ooze from Xuanyuan Zhuo's neck with her movement.
Xuanyuan Zhuo didn't seem to care, as if he couldn't feel the pain, and continued to say with a smile, "Isn't it Third Brother who fears this list being exposed the most? You've been lurking in the capital for so long, and finally became the renowned courtesan. Today, you're exposing yourself for the list Third Brother wants. Is it worth it?"
"It's worth it or not is for me to decide! Xuanyuan Zhuo, since you know this secret today, don't blame me for taking your life!"
As Meng Wan was about to exert force with her slender, pale hand, Xuanyuan Zhuo splashed the tea towards her face and then rapidly rammed his head towards Meng Wan's face.
Meng Wan instinctively reached out to block, and Xuanyuan Zhuo took the opportunity to create distance.
Without time to wipe the tea from her eyes, she drew a soft sword from behind the chair and lunged towards Xuanyuan Zhuo. However, he dodged the sword tip with a swift movement.
Xuanyuan Zhuo threw a punch, forcefully striking towards her. Each punch carried wind, making a whistling sound, all aimed at Meng Wan's vital points. The furniture in the boudoir was also affected, shattering and scattering everywhere.
Although Meng Wan was agile, under such a powerful assault, she gradually lost her composure. She was forced to retreat with each move and soon found herself backed against the window.
Seeing that the situation was unfavorable, Meng Wan leaped upwards. With a touch of her toes on the window lattice, she intended to escape the room.
Xuanyuan Zhuo quickly picked up a wooden comb, infused it with internal energy, and threw it towards her.
Meng Wan was hit from behind and lost her balance, tumbling headfirst into the pond outside the window. Before she could climb ashore, she was apprehended by the arriving guards.
"Good! Cut! Everyone, take a break and eat!" Director Wu Bo called a halt, satisfied. The extras playing the guards dispersed to collect their food and rest.
Xiao Wenqiang slowly climbed out of the water. Her ancient costume was made of sheer fabric, which clung tightly to her body once wet, revealing her sexy and shapely figure. She stood up somewhat awkwardly, and suddenly a woolen blanket was thrown over her. Looking up, Xiao Wenqiang saw that it was Situ Chen.
"Here, wipe yourself. Go back and take a shower quickly so you don't catch a cold."
It was actually the sweltering month of July, so a little scene in the water wouldn't cause a cold. However, Xiao Wenqiang knew he meant well and was probably worried about her wardrobe malfunction. She thanked him gratefully, "Thank you, Teacher Situ. I'm fine. I'll be okay after I change. I don't know if there's more filming later, so I won't go back yet."
"The progress today has been very fast. We basically had no NG takes, so we should finish early." Situ Chen still admired Su Ling's acting skills and attitude.
"Food is here!" The assistant arranged by Gao Shiying had already brought bento boxes for Situ Chen and Su Ling. "Teacher Su, this is yours. Our President Gao said you don't have an agent right now, so he asked me to bring you your meal."
Xiao Wenqiang gratefully took the bento box. "Okay, thank you, Xiao Yang. Please also thank your President Gao for me." She then looked up at Situ Chen and said, "Teacher Situ, I'll go eat now then?"
Situ Chen looked around and asked, "Where are you planning to eat?"
"Just find a corner somewhere!" Xiao Wenqiang wasn't too concerned about such things, and she didn't have the luxury to demand them at the moment.
"Why don't you eat in my RV? You can also take a shower and change afterward. If there's more filming tonight, it won't do for you to be wet the whole time." Situ Chen suddenly suggested.
"This... this might not be appropriate!" Xiao Wenqiang was somewhat flattered but also looked at Situ Chen with suspicion, wondering if this movie star would try anything with her!
"There's nothing inappropriate. My RV is fully equipped anyway. You can get your change of clothes later. Xiao Yang, give Su Ling the car keys." Situ Chen continued, "I also have some character-related matters to discuss with Wu Bo. I'll eat with him later, so feel free to use the car."
With his words, Xiao Wenqiang no longer hesitated and gratefully took the keys, agreeing. She thought to herself: So Situ Chen is really a very kind senior. I wrongly suspected him of trying to exploit me before. I shouldn't have!
Xiao Wenqiang had her meal in Situ Chen's luxurious RV and took a comfortable shower. She then cleaned the bathroom and the dining table in the RV, and took her trash with her when she got out to return the keys.
What she didn't know was that a camera had secretly taken several photos of her during the entire process of her getting out of Situ Chen's RV.
It was late at night. Director Wu Bo discussed with them, "There's only one last scene left for this boudoir set. How about we push a bit harder and film this scene as well? Then we can dismantle this set tomorrow and change it to another scene, speeding up the progress."
Situ Chen looked at Xiao Wenqiang and said, "I'm fine. I've memorized the lines. But Su Ling had a lot of action scenes today. Will she be too tired if we continue?"
Xiao Wenqiang quickly replied, "I'm fine too. I've memorized all the lines, and I can start anytime."
"Alright! And this scene doesn't have many lines!" Director Wu Bo was very pleased and called out to the staff, "Stagehands, prepare. The next scene is the bed scene between Xuanyuan Zhuo and Meng Wan."