The day after Xiao Wenqiang successfully terminated her contract, she received a call from Gao Shiying. "Hello, Su Ling, has the contract issue been resolved? Are you free to come and sign the contract today? Our crew is about to start costume fittings and styling."
"I've already successfully terminated the contract. Thank you, Manager Gao. I'll be right over!" After hanging up, Xiao Wenqiang headed straight to the set of "Xuan Yuan Legend."
Since Su Ling was now free, the signing process was very smooth. The most important thing was that all the money from filming would belong to her alone, and she wouldn't have to split any profits with the agency.
After signing the contract, she immediately proceeded to confirm several costume fittings and styling choices. The subsequent matters proceeded quickly and smoothly. About a week later, the "Xuan Yuan Legend" crew announced the cast and costume photos on "Weishuo," and it quickly became a trending topic.
"Wow wow wow, Director Wu Bo and Best Actor Situ Chen are collaborating again, I'm so excited! (´▽`ʃ♡ƪ)"
"My male god has a new work! Looking at the photos, he's incredibly handsome this time,呜呜呜~ Director Wu hasn't wasted his good looks anymore (*'▽'*)♪"
"Situ Chen as Xuan Yuan Zhuo is too handsome. If all emperors looked like this, I'd be willing to be one of his three thousand concubines~ (^з^)-☆"
"Wake up, the one upstairs. Do you think anyone can be a concubine? Let's look at the actresses' looks..."
"I knew no one was paying attention to the actresses. They all look stunning! (づ●─●)づ"
"Me, me, me! I'm paying attention. I like the one playing Meng Wan the most. She's so beautiful. Even though I'm a girl, I get shy looking at her photos! ヽ(*´з｀*)ﾉ"
"The one playing Meng Wan is called Su Ling, right? I heard she's an unknown actress from the eighteenth tier. I think she's just a pretty face ≥﹏≤"
"Exactly! Our Dingxiang's beauty is the true goddess, and junior sister Xu Xinrou is Xuan Yuan Zhuo's true love!"
"Everyone before, step aside. Our Empress Xiao Yuqin is still here! Zhong Xue has collaborated with Best Actor Situ Chen before. I can't wait to see them together again~ Hooray, hooray~"
"Fans of Zhong Xue upstairs, please stop. You've only collaborated once and you keep riding on our Best Actor's popularity. Our Situ Chen is handsomely unique, okay? They're just ordinary colleagues!"
...
As expected, whenever there was a drama starring Situ Chen, the discussions would be very heated. Coupled with Director Wu Bo, it was a guarantee of quality and reputation. Therefore, "Xuan Yuan Legend" became popular even before filming officially began. Even an eighteen-tier actress like Su Ling gained over a thousand new fans on "Weishuo" who were attracted by her looks.
Amidst the lively discussions, the "Xuan Yuan Legend" crew commenced work. At the kickoff ceremony, a statue of Guan Yu, covered by a red cloth, was placed on the altar for offerings, with incense burners, a roasted suckling pig, and fresh fruits placed on either side.
The cameras nearby were also covered with red cloth. Xiao Wenqiang observed that the ceremony was not much different from those in the film crews of her previous world. Once everything was ready, she, along with the director and other actors, offered incense to Guan Yu in order of their importance in the production. Finally, the red cloth covering the equipment was removed, officially announcing the commencement of filming.
After the kickoff ceremony, Zhong Xue, who played Empress Xiao Yuqin, left early. She still had several commercials to shoot and couldn't afford to waste time here. Xiao Wenqiang didn't have any scenes scheduled for today, but she chose to stay and observe other actors perform, believing it would be beneficial for her own character development.
The first scene to be filmed was Xuan Yuan Zhuo and junior sister Xu Xinrou sparring in the forest. The pre-production and prop departments had already meticulously set up realistic scenery. Situ Chen and Ding Xiang learned the movements and techniques from the martial arts instructor. Once fully costumed, they began the official shoot.
"Cut! Xu Xinrou, what's going on? In the script, your martial arts are second only to Xuan Yuan Zhuo. You need to strike with more force!" Director Wu Bo, abandoning his usual amiable demeanor, pointed out Ding Xiang's shortcomings without mercy.
"I'm sorry, Director. I'll do it again!" Ding Xiang quickly lowered her head and apologized.
After several more takes, Wu Bo's expression grew increasingly displeased. "Cut, cut, cut! Ding Xiang, did you not eat enough? You can't even stand steady, and your strikes have no power at all!"
Ding Xiang's face turned red. She had truly given her best. Why was Director Wu so nitpicky? She felt extremely humiliated, especially with Su Ling present. Seeing herself being criticized by the director made Ding Xiang feel even more embarrassed.
Li Bokai stepped forward with a fawning smile. "I apologize, Director Wu. Ding Xiang hasn't been feeling well these past few days, but she's been insisting on enduring it without saying anything. Perhaps we can shoot other scenes first and not delay everyone's time?"
Wu Bo frowned and waved his hand. "Everyone, take a break. We'll film other parts later."
Ding Xiang, with a scowl, was pulled away by Li Bokai. She whispered complainingly, "What does Wu Bo mean by this? Is he targeting me? These are just a few simple moves, one moment he wants force, the next he wants stability. If the requirements are so high, why doesn't he hire professional stunt doubles? I'm not a martial arts actor, I can't do these moves!"
"Oh, my dear Ding Xiang, please keep your voice down. Doesn't everyone know that Director Wu Bo's productions don't allow for stunt doubles? Didn't you see that even Situ Chen is doing it himself? And he's a Best Actor, after all!" Li Bokai wished he could cover Ding Xiang's mouth and glanced around nervously.
"But he doesn't have to embarrass me like this in front of so many people! If he really angers me, I'll have Boss Wang withdraw his investment!" Ding Xiang said arrogantly, lifting her chin.
This time, Li Bokai pouted and said nothing further. He thought that Ding Xiang was still too young to genuinely believe that Boss Wang was investing in this drama solely for her. Boss Wang clearly saw the potential for huge success with Situ Chen and Director Wu Bo directing.
However, Ding Xiang was currently favored by Boss Wang and was an artist he could easily manage, so Li Bokai still gave her face and refrained from speaking the harsh truth. He simply patted her arm soothingly and held an umbrella for her as they entered Ding Xiang's private dressing room to rest.
Here, since Ding Xiang had too many retakes and lacked acting experience to learn from, Xiao Wenqiang found a spot behind a prop box to close her eyes and rest. Unexpectedly, she overheard the conversation above. However, having already terminated her contract with "Xingyao Entertainment," she naturally had no desire to meddle in their affairs. If she hadn't terminated the contract, Xiao Wenqiang would have considered recording this conversation to protect herself.
While lost in thought, Xiao Wenqiang received a call from Director Zhang Hong. "Su Ling, are you still on set? Director Wu plans to shoot your scene next. Can you come over now?"