"Brother Yi? Brother Yi... aren't we going over?" Yan Zhi asked softly from the side.
"No need." Xiao Yi turned and walked out.
Yan Zhi asked, puzzled, "Weren't we here to visit the set?"
He had pushed aside several important industry dinners, traveled halfway across the city, and just to catch a glimpse from afar?
Were young people dating this much these days? The first scene had required eight takes, and the director almost grabbed her by the ear to scold her.
Xia Wei Liang, who had been feeling discouraged, was stunned when she saw herself on the monitor.
"Is... is that me?" she asked, pointing to herself in disbelief.
Director Zhou glanced at her, "What, did you film it too well and want to reshoot?"
"No, no need!" Xia Wei Liang was so happy that even eighty takes wouldn't have been a problem!
It was just...
She felt so sorry for the other staff members who had to repeat the scene with her over and over.
Director Zhou, seeing her happy expression, was amused despite himself. "Alright, alright, prepare for the next scene!"
"Yes!" Xia Wei Liang was full of energy, her earlier dejection vanishing instantly!
Assistant Director Wang smiled and leaned in, "I recall, she's the first young lady to dare to talk back to you like that."
Director Zhou chuckled, "Do I look like I'm arguing with her? Me, such a big director, would I bicker with a young girl? I'm just letting her have her way!"
"Yes, yes, Director Zhou is absolutely right!" So, as long as you're happy!
The filming of "Rekindling" was progressing slowly. Director Zhou prioritized quality over quantity. After a full day of shooting, Xia Wei Liang's call sheet indicated her next scene was three days later.
She didn't idle around, immediately calling Ji Huan.
"Sister Huan, find me an acting coach, I want to learn acting!"
"Oh? Being proactive and motivated now!"
Xia Wei Liang said sheepishly, "The other actors on set are so amazing, their acting is so powerful! It's only me, half-baked, and I always get scolded by Director Zhou on set..."
"Alright, don't you worry about this. I'll arrange it for you." Ji Huan was quick. The very next morning, a private tutor arrived.
"Su Yu Xi?" Xia Wei Liang, still in her pajamas with a bunny headband and a toothbrush in her mouth, opened the door.
She had spoken to Ji Huan ten minutes earlier and hadn't been told anyone else was coming, so Xia Wei Liang had answered the door in very casual attire. Seeing her sweet and charming appearance, Su Yu Xi lowered his head and chuckled softly.
Xia Wei Liang quickly let them in and rushed back to her room to change.
Ji Huan checked the time and stood up, "I have something else to attend to, so I'll be leaving. Xiao Su, I'll leave her in your hands. Don't go easy on her, teach her mercilessly! If she misbehaves, call me, and I'll deal with her."
Su Yu Xi laughed, "Sister Huan is too kind."
After seeing Ji Huan out, he returned to find Xia Wei Liang already seated properly in the living room.
"Huh? Where's Sister Huan?"
"She had to leave for something."
"Oh."
It was a bit awkward when the two were alone. Xia Wei Liang smiled wryly, "I really didn't expect her to find you as an acting coach."
Su Yu Xi sat opposite her and smiled, "What, do you think my qualifications aren't enough?"
"No, no! How could I possibly be qualified to look down on anyone! I'm just surprised, 'Memory Arc' and Mei Yu have always been at odds. If your agent and fans found out..." Thinking of being "feathered" to death last time sent a shiver down her spine.
Su Yu Xi's hand, which was reaching for his notebook, paused. He then put it down and looked directly at her, "Wei Liang, I owe you an apology. On behalf of my fans... I'm sorry."
Xia Wei Liang was overwhelmed with gratitude and quickly waved her hands, "No, no, why are you apologizing? Fans don't like to see you paired with other female artists because they like you! I understand that!"
Perhaps it was because the girl opposite was smiling too brilliantly, causing him a moment of daze, Su Yu Xi found himself unable to meet her gaze. He slowly lowered his eyes, his earlobes visibly turning red.
"Regardless, it's harm caused to you because of me."
Xia Wei Liang was typically someone who responded to kindness rather than aggression. If it were a fight or an argument, this young lady wouldn't be afraid and would be skilled anywhere. But faced with Su Yu Xi's demeanor, she was at a loss.
"Um... shall we begin? I'm desperately eager to be submerged in the ocean of knowledge!"
Su Yu Xi looked at her, pursed his lips, and smiled, "Mhm." He pushed a notebook towards her, "This is what I jotted down during my acting classes. It was very helpful to me, you can take a look too."
"Really?" Holding its weight, it was no less than receiving a martial arts manual!
"Director, thank you so much!" Su Yu Xi froze for a moment, his eyes fixed on her.
"Uh... overwhelmed by my enthusiasm, aren't you?"
He lowered his head, his lips curved into a smile, "It's been a long time since I heard you call me 'Director'. It feels... good."
Suddenly, a hand landed on his shoulder. He looked up in surprise. Xia Wei Liang blinked her bright eyes. In the morning sun, her pretty face seemed to glow with fairness. She patted his shoulder forcefully, "I'm definitely making you my friend!"
The morning passed by quickly. Su Yu Xi gave his all, generously sharing all the acting experience he had accumulated over the years.
"Wow! Director, why didn't I notice before? You're practically the class representative of the entertainment industry! You have so much valuable information!"
Su Yu Xi smiled, "I simply love acting."
His phone suddenly rang. Xia Wei Liang fumbled for it beneath a pile of papers and answered, "Hello, who is this?"
On the other end, there was silence. After two seconds, a voice slowly said, "You didn't save my number?"
This voice... Xia Wei Liang instinctively straightened her back, her tone respectful, "Teacher Xiao, I... I did! I just answered too quickly and didn't check the caller ID."
"Heh." Knowing she was lying, he didn't rush to expose her. "Where are you?" he asked.
"Uh, I'm at home." Xia Wei Liang glanced at Su Yu Xi, who was frowning slightly in confusion.
"Wait, I'll have my assistant pick you up."
"...Uh, is something wrong?"
"Don't you want to learn acting? I happen to have some free time."
So... that's how it is. Xia Wei Liang looked at Su Yu Xi and instinctively turned sideways, lowering her voice, "I'm sorry, Teacher Xiao, I... I'm currently learning with a teacher." So, I won't trouble you, sir, for now!
"Oh?" Xiao Yi's voice held no discernible emotion, but he asked, "And who is this teacher?"
"Su Yu Xi. Teacher Xiao, you know him too." Xia Wei Liang replied frankly, referring to this proactive, sunny, and inspiring endeavor.
"Oh..." On the other end, Xiao Yi let out a meaningful "oh" and then suddenly chuckled faintly, saying word by word, "It seems you two have a very good relationship."
He was clearly smiling, but where was that sinister aura coming from? Xia Wei Liang rubbed her arms, and with a strained smile, replied, "Yes, we're from the same batch, so we're indeed quite good."