Chapter 9

"Cut!" Director Zhang stared at the monitor and slapped his thigh in satisfaction. "That was good. Pass. Get ready for the next scene."

The next scene was Wang's mother learning of Han Yan's insolence and summoning him to the palace for a reprimand.

The actress playing Wang's mother was Fang Yiru. She had debuted at sixteen, played countless classic roles, and won countless Best Actress awards. She had once been the pure, beautiful idol in the hearts of older audiences. As she grew older and could no longer play young girls in idol dramas, she immediately switched paths and began playing the mothers of male and female leads. Humble and kind, elegant in speech, and superb in acting, she was an actress with an excellent reputation both inside and outside the industry.

She especially liked supporting newcomers.

During the break before the next scene officially began, the makeup artist stepped forward to touch up Chen Mo's makeup. Fang Yiru sat nearby, smiling as she said, "After two days of rest, Xiao Mo's instincts for acting have gotten even better. You haven't had a single NG this afternoon. Every take has been smooth from start to finish. Keep working hard. You have a bright future."

Chen Mo thanked her with a smile. Fang Yiru then gave him a few filming tips, such as the rhythm, emphasis, and intonation of delivering dialogue, as well as little tricks for facing the camera and hitting his marks. All of it could help him portray a character more perfectly, making him look more vivid and appealing on camera.

Once his makeup was touched up and the props and lighting were ready, the two began filming...

In the blink of an eye, another ten-odd days passed. Chen Mo had nearly finished all his scenes with the crew, leaving only his final wrap scene, where he would take poison and die.

Because this was a major scene, the production had specially prepared a set of crimson deep-robe costume for Han Yan. Golden crown, red robes, and elaborate patterns embroidered in gold thread. The makeup for this scene was also more delicate and exquisite than usual, striving to highlight how Han Yan had "lived in turmoil and died in stunning beauty."

Chen Mo's appearance had always been quite good. Though he was only in his senior year of high school, he was already 1.78 meters tall. His features were refined without seeming effeminate. His forehead was full, his brows and eyes soft and lingering. His peach blossom eyes were large and slender, their outer corners slightly curved upward. His eyes were clear and bright, black and white sharply defined. Whenever he looked at someone, light seemed to ripple through them like black obsidian washed clean by water—moist and luminous, making the person he looked at feel as though they were gazing into a pool of spring water.

In industry terms, that was called "having a story in his eyes."

So when the makeup artist had changed Chen Mo into his costume, fitted him with his wig, carefully shaped his brows and eye makeup, and then crazily filled up her phone's memory by taking hundreds of photos before finally "granting" Chen Mo permission to leave the dressing room, everyone's eyes were nearly blinded by this version of Han Yan.

Not everyone could pull off ancient costume in bright red embroidered with gold thread, especially not men. Yet Chen Mo's Han Yan did more than pull it off—he forcibly gave the outfit an air of soul-stealing magnificence.

He merely stood there quietly. He did not need to say a word or make a single expression, and he immediately drew every eye around him. And when everyone saw Han Yan in red, the first thing they noticed was not his exquisitely featured face, but the indescribably alluring aura about him.

He was like a phoenix from ancient Myth, capable of rebirth from the ashes. Knowing death awaited him, yet still pressing forward without hesitation, resolutely hoping to be reborn through fire.

Even Fang Yiru, an experienced veteran actress who had seen countless beauties and was rehearsing with other actors on set, could not help spacing out for a moment. When she came back to herself, she smiled and teased, "If the historical Han Yan truly looked like this, I believe even Wang's mother would not have had the heart to let him die."

Chen Mo smiled faintly at that. The carefully drawn features on his face instantly bloomed with a languid, flirtatious charm, leaving everyone stunned again. When they recovered, they all sucked in sharp breaths and repeatedly exclaimed that he was incredible.

Director Zhang was even more excited. He slapped his thigh again, pointed at Chen Mo, and said, "Film it now. Keep this outfit on and take a few more promotional photos."

As for younger actors like Lin Xia, Sun Yun, and Huang Lixin, along with the crew members, they had long since been unable to hold back. They rushed over with their phones, all wanting photos with Han Yan.

Even Jiang Jie, who was directing the extras nearby, could not help clicking his tongue in amazement. He truly had not expected his eldest nephew to be this outstanding.

With looks like that, if Chen Mo did not become popular after the drama aired, even ghosts would not believe it.

Perhaps Han Yan's devastatingly beautiful appearance had stirred Huang Lixin's genuine emotions. This Young Emperor, who had immersed himself in the role since filming began, immediately seemed critically ill with love.

Han Yan's wrap scene was about someone secretly slandering him before Wang's mother, accusing Han Yan of throwing the imperial harem into chaos. Wang's mother flew into a rage and intended to sentence Han Yan to death. Liu Che apologized and pleaded with Wang's mother, but she stubbornly refused. Not wishing to put Liu Che in a difficult position, Han Yan took poison and killed himself.

On set, Liu Che knelt in the pouring rain with his hair disheveled, repeatedly kowtowing before Wang's mother's chambers and loudly begging her to spare Han Yan. "...Mother, spare A-Yan. He's innocent. Mother, please spare A-Yan. Che'er begs you. Mother..."

Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che, was bedraggled and despairing. His hoarse, heart-wrenching cries were like a cuckoo coughing blood, yet they could not save the life of his childhood companion.

Inside the palace, Han Yan sat upright on his knees atop a mat, dressed in red. Across from him, Wang's mother said leisurely, "Che'er has lost his senses and insists on pleading for you. But to tell you the truth, it was not my intention alone to have you killed."

At this point, Wang's mother looked at Han Yan and sneered. "That day in Weiyang Palace, you kept instigating His Majesty, saying he was indecisive and listened to women, causing the power of the Son of Heaven to fall into the hands of others. Did you think I would be the only one to hate you for those words?"

Han Yan's expression changed in shock as he stared at Wang's mother in disbelief. Wang's mother sneered. "You must understand that beyond this inner palace, the person with the greatest authority—the one whose word carries the most weight—is the Grand Empress Dowager."

Han Yan fell silent. Wang's mother continued, "The Grand Empress Dowager hates that you led Che'er astray and has even taken her anger out on him. If you do not die today, Che'er may lose his throne someday. When that happens, you will be a sinner for all eternity."

"So, Han Yan, you will certainly die today."

Looking at Han Yan's pale face, Wang's mother sneered. "But I do not wish to alienate Che'er. Therefore, I will not force you to die. Didn't you once say that you would do anything for Che'er? I want to see whether those words were true."

Having said that, Wang's mother ordered a maid to bring over a cup of poisoned wine.

Han Yan stared at the poisoned wine on the table for a long while. At last, he picked it up and drained it in one swallow. He said to Wang's mother, "I want to see His Majesty one last time."

Wang's mother sneered without replying.

Han Yan said, "I will tell His Majesty plainly that Han Yan willingly chose death and that Wang's mother bears no blame."

Wang's mother thought for a moment, then rose and left.

Soon, Liu Che was ordered into the hall. The poison had already taken effect on Han Yan. Ruler and subject looked at each other in silence. In the end, Han Yan died in Liu Che's arms. Before dying, he smiled softly and said, "...Your Majesty, this time I didn't cause you any trouble. I never will again... Take care, Your Majesty..."

Chapter 9

Chen Mo closed his eyes and waited patiently for a while before hearing Director Zhang excitedly slap his thigh and shout, "Cut!" Applause immediately broke out across the set to celebrate Chen Mo's wrap. Some people screamed that he was so handsome and came over asking for photos and hugs. A few even asked for autographs.

Director Zhang was extremely satisfied with Chen Mo's performance. After everyone finished celebrating, he had the makeup artist touch up Chen Mo's makeup and filmed a few additional takes. Only then had Chen Mo officially wrapped.

Director Zhang called Chen Mo over and handed him the red envelope and red string bracelet he had prepared in advance. Chen Mo accepted them with both hands and thanked him with a smile. He knew it was a crew tradition. Playing a dead person was considered unlucky, so after wrapping, they gave out a red envelope and a red string bracelet to wear, supposedly to ward off bad energy.

Chen Mo had not been superstitious in his previous life, but after experiencing reincarnation, he now took a better-safe-than-sorry attitude toward ghosts and spirits.

In front of everyone, he tied the red string around his wrist. The bright red string made Chen Mo's wrist look slim and well-proportioned, making his skin appear even fairer. Sun Yun, Lin Xia, and the other actresses nearby said enviously, "What sunscreen do you use? How come you never get darker no matter how much sun you get?"

Lin Xia could not help teasing him, "You're so pale. Are you even a man? You sissy."

Hearing that, Chen Mo curled his lips at Lin Xia in a mockingly suggestive smile and raised a brow. "Whether I'm a man or not... do you want to find out?"

Lin Xia instantly bristled at being teased and raised her hand to knock Chen Mo on the head. Chen Mo did not dodge. Grinning, he grabbed her arm, lowered his voice, and leaned toward her, looking down at her from above. "What are you trying to do?"

Seeing Chen Mo's boyfriend energy suddenly spike, Lin Xia unknowingly blushed. As though afraid he might bite her, she pulled back her arm, took a big step backward, and clutched her chest. "Why did you suddenly get so close to me?"

Chen Mo looked at Lin Xia's unsettled expression and let out a wicked laugh. The rest of the crew could only shake their heads helplessly at Chen Mo, whose flirting skills were clearly maxed out.

Only Huang Lixin, who was too deeply immersed in his role, said nothing. He simply stared blankly at Chen Mo.

Since Chen Mo's family had contracted to provide boxed meals for the production, to celebrate his wrap and thank the crew for taking care of him, Chen Mo simply treated everyone to a deluxe boxed-lunch meal.

He also did not waste his status as a temporary crew worker and bit-part actor. He insisted on finishing his final boxed lunch before leaving.

Before he left, Director Zhang specifically reminded Chen Mo to come by tomorrow. "I'll have someone take you to the recording studio. I'll also have the accountant settle your pay."

Chen Mo nodded. Early the next morning, after sleeping in, he obediently arrived at the set. He first found Accountant Zhang to settle his payment, then went to report to Director Zhang.

Director Zhang was speaking with a man in his forties. The man had refined features, wore gold-rimmed glasses and a well-tailored black suit, and radiated the aura of a white-collar elite.

Director Zhang introduced him to Chen Mo. "This is Yang Qindong. Just call him Dong."

Chen Mo nodded, reached out to shake Yang Qindong's hand, and called him Dong.

Yang Qindong gave Chen Mo's hand a firm shake, looking him over from head to toe with undisguised admiration. "We were just talking, and Qing Zhong was praising you. He said that not only do you have outstanding looks and strong acting skills, but you're also very talented. I thought he was exaggerating, but now that I've met you, I can see you're even better than Qing Zhong said. Young man, are you interested in signing with Huaxia?"

Director Zhang took over from Yang Qindong. "Oh, I didn't expect you to think so highly of Xiao Mo too. Looks like great minds think alike."

After saying that, he turned to Chen Mo. "Why aren't you thanking Dong already? You should know that Dong is Huaxia Entertainment's top agent. He has a sharp eye and doesn't sign people easily."

Chen Mo smiled faintly. "Thank you for the compliment, Dong. But my next plan is to return to school, study, and take the college entrance exams. I don't intend to sign with an agency for now."

Yang Qindong smiled meaningfully upon hearing that. "You have strong opinions for someone so young. There aren't many high school students as thoughtful as you these days. But I believe where there's a will, there's a way. As long as you want to do something, there will always be a way to balance both sides."

After saying that, Yang Qindong did not press the matter of signing him. Instead, he looked at his watch and said, "It's getting late. Let's head to the recording studio first."

Chen Mo had no objections. He said goodbye to the young actors he knew on the crew, then followed Yang Qindong away.