Filming in Seacity went more smoothly than expected. Before they knew it, it was already the crew's fourth day there.
The sunshine had been especially kind over the past few days, and the seaside scenes had gone exceptionally smoothly. For once, Director Wei Yun wore a relaxed smile throughout, praising the actors' performances endlessly.
Jiang Ci and Lu Shiyan's professionalism went without saying. Even Lu Jiaoyue, under her sister's and Wei Yun's patient guidance, had begun to find her footing, delivering several lively, natural takes.
The atmosphere on set had grown much more harmonious as a result. Jiang Ci and Lu Xiaoxiao, in particular, had long since developed a subtle rapport and closeness that hadn't existed when they first met.
Between rehearsals, Jiang Ci still said little, but when she guided Lu Xiaoxiao through the finer points of her performance, her tone carried a little more patience than before, though it was barely noticeable.
Lu Xiaoxiao, meanwhile, had fully honored her promise to "make sure Jiang Ci ate," finding new ways every day to press nutritionally balanced meals on her. Jiang Ci still thanked her coolly, but she no longer refused.
That afternoon's filming centered on an important dialogue-heavy confrontation between Song Qingyun, played by Jiang Ci, and Xiao Lingyi, played by Lu Shiyan. Lu Xiaoxiao and Lu Jiaoyue had finished all their scenes that morning.
"Xiaoxiao, that emotional outburst scene this morning took a lot out of you. You're not needed this afternoon, so go back to the hotel and get some proper rest," Wei Yun said without looking up from the playback monitor.
After several consecutive days of intense filming, with the seaside sunshine draining even more of her energy, Lu Xiaoxiao was genuinely tired.
The afternoon's schedule consisted mainly of individual shots of Jiang Ci and Lu