That Friday, "The Princess Is Here" officially began filming.
Unlike previous projects that had episodes lasting thirty to forty minutes each, this short drama's episodes, after trimming the beginning and end, would be at most four to five minutes long.
Due to their low cost, short filming cycles, and high return rates, these short dramas were constantly emerging in the market.
Song Xi was playing the third female lead. Her role didn't have many scenes, primarily involving causing trouble and intentionally sowing discord between the male and female protagonists. Her character was unlikable, but playing a villain was a good way to hone acting skills.
The lead actress looked a bit familiar. During a break, Song Xi secretly searched online and discovered she was the female lead from a hugely popular youth campus drama two years prior!
"Help, her status has fallen this much!"
Song Xi was somewhat astonished. The entertainment industry truly changed by the day; one could be banned without warning. Therefore, she had to film with a low profile and absolutely avoid trouble.
But just as she feared, trouble found her.
While filming the fifth scene, Song Xi's ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese skirt) suddenly broke.
The stylist, on impulse, used the female lead's ruqun as a temporary replacement. It wasn't a very obvious change, but the female lead recognized it at a glance and started throwing a tantrum.
"What is the meaning of this! You, a third female lead, dare to wear the lead actress's skirt? I'm not filming anymore!"
"What's going on!" the director came over to placate, and without understanding the situation, blamed Song Xi. "What's wrong with you? Change it quickly! If you delay the schedule, you'll regret it!"
Song Xi wanted to explain, but the director cut her off directly. "What are you waiting for? Hurry up!"
Song Xi swallowed her grievances. However, she couldn't vent her frustration on the stylist, as the stylist was even more anxious than she was.
The production team had limited funds, and each character had very few costumes. Once one was damaged, it was hard to find a spare. The stylist seemed to be a novice who hadn't dealt with such a situation before, and was so worried she was on the verge of tears.
Song Xi also felt desperate. At this critical moment, Lu Chenyu appeared as if from nowhere.
He had come to visit.
The two film crews were not far apart, and he was worried Song Xi might not adapt, so he secretly came to check on her.
He didn't expect to witness her being bullied by the female lead. Actually, wearing someone else's skirt was common on set. What the female lead minded wasn't this, but the fear of Song Xi stealing her spotlight.
Although the female lead had experience, her features were too youthful, making her look disadvantaged in ancient costumes.
In contrast, Song Xi had delicate, slender eyes and a cool demeanor, embodying the typical beauty of ancient Chinese aesthetics.
When the two appeared in the same frame, the contrast was stark. To avoid being outshone, she had to resort to petty tactics. Therefore, the incident with Song Xi's broken skirt was not an accident.
After hearing Lu Chenyu's deduction, Song Xi was somewhat surprised. She had always thought Lu Chenyu was shy and introverted, and utterly clueless about social matters.
But now, it seemed he wasn't just clueless; he was exceptionally astute!
Yet, despite his worldly knowledge, he wasn't worldly-wise. Such people likely just didn't want to waste their energy on trivial matters; they possessed their own rich inner world.
However, Song Xi was also astonished. It was only the first day of shooting, and colleagues were already resorting to such tactics?
Lu Chenyu adjusted his glasses and comforted her, "Don't worry, it's just a show of dominance. Don't argue with her. I'll find a skirt of a similar color from my crew later to get the scene shot."
This was true. She was still a newcomer; how could she possibly argue with a senior?
Song Xi was very grateful. "Thank you, Xue Chang!"
"Xue Chang?"
Lu Chenyu lowered his head shyly. He kind of liked that title; it made their relationship feel closer.
Not long after, Lu Chenyu sent someone with the skirt. Although it was a similar color to the damaged one, the texture was entirely different, and it even had a subtle shimmer.
A big production was indeed a big production; there was simply no comparison.
Song Xi handed the skirt to the stylist and asked, "Is this okay?"
The stylist wiped away her tears, picked up the skirt, and examined it repeatedly. "Yes, yes, it's perfect! This is silk! Where did you get it?"
Song Xi found it difficult to directly mention Lu Chenyu's name, so she said, "A friend lent it to us. We have to return it after filming."
"No problem! You go ahead and film. I've already sent this one for repair! Thank goodness!"
The skirt felt completely different when worn, not itchy at all.
At that moment, sunlight broke through the clouds and shone directly on her.
Song Xi seemed bathed in a halo, stunning everyone on set.
The lead actress, Jin Ying, saw this and her face turned bright red.
She started throwing another tantrum and went to complain to the director, saying that Song Xi, a newcomer, had no respect for the rules!
The director called Song Xi over, looked her up and down, and a glint of admiration flashed in his eyes.
Jin Ying: "Director!"
The director snapped back to attention, his expression stern. "What's going on? It's only the first day, and you're already causing trouble. Song Xi, explain yourself properly."
Song Xi glanced at Jin Ying, whose chin was almost reaching for the sky.
Song Xi lowered her head and admitted fault. "Director, it's my fault. My skirt was torn, so..."
"What! Torn? What happened? Who tore it?"
Jin Ying guiltily averted her gaze.
Song Xi said, "I don't know, but the crew should have surveillance cameras. We can check."
"Alright," Jin Ying suddenly interjected. "It's almost two o'clock, are we going to film or not!"
The director glanced at the time. "Quick, quick, quick, we'll talk about the surveillance later. Let's start!"
Song Xi subtly curled her lips. In fact, she didn't need to be so flustered.
Not to mention the crew was short on funds and unlikely to install cameras everywhere, even if they did, they wouldn't be in the changing rooms.
So, this move by her was essentially exposing herself.
Filming proceeded much more smoothly afterward. When it was over, Song Xi, for the first time in a long while, took a selfie and posted it on her Moments with the caption: "My first ancient costume, yay [happy]."
She hadn't added many people on WeChat; she had deleted those she could, including Zhang Qi and Yi Xiaoling.
However, someone still liked her post. To her surprise, among the likers was Anna!
Oh right, they had added each other on WeChat before.
Song Xi's mood was somewhat complicated. Just as she was about to exit, she saw someone comment below.
Ge Bai Tao: Ahhh, my baby is so beautiful, I'll come visit when I have time! [drooling][drooling]
Lu Chen Yu: Keep going, tell me if you encounter any trouble.
Ge Bai Tao replied to Lu Chen Yu: What do I need you for? [doge]
Lu Chen Yu replied to Ge Bai Tao: Nothing.
Ge Bai Tao replied to Lu Chen Yu: [smirking][smirking]
Song Xi shook her head helplessly and put her phone in her pocket.
It was already ten o'clock at night when she returned to Haiyue Mountain Villa.
Song Xi was extremely sleepy and planned to take a bath. Just then, her phone buzzed again.
She thought it was Ge Bai Tao and Lu Chen Yu, but when she opened it, she froze.
It was Lou Yu Ming.
He had liked her post.