YMBLTY

Chapter 50: Shipping 101

After a chaotic evening, Gu Wei was prepared to start filming in earnest for the television adaptation of the popular novel series Like the Moon. He focused all his energy and attention on delivering his lines, and every so often he sought advice from the acting coaches on set to better hone his portrayal of Miao Zihan.

One weekend evening, after finishing his work for the day, Gu Wei lingered near the set to watch the male and female leads shoot a scene. He was still dressed in Miao Zihan's high school uniform, and he had a thick coat, given to him by Mu Yue, draped over his shoulders.

Xuan Huitong wasn't known as a popular beauty for nothing. Her acting left nothing to be desired. With her hair pulled back in a ponytail, she ran into a classroom set and slammed a book down in front of He Cheng with an audible bam.

After landing this role, Gu Wei had read the original novel that the drama was based on. He knew this scene was when the male lead would first develop feelings for the female lead. In that moment, Xuan Huitong perfectly captured the strong-willed spirit of the character Qiao Xi.

Gu Wei and Ning Yao both knew the next lines. Acting as the character Shi Yuhe, He Cheng was supposed to stand up and reach into Qiao Xi's pocket, taking out a love letter she had just received.

And so, Gu Wei watched as He Cheng stood up, reached into Xuan Huitong's pocket, and withdrew the envelope. The look in He Cheng's eyes could be considered pretty on point for the intensity of the scene.

Then he turned to face the camera and said, "One, two, three, four, five, six, seven."

Mu Yue, spectating along with the others, was silent.

Gu Wei was also speechless.

He Cheng's next line wasn't especially long, and yet he couldn't seem to remember it.

Across from him, Xuan Huitong didn't react to his filler speech at all. Her expression remained unchanged, and she didn't slip out of character for even a second as she continued on, delivering her own lines. After she finished, the director yelled 'cut', and that was that.

"How can he do this?" Ning Yao asked, thoroughly puzzled and hurt. She had attended countless auditions before she landed this supporting role, and yet He Cheng was treating his leading role so carelessly.

"He plans on dubbing it in later, I guess," Gu Wei said, realizing He Cheng's intent.

"But there's no way that would sound as natural as lines spoken in the moment! 'Like the Moon' is such a good book. It deserves a good adaptation, with every character portrayed well." Ning Yao shook her head. She just didn't understand. "I heard a rumor that he bought his way…"

Gu Wei shushed her as quickly as he could, but it was already too late.

Ning Yao hadn't been in the industry for long. After getting to know Gu Wei over the past few days, she had grown comfortable enough around him to say whatever was on her mind.

He Cheng, unfortunately, had just finished his scene. He passed Ning Yao and Gu Wei right as Ning Yao spoke, and he stopped next to Gu Wei with an arrogant look on his face. He'd obviously heard what Ning Yao had just said.

"What a coincidence," he sneered. "I was just thinking I don't really want to be shooting scenes with someone who's a known plagiarist. I wonder what the director is thinking? Maybe he's looking to entice some viewers with a controversial little influencer."

As soon as Mu Yue heard that, from where she was standing next to Gu Wei, she knew this was a person who had come to pick a fight.

Ning Yao was also drowning in guilt over speaking so carelessly.