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This scene is a memory of the prince, who was born in the cold palace. The former empress protected him within the courtyard, not allowing him to go outside. However, the boy was always mischievous and filled with curiosity about the outside world, sneaking out of the courtyard. The prince did not realize that those in the palace were adept at playing favorites. There was a mother who had been demoted to the cold palace, and her son was not favored by the emperor either. Naturally, those with even a little bit of power among the palace servants were eager to bully him to satisfy their dark vanity: "Look, I can bully even the emperor's son!"
The poor prince was caught and bullied by two palace maids and eunuchs who had lived at the bottom of the palace for twenty or thirty years, their personalities already twisted. Just then, the former empress, who had never left the courtyard, appeared to save her son. Although her appearance was disheveled, her cold and noble aura immediately intimidated the two lowly servants. The former empress came from a prominent family and knew how to fight; she quickly subdued the two palace servants, bringing her son back. This act had a significant impact on the prince, teaching him that only with great strength could he protect himself.
"Cut!" Sheng Qingxi called for a stop and walked over to Bai Tang. "Bai Tang, your expression is too gentle; it needs to be colder, more serious, and more imposing."
To be fair, Bai Tang had already performed well. As someone who had never acted before, her camera presence surpassed that of professional actors, earning praise from the assistant director for Sheng Qingxi's keen eye. However, Bai Tang was not a professional actress; while her camera presence was enhanced by her innate talent, her emotions and acting skills were somewhat lacking. Sheng Qingxi was a director who demanded perfection in his work, which led to Bai Tang facing multiple takes.
"Director Sheng, Bai Tang has done well; let's move on!" Xiong Wenjun said as he noticed the fatigue on the staff's faces. In his view, Bai Tang's performance was good enough to pass; he couldn't understand why Sheng Qingxi was being so nitpicky.
"No, I still feel like something is missing," Sheng Qingxi frowned. "Let's do it again."
"But everyone is very tired," the assistant director reminded him.
Sheng Qingxi glanced around at everyone and then looked at the scene's protagonist. Clearly, she should be the most exhausted one; why did she look so energetic? This made Sheng Qingxi unable to help but feel envious of Bai Tang's stamina.
"One more time; if it doesn't work out, we'll continue tomorrow," Sheng Qingxi decided. The crowd initially felt joy but then their expressions fell again. Tomorrow? Director, please spare us! Sister Bai, we beg you; you must satisfy the director and get it right in one take!
Bai Tang accepted the pleading looks from everyone and felt overwhelmed. Pressing her forehead, she began to regret impulsively agreeing to Sheng Qingxi's request; acting wasn't fun at all.
Closing her eyes, Bai Tang contemplated how to make herself colder and more imposing. Suddenly, an icy face of the Fourth Prince appeared in her mind. Bai Tang opened her eyes wide with bright determination—aha! With a reference point in mind, she could just follow that!
"Aim!" Sheng Qingxi gestured with his right hand.
The old wooden door creaked open suddenly as a pale and frail woman stepped out from inside. Her cold gaze turned sharply as if a beam of cold light shot forth, staring directly at those who dared to bully her son. An invisible pressure weighed down on the two palace servants until they could hardly breathe.
Not just the two palace servants but everyone present felt that pressure bearing down on them as well. Sheng Qingxi clutched his chest in excitement and exclaimed, "That's the feeling! This is exactly what I wanted!"
Xiong Wenjun closed his gaping mouth and nodded in agreement: "Director Sheng, I admire your vision!"
Bai Tang's extraordinary performance allowed this scene to be filmed smoothly. Sheng Qingxi happily approached Bai Tang: "Bai Tang, you acted so well! You're simply talented! You should continue acting; don't waste your gift!"
Bai Tang reached out and pushed Sheng Qingxi's face, saying, "You should buy a bottle of gum to keep on you; you have bad breath!"
"Ah? Really?" Sheng Qingxi was shocked and immediately asked his assistant to buy him some gum. After giving the instructions, he realized that Bai Tang had already walked back to the makeup room, completely ignoring his suggestion.
"What a pity for such a good talent!" Sheng Qingxi squatted down under the camera and started drawing circles.
Camera Brother patted Sheng Qingxi's head in consolation and then carried the camera away, leaving the Assistant alone in the cold wind. Sheng Da Director raised a middle finger, saying, "We're still old classmates! You can't even comfort me a bit!"
Camera Brother replied as he walked away, "It's precisely because we're old classmates that I know your character; you don't need comfort."
Sheng Da Director (angrily): "I want to cut ties with you!"
"Fine, let's cut ties!" Camera Brother retorted fiercely, "From now on, don't expect me to be your cameraman."
Sheng Da Director sulked: "You only know how to threaten me!"
There aren't many cameramen with such good skills like Camera Brother in their circle, and Sheng Da Director couldn't bear to let this future exclusive cameraman go!
The assistant rushed over, panting, holding a pack of gum he had just bought.
"Thank you! I'll give you a raise next month!" Sheng Da Director was satisfied with the assistant's work attitude. He had already planned to give the assistant a raise and took this opportunity to earn the assistant's grateful gaze.
"Do you want to come to my house for dinner? My mom made sour bamboo shoots and chicken skin soup and fluffy goose oil rolls," Bai Tang said as she walked out of the makeup room while checking her phone.
"Yes, definitely! We must go!" The foodie Sheng Da Director was drooling. "Your mom is really talented; she can even make the dishes from Dream of the Red Chamber, and they taste so good!"
Bai Tang smiled. When she returned from Red Mansion World, she brought back a huge stack of recipes that were definitely more detailed than those online for Dream of the Red Chamber banquets.
"Assistant, I think you won't be able to enjoy the food!" Xiong Wenjun pointed aside. "Someone is looking for you."
"Who is looking for me?" Sheng Qingxi turned back in confusion and saw a woman rushing toward him despite the security's attempts to stop her.
Sheng Qingxi was startled and stepped aside, "What the hell, who is this person?"
"Can't you recognize her? It's Huang Yingmei, the Best Actress whose bright future you ruined," Yuan Shaochuan said as he walked over.
"No way? She doesn't look anything like that!" Bai Tang said, confused as she looked at the woman. The stunning beauty from the magazine now appeared to be a worn-out middle-aged woman in her thirties or forties. The difference was too stark!
"In the past, she had to wear heavy makeup whenever she appeared in public. Now she doesn't have the time or energy to put on makeup, so her true appearance is exposed!" The Makeup Artist, who came out two minutes later carrying a large and heavy makeup case, was praised by Sheng Da Director for being a "tough woman."
"Magical makeup techniques, magical cosmetics!" Bai Tang exclaimed in amazement.
Luo Juan, the Makeup Artist, smiled proudly, "We Makeup Artists are the greatest magicians!"
"Is this really the time to chat? The Assistant's clothes are almost torn apart by Huang Yingmei!" Xiong Wenjun interjected.
"You can go help!" Luo Juan took two steps back, fearing that the struggle over there would affect her.
Xiong Wenjun adjusted his glasses, "How can my old arms and legs compare to a Young Person? I think I'll pass!"
Bai Tang couldn't help but scoff; you're only thirty-five, two years younger than Huang Yingmei. How can you complain about your old arms and legs?
"Actually, Huang Yingmei is quite pitiful. The Assistant not only ruined her career but also destroyed her reputation. No wonder she's gone crazy," an assistant said, feeling that the Assistant's methods were a bit excessive and shouldn't have been so ruthless.
Now magazines and online platforms were filled with Huang Yingmei's scandals—everything from using hidden rules to climb up the ranks to having countless wealthy sponsors. There were even videos of her from when she first debuted in adult films. Now, Huang Yingmei had become a symbol of moral decay, going from being adored by thousands to being condemned by everyone in less than a month.
"Qingxi only cut off Huang Yingmei's job; he didn't do anything else," Yuan Shaochuan defended his old classmate. "Huang Yingmei has offended many people; now that she's down on her luck, how could those she wronged not take the opportunity to strike back? So this outcome is something she brought upon herself."
The assistant's face turned slightly red as he felt embarrassed for misunderstanding the Assistant.
Luo Juan comforted him by patting his shoulder, "Those who are pitiful must have their reasons. And this is normal in the Entertainment Industry; when someone rises to power, everyone will support them. But if they fall from grace, it’s not just about kicking them while they're down; it can drive someone to despair. You'll get used to it."
Bai Tang tilted her head; indeed, her decision not to enter the Entertainment Industry was the right one.
On the other side, Huang Yingmei was pulled away by security, and Sheng Qingxi returned to the group looking disheveled.
"Look at you, all messy. Hurry back to the hotel and change your clothes!" Yuan Shaochuan said.
Sheng Qingxi frowned, "That woman thinks I leaked her scandals and is begging me to let her off. Hmph, she really doesn't know what she's talking about."
"You didn't do anything; we all know that. Don't let this person ruin your mood," Bai Tang comforted. "Quickly change into something nice and come to my house for some good food."
"Why didn't you invite me if there's good food?" Luo Juan complained, pinching Bai Tang's cheek. "I made you look so beautiful, and you don't even know how to be grateful?"
"Yes, yes, I was wrong! I sincerely invite Sister Juan to my house for a feast as a token of gratitude," Bai Tang quickly brushed Luo Juan's hand away. "Xiong Ge, Chuan Ge, Xie, let's all go together."
"Is it okay? Will Auntie's cooking be enough for us? We have several big eaters among us!" Xiong Wenjun asked with a smile.
"Don't worry, there will be plenty for everyone," Bai Tang laughed. She still had two tables of ancient delicacies packed in her backpack!
"Great, let's all go to Bai Tang's house for a feast!" Sheng Qingxi cheered, his bad mood lifting.
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