"Don't be so quick to nod!" Director Li looked at her and pointed outside. "We'll be filming on location at Blue Star Lake behind us. The temperature is very low. If you're not up for it, I can arrange a stunt double for you!"
Director Li adhered to his usual realistic filming style, demanding a high degree of authenticity even for fight scenes in the lake during winter.
The difficulty of this shoot was evident.
Meng Jingwei took the script and found the part about the snow-day lake fight scene that Director Li had mentioned. She furrowed her brow, pondered for a few seconds, and then nodded, her attitude resolute, "I'm fine with it."
Given the numerous difficult issues Qing Muye had recently encountered, it was highly possible this drama would be her last. She was determined to give it her all.
In life, one should leave as few regrets as possible.
Moreover, the lake fight scene only involved a short segment where two people fall into the water; it should be completed quickly.
Director Li looked at Meng Jingwei in surprise, his gaze serious as if contemplating something. Then, he nodded slightly, "Good, that's acceptable. As a new actor, you should dare to be bold."
He affirmed Meng Jingwei's decision.
"Go and prepare," Director Li told Meng Jingwei.
Meng Jingwei acknowledged him and left the indoor studio with her script.
As soon as she stepped out, Qiao Ziqian walked towards her. "Mengmeng, where were you yesterday?" Qiao Ziqian asked with feigned curiosity.
Meng Jingwei smiled, answering without any guard, "Visiting a friend."
"Oh, that's why you weren't here."
Qiao Ziqian rubbed his hands together and blew hot air from his mouth. "It's so cold. It's snowing outside. Come on, let's go watch the snow together."
"Accompanying me to watch the snow, aren't you afraid of Brother Shang scolding you?" Meng Jingwei teased.
"How dare he," Qiao Ziqian raised an eyebrow, walked to her side, and lowered his voice. "Brother Shang just wants me to come find you more often. He wants you to teach me martial arts."
As he spoke, he produced a string of candied hawthorns as if by magic from behind his back. "Here, authentic old-fashioned candied hawthorns, bought them especially for you."
Small favors are the easiest way to win people over.
Qiao Ziqian had put thought into it, understanding how to capture a girl's heart.
On a snowy day, being able to eat a string of authentic candied hawthorns was indeed something Meng Jingwei couldn't refuse.
She took the candied hawthorns and pursed her lips into a smile. "Qiao Ziqian, you don't need to buy me these snacks. Earning money isn't easy for you, save it for yourself." Her tone was serious. "I know your situation, save up when you can."
Meng Jingwei raised the candied hawthorns in her hand. "I'll accept this one, but there won't be a next time."
Earlier, Qiao Ziqian had mentioned his girlfriend had a terminal illness and required a lot of money for treatment.
Upon mentioning 'this matter,' Qiao Ziqian's usually cheerful face gradually became sad. He lowered his head and let out a soft scoff. "We broke up. However, I've been quietly topping up her hospital account with the money I earned from my part-time jobs."
Hearing about his unfortunate life experiences, Meng Jingwei expressed her sympathy. "What illness does your girlfriend have? You can tell me, maybe I can help her."
Meng Jingwei had participated in charity activities before and had also quietly sponsored several students from impoverished mountainous areas. Therefore, if she could help with Qiao Ziqian's 'girlfriend' situation, it would be good.
"Ah? No, no, no, you don't have to, don't have to."
Qiao Ziqian was taken aback and waved his hands repeatedly. "Mengmeng, I just think you're a good person, that's why I wanted to be friends. I wasn't intentionally telling you about my girlfriend to gain your sympathy, I..."
"What are you talking about? I didn't mean it like that." Meng Jingwei hadn't expected Qiao Ziqian to be so sensitive. She comforted him, "Don't overthink it, I just think your girlfriend is a good girl, and it's quite pitiful."