The film emperor’s comment about not being able to watch further made Xia Wei Liang assume her acting was subpar, displeasing a professional.
She wasn’t upset, readily accepting the criticism. "I will find opportunities to practice more," she said earnestly.
"Practice?"
Xiao Yi sneered, "Very good."
Yan Zhi came to hurry her along; a whole day had already been wasted, and the subsequent schedule would require a frantic catch-up.
"I'll see you off."
Having already filmed a kissing scene, Xia Wei Liang no longer cared what others thought and, still in costume, escorted Xiao Yi to his car.
He turned back, and seeing her squinting in the bright sun, couldn't help but offer a gentle smile. He reached out and lightly patted her head, carefully avoiding messing up her hairstyle. "Go on inside," he said.
Although their relationship had progressed by leaps and bounds, especially for Xiao Yi, who seemed to deepen his feelings with each passing day.
This affection had arrived with immense force. From initial bewilderment and even resistance, he had now reached a point of calm acceptance.
However, Xia Wei Liang had experienced this before, with the same person, so she was more composed, her emotions not fluctuating as intensely.
"You get in the car first," she insisted. "I'll just watch you here."
Her words seemed to make him even more reluctant to leave.
Actually, Xia Wei Liang was thinking about how busy the crew was every day. Shang Rong Rong had poured too much heart into this drama, and to film it better, the budget was constantly being pushed. She bore it all silently, always adhering to the principle that since she was acting in it, she had no right to whine and demand money.
The entire crew was also working together, putting in overtime to save costs.
Given Xiao Yi's status and position in the industry, his presence would cause a stir and draw attention, which was truly disruptive!
Based on this, Xia Wei Liang had to make sure he got into the car and left before she could return to filming with peace of mind!
Seeing her determination, Xiao Yi nodded, turned, and got into the car.
Only then did Xia Wei Liang breathe a sigh of relief. He was finally gone. Otherwise, it felt like having a dean of students constantly by her side; it was incredibly stressful!
But before she could even take a step, someone called her from behind: "Wei Liang."
"Huh?"
She instinctively turned her head, and suddenly an arm was around her neck. Then, Xiao Yi pulled her closer and kissed her lips...
Unlike the filming, his kiss this time was possessive, as if completing some ritual, or as if leaving his mark... In any case, such possessiveness was so strong that dogs for miles around could feel threatened!
"Wow! Look, look!"
"Is this still the film emperor I know? He's publicly showing affection?! No, I can't like him anymore! I'm unfollowing!"
"Heh, please. You know him? Does he know who you are? If you want to unfollow, go ahead. I'm not."
Yan Zhi stood aside, sighed faintly—men in love, oh dear~
He raised his phone, snapped a picture, and sent it to Lian Jun. "Sigh, I hope Brother Jun's oxygen tank is still sufficient."
Soon, he received a reply.
It wasn't from Lian Jun, but from Old Tu in the public relations department. He said nothing, just sent a photo. The photo showed a few strands of hair stuck to an A4 paper, with each strand numbered. Judging by the setup, it was going to be made into a specimen!
Xia Wei Liang placed her hands against his chest, making muffled protests.
Xiao Yi quickly let her go, stared at her lips, and said unhurriedly, "Didn't you say you wanted to practice? Did you learn anything?"
"..."
Xia Wei Liang took a deep breath. After calming down, she did have a question: When did he learn to twist words? His technique was quite standard!
He chuckled lightly, stroked her long hair, then sat back into the car and instructed the driver to go.
Da Yang drove the car at breakneck speed, as if afraid of being chased!
Xia Wei Liang's cheeks were burning hot. She covered them with her hands and slowly turned to walk back, unable to suppress a smile.
Oh, he was still so domineering, so unexpected...
The subsequent filming went very smoothly.
Director Liu was particularly considerate; kissing scenes and intimate scenes were all cleanly removed. Not only did Su Yu Xi have no objections, but Shang Rong Rong also didn't say a word.
It was as if some consensus had been reached between them.
An unspoken consensus.
Xia Wei Liang was relieved. She would rather film several long night shoots than another kissing scene.
The main reason was that she couldn't handle the sudden stimulation of such surprise attacks!
Midway through filming, "Courage" officially began shooting.
She had taken a week off in advance and then rushed to the "Courage" production team.
"Situ!"
"Mikoy!"
"Xiao Wai!"
"Ah Ning!"
Seeing these people was like seeing family. Xia Wei Liang hugged them one by one.
The group was a bit bewildered. Had they become so famous?
Before Xia Wei Liang arrived, they had been discussing her. She was simply too popular and famous; any trending topic that included "Xia Wei Liang" would go viral!
Director Huang Yan Yan was truly remarkable to have invited the most talked-about and popular person at the moment! And the program and platform's strength was not to be underestimated!
Unexpectedly, after Xia Wei Liang arrived, before they could even greet her, she could accurately call out each person's name, and her demeanor suggested familiarity.
This made everyone somewhat flattered.
Even the usually proud Mikoy couldn't help but size her up. "Empress Xia, do we know each other?"
Only he would ask such a direct question.
Xia Wei Liang looked at him and smiled. "I often watch your livestreams."
"Oh?"
He immediately perked up. "Do you like cosplay too?"
"I don't," Xia Wei Liang said very directly, smiling. "I just genuinely like you."
"You... What did you say? You like me?"
Mikoy perhaps found it unbelievable, staring at her blankly. "You said... you like... me?"
Who was Xia Wei Liang?
A popular, trending female star!
Who was her boyfriend?
The film emperor! And the youngest winner of the three major film awards in history!
Thinking of this, little Mik instantly sobered up. "I don't think we're close."
In fact, everyone heard this and was startled. Would he not be afraid of offending Xia Wei Liang with such a cold attitude?
But it was understandable that he wouldn't care, given his wealth!
A veritable rich second-generation, so wealthy he could be described as "arrogant," the type who could start a new production himself if necessary.
"Look at you, still with that delicate temper! Still so annoying!" Xia Wei Liang laughed heartily. "You need to change in the future. Even if it's for the sake of our handsome faces, you should become amiable and approachable!"
Seeing her scolding Mikoy as if he were her own dog made people suspect they were truly acquainted.
Because they were so familiar and intimate!
But soon, Xia Wei Liang shifted her attention to Director Huang Yan Yan. "Director Huang, take my advice: seize the day when flowers bloom!"