A fight scene, because Quan Jiu had a martial arts foundation, went smoothly. Although Jiang Li was scolded until she cried, she was also under pressure and unwilling to give up. In the end, the scene was considered completed.
As soon as it ended, Jiang Li hid in a corner to continue crying. At her age, to be scolded in front of everyone was unbearable for her pride and self-esteem.
Witnessing Jiang Li being severely reprimanded, the other cast and crew members dared not be careless. Even during breaks, they were memorizing lines and practicing scenes, fearing they would suffer the same fate.
Xiao Dong looked at Quan Jiu not far away, filled with hatred and annoyance. "She even brought bodyguards. Is this woman sick? She's not a big star. Who brings bodyguards when joining a crew? Even you, Miss, didn't bring any."
Liu Zhi Xi glanced at her and scolded, "You're the one who's stupid and messed things up, and you're blaming her for bringing bodyguards. This matter must be handled properly today, or you'll go back to the new district and stay away from me."
Xiao Dong's face paled, and she meekly said, "Miss, I... I'll think of another way."
Liu Zhi Xi glared at her sinisterly, "Useless trash."
Xiao Dong became even more frightened, her mind racing. Suddenly, she saw Quan Jiu's scene and a flash of inspiration made her exclaim happily, "Miss, I have a way."
Quan Jiu had just finished a scene. Guo Wen couldn't help but clap and praise, "Good, good, good, excellent, Quan Jiu. You rest for a while, and we'll continue filming the next scene in twenty minutes."
Having filmed for over two hours without a break, Quan Jiu was also a bit tired. She thanked the staff for their hard work and then sat down to rest.
Although she didn't have an assistant, her bodyguards were very attentive. As soon as Quan Jiu sat down, four of them stepped forward, preparing hand warmers, hot water, cotton clothes, and even a portable electric heater.
December was already very cold, and the costume was thin, so Quan Jiu was indeed shivering. But after the four bodyguards' actions, she immediately felt warm all over. Especially with the electric heater, she discovered it had its own power source, which effectively silenced those who wanted to gossip.
However, some were still sour.
"Some people are just lucky. I wish I could find a rich sugar daddy and be served like that."
"What's there to envy? She's so beautiful. Even if she finds a rich man, it's like a fresh flower stuck in cow dung. I think as long as I have enough money to spend, I wouldn't want to marry those old and ugly businessmen."
"I finally know who she is."
Suddenly, a surprised voice broke the discussion of these "lemon spirits." Everyone looked at the speaker, "You know her? Isn't she in the entertainment industry?"
"Yes and no. I was wondering why she looked so familiar. I saw a trending search before, related to Chu Rong, so I clicked on it. She and Chu Rong are creating a CP, and they participated in 'Heartbeat Rhythm' together. Chu Rong was so good to her."
The speaker opened the "Heartbeat Rhythm" program and showed it to others, "Look, it's her. I heard they recently filmed a personal episode of 'Heartbeat Rhythm,' specifically for the two of them by the production team because they have so many fans."
The "lemon spirits" immediately crowded around. Someone even exclaimed, "Isn't that Chu Rong, the CEO of Chu Corporation? How could he..." How could he be pursuing her?
"It's impossible, right? How could Chu Rong pursue her? It must be the production team deliberately creating a CP, all done through editing."
Chu Rong was one of the few wealthy and handsome bachelors from prominent families, so it was no wonder these women were envious. Even with the facts laid out before them, they were unwilling to believe it.
Quan Jiu, who had completely warmed up, was unaware of their discussion. She was messaging Chu Rong on her phone.
"Liu Zhi Xi wouldn't try to kill me for no reason. There must be a reason. I can protect myself. I want my bodyguards to leave first, to give her an opportunity."
Across the screen, Chu Rong's brow furrowed. His strong opposition could be felt even through the screen.
"No."
Quan Jiu continued to persuade, "But we can't guard against her forever. Let alone half a month, even if filming is finished, we can't guarantee she'll stop. If she leaves the crew, she'll have more opportunities. It's better to test her now."
"No. I will investigate her purpose. You don't need to use a 'bitter trick'."
Quan Jiu looked at the bodyguards surrounding her. Even during rest, they maintained their formation, let alone obeying her command to leave.
She then glanced in the direction of Liu Zhi Xi and Xiao Dong not far away. Just then, Xiao Dong was staring intently at her. However, the moment their eyes met, Xiao Dong immediately concealed her gaze and looked away.
But from that glance, Quan Jiu realized that Liu Zhi Xi definitely had other plans.
If you don't cast a long line, how can you catch a big fish?
She made up her mind. As the time was almost up, she got up and re-entered the filming location.
...
As it approached noon, filming finally came to a temporary halt. However, the crew's boxed lunches had not arrived yet. Just as Guo Wen was about to contact them, thinking there was a problem with the supplier, someone unexpected appeared.
He wore a sharp suit and a gray wool coat. His model-like figure made the simple attire look like haute couture on a runway. But looking at his cold and handsome face, the clothes lost their color. Beneath his elegant demeanor, his sharp eyebrows and bright eyes were filled with tenderness, looking directly at one person in the rest area.
The actresses were instantly stunned, their faces flushed as they looked at him.
"So handsome, isn't this my dream man? Why is he here?"
"He looks much more handsome in person than in magazines. He looks so noble and tasteful."
The actresses chattered incessantly. Even Liu Zhi Xi's eyes showed undisguised excitement, like spotting prey.
"Chu Rong. I was just worrying about not having a chance to meet him, and he's personally coming to the set. Heaven is helping me."
Liu Zhi Xi gave Xiao Dong a look. Xiao Dong immediately understood and seized the opportunity. As Chu Rong passed by, she pretended to be holding something and, while backing away with her back to Liu Zhi Xi, "accidentally" bumped into Liu Zhi Xi.
Liu Zhi Xi stumbled.
As she was about to collide with Chu Rong, Chu Rong moved faster, sidestepped, and perfectly avoided her.
"Ah..." Liu Zhi Xi fell face-first into the dirt, both embarrassed and angry. But with so many people present, she could only suppress her anger and awkwardly got up. "I'm sorry, my assistant is a bit clumsy. I haven't trained her well. I'm sorry, I didn't startle you, did I?"
She spoke to Chu Rong, but unfortunately, he didn't even spare her a glance. He didn't even pause his steps and walked straight ahead.
Liu Zhi Xi was not only doted on at home but also highly favored and respected in the entertainment industry. To lose so much face in such a short time made her almost explode.
Xiao Dong trembled with fear, "Sister Xi, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to."
Liu Zhi Xi forced herself to maintain a gentle smile, "It's okay, I'm fine. I'm just worried I startled him." She then added with a self-deprecating laugh, "How scary am I that he's dodging me so far away?"
Because they were deceived by Liu Zhi Xi's usual persona, others didn't suspect that this small incident was intentional. Everyone involuntarily followed the person who had unexpectedly entered, and their gazes gradually focused on Quan Jiu.
"He... he's here to visit Quan Jiu?" someone exclaimed in shock.
As soon as the words fell, the expressions of the actresses on set turned as ugly as if a color palette had been overturned.