"Cut!"
…
"Cut!"
…
"Cut!"
After four consecutive flubs, Director Zhang's face started to darken.
Gao Yuanyuan's performance was way too stiff. She completely failed to capture the longing Ruyue had felt for years, the kind of joy mixed with shyness that should come with finally getting what she wanted.
Instead, it felt like she was being held by a total stranger, radiating discomfort.
As an actor, if you can't get into character and convey the emotions the story demands, you're not cutting it!
Wasting the entire crew's time? That's practically a crime!
If it weren't for Luke recommending her, Director Zhang might've already lost his temper.
Out of respect for Luke, Director Zhang said, "The young lady might not be in the zone yet. Let's give her some time to adjust. We'll skip this scene for now."
"Director, I'm so sorry. I messed up!" Gao Yuanyuan was on the verge of tears, clearly panicked.
Director Zhang ignored her and turned to Luke. "You're such a solid actor—why don't you coach her a bit? Give you two some time to find your rhythm. We'll reshoot this scene tomorrow."
After saying that, Director Zhang couldn't help but feel a bit puzzled: Didn't Luke recommend Gao Yuanyuan? So why did they seem like total strangers meeting for the first time?
How are two actors supposed to nail an intimate scene if they don't have enough trust?
"Got it, Director," Luke replied.
Director Zhang nodded and left with the rest of the crew to shoot other scenes.
In the spacious room, only Luke and Gao Yuanyuan remained. She was quietly putting her clothes back on, and the atmosphere felt a little awkward.
Luke was also caught off guard by how poorly the shoot had gone today.
Normally, in scenes like this, some male actors might flub on purpose just to get a few extra takes.
But now, it was the complete opposite—Gao Yuanyuan kept messing up.
If he hadn't felt her stiffness and tension when their skin touched, he might've thought she was doing it on purpose.
"Sorry for causing trouble today," Gao Yuanyuan said, sitting down next to him after getting dressed.
"It's not your fault. We only met today, after all. It's tough to shoot a scene like this when we're not familiar with each other," Luke said, shaking his head to reassure her.
"But you were amazing! When we were acting together, I swear it felt like I was opposite a seasoned pro."
"That's 'cause I'm a guy. It's easy for me to get into character with you. Too bad I'm not quite good enough to pull you into the scene with me."
"Huh?"
Gao Yuanyuan's ears turned red. She caught what Luke was saying.
He was complimenting her beauty, saying that guys would naturally slip into character around her.
He even took the blame, saying he wasn't charming enough to help her relax and get into the role.
Gao Yuanyuan knew that wasn't true.
Luke was being way too modest. With his looks, any woman would fall for him.
She just wasn't used to getting so close to a guy so suddenly.
Maybe if they spent more time together, her body would adjust?
"Don't overthink it. How about we take a breather and go for a walk?" Luke suggested.
"Sure! Erdaoqiao is gorgeous—wanna check it out?" Gao Yuanyuan replied.
Luke glanced at the darkening sky and considered the distance to Erdaoqiao but didn't say no.
He smiled and said, "I've heard the night views there are something else. Let's go."
As they walked off into the distance, Meng Tao, who was supervising an action scene nearby, spotted them.
"Sky's getting dark—don't wander too far! Watch out for wolves!" he shouted.
Luke waved back with a grin, letting him know he got the message.
The two strolled side by side along the path through the poplar forest.
A gust of wind swept through, making the trees rustle in a soothing, almost musical way.
Gao Yuanyuan's earlier gloom started to lift.
She suddenly spoke up. "I owe you big time for getting to play Ruyue. You might not think it's a big deal, but I do. An opportunity like this? Most women would give anything for it."
Before Luke could respond, she continued, "They say you don't thank someone for a huge favor, but I really don't know how to repay you. Do you… think I'm worth your time?"
Luke was taken aback. Gao Yuanyuan was blunt, no doubt about it.
It reminded him of a joke.
When an unattractive person does a favor for a beautiful woman, she might say she'll repay them in the next life by being their servant.
But when a handsome guy does the favor, she might say she can only repay him with herself.
He used to think it was just a joke, but since his "rebirth," this was, what, the fourth woman to show interest in him?
Or maybe the fifth?
Just like guys can't resist a beautiful woman, women are just as defenseless against a good-looking guy.
And when a guy looks like Luke, he's bound to find that most women in this world are warm and kind.
Not to mention, Luke wasn't just a pretty face. He held serious influence and could change someone's entire career.
Like how a single word from him opened up a whole new world for Gao Yuanyuan's acting career.
How could any woman not fall for a guy like that?
Luke shook his head with a smile. "If you're calling yourself 'average,' then I don't know who in this world could count as beautiful."
He gently pushed her away as she leaned closer.
"I don't need you to repay me like that. It'd make me feel like you're selling us both short. Maybe there'll be something between us down the line, but not now."
For a lot of guys, having a beautiful woman show interest would feel like hitting the jackpot.
But for Luke, beautiful women were a dime a dozen—especially in the entertainment industry, where they were everywhere.
If he wanted, he could have a new "bride" every night.
It's not that Luke didn't like women. He just wasn't into meaningless flings. What's the difference between that and paying for a few hours of "love"?
He was also a possessive guy. He couldn't just hook up and walk away, but taking responsibility for someone was a hassle.
So, he wasn't about to start something with a woman he didn't have real feelings for.
Right now, Gao Yuanyuan's feelings toward him were mostly gratitude with a sprinkle of attraction.
If it felt like a transaction, what was the point?
"Hearing you say that, I feel relieved but also kinda bummed," Gao Yuanyuan said.
Luke got what she meant.
She was relieved because he didn't think less of her, and he wasn't the type to treat relationships like a deal.
But she was disappointed because she hadn't won his affection.
"Can I hold your hand?" she asked softly.
"Hm?"
"Before we shoot that scene tomorrow, I want to get more comfortable with you."
That excuse… you buying it?