Although Meng Zhen had been an artist under Yunlai Entertainment, she had just debuted and only had a bit of online fame. She couldn’t compare to the popular actress Xiao Lan. As a result, the two had only met once during the audition for the role of Daji and had no private interactions.

When Meng Zhen heard from Cao Lei that the originally cast female lead, Yu Liang, had been replaced by Xiao Lan, she found it a bit strange. However, having just arrived at the film set, she didn’t think it was appropriate to say much, so she simply nodded.

Cao Lei turned to Meng Zhen and said in a gentle tone, “Meng Zhen, the female lead, Feng Feng, and Shi Yuwei are colleagues in the same company. You’ll have quite a few scenes with Xiao Lan. When we start filming officially tomorrow, make sure to rehearse together often to ensure the performances mesh well.”

Meng Zhen understood how much Cao Lei valued his work. Although 《The Icon’s New Clothes》 was a commercial comedy film, Cao Lei himself had high aspirations. As a director, he hoped that the artists’ performances would meet his standards and, at the very least, not hold back the production.

“Don’t worry, Director, I’ll make sure to communicate well with Teacher Xiao.” Meng Zhen replied softly.

Hearing that, Cao Lei couldn’t help but feel relieved. He knew Meng Zhen was a dedicated actress who had never slacked off, whether in a short film or a variety show. He hoped she would deliver another satisfactory performance this time as well.

Since Meng Zhen had just joined the crew today and wasn’t yet accustomed to the set’s environment, Cao Lei didn’t rush to film her scenes. Instead, he led Meng Zhen to the makeup room and told the stylist, “Sister Long, Meng Zhen will be playing the role of Shi Yuwei. I plan to take a set of costume photos for her shortly, starting with Shi Yuwei’s high school period. She’ll be wearing a dance practice outfit. The makeup shouldn’t be too heavy, and the focus should be on highlighting her pure and innocent look.”

Although Cao Lei was frugal with himself, often eating boxed meals on set with the actors, the staff he hired were quite renowned in the industry. For example, the makeup artist known as Sister Long had also previously worked with Director Qian Xubing.

Sister Long, who was in her late thirties, had extensive experience in makeup. She carefully examined Meng Zhen’s features and found that Meng Zhen possessed a classical beauty that could handle both heavy and light makeup effortlessly.

“Don’t worry, Director. With someone as beautiful as Teacher Meng, my makeup won’t do her any disservice.”

Meng Zhen first changed into a pure black dance practice outfit. Her slender frame, even with some extra weight, didn’t make her look fat. The form-fitting clothes accentuated her graceful and shapely figure. Sister Long then put Meng Zhen’s hair up and snipped twice with the scissors, giving her airy bangs. Paired with her small, palm-sized face, she looked both spirited and pure.

If Meng Zhen hadn’t stopped going to school, she would currently be in her third year of high school. Therefore, Sister Long only used a compact powder for a simple base, outlined her eyebrows and eyes with an eyeliner pencil, and applied a layer of light pink lipstick. With that, the makeup was complete.

“Look at that, so pure and full of vitality. A school flower should look just like this.” Sister Long said as she put her tools back into the makeup bag, her tone filled with satisfaction.

“I also think it’s pretty good.” Cao Lei then led Meng Zhen to a practice room and said, “Meng Zhen, strike some dance poses so the photographer can take a few pictures of you.”

Meng Zhen was already accustomed to the filming process, so she didn’t appear unfamiliar. She danced naturally in the practice room. In her previous life, she endured hardships while learning traditional opera, practicing relentlessly. Therefore, her foundation was more solid than others, and her dance movements were exceptionally graceful and flexible, captivating the onlookers’ attention.

Meng Zhen seemed born for the camera, and the photographer was visibly excited. As he clicked away, he couldn’t help but exclaim, “Meng Zhen’s presence in front of the camera is even better than many models’. Her facial features are so photogenic. Director, you’ve really struck gold.”

Cao Lei chuckled smugly, looking rather punchable in his self-satisfied demeanor.

Soon, with the help of Sister Long, Meng Zhen changed into another set of outfits. She wore a dark green high-necked dress, the skirt adorned with Swarovski crystals, shimmering brightly with every step she took. It was as if a galaxy of stars burst into bloom on the skirt, dazzling and incredible to behold.

This dress was worn by Shi Yuwei on her engagement day. By then, her character had already entered the workplace, so her makeup had become heavier, giving her a sharper appearance, yet still exuding a hint of charm.

Cao Lei stood inside the studio, watching the dazzling young woman. With a pained expression on his face, he reminded, “Meng Zhen, this dress is really expensive. You must be careful. I spent a lot of money renting it.”

Sister Long couldn’t help but give Cao Lei a disdainful look. “As long as the quality of the film is high, what does the money spent on renting dresses matter? Director, you should focus on the long-term vision.”

Upon hearing that remark, Cao Lei snorted twice but ultimately said nothing more.

The production’s daily expenses were high. After Meng Zhen finished her makeup photoshoot, Cao Lei wasted no more time. He briefly discussed the upcoming scenes with Meng Zhen and then officially began filming.

The rookie actor playing the male lead was named Zhang Lai. He had just graduated from college this year and had previously guest-starred in several supporting roles in Cao Lei’s films. His acting skills were good, and he was willing to work hard. Although he wasn’t conventionally handsome, his acting range was much broader than that of popular young stars. Transitioning roles in the future would also be relatively easy for him.

Zhang Lai appeared quite honest and down-to-earth. At the moment, he was dressed in a high school student’s uniform, which looked a bit awkward but didn’t disrupt the scene.

Meng Zhen had already taken off the dark green couture dress and changed into a simple waist-hugging one. Though the dress itself was unremarkable, when worn by her, it exuded a bright and charming aura.

With his backpack slung over his shoulder, Zhang Lai’s mouth was opened exaggeratedly wide, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on the girl walking across the court. He was so engrossed that he didn’t notice a basketball flying towards him from above, hitting him hard on the head. Holding his head in pain, he fell to the ground, his face contorted in agony.

Laughter erupted around him, but Zhang Lai wasn’t upset. He remained sprawled on the ground, continuing to gaze at Meng Zhen.

At that moment, Cao Lei gestured to the props master, who quickly turned on the air blower. The snowy-white skirt billowed in the wind, and Meng Zhen imitated Marilyn Monroe’s pose, pressing the skirt down. Her slender, fair legs were exposed to the sunlight. The surrounding extras were all stunned, with expressions identical to Zhang Lai’s, creating a hilarious comedic effect.

“Pause for a moment. The fan just now didn’t blow enough wind. Increase the airflow a bit, and Zhang Lai, your expression can be even sillier.”

Having worked with Cao Lei several times before, Zhang Lai understood the effect the director wanted. He grinned widely, revealing a row of white teeth, then began to laugh stupidly.

“That’s good. When we start filming again, make sure to maintain this state.” Cao Lei instructed without showing any annoyance.

During the second take, both Meng Zhen and Zhang Lai managed their performances well, striking a balance that was neither dull nor overly exaggerated, avoiding any awkwardness.

The scene took a full hour to film before Cao Lei was satisfied and called it a wrap. He then made sure to remind all the actors not to be late tomorrow.

———pr

The next day at 8 o’clock, Meng Zhen arrived promptly on set. As soon as she walked in, she saw Cao Lei sitting in a reclining chair, flipping through the script and making notes.

“Meng Zhen’s here. Go to the makeup room and get ready. Have you studied your scenes with Xiao Lan?”

Meng Zhen nodded slightly. Her memory was good, and she had already memorized her lines inside out. Before leaving, she carefully reviewed the scenes in the script again, so there shouldn’t be any problems.

She finished her styling before nine o’clock, and when she walked into the studio, she noticed that Cao Lei’s expression didn’t look good.

“Has Xiao Lan not arrived yet?” Cao Lei pinched the bridge of his nose, his tone slightly sharp as he asked.

The assistant director, sensing that Cao Lei was really angry, answered cautiously, “I just called her assistant. They said there’s traffic from downtown to the film studio, so they might be a bit late.”

“I reminded them last night. We have to finish filming that rain scene by noon today. If we wait until it gets dark and the temperature drops, who will be responsible if the actors catch a cold?”

Seeing Cao Lei in such a furious state, the assistant director was at a loss for words. Xiao Lan was already a rising star, and logically, she wouldn’t have agreed to participate in a low-budget comedy film like 《The Icon’s New Clothes》. Now she did, but perhaps she didn’t take the production seriously at all, hence her seemingly disrespectful attitude.

“Let’s wait a bit longer. Maybe she’ll arrive in another ten minutes.” The assistant director whispered softly, trying to calm the situation.

The shooting schedule had already been set, and Cao Lei couldn’t change it just because of Xiao Lan’s delay. He took a deep breath and checked his watch repeatedly while pacing around the set. After about half an hour, Xiao Lan finally entered the set with two assistants.

“Director Cao, I’m sorry for the delay. There was heavy traffic on the way here. I hope you don’t mind.”

Remembering to be polite even when upset, Cao Lei maintained a serious expression. “Teacher Xiao, please try not to be late next time.” He said sternly, though Xiao Lan’s apology seemed sincere enough to appease him.

Xiao Lan nodded repeatedly.

Once filming began, all the actors got into character.

At this moment, they weren’t adults who had experienced the harsh realities of society. They were simply high school students filled with unwavering courage. The male lead, though just an ordinary student, had been secretly in love with the school flower and planned to confess his feelings at the Qixi Festival^[1]Chinese Valentine’s Day.

Zhang Lai paced back and forth in a small grove at the school, holding a rose and a love letter. Despite the temperature being just around ten degrees Celsius, they were filming a summer scene. Consequently, several artists were dressed in the lightest clothes, shivering whenever the wind blew.

Meng Zhen took a moment to relax and calm her nerves, trying to loosen her body to prevent stiffness.

She wore a blush pink dress as she walked along the cobblestone path. Zhang Lai was just about to step forward to confess to the school flower, but he was a step too slow. A young man with slicked-back hair and a button shirt approached, holding a bouquet of ninety-nine roses. He directly stuffed it into Meng Zhen’s arms and said passionately, “Yuwei, my father is a company owner. Be my girlfriend.”

Blushing, Meng Zhen walked hand in hand with the young man.

Meanwhile, Zhang Lai was left behind drenched by the rainwater sprayed from the rain tower, turning into a drenched rat.