“Cut,” the director called out.

A smile appeared on the director’s face. “This take is good. You both performed well.”

As soon as the director spoke, Ye Fan sat up from He Han’s embrace. Her military uniform slipped off her shoulder, and a hand reached out from behind her, catching the jacket effortlessly.

He Han also sat up as soon as the director stopped the scene.

Both Ye Fan and He Han instinctively stepped back, completely shedding the emotions of the scene. They reverted to their usual selves, distant and detached.

To any observer, they looked like two strangers with no connection.

Ye Fan gave He Han a slight nod, then turned and walked out.

In a few days, Ye Fan would officially start her role as a dancer. The script had been sent to her not long ago.

Ye Fan deeply valued this opportunity and approached the role with utmost seriousness.

After coaxing Dudu to sleep and tucking him in snugly, she carefully opened the door and stepped out of the room. The lights in the living room were still on. Ye Fan planned to go over the script one more time.

Ye Fan was set to play the role of the heroine’s sister, Jin Tan, an illegitimate child who had been cast out into the world.

After falling into a life of hardship, Jin Tan became adept at navigating relationships with various men, using her charm and cunning to her advantage. She was ruthless, a femme fatale with a heart of stone, and secretly began working for the Japanese under a particular set of circumstances.

Jin Tan’s mission was to assassinate the male lead.

As Ye Fan was pondering the character’s personality, the door behind her suddenly creaked open. She quickly set the script down and turned to look.

At some point, Dudu had woken up. Rubbing his sleepy eyes, he stumbled toward Ye Fan.

Even though Dudu’s eyes were still half-closed, he wobbled unsteadily in her direction.

“Did Mommy wake you up?” Ye Fan asked softly, her voice filled with warmth.

The moment Dudu heard her voice, his little mouth quivered as if he were about to cry. He instantly quickened his steps, breaking into a small run toward Ye Fan.

Ye Fan opened her arms, and her baby immediately threw himself into her embrace.

“It’s not Mommy’s fault,” Dudu shook his head and said, his voice tinged with a childlike seriousness. “It’s because Mommy wasn’t by my side.”

Dudu’s chubby little hands clung tightly around Ye Fan’s neck, refusing to let go. His soft, pudgy face kept nuzzling against hers.

“Want Mommy to hold me while I sleep,” he said in his sweet, babyish voice.

Ye Fan gently stroked his cheek. “Baby, go to sleep first, and Mommy will come over in a little while, okay?”

Dudu pouted. “No, Mommy has to work. Baby will keep Mommy company.”

Ye Fan froze for a moment, staring at Dudu’s earnest little face.

Earlier, while Ye Fan was out filming, Dudu had asked Aunt Li where his mommy had gone.

Aunt Li told him that Mommy was working hard outside for him and that her job was tiring. She reminded Dudu to be extra good to his mommy.

Hearing this, Dudu had nodded solemnly, his face full of determination.

Ye Fan’s eyes grew warm. She adjusted Dudu’s position, nestling him securely in her arms. He had run out of his room barefoot, without even putting on shoes.

Since stepping into this world, quite some time had passed. In the beginning, the baby had felt like a stranger to her.

Like a sudden guest had barged into her life, but over time, that baby had become the most important person to her.

Ye Fan smiled faintly. She used to insist on going through life alone, believing it was easier without any burdens or complications.

But now, it seemed that nothing was truly unchangeable.

Dudu looked at her quietly for a moment before reaching out his little hands to cup her face.

“Mommy, I’ll grow up really fast and make lots and lots of money so you can live in a big house,” he said earnestly.

Ye Fan couldn’t help but laugh. Amused and touched, her heart filled with warmth. She didn’t correct him, simply shifting Dudu in her arms to hold him more securely.

“Thank you, Baby. But remember, whatever you do, you have to be steady and work hard.”

Dudu didn’t quite understand. He stared at her with a puzzled expression, his face full of innocence.

Ye Fan resolved to teach him the right values little by little. She didn’t want him to take the wrong path as he grew older.

“Why don’t you sleep in Mommy’s arms, okay?” she coaxed softly.

Dudu leaned in close and replied in his soft, childish voice, “Okay.”

Ye Fan picked up a freshly washed cotton T-shirt, folded it into a rectangular shape, and gently placed it over Dudu’s eyes.

With the light dimmed, Dudu quickly drifted off to sleep, his soft, rhythmic breaths rising and falling.

One arm cradled Dudu while the other flipped through her script.

She adjusted her position carefully, ensuring Dudu could sleep comfortably.

…..

The next day, Ye Fan arrived on set and walked into the dressing room. Several people were already seated there—they were extras for the upcoming scene.

These extras were playing the role of the dancers behind Ye Fan.

The moment they saw her, their expressions shifted subtly becoming tinged with hostility.

One of them sneered, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “I wonder how she managed to land this role?”

“Exactly. She’s just Tang Jin’s stand-in. How did she end up with such a good opportunity? There’s definitely something fishy going on.”

“…”

Although the role of the dancer Jin Tan wasn’t significant, it was still leagues better than being an extra. Ye Fan’s ability to secure this role inevitably stirred envy among the others.

The murmurs and whispers seeped into Ye Fan’s ears, but her expression remained unchanged.

She understood all too well that this was the nature of the entertainment industry. Even if you didn’t provoke anyone, some people and situations would still come looking for you.

As long as she focused on doing her job well, that was all that mattered.

Just then, someone spoke up. “How ridiculous. How she got the role is none of your business.”

The speaker was Song Man, one of the extras in the room.

She had been present the day Ye Fan stood in for Tang Jin in the rain scene.

Despite the numerous retakes, Ye Fan hadn’t shown a trace of impatience. In fact, her performance had only improved with each take, finishing strong in the end.

Song Man’s tone turned cold. “Instead of wasting time gossiping, why not reflect on why she got the role and you didn’t?”

“Not everything can be achieved by just flapping your gums,” Song Man said coldly.

Her words silenced the group.

Song Man then sat down beside Ye Fan. Ye Fan turned to her and sincerely said. “Thank you.”

Song Man smiled. “You’re welcome.”

She appreciated Ye Fan’s dedication and naturally wanted to support her.

Ye Fan was about to say more when the makeup artist called her over.

With an apologetic smile, Ye Fan said. “I’ll head over first.”

Song Man nodded in response.

Ye Fan took her seat in front of the makeup artist, who studied her face carefully.

Ye Fan was undeniably beautiful, but her features carried a hint of coldness. Since Jin Tan was a seductive dancer adept at charming men, her makeup needed to reflect a more alluring and sultry style this time.

The makeup artist meticulously worked on Ye Fan’s face. After a while, the look was complete. Setting her tools down, the artist stepped back and gazed at Ye Fan.

Ye Fan’s skin was as fair as snow, her red lips lightly pressed together, and the slight upward tilt at the corners of her eyes added an edge of allure. When her gaze slowly swept around, it carried an almost hypnotic charm.

She glanced at her reflection in the mirror, then picked up a veil and draped it over her face, leaving only her eyes exposed.

Jin Tan’s character initially appeared masked, only revealing her face later in the story.

Together with the other extras, Ye Fan left the dressing room. When they arrived on set, everyone’s eyes turned toward them—and froze.

It was impossible to look past the woman at the center of the group.

Ye Fan was dressed in a dark red cheongsam, her jet-black hair styled elegantly.

The cheongsam perfectly outlined her figure, highlighting her slender waist and the graceful curve of her long legs hidden beneath its fabric. Her posture exuded both elegance and an understated sensuality, captivating in an unconventional way.

Her fingertips, pale and delicate were adorned with striking red polish.

Such a bold color, instead of seeming garish, blended seamlessly with Ye Fan’s presence, lending her an air that was both enchanting and untouchable.

A thin veil covered Ye Fan’s face, leaving only her stunning, cold eyes visible.

Though her full features remained concealed, everyone on set found themselves momentarily entranced as one thought echoed in their minds.

Ye Fan was the most breathtaking beauty in this bustling cityscape.

He Han glanced at her briefly, his expression impassive as always.

The director, on the other hand, had a different train of thought. He’d known Ye Fan was a beauty—that was partly why he gave her the role of the dancer. It was an opportunity for her.

If Ye Fan seized it, this could be a pivotal moment in her career.

However, if her acting proved inadequate and she turned out to be nothing more than a pretty face, this chance would be the end of the line for her.

Maintaining a neutral expression, the director called out. “Get ready. This scene is about to begin.”

The lighting technician adjusted the lights, the cameras were in position, and the clapperboard snapped shut. Ye Fan stepped fully into character.

This scene depicted a dancer who appeared to be seducing the male lead, but in reality, she was plotting to assassinate him.

In the dim, gentle light of the cabaret, Ye Fan stood on stage, her face veiled, exuding unmatched allure and charm.

The men in the audience were mesmerized, their gazes fixed on her with rapt fascination.

All except one.

Her target: He Han.

Seated among the crowd, He Han hadn’t spared her a single glance since entering the cabaret. His attention remained entirely elsewhere.

Ye Fan’s eyes narrowed slightly, her crimson lips tightening beneath the veil. Then, with graceful poise, she descended from the stage.

Someone handed her a coat. She raised her arm delicately, draping it over her shoulders with a slow, languid elegance.

Fixing her gaze on He Han, Ye Fan began to approach him, her steps unhurried yet brimming with seduction.

With each movement, her cheongsam swayed faintly, offering fleeting glimpses of her long, alabaster legs—captivating and irresistible.

When she finally stood before him, He Han’s attention remained fixed on his glass of wine. He didn’t lift his gaze, not even for a moment, completely unaffected by her presence.

Ye Fan circled behind He Han, leaning down to place her snow-white hand on his shoulder, slowly trailing it down, exuding a subtle, seductive energy.

Her smile was soft, but her eyes concealed a cold, calculating glint. With her other hand, she reached towards her leg, where a cold, hidden gun was carefully concealed.

At that moment, He Han suddenly turned around, his long fingers wrapping around Ye Fan’s throat with a swift, controlled motion.

Ye Fan was forced to tilt her head back, her gaze locking with his cold eyes.

He Han’s expression remained stern, his gaze devoid of any warmth as his grip tightened incrementally.

He narrowed his eyes and spoke in an icy tone. “Who sent you?”

Gunshots rang out from outside, prompting He Han to finally release his hold.

“Cut!”

The director’s voice rang with excitement. Until now, Ye Fan had been a stand-in, her face never shown in the scenes, so the demands on her acting had been minimal.

He had expected her performance to fall short, but to his surprise, even with the veil covering her face, Ye Fan still conveyed an undeniable allure. Her earlier motion of drawing the gun had left him momentarily shaken.

He Han’s acting was flawless while Ye Fan didn’t quite match his level, she still managed to stay fully immersed in the scene, never breaking character. During their exchange, it was as if both of them had truly been transported to the intoxicating, glamour-filled world of Shanghai’s Bund.

His decision to cast Ye Fan as Jin Tan had clearly been the right one.

After the scene, Ye Fan returned to her usual cold, composed expression. She was no longer the seductive, languid dancer Jin Tan.

He Han’s usual icy demeanor faded, his expression returning to its usual calm.

Both actors had immersed themselves in their roles quickly and, just as swiftly, detached from them. What happened in the scene was of no consequence to them.

……

Some time later, the production team released the first trailer for “Undercover on the Bund” online.

The director and screenwriter of the show were top-tier in the industry, and the lead actors were international film star He Han and rising star Tang Jin. From the very start of filming, the series had garnered significant attention.

Once the trailer was released, it quickly sparked online discussions.

He Han and Tang Jin’s fans flooded the comments section of their Weibo posts.

“He Han looks so handsome in that military uniform! I’m strongly requesting the production team release more official stills!”

“The male god looks great in anything, I’m definitely going to watch this drama!”

“Little Jin and He Han have such great chemistry. They really suit each other.”

As everyone discussed the leads of the drama, a few quieter voices suddenly emerged.

“Am I the only one curious about the woman with the veil? Her eyes are so beautiful.”

“She’s already so beautiful with just her eyes showing. Imagine how gorgeous she must be if she revealed her full face.”

“Is there anyone like that in the entertainment industry? When did such a stunning beauty appear?”

The role of the dancer, Jin Tan had very little screen time, and the trailer barely gave Ye Fan any close-ups. Yet, in just those few seconds, the character of the dancer was unforgettable.

It was all because of those beautiful eyes and graceful figure.

However, there were also some dissenting voices.

“Have you ever heard of the ‘back shot killer’? Maybe her eyes is the only beautiful thing on her whole face.”

“I think this is just a stunt by the production team. She’ll probably look terrible when she takes off the veil.”

“Even if she’s beautiful, how could she compare to Tang Jin?”

The online comments became more divided, with opinions ranging from praise to criticism. But one thing was certain: the actress playing the dancer probably had no connections, or else why wouldn’t they even reveal her name?

The comments online were split. Some people believed that the veiled dancer must be stunning, and they started comparing her to Tang Jin, speculating on who was more beautiful.

However, most of the public opinion leaned in favor of Tang Jin. With a large fanbase, Tang Jin’s followers flooded the comments section on Weibo, claiming that once the show aired, everyone would see that the mysterious actress couldn’t possibly compare to Tang Jin in terms of looks.

People were all guessing who this mysterious actress could be.

Rumors began to spread quickly.

The production team never expected that such a minor role, where the actress’s face was barely shown and played by Ye Fan, who was even Tang Jin’s stand-in, would generate so much online discussion.

Because the production team hadn’t yet revealed Ye Fan’s identity, the online buzz only intensified, with the topic continuing to escalate.

Everyone thought the focus of the show would be on He Han and Tang Jin, but unexpectedly, the dancer’s role kept being brought up again and again.

Despite, her screen time in the trailer being only a few seconds.

=^_^=