Chapter 29: He’s a Straight Man

The first scene of Ban Qing Huan officially began filming. It was a fantasy-themed drama about a male protagonist who was once a useless person but later ascended to godhood. The female protagonist meets him later on, and they train together. At first, they didn’t get along, but in the end, they fell in love.

Ji Xueli played the antagonist, who was initially a childhood friend of the male protagonist. They both belonged to the four great immortal families, but her family was framed and accused of colluding with evil spirit masters, leading to its destruction.

Her family left only her alive, and for many years, she bore the humiliation and burden. In order to take revenge, she went down the wrong path, absorbing the life force of living beings to increase her own power.

She understood why they framed her family, so she joined the evil spirit masters, climbing step by step to become the new generation of Evil Lord.

The antagonist’s character was deep and independent. Her descent into darkness was not without reason. She was once kind and wanted to protect the continent with the male protagonist, but as she uncovered more and more truths, her heart gradually shattered, and she grew more and more estranged from him.

In the end, she fell into darkness and could not escape.

Ji Xueli’s first scene was the one where she meets the male protagonist years after the destruction of her family.

The male protagonist was currently a hot actor, having won an award for a film.

“This guy really has the capital to be famous,” Han Chen commented as he looked at Fu Yunfan’s side profile, which looked like it had been sculpted.

This scene was complicated. Ji Xueli had already broken her faith with the male protagonist. After her family’s destruction and the loss of her humanity, the person she once was no longer existed. Yet, upon their reunion, she had no choice but to pretend to be the person he wished her to be.

As Ji Xueli was preparing emotionally, she heard Han Chen’s comment, which interrupted her feelings. She took a deep breath and muttered, “Fu Yunfan is a straight man.”

“I know that, what are you thinking! You’re still his idol, how can you doubt it?” Han Chen retorted, his face turning red with embarrassment.

“Oh…” Ji Xueli’s lips twitched. Fu Yunfan’s idol is her?!

The original actress wasn’t particularly skilled either. Did he like her for her face?

“However, their team specifically kept this hidden, just pretend you don’t know. After all, he’s an award-winning actor now, and you, the queen of topics, are his idol,” Han Chen said, shaking his head.

“What do you mean? Is it embarrassing to like me?” Ji Xueli shot him a glance.

Han Chen responded carefully, “Well, he is an award-winning actor…”

“Then I’ll just be an award-winning actress in the future,” Ji Xueli huffed, tossing the script to him and walking straight to the set.

She was just joking, not that she seriously wanted to be an award-winning actress; completing her task was enough.

“Little Xueli went abroad to study, maybe she’ll actually become an award-winning actress,” Han Chen thought. If she really became one, wouldn’t he be her manager?!

He suppressed his laughter and quickly followed her. “I believe in you, Little Xueli!”

Fu Yunfan was already prepared emotionally. His peach blossom eyes reddened at the corners as he watched the girl walk toward him.

The blue dress swayed in the wind, and her delicate, beautiful face with black eyes exuded a noble, ethereal elegance, like a fallen fairy.

Ji Xueli smiled at him, her lips curving into a friendly smile.

He was momentarily stunned, his ears turning red quickly.

“Alright, we’re ready to start,” the director, unaware of Fu Yunfan’s reaction, called out as they counted down “3, 2, 1,” and the filming began.

Ji Xueli understood then why he became an award-winning actor. As soon as filming began, his emotions were quickly engaged, and he even helped her get into character.

His red eyes and trembling fingertips during the reunion scene were all part of the performance. In that moment, he truly became the character. No one could disturb him.

“Cut! Great! Yunfan and Xueli both performed well, we got it in one take!”

Fu Yunfan quickly released Ji Xueli from his embrace. When he spoke, his voice was a bit hoarse. “Sorry…”

“It’s fine,” Ji Xueli wiped her eyes and sniffed, then turned to walk away.

In class, the teacher had emphasized the importance of separating the character from the person; otherwise, it would cause major problems.

She hadn’t realized that while it seemed easy, it was actually quite difficult.

“Wow! Little Xueli, you acted so well! Looks like our time abroad wasn’t wasted,” Han Chen said excitedly, running over.

Ji Xueli didn’t speak; she just glanced back at Fu Yunfan. His performance earlier, so deeply immersed in the role, was largely due to him.

She could feel that after the director yelled “cut,” his tension for that brief moment…

There was something complicated about his relationship with the original actress.

“He’s my fan, I just didn’t realize it,” Ji Xueli took the water from her assistant and spoke.

Han Chen assumed she had forgotten and explained, “It was before you went abroad. He had just entered the industry at that time. You probably don’t remember.”

“I remember he came to you back then and said he became an actor because of your influence. I didn’t expect that after a few years, he became the best actor.” Han Chen sighed, “Talented people are different.”

To be safe, in case there were any issues, Ji Xueli said, “Look into him.”

“Ah? Little Xueli, he’s an award-winning actor, it’s not convenient to mess with him…” Han Chen warned, leaning closer.

“…” Ji Xueli shot him a look. “It’s just an investigation. Do you think I don’t know he’s an award-winning actor?”

“Oh, then I’ll check it out.”

Fu Yunfan watched Ji Xueli talking with Han Chen in the distance. He couldn’t imagine that one day he would act alongside his idol, even if it meant lowering his status to do so in a TV drama.

“Yunfan, go prepare for the next scene,” his manager noticed his gaze and quickly spoke.

“Okay.” Fu Yunfan forced himself to look away.

There was no rush, there was plenty of time. He could take his time to interact with her.