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Chapter 56: When Did They Get Here…
“Xueli, this scene is your kiss scene with Yunfan. At this point, the male and female leads are already in love. Because of what he says, you feel anger and unwillingness, but there’s also sadness and pain…”
Ji Xueli listened to the director’s explanation and instantly felt a headache coming on. Before, it was always the male lead initiating kisses. Now it was her turn — the villainous second female lead.
Fu Yunfan’s expression didn’t change, but his hands secretly clenched the edges of his sleeves, nervousness spreading through him.
“I got it,” Ji Xueli replied. She knew she couldn’t avoid kiss scenes. To actors, they were just part of the job. Still, she hadn’t expected that her first kiss in this world would be given like this.
“Alright, everyone get ready. Action!”
“Finally coming to visit Lili on set. I’ve always been curious what she looks like when she acts. Aren’t you curious?” Chengdu looked around the set excitedly and patted the person next to him.
Duan Qingyu stepped forward, indifferent. “Haven’t you seen her act before?”
Chengdu looked confused and quickly followed after him. “When have I seen her act? Wait… Don’t tell me you’ve been visiting her secretly behind my back…”
Duan Qingyu suddenly stopped walking, causing Chengdu to halt too. “What? Why’d you stop?”
Then he saw Duan Qingyu staring straight ahead. Following his line of sight, Chengdu spotted two people in the crowd — Ji Xueli and Fu Yunfan.
They were likely about to film an intimate scene. Ji Xueli’s hand was resting on the side of Fu Yunfan’s face, her head tilted, seriously listening to the director’s notes. The two were extremely close — their noses practically touching.
“Woah.” Chengdu’s eyes widened. He hadn’t expected to witness something this dramatic on his first visit.
He couldn’t help glancing at Duan Qingyu’s face. The man wore a faint smile, watching the scene with what looked like idle curiosity — just a bystander enjoying the show.
“It’s fine. Lili’s an actress — this kind of stuff is unavoidable,” Chengdu tried to reassure him.
Duan Qingyu shot him a look that clearly said: Why are you telling me this?
Chengdu immediately shut up. He’d forgotten — right now, it was only Lili pursuing Duan Qingyu. He probably wouldn’t show any reaction.
“We kiss, then he pushes me away, right?” Ji Xueli double-checked the scene with the director. The last take had been cut because Fu Yunfan hadn’t been ready. She had to get it done fast — if Duan Qingyu arrived and saw this, it’d be bad.
“Yes, and Yunfan’s expression needs to show strong disgust.”
“Got it.” Fu Yunfan straightened his collar, suddenly doubting whether he could even pull this off.
“Use some force. I can take it,” Ji Xueli raised an eyebrow. “Let’s get this in one take.”
Fu Yunfan nodded. “Alright. Please be careful, senior.”
“Ready? Take two. Action!”
Filming resumed. Chengdu saw that Duan Qingyu wasn’t moving and thought the front row would have a better view. He grabbed Duan’s arm and pulled him forward. “Come on, it’s better up close.”
A shadow passed through Duan Qingyu’s eyes, but he let Chengdu drag him closer.
“You betrayed the promise we made as children. You harmed loyal officials, wiped out an entire city — you were the one who changed!” Mu Zhi shouted at her.
Yu Wanyin responded with a cold laugh. “I harmed loyal officials? And what about them? When they exterminated my entire Yu family, did they remember we were the ones who fought to found this nation?!”
“I told you before — I could help clear your name, but you chose a path of no return.”
“If there was a bright road ahead, why would I choose the dark one? You used to love me — why are you now with that Tang Yun woman?” Yu Wanyin grabbed his hand, her eyes reddening.
“You’re no longer the you I knew. I’m no longer me either. Let’s pretend we never met. Leave the capital.” Mu Zhi pulled his hand away, face full of reluctant sorrow, then turned to walk away.
But in the next moment, someone grabbed his arm, spun him around, and a warm pressure landed on his lips. Mu Zhi’s eyes widened in shock. Realizing what was happening, he quickly pushed her away, furious. “What are you doing?!”
Yu Wanyin stumbled several steps before barely regaining her footing. Her lips curved upward, beautiful and manic: “If you want to be with Tang Yun, then I’ll kill her.”
“Cut! That’s a wrap for this scene!”
Chengdu clapped, thoroughly impressed. “Lili really has trained abroad. I was completely drawn in!”
Duan Qingyu’s expression remained flat. He hadn’t taken a single sip from the water bottle he held. He glanced down, then threw it straight into the trash.
Finally done. Ji Xueli let out a breath of relief. She’d accidentally kissed the corner of his mouth instead of his lips and had almost thought they’d need to redo the scene.
“Are you alright, senior? Did I push too hard?” Fu Yunfan walked over. The warmth on his lips still lingered, making his ears flush red.
“I’m fine. I can handle that,” Ji Xueli shrugged it off with a smile.
“Lili, Prince Qing and Young Master Cheng are here,” Han Chen whispered to her as he walked over.
What?! Ji Xueli’s pupils dilated as she quickly turned around. Not far ahead stood Chengdu and Duan Qingyu.
Duan Qingyu had a striking face that couldn’t be ignored. The black shirt made his pale, refined skin stand out even more. His beautiful eyes had a faint smile, but for some reason, Ji Xueli felt like a cold-blooded snake had coiled around her neck — ready to strike.
“Lili, over here!” Chengdu waved enthusiastically.
Ji Xueli waved back, though her smile was stiff. “When did they get here?”
“Before shooting started. Prince Qing told me not to disturb you, so I didn’t say anything,” Han Chen answered, completely crushing her spirit.
Fu Yunfan also looked over. That man in black had a smile in his eyes, but still gave off a powerful, suffocating presence… That was Duan Qingyu.
Ji Xueli walked over, pretending to be relaxed. “You finally came to visit.”
“They’re Prince Qing and Young Master Cheng?” people nearby whispered excitedly.
“So handsome. Prince Qing’s face could totally be that of a celebrity.”
“Right? And Ji Xueli is signed under his company too. Do you think… maybe they’re…”
Fu Yunfan heard the chatter and slowly clenched his fists.