Ou Yan, feeling somewhat frustrated, circled around the set before sitting back down in his old spot. However, before he could settle, his assistant walked over.

“Yan Ge,” the assistant looked at Ou Yan and said, “Director Wu wants you to go over there. He said there’s something he wants to discuss with you.”

“Okay, I got it,” Ou Yan nodded at the assistant. “I’ll head over right away.”

Ou Yan felt puzzled. Why did the director want to talk to him at this time? Could it be about the scene? As he thought about it, he suddenly became a bit dejected. Director Wu had a very peculiar temper, famous within the industry. He rarely discussed scenes individually with actors, only offering a few reminders while shooting. He claimed that an actor should have a certain level of understanding; if they couldn’t even do that, they might as well just rely on their looks.

Setting aside other things, Ou Yan believed this statement wasn’t entirely wrong.

But… with so many actors in the crew, why was he the only one being singled out? Was he worse than the others?

When Ou Yan arrived at Wu Liyi’s location, he noticed he wasn’t the only one called over; Lu Youze had arrived even earlier. Seeing Lu Youze, Ou Yan felt a little reassured.

If even the Best Actor Lu Youze had been called, then it definitely wasn’t about discussing the scene. From their appearance, it seemed like they were discussing something else, and when Ou Yan arrived, it seemed like they had already reached a conclusion. They greeted him briefly, and Director Wu got straight to the point.

Ou Yan actually liked Wu Liyi’s direct approach—no superficial pleasantries.

“Ou Yan,” Wu Liyi pointed to the script and said, “Lu Youze and I were discussing this part of the scene, and we think it’s a bit off.”

This part of the script portrayed a peaceful daily life between Yueqi and Yuanzheng.

At this moment, the two were still in peaceful times.

When Ou Yan read the script, this was actually the part he liked most.

But in the next moment, due to a small misunderstanding, the two suddenly fell apart. Ou Yan had been confused when he read this part. He had spent a long time studying his role. The character he played was someone who was cruel to enemies and even harsher on himself, a man who was best known for his endurance.

Such a man could not possibly break ties with Yuanzheng over something trivial.

Ou Yan had always felt there was something more to this, and when he learned they would be shooting this pivotal scene today, he kept contemplating the emotions behind it.

“I agree,” Ou Yan nodded in agreement, even unable to resist complaining, “I’ve been thinking about this scene for the past few days, and I really don’t know what kind of emotions to convey…”

Lu Youze chuckled, and at least this complaint showed he had taken the script seriously.

Although Lu Youze was younger, perhaps due to his early entry into the industry or his status as the youngest Best Actor, there was a certain elder-like air when he looked at them.

And he had directed some of his anger towards Ou Yan last night, so he felt a little guilty about that.

“What are you laughing at?” Ou Yan, already upset, was one of the few people who didn’t give Lu Youze any face in the crew. His seductive peach blossom eyes carried a bit of coldness as he glared at Lu Youze, his voice filled with frustration. “Does the Best Actor think our efforts are laughable? Not everyone is as talented as Best Actor Lu.”

Lu Youze, feeling both amused and helpless, looked at the agitated Ou Yan. He could now be sure that Ou Yan was still holding a grudge from the previous night. With the new resentment piling on top of the old, their relationship was bound to worsen. He could already imagine how the media would spin things during the promotional period after the show. However, it seemed a little premature to worry about that now, and besides, that wasn’t his concern.

Ever since regaining his reputation, his old man had decided things couldn’t go on like this and personally took charge of creating a new team for him. Several of them were recommended by the original Bai Yue, and it was said they were PR elites. If it weren’t for a strong hint from some CEO, he wouldn’t have let those people go.

Lu Youze believed this strong new team would not disappoint him.

“People who work hard shouldn’t be mocked,” Lu Youze withdrew his thoughts and looked at Ou Yan.

“Is this some kind of motivational speech from the past?” Ou Yan’s frustration only grew. “Do you think of me as a kid, Best Actor Lu? Is this the kind of childish line you use to fool me?”

“I think…” Lu Youze smiled mischievously, leaning slightly closer to Ou Yan. “No one would treat such a beautiful person like a child.”

“You—” Ou Yan’s face flushed red with anger. He felt mocked and wanted to retort, but seeing Lu Youze’s face so close, the normally sharp-tongued Ou Yan found himself unable to say anything.

Ou Yan felt even more frustrated inside.

“Alright, let’s stop the childish arguing here.”

Wu Liyi, unable to watch any longer, intervened. Ou Yan, in front of Lu Youze, seemed like a child. He looked like a thorny rose, but Lu Youze could easily provoke his temper. That said, Wu Liyi also noticed that Lu Youze’s personality was starting to resemble Ren Ni more and more.

“Director Wu, you should just get to the point with Ou Yan,” Lu Youze sat up straight and said seriously to Wu Liyi.

“What’s going on?” Ou Yan furrowed his brow. “Don’t tell me you’re changing the script last minute?”

Once filming starts, the script is rarely changed unless some uncontrollable factor forces it. Could it really be his bad luck to encounter such a situation?

“Smart,” Lu Youze praised.

Ou Yan felt like he was being sarcastically mocked.

“The transition in this part of the story is too abrupt,” Wu Liyi explained. “Ou Yan, just like you said earlier, one moment they are good brothers, and the next minute they suddenly fall apart. If we shoot it this way, the split will seem like a joke and won’t have any impact. If we can’t make this scene work, it will drag the pacing of the rest of the film.”

“I heard the screenwriter is also Gu’s top screenwriter, and this script was personally chosen by CEO Gu,” Ou Yan glanced at Lu Youze out of the corner of his eye and sarcastically said, “Looks like CEO Gu’s taste isn’t that great either.”

Lu Youze never realized he was so protective. Ou Yan’s sarcastic remarks didn’t bother him much, and he just thought of it as a child throwing a tantrum, smiling and letting it go.

However, when Ou Yan insulted his dear Aze’s taste, that was intolerable.

Besides, this script was personally chosen by his dear Aze, so this was even more unforgivable.

“Actually, the screenwriter did subtly depict Yueqi’s psychological transition,” Lu Youze glanced at Ou Yan and, with the softest tone, said the least flattering words. “It’s just that… unfortunately, very few young actors can truly portray such a transition.”

Ou Yan’s face darkened: “Does Best Actor Lu look down on people that much?”

“Ou Yan, don’t misunderstand,” Lu Youze smiled and waved his hand, as if their previous confrontation had never happened. “I’m not targeting you. It really is a test of acting skill. Don’t say you young actors can’t do it, even I can’t guarantee I can fully bring out that feeling.”

“The TV drama and the novel are still quite different,” Wu Liyi said, uninterested in the confrontation between the two. He continued, “What the audience wants to see is still the most direct visual impact. So, Ou Yan, you weren’t wrong with your guess. After discussing with the screenwriter, we decided to add two more scenes before this. The screenwriter has already started writing, and it should be finished in about a week.”

“Then, are we still shooting that major scene today?” It doesn’t matter whether they add scenes or not, he can’t decide that. Once the script is in his hands, he’ll just follow it. What he cares about is this because today he only has this one scene left. If it isn’t shot, he can go back and rest.

He hadn’t rested well last night, and with the constant frustration from Lu Youze today, Ou Yan’s mood and condition weren’t great.

“We’re not shooting it,” Wu Liyi answered, “At this point, it wouldn’t give the right feeling, it would just be a waste of time.”

“I got it.” Ou Yan ran his fingers through his hair, feeling a bit impatient, “Well then, if there’s nothing else, I’ll just head back.”

“Ou Yan, wait a minute.” Wu Liyi called him back just as he was about to turn and leave. He wasn’t exactly a gentle director. “Are you in such a hurry to reincarnate?”

Ou Yan’s face darkened. If you have something to say, say it. Otherwise, am I just standing here drinking the northwest wind?

“As for adding scenes, although I don’t know exactly how the screenwriter will write it, there will definitely be a horseback riding scene,” Wu Liyi said while watching Ou Yan’s expression. Sure enough, his face stiffened when he heard the mention of horseback riding. “Ou Yan, your scenes have been quite sparse these past few days, so you should take this time to practice horseback riding.”

Ou Yan’s face was already bad, and Wu Liyi’s words made him even more upset, his fox-like expression cold and slightly disdainful. If he didn’t know that Wu Liyi didn’t think much of Gu Xuanzhe, the CEO of the Gu family, he might have suspected that these people were all conspiring against him.

It didn’t matter if they added scenes; he would act whatever the script called for, and Ou Yan considered himself professional enough.

But why horseback riding? Did it really have such a big impact on the plot? Since he fell off a horse in childhood and almost disfigured himself, he had pretty much sworn off horseback riding.

Seeing Ou Yan’s reaction, Lu Youze guessed that he probably thought they were targeting him on purpose. Although unnecessary, as a senior, it was better to explain.

“Ou Yan, you should know that Yueqi has a psychological trauma related to horseback riding, right?”

Ou Yan, of course, knew. He had even remarked at the coincidence when he first read the script.

But he was too lazy to respond.

Lu Youze didn’t expect Ou Yan to answer. He continued casually, “That’s why Director Wu suggested it.”

Lu Youze quickly shifted the blame, refusing to take responsibility for something that wasn’t theirs.

“Ou Yan, if you really can’t do it,” Wu Liyi glanced at Ou Yan, “we’ll prepare a stunt double for you.”

“No need!” Ou Yan nearly spat the words through gritted teeth. “I’m fine.”

“Ou Yan, don’t force yourself.”

“Why? Lu Yingdi can do it with a big belly, but I can’t?” Ou Yan glared at Lu Youze coldly. “Stop looking down on people.”

With that, he flicked his sleeves and left.

“Did I just look down on him?” Lu Youze leaned back in his chair and looked up at Wu Liyi, asking curiously.

Wu Liyi, who had already begun thinking about how to shoot the next scene, didn’t even lift his eyes as he replied, “With Ou Yan’s expression, he looks more like an elementary school student trying to catch the attention of their crush.”

Sure enough, an old dog sees through the essence of things at a glance.

When Gu Xuanzhe arrived, he happened to overhear this remark. He observed Lu Youze calmly, but unfortunately, there was no hint of anything unusual on his face.

“Yueze, have you finished talking with Director Wu?” Gu Xuanzhe walked up to Lu Youze, “I had Chef Fang make some nourishing soup for you. Come have a drink.”

“Okay,” Lu Youze didn’t mind, even though he thought his health was fine. But who doesn’t like being pampered? Plus, if it made Gu Xuanzhe feel better, he would willingly drink ten bowls of soup every day.

But…

Lu Youze subconsciously furrowed his brow. Although they had temporarily put the topic of children aside due to Gu Xuanzhe’s compromise, he was firmly against having children.

What was the point of this nourishment?

“You two go drink your soup somewhere else. Lu Youze, hurry up. Since we’re not shooting the breakup scene today, we’ll make up for yesterday’s fight scene instead.”

“Yes, yes, yes, Director Wu, as you say.” Lu Youze smiled and replied. Then, he held Gu Xuanzhe’s hand and walked to the staff rest area to enjoy the nourishing soup made by the chef.