Chapter 54 Self-Righteous

In order to maintain the authenticity of the show, actors would not know what was being said before the episode aired. None of the scenes would be cut, including where the directors expressed their unhappiness with Jiang Lingyun. Jiang Lingyun's terrible attitude towards the crew would also be aired in its original form to the audience.

At the sound of Jiang Lingyun's heels coming down the corridor. Xia peeked out of the door. "Bai Zhexuan is coming too!"

Sitting in front of the mirror, Yan Wen did not respond. She needed to be responsible for her own work, and not be affected by them.

"Yan Wen, I would like to have a word." Bai Zhexuan glanced at Jiang Lingyun, then at Xia. "Could you ask her to leave?"

"Xia is my special assistant, I won't hide anything from her. If President Bai has anything to say, perhaps next time."

Yan Wen had already changed during the break and was resting while waiting for the cue from the directorial team.

Jiang Lingyun twisted her lips in a sardonic smile. "Zhexuan, I don't think you should tell her. I think she won't be able to take it!" Her expression was full of disdain for Yan Wen as if she had just won a battle.

Ignoring her challenge, Yan Wen calmly turned away as if they were air. Bai Zhexuan frowned at her indifference. He cleared his throat and spoke, "Forget it. You'll find out when you find out. I hope you'll remain as calm when the time comes and don't give me or the company any trouble."

Yan Wen shut her script with a thwack.

"I'm not as free as you think I am. You're disturbing my work," Yan Wen snapped coldly.

The next second, two black-clad bodyguards moved forward and escorted Bai Zhexuan and Jiang Lingyun out.

"This way." With a cold command and arms outstretched, they blocked Bai Zhexuan. Their tall and broad bodies and steely expressions were like a brick wall, preventing Bai Zhexuan from getting close to Yan Wen.

"Zhexuan, why does Yan Wen have bodyguards? Did you spend money on her?" Jealous thoughts overtook Jiang Lingyun's mind as she pestered Bai Zhexuan.

"Why would I!" Bai Zhexuan stared at Yan Wen's back and snorted. "The company can't wait to get rid of her! You go and film. Don't tell her about it and let her regret!"

He initially wanted to let Yan Wen know in advance that he and Jiang Lingyun were going to be engaged. Both to be nice due to their past relationship, and to prevent Yan Wen from making a fuss. However, with what had just happened, he clearly had not needed to.

When he had seen Yan Wen's expression, so unlike previous, he could only feel a burning rage. How could she not care!

And when Jiang Lingyun noticed Bai Zhexuan was angry at Yan Wen, her heart felt lighter.

"Go find out where Yan Wen's bodyguards are hired from. I want some too!"

"But the company doesn't have a budget for that... "

Jiang Lingyun's assistant said awkwardly. Even if Jiang Lingyun was Bai Zhexuan's girlfriend, she had not yet settled into the role of lady boss and was not in a position to demand things.

"What? Whatever Yan Wen has, I need it too. And everything must be better!"

Jiang Lingyun stomped away in her heels. Her assistant noticed a brand pattern on the bodyguards left chest and frowned slightly. "Where have I seen that pattern before?"

Xia watched Jiang Lingyun disappear into the distance and returned to the table to pour Yan Wen a glass of water. "Would you like me to find out what that was about? I don't think it's that simple."

"No need, let's finish our work here."

Yan Wen had always been rational; her private life was not allowed to interfere with her work.

This international collaboration was of particular importance and she needed to capture every rare opportunity. This was how she had climbed up to Grand Slam Best Actress' status, and she could not let herself relax now.

Soon, it was time for Yan Wen's make-up. Seeing her dressed as Auntie Jade, the make-up artist was worried that she would be unhappy to be aged up. She smiled encouragingly and explained, "I'll have to adjust your make-up for the role. To make your age closer to the character's."

"Yes, go for it." Yan Wen was completely obliging closing her eyes and sitting up in the make-up chair.

The make-up artist replied with an OK and approximately forty minutes later, Yan Wen was ready. Her beautiful youthful face now held wrinkles and age spots and there was even the illusion of loose skin. She really looked like a woman past fifty.

"Your eyes are too beautiful, I just can't make them look old," the make-up artist apologized.

Yan Wen looked into the mirror and smiled. "Your skills are amazing..."

"Actors ready? Three minutes to filming!" The announcement came from the crew.

When Yan Wen hurried over, Jiang Lingyun was already trying to get chummy with the directors. She burst into laughter as yan Wen came over in her aged make-up. "That's so ugly! I don't think Yan Wen needs make-up. She just needs to remove a bit of the make-up and then her true colors will show."

Her words made the directors frown.

These two were both signed with Grand Entertainment? Why were they not getting along?

Jiang Lingyun's words were complete rubbish. Yan Wen's make-up was completely for the character. A professional actor had to be willing to transform themselves from a youthful flower to an old person for the sake of the performance.

Jiang Lingyun's words were very immature.

Yan Wen did not acknowledge Jiang Lingyun, but smiled at the directors and moved into place.

Jiang Lingyun did not notice her error and sauntered over.

Yan Wen's mind was engrossed in her lines, ensuring she would make no mistake. As she gestured towards the camera, the directors glanced at each other. Seeing that Jiang Lingyun was ready too, Jason called for action.

This time, the lighting and background were the same as the original, and their performance needed to be completed in one take. It was a test of an actor's professionalism.

Yan Wen's crying scene was on the screen. Compared to before, her expression was more intense. A slight change in her gaze added the weight of countless years and her perseverance for the female lead.

She treated Jiang Lingyun completely as her character, and not as someone she knew in real life. Their existing relationship made no difference to Yan Wen's performance.

On the other hand, Jiang Lingyun's tone and expression were not good enough. From the screen, she looked proud and like she was competing with her fellow actress. She had not grasped the true meaning of the show; that the directors did not want to see actors competing on stage, but for the audience to understand what actors were like behind the scenes.

One could say that Jiang Lingyun had completely misinterpreted the point óf the show.

Her performance was immatúre and unprofessional.

"Cut."

Jason took a deep breath. "I'm so glad Yan Wen is onboard. This episode isn't that bad. Do the interview on how they feel filming this and we're done."

He patted his colleague on the shoulder and left the filming venue, phone in hand. He was in a hurry to talk to Narsha about Yan Wen's spectacular performance and how they could work with her again.

The other directors and cameramen were also shocked by Yan Wen's performance.