Peninsula: I'm the Top Streamer

Chapter 633 Brilliant Acting Skills, Flawless? ×!

"Then how should I say it?"

"You should admit that you are a scumbag and confess everything honestly. Don't have any illusions about getting away with it."

"Especially when it comes to me."

Sana Minatozaki should feel that she deserves more unique privileges from Kwon Hyuk.

She worked hard all along, even if she didn't achieve anything, and in the end, she even sacrificed herself.

Most importantly, is there any woman as sensible and understanding as her?

"Alright, alright, let's not talk about that anymore. We'll never get anywhere by talking about these things."

Kwon Hyun-hyuk raised his hands in surrender.

Sana Minato rolled her eyes at him and decided not to argue with him anymore.

Inside the "court" hall set of "Night Owl," a chilling and solemn atmosphere permeated the air.

The vermilion-lacquered pillars stand tall, the golden throne is imposing, and the air is so still that you can almost hear the faint sound of incense smoke drifting from the burner.

Quan Xuanhe—or rather, "Qian Jingxiu"—knelt on the cold, hard gold brick floor, his figure as small as a withered leaf falling outside the hall. He was still wearing that faded, worn-out coarse cloth medical robe, completely out of place amidst the brocade and embroidery of the hall.

His gaze was lowered, and the fatigue from maintaining a blind posture for so long could be vaguely felt even through the screen.

The makeup artist's meticulously crafted weathered face twitched slightly at this moment due to the immense shock in his heart, his jawline taut.

The filming location was completely silent, with only the soft sound of the camera tracks sliding along.

Kwon Hyun-hyuk's character, "Cheon Kyung-soo," is like a broken doll drained of all its life force, kneeling on the cold, icy ground.

A sense of desolation enveloped him silently like a tide. His eyes, bloodshot and dry from years of playing the role of blindness, were now straining to "stare" at a point in the void, not looking at anything, but simply maintaining that posture that was ingrained in his bones and controlled his eyes.

The physiological fatigue caused by prolonged eye strain penetrated deep into his bones, leaving his entire body stiff and lifeless.

He didn't need any lines; with just his body language, which was on the verge of collapse, he poured out the pain of an upright soul being ruthlessly trampled by conspiracy without reservation.

The camera shifts, and the courtiers standing outside the main hall gradually disperse, while the king's figure slowly descends the steps.

The harrowing experience of thoroughly investigating the irrefutable evidence last night, and the excruciating pain of having his faith utterly crushed, seemed to have drained the last spark of his life, leaving only an empty shell.

The makeup artist's meticulously crafted, weathered face was now as pale as ashes, even the slightest twitch had become numb.

The filming location fell into absolute silence, with only the slight scraping sound of the camera slider moving.

The close-up shot slowly and heavily zoomed in on Kwon Hyun-hyuk's face.

Quan Xuanhe staggered out of the main hall, watching the ministers turn and slowly disperse, and the king descending the steps.

He didn't raise his voice, but simply raised his head slightly, his empty, unfocused eyes staring ahead, his gaze devoid of anything but desolate stillness.

"I saw it."

Everyone stopped in their tracks and turned to look at him.

His voice was flat and straightforward, like reading a death notice, each word clear yet chilling: "Your Majesty, you instructed Li Xinyi to poison His Highness the Crown Prince."

The voice was completely flat, narrating heinous crimes as if reciting a completely unrelated passage.

The final accusation was devoid of roars or indignation. The words fell silently, like a stone thrown into a deep pool.

"That evidence is in the hands of Supervisor Cui."

“I can see it clearly.”

"My lord is now even going to kill the Crown Prince."

"How could this be? How could a father kill his son?"

Quan Xuanhe's body swayed, as if those last words had completely drained him of his last bit of support, but he remained kneeling lifelessly in the same spot, like a puppet that had been hollowed out and rearranged.

The sunlight shone on Quan Xuanhe's face, but he showed no signs of life despite facing the sunlight.

Those empty eyes were frozen in the void.

It wasn't an angry stare, nor a sorrowful weeping, but the absolute nothingness after faith shattered; he was utterly extinguished.

"Card!"

The director's voice broke the deathly silence on set.

The performance in those last few minutes was incredibly powerful. All the staff on set aren't blind; of course they know how impressive it is.

This really deserves a prize.

The moment Kwon Hyun-hyuk heard the "Cut," his body relaxed almost imperceptibly, and the feeling of having his soul emptied quickly faded away.

He shook his head, a surge of intense fatigue from prolonged periods of blindness and accumulated extreme emotions washing over him.

He raised his hand and rubbed his sore and tear-filled eyes, taking a few deep breaths to calm himself down.

"This performance was very good. Xuanhe now has a chance to win the Best Actor award."

The director, holding a microphone behind the monitor, made a joking remark, which eased the atmosphere on set considerably.

"It's good that the results are good."

Quan Xuanhe said with a smile.

His gaze casually swept across the film set and landed on the small figure not far away.

Minatozaki Saka.

She was still sitting on that folding stool, but her posture was no longer as relaxed and casual as before.

Her hat brim was still pulled low, but you could see that her fair jawline was slightly taut.

Sana Minato stared blankly at Kwon Hyun-hyuk.

She had seen his acting before and knew he was a good actor, but those clips were nothing compared to witnessing it in person right now.

The scenes filmed today are particularly significant; they are Kwon Hyun-hyuk's most important and memorable moments, where his emotional outburst is truly awe-inspiring.

The combined visual and emotional impact made her instinctively hold her breath.

Sana Minatosaki felt goosebumps spreading from her arms all the way down to her neck.

For the first time, she realized so directly what kind of terrifying and pure energy and talent this philandering man, who was always so nonchalant in front of her and even made her grit her teeth, possessed beneath his identity as an actor.

Is this how he used to act?

Sana Minatozaki realized what was happening, pursed her lips, and finally said only these words.

"Isn't acting like this very tiring?"

"Of course, emotions will always run out, and extreme highs and lows will inevitably lead to exhaustion."

The set designers began dismantling parts of the set, and the lighting crew adjusted the wiring. In an instant, the film set went from the somber atmosphere of the Joseon Dynasty back to the bustling reality of a workshop.

"Hey," she said. Her voice had lost its previous teasing tone and gained a hint of probing that was barely perceptible... or rather, something she herself wasn't even aware of.

"Although this place is indeed a palace, it's quite interesting to look at."

The film studio they are in is located in Yongcheon-ri, Baekam-myeon, Cheon-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi Province. It covers a total area of ​​250 million square meters and is the largest historical drama shooting base and Hallyu theme park in South Korea.

The facilities here are semi-permanent buildings that, through historical research, realistically reproduce different architectural styles from various eras.

Including the main hall and square where they are now, the entire area is a replica of ancient palace buildings, just like the fake Forbidden City in Hengdian, China.

"Hmm, getting into it?" He smirked, a hint of teasing in his voice, but also a rare moment of relaxation after filming a major scene.

Want to take a look around?

"Since you're done working and taking a break, why don't you come for a walk with me?"

This complex of ancient buildings is quite large. Sunlight filters through the bricks and tiles, casting dappled shadows on the unevenly laid antique-style bluestone slabs.

There was still a lingering scent of incense, a characteristic of period drama props, in the air.

Sana Minatozaki's steps became lighter.

She walked around, stopping occasionally, her fingertips brushing against the cool wooden pillars, and then curiously poking at the "antiqued" marks on the wall.

"Have you ever performed here before?" She stopped at a corner and turned around to point to a small platform.

There was nothing there.

Quan Xuanhe approached and looked around.

"Pretty much. We filmed some scenes where 'Qian Jingxiu' needed to observe the environment. But a lot of it will be cut in post-production."

Sana Minatozaki didn't respond to that question. Instead, she walked to the edge of the platform, stood on tiptoe, and looked into a more secluded and shadowy corner of the courtyard.

“Wow, that place…it looks creepy.” Her eyes lit up with excitement at discovering a “secret” place.

“Like a place where… um… secret stories can happen.” She drew out the last syllable, like a cat fiddling with a ball of yarn, carrying a hint of calculation that was about to come out but was then swallowed back. Her eyes glanced at Kwon Hyun-hyuk, intentionally or unintentionally.

Kwon Hyun-hyuk followed her gaze; he was certainly familiar with that courtyard. Several night scenes or secret meetings in the filming schedule had indeed been shot there.

"Yes, we've arranged to film a few night scenes there. The lighting is dim, and there's a pool, so it's definitely suitable for filming some scenes that shouldn't be made public."

"Want to see?"

"It's all here."

The two walked into the courtyard one after the other.

Unlike the semi-open corridor outside, this place is modeled after the private garden at the back of a government office during the Joseon Dynasty. The edge of the artificial pond is piled with rough stones, and a few leaves float on the water.

Several transplanted saplings stood half-dead in the corner.

The air seemed a bit colder and more humid than outside, mixed with a faint musty smell of aquatic plants.

Sana Minatozaki instinctively crossed her arms, looked around, and her gaze was quickly drawn to a stone pier in the shadows across the pond that was clearly being used as a prop.

"what is that?"

“It’s probably for people to sit on or put things on,” Quan Xuanhe said casually as he walked to the edge of the pond and glanced at the water.

"We don't know exactly what they're filming; it might just be a simple set."

Sana Minatozaki walked to the other side of the pond, curiously touching the cold, rough stone surface with her fingertips, then couldn't help but pull her hand back and breathe on it to warm it.

"Hey, this stone bench is so cold?" She turned her head to discuss it with Quan Xuanhe behind her, but the words suddenly got stuck in her throat.

Behind him, there was no one.

Only a deeper shadow and the silent ripples on the pool water.

Sana Minato was stunned. She looked around but didn't see Kwon Hyun-hyuk.

".Xuanhe?"

She called out tentatively, her voice soft but carrying a hint of etherealness in the space.

No one answered.

The chilling air seemed to seep into her bones instantly. She suddenly hugged her arms tightly, her eyes scanning warily around the dark corners where the piled-up artificial rocks looked more like lurking ghosts.

The atmosphere here was already tense, and now that Quan Xuanhe has suddenly disappeared, I'm completely caught off guard.
A chill ran up her spine, and the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end.

Sana Minatozaki wasn't very brave. The sudden, complete silence and the complete disappearance of people, combined with the eerie scene, were truly terrifying.

"Quan Xuanhe?" Her voice rose slightly, carrying a panic that she herself was unaware of and that she was trying hard to suppress.

"Don't play tricks on me!"

The only response she received was the faint rustling of the wind through the bare treetops.

She even wondered if something was stirring the water in the pool...

Her heart was in her throat.

Snapped!
A warm hand suddenly patted her shoulder with a little force.

“Ahhhh——!!!”

A piercing, distorted scream shattered the deathly silence of the courtyard without warning.

Like a frightened cat, Sana Minato ran forward without looking back, her head covered, not even glancing back.

"Hey, what are you afraid of? Ghosts don't commit crimes during the day, do they?"

Kwon Hyun-hyuk's voice rang out behind Minatozaki Sana, causing her to stop her wandering steps.

She turned around, her chest heaving violently, her pale face filled with lingering fear, her eyes wide open, brimming with tears of lingering terror.

When she finally saw the culprit standing before her, arms crossed, a lazy smile on his face—

"Ah! Kwon Hyun-hyuk!!!"

Anger instantly overwhelmed her fear, and she screamed with all her might as she lunged at him, clenching her fists and relentlessly pounding his chest and arms.

That force was absolutely merciless.

"You scared me to death! You bastard! When did you disappear? Where did you hide?!"

She was so angry that she became incoherent, and her pounding motions were rapid and furious.

"Damn it, is it fun to scare people to death?! You almost scared my heart out of my chest!"

Quan Xuanhe laughed and let her hit him, even leaning back slightly to make it easier for her to "play her part" until she was panting and her arms ached. Only then did the initial shock and anger begin to subside.

He looked at her puffed-up cheeks and said with a teasing nasal tone, "So scared? It seems our fearless Sana-xi has a weakness after all?"

Sana Minatozaki was breathing heavily, her chest heaving noticeably.

"Who's afraid? I'm just angry because of you. Who told you to suddenly disappear and then jump out to slap me?"

She was still angry as she spoke, and raised her foot to kick his shin, but he easily dodged it by turning to the side.

Quan Xuanhe reached out, his warm fingers gently brushing across her forehead, which was covered in a light sweat from fright, and his fingertips brushing against her slightly cool cheeks.

Sana Minatozaki stiffened for a moment, but didn't dodge. She just glared at him angrily, the tears in her eyes making her angry expression somewhat cute.

He casually pinched her puffed-up cheeks and chuckled, "Is this funny?"

Feeling the warmth of his fingertips and the teasing in his words, Sana Minatozaki felt a surge of anger rise up again, but this time it was mixed with an indescribable embarrassment.

She shoved his hand away, stomped on his foot hard, and then turned and walked away without looking back.

"You just wait! You bastard! I'll never let you get away with this next time!"

Her angry voice echoed in the dim courtyard, her footsteps quick as if a ghost were chasing her.

The two returned to the film set one after the other, and Kwon Hyun-hyuk took Minatozaki Sana back to the dressing room.

We arrived at the restaurant at noon.

Two boxed meals from the film crew were spread out on the folding table.

em
The boxed lunches were quite substantial; after all, there are different levels of food, with Kwon Hyun-hyuk and the other actors eating better.

Kwon Heon-hyuk was really exhausted after filming the emotional outburst scene, and now the aftereffects are kicking in, leaving him feeling completely drained.

He hastily ate his rice and a few bites of the other dishes.

Sana Minatozaki sat opposite him, eating seaweed in small bites.

The anger on her face had subsided considerably, but a trace of displeasure at being tricked remained between her brows.

Witnessing firsthand how Kwon Heonhyuk "lived and died" in front of the camera, his immense professionalism contrasted sharply with his lazy, dog-like eating habits at that moment.

She occasionally glanced at him, her gaze falling on his slightly tired profile, but ultimately she didn't say anything more harsh.

After finishing his meal, Kwon Hyun-hyuk pushed the empty lunchbox aside and took a big gulp of water to cleanse his throat. He didn't even glance at Minatozaki Sana, but simply moved his chair back slightly.

Then, under Sana Minato's slightly surprised gaze, Kwon Hyun-hyuk tilted his body slightly and fell down very naturally and without thinking.

His head rested precisely on her thighs, which were pressed together.

“Hey! You…” Minatozaki Sana’s body stiffened instinctively, startled by his sudden action.

The sudden increase in weight on her thighs and the warmth transmitted through the thin fabric made her almost want to pull him off immediately.

His warm breath, his hair brushing against the skin of his legs, tickled and a little damp.

But Kwon Hyun-hyuk simply rubbed his legs together at a more comfortable angle, as if they were his personal pillow.

He closed his eyes, speaking with an air of self-righteousness:

"Let me sleep for a while. I have nowhere else to rest at noon. Please, Sana-chan."

Sana Minato's "ah" got stuck in her throat.

She tried to push him away. His elbow casually rested on her waist, his palm warm. The distance was too close, so close that it reminded her of that thrilling scene in the rockery courtyard earlier, and her heart skipped a beat for no reason.

She wanted to be sarcastic, but when she saw his exhausted appearance, the sharp words stuck in her throat remained unspoken.

Or perhaps she's just too kind-hearted.

Sana Minato looked down at the head resting on her lap.

His face, which usually carried a somewhat nonchalant smile, appeared unusually quiet at this moment.

His nose was very straight, and his lips were slightly pursed due to fatigue.

The lounge was quiet.

The assistants and staff tactfully rested or chatted quietly at a distance, ignoring the intimate behavior of the two.

Sana Minatozaki's body slowly relaxed.

She felt the even weight and warm breath on her legs, and finally only let out a barely audible hum, with a hint of complaint, a hint of helplessness, and a hint of indulgence that she herself was unaware of.

Sana Minatozaki gradually relaxed, revealing a helpless yet indulgent feeling towards the guy on her lap who was taking advantage of her. Her fingers unconsciously twirled the stray hairs on his forehead.

Just then, her phone suddenly vibrated in her pocket, instantly pulling her back to reality from her tender reverie.

Her heart tightened, and she carefully took out her phone, trying not to make any sudden movements that might wake the man on her lap.

The screen lit up, and the source of the message was clearly visible—Chou Tzu-yu.

"Unnie, where did you go?"

Sana Minatozaki's brow twitched.

Her finger hovered over the screen, and she could feel her heart racing. Chou Tzu-yu's follow-up questions were always so perfectly timed.
Sana Minato glanced sideways at Kwon Hyun-hyuk, who was fast asleep on her lap.

Sana Minatozaki took a deep breath, her fingers tapping rapidly on the screen, her brain racing, trying to come up with a seemingly reasonable and unassailable reason.

She thought of the casual conversations the members had had before she arrived.

"I went out with Momo to buy some things, it's nearby. She suddenly had a craving for barbecue, you know how she is."

She decided to drag that glutton down with her and take advantage of Hirai Momo's gluttonous "persona," which perfectly fits the members' everyday understanding of each other.

She even subconsciously adopted a slightly sarcastic tone to make it seem natural.

After sending it out, Sana Minatozaki stared intently at the screen, barely daring to breathe.

The short wait of just a few seconds felt exceptionally long.

She could almost picture Chou Tzu-yu frowning slightly after seeing the message.

The screen lights up again.

"Okay... Shall we wait for you to come back?"

The probing tone in those words eased the anxiety that had been weighing on Sana Minato's mind.

Although she still had doubts, Chou Tzu-yu did not delve into the specifics of "buying things" or ask where the barbecue restaurant was, which could be considered as being initially fobbed off.

"No need, you should rest first. After we finish shopping, we might... um... need to satisfy Momo's appetite! Don't wait for me~"

She reiterated in a relaxed, slightly teasing tone, and made it clear that there was no need to wait.

After sending it, Sana Minatozaki waited a few more seconds.

This time, Chou Tzu-yu did not reply.

However, Sana Minatozaki did ask.

"What's wrong, Ziyu?"

"It's nothing, I just wanted to ask where you went."

"kk, is that so?"

She looked down at Quan Xuanhe, who was still sleeping soundly with his head on her lap, and the little bit of relief she felt was instantly replaced by a strange sense of irritation.

It's all that philandering guy's fault! He made her feel like a thief having an affair, even having to hide it from her teammates.

Sana Minato gave a light snort of annoyance and flicked Kwon Hyun-hyuk's forehead with her finger as a form of revenge.

But fearing that waking him up would cause unnecessary trouble, she became extremely gentle, and in the end, she could only glare at him helplessly and resigned herself to continuing to be this "human pillow".

Sana Minatozaki realized something and quickly sent a message to Momo.

"If Tzuyu asks you, just say you went out shopping and had dinner with me."

After all, she was closest to Momo, so she didn't have to beat around the bush when she spoke; she could say whatever she wanted directly.

After sending the message, Sana Minatozaki felt completely at ease and relaxed again.

"Eh?"

Momo was a little stunned when she saw the message, not knowing what it meant.

What does this mean?

Hirai Momo slowly raised her head and looked at Chou Tzu-yu walking in front of her, completely confused about the situation.

Are you asking her to be a shield?

But she's with Chou Tzu-yu!

Tzuyu walked slowly in front of Momo. Tzuyu put her phone away and listened to Nayeon's chatter beside her, maintaining a faint smile on her face.

It looks perfectly normal.

(End of this chapter)