Huayu: Starting with Hextech

The subsequent filming proceeded smoothly.

Lin Xiao got into character quickly, demonstrating solid delivery of lines and accurate movement.

Although Yang Mi is now criticized for her acting skills, she is a former child star with rich experience, and the two are getting along better and better.

It was already 7 p.m. when we finished work.

Lin Xiao returned to the rest area and was preparing to remove her makeup and change clothes when a soft voice came from behind her:

"Teacher Lin... Teacher Lin."

He turned around and saw Tong Liya standing there holding the script.

She had changed back into casual clothes, a simple white sweater and jeans, with her long hair flowing down her shoulders, looking even more innocent than in the drama.

"Is something the matter?" Lin Xiao asked.

"I...I have a scene with you tomorrow."

Tong Liya stepped forward and turned to a certain page of the script.

"Su Yan first met the Eighth Prince outside the Imperial Study. The script says, 'Su Yan bowed and hurriedly left,' but I think... perhaps we could add a little more detail?"

She pointed to the script, her voice a little nervous:

"Su Yan already had feelings for the Eighth Prince at this point, though it was a secret crush. So, when she was bowing, couldn't she secretly glance at him? Just one glance, then immediately look down; that would better express a young girl's feelings..."

Lin Xiao took the script and looked at the scene.

"Okay." He nodded. "This is a more delicate approach. But you have to be careful not to look up for too long, otherwise it won't suit Su Yan's reserved personality."

"Yes, yes, that's exactly what I meant!" Tong Liya's eyes lit up. "Then... Teacher Lin, could you walk through it with me? I want to get a feel for it."

Just as Lin Xiao was about to agree, a figure rushed in.

"Hey Lin Xiao! I've finally found you!"

Yang Mi suddenly appeared out of nowhere and grabbed Lin Xiao's arm, her voice urgent: "Teacher Yu wants to call a meeting! He said there are a few things that need to be adjusted in the script, let's go, let's go!"

As she was about to pull Lin Xiao away, she seemed to "notic" Tong Liya:

"Oh, Ya Ya's here too? Need to see Lin Xiao?"

Tong Liya pursed her lips: "I'd like to ask you about the script..."

"Let's talk about the script tomorrow!" Yang Mi interrupted with a smile. "Teacher Yu is in a hurry, so we'll be going now! Ya Ya, you should go home and rest early too, you have filming tomorrow!"

Without saying a word, she pulled Lin Xiao away.

After walking a few steps, Yang Mi let go of his hand and snorted, "Little brat, you just joined the crew and you already know to 'ask the male lead for script advice'."

Lin Xiao glanced at her: "She was indeed talking about the script."

"I know," Yang Mi pouted, "but who knows if they have ulterior motives? Lin Xiao, let me remind you, Tang Yan asked me to 'keep an eye on' you. You'd better uphold some male virtues~"

Lin Xiao didn't respond.

Back in his hotel room that evening, Lin Xiao had just finished showering when his phone rang.

It was Tang Yan's video call request.

He answered the phone, and Tang Yan's face appeared on the screen.

She looks like she just finished work and is still wearing her costume. The background is the dressing room of the "Summer's Desire" crew.

"Lin Xiao!" she smiled sweetly, "Did the filming start go smoothly today?"

"Smoothly." Lin Xiao leaned his phone against the table, drying his hair as he spoke. "We filmed a few scenes, and the director said it was good."

"That's good~" Tang Yan rested her chin on her hand, looking closely at him on the screen. "You look so good in Qing Dynasty costume. I just saw the opening ceremony photos on Weibo. Mimi standing next to you... looks quite good too."

Her tone was natural, but there was a hint of probing in her eyes.

"It's just work," Lin Xiao said.

"I know~" Tang Yan laughed. "By the way, how are the other actors in the crew? Are there any... particularly pretty ones?"

Lin Xiao paused for a moment, then said, "Everything's alright."

"Whatever you call me is fine, right?" Tang Yan pouted. "Have any young girls been pestering you for acting advice or anything? I've heard that a lot of new actresses like to 'discuss the script' with the male lead these days."

As she spoke, she laughed out loud, as if joking.

But Lin Xiao could tell that it wasn't a joke.

"No," he said, "Sister Honey is keeping a close eye on things."

Tang Yan's smile froze for a moment, then became even brighter: "That's good! Mimi is my best friend, so I'm relieved to have her around. She'll definitely keep an eye on you and prevent other girls from stealing you away~"

She paused, her voice softening:

"Lin Xiao, I miss you."

"I miss you too," Lin Xiao said.

After the video call ended, the room became quiet.

Lin Xiao stood by the window, looking at the night view of Hengdian.

Downstairs at the hotel, several members of the film crew were walking in, chatting and laughing. Among them seemed to be Tong Liya, who was holding hands with an actress, their laughter ringing out.

He recalled the way she looked that afternoon, holding the script, her eyes sparkling, saying, "I want to get a feel for it."

He recalled the slightly warning look in Yang Mi's eyes when she dragged him away without saying a word.

And in the video, Tang Yan forced a relaxed smile.

Outside the window, the lights of Hengdian stretched out like a galaxy.

Under every lamp, there may be a story unfolding.

But his story has only just begun.

……

On a Wednesday in mid-December, a light winter rain began to fall in Hengdian.

The crew of "Palace" was filming in the indoor stage of the Ming and Qing Palace. Outside, the rain was falling, but inside, the lights were on.

Lin Xiao is filming a scene where the Eighth Prince is reading in his study. He is wearing a moon-white robe, and his profile looks particularly focused under the light.

"Cut! Passed!"

As soon as the director finished speaking, a commotion suddenly broke out outside the studio.

Several staff members were talking in hushed tones, glancing towards the entrance.

"Tang Yan is here!"

"Really?"

"I brought lots of food!"

Lin Xiao put down the prop book in his hand and turned to look at it.

Tang Yan was standing at the entrance, wearing a long, off-white down jacket, her hair tied in a ponytail, and a gentle smile on her face.

There were two large boxes at her feet, and she was directing her assistant to bring the things in.

"Hello everyone, I'm Tang Yan, here to visit Lin Xiao on set." Her voice was clear and bright. "I brought some snacks and hot drinks, thank you all for your hard work."

Staff members immediately surrounded them to help distribute the goods.

Milk tea, egg tarts, mini cakes, nuts... the selection was plentiful, clearly showing a lot of thought and effort had been put into it.

"Teacher Tang, you're too kind!"

"Thank you, Teacher Tang!"

Tang Yan searched for Lin Xiao in the crowd. When she saw him, her eyes lit up and she quickly walked over.

"Lin Xiao!" She stopped in front of him, looked up at him, her eyes shining. "You look so good in this."

Lin Xiao looked down at her; the edge of her down jacket hood was damp with rain, and there were fine water droplets on her eyelashes.

"Why did you come all of a sudden?" he asked.

I miss you.

Tang Yan spoke naturally, reaching out to straighten his collar. "Filming for 'Summer's Desire' starts the day after tomorrow, and these are the only two days I'm free. If I don't come to see you now, I'll have to wait another month."

As she spoke, her gaze swept around the shed.

Then, it freezes in a corner.

Tong Liya was sitting on a chair in the rest area, holding a script in her hands, with a cup of hot milk tea brought by Tang Yan next to her.

She seemed to sense the gaze, looked up, and met Tang Yan's eyes.

For a fleeting moment, the two women's eyes paused subtly.

Tong Liya was the first to react, stood up, and smiled politely at Tang Yan.

Tang Yan returned the smile, but the warmth in her eyes faded slightly.

She turned to Lin Xiao and said, "I'll go say hello to the director first."

She walked over to director Li Huizhu, and the two exchanged a few pleasantries.

During this time, Tang Yan's gaze seemingly unintentionally swept in Tong Liya's direction.

"What role does that girl play?" she asked the director.

"Oh, Tong Liya, she plays Su Yan, and her role is quite significant," Director Li said with a smile. "The young lady is very hardworking, always carrying the script with her."

Tang Yan nodded and didn't ask any more questions.

During her break, Yang Mi came out of the dressing room and saw Tang Yan. She immediately opened her arms to greet her.

"Tangtang! Why didn't you tell me you were coming!"

The two girls hugged each other, smiling brightly, and looked very close.

"I wanted to surprise you." Tang Yan released her, looking her up and down. "Qing Dynasty attire suits you very well, you look beautiful!"

"You too, you're getting prettier and prettier~" Yang Mi pulled her hand, "Come on, let's go to my dressing room to talk, there are too many people here."