Huayu: This top star doesn't play by the rules.

During the next three days of filming, every scene featuring Chen Chao was filmed in one take, without exception. This included everything from Yan Xun galloping freely on horseback through the streets of Chang'an to his cunning and witty battles with Yuwen Huai.

Or the fleeting loneliness in his eyes when he's alone—he portrays it all so vividly and accurately, as if he'd rehearsed it hundreds of times beforehand.

Moreover, even in group scenes that require collaboration with extras or other actors, he can perfectly complete his role, without making a single mistake in his lines or actions.

It was precisely because of this that his nickname "Chen Yitiao," which was originally just a bit of a joke, spread rapidly throughout the "Princess Agents" crew.

When filming entered its third week, "Princess Agents" was almost half as fast as expected, and Chen Chao deserves most of the credit for this.

His scenes were basically all done in one take. The nickname "Chen One-Take" not only spread throughout the "Princess Agents" crew, but even people from the neighboring crew heard about it, and people often came over to watch him film.

Today's filming scene depicts Chu Qiao and Yan Xun relying on each other in the prison, a crucial moment that truly elevates their relationship.

In the center of the set, the crew was busy setting up the prison. The heavy stone walls and props were painted a mottled bluish-gray, and the ground was covered with dry straw. Water was also sprinkled in the corners to create a damp and gloomy atmosphere.

"Chao, are you ready?" Wang Yanlin, who doesn't have any scenes to film today, came to the set to watch Chen Chao, citing the fear that Chen Chao would be lonely.

"Don't worry, I'm always ready." Chen Chao smiled and patted Wang Yanlin on the shoulder, but his gaze unconsciously drifted to Zhao Liying not far away.

She was sitting under a parasol reading a script, her brows slightly furrowed, her fingers unconsciously stroking the pages, exuding a tense aura.

Ever since she learned about today's filming schedule yesterday, she's been in this state. Even though the script is practically worn out from being read so many times, she keeps looking at it over and over again. Even when Lin Gengxin came over to joke with her, she just gave a perfunctory smile.

During the previous filming, Chen Chao had already vaguely sensed that Zhao Liying maintained a strange sense of defensiveness and distance towards him. However, since they didn't have many scenes together, that distance didn't significantly affect the filming results.

But today's prison scene is different. Chu Qiao and Yan Xun are each other's only support in their desperate situation. Their eyes must show trust, reliance, and the tacit understanding of entrusting their backs to each other.

If Zhao Liying had remained wary of him, she wouldn't have been able to portray this feeling at all, and soon his premonition was confirmed.

"All departments, get ready! Scene 1, shot 1, first take, action!" With Wu Jingyuan's shout, the set instantly fell silent.

Huddled in a corner of the cold stone wall, Chen Chao's prison clothes were stained with dirt and blood, his hair was messy and stuck to his forehead, and his face was extremely pale.

Just then, his ears twitched slightly as he heard a faint noise coming from next door. He immediately struggled to his feet, crawling on all fours to the wall between the two cells, and softly called out in a hoarse voice, "Achu? Are you awake?"

There was no immediate response from next door. After a while, Zhao Liying's slightly indifferent voice rang out: "I'm fine."

He paused slightly, a fleeting hint of disappointment flashing in Chen Chao's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by gentleness. He inserted his fingers into the small hole in the wall, his voice even softer: "Are you hurt anywhere? Did they do anything to you?"

"No." Just two simple words, devoid of any emotional fluctuation.

Wu Jingyuan, sitting behind the monitor, frowned immediately, but he didn't call a halt, wanting to see if things would get better later.

"That's good." Chen Chao breathed a sigh of relief, slowly sat down against the wall, his voice carrying a weak but firm smile, "Achu, don't worry, my father is the King of Yanbei, he would never rebel. Once the truth comes out, we can get out of here."

"I'll take you back to Yanbei then. There are endless grasslands, herds of cattle and sheep, and the strongest liquor. It's a million times better than this wretched place."

As he spoke, he stretched his hand further into the hole, trying to touch the person next door: "It's cold in the prison, your hands must be frozen, right? Here, give me your hand, I'll warm it up for you."

According to the script, Chu Qiao should hesitate for a moment at this point, then slowly reach out her hand, her eyes filled with emotion and a hint of barely perceptible dependence. However, Zhao Liying did not make a move for a long time.

The set was deathly silent; everyone could sense that something was wrong.

"Card!"

Finally, Wu Jingyuan couldn't help but call a halt, his voice clearly displeased: "Liying, what's wrong with you? Chu Qiao has already let her guard down with Yan Xun. You two have been through thick and thin together, you're not strangers! Your gaze is too distant, there's no warmth at all!"

Zhao Liying stood up, her face apologetic: "I'm sorry, Director Wu, I'll adjust it again."

"It's not a matter of adjustment, it's a matter of mindset." Wu Jingyuan put down the microphone and looked at her seriously. "You have to believe in Yan Xun, believe that he is truly good to you. You two are in the same boat now. No one can help you but each other."

"I understand, Director Wu. I'll be careful." Zhao Liying nodded and sat back down on the haystack.

However, the situation did not improve during the next three shoots.

Either Zhao Liying's movements were stiff like a robot when she reached out, or her gaze towards Chen Chao was scrutinizing and defensive, completely lacking the trust Chu Qiao had for Yan Xun.

On the fourth take, Wu Jingyuan finally lost his temper and slammed his hand on the table: "Alright! Let's rest for half an hour! Liying, come with me for a moment."

Watching the two figures walk towards the corner of the set, Lin Gengxin leaned close to Chen Chao and whispered, "Sister Liying seems to have some issues with you."

"Maybe they think I'm too inexperienced and not good enough for the role of Yan Xun." Chen Chao smiled but didn't voice his feelings.

"Come on, with your performance during filming, what qualifications do you have?" Wang Yanlin chimed in, looking puzzled. "I think she's just prejudiced against you, I don't know why."

Without saying anything more, Chen Chao simply looked in the direction where Wu Jingyuan and Zhao Liying were talking. He knew that only the one who tied the knot could untie it; Zhao Liying's inner turmoil could only be resolved by herself.

On the other side, in a corner of the film set.

Looking at Zhao Liying, who had a guilty expression, Wu Jingyuan softened his tone: "Liying, to be honest with you, do you have any issues with Chen Chao?"

Zhao Liying hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded, her voice low: "Director Wu, I'm not targeting him, it's just... I think he's too perfect, so perfect it's almost unreal."

"In this industry, someone so perfect is either a true saint or incredibly cunning. I'm afraid of him..."