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

"What are you afraid of? Are you afraid he'll use you, or that he'll climb over you to get ahead?" Before Zhao Liying could finish speaking, Wu Jingyuan interrupted her, sounding both helpless and amused.

"Liying, you've been in this industry for so many years and met quite a few people. Do you really think Chen Chao is that kind of person?"

Before Zhao Liying could say anything, he continued, "I've known Lao Jiang for over ten years. I know him better than anyone. He never praises people easily."

"But when he recommended Chen Chao to me, he praised him highly, even saying that Chen Chao was the most talented and humble actor he had ever met."

"Why do you think he could get it right in one take? Why do you think he understands the character Yan Xun so thoroughly? It's because he's thoroughly studied the script. If you look at his script, it's covered with annotations."

"He goes to training at six o'clock every morning, and during his rest time in the evening, he plays games with Lin Gengxin and others. Do you think someone like that would waste his energy on such crooked ways?"

Hearing Director Wu Jingyuan's words, Zhao Liying fell silent for a moment, her fingers gently clenching the hem of her clothes.

"You've been in this industry for a long time, so it's understandable that you're wary of others," Wu Jingyuan said earnestly, patting her on the shoulder.

"But you can't assume everyone is a bad person because of that. Chen Chao is a good actor and a good person. If you keep looking at him with prejudice, you'll not only ruin the play, but also your own performance."

"Think about it carefully. The relationship between Chu Qiao and Yan Xun is one of the souls of this drama. If you two can't portray that feeling, then this drama will be half ruined."

After saying that, Wu Jingyuan turned and left without waiting for Zhao Liying's reply, leaving her standing there alone, lost in thought.

She recalled Chen Chao's stunning performance of the Nine Nether Terrace scene at the script reading session, how patiently he taught and helped others during training, and how, despite the numerous takes, he showed no impatience and continued to comfort the staff.

Could it be... that I'm just overthinking things?

Just as Zhao Liying's mind was in complete turmoil, a figure suddenly walked up to her, and the shadow cast by the sunlight completely enveloped her.

Subconsciously raising her head, Zhao Liying was greeted by Chen Chao, who was holding two bottles of mineral water and wearing his usual gentle smile. "Sister Liying, have some water, it's too hot."

After hesitating for a moment, she reached out and took the bottled water Chen Chao offered. "Thank you."

"Sister Liying, I know you have some concerns about me." With a smile, Chen Chao didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point, saying sincerely, "Actually, I understand. After all, in this industry, it's always better to be careful."

"But what I want to tell you is that I'm not interested in any other messy things. My only goal in this production is to play the role of Yan Xun well. This is for myself, and also to live up to the trust of Director Jiang and Director Wu."

Looking directly into Zhao Liying's eyes, he said in a deep voice, word by word, "In the play, I am Yan Xun, and you are Chu Qiao. We are each other's only support."

"As for off-screen, we can be ordinary friends, or just colleagues. I won't interfere in anything you do, and I hope you can let down your guard against me. Let's work together to make this movie a success, okay?"

Gazing into those clear, bright, and resolute eyes, Zhao Liying looked for a long, long time. There was no scheming, self-interest, or hypocrisy in them, only sincerity.

The string that had been taut in my heart for so long finally snapped gently at this moment.

Taking a deep breath, a relieved smile appeared on her face: "I'm sorry, Chen Chao, I misunderstood you before."

"It's alright," Chen Chao smiled. "Now, can we go over the lines properly?"

"Of course." Nodding, the wariness and aloofness in Zhao Liying's eyes finally disappeared, replaced by seriousness.

Filming resumed half an hour later.

"All departments, prepare! Scene 1, Shot 5, First Scene, Action!"

Curled up again in the corner by the stone wall, Chen Chao heard a noise next door and immediately struggled to crawl over, his voice hoarse but filled with concern: "Xing'er? Are you awake?"

This time, a response came quickly from next door. The voice was still weak, but it carried a hint of warmth: "Yes, I'm awake."

"Are you injured anywhere?"

"No, what about you? Did they hit you?"

With a slight upturn of his lips, Chen Chao revealed a weak yet gentle smile, "I'm fine. I'm tough, they can't hurt me."

He paused, then continued, his voice filled with longing, "Xing'er, wait a little longer. When my father comes, we can leave. Then I'll take you back to Yanbei. We'll ride horses on the grasslands, watch the stars, and never have to suffer like this again."

He put his hand into the opening, his fingertips trembling slightly. "It's cold in the prison. Give me your hand, I'll warm it up for you."

There was a few seconds of silence next door, and then a small, cool hand was gently placed into his palm.

Chen Chao stiffened slightly, then immediately grasped the cold hand tightly with both of his, breathing on it to warm it, his movements careful as if he were holding some rare treasure.

"See, it's not cold anymore now, is it?" he said with a smile, his eyes full of tenderness.

Looking at the small hole in the wall and the hand that was tightly holding hers, Zhao Liying's eyes slowly welled up with tears. She could clearly feel the warmth from the palm and the careful, cherished feeling.

In this dark and hopeless prison, when everyone wanted to kill them, only the person in front of her was genuinely kind to her.

"Yan Xun," she said softly, her voice choked with emotion.

"Um?"

Taking a deep breath, she said, word by word, "My real name is Chu Qiao."

Chen Chao paused for a moment, then smiled even more brightly. He squeezed the hand in his palm tightly, his voice so gentle it could melt water: "Chu Qiao... that sounds so nice. From now on, I'll call you A-Chu."

"it is good."

"Cut! Perfect! One take!"

Jumping excitedly from his chair, Wu Jingyuan clapped his hands vigorously: "That was fantastic! That's exactly the feeling I wanted! Your performance was so captivating!"

The set erupted in enthusiastic applause.

Releasing his grip on Zhao Liying's hand, Chen Chao stood up from the ground, walked to the door of the adjacent cell, and reached out to open it.

At this moment, Zhao Liying stood up from the haystack, her face still bearing traces of tears, but she gave Chen Chao a genuine smile and said, "Chen Chao, thank you."

"I should be thanking you," Chen Chao said with a smile. "Without your cooperation, I couldn't have portrayed that feeling."