"Don't worry. I've pulled some strings to temporarily close off this area, so no one will come by."

When Chang Ge saw Xia Liang looking around, she assumed he was afraid someone would show up.

"Tch. Such a coward, and he wants to act? Isn't acting all about being watched by people?"

Hearing this voice, Chang Ge's expression darkened. "Why are you still here?"

"Director, I..."

"Where's the assistant director? I've found my actor. Immediately arrange for the other extras, the costume designer, the stylist, and the makeup artist. As soon as Xia Liang is changed, we'll start shooting."

Without waiting for Yue Qing to finish, Chang Ge turned to arrange other matters. This made Yue Qing seethe with anger, but there was nothing he could do.

He didn't believe a complete novice could have any acting skills. He'd just wait for Chang Ge to come over and beg him personally.

Xia Liang paid no mind to him. He set down the toy he was holding and followed a staff member to get changed.

Clearly, Xia Liang's arrival caused a stir on the set.

"Who did the director find for this scene?"

"He looks pretty handsome."

"What's the use of being handsome? If he can't deliver what the director wants, it'll just make our lives harder in the end."

Chang Ge didn't have time to worry about such things, though she was still concerned about Xia Liang. She felt he was suitable for the role, but the fact that he'd never acted before was unsettling.

This scene didn't have much action or dialogue, but the expression in the eyes was the hardest part. The actor had to convey the curiosity and naivety of someone descending the mountain for the first time, as well as the confusion, bewilderment, and ultimate detached resolve upon being ambushed. Even Chang Ge herself didn't know how to grasp this delicate balance.

She had simply felt, upon first seeing him, that Xia Liang might just bring her a pleasant surprise.

HISS!

"Oh my god!"

"Is he even real?"

Chang Ge's thoughts were interrupted by the commotion, and she grew annoyed. "What is everyone doing? Are we shooting or not?"

As the crowd dispersed, Chang Ge finally saw Xia Liang standing in the center.

He was dressed in unblemished, plain robes. Bathed in the sunlight, his long, jet-black hair made him look like a celestial being. His straight back and long legs were as elegant as a poplar tree, suggesting a vast and resilient power hidden within. His facial features were sharp and aloof. His eyes seemed clear and transparent, yet they were deep and restrained. In that instant, Chang Ge was certain: he was the one.

Those eyes...

"Quickly, quickly! What's everyone standing around for? We've found the actor. All departments, start preparing!"

With that, Chang Ge sat down behind the camera. Once all the actors were ready, she called out.

"Actor in position! All departments, stand by! Three, two, one, action!"

Just as discussed, Xia Liang walked leisurely along the small path through the bamboo forest. Specks of light filtered through the bamboo canopy, dappling his form and truly giving him the air of a transcendental master.

The extras hidden on the hills flanking the bamboo forest, along with all the crew members facing him, were left completely astonished. For the first time, they connected the term "transcendental master" with a real person, feeling as if the words had been tailor-made for the Xia Liang before them.

"Cut! What are the extras on both sides doing? Don't you know it's your cue?"

Chang Ge was furious. She had gone through so much trouble to find someone perfect for the role, and they dared to drop the ball on her.

"Sorry, Director, we forgot."

"Yeah, Director, where did you find this guy? He left us completely dumbstruck."

"Sorry, Director. We'll do it again."

Hearing the extras' explanations, Chang Ge fell silent, since she herself had been stunned just a moment ago.

"Everyone, back to your positions! Three, two, one, action!"

This time, no one messed up.

Hearing a sound behind him, Xia Liang turned. At that exact moment, the camera swooped in.

Xia Liang's gaze met the lens, and his expression shifted, transforming from initial naivety, curiosity, and joy to surprise, bewilderment, and confusion.

Then, with a sweep of his long sleeve, a gentle breeze seemed to pass, and all the assailants collapsed to the ground. At the same time, the emotion in his eyes gradually calmed, finally settling into an air of detached indifference. Xia Liang handled the transition between the three emotional states with effortless grace.

It was as if he wasn't acting at all. In that moment, Xia Liang *was* the character!

Chang Ge was completely dumbfounded. She didn't even notice the walkie-talkie slip from her hand and fall to the ground.

It wasn't just her.

Everyone on set was stunned. Yue Qing, in particular, was dumbstruck. Xia Liang's performance was something he could never hope to match in his lifetime. With just one look, Xia Liang had brought the character to life. He hadn't uttered a single word, yet he made everyone understand his thoughts, sparking their imaginations.

"Cut!"

A second later, Chang Ge snatched her walkie-talkie from the ground and yelled the command. "Alright, that's a take! Everyone, take a break!"

Anyone could hear the excitement in Chang Ge's voice, which was much gentler than usual.

Good heavens! I've truly discovered a treasure! That turn just now, that instantaneous switch between three different looks—that's not something an ordinary actor could do, and he's so young! I'm witnessing the birth of a future movie star!

Filled with excitement, she grabbed a bottle of water and walked over to Xia Liang.

"Xia Liang, that was amazing work. Here, have some water. But... are you really acting for the first time?"

Chang Ge was incredibly curious. Xia Liang just smiled.

"We're about the same age; you don't need to be so formal. As for whether this is my first time acting... you should know the answer to that better than anyone."

"Huh?"

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