Chapter 217 - 168: The Show Begins

The moonlight was hazy, the lights misty.

In a Pomegranate Grove, the young yet tall and exquisitely curved Luo Feifei lay quietly on a soft lawn. All around her, pomegranate flowers, as vibrant as blood, were in full bloom, releasing a sweet and refreshing fragrance.

Luo Feifei suddenly grew very nervous. This was, after all, the first passion scene of her life. She had never experienced anything like it, neither in real life nor on screen.

She couldn’t help but recall the director’s words: "Just act as if you’ve been anesthetized, lying paralyzed on an operating table. Let the head surgeon take the lead through the whole process. You don’t need to do much. The focus of this scene is really on Yin Zhiping."

’Head surgeon? Isn’t that Li Xiang?’ Her eyes shifted slightly, and she caught a glimpse of brilliant petals between jade-green leaves, as crimson as a young woman’s first blood. Her heart suddenly began to stir.

Before she could dwell on it, the director shouted from a distance, "Action!"

Her character’s pressure points had been struck, so she couldn’t turn her head. All she could do was listen as someone approached her at a brisk pace. The footsteps sounded flustered—sometimes fast, sometimes slow, the rhythm a mess. She was secretly amazed. ’This has to be Li Xiang.’

She marveled. ’To think he’s never acted before! He’s conveying Yin Zhiping’s mindset—the heart of a man about to steal a precious treasure—perfectly, just with the sound of his footsteps.’

The newcomer was indeed Li Xiang, in the role of Yin Zhiping.

He wore a Taoist robe, his hair tied up in a high topknot. With a face as fair as jade, sharp brows, and starlike eyes, complemented by long arms and a narrow waist, he could easily be called the most handsome Yin Zhiping in history.

At that moment, a complex mix of emotions played across the face of this disciple from a prestigious and righteous sect: apprehension, greed, excitement, and nervousness... As he drew closer to the Little Dragon Girl, his fists clenched and trembled slightly, and his brows twitched uncontrollably.

The director and producer exchanged a look of silent praise. ’This kid is good,’ they thought. ’He’s bringing Yin Zhiping to life.’ They had initially worried Li Xiang’s performance would be too wooden, or worse, too sleazy.

But Li Xiang’s performance was perfect—a fraction more would have been sleazy, a fraction less would have lacked life.

Yao Yao, Zhao Xueqing, and Lei Xiaohui had also come out to watch the show. It was after ten at night and the main event was starting outside, so the shop was basically empty. They left a few of the younger girls to mind the store and ran out to cheer Li Xiang on.

All three girls felt their hearts flutter as they watched. ’I wish I was the one on that lawn, doing this scene with Brother Xiang,’ they each thought.

Li Xiang drew near. His eyes darted about nervously as he glanced around before slowly approaching Luo Feifei.

Just then, a gust of wind swept by, causing the light fabric of Luo Feifei’s dress to flutter. A layer of snow-white gauze drifted over her flawless, delicate face.

Li Xiang reached Luo Feifei’s side and knelt gently. His long, slender fingers reached out toward her... cheek.

Then, his fingers slid gently.

It was smooth and delicate, like the finest jade, warm and supple to the touch.

Luo Feifei’s body trembled, and a soft whimper escaped her lips. A wave of nervousness washed over her, but she quickly reminded herself, ’This is just acting!’ Then, in a trembling voice, she delivered her line: "My love... is that you?"

The person before her said nothing, only continuing the gentle caress.

"My love, what games are you playing now?"

Li Xiang took out a black silk scarf and blindfolded her, the act full of a solemn sense of ritual.

Luo Feifei’s breathing quickened. She felt a pair of hands move toward her chest, beginning to unfasten her clothes.

"Cut!"

The director called for a cut.

Luo Feifei let out a sigh of relief, as did Li Xiang.

If the director hadn’t called for a cut, they really wouldn’t have known what to do next. The main issue was the crowd—at least a few hundred pairs of eyes were watching them.

"Excellent! That was a great performance, especially from you, Brother Xiang. Is this really your first time acting?" the director couldn’t help but ask.

Li Xiang nodded. "It’s true. Couldn’t be truer."

The director gave him a thumbs-up in approval. And just like that, the first scene was over. They got it in one take, so there was no need for a second.

Luo Feifei went back to her mother, who gave her a hug for comfort and encouragement.

Li Xiang returned to his own group, where Yao Yao, Zhao Xueqing, and Lei Xiaohui immediately crowded around him.

"Brother Xiang, how did that feel?" Yao Yao asked teasingly, a hint of jealousy in her voice. ’I wish I had been the one lying there,’ she thought.

Zhao Xueqing blinked, thinking the same thing. ’I wish that had been me.’

Lei Xiaohui was speechless. Looking at the handsome Li Xiang, she felt he was completely out of her league.

Li Xiang waved his hand dismissively. "How did it feel? I was nervous as hell. Everyone was watching."

"Haha, so if no one was watching, Brother Xiang, would you have...?"

"Don’t be ridiculous. I’m a decent guy."

"Pfft~" The three women scoffed in unison. ’Yeah, right,’ they all thought. ’Keep pretending.’

The surrounding crew members and onlookers also began to buzz, discussing their "viewing experience" for the evening.

One person commented, "In other versions I’ve seen, I always found Yin Zhiping completely despicable. But watching this live version tonight, I can’t bring myself to hate him. In fact, I’m kind of left wanting more... Do you think that means this portrayal of Yin Zhiping is a failure?"

"Who says Yin Zhiping has to be hated? Even the director said it was fine."

"They acted it out beautifully, it was very artistic. Especially Luo Feifei. The rise and fall of her chest when she breathed, the obvious look of passion on her face... Do you think she was actually getting into it for real?"

"Shh, quiet down! She’ll sue you if she hears that."

"I have a feeling this ’ship’ is about to blow up."

...

A few reporters came over to interview Luo Feifei and Li Xiang. They chatted for a bit, but as it was getting late, everyone began to disperse.

Lei Xiaohui’s brother, Lei Jiaming, came to pick her up. Since Yao Yao and Zhao Xueqing could both drive, Li Xiang lent them the SUV and the van to get home.

The younger girls who had stayed behind to watch the shop were classmates or childhood friends of the two, so Yao Yao and Zhao Xueqing gave them rides home as well.

The director, producer, and other celebrities—people of status—drove back to the county town to stay in hotels. The less important personnel, like extras and low-level crew members, either rented rooms from other villagers in Li Family Village or simply pitched tents in the garden for the night.

As for using the restroom at night, there was a public toilet built in a traditional style, tucked away in a corner of the garden and hidden by a bamboo grove.

The National Style Tavern, National Tea House, and the coffee shop also had restrooms, but all three were closed for the night, so they were inaccessible.

Li Xiang’s garden park was actually full of various flowers and trees, but it was now mid-May, and many of the blossoms—like the peach, cherry, and crabapple—had already withered. That was why the director ultimately chose the Pomegranate Grove for the scene.

It had to be said, the pomegranate flowers were stunningly beautiful—crimson as blood, passionate and bold. Paired with the fact that this was the Little Dragon Girl’s "first time," the resulting visuals were excellent.

Luo Feifei and her mother followed Li Xiang to the second floor of his new house. His grandmother, who lived on the first floor, was already fast asleep.

"Mom, you can take a shower first."

"Alright, I’ll be quick. Wait for me in your room." Luo Feifei’s mother gave her daughter a worried glance. Even though she trusted Li Xiang, it was only natural for her to be a little concerned, wasn’t it?

When Luo Feifei saw her mother go into the bathroom and heard the sound of the shower running, she went to Li Xiang’s door and knocked softly.

"Can I help you?" Li Xiang asked, a little surprised to see Luo Feifei at his door.

"Um... it’s nothing. I’m just a little hungry and wanted to find something to eat." Luo Feifei pouted and pointed to her stomach. Of course, she was just making up an excuse.

"Aren’t you worried about gaining weight?" Li Xiang asked, surprised. After all, most celebrities are very strict about their figures.

"Nope! I get a lot of exercise," Luo Feifei said with a smile. She actually quite liked having a little "baby fat," and always felt that being bone-thin wasn’t beautiful—or healthy.

"Then let me get you something. What would you like?" Li Xiang asked.

"Whatever you have is fine. I’m not a picky eater," she said softly, giving him a charming smile. "I’ll come find you after my mom’s asleep. She doesn’t let me eat this late."

"OK!" Li Xiang gave her a gesture, and Luo Feifei tiptoed back to her room.