Chapter 111: Night Performance

When the two returned to the film set, the director stepped forward to greet them. Seeing the suspicious water stains on Shen Yijue’s trousers and noting that they had exited the nanny van together, a look of realization flashed across his eyes.

Shen Yijue had no intention of offering an explanation, and Mo Qi simply smiled, saying nothing.

In such situations, the more one tries to explain, the more others will assume you are merely trying to cover up the truth. It is better to say nothing at all. They could not control what others chose to think.

"Prop master, bring over a pair of pants," the director called out before turning back. "Heavenly King Shen, we’ll be filming in the rain later. Would you like to wear waterproof trousers underneath?"

"No need," Shen Yijue replied concisely. He turned to Mo Qi and said, "I’m going to change."

"Don't worry about me, just focus on your work."

Shen Yijue nodded and headed off to change and have his makeup done.

Once he had left, the director smiled at Mo Qi and asked, "You must be Heavenly King Shen’s prize student, right? Nice to meet you."

"Hello, Director," Mo Qi said, shaking his hand. "I hope my sudden arrival to observe and learn won't disrupt your filming."

"Not at all, not at all," the director said with a generous wave. "Why don't you sit right next to me and watch?"

"Thank you so much, Director."

Mo Qi followed the director to the monitor. Before long, Shen Yijue returned, fully made up and dressed. The lead actress followed close behind, smiling shyly as she whispered something to him.

Shen Yijue walked forward with a blank expression, offering only the occasional low, murmured acknowledgement.

The two stepped onto the set and stood facing each other. A crew member rushed over to hand them two umbrellas. Shen Yijue nodded at the director.

The director stood up and shouted through a megaphone, "Attention everyone! Get the water truck ready, bring the lights in a bit closer—okay! Three, two, one, action!"

The water truck began to spray, artificially creating the atmosphere of a downpour.

Mo Qi glanced at the script lying next to the director. This scene depicted the heroine confessing her love to the hero, only to be left heartbroken by his rejection.

In the scene, the young professor played by Shen Yijue held an umbrella, his head slightly bowed. His natural cold demeanor had vanished as soon as the clapperboard sounded, replaced by a gentle and refined air.

The young professor looked down at the shy student, a flicker of tenderness appearing in his eyes before he quickly masked it. He asked in a gentle, low voice, "Coming out in such heavy rain—is there something important you need to discuss with me?"

The student, holding an orange-red umbrella, felt her cheeks flush a deep red. She gripped the handle of her umbrella tightly, summoned her courage, and looked up. "Teacher, I... Director, I'm sorry, I'm too nervous."

"Xiaoyu, don't be nervous. Just perform as you did in rehearsal. Everyone, pay attention! Let's go again. Start!"

The young professor asked gently, "Student Mu, coming out in such heavy rain—is there something important you need to discuss with me?"

The student gripped her umbrella handle and looked up, summoning her courage. "Teacher, I like you!"

"Cut! That was a good take. Xiaoyu, keep that state of mind. Let’s shoot two more."

Unless an actor is a heavyweight with acting skills as natural as Shen Yijue’s, directors usually film multiple takes of a single shot to ensure they have the best performance during the final edit.

"Understood." The lead actress, Xiaoyu, nodded shyly. She stole a glance at Shen Yijue and asked, "Heavenly King Shen, how was my performance just now? Is there anything I should improve?"

"For your first film, this is quite good." Shen Yijue’s assessment was fair. In truth, given his incredibly high standards for acting, Xiaoyu’s performance still had flaws that needed honing, but he had no interest in playing teacher.

Shen Yijue caught sight of Mo Qi sitting nearby, and his expression softened significantly. Having one student was already enough of a headache.

Mo Qi met his gaze and blinked in confusion. *Do your job and act, why are you looking at me?*

Xiaoyu followed his gaze and tilted her head, curious. She was just about to ask, but Shen Yijue had already turned his attention away. "Let's continue."

"Oh, right!" Xiaoyu hesitated for a moment before nodding. The girl sitting over there looked familiar, but the lighting on that side was dim, making it hard to see clearly. She didn't immediately recognize her as the student of Heavenly King Shen, who was currently the talk of the internet.

This shot was simple, and after three more takes, it was considered successfully completed.

Next came the scene where the young professor struggles internally, rejects the student, and then turns to leave for the faculty dormitory.

Shen Yijue’s acting left no room for concern; this scene was completed successfully in just two takes.

The only remaining night scene was the one where the student, heartbroken after the rejection, drops her umbrella and stands foolishly in the rain, crying in agony. The young professor, who had actually hidden nearby intending to quietly watch her return to the dorm, witnesses her distress.

Because he was already in love with her, seeing her like this broke his heart, and he eventually stepped out to hold the umbrella over her. Overjoyed, the student rushes to embrace him and kisses him passionately.

This scene was quite long and required strong continuity; it was best to film it in one go to ensure the emotional arc felt complete.

Once the two were ready, filming officially began.

Mo Qi stared intently at the monitor. In the frame, the young professor’s eyes flickered with struggle under the umbrella. However, he knew he couldn't ruin her future; ultimately, his sense of responsibility outweighed the sweetness of love. He deliberately hardened his expression and said, "Student Mu, you are at a critical stage in competing for graduate school placement. Do not let unnecessary matters distract you."

The young professor paused for half a second before continuing, "Besides, I already have a girlfriend. It’s too late now, you should return to the dorm. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to accompany you, so I’ll be heading back."

With that, the young professor turned and left without a moment’s hesitation.

"Liar! You’re a liar!" The umbrella dropped from the student’s hand. She stood in the rain, pointing at the professor’s retreating back and shouting, "You don't have a girlfriend at all! You clearly love me! Why won't you admit it? You obviously love me!"

Her voice grew quieter as she slowly sank to the ground, hugging her knees and sobbing uncontrollably.

Listening to the lines, Mo Qi felt goosebumps rise on her skin. *What a melodramatic script,* she thought. *The screenwriter really takes the cake.*

Mo Qi rubbed her arms. The director next to her nodded, remarking, "Don't let the fact that this is Xiaoyu’s first film fool you; her acting really is quite good." So far, he was very satisfied.

The director was merely talking to himself, and Mo Qi, understanding this, simply smiled without replying.

The camera zoomed in. Standing behind a tree, the young professor’s expression held just as much pain and sorrow as the student’s. Yet, as a grown man, his emotions were far more restrained.

Mo Qi watched without blinking, truly admiring Shen Yijue’s superb acting. He was able to portray a gentle, affectionate man with a deep sense of responsibility so vividly, despite his own naturally detached and aloof personality. It made one wonder if he was like this in real life, which was why he could perform so naturally.

The student stood shivering in the rain, showing no sign of getting up. Eventually, unable to bear the pain in his heart, the young professor walked toward her.