The drama Wen Yu was acting in was a xianxia with elements of the mortal world, and her role specifically revolved around the human realm.
In the drama, the male lead encountered and developed a deep connection with the white moonlight during his tribulation in the human realm. However, during a critical and ambiguous moment, he faced a crisis, and his white moonlight sacrificed herself to save him, leaving a profound impression on him. After his tribulation was completed, he encountered the female lead, who bore a resemblance to his white moonlight. As a result, he repeatedly came to her aid.
TL’s Note: White moonlight means first love.
Wen Yu’s role in the drama was not extensive, comprising only eight scenes, and she had few individual storylines.
Despite having limited screen time and individual storylines, Wen Yu’s character required a high level of attention to makeup and appearance due to her role and character design.
As soon as Wen Yu arrived on set, she was immediately taken to the makeup room where the makeup artists and stylists began working on her, creating the desired look for her character. Wen Yu’s assistant, XiaoYu, accompanied her and took care of various tasks, such as serving tea, pouring water, and offering support and care.
Wen Yu closed her eyes and allowed the makeup artists and stylists to work on her. Meanwhile, she requested Xiao Yu to assist with her script reading.
Fortunately, she was controlled by the plot and had an infatuation with Jiang Yunjin. Therefore, since they were in the same cast and she was determined not to be looked down upon by him, she had already memorized her limited scenes. Due to mental exhaustion from today’s incident, however, she experienced some forgetfulness.
After Xiao Yu read the script twice, Wen Yu recalled her lines and scenes.
The makeup and styling process was shorter than Wen Yu had anticipated, taking only two hours to complete.
Wen Yu glanced at herself in the mirror and admired the transformation brought about by the skillful hands of the stylist. She wore an elegant updo with a beautiful bun while her long hair cascaded down and reached her waist. Her light blue collared dress gave her a graceful and gentle appearance. The arched eyebrows in her makeup added a touch of refined beauty to her already delicate features.
With a gentle smile and a lifted gaze, she looked absolutely stunning.
With some time to spare, Wen Yu took a moment to appreciate herself, and Xiao Yu could not help but capture the moment on her phone, “Miss, you look amazing! Even better than during the makeup trial!”
After speaking, Xiao Yu quickly covered her mouth, afraid that she might say something wrong and offend Wen Yu. She hurriedly added, “Of course, the makeup trial photos were also beautiful, but now you look even more vibrant and alive. You’re definitely more stunning in person than in photos.”
Wen Yu smiled, “Thank you for the compliment.”
She was not surprised by that answer. After all, having been controlled by the storyline and breaking free from it completely, the latter state would undoubtedly be better. After all, if it were not for the control of the storyline, she would rather die than ever imagine herself doing something like pursuing a man even after he had a girlfriend!
Thinking about this matter, Wen Yu felt frustrated. If it were not for the storyline, how could she have ended up married?
Indeed, if things were different, Wen Yu would still have been recognized as the adopted daughter of the Jiang family and inherited her parents’ wealth. Life would have been incredibly affluent and comfortable!
Wen Yu let out a sigh and gracefully walked out, lifting her dress as she went.
The makeup area was not far from the filming location, and at this moment, the shooting had not yet begun. The crew members were busy setting up the scenery for a banquet scene, where the white moonlight would make her first appearance alongside her mother.
Not far away, Jiang Yunjin and Su Lengyue stood together. Jiang Yunjin was dressed in ancient attire, while Su Lengyue wore modern clothing. Despite their contrasting outfits, their actions and intimacy caused people nearby to steal glances.
“Some people certainly have no shame, chasing after a taken man to the extent of entering the cast with funding. Our crew is truly cursed. Looks like we’ll be pulling an all-nighter tonight,” a whispered murmur sounded, a mix of concealed and deliberate intent.
Coincidentally, Wen Yu was within earshot.
Wen Yu instinctively followed the sound and noticed two girls standing nearby, their attire not as refined as the others. One of them locked eyes with Wen Yu and immediately averted her gaze with disdain.
The other girl sighed and said, “Oh well, don’t even get me started. I’ve already bought coffee for this.”
“I’ve bought some too,” the first girl chuckled. “Luckily, he has a strong will and did not stoop to such disgraceful actions. Otherwise, I’m afraid the entire production would be brought to ruins.”
“Exactly! But now, the unlucky ones are just us who are filming with them. It’s ridiculous that someone who just entered the industry as a joke has ended up in this production.”
Wen Yu furrowed her brows.
Xiao Yu immediately sensed the tension and reassured Wen Yu, “Miss, don’t overthink it. Your role is straightforward, and you’ll do great.”
Wen Yu shook her head. She had not overthought but only felt embarrassed.
Fortunately, at that moment, the assistant director noticed Wen Yu and called her over, “Ms. Wen, let’s take a look and rehearse the scene.”
Wen Yu quickly rushed over.
——
As someone who joined the production as an investor without extensive filming experience, the crew had concerns about Wen Yu potentially encountering issues that could delay the production.
Given that night scenes were already tiring, the assistant director took the opportunity to personally coach Wen Yu, providing her with guidance and tips.
Wen Yu listened attentively, fully aware that this was directly related to her paycheck.
In the storyline, Wen Yu’s character was supposed to be expelled from the production and withdraw her investment. Due to urgent circumstances, a last-minute decision was made to use another actress and alter her face using artificial intelligence. As a result, the character of white moonlight, which should have left a lasting impression, became the only flaw in the drama.
Now, Wen Yu hoped for perfection.
Wen Yu listened attentively, and the assistant director felt reassured by her dedication, “Don’t be too nervous. With your talent, you’ll do just fine.”
Wen Yu pressed her lips together and smiled, “Thank you, assistant director. I will do my best.”
Soon, the sky darkened completely, and candles lit up. The director shouted at the top of his lungs into the loudspeaker, “Get ready, get ready—!”
Everyone was prepared, and the sound of the orchestral music filled the air. Supporting actors entered the scene one by one as the camera panned across several times instead of just once, capturing various shots that incessantly alternated between close-ups and long shots.
Wen Yu followed the actress portraying her mother into the banquet hall as the eunuch’s voice sounded. Though a veil concealed her face and only her brows and eyes were visible, she exuded an otherworldly beauty that captivated many, including the male lead, who pretended to be drunk.
Each part of the scene was a separate shot, too.
Wen Yu watched intently and realized that actors needed a sense of conviction to show a stunning performance while staring into the camera. She had to admit that Jiang Yujin performed excellently.
After Wen Yu entered the scene, a supporting actor deliberately provoked her, asking her to showcase her talents in front of everyone.
Coincidentally, they were the two girls who had openly criticized Wen Yu earlier.
Wen Yu could not help but curl her lips, and her eyes showed a little smile.
At this moment, the camera was not facing her but the two girls, who did not seem to expect that Wen Yu would smile at them. They were abruptly stunned, and their mind went blank. One of the girls did not say the words already at the tip of her tongue.
“Cut, cut, cut!” The director frowned, “What happened? Can’t even say two lines?”
“I’m sorry, director. I’m too nervous,” The girl quickly apologized.
The director waved his hand, signaling to start again.
This time, it went smoothly.
Wen Yu’s character, the white moonlight, hesitated and furrowed her brows. At that moment, the male lead took the initiative to defuse the situation by playing a melody on the xiao. With his accompaniment, the white moonlight stepped onto the stage.
TL’s Note: The xiao is a type of Chinese vertical flute.
Together with the male protagonist, they completed an astonishing performance.
But as she headed down the steps at the end of the performance, she stumbled.
The male lead, who happened to be walking behind her, offered his support and inadvertently brushed his xiao against her cheek, causing the veil to slip and reveal her true face. In that proximity, the male lead felt struck by her beauty, and his heart was captivated by that one glance.
This scene was filmed several times, mainly with various camera changes, so Jiang Yunjin repeatedly stared at Wen Yu. His eyes were particularly moving.
Next Chapter
Translated by: Kathrien
Edited by: Sydney
Vandez Translations 
Thanks for the update!! 😈😈😈
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