Chapter 13: Lan Chen
Amid Jiang Feng's incessant chatter, Xia Lingying absentmindedly entered the set. Upon entering, she noticed Director Lin chatting cheerfully with a young woman.
The woman was tall, estimated to be around 1.76 meters. Judging by her figure, she appeared to be a model with a well-proportioned silhouette – the standard S-curve. Her facial features were appealing, with bright and expressive eyes, well-defined eyebrows, a straight nose, and a hint of dimples on her cheeks. However, her style was somewhat unique. She wore loose casual clothes, and a baseball cap, and exuded a cool vibe with her hands casually in her pockets. Despite her elegance, a touch of boldness revealed a hint of charisma. When she noticed Xia Lingying entering, she cast a sidelong glance before turning around.
Director Lin noticed Xia Lingying and Jiang Feng, approached with a cheerful smile, and introduced them.
"Xiaxia, this is the one I mentioned to you, Lan Chen. Lan Chen, meet Xia Lingying."
Xia Lingying politely smiled, and Lan Chen reciprocated with a friendly expression. Lan Chen looked Xia Lingying up and down, her impeccable facial features meticulously arranged, presenting a breathtaking profile. Beneath the subtle shadows in her expressive eyes, a naturally noble and melancholic temperament emanated, akin to a delicate white orchid in a secluded valley. Standing quietly before them, it evoked a poignant sense of loneliness.
"Issac, how have you been these past few years abroad?" Jiang Feng approached her with a smiling face.
Lan Chen nodded, "Not bad. I've been with my benefactor, living quite comfortably."
"Benefactor?"
Jiang Feng was puzzled, looked at Lan Chen, and then smiled, choosing not to inquire further. He had suspected for a while that Lan Chen had someone powerful behind her, probably a big shot in the industry. At the age of twenty-five, achieving fame across the country without the typical hard work and effort of actors striving to increase their exposure seemed unusual. Lan Chen preferred to work at her own pace, eager to film for a year and then take two years off. Her aloof personality attracted attention, and the media, following the trend, praised her, claiming that Issac valued quality over quantity. This irked some seniors in the industry who had worked hard for many years and were gradually building their careers.
However, despite the envy, no one dared to challenge her. Most of this was due to the intricate relationship between Lan Chen and the head of the Xiao family, especially with the ambiguous rumors about Xiao Moyan's sexual orientation. This uncertainty made their relationship seem special, and the protective circle around Lan Chen grew stronger. Jiang Feng, however, could discern that their connection was merely that of an employer and an employee, nothing more, so—
Suddenly, accompanied by a chilling atmosphere, a sharp gaze swept over. Jiang Feng stiffened and dared not look at Lan Chen, awkwardly walking towards the dressing room for his costume change. Xia Lingying, observing the situation with surprise, refrained from commenting.
Today's plot is quite simple, mainly focusing on the scenes between Xia Lingying and Lan Chen. Due to a quarrel with Jiang Feng, Xia Lingying seeks solace from her longtime friend Xu Ling, played by the lively Lan Chen, who has been studying abroad. Lan Chen's character in the drama is lively and carefree, with an open personality. To help Xia Lingying relieve her inner tension, Xu Ling takes her to an amusement park for a day of fun, including indulging in food and drinks, letting loose, and playing wildly.
Director Lin organized the staff to clear the scene, then instructed the assistant director to arrange the roles for the extras. He turned his head and glanced at Xia Lingying.
"Issac, I know you're not afraid of these exciting things. Xiaxia, how about you?"
Xia Lingying lightly bites her lip and shakes her head, saying, "It's okay."
The towering roller coaster, reaching a height of ten thousand feet, makes Xia Lingying a bit nervous. She has had a slight fear of heights since childhood, but she doesn't want to delay the progress of the entire crew because of her, so she reluctantly agrees.
Observing Xia Lingying's expression, Lan Chen lightly smiled and approached her, skillfully holding her hand.
"Don't be afraid; I'll be by your side in a moment."
Feeling the warmth in her hand, Xia Lingying almost instinctively forcefully pulled her hand away from Lan Chen's grasp. Immediately realizing her reaction, she lifted her head, blushed slightly, and looked at Lan Chen with a hint of embarrassment.
Lan Chen smiled, shaking her head, not bothered by it. Director Lin also noticed Xia Lingying's nervousness. After much consideration, he decided to use props to ensure Xia Lingying's safety, planning to add the necessary sensations later through computer special effects. The Ferris wheel scene with Xia Lingying and Lan Chen was crucial.
Throughout the morning, Xia Lingying and Lan Chen sat in the prop couch, shooting their limited scenes. Most of the time was spent observing the busy activities of the extras. Lan Chen grew a bit impatient, elegantly furrowed her brows, interlacing her hands behind her head and leaning back on the prop couch. She glanced at Xia Lingying with a tilted head.
"Why did you agree to take on such a boring soap opera?"
Xia Lingying gazed into her eyes, and pursed her lips, choosing not to provide a direct response.
“The same goes for you.”
Lan Chen chuckled, acknowledging Xia Lingying's cleverness. She blinked, casting a bewitching look at Xia Lingying.
"I took on 'Inseparable' not for the paycheck, not for fame, not to increase my exposure. It's for one person."
Xia Lingying looked at her in surprise, but the intense gaze from Lan Chen made her turn away without engaging further. Lan Chen continued to observe her, a subtle curve forming on the corner of her lips.
Cold indeed.
"Issac, you are riding a roller coaster, not a sofa!"
Director Lin, who was busy and sweating profusely, looked up and saw Lan Chen leaning on the seat leisurely. He was so angry that he shouted with a loudspeaker.
Lan Chen lazily retracted her crossed legs, one arm embracing Xia Lingying's slender waist, the other hand gesturing casually.
"Alright, stop the nonsense, let's get started quickly."
“...”
Director Lin was infuriated, it felt like he was dealing with another person molded by Xiao Moyan. Their attitudes were strikingly similar, but he had no choice. After all, she was favored, so he clenched his fists, suppressed his anger, and continued directing the shoot.
Following the script, Lan Chen embraced Xia Lingying's waist, intimately close to her ear, offering occasional comforting words. Xia Lingying managed a forced smile.
Gradually, Lan Chen's subtle movements and actions exceeding the script's requirements made Xia Lingying unconsciously furrow her brows. However, Xia Lingying continued to endure in silence until the director called a cut. Only then did she shake off Lan Chen's hand, turn around, and coldly gaze at Lan Chen. Lan Chen maintained a playful smile. After a brief eye contact, Xia Lingying stood up and walked towards the Ferris wheel.
Lan Chen smiled mischievously and watched Xia Lingying's figure as she forcefully pushed against the Ferris wheel and stood up gracefully. She shook her long hair, and chuckled lightly, finding it quite interesting.
Xia Lingying sat on the Ferris wheel and felt an inexplicable restlessness as she looked at Lan Chen with a sly smile across from her. Since they were shooting wide shots first and taking close-ups later, the crew was waiting below, leaving only the two of them in the Ferris wheel. Without any reservations, Lan Chen boldly and provocatively fixed her gaze on Xia Lingying.
Xia Lingying couldn't bear it any longer, she stared at Lan Chen and, lowering her voice, asked, "What exactly are you trying to do?"
Lan Chen chewed gum in her mouth and blew bubbles at Xia Lingying without any elegance.
"Nothing, I just want to be friends with you."
Xia Lingying took a deep breath, and turned her head away, refusing to look at her. Lan Chen leisurely chewed gum and, after a moment, unexpectedly uttered these words,
"Actually, I quite like you."
***
Xiao Moyan couldn't shake off her concern for Xia Lingying's well-being. Despite her anger, she had to momentarily suppress it. She had her sunglasses and stealthily approached the scene by driving her car.
She frowned and searched for a while before spotting Xia Lingying, who had descended from the Ferris wheel with a pale face. Someone seemed to try helping her, but she forcefully pushed them away.
She squinted, took a closer look, and felt cold in her heart. Sure enough, it was Lan Chen.
She took off her sunglasses and walked forward quickly, supported Xia Lingying with one hand, pulled her into her arms, looked up at Lan Chen with a smile
"Oh, Issac, it's so rare to see you. You're so dedicated, starting to shoot on the first day back in the country!"
The familiar scent of mint breathed into Xia Lingying's nose, and the tightness in her chest eased slightly. She raised her head slightly and looked at Xiao Moyan's beautiful face with slightly red eyes.
Xiao Moyan, why, why do you appear whenever I am in the most pain?
Lan Chen heard the voice and looked up. Xiao Moyan's elegant long shirt draped her graceful figure, and the light purple eyeshadow on her fair face seemed to be filled with charm. The captivating gaze, rosy soft lips, just like the beauty in memory.
"This can't be compared with Ms. Xiao. Despite your busy schedule, you still took time out to inspect the set. I feel ashamed!"
Two equally beautiful and charming women laughed and teased each other, but the people around them felt the cold wind blowing into their hearts. The newcomer on the set looked at Lan Chen with jealousy. She was indeed as arrogant and domineering as the legend said!
Xia Lingying quietly nestled in Xiao Moyan's arms, repeatedly thinking about what Lan Chen had said on the Ferris wheel just now. Her heart was twisted in pain. She looked up at Xiao Moyan's angry eyes, gently grabbing the hem of her clothes.
Xiao Moyan, who was indulging in the satisfying scolding, sensed something. She lowered her head to look at Xia Lingying in her arms. The eyes carrying a hint of pain and pleading instantly broke down the defenses in her heart. She placed a comforting on Xia Lingying's back, then she turned her head, smiled at Lan Chen, and said, "Issac, come to the company when you have time. I'll leave now."
Lan Chen lazily waved her hand, her gaze sweeping past Xia Lingying, then lifting her head, she smiled and nodded at Xiao Moyan.
"Most definitely.”
Even after the two left, Lan Chen stood in place with hands in her pockets, silently watching. After a moment, she shook her head disdainfully.
Xiao Moyan, beauties often bring disaster – these were your words to me. Have you forgotten so soon?
Author's Note:
/(ćoć)/~~ Don't bully Yezi too much, share your comments.