Chapter 80: Stealing the Spotlight

“Sorry, sorry, I got distracted.” The makeup artist quickly used makeup remover to wipe away the lipstick smudge at the corner of Shen Qing’s lips.

“It’s alright.”

The assistant found an outfit for Shen Qing to change into—a red plaid skirt and school uniform. The weather was rather chilly, so she pulled on a pair of long white socks.

When Shen Qing emerged in the new outfit, the staff outside were all stunned by her appearance. Even Gu Ting, who was sitting in a chair sipping tea, was momentarily caught off guard.

The girl’s long hair draped over her shoulders, her delicate face expressionless. The touch of red on her lips, however, lent her an aura of warmth and life.

“Heavens! She looks like she just stepped out of a manga!” Xiao Tao stomped her feet excitedly.

Gu Ting snapped back to himself, stood up, and blocked the view of her. “Are you cold?”

It had been raining these past few days, and the temperature had dropped considerably.

“Not at all,” Shen Qing replied, shaking her head.

Gu Ting glanced down at her skirt hem, seeing her in a skirt for the first time. “You look beautiful.”

“I know,” Shen Qing shot him a sidelong glance, shoved him aside, and strode out.

She stopped in front of Zhai Chao, who was still dazed. “Can we start?”

Zhai Chao’s ears turned red in an instant. He lowered his head, a little flustered. “Y-yes, we can.”

The director explained the camera positions to Shen Qing and taught her how to find her marks for the shot.

The girl leaned carelessly against a nearby tree, her demeanor nonchalant—it was impossible to tell if she was even listening.

Zhai Chao’s new song was about an unrequited love.

A freshman falls for an upperclassman at first sight, embarking on a long journey of secret longing. Just as he finally musters the courage to confess on the day she graduates, a minor car accident delays him. He arrives too late—she is already in someone else’s embrace.

“So melodramatic,” Shen Qing muttered, glancing in Gu Ting’s direction. The man happened to be watching her too, laughter barely concealed in his captivating, fox-like eyes.

There was no denying that Gu Ting was truly handsome.

Shen Qing clicked her tongue inwardly and turned away as the director began calling for everyone.

“Alright, first scene, action!”

Zhai Chao dragged his suitcase into the red registration tent to sign in. Shen Qing held a pen, making notes.

She looked up slightly and smiled gently at him. “What’s your name?”

Zhai Chao was dazzled by her smile, staring for several seconds before his cheeks flushed red again.

“I—I’m Zhai Chao.”

Watching through the camera, the director slapped his thigh in delight. “Zhai Chao’s acting is impressive!”

Sister Wei, standing nearby, gave the director a long look but said nothing.

Gu Ting narrowed his eyes, watching the two of them converse, his gaze growing ever colder.

Shen Qing followed the script, nodded slightly, and lowered her head to jot something down on the paper.

**

The shoot went extremely well. Everyone was in great form; most scenes were completed in a single take. Zhai Chao had more scenes, requiring a few extra shots.

Dusk was falling, and Shen Qing had only one scene left: the moment when Zhai Chao, coming to confess, finds the heroine in another man’s arms, crushed and heartbroken.

After spending the day together, Sister Wei had a fair sense of Shen Qing’s temperament—cool, detached, and somewhat impatient.

Before filming, Sister Wei glanced cautiously at the man not far off and spoke carefully, “Miss Shen, the director has added a shot to the final scene. There’s some physical contact, and…”

“And your partner suddenly felt unwell, so I’m taking his place,” Gu Ting drawled as he strolled over to Shen Qing, brushing her shoulder lightly with his own.

Shen Qing frowned, casting him a sidelong glance but saying nothing.

The director was already calling for action. Shen Qing, dressed in her graduation gown, stood waiting on the stairs.

Gu Ting ascended the steps, carrying a bouquet of flowers, his jade-like features softened by a gentle smile.

“Shen Qing, will you be my girlfriend?” Gu Ting stood one step below her, their eyes level.

Shen Qing arched her brow and spoke sternly, “You don’t need to say your lines.”

“Will you be my girlfriend?” Gu Ting repeated with a smile.

By this time, Zhai Chao had rushed over from the ‘accident scene,’ hair disheveled and looking utterly miserable. Upon seeing that Shen Qing’s partner had changed—and it was Gu Ting—his heart twisted painfully with a pang of jealousy.

The cameraman quickly gave Zhai Chao a close-up; the sorrow and longing in his eyes were nothing short of perfect!

The director waved at Gu Ting and Shen Qing, making a gesture for a hug.

Gu Ting smiled faintly and pulled her into his arms.

Shen Qing was caught off guard, stiffening instantly as she was pressed to his chest. She could clearly hear her own heartbeat, loud enough to be frightening.

“Cut!” the director called at just the right moment.

Shen Qing shifted slightly but didn’t break free from the embrace.

“What, are you trying to get yourself sent to the palace?” Her voice was low and tinged with impatience, as if she was ready to lash out at any moment.

Gu Ting’s body trembled slightly; he released her, his gaze darkened as he looked at her. “Who taught you to say things like that?”