This is actually not an issue with the script.
Initially, the script had Zhou Yun and Xu Siyao engaging in several confrontational scenes, subtly competing and clashing with each other.
However, He Yong soon realized Xu Siyao’s shortcomings in appearance, and thus he proposed to reduce the scenes where the two appear together on screen. Eventually, the script was majorly revised; Xu Siyao basically had no storyline transitions involving Zhou Yun, only some unavoidable shared screen time and dialogue.
Consequently, the character only retained her natural relational antagonism but lacked substantial opposition in the storyline, indirectly placing Xu Siyao’s character in a neutral position with the audience.
Even just by portraying a daring, love-struck young lady, following the trends of film and television shows over the years, she would definitely be favored by a group of viewers; many supporting characters have overshadowed the main characters this way.
Yet, Xu Siyao insisted on creating an overpowering look with her styling and makeup, which backfired and made her appear as if she was only there to provoke Zhou Yun and harboring ill intentions whenever approaching Gu Huaichun.
Huang Zhong called over the person responsible for styling and costume to inquire about Xu Siyao’s look.
Well, that opened a can of worms. The frustrated makeup artists, costume designers, and stylists didn’t hold back their complaints.
"I told her from the beginning that it wasn’t suitable, but she wouldn’t listen; she insisted that I create a ’man-slaying’ look for her, what could I do?"
"Yes, the costumes I initially prepared for her were coordinated with the other characters’ outfits, but she refused to wear them, complaining they were too plain and didn’t highlight her beauty, and she went on to borrow clothes from some brands herself."
Listening to all this, Huang Zhong was exasperated.
"Then why did you agree to all her demands from the beginning?"
"President Huang, it was you who said to accommodate the two actresses from Chengqian Entertainment as much as possible!" The experienced makeup artist, bold and unafraid to speak up, contrasted, "Between the two actresses, Zhou Yun has always been cooperative and respectful of our work and effort, unlike Xu Siyao, who acts like she’s an Empress from the moment she opens her mouth, as if she’s acting in a period drama!"
"This morning, I even heard her complaining about Sister Lin’s makeup, saying she wanted to hire her own makeup artist."
"Heh, I heard that she even had her agent contact you, President Huang, asking to have the makeup artist’s fees reimbursed by the production."
It’s often said that a film set is like a worldly society; never underestimate anyone.
However, those new to the industry often look down on others as if picking vegetables at a market.
But after having worked in this industry for so long, who would willingly be critiqued, especially by a newcomer?
Huang Zhong initially intended to address Xu Siyao’s styling issue, but instead, he uncovered truths he hadn’t seen before.
Between Zhou Yun and Xu Siyao, Huang Zhong certainly preferred Xu Siyao.
Zhou Yun has never come to him with grievances, always handling matters with a professional and businesslike tone, even more so than colleagues.
Being eight parts dedicated earns one praise, but ten parts dedication doesn’t necessarily do the same.
If you are a mogul in the industry, your utmost dedication sets a standard, defines discipline. But if you are a newcomer, your utmost dedication feels threatening, creating a sense of coercion, constantly reminding those around you: what about your ambition?
Huang Zhong wasn’t exactly threatened or coerced; she is just a young, diligent girl, but why couldn’t she be gentler and softer?
The truth unfolded before him, yet another scene behind the surface.
Huang Zhong decided to hold off for now.
Xu Siyao wasn’t receiving the results she wanted and wasn’t willing to wait any longer.
Waiting another day meant another day of shooting.
Unable to bear it, Xu Siyao thought it over and directly contacted her agent, hiring a previously collaborated stylist and makeup artist to redo her look and costume.
However, her sudden appearance on set in a new look and outfit instantly infuriated Lu Yuan.
"What is this? This scene directly follows the previous one, and you’ve changed into a new outfit and look just over a meal break, playing a game of extreme transformations? How are we supposed to continue the filming?" Lu Yuan yelled through his megaphone.
Xu Siyao was dumbfounded by the scolding.
She had never been scolded since joining the crew.