Guan Xiao, although he became a household name through an ancient costume drama, also graduated from the Acting Department of the Drama Academy and his acting skills have been unanimously recognized by the industry. As a top-tier actor in TV series, aside from when he just started acting, it had been a long time since Guan Xiao had been publicly chastised by a director this way.
Guan Xiao did not take his anger out on Tang Li but admitted his own mistake: "I was distracted, sorry, I caused everyone to have to do it again."
Guan Xiao’s agent, David, quickly came over.
He walked to Guan Xiao’s side and glanced at Tang Li, who was touching up her makeup nearby, and asked in a low voice, "Are you feeling unwell?"
Guan Xiao waved his hand: "It’s nothing, just a small error."
Saying so, he turned his head to look at Tang Li.
The girl stood there with her eyes closed, letting the makeup artist dab and brush foundation on her face. Guan Xiao walked over and asked with a smile, "Is this really your first time acting?"
When Tang Li opened her eyes, she saw the friendly Guan Xiao.
She had acted in a drama for half a month in her previous life, but she couldn’t tell this to anyone, so she had to find another way to answer: "I previously spent half a month as an extra at a film and TV drama city."
Guan Xiao nodded and then said, "You acted very well today."
For a newcomer, praise from a senior was the best affirmation of her acting skills.
"I will continue to work hard," Tang Li smiled.
As soon as the words fell, Director Fan came over with the script.
Out of the corner of her eye, Tang Li saw a slender middle-aged man sitting behind the monitor, watching the playback of the scene they had just shot.
"Do you recognize Director Ruan?" Fan Xin said.
Fan Xin and Ruan Jiang were old classmates, so they visited each other even though they were shooting the same novel, they didn’t intentionally avoid anything.
Looking at Tang Li whose temple and profile were covered in blood makeup, Fan Xin still complimented her, "That scene just now was good, keep it up."
After speaking, he turned his head toward Guan Xiao, "Guan Xiao, you’re an experienced actor, you shouldn’t fail to follow a newcomer’s performance. If you continue next time, I’ll have to call Yang Ning from another set to come over. When you’re shooting, have her stand by to keep you in check and occasionally remind you."
These words sounded like a joke, but in fact, they pointed out Guan Xiao’s error.
As a criminal police officer, it’s possible to sympathize with the suspect’s plight, but you shouldn’t show such emotions on your face, especially in a scene where you’re arresting a suspect.
After two more takes, the scene was finally approved.
Today, that was Tang Li’s only scene.
As for Guan Xiao, he had two more scenes with the actress playing Ying Xuaner’s stepmother.
Wu Xuehan had been waiting at the side for a while.
After the director called cut, she immediately handed Tang Li a water bottle and used a tissue to help wipe the blood makeup from her face.
"Didn’t you get too tired?" Acting is not like other repetitive work; Wu Xuehan, watching from the side, felt it was exhausting, especially acting with a famous actor like Guan Xiao, there must be psychological pressure for fear of not performing well and holding everyone back.
Tang Li was indeed a bit tired, but looking at Wu Xuehan’s concerned face, she smiled lightly: "It’s okay, I’ll get used to it."
Just after taking a sip of water, a male voice filled with inquiry came: "How do you feel?"
Tang Li turned toward the voice—
Seeing it was Ruan Jiang, who had yet to leave, she respectfully called out "Director Ruan." After all, Ruan Jiang was her discoverer.
At this moment, a staff member from the neighboring film set came to find Ruan Jiang.
"I’ll be right back."
Ruan Jiang was about to leave, and Tang Li made a special effort to see him off.
Walking out of the villa, Ruan Jiang finally spoke up: "The fact has proven that my judgment wasn’t wrong, you are indeed suitable for playing Ying Xuaner. Don’t mind Old Fan’s stern face right now; who knows how happy he actually is inside."