Bella slept a lot during the day, and thus couldn’t fall asleep at night.
Moreover, thinking about shooting scenes the next day made her excited, keeping her even more awake.
She lay in bed for a while, then quietly got up to review her script and memorize lines.
She had already memorized the lines for the scenes in the first few days quite thoroughly, but fearing she might forget the lines out of nervousness the next day, she decided to go through them again before moving on.
"Bella, can’t sleep?" Sharon Cheney also opened her eyes.
"Ms. Cheney, did I wake you up?"
"No, as you get older, you tend to sleep less. I wasn’t asleep anyway." Sharon Cheney sat up, grabbed a coat laying beside her, and draped it over herself. "Rehearsing your lines again? I can’t sleep either. Would you like me to run through them with you?"
"Could we...? It would be better to rehearse with someone instead of just memorizing lines alone. But I worry it might disturb your rest."
"Hand me the script." Sharon nodded. "If I remember correctly, your character enters the palace and we have scenes together. Let’s try and feel out that scene first."
"Alright."
In the drama, Sharon played the role of the Empress Dowager. Her character didn’t appear often, but each appearance was decisive, depicting a very formidable role in the novel.
Bella, having thoroughly read "Brocade River and Mountain," knew exactly where their scenes together occurred.
"Shall we begin, Ms. Cheney?"
"Let’s start."
Bella nodded, glanced at the script for the lines, and, after getting into the right emotional state, said, "Your servant Hera greets the Empress Dowager. I wish the Empress Dowager good health and eternal peace."
As she spoke, she lowered her gaze, exuding respect and awe in her demeanor.
"You may rise." Sharon spoke, and with just one line, her aura was immediately evident.
It was a presence of long-standing authority, majestic and noble, suggesting that no matter what happened, her composure and elegance would remain unshaken.
Previously, Bella had only watched videos and tried to comprehend Sharon’s acting skills. Although she recognized her great acting skills, the full effect was diminished by the screen’s barrier. But in this live encounter, Bella was utterly struck by Sharon’s superb acting.
Bella was stunned and felt that compared to Sharon, her own acting was akin to a child’s play, completely insignificant.
"Bella?" Sharon realized she wasn’t continuing the performance and called out.
Bella snapped out of it, embarrassedly touched her cheek, "Ms. Cheney, your acting was so amazing, I was momentarily mesmerized."
Sharon chuckled, "Every actor has their own aura when performing. A good actor can help others immerse themselves in the scene more quickly. I’m not that remarkable. Since we stopped, let’s discuss the last scene. When Hera first enters the palace to meet the Empress Dowager, respect and apprehension are indeed present, but the most critical element is Hera’s character. She starts off lively and carefree. I think when she sees the Empress Dowager, besides reverence, she’s likely curious too. Little gestures like sneaking glimpses at the throne can convey her innocence and liveliness."
"I see." Upon hearing that, Bella pondered for a moment and said, "I just felt something was missing in Hera’s portrayal. Now that you’ve mentioned it, I understand. Ms. Cheney, let’s try again."