Chapter Ninety-Four: Joining the Film Crew

[Isn't this a bit too much? It's just a little bit of ice cream, and it's not like she eats it every day.]
[Such a jealous attitude.]
[Why does it feel like Su Wan Ning is being targeted?]
The barrage of comments grew louder, with more and more viewers voicing their support for Su Wan Ning. At this point, her manager issued a warning off-camera, and the others dared not speak further.

That afternoon, Su Wan Ning requested leave from the production team. This time, Wang Zan did not make things difficult and simply reminded her not to forget her live-streaming duties.

Su Wan Ning had previously agreed to collaborate with Qiu Rui on a drama, and filming had begun. Her scenes were about to start, so she had to take leave and join the crew. Before departing, she sincerely apologized to the viewers through the camera.

"I'm truly sorry. I'll complete my tasks as soon as possible and return. Please wait for me."

[I'm so reluctant to let her go.]
[Just leave already, you annoy me.]
[We won't get to see Sui Sui and Nian Nian, the two little darlings, anymore. Sob sob.]

The barrage of comments continued to flood in. By now, Su Wan Ning's live-stream had reached 250,000 viewers.

Off-camera, Qiu Rui was still persuading Wang Zan, "Are you really going to let her go just like that? The viewers don't want her to leave. If she leaves, our ratings will surely drop."

Wang Zan knew very well that Su Wan Ning was now the star of the show. Having just wronged her that morning, he simply couldn't refuse her leave request.

"Director, we have a contract. If you say the word, she won't be able to leave!" Qiu Rui was anxious as he watched the number of viewers continue to climb.

"I've got it!"
Wang Zan, who had been frowning, suddenly raised his eyebrows and shouted with excitement.

"Arrange for a cameraman to follow Su Wan Ning into the drama crew with the live-stream camera."

"Is that possible? Isn't the content of the drama supposed to be confidential?" Chen Rui frowned.

Wang Zan clenched his fist as if making a resolution. "I'll talk to the crew!"

Thus, not only did Su Wan Ning leave with the two children, but she also took her follow-up cameraman with her.

Sitting in the car heading to the airport, Su Wan Ning was both amused and helpless.

"Perhaps it's because everyone's enthusiasm is so high, the director insists I bring you along. I'm not sure what the situation will be with the crew, but the filming content is supposed to be confidential. I'm not sure if I'll be allowed to live-stream."

Thinking of this gave Su Wan Ning a headache. In her previous life, she was just a live-streamer, familiar with watching dramas but never acting in one.

Yet this time, after all the delays, she could not escape the fate of becoming an actress.
According to her predecessor's memories, her acting skills were actually quite good, but Su Wan Ning was terrified of being exposed this time.

Thankfully, Vincent comforted her in time. "You've had that scandal, suffered injuries, and haven't acted for so long. It's normal to be a bit rusty. Just take your time and adapt."

Su Wan Ning nodded, still holding the script and studying it intently.

Back then, she had invited Qiu Rui for the sake of appearances, agreeing without much thought. Only now did she realize she had set herself up; if she messed up this drama, she would surely face a fresh wave of online attacks.

She sighed, unable to absorb the dense words on the page. In truth, she had already memorized her lines perfectly and didn't need to review them, but she still lacked confidence.

Time was tight, and there was no opportunity to find an acting coach for some quick lessons. With this anxious heart, Su Wan Ning entered the crew with her two children and the cameraman.

No one knew how Wang Zan had negotiated with the drama crew, but the cameraman was allowed to stay, though the filming area was restricted. He could not approach within two meters of the set, and the content was limited to Su Wan Ning's daily life.

Even her on-set costumes could not be revealed much. The rules were strict, so Su Wan Ning decided that the cameraman would spend most of his time in the hotel or the lounge.

[It doesn't matter, even like this we can observe a star's daily life while filming. I love it!]
[The actress is back in business!]

The hotel arranged by the crew was quite nice. After settling in, Su Wan Ning went to meet the director.

The director was a stern, middle-aged man with long hair, always wearing sunglasses. After a brief greeting, he asked Su Wan Ning to rehearse tomorrow's scene.

Su Wan Ning took a deep breath, walked up to Qiu Rui, and recited her lines: "It's been a long time."

"Cut!"
The director's stern shout interrupted their scene.

Su Wan Ning looked at him, listening to his sharp critique: "Your expression is too stiff, not lively enough. Start over."

"Cut."
"Cut."
"Cut!"

Sweat gathered in Su Wan Ning's palms, and the director grew increasingly impatient.

"Look at me. Respond to me and say your lines. Don't be nervous."

Qiu Rui's dark eyes fixed on her, and Su Wan Ning inexplicably calmed down.

She relaxed completely, immersed herself, and responded to Qiu Rui's reactions with her lines. She passed in one take.

"Not bad. Keep that state."

The director remained cool, but hearing this, Su Wan Ning finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thank you, Director! I still have many shortcomings and hope everyone will be understanding. I’ve prepared some milk tea for everyone, from my own shop—a little token of appreciation."

As she spoke, she waved Vincent in, followed by the two little helpers.

Nian Nian handed a fruit tea to the director, saying sweetly, "My mom prepared this fruit tea for you."

She turned to deliver tea to others, but the director suddenly grabbed her.

"Wait!"
Nian Nian winced in pain, startled. Sui Sui, beside her, immediately reached out and slapped the director’s arm.

Smack!

A crisp sound filled the air, and the atmosphere instantly became tense.

Su Wan Ning hurried over, her assistant visibly anxious.

The director let go, and Nian Nian ran behind Su Wan Ning, guarded by Sui Sui.

"Director, what’s the matter?" Su Wan Ning frowned slightly, shielding her daughter.

The director stood up, visibly excited, staring at Nian Nian. His voice was fervent: "It's her! She's exactly the Xiao Ai I imagined!"

"Xiao Ai?" Su Wan Ning found the name familiar.

Then she remembered—it was the little girl from the script, the one who would be kidnapped by her character, the villain, and nearly lose her life.

Everyone on set was bewildered, except for Qiu Rui, who calmly asked, "Director, are you suggesting Nian Nian would be perfect for playing Xiao Ai?"

"Yes! Su Wan Ning, could she make a cameo? She only has a few scenes and can finish filming with you. The payment is negotiable."

The director was genuinely sincere. Hearing this, Su Wan Ning looked down and asked her daughter, "Nian Nian, do you want to act?"

The little one wasn’t shy at all but looked up and asked, "Just like mommy did just now?"