Chapter 17: Chapter 17: Steel-hearted Straight Man—A True Role Model
Du Sheng noticed Liu Yifei's hesitation and casually extended the script to her, giving her a small nod of encouragement.
Closing his eyes briefly, he focused on channeling the emotions for the scene.
This moment was crucial.
In the storyline, this was the point where Wang Yuyan's heart began to waver, and her unshakable loyalty to her cousin Murong Fu faltered.
At the same time, it was the pivotal scene that allowed Duan Yu, after countless episodes of unrequited affection, to finally win Wang Yuyan's heart.
Liu Yifei recalled her mother mentioning the strict and pragmatic nature of Director Zhou Yaowen. Determined to leave a good impression and ensure smoother filming in the future, she took the script and began silently rehearsing her lines and emotions, much like Du Sheng was doing.
Behind them, Qiu Qing stood still, quietly observing the situation. He recognized Liu Yifei from a previous project they had worked on together and had even given her some acting advice back then. However, seeing that she didn't acknowledge him, he chose to keep his distance.
"Begin!"
Zhou Yaowen's voice cut through the stillness.
Du Sheng turned his back to the camera, and when he opened his eyes, the change was instantaneous.
He now exuded the aura of Murong Fu—an impassioned and desperate man whose idealism bordered on obsession. His voice was loud and firm, almost manic:
"If I become the consort of West Xia, when the King of West Xia passes, the throne will surely be mine!"
This line was directed at an imaginary Bao Bu Tong, delivered with fiery passion. It was clear that Murong Fu, having faced humiliation and defeat at the martial arts gathering, was spiraling into darkness.
For him, nothing else mattered. Not love, not loyalty. All that remained was his ambition to restore the Great Yan Kingdom. He had convinced himself that becoming the King of West Xia was the stepping stone to achieving this dream.
Liu Yifei mimed entering through an imaginary door, stopping mid-step upon hearing his words. Her voice carried a heart-wrenching note of disbelief:
"Cousin, you—"
She hurried toward Du Sheng, her expression a mix of sorrow and disbelief. Though she had yet to fully immerse herself in the role, her youthful beauty and pitiful demeanor evoked a natural sense of compassion.
Yu Min, observing from the sidelines, nodded slightly in approval.
Though Liu Yifei's performance was not flawless—her expressions and gestures were a bit stiff—it was clear that her innate aura matched the ethereal and pure nature of Wang Yuyan.
Her delicate charm and innocent demeanor gave her a natural advantage in portraying the "fairy-like" character. Her sorrowful tone struck a balance between affection and disappointment, capturing the essence of her relationship with Murong Fu.
Liu Yifei's melancholic call brought Murong Fu out of his fervent monologue. Turning to face his cousin, Du Sheng's gaze softened slightly, but his determination remained.
"Yuyan, you understand my dreams and burdens..."
Du Sheng stepped closer, his hands gently gripping her shoulders. His tone was tender yet unyielding, like a man making a solemn vow:
"When I restore the Great Yan Kingdom and ascend the throne, I will make you my empress."
The room fell silent as everyone absorbed his words.
Director Zhou Yaowen, who had been glancing elsewhere, was suddenly drawn back to the performance by that single line.
"Hmm?"
Zhou's eyes sharpened as he focused intently on Du Sheng.
In the world of acting, the delivery of dialogue—one of the core elements of performance—could make or break a scene. Even if a performer had excellent expressions and movement, poor delivery could destroy the believability of their character.
And yet, through this single line, Du Sheng conveyed a maelstrom of emotions: care for his cousin, frustration at his inability to articulate his feelings properly, the bitterness of crushed dreams, and the desperation driving his choices.
It was rare for an actor to pack so much nuance into a single line of dialogue. Zhou Yaowen's eyes gleamed with approval.
"This kid… no wonder Ju Jueliang vouched for him," Zhou thought to himself.
The tension in Ju Jueliang's shoulders relaxed. Du Sheng's performance was living up to expectations, reflecting the meticulous preparation he had put into embodying the character of Murong Fu.
Even Zhao Jian, the action director, couldn't help but nod in appreciation.
Though he had initially favored performers with strong physical skills, Du Sheng had proven that his talents extended beyond martial prowess. His emotional range and acting depth were equally impressive.
Meanwhile, Yu Min glanced at Qiu Qing, catching the flicker of anxiety in his expression.
Before today, Qiu Qing hadn't seen Du Sheng as a threat. He had only been concerned about the more established actors vying for the role.
But after witnessing Du Sheng's dazzling display of talent, Qiu Qing realized, with no small amount of unease, that his fiercest competition was this seemingly unknown young man.
"Cousin, you know how much I care for you!"
Perhaps inspired by Du Sheng's energy, Liu Yifei's voice trembled with emotion.
Her eyes brimmed with unshed tears as she pleaded:
"Life is fleeting, Cousin. Why must you chase after unattainable dreams, forsaking the happiness right in front of you?"
Du Sheng's heart ached at her words.
Despite his own feelings, Murong Fu was a man consumed by ambition. He hesitated, then pulled Wang Yuyan into a gentle embrace.
"You will always hold the most important place in my heart," he murmured, his voice laced with both affection and finality. "But I cannot afford to falter now. Once I restore the kingdom, I promise I will make you my queen."
Wang Yuyan's tears fell freely as she clung to him. Her voice was filled with both joy and sorrow:
"Cousin, all I ever wanted was to live a simple life with you in Gusu. To row across Tai Lake, surrounded by green mountains and clear waters... to spend the rest of our days in peace."
Liu Yifei's delivery was flawless, her words carrying the weight of longing and resignation. Her natural shyness blended seamlessly into Wang Yuyan's delicate emotions, bringing the character to life.
For a moment, the tension in the room dissolved into a tender stillness.
And yet, just as their lips were about to meet, Du Sheng abruptly stiffened. He pushed Wang Yuyan away, his expression a mix of guilt and resolve.
"No," he declared, his voice shaking with determination. "Now is not the time for such indulgence. I carry the hopes of generations on my shoulders. I cannot allow myself to be distracted by love!"
His words, though harsh, were spoken with conviction, his tone rising and falling with the weight of his internal struggle.
Inwardly, Du Sheng couldn't help but laugh bitterly at the absurdity of Murong Fu's decisions.
"This guy is the definition of a steel-hearted straight man. Truly a role model!"
Yet, despite the humorous irony, Du Sheng's performance remained flawless. His delivery, his expressions, and even the slight hesitation in his movements all contributed to the authenticity of his portrayal.
If nothing else, he had proven himself more than capable of carrying the complexities of Murong Fu's character.