The Warmth of the Sun in the Winter

Su Jing, however, was in high spirits. He cracked his knuckles and grinned confidently. "Finally, my turn to shine. Watch closely, everyone—I'll show you what acting is."

Su Jing wasn't bragging.

Acting was his forte, especially in romantic and emotional roles.

His performance in 'My First Love' had earned him a Best Actor award and the title of the nation's most beautiful teenage boy.

His fanbase had grown exponentially ever since.

The director called out, "Action!"

Bai Ye, on the other hand, finally saw the true ability of the actor on whom she had spent a lot of money.

The room fell silent. When Su Jing raised his head, his expression shifted instantly.

Gone was the cheeky confidence; in its place was shock, despair, and an overwhelming sense of helplessness. His trembling hands held the medical report, his shoulders slumped as if the weight of the world had fallen on them.

Across from him, Ren Yuxin lay still on the hospital bed, her pale face framed by the soft glow of the room. She had accidentally fallen asleep while waiting for her cue.

Bai Ye, observing from the sidelines, was thoroughly impressed.

Su Jing's ability to convey such depth of emotion in silence left no doubt about his reputation.

Ren Yuxin stirred awake just as the crew wrapped up the take.

Su Jing shot her a playful grin. "Go back to sleep; I've got this covered today."

Ren Yuxin laughed lightly. "Noted. I'll let you handle the heavy lifting."

The makeup artist adjusted Ren Yuxin's appearance, ensuring her face looked both ethereal and frail.

Her task was simple—half-lean on the bed, look sickly yet beautiful, and smile at Su Jing before he left the ward.

Before the scene began, Su Jing leaned in and said, "I'll turn around for one last look. It'll make the scene more emotional. No pressure, though."

"Got it," Ren Yuxin replied.

The director shouted, "Action!"

Su Jing opened the ward door and turned slowly, his expression a perfect mix of longing and sorrow. Ren Yuxin turned her head, her lips curling into a smile.

"Cut!" The director wiped his forehead nervously. "Yuxin, that smile—uh, how do I put this? It looked like you were planning revenge, not saying goodbye to the love of your life."

Ren Yuxin blinked in surprise. "Planning revenge?"

"Yes! We need something warm, tender. Think first love, not vendetta."

"Understood," she said with a hint of a smirk.

"Alright, again. Action!"

This time, her smile was softer, but something about it still seemed… off.

The director sighed. "Better, but it's still too seductive. We need a smile that's pure, one that makes people want to protect you."

Ren Yuxin raised an eyebrow. "So, you want the 'innocent angel' look?"

So she had to smile like a pretentious b*tch?

"Exactly!" the director said, oblivious to her sarcasm.

Ren Yuxin adjusted her posture and prepared for the next take.

"Action!"

Su Jing opened the door again, his movements slower, deliberate. Ren Yuxin turned to face him, and this time, her smile was heartbreakingly perfect. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, her pale face illuminated with a fragile warmth.

She seemed to silently say, 'It's okay. I'm at peace. Don't be sad for me.'

The crew fell silent, the weight of the moment palpable.

Even the director, who had been giving constant notes, was left speechless.

Su Jing, who had been carefully avoiding the camera during her take, muttered, "She just destroyed me. I'm not even in the shot, and I feel like crying."

Bai Ye stared at the monitor, stunned. This girl… she's a natural.

Ren Yuxin broke the spell by lifting the blanket off her lap and crossing her legs casually.

The poised, heart-wrenching character she'd embodied seconds ago was gone, replaced by the relaxed woman she truly was.

The crew chuckled at the stark contrast.

By the time the filming wrapped up, it was already 9 p.m.

Bai Ye's team decided to treat the cast and crew to dinner as a thank-you gesture.

They gathered at the Four Seasons Restaurant, a popular spot for industry professionals.

The room was lively with laughter, the mood light as everyone celebrated the end of a successful shoot.

The director, already a bit tipsy, raised his glass toward Ren Yuxin. "Miss Yuxin! Do you… hic… ever think about becoming a full-time actress?"

Ren Yuxin, in the middle of savoring a bite of seafood, paused. "I've considered it."

"Well, you should!" the director exclaimed, slurring slightly. "It'd be a tragedy if you didn't. A friend of mine is hosting auditions for his new movie soon. I'll put in a good word for you. Hic! You'd be perfect."

Ren Yuxin smiled politely. "Thank you. I'll think about it."