Rebirth of a Nation's Darling – Prince Charming

“Cut!” A voice struck Guan Li’s thoughts like a bolt of lightning, stopping her in her tracks. Then, she slowly widened her eyes as if her soul had just returned to her body, and her expression stiffened as well.

“Guan Li, did you read the script at all? Who told you to improvise? Huh?” Director Liu’s reprimand soon followed.

Throughout her experiences in the entertainment industry, Guan Li had never endured such a humiliating situation, except when she had received a scolding by a director during her days as a newbie. She instinctively shot Si Huang a look, then turned away and calmly admitted her mistake. “Sorry, I lost focus. I got carried away by Si Huang’s performance.”

Si Huang, who had just stepped away from the wheelchair, looked at Guan Li in surprise. It was rare for a senior to boldly admit to their mistake in front of a newbie, especially considering the meaning behind Guan Li’s words. She had spoken about Si Huang’s performance with glowing praise and acknowledgment.

Director Liu’s expression relaxed. “I’m happy that you’re aware! You should really reflect on your own performance after getting carried away by a junior actor and losing your grasp on it.”

“I understand,” Guan Li replied.

“Shui Lingxin has only ever seen A’qiong as a younger brother.” Old Tie’s stately voice suddenly chimed in.

His very words immediately drew 100% of the attention of the entire crew. Guan Li, the protagonist in question, blushed before turning very pale. She couldn’t bring herself to look Old Tie, whose gaze seemed to see through everything, in the eye. “Thank you for the reminder, Old Tie. I won’t make this mistake again. I’ll do better next time.”

Si Huang approached her and smiled. “I’m very lucky to be viewed as your younger brother, Sister Guan.”

His easy-going remark lightened the atmosphere, and a sense of gratitude and complicated emotions flashed across Guan Li’s heart. She turned to Si Huang and jokingly replied, “If I had a handsome younger brother like you, who knows how many people would be jealous of me?” The person before her was still dressed like Mr. Qianji, but he had turned back into the young man she had first met. He did not gaze at her as if she were the only one in his eyes and would not risk everything to help her if she were ever in trouble, nor did he assure her that nothing in the world would harm her as long as he was around.

Guan Li felt a tinge of disappointment for some strange reason. It was a heavy feeling that could not be ignored.

She knew that this was an effect of getting too carried away by a performance. She had never expected to experience this with a newbie. After all, she had not experienced this with veteran actors either.

Si Huang’s performance had undoubtedly received Old Tie’s approval. After Old Tie left, Director Liu led Si Huang and Yu Xi to his office.

The group sat down, and Director Liu began to praise Si Huang generously. “Very well done! I guarantee that nobody will ever have the guts to criticize you after this.”

Si Huang nodded, then sent Yu Xi a signal with one glance.

Director Liu had already noticed the astute, prudent-looking young man. “And this is…”

Yu Xi nodded at Director Liu. “I’m Si Huang’s manager, Yu Xi. You can call me Xiao Yu, Director Liu.”

Director Liu went into a frenzy when he heard this, then looked at Si Huang for confirmation.

Si Huang’s expression was calm.

Director Liu was at a loss for words. One simply couldn’t understand youngsters by using common sense these days.

Si Huang gave Yu Xi free rein after that, and he did not disappoint. He successfully negotiated the contract terms with Director Liu. From Si Huang’s point of view, the negotiated terms were already considered substantial. She wouldn’t have been able to receive anything better if she had negotiated herself.

This made Si Huang very happy. As long as Yu Xi was around, her future would be much easier.

Before they left, Director Liu once again expressed how surprised he was by the shocking intellectual level of youngsters these days. In time, young men would inevitably replace old men in every profession. Then, he reminded her, “Remember to manage your schoolwork properly. Old Tie has ordered the filming dates for The Sovereign Journey to be brought forward. You’ll have to be on standby for around a month or so, regardless of how many scenes you’re in. Make sure that you are always ready.”

“I understand.” Si Huang nodded.

The makeup artist was still around when Si Huang returned to the dressing room. “Your Highness!” She immediately cried out when she saw him. “I’ve joined your order of knights! Will you take a few more pictures with me?”

What order of knights? Si Huang did not show her surprise on her face. “We shouldn’t have too many stage photo leaks. You can take as many pictures as you like when the official photos are released,” she replied apologetically.

The makeup artist understood this very well. After all, she had been working in the industry for quite a while. She reproached herself internally for losing her head over beauty. However, she couldn’t help herself when she saw His Highness in all his glory!

“What if I take a picture and keep it to myself, Your Highness? Just so I can drool all over the screen? Please, Your Highness? On account of my sincerity?”

The corners of Yu Xi’s eyes twitched. He was speechless. ‘Hey, big sis. You’re not that young anymore. Is it really a good idea for you to put on a cutesy act like that?’ he wondered. He turned toward Si Huang but noticed that he was still smiling, and his smile was sincere. He looked a little like a warm tree in the summer, basking in the sun. It was now more difficult than ever to turn away from his already good-looking face.

Yu Xi felt that he wasn’t putting on an act this time. He genuinely loved this supportive woman and was patiently indulging her. How could any woman possibly resist the look in his eyes? Even he, a man, felt that Si Huang was simply radiant in this state. He was soft and warm like jade, compelling him to come closer.

“Alright.” Si Huang agreed with a smile.

The blushing makeup artist excitedly took three pictures in succession but did not take any more. “Your Highness! May I do your make-up next time?” she asked Si Huang nervously.

“Yes, thank you,” Si Huang replied.

“No, no, no, it’s my pleasure!” The makeup artist waved her hand excitedly, then finally put on a serious expression.

Si Huang smiled again, stepped into the cubicle to change out of her costume, took a shower, removed her makeup, and left.

…

In the car...

Yu Xi looked at Si Huang, who looked very relaxed as she drove the car. “Do you really like that woman?” he asked quietly.

Si Huang was surprised at first, but then realized what he was talking about. She smiled quietly and gently replied, “These women are the ones who love me with utmost sincerity.”

In her past life, acting had been her only escape from reality, a sacred place that had offered her soul comfort. The fans, who were blissfully unaware of the truth, had given warmth to her cold, dark life. Their enthusiasm had been like fire, following her everywhere as they displayed their affection to the very fullest, reminding her that there were many others who still loved and needed her in this world.