After Kissing the World-Weary Female Supporting Character [Transmigration] - Chapter 26

The lighting technician immediately rotated the equipment. The blinding light shone brightly on Ji Ruyue from top to bottom. The silver peacocks reflected an equally dazzling light, and Ji Ruyue raised a hand to cover her eyes.

The light was too bright, too glaring. She wasn’t used to it.

“Wuwuwu, CEO Ji, I beg you, don’t move, just sit there,” the photographer pressed the shutter button, but seeing the blurred double image again, he burst out in a distressed local accent.

Ji Ruyue slightly turned her body sideways. The warm-toned light illuminated her profile. She lowered her gaze to the floor, nodding to indicate the photographer could shoot.

“Lighting Director,” the photographer waved.

“Don’t turn it anymore. CEO Ji can’t stand the strong light,” Song Xingzi quickly walked over and called out to the standby lighting director, her tone slightly anxious.

Hearing this, Ji Ruyue looked up at Song Xingzi, who was in a cold grey men’s outfit and running towards the lighting director. A hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, and then she lowered them again.

“She closes her eyes because the light is too glaring. Lighting Director, you’ve adjusted the light to be too bright,” standing next to the lighting director, Song Xingzi reverted to her gentle tone and said softly.

The lighting director looked awkwardly at the photographer, who also looked troubled. If the lighting wasn’t strong enough, no matter how beautiful the person, they couldn’t stand up to the high-definition camera shoved in their face. Moreover, Ji Ruyue’s character makeup was intentionally minimal; if the lighting wasn’t done well, the person would look lifeless.

“Director Wang, this…”

Zhao Yu had brought people over, was satisfied to see Mu Yu standing in front of the green screen, and seeing CEO Ji cooperate well, he had rushed off to check on the props’ progress. So now, only Wang Qiang was supervising the shoot.

Ji Ruyue’s gaze, cold, almost inorganic, flickered toward Wang Qiang, contemplating what she should say. According to her plan, she should now say something like “I’m not afraid of strong light” to make Song Xingzi lose face, preferably with a cold attitude, to let the crew understand her position.

Stared at by Ji Ruyue’s nearly inanimate gaze, Wang Qiang was so frightened he broke out in a cold sweat in the middle of winter. He chuckled, “Ah, well, this…”

Previously, Ji Ruyue had done everything the photographer requested, even though there were constant mishaps and repetitions. Ji Ruyue hadn’t shown any impatience, let alone a cold, dead stare like this.

Wang Qiang couldn’t figure out the CEO’s intention and chuckled nervously, wondering what to say.

Song Xingzi frowned unhappily, then winked at Ji Ruyue and mouthed the words, “Ji-Ji, don’t worry, I’ll handle it.”

She then slowly walked to the photographer’s side, leaned in to look at Ji Ruyue through the camera lens. Ji Ruyue was intently gazing at the camera, as if she were staring right at Song Xingzi.

Song Xingzi gave a reassuring smile to the camera, then said plaintively and a little aggrievedly, “Photographer, look, even without direct lighting, CEO Ji is beautiful. Her skin is snow-white, her aura is ethereal; it captures the essence of Mu Yu. Direct lighting would actually ruin it.”

The photographer looked at Wang Qiang with a headache. Wang Qiang nervously tried to formulate a response, “This…”

“She’s right. I was just too embarrassed to say it earlier. I apologize for the trouble.” Ji Ruyue changed her stance expressionlessly. Song Xingzi’s behavior just now was too playful and lively, quite unlike her usual demeanor. The sudden burst of vitality and change instantly caught her attention, so her plan to bully the Female Lead failed again.

The quick-witted Wang Qiang immediately scurried to the camera, staring through the lens and having the photographer slide it left and right, while also checking the photos they had already taken. Then, as if blindfolded, he launched into a string of effusive, nonsensical compliments: “Oh my god, look at this divine being! It’s simply Mu Yu mistakenly walking into the mortal world from the book! Every single shot is this beautiful! Her aura is so lifelike! Even ‘bringing a drawing to life’ isn’t this vivid!”

The onlookers knew Wang Qiang’s personality, so they took his string of misused praises as a comedy act and chuckled. Only Song Xingzi, with her eight-hundred-meter-thick fan filter, nodded extremely seriously.

“Director Wang is right, CEO Ji is a genius!”

Wang Qiang: “…” My next ‘rainbow farts’ are suddenly hard to come up with. Why is Song Xingzi so serious?

“Ahem, Xingzi is right,” Wang Qiang turned, patted the photographer on the shoulder, and said earnestly, “Little Wang, when it’s this good, why bother with strong light? Side lighting is great, too. It has mood. Half light and half dark—how wonderful! Didn’t we already get the full-face shots earlier?”

The photographer nodded. He hadn’t been in the industry long and thought Wang Qiang’s advice made a lot of sense. Moreover, Ji Ruyue herself perfectly fit Mu Yu’s aura and was extremely beautiful, so the photos wouldn’t turn out badly no matter what.

Thus, the young man quickly accepted the advice of the old hand and immediately corrected himself. He said to the head of the lighting crew, “Brother Li, just like this. Hold it.”

Then he said to Ji Ruyue, who was standing there faintly, “CEO Ji, could you turn your body a little more to the side, so the light hits your nose bridge? Ah, yes, just like that.”

Click.

Mu Yu’s last promotional photo was finally taken. Little Wang the photographer let out a sigh of relief. “Alright, all done. Thank you for your hard work, CEO Ji. Next up.”

“Is it my turn?” Song Xingzi asked Li Yu in confusion. She was still immersed in Ji-Ji’s beauty. Ji-Ji is so wonderful—beautiful and kind!

“It should be Ms. Song’s turn,” Li Yu glanced around. No other actors were present, so it must be the Female Lead. “Ms. Song, do you see the small makeup room next door? Come over there after you finish a set. We’ll all be waiting for you there.”

Song Xingzi looked in the direction Li Yu pointed and nodded obediently. “I see it.”

Li Yu was still worried. “Ms. Song, did you google how to take promotional photos?”

I actually just joined the circle for a part-time job and to find material. Why have I unknowingly turned into a worried parent, stressing over everything for the artist? Li Yu rubbed his phone, feeling both wistful and confused.

Song Xingzi guaranteed him, “I know how to do this. Xiao Yu’er doesn’t need to worry.”

“Okay, Ms. Song, start shooting,” Li Yu walked toward the makeup room with Assistants A, B, and C, looking back repeatedly.

Song Xingzi quickly ran up to the green screen. Ji Ruyue was still moving slowly, having just worn the layered ancient costume for the first time. She hadn’t left yet.

Song Xingzi leaned in close to Ji Ruyue and whispered, “Ji-Ji, wait for me. I’ll be done quickly. We’ll celebrate Xiao Nian [Minor New Year] at noon.”

“Oh, you go shoot.”

Why did I help her again?

Ji Ruyue agreed. She squinted her eyes and slowly walked over to a nearby chair to sit down, pondering this question.

In fact, the moment the words left her mouth, she realized she had made a wrong move. This was not the direction she had anticipated. She found that not only was she helpless against the tearful Female Lead, but she also unconsciously paid attention whenever the Female Lead acted differently from usual.

This was not a good sign. Being too soft-hearted would prevent her from accomplishing great things.

Ji Ruyue leaned against the chair back. Assistant Lin immediately produced a soft pillow for her to lean on, preventing her neck from getting stiff and sore from leaning for too long.

Ji Ruyue rested her head on the soft pillow and looked at the Female Lead, who was standing neatly. She was holding an iron spatula; who knew when she had grabbed it.

“Ms. Song, look here. More lively movement,” the young photographer gestured to Song Xingzi to tilt her head and wave the spatula.

Song Xingzi immediately understood. Right now, I am Little Songzi, not the Female Lead Song Xingzi. I don’t need to be so restrained.

“Okay, thank you.”

Song Xingzi thanked him sincerely. After speaking, her aura abruptly changed. Her round eyes slightly curved, her lips lifted into a beautiful arc, and her dark pupils were filled with utter confidence. Gripping the spatula, she made a stir-frying motion toward the camera, every movement exuding the demeanor of a master chef.

The onlookers crowded around, conversing among themselves:

“She looks like a chef. Is Ms. Song really a cooking expert?”

“Does that mean she’ll actually be cooking during the scenes?”

“No way. She must just be mimicking the movements. They can’t possibly light a real stove and make a celebrity stir-fry in a smoky kitchen.”

No one discussed it with Wang Qiang. His eyes flashed. Chun Chun said Song Xingzi can really cook. I didn’t believe it at first, but now it seems true. Chun Chun definitely won’t allow a stunt double for every dish. Hehe, there will be good food on set.

Ji Ruyue already knew Song Xingzi was a good cook; after all, she had been pampered by the Female Lead for over a month. But still…

She sat up straight, a look of confusion on her face.

Is it really just good acting? It’s so natural, even more genuine and vivid than her usual self.

She knew Song Xingzi was a talented actress. The Female Lead, the Oscar Best Actress winner of every lifetime, the recipient of global grand slams, was no joke.

But is she this good? Ji Ruyue became interested. She opened her eyes, her slightly downturned eyes staring intently at Song Xingzi. She had originally planned to just put on a show and return to the hotel after the Female Lead finished her set and changed clothes, but now it seemed unnecessary. It was the same no matter where she was, and this was slightly more interesting.

Photographer: “Ms. Song, lower your hand a little. It’s blocking your face.”

Song Xingzi complied. Click, click, click a few times, and this set was finished.

While Song Xingzi was changing clothes, the photographer also quickly finished the promotional photos for the newcomers.

The second outfit was an autumn-yellow, short-sleeved top with tight cuffs, paired with jangling earrings and bracelets—a mark of Fang Miao’s early days as a cook in the imperial kitchen.

The door was pushed open. Song Xingzi bounced out, her earrings and bracelets clanking together, accompanied by her crisp, sparrow-like laughter. Ji Ruyue was momentarily dazzled.

She is truly innocent and cheerful.

Ji Ruyue pursed her lips, a hint of joy blossoming in her heart. It was the natural delight of someone suffering from a prolonged illness seeing dead wood sprout leaves and green buds emerge in spring.

“Hey, excellent. Ms. Song, maintain this state and stand over here…”

Song Xingzi was comfortable playing this role, and the shooting process didn’t take much effort. Aside from the time spent changing outfits, there were no delays. But during the time spent changing, the photographer also took pictures of other characters, so it wasn’t a waste of time.

Soon, it was time for the final Empress outfit. By this point, Fang Miao had successfully avenged Mu Yu, and the Emperor had dismissed his harem for her. It was a truly happy period.

Although Song Xingzi couldn’t quite grasp Fang Miao’s state of mind, Zhao Yu arrived and pulled her aside to explain the emotions to her.

He Ya also came over. She was the last of the main cast to finish her styling.

Song Xingzi was smart and a quick learner, and she was emotionally rich. She transformed the feeling of ultimate life satisfaction that Zhao Yu described into the realization of her own dream: my fried goods shop is open all over the Nine Provinces, and I’m earning money to support Ji-Ji.

Although it lacked a sense of deep maturity, the requirement for promotional photos wasn’t high. Zhao Yu deemed it passable. The photographer rapidly took several shots. Song Xingzi’s promotional photos were finally finished around eleven or twelve in the afternoon.

“Xingzi,” He Ya called out to Song Xingzi, who was heading straight for Ji Ruyue. “Could you wait for Sister He Ya for a moment? I’d like to treat you to lunch.”

Although Song Xingzi was delicate and easily persuaded, she also had a kind of simple-minded shrewdness. We’ve known each other for nearly a week, and I haven’t even managed to add her on WeChat. This progress is too slow.

Song Xingzi stopped in confusion and turned to look at He Ya, who was wearing a light blue palace dress. She didn’t want to spend Xiao Nian with He Ya, nor was she keen on going to an outside restaurant, but her persona didn’t allow for a blunt refusal.

So annoying. You are that Little Songzi. Why are you asking me to accompany you on such an important day as Xiao Nian? Although you are a very nice person, this is so impolite. You’re making a demon feel awkward.

Seeing Song Xingzi not respond, He Ya thought she was worried that outside food might exceed her calorie limit and hinder her efforts to maintain her figure. After all, many female celebrities strictly controlled their diet. So, He Ya gently added, “I know that restaurant very well. They have a special celebrity menu that is mostly pure vegetarian. You don’t have to worry about consuming too many calories.”

Pure vegetarian, huh? Perfect! I’ve found an opportunity to politely decline. I’m so clever!

Song Xingzi’s expressive eyes rolled twice. She refused with complete sincerity, “I’m sorry, Sister He Ya, but today is Xiao Nian, and I want to cook chicken myself. It’s already noon, and if I delay any longer, it will be too late. Let’s go out together next time, okay?”

Chicken? Chicken? Is she serious? She’s already joined the crew. Even if she’s not maintaining her figure, she’s eating meat! Is she genuinely stupid or pretending? How can she use such an excuse to refuse a senior?

A hint of disappointment flashed across He Ya’s face, and her voice was slightly choked, “Never mind. If Xingzi doesn’t like Sister He Ya, then so be it. You don’t need to use such an excuse.”

What is she talking about? I didn’t lie. Although I really don’t want to go out to eat with her.

Song Xingzi, an entertainment industry trainee for a month and a half, had never dieted or exercised, so she completely missed He Ya’s point. She raised a pure smile and said seriously, “It’s not an excuse. If Sister He Ya also wants to eat, I can save you two pieces.”

Two pieces are the absolute maximum. No more is possible because we are not good friends yet! One should not be greedy!

He Ya somehow extracted this message from Song Xingzi’s expression and tone. Her brow twitched, and she said sadly, “It’s fine. Xingzi, you go back now. Can I add your WeChat through the group chat later?”

“Yes, anything Sister He Ya wants to do is fine.”

Song Xingzi was starting to get a little impatient. The feeling of malice from He Ya had resurfaced, making her feel uncomfortable. She was also hungry, but He Ya kept talking.

“Why are you still here?” Ji Ruyue saw the Female Lead whispering again with the Black Lotus Female Side Character. Her face clearly looked unhappy, yet she was forcing herself to talk to her. So, Ji Ruyue walked over with a cold face to help the Female Lead out of the situation.

Ji Ruyue’s current state of mind was like that of a traveler lost in the desert. She had walked alone for a very long time, hungry, thirsty, and exhausted. Only the belief that she must survive and find a way out was sustaining her. When she suddenly encountered a patch of green, she unconsciously assumed it was only a mirage. But if a strong wind tried to blow the illusion away, she would instinctively shield it.

“Didn’t you say you were going back to celebrate Xiao Nian? Why are you dragging your feet here?” Ji Ruyue’s cold face was directed at Song Xingzi, but how could He Ya misunderstand who the CEO’s anger was aimed at?

She offered a strained smile and said gently, “The photographer must be getting impatient. I’ll go take my promotional photos first. Xingzi and CEO Ji, goodbye.”

Song Xingzi nodded quickly. Ji-Ji had no malice toward her, so she wasn’t wronged at all. She was just happy that He Ya was finally leaving.

“Goodbye, Sister He Ya.”

Ji Ruyue: “Heh.”