The Ex-Wife of the Scumbag A Who Abandoned the Female Lead - Chapter 12

Ru Xi Cheng, already possessing a naturally elegant and refined beauty, was adorned in the makeup of an ancient empress, making her appear even more radiant and noble. On both sides of her jet-black chignon were pinned ten golden hairpins with dangling tassels that trembled subtly with each step she took. At the center of her chignon, a colorful phoenix hairpin seemed poised to take flight, while a hibiscus blossom design bloomed between her delicately painted eyebrows, complementing her captivating, expressive eyes.

Perhaps struck by her stunning beauty, Shi Nuocen couldn’t help but feel her breath catch slightly.

Ru Xi Cheng was also momentarily dazed. She had never expected to encounter that person here, and to see him still dressed as a handsome young man. For a moment, her gaze lingered, betraying a hint of infatuation.

Director He was deeply troubled, so much so that he had lost quite a few strands of hair. He said to the assistant director, “Xi Cheng and Actor Zong are undeniably skilled in acting, but between the two of them, how should I put it? There’s just a lack of that certain atmosphere. The kind that’s inextricably tangled, deeply emotional, where you can’t tell where one ends and the other begins.”

Before Director He could finish, the assistant director pointed ahead and murmured, “Well, there it is.”

Director He looked forward and was astonished to see it was true! His eyes lit up with excitement, and he was about to wave his hand and announce an early start to filming the scenes of the emperor and empress’s youthful romance when he suddenly realized, “Wait! That person doesn’t seem to be Actor Zong!”

The assistant director, who had been admiring the unspoken tension between the two, was equally shocked upon hearing this. He quickly widened his eyes to scrutinize the figure and let out a long sigh. “You’re right. That person is an extra! He’s playing an imperial guard!”

Director He: “…” Something’s off! Why am I suddenly imagining a dramatic plot where the empress falls for a guard?!

The assistant director also felt it was a pity but tried to console Director He, “Actually, that kind of atmosphere is quite elusive. It might appear suddenly one day, or it might develop naturally once the two become more familiar with each other. There’s no need to rush. After all, worrying won’t help, haha.”

Director He: “…” You might as well have said nothing! My headache feels even worse now!

“Actors for Scene 123, take your positions! We’re about to start the first trial shoot!” an assistant shouted through a megaphone.

Hearing this and seeing dozens of people dressed in the same costume as her filing out from behind the hall, Shi Nuocen suddenly had a thought. She suspected that this costume might have been borrowed from this production crew, as such situations had occurred in the past.

But for now, the most important thing was the scene with the imperial guard. She had no idea about the details. To avoid exposing herself when the scene began, she quickly approached an extra who was holding a thin sheet of paper. Coincidentally, it was the script for Scene 123.

Her heart leaped with joy, and she subtly leaned in to take a look. On the paper was just one short line:

[Scene 123, Imperial Guard: Bravely confronts the enemy, protects the empress, engages in two rounds of combat, then dies in battle.]

She memorized it instantly and prepared to improvise accordingly.

“The background for this scene, as you all know, is that the Fourth Prince has colluded with the royal family of an enemy nation. Taking advantage of the enemy army pressing on the borders, he intends to storm the palace and declare himself emperor. The emperor has already gone to the military camp to discuss strategies with his generals. Left in the palace, the empress must lead the imperial guards and imperial defenders alone to resist the invading forces. So, you must convey that sense of pressure and that fearless, unwavering spirit!” the assistant director encouraged everyone.

“Yes! We’ll do our best!” The extras responded in unison.

Truly a major production, truly one in a hundred; even the extras had a different spirit. For this single scene alone, there were five hundred participants.

With the command to begin filming!

The extras’ eyes instantly transformed. The enemy side radiated ambition and murderous intent, complemented by the realistic bloodstains dripping from their robes. Facing this scene, Shi Nuocen felt as if she were immersed in the midst of battle. It sent chills down her spine while also igniting a boiling passion for combat and surging fighting spirit!

So, relying on her exceptional skills, Shi Nuocen accidentally got carried away in the fight. Just as she was about to survive the second round without being killed, she suddenly remembered that her character had to die. Spotting the enemy actor closest to her and the empress not far behind, she charged straight toward the tip of the sword.

Not forgetting to add a line to demonstrate her loyalty: “Your Majesty, be careful!”

She bravely threw herself forward, using her flesh and blood as a shield, vowing to protect the empress with her life.

Then came the sound of a piercing thrust, a flash of sword light, and splattering blood!

The extra playing the enemy swiftly punctured the blood bag on Shi Nuocen’s chest, flashing her a ferocious grin.

Shi Nuocen “fell dying” to the ground, lifting her head to gaze in the empress’s direction. Her body twitched slightly before gradually ceasing to breathe.

Once again, she played a corpse, but strangely, the director hadn’t called “cut” yet. Hadn’t this scene already concluded?

A growing sense of confusion arose in Shi Nuocen, but she remained dutifully still, eyes shut, even holding her breath.

Suddenly, a warm drop of liquid landed on her face. Was it fake blood? Driven by curiosity, her tightly closed eyes couldn’t resist cracking open a sliver. Through her dense lashes, she vaguely saw a jade-like hand gently tracing the contours of her face. The movement was filled with unmistakable caution, the fingertips trembling slightly, exuding a heartbreaking sorrow that made one want to weep.

Finally, the hand touched the bridge of her nose; the touch cold and light. Another warm drop fell on her forehead, and she realized it was a tear.

Was Ru Xi Cheng crying?

Shi Nuocen thought hazily: Was this in the script? Or was it Ru Xi Cheng improvising?

After lying on the ground for who knows how long, she finally heard the long-awaited “cut”!

Director He repeatedly reviewed the footage, utterly distressed. The scene was beautiful, incredibly beautiful, but unusable. Yet, giving up on it felt like a waste because not only was the composition exquisite and the artistic conception profound, but the genuine emotion was even more striking.

After some thought, he decided to call over that extra: “The imperial guard who died last come here!”

Shi Nuocen pointed at herself in confusion and raised an eyebrow.

“Don’t just stand there. It’s you!” Director He beckoned her over.

When Shi Nuocen approached, Director He studied her closely for a moment and suddenly exclaimed, “If I’m not mistaken, you’re a woman disguised as a man, aren’t you?”

Hearing this, Shi Nuocen immediately gave a thumbs-up and praised, “You truly have an eagle eye!”

Director He shot her a proud look that said, “No flattery,” then muttered repeatedly, “A woman disguised as a man! A woman disguised. I’ve got it! I have an idea!”

Afterwards, Shi Nuocen heard Director He muttering to himself: “We should add a loyal maid character. She has been by the empress’s side since childhood, as close as sisters. On the eve of the Fourth Prince’s coup, the empress had a premonition of disaster and couldn’t bear to let the maid die with her, so she forcibly expelled her from the palace. Little did she know the maid would secretly disguise herself as a man and return to the palace. This is better, it enriches the character and highlights the deep sisterly bond in the face of calamity.”

Director He was so delighted he began gesturing animatedly, then turned to Shi Nuocen and asked, “What do you think? Interested in playing the role?”

“Ah?” Shi Nuocen was a bit dazed. “You’re inviting me? So, you’re saying I’m about to get a role in a big-budget film. With screen time, lines, a storyline, and even interactions with the lead actors?”

Director He nodded with a smile. “Yes.”

“It’s unbelievable, like a dream,” Shi Nuocen murmured, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Suspect it’s a dream? Then pinch yourself,” Director He suggested.

Feeling a bit lightheaded, Shi Nuocen fell into old habits and walked over to her ex-wife. Whenever something too good to be true happened before, she would always ask Ru Xi Cheng. But as soon as she touched the other’s sleeve, the feel of the wide silk fabric snapped her back to reality!

Oh no! She glanced back and saw the entire crew staring at her curiously. Quickly thinking on her feet, she turned her arm and patted the back of her head, explaining, “I’m just so excited about getting the role that I got carried away and wanted to talk to my idol.”

The crew understood and smiled kindly.

But Ru Xi Cheng lowered her gaze and sighed softly, “So, you’re this eager to cut ties with me.”

Shi Nuocen didn’t catch what she said. Relieved that she had managed to cover it up, she then remembered something and walked back to Director He. Frowning slightly, she pointed to her face and confessed, “Director He, to be honest, this isn’t my real appearance.”

She went on to explain everything about being a stand-in, including the fact that she was wearing heavy makeup to look unattractive. If she used this look for the role, wouldn’t she end up tied to Gong Ruiyu again? That wouldn’t do!

Director He stroked his chin and studied her. “What do you really look like? Do you have a photo?”

“I have a selfie.” Shi Nuocen took out her phone and handed it to him.

Unexpectedly, after looking at the photo, Director He gave her a troubled glance and said, “When it’s time to shoot my scenes, you’ll probably have to wear some unflattering makeup too.”

“Ah?” Shi Nuocen pouted.

“Because you can’t look too similar to the empress,” Director He explained, then burst into laughter.

As Shi Nuocen chatted with Director He, she noticed out of the corner of her eye that Ru Xi Cheng suddenly hurried toward the restroom, looking flustered and flushed. Counting the days, it seemed like her monthly heat cycle had arrived?

The thought of the heat cycle stirred strange feelings in her heart, and she instinctively followed. But then she saw Ru Xi Cheng gradually slow her pace, as if hesitating.