Chapter 303: Master-Level Acting
“How, how do I look?”
As Gan Yan Yu, now dressed to impress, stepped out of the changing room, she stood before Lin Tian, nervously asking.
The moment Lin Tian lifted his head, his eyes widened in surprise.
The white shirt was securely hugging the young woman’s upper body, the buttons straining at the seams, while a small blazer draped over her shoulders added a serious touch.
Her professional pencil skirt sculpted a tantalizing curve at her waist, and her long hair was neatly styled into a ponytail.
Gan Yan Yu stood there, anxiously hugging her arms around her slender frame and youthful face, embodying the essence of a ‘fresh-off-the-boat’ intern navigating her first day in the working world.
Adorable!
It was as if she had just stepped out of an office comedy!
Before Lin Tian could respond, gasps erupted from the other members of the makeup and costume team:
“Teacher Cat looks stunning!”
“She really suits this character unexpectedly!”
“Talk about a total makeover!”
“Teacher Yu is incredible!”
The makeup artist, Teacher Yu, quickly waved her hands and chuckled:
“It’s not me! Teacher Cat’s natural beauty makes any style a breeze.”
In fact, filming and taking photos are two different beasts.
For photos, considering the right angles is key, and since the image is static, the audience’s sense of realism is dulled.
So, most of the time, heavy makeup is acceptable, and often a bold look appears exquisite in photographs.
Just like the previous posters of Moonlight and Cat.
Both had quite dramatic makeup to express sophistication and maturity.
However, filming is a different ball game, especially for narrative films.
Once characters enter the story, the audience’s immersion ramps up, raising their expectations for realism.
Thus, over-the-top makeup is an absolute no-go! Most actors can only rely on a natural or light makeup look.
And at this moment, looks are everything! Many self-proclaimed beautiful influencers look downright unwatchable without their heavy makeup.
Transforming an actor’s style within the confines of light makeup is a Herculean challenge.
But Gan Yan Yu could pull it off.
Her features were the lively kind, resembling a polished work of art. A hint of color could transform her into various stunning looks.
Thus, the seasoned crew reacted so enthusiastically.
“Where’s Teacher Moonlight? Is he ready?”
After ogling Gan Yan Yu, everyone eagerly turned their attention to Lin Tian.
Just then, Lin Tian completed his transformation and stood up from his spot, saying, “Time to change clothes.”
“…”
Minutes later.
Out from the changing room emerged Lin Tian, dressed in a more mature gray suit than the last time, still showcasing those sculpted pecs with a real ‘rich boss’ vibe.
He looked handsome, no doubt about it.
The crew erupted into another wave of awe.
Yet, Lin Tian was still just an 18-year-old boy, unable to wear heavy makeup, and inevitably retained a youthful aura.
He looked more like a ‘young master’ than a “superior.”
Standing together, they resembled… office lovers?
Watching them, Teacher Yu furrowed her brow in worry.
But there was no time to address that now.
After all, this ad project had issues from the script and casting stages.
It wasn’t something they could fix with a little tweaking to their looks.
No matter how stunning Teacher Moonlight and Teacher Cat were, they couldn’t withstand such scrutiny.
When Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu returned to the set.
All the staff—adjusting equipment, setting up scenes, chatting—stopped what they were doing and turned to look.
Especially upon seeing Teacher Cat’s professional outfit, several people were absolutely spellbound, eyes glued to her.
They had seen plenty of stars, but never one so pure!
Many actors have played students, but none have captured such authentic youthfulness.
She was a real high school student!
“Quick, get into position!”
On set.
A man wearing sunglasses, seated in the corner, waved his hand impatiently.
Even though he wasn’t the director, once he spoke, no one dared slack off, and everyone rushed to get back in place, including Director Ma Lei who hurried to his camera.
“Song Yu, the creative director from Depp.”
At that moment, He Zhi Chen, who had joined Lin Tian, leaned in to whisper, “Here on behalf of Depp.”
“Can we move things along? It’s been an hour, and we’re still adjusting? My time is precious!”
Song Yu continued waving his hands in dissatisfaction, adopting a tone that suggested he was the commander-in-chief on set.
“Wow.”
That was Lin Tian’s first thought.
So this is what it’s like to have a big-shot client in charge?
The major player of the starlight crew could act like this? Clearly, the money talks!
“This guy is notorious for being a pain in the neck,” He Zhi Chen said seriously. “He’s the creative director, but he loves meddling during shoots and script discussions; most of his subordinates won’t dare speak up. It’s his second collaboration with Director Ma Lei, and I’ve heard the last one was a mess.”
“Got it.”
Lin Tian glanced at Song Yu lounging in his chair, his expression revealing the discomfort of the crew being rushed.
It sounded somewhat absurd.
But it’s a world filled with amateurs giving orders to professionals.
He just hoped he’d get his act together soon.
Even though Lin Tian wasn’t technically part of the crew, he’d be quite annoyed if filming faced unnecessary delays.
“Are you both ready?”
Ma Lei waved Lin Tian over.
Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu moved into position.
The dolly had been set up.
The camera was in place.
The sound crew was ready.
The lights were already up.
“…”
Gan Yan Yu, surrounded by lighting, obviously looked a bit tense.
Though used to being in the spotlight, it was her first time acting, and with so many huge machines around, it was understandably disorienting.
“Slate, rolling!”
“Ready—”
“Action!”
—
As evening approached, the last remnants of the sunset streamed through the office window.
Intern Xiao Gan sat before her computer, her fingers lazily tapping the keyboard.
The evening glow lit up her face, highlighting her deep blue eyes that seemed a little dim.
She let out a yawn.
“So beautiful.”
From a distance, the waiting crew couldn’t help but whisper.
“Yeah, that light on Teacher Cat’s face is stunning.”
“She truly has a face made for the camera.”
Hearing these comments, Teacher Yu’s cheeks flushed again:
“Ah, it’s all just Teacher Cat’s natural beauty. It really has nothing to do with my makeup.”
He Zhi Chen turned to glance at her, confused.
“Huh?”
—
With a weary look, the young woman yawned again, propping her chin on her hand as she gazed at the laptop screen.
At that moment, the camera pulled away from the close-up to a medium shot.
A suited man walked forward, hands in pockets.
Holding a bottle of yogurt, he sauntered over effortlessly.
The evening sun shone on the floor beneath his feet, stretching his shadow long.
His already tall figure, accentuated by the red glow, radiated a warm sense of security.
“Teacher Moonlight is looking really handsome!”
The waiting area erupted in another sincere exclamation.
It was a strange feeling.
No matter how many times they’d seen it, it’s hard to believe that Moonlight was an 18-year-old high school student.
Yet, he projected an aura that set him apart from other students, with a face that could easily transform from youthful to dapper.
The only mystery? That fringe of his.
No one knew why he kept it that way.
It wasn’t that it looked bad per se.
In fact, it gave off an eccentric anime male lead vibe.
But let’s be honest, that anime lead is still just a high school student, right?
And this led to Teacher Moonlight coming off with quite the student-ish demeanor.
But that was just surface-level.
Almost all crew members quickly realized that Moonlight wasn’t much of a talker. But once he spoke, he radiated the essence of a humble gentleman.
He was truly an enigmatic musician!
Only at this moment could they truly connect the dots—this gentleman and the great musician, Moonlight.
The same went for Teacher Cat.
She spoke even less.
During events, she usually just followed beside Teacher Moonlight, quiet as a mouse.
Aside from obligatory social pleasantries, her expressions were nearly impossible to read.
Yet somehow, Teacher Cat exuded an aloofness that made her difficult to approach.
This cultivated an air of deep mystery around the young woman.
Only during rare moments did she suddenly speak or reveal a different expression while interacting with Teacher Moonlight.
In those instances, they’d catch glimpses of her adorably cute side!
Both of them were such a striking contrast!
Now
Watching as Moonlight approached Cat in the scene, everyone felt like they were witnessing a sweet romantic drama unfold.
In other words, total Mary Sue vibes.
Exactly!!
Even though they hadn’t done anything yet.
Not a single line spoken.
Just a few simple shots showcasing their looks and the ambiance.
And it already felt like a scene from the sweetest romantic comedy with a tyrannical boss falling for the intern, employing the most classic tropes to deliver the quirkiest sweetness!
“Ah, I feel like Teacher Moonlight is going to swoop in any second.”
“Hehe, just imagining two musicians in this moment makes me so excited.”
“…Calm down, we’re filming an ad!”
Listening to the chit-chat behind him, He Zhi Chen rolled his eyes again.
Upon seeing the several young faces, he realized he had stumbled into the intern section.
It’s no wonder the newbies would gawk at such a scene.
“Whoa!”
A nearby staff member who was just about to bang the slate stretched her neck out eagerly.
“Is this for real?!”
Upon hearing that, He Zhi Chen immediately turned his head back.
—
On screen.
Xiao Gan still looked forlornly at her computer screen.
Standing behind her, Lin Tian didn’t rush her; instead, he remained out of her sight, displaying a look of pure affection.
Then, donning a gentle smile, he lightly patted Xiao Gan’s shoulder.
Xiao Gan turned around, panic flashing across her face upon seeing Lin Tian.
Yet Lin Tian merely steadied her, squinting his eyes, his warm and reassuring smile calming her.
“Such impressive acting!!”
The slate operator couldn’t help but exclaim.
At that moment, all the staff on the front lines watched intently.
No one dared breathe a word, fearful of interrupting the bliss before them.
All anxiously awaited the director’s “Cut.”
Yet that awaited sound didn’t come.
Because even Director Ma Lei himself, wide-eyed, was transfixed by the scene.
Totally dumbfounded.
No lines needed.
Lin Tian’s simple expression and movement.
Somehow, he captured the essence of a caring boss so effortlessly.
What sorcery is this!?
His acting was that good?!
For a classical musician, Director Ma Lei didn’t have high expectations.
After all, “professional actors” nowadays can’t always guarantee talent, so why would he expect more from others?
It was merely an ad. Initially, he expected they’d end up shooting dozens of takes.
But what was this?
This went beyond simply being “good.” Such subtle expressions, and even seasoned veteran actors might struggle to achieve them!
And even more terrifying was that.
In Lin Tian’s gaze.
Aside from the approval of a superior, Ma Lei also saw…
A hint of romantic interest.
Was that intentional acting?
Ma Lei couldn’t tell.
But that ever-so-precise look seemed to breathe life into the character in an instant!
Like…
The boss secretly in love with intern Xiao Gan, pretending to care for her in a professional manner but genuinely concerned about her well-being.
That wasn’t in the original script. Under normal circumstances, it might have turned out a bit cheesy.
But here? With Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu’s performance, there was nothing cheesy about it.
In fact, it deeply moved them as the intern and her boss interacted.
—
“Feeling tired? Take a break.”
Lin Tian said softly, tenderly.
Xiao Gan looked startled as she turned to face him, a look of confusion etched on her face.
At that moment, Lin Tian pulled out a bottle of yogurt, placing it on the desk.
“Drink this, it’ll boost your energy and probiotics.”
Lin Tian smiled.
Xiao Gan took the yogurt, awkwardly inserted the straw, then sipped.
As the yogurt entered her mouth, her expression brightened instantly.
She swiftly turned to beam at Lin Tian.
Her face seemed to say:
“—This tastes great!”
“Cut!!”
With the director’s shout, the tense nerves of the crew finally relaxed.
Everyone exchanged glances, all wearing joyful expressions.
Completely unexpectedly smooth!!
Every segment was flawless, and they hadn’t had to sh**t a second take yet.
Now it was up to the director’s call!
As the cameras shut off, crew members rushed over with bottled water.
“Great job, Teacher Moonlight, Teacher Cat.”
A staff member smiled earnestly in front of them.
However, Lin Tian accepted the water, while Gan Yan Yu declined.
She held onto her yogurt, pointing at it and said,
“I’m good with this.”
“…So cute!!”
The staff member felt like her heart might burst.
She was really drinking it after all!!
Meanwhile, on the other side, Director Ma Lei found himself surrounded by a horde.
Several key creatives were glued to the screen where the recent segment had been filmed.
They couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.
“This is insane. Is this really 18-year-old acting?”
“Teacher Moonlight is totally unbeatable! I refuse to believe that expression was acted!”
“Wait, isn’t he a musician? Doesn’t he play piano? How can he do this too?!”
“…”
Many people were excitedly discussing, then collectively turned their gazes toward He Zhi Chen.
He Zhi Chen himself was equally shocked.
Lin Tian can act?!
That was a complete surprise!
While He Zhi Chen might not be an industry expert, he’d worked with actors in the past and knew a thing or two.
Sometimes, it’s not flashy performances that count.
Just a few simple expressions and glances can clearly distinguish seasoned actors from novices.
And what Lin Tian just showcased? Pure talent!
In those fleeting expressions, the difference was striking.
To suggest he wouldn’t have trained or wouldn’t act would be absurd!
As a manager, He Zhi Chen was utterly bewildered.
Sure, the last time they shot the posters, it was evident that Lin Tian had some kind of flair for this.
But this time, it was evident.
This was about way more than mere talent.
Talent can only get you so far; he acted like it came naturally to him!!
“Great, great, great!”
Having watched all the footage, Director Ma Lei was totally convinced.
No problems whatsoever!!
Next, they just needed to film Gan Yan Yu’s outfit change for a strong contrast, and the project would be almost complete.
“Let’s get ready for the next segment!” Ma Lei called out.
“…”
Just as everyone was gearing up, a sudden cold voice drifted in from the side:
“I think it’s not good enough!”
(End of Chapter)
