Chapter 18: The Voice Recorder

After finishing this scene, the next one involves the fourth female lead, Jiao Lan, encountering the first female lead, Jiang Li. Jiang Li is running away and bumps into Jiao Lan, who has just finished fighting a mutated fly. Jiao Lan hasn’t seen a normal human for four or five days, and suddenly there are three people, including Jiang Li and two men. These two men are strength-type mutants chasing Jiang Li because she is beautiful and they want to take her back.

Women are scarce at this time, but they haven’t discovered Jiang Li’s special abilities yet. They also try to take Jiao Lan. However, Jiao Lan is a mutant and quite strong, so she ends up driving the two men away.

Meng Ying is sitting on a lounge chair, flipping through the script.

Director Liu and a few others notice Xu Dian and go up to greet him. Xu Dian chats briefly and then receives a phone call. He looks at his phone, dressed in a black shirt and pants, holding a camera. He turns and walks away, his hand veins bulging. An assistant runs over, takes the camera from him, and asks, “Mr. Xu, what did you shoot?”

“Just some random shots,” he replies in a low voice.

The assistant responds with an “Oh” and doesn’t dare to ask more.

Since there is still some break time, Meng Ying memorizes her lines and then closes her eyes to rest. After a year of rest, her mind is very calm, but acting requires her to bring out all her emotions, which, combined with the physical movements, is quite tiring. Chen Jie uses a small fan to cool her down.

After a short nap, she hears banging noises from the next room. Chen Jie looks at the sleeping Meng Ying and then at the rest area next door.

Yang Tong’s assistant is knocking on something, and when Chen Jie looks over, the assistant glances back and then deliberately smiles before continuing to knock even harder. Yang Tong, lying on a lounge chair with her legs crossed, says, “Keep knocking…”

Chen Jie’s face darkens, thinking this must be intentional.

She looks at the frowning and turning Meng Ying on the lounge chair, unable to bear it any longer. She stands up and walks over, saying, “Ms. Yang, could you please keep it down a bit?”

“Who are you?” Yang Tong looks up disdainfully.

Chen Jie’s face turns blue, and Yang Tong’s assistant knocks even harder. Chen Jie is furious and about to speak when Meng Ying’s soft, sleepy voice comes from behind, “Chen Jie, come back.”

Chen Jie glares at the assistant and Yang Tong before turning back.

Meng Ying is now sitting up straight, hands on her knees, looking at Yang Tong. Yang Tong raises her chin provocatively.

Meng Ying recalls Xu Dian standing there filming earlier.

At that time, Meng Ying was the only one acting. Who was he filming? She doesn’t dare to think too much.

Meng Ying smiles and ignores Yang Tong.

Soon, the coordinator calls everyone. Meng Ying puts away the script, tidies her clothes, and stands up. She has already changed into simpler clothes and tied up her hair, looking much more neat. She walks to the camera, and Yang Tong follows, still with the same expression. Meng Ying remains calm, making Yang Tong look like a clown. Director Liu glances from behind the camera and asks, “Yang Tong, are you in a bad mood?”

Yang Tong pauses and quickly shakes her head, “No.”

The director snaps his fingers, “Alright, let’s start. Everyone, get in position. Meng Ying, did the senior go over the moves with you last night?”

Meng Ying nods.

“Good.”

Meng Ying stands on the pedestrian path, the camera focused on her, and starts acting. Yang Tong runs over in a panic, sees Meng Ying, and shouts, “Help me…”

Meng Ying turns around, about to speak. Director Liu shouts, “Cut! Yang Tong, what’s with your expression? You don’t know Jiao Lan, why do you look like that? Are you in a bad mood or not adjusted yet?”

Yang Tong freezes, her face turning pale.

“Alright, let’s do it again. Meng Ying, start.”

Meng Ying glances lightly at Yang Tong and continues. But Yang Tong acts erratically, her expressions and lines off, even her breathing is wrong. Director Liu yells, throwing the script, “Yang Tong, what’s wrong with you? You were fine a few days ago. Why can’t you act now? Look at Meng Ying, how many times have you NG (no good)’d? She still finishes her scenes. Is this all your mental strength?”

The entire crew falls silent, even Gu Yan, who is filming nearby, looks over. Yang Tong’s face turns red and white. Director Liu kicks a chair and adds, “If you can’t handle it, don’t take on the job. Go rest. Meng Ying, you take over the next scenes.”

He waves his hand forcefully, as if telling Yang Tong to leave. Yang Tong’s pride is shattered, and she stands frozen. Her assistant quickly helps her away.

No wonder the director is so angry. The movie “Interstellar” has had many setbacks, and now Yang Tong is messing up. How can he not be angry?

Yang Tong loses face and throws a tantrum in the rest area, making her assistant cry before leaving.

Meng Ying continues filming solo scenes. She is calm, composed, and her emotions are well-controlled, finishing scenes quickly. The director’s mood improves.

However, they finish late, and it’s getting dark. Gu Yan is still filming. As the male lead, he has many scenes. Meng Ying asks Chen Jie to make a cup of flower tea for Gu Yan and then leaves with Liu Qin to the hotel. Liu Qin puts a coat on her and says, “They say Yang Tong is a good actress. What a joke. Today she acted like a zombie.”

Meng Ying doesn’t respond, only asking, “Are we cooking tonight?”

“Yes.” They chat lightly and walk to the hotel entrance, where they meet Yang Rou. Yang Rou holds a file bag and stops, looking at Meng Ying.

If it weren’t for the bad start, Meng Ying might have thought Yang Rou was a girl worth protecting.

Delicate and gentle.

What a pity.

Meng Ying smiles and asks, “Is your foot better? Did you see a doctor?”

Yang Rou pauses and shakes her head, “No need, I’m fine.”

She keeps staring at Meng Ying’s eyes, as if trying to see something. But there’s nothing. Meng Ying doesn’t wear eyeliner, but she notices Yang Rou’s eyeliner, which makes her look a bit glamorous. Liu Qin, who dislikes the Yang sisters, says, “Since you’re fine, that’s good. I had the assistant bring you some ointment. Did you get it?”

“Yes.” Yang Rou keeps looking at Meng Ying.

“Good, the wound will heal over time.” Liu Qin’s words imply that Yang Rou shouldn’t use this as an excuse and shouldn’t keep staring at Meng Ying. She’s not your substitute anymore.

Yang Rou nods.

Liu Qin pulls Meng Ying away. As they pass, Meng Ying’s faint fragrance startles Yang Rou.

Earlier at Director Liu’s place, Xu Dian was playing with a perfume bottle. The scent inside was the same as Meng Ying’s.

Back in the room, Liu Qin has already cut the vegetables. Meng Ying just needs to cook. The kitchen is small, barely fitting two people. Meng Ying moves efficiently. Outside, Liu Qin is on the phone. After a while, Chen Jie returns to help serve the dishes. Meng Ying finishes the last vegetable dish and looks at Liu Qin, who hesitates before hanging up and walking to the dining area, looking uneasy.

Meng Ying pauses and asks, “What’s wrong?”

Could it be another trending topic?

Liu Qin sits down, picks up chopsticks, and looks at Meng Ying with some hesitation. Meng Ying smiles and taps the table, “What’s wrong?”

Liu Qin sighs and says, “Mr. Yu went crazy… He partnered with someone to buy the rights to ‘Twins’ and wants you to audition for the lead role.”

“That’s good news.”

Chen Jie agrees, “Yes, that’s good news.”

Liu Qin sighs heavily and looks at Meng Ying, “Do you know what ‘Twins’ is about?”

Meng Ying smiles and shakes her head.

“It’s about a substitute!”

Meng Ying was stunned for two seconds, while Chen Jie beside her looked puzzled. Meng Ying looked at Liu Qin, whose face was pale. “I think Mr. Yu should arrange for someone else…”

“No need to arrange for someone else, I can do it,” Meng Ying smiled, her eyes full of confidence.

“Meng Ying…”

Liu Qin choked up, looking at Meng Ying for a long time.

Meng Ying picked up some food and started eating. “Acting means you have to play all kinds of roles. What’s the big deal about playing a substitute…”

“Is it a movie?” she asked.

Liu Qin nodded dumbly, “Yes.”

“And it’s the lead role. I got lucky,” Meng Ying smiled, looking very beautiful.

Liu Qin didn’t speak for a long time. After a while, she nodded, “Okay.”

Okay.

Meng Ying, you’re really great like this.

It’s great that you’re living for yourself.

In the top-floor suite of Shengyao Hotel.

Xu Dian stood by the window smoking, the wind blowing the curtains wildly. The laptop on the coffee table beeped twice. He walked over, a cigarette hanging from his mouth, and opened the email.

The email contained a video, vaguely showing a red figure and a beautiful profile. He clicked on it with his slender fingers.

The page opened.

Meng Ying, in a red dress, ran and slowly turned back, a red dot on her forehead. The next second, the page switched to Meng Ying falling into Gu Yan’s arms. Her palm transformed into a long sword, but just as she raised it, Gu Yan kissed her lips, a light touch. The computer screen reflected Xu Dian’s face.

Gloomy.

Cold.

He rewound to the moment of the light kiss and played it again. Above the small window, the email’s subject read:

“You can accept Yang Rou getting married, but can you accept Meng Ying being kissed by another man? She might even lie in another man’s arms, blooming for him.”

The small video played countless times, the cigarette in his mouth burned out. His bony hand forcefully closed the laptop. Xu Dian rolled up his sleeves, opened the door, and strode out.

After dinner, Meng Ying went to take a shower. When she came out, Liu Qin and Chen Jie were chatting on the sofa. Meng Ying walked around, drying her hair. At this moment, there was a knock on the door. Meng Ying walked over and opened it without thinking. Outside, Xu Dian, wearing a black shirt and pants, slowly took off his glasses and looked at her.

Meng Ying looked up, “What’s the matter?”

Her eyes showed no other emotions, as if he were just a stranger. Xu Dian silently looked at her for a few seconds, then grabbed her chin, about to speak.

Behind her, Liu Qin’s voice came from the living room, “The script for ‘Twins’ is here!”

Xu Dian’s eyes narrowed, his throat moved twice, and he asked with difficulty, “You… took the role in ‘Twins’?”

The man was tall and imposing, blocking the doorway like a wall. Meng Ying’s chin was tightly gripped. She smiled, her eyes curved, “Yes.”

Xu Dian leaned on the door, staring at her.

“You know that it’s…”

“I know, it’s a substitute role.”

She smiled lightly, as if the past never existed. Xu Dian’s hand on the door clenched into a fist. He laughed lowly and said, “Let me tell you a story…”

“Sorry, no time.” Meng Ying grabbed the door, ready to close it, her expression very calm. “Mr. Xu, if you don’t let go, I’ll call the police.”

As soon as she said this, the two people in the living room heard it and rushed over. Seeing the man at the door, Liu Qin was shocked. Seeing Meng Ying pushing the door, Liu Qin decisively pulled Chen Jie and rushed over, helping Meng Ying push the door…

Xu Dian frowned.

He slightly loosened his grip.

Bang—

The door almost hit his nose.

The door closed, and the people inside continued talking. Liu Qin, puzzled and suspicious, said, “What’s going on? Why did he come?”

Meng Ying: “Probably took the wrong medicine.”

Liu Qin: “We should have arranged for you to stay next to Gu Yan long ago…”

Xu Dian: “…”

Meng Ying continued drying her hair, completely unfazed by Xu Dian’s sudden appearance. Liu Qin glanced at her a few times, then frowned at the closed door.

What was this scoundrel Xu Dian up to now? Hadn’t he hurt Meng Ying enough?

Chen Jie looked bewildered but didn’t dare to ask anything.

Meng Ying finished drying her hair, sat on the sofa, and took a sip of rose tea. Liu Qin sat beside her, watching Chen Jie go into the kitchen. She leaned closer to Meng Ying.

“If Young Master Xu tries to win you back… what would you think?”

Meng Ying turned her head, smiling at Liu Qin, “Do I look like I want to make my life worse?”

Why would she add trouble for herself?

Liu Qin sighed in relief, “Don’t fall into the same pit twice. If you see a pit again, it’s best to learn to fill it up and stomp it flat before even considering looking at it again.”

Meng Ying swung her long legs, sipping her tea, and nodded, “You’re right.”

“Where’s the script? Let me see.” Meng Ying extended her hand, and Liu Qin handed her the tablet. Meng Ying took it, sank into the sofa, and started reading with her knees up.

Mr. Yu’s sudden idea to buy the rights and cast Meng Ying as the lead was a great opportunity. The story was very popular, involving a murder case that served as the starting point. Meng Ying spent two hours reading a third of it. The twin sister in the story was a substitute, the lead role that Meng Ying was to play.

Similarly, the lead’s ending wasn’t good. Indeed, being a substitute never ends well. Meng Ying quietly put down the tablet, detached from her emotions, and stood up, stretching. Liu Qin brought out a glass of milk, “Finished reading?”

“Not yet, just a bit.”

“Then go to sleep soon.”

“Okay.”

Meng Ying took the milk and went to her room to drink it. After finishing, she washed up and went to bed. The next day, she went to the set early, got her makeup done, and wore the somewhat dirty costume. Upon arrival, she heard Director Liu speaking softly to Yang Tong. It seemed his temper had cooled, realizing he had been too harsh the previous day. Yang Tong glanced at Meng Ying. After a night’s rest, she was full of energy, especially with the director’s coaxing.

She looked at Meng Ying with a mocking expression.

Meng Ying smiled and ignored her. As they prepared to shoot, Yang Tong walked up to Meng Ying, looking her up and down. Meng Ying bent to pick up a prop, and as she did, she heard Yang Tong’s voice from above, “I didn’t expect you to take on a substitute role again. Haven’t you had enough?”

Meng Ying remained calm, holding a prop that Yang Tong was supposed to take. But Yang Tong didn’t take it, so Meng Ying slightly loosened her grip, and the wooden prop fell on Yang Tong’s foot.

Yang Tong yelped in pain and jumped up. Meng Ying looked up and said, “What’s wrong? Are you okay? Let me see. Sorry, I didn’t mean to.”

“Ying!” Yang Tong raised her hand to hit her.

Director Liu shouted from a distance, “Yang Tong, what are you doing! Get your emotions ready, we’re about to shoot!”

Yang Tong looked over and saw Xu Dian biting a cigarette, holding a camera, his expressionless face reflecting in the lens.

Yang Tong’s hand softened and lowered.

She had always been somewhat afraid of Xu Dian. Xu Dian was cold to everyone except Yang Rou. He often smiled, but those smiles were distant and cold. Yet, with a single gesture, women would flock to him.

Especially those rich young ladies, who were attracted to his looks and deceived by his smile. Some, seeing through his nature, found him even more alluring.

So, her sister should become Xu Dian’s wife, and she could bask in their glory.

Yang Tong forced herself to stay calm, took the wooden prop, and returned to her position.

With the director’s call to start, Jiao Lan began her journey with Jiang Li to the Black City in the apocalypse. Yang Tong’s scenes had been rough the previous day, and though she improved slightly today, she still wasn’t as good as Meng Ying. Director Liu, who had been angry yesterday, didn’t know what to say today and could only repeatedly call for retakes.

By the time Gu Yan finished his scenes for the day, Meng Ying and Yang Tong’s scenes were still stuck.

Even with her good temper, Meng Ying was getting frustrated, having to help Yang Tong with her scenes repeatedly. Yang Tong, in a bad mood, didn’t want to continue either. Yang Rou, seemingly aware of the situation, came out of the rest area and gently supported Yang Tong, softly speaking to Director Liu, “Maybe we should stop for today? She’s not in the right state…”

Director Liu didn’t respond, glancing at Xu Dian, who was fiddling with the camera, his long legs crossed, speaking in a low tone, “No.”

The light in Yang Rou’s eyes quickly dimmed.

Meng Ying turned her head to look at Gu Yan.

It was Gu Yan’s birthday that evening. Gu Yan smiled and said, “Then let’s take a break?”

Xu Dian’s grip on the camera tightened.

“Yes, it’s Gu Yan’s birthday today,” the assistant director clapped his hands, and Director Liu nodded, “Yes, let’s take a break.” Everyone seemed to find a reason to rest, but Xu Dian’s expression wasn’t good. He had a faint cold smile on his lips and continued fiddling with the camera.

The smoke from his cigarette drifted around him, making the other crew members hesitant to cheer loudly. Director Liu said a few words, then patted the assistant director on the shoulder, and the two of them reluctantly approached Xu Dian to talk.

It was well known that one of Young Master Xu’s hobbies was photography, so Director Liu went to discuss photography with him. Meanwhile, the crew began to disperse.

Meng Ying, Liu Qin, and Chen Jie headed to the makeup room to remove their makeup. Gu Yan was treating the crew to dinner that night. As an award-winning actor, although he had many fans, he hadn’t celebrated with them for years. Usually, the crew would celebrate with him, and this time it was arranged at the Chinese restaurant in Shengyao Hotel.

After going back to shower, Meng Ying changed into a more appropriate dress, curled her hair, letting it fall over her shoulders, subtly revealing her collarbones, and put on high heels, looking stunning. Liu Qin clicked her tongue in admiration, letting Meng Ying link arms with her. The three of them took the elevator down, left the hotel, and walked to the neighboring Shengyao Hotel.

As they walked up the steps, the black dress swayed, her waist slender.

Not far away, a black Hummer parked at the hotel entrance, its door swung open. Xu Dian adjusted his shirt collar, his gaze falling on her slender waist and long legs. After a few seconds, he said, “Send a birthday gift to Senior Gu.”

The assistant, who was about to start the car, paused, said “Oh,” and got out of the car.

When Meng Ying arrived, the restaurant was already crowded with crew members. Gu Yan was leaning on a chair, chatting with people. Seeing her, he was momentarily stunned, then waved. Meng Ying smiled and walked over. Just as she reached Gu Yan, Xu Dian’s assistant appeared from behind and handed Gu Yan a box, “Mr. Gu, a birthday gift from Mr. Xu.”

Gu Yan looked at the box, stunned for a few seconds.

He instinctively looked at Meng Ying, who remained calm and smiled, “Do you need me to help you accept it?”

“No, I’ll do it.” Gu Yan snapped out of it, smiled, and thanked the assistant. The assistant shook his head and said, “No need, open it and see what it is.”

Gu Yan raised an eyebrow and opened the box.

Inside was a voice recorder. The assistant said, “Mr. Xu’s birthday wishes are all in here.”

Gu Yan held the voice recorder and then pressed play.

“Once upon a time, there was a man who fell in love with a woman. But this woman was imprisoned, and only her shadow appeared in the mirror. The man was trapped on the other side of the mirror, unable to touch the woman, but he could interact with her shadow, communicating with gestures and loving her through actions. Until one day, the imprisoned woman was finally released, and he could talk to her directly, no longer needing gestures or actions. But he couldn’t get used to it. His feelings had changed; he only wanted the shadow that communicated through gestures and actions…”

It was Xu Dian’s deep voice, and he spoke with a hint of a smile.

Liu Qin’s face changed, looking at Meng Ying. Gu Yan also looked up at Meng Ying. Meng Ying still smiled and said, “What kind of gift is this, telling a story?”

Gu Yan handed her the voice recorder, “Do you like it?”

“No.”

Gu Yan asked, “What do you think we should do with it?”

“Throw it in the trash? Just a suggestion…” Meng Ying smiled, picking up a nearby egg tart and eating it. Gu Yan nodded and casually tossed the voice recorder into the trash, telling the assistant, “Thank Mr. Xu for me.”

The assistant, well-mannered, nodded and left.

At the door, he called Xu Dian and said softly, “Mr. Xu, the voice recorder was thrown away.”

Xu Dian was silent for a long time.

After a while.

“Really?”

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