The scene was incredibly challenging to shoot, but the three lead actors handling it were all highly skilled. With director Hou Ming’s expertise in orchestrating grand spectacles and everyone in top form, they nailed it in just three takes, leaving Hou Ming satisfied enough to call it done.
Once the scene wrapped, cheers erupted throughout the crew. With this, they’d completed ninety percent of the production.
Hou Ming looked especially thrilled. After the wrap, he clapped Ye Can on the shoulder and sighed, “You’re a total lifesaver for this film—adding that extra spark of flair.”
Ye Can looked at him speechlessly. “I’m no lifesaver. Just doing the job I’m paid for.”
The more she downplayed it, the more Hou Ming found her candid charm endearing, deepening his appreciation. “Alright then, remember to show up for work tomorrow and shoot your scenes with your second brother.”
With that, Hou Ming tossed her a few script pages. “These are the ones I wrote yesterday—all your upcoming scenes. Study them well and let’s wrap ’em up quick.”
Ye Can clutched the script, replying flatly with a simple “Oh.”
After securing her next assignment from Hou Ming, Ye Can—still in Xiao Can’s costume—hurried off to find Lin Zixi, script in hand.
Lin Zixi had been waiting just off-camera. Seeing Ye Can bounding over excitedly, she smiled, eyes crinkling. “Come on, that’s a wrap for today. Change out of that costume, wipe off the makeup, and let’s head back.”
Ye Can nodded and followed Lin Zixi into the makeup room. She spread her arms, letting Lin Zixi untie her sash. Lin Zixi shot her a helpless glance before reaching out.
As Lin Zixi helped her change, Ye Can chattered nonstop in her ear. “How’d I do today? Pretty decent, right? I can make a living in this industry, huh? See, I told you—extra gigs pay the bills. No need for you to support me.”
Lin Zixi slipped off the outer robe, smiling. “Yes, you did great.”
Ye Can beamed at the praise. “Looks like I can pull my weight after all—not some useless kept woman.” Then, with a wistful sigh, she added, “Who’d have thought I’d see the day—scrambling for a living like this.”
She, a full-fledged crown prince, had endured hardship in her youth but never worried about sustenance. Once enthroned, with the seas and lands bowing in submission, she’d never given a thought to food, clothing, or daily needs.
She never imagined that after a lifetime of luxury, death would force her into an actor’s life just to get by. The Immoral God truly lives up to her name, always devising new ways to torment people.
But then Ye Can reconsidered. Without this, she might never have discovered her talent for earning coin beyond martial prowess.
In the end, she sighed, “Well, guess I’m not totally worthless after all.”
Hearing Ye Can talk down about herself like that tugged at Lin Zixi’s heartstrings. She looked up at Ye Can’s animated face and chuckled softly. “Ye Can, you’ve always been an amazing person.”
“How could you ever be worthless?”
If someone like Ye Can was worthless, what did that say about all the mediocre souls muddling through life in a daze?
Ye Can’s long brows shot up at the compliment. “Lin Zixi, you’re getting better and better at sweet talk.”
Lin Zixi finished removing the costume and helped her into her own clothes, straightening the collar. “I’m just stating facts—not buttering you up.”
“Oh,” Ye Can said, her little head drooping as her mood deflated instantly. Lin Zixi reached up, patted her head, and cooed, “Alright, sit still. I’ll get that makeup off you.”
Ye Can sighed and plopped down beside her. Lin Zixi pulled out her makeup kit and gently wiped away the layers.
Ye Can’s natural features were stunning, and with the role matching her age so well, she barely needed makeup—her raw beauty carried the character brilliantly.
The makeup artist had kept it light anyway, so Lin Zixi finished quickly. As Ye Can stood to leave with her, Meng Zhiqiu entered with her assistant, Xiao Cai.
Unlike yesterday’s deliberate matchmaking, today’s Ye Can—now knowing Lin Zixi wasn’t interested in partners—had cooled toward Meng Zhiqiu. Spotting her, Ye Can even stepped forward, shielding Lin Zixi and asking warily, “What do you want?”
Meng Zhiqiu blinked, glancing at Lin Zixi behind her before smiling. “Nothing much. Just wondering how you’re heading back? Need a ride?”
A faint smile curved Meng Zhiqiu’s lips as she added, “And… up for a midnight snack?”
The mention of snacks reminded Ye Can of her earlier blunder, flushing her cheeks. “No snacks tonight—any more and I’ll balloon up. Next time, maybe.”
Grabbing Lin Zixi’s hand, she tugged her along. “We drove ourselves. We’ll head back on our own.”
Meng Zhiqiu knew these things took time. Turning to Lin Zixi, she asked, “What do you think, Teacher Lin?”
Lin Zixi recalled their restaurant chat and felt a twinge of awkwardness—not from self-flattery, but Ye Can’s unpredictability. Who knew what she’d do next to make things weirder?
With that in mind, Lin Zixi flashed a professional smile. “Next time, Miss Meng. It’s late, and Ye Can has scenes tomorrow. We’ll catch up later.”
Meng Zhiqiu nodded, eyes curving into crescents. “Sure.” She waved at Lin Zixi, her smile radiant as dawn. “Take care on the road. Teacher Lin, text me when you get home safe.”
Pointing at Ye Can, she added, “You too, Ye Can. Kid, one day without seeing you and everyone’s worried.”
Ye Can was baffled—worried about me?—but guilt over her matchmaking fiasco made her mumble an “Oh.”
Ye Can waved her off. “Alright, alright, I’ll text. Now go home already.”
Meng Zhiqiu finally waved goodbye.
Once Meng Zhiqiu was gone, Ye Can clutched Lin Zixi’s arm. “I’m starving. Can we grab something before heading back?”
Lin Zixi turned, amused at how Ye Can clung to her big eater persona. Chuckling, she said, “That hungry? Then why’d you shut down Miss Meng’s snack invite so fast?”
Ye Can slung an arm around her shoulders, steering them out. “Didn’t want you uncomfortable. I know Meng Zhiqiu’d treat—save us a bundle.”
Lin Zixi blinked in surprise. “You were worried I’d dislike it?”
Ye Can nodded. “Yeah. You said no more setups for you, so I figured you didn’t want her around.”
They stepped into the chilly night, Lin Zixi leaning into the warmth beside her. Smiling, she said, “No need for that. Your heart’s in the right place, but she might not even be interested. Miss Meng doesn’t see me that way—no reason to dodge her.”
Pausing, she added, “Forcing things often backfires.”
Ye Can shot back, “Who says she doesn’t like you? She totally does. If she didn’t, I wouldn’t have introduced her.”
Lin Zixi laughed in disbelief. “Miss Meng likes me? Ye Can, what makes you think that?”
Ye Can blinked. “Her eyes. I never misread anyone who likes you.”
Lin Zixi found her utterly adorable. “Eyes? Ye Can, do you even know what liking someone looks like? She might admire me, but not like that.”
Ye Can halted, gazing at her earnestly. “Of course I know what eyes like that look like. I haven’t felt it myself, but I get it.”
Lin Zixi stopped too, tilting her head up. “You do?”
Ye Can’s gaze softened as she looked down. “I do.” The way you used to look at me—pity mixed with tenderness, every glance stirring the heart, brimming with joy.
That’s the only “like” etched in my memory.
Lin Zixi stared into Ye Can’s dark eyes, the light flickering in their depths shaking her to the core. This wild, youthful kid occasionally flashed moments of steadfast gentleness—raw, irresistible brilliance only a teen could possess.
She pressed her lips together, averting her gaze to hide it. Inappropriately, she thought how perfectly “Can”—sparkling brilliance—suited this underage girl before her.
Lin Zixi coughed lightly and walked on. “Anyway, Miss Meng and I? Impossible. Even if I were looking, she comes with too much hassle.”
Ye Can caught up, pulling her close. “Meng Zhiqiu’s that troublesome?”
Lin Zixi nodded. “Yeah, public figure—can’t date freely. Super complicated.” Softly, she explained, “Liking someone should be joyful. But dating a star? Most times, career comes first—no going public.”
The world was harsh. People expected you to stick to your “role.” A superstar? Stay a distant idol for the masses to worship.
Never dream of falling into one person’s arms, or a million hands that elevated you would smash you down.
Unless you clawed to megastar status on your own.
Ye Can pondered. “Oh… so that’s the trouble.” She’s scared that once together, she can’t let her beloved flower bask in the sun.
Makes sense. Lin Zixi’s love deserved to bloom in brilliant spring. Hidden away in bleak winter like before? It’d rot eventually.
No one wanted their love to rot.
After a moment, Ye Can said, “Next time, I’ll find someone you can openly say you like.”
Lin Zixi didn’t turn, chuckling lightly. “I don’t want that.”
Joy bubbled in Ye Can, though she suppressed it. “Really? No one to share life with? No protecting or spoiling—just company for your remaining years.”
Lin Zixi glanced back, half-joking. “Haven’t I picked up a little dog already? Can’t my pup keep me company?”
Ye Can got the tease. She stopped, tone dead serious. “But Lin Zixi… a dog’s life is short.”
I’m someone who died long ago. I don’t even have tomorrow—how can I stay by your side forever?
