To express her anger, Wen Wenlan did not speak to Fang Miaomiao once from the start of the kick-off ceremony until its end.
Chen Tianming frowned at this scene but said nothing.
"Director Chen, aren't you going to say something?" Yang Huanyang asked with some concern. "There are quite a few entertainment reporters here today. If this gets reported, who knows what they'll say."
"What can I say?" Chen Tianming looked at the main actors being interviewed on stage, and almost gritted his teeth as he whispered into Yang Huanyang's ear, "Do you expect me to go up there and drag Wen Wenlan down right now?"
"Logically, Actor Wen wouldn't be so unreasonable. Why would he directly ignore Fang Miaomiao like this?"
Chen Tianming snorted, "Let's not even discuss if someone has been whispering in Wen Wenlan's ear. Even without that, Wen Wenlan would take a dislike to Fang Miaomiao. I just didn't expect this person to be so foolish as to bring this out into the open."
"Then, should I go find the publicity department now? Have them keep an eye on online comments and take down any unfavorable news as soon as it appears."
"Take down? Take down my ass." Chen Tianming swore. Then, thinking of something, he asked, "By the way, have the scenes between Wen Wenlan and Fang Miaomiao been set up?"
Yang Huanyang nodded, "They have been set up."
"We'll change the first scene we film later."
"Change?" Yang Huanyang quickly understood. "You want them to act a scene together? Even if there's an uproar online, we'll have something to say then?"
"Not completely clueless. If news of discord between actors gets out, you'll have the publicity team release the scene between Wen Wenlan and Fang Miaomiao."
This was the first day, and nothing could go wrong. Wen Wenlan, that brainless guy, was constantly causing him trouble.
"Then I'll go arrange it now."
After the kick-off ceremony.
The group headed to the filming location.
Wen Wenlan found it increasingly familiar. Wasn't this the scene where the male lead fights with the second female lead?
"Director, didn't you say I didn't have any scenes today?" Wen Wenlan frowned. "Moreover, even if we wanted a strong start, wouldn't it be better to have the male and female leads film?"
Chen Tianming looked at the position, and after the cameras and other equipment were in place, he said calmly, "I think filming your scene together today is quite good."
Wen Wenlan hesitated to speak.
"Are you filming or not?"
Wen Wenlan knew he had caused trouble for the crew at the kick-off ceremony, so he could only nod, "I'll film. I apologize for what happened earlier."
"Wenlan, we are working now. Since you recognize Miaomiao's acting skills and agreed to let her play Chen Yao, I hope you will put in your best effort for this scene," Chen Tianming advised again. "As for your issues, that's something you need to resolve in private."
Wen Wenlan nodded, a hint of seriousness and apology appearing on his handsome face. "Alright, Director. If any unfavorable comments appear online, I will have my people deal with them. Please don't worry. In any case, I'm very sorry."
Chen Tianming waved his hand casually, "Alright, get ready. I'll give you half an hour to adjust your emotions."
"What the heck, wasn't the first scene supposed to be Fang Miaomiao handling it alone? Why is Actor Wen involved now?"
"Fang Miaomiao handling it alone? Have you forgotten Fang Miaomiao's acting skills? If Fang Miaomiao were to do it alone, it's debatable if we could even finish work today. Director Chen must have realized this, which is why he's having Actor Wen guide Fang Miaomiao through it."
"Don't just praise the actor, why do you have to belittle Fang Miaomiao? I think Fang Miaomiao can definitely do it."
"Stop bragging. Everyone in the entertainment industry knows Fang Miaomiao's acting skills. I think even with the actor guiding her, it'll take several takes to get it done. Just wait, we'll be working overtime on the first day."
Zeng Nian, who had just arrived at the set, heard the staff whispering. She didn't say anything but found Fang Miaomiao, who was engrossed in her script. "How's your preparation coming along?"
"Sister Nian, why are you here?" Fang Miaomiao looked at Zeng Nian, somewhat surprised.
Zeng Nian had listened to her practice lines during her intensive training and, being satisfied, had rushed back to handle other matters.
She hadn't expected Sister Nian to come back.
Zeng Nian looked at Fang Miaomiao, her usual strong aura somewhat diminished, her gaze gentle. "Today is your first scene, of course, I had to come and see. Miaomiao, you can do it. I believe in you."
"I will do my best."
"I believe in you too." Zeng Nian did not mention the gossip she had overheard to Fang Miaomiao, believing it would only add pressure and be counterproductive.
"How's your preparation?" Chen Tianming also walked over with a smile.
Fang Miaomiao smiled and waved the script in her hand. "I'll try my best."
"No rush, take your time. I believe in you too." Chen Tianming's expression was equally gentle. He had seen Fang Miaomiao's efforts during this period and felt she was like an unpolished gem that needed careful refinement.
And he was willing to be that person.
Actors who were this dedicated were rare nowadays, so he was willing to give Fang Miaomiao a chance. As long as she acted well, even if it was slow, it was fine.
"Director, we're entrusting our Miaomiao to your care," Zeng Nian said.
"That's nothing. Fang Miaomiao is a good person, and she's willing to follow the script."
"Director Chen, you're actually praising me?" Fang Miaomiao looked at Chen Tianming with disbelief.
Chen Tianming: "..."
Well, he forgot that she was present when he was praising someone. Now, she had more reason to brag. No, he couldn't let her get too proud.
"Go on, go on. Do you know what politeness is?" He waved at Fang Miaomiao. "Hurry up and memorize your lines. If your lines aren't up to par, you're not having dinner tonight. You'll keep reciting them."
After speaking, Chen Tianming exchanged a few brief words with Zeng Nian and went to check on the set arrangement again, completely unaware of a resentful gaze from a corner.
Fang Yanhuan looked at Fang Miaomiao, who was head-down in her script, indignantly. "Why? She's clearly the protagonist. The first scene should be hers. Why did Chen Tianming show favoritism and give the first scene to Fang Miaomiao? What right does Fang Miaomiao have?"
"Sister Yanhuan, shouldn't we go back and look at the script?" Assistant Jiang Li cautiously tugged at Fang Yanhuan's sleeve. "Perhaps the director has his own reasons for arranging it this way."
Fang Yanhuan snorted, "What reasons? Isn't it because Fang Miaomiao married into the Wen family, and the biggest investor this time is the Wen Corporation?"
Upon hearing this, Jiang Li cautiously looked around. Seeing no one, she advised, "Sister Yanhuan, there are so many people here, let's not discuss this. It won't be good if it gets posted online."
Fang Yanhuan took a deep breath. "Don't worry, I know. Let's go. Don't forget to order drinks for the crew later."
Fang Miaomiao would definitely be crushed by Wenlan later, and the staff would surely be dissatisfied. If she then treated the crew to milk tea, wouldn't her popularity be better than Fang Miaomiao's?