Chapter 144 – Crossdressing (Stand-In)

Translator: ChuRen/ YuQiChen

The second day’s scene was crucial in the movie. It involved the Movie Emperor unintentionally discovering a wound on the female lead’s back, realizing she was the one who had saved him the previous night.

The Emperor took out medicinal ointment from the palace and applied it to the female lead’s back. During this process, they shared their innermost secrets, leading to a true mutual understanding.

This scene was considered the most passionate and pivotal moment in the entire film.

However, an unexpected situation arose.

“I can’t do this,” Shangguan Linlin, who played the female lead, said indifferently, “Since my debut, my image has been that of a ‘pure and virtuous lady’. I can’t take on these revealing and passionate scenes.”

Gu Minghao retorted, “If you couldn’t do it, why didn’t you say so earlier? This scene was already scheduled. Did you just realize this today?”

Shangguan Linlin insincerely laughed, “Sorry, Director. I overlooked it before and didn’t notice this detail. Moreover, my agent has been emphasizing that I should not take on nude scenes lately, as it would greatly affect my image.”

It was evident to everyone that Shangguan Linlin was blatantly lying.

She was causing trouble for the production team because Gu Minghao had cut her scenes.

Gu Minghao glanced at Shangguan Linlin and said directly, “Fine, then we’ll find a stand-in. It’s not the first time you’ve used a stand-in for your scenes.”

“Wire stunts need stand-ins, water scenes need stand-ins, even injury scenes need stand-ins. What’s one more? Where’s Xiao Chen?”

Without even looking at Shangguan Linlin, Gu Minghao asked other crew members, “Where’s Xiao Chen? Get her to stand in for Shangguan in this scene and pay her extra.”

The crew members shook their heads in a dilemma, “Director Gu, we didn’t see Xiao Chen today. It seems like she took a day off.”

Shangguan Linlin looked at Gu Minghao and suddenly exclaimed, “Director, I almost forgot to tell you, Xiao Chen isn’t here today.”

“I asked her to go to the city to buy some things for me yesterday. You know, girls always have some things they need to buy that are inconvenient to trouble others with. I was supposed to inform you about her absence this morning, but I was too busy and forgot to mention it.”

Gu Minghao was nearly angered by Shangguan Linlin’s antics; she was clearly trying to play a trick on him.

He sneered, “Alright, I don’t believe I can’t find anyone to replace you for this scene today, just for showing a bare back.”

He scanned the surroundings, his gaze falling on various female crew members present, scrutinizing them as if he were an emotionless scanner.

He didn’t spare even the cleaning lady.

Among the female crew members present, there were actually one or two who seemed to have suitable figures. However, they all looked visibly anxious, fearing being singled out by Gu Minghao. After all, they were just there for work, and suddenly being asked to reveal their backs was a bit unexpected.

Gu Minghao scanned the area back and forth a few times.

Finally, his gaze landed on Tang Qing.

The young man had a handsome and delicate appearance, with a slender and elegant neck, and a slim yet attractive figure.

“Minghao-ge, why are you looking at me like that…?”

Tang Qing asked somewhat bewildered.

No way, this can’t be happening…

He looked into Gu Minghao’s familiar eyes, sensing an ominous feeling.

“Tangtang, I’ve noticed that your figure looks good everywhere.”

Tang Qing awkwardly waved his hand, “No, no, it’s nothing compared to a girl’s, I can’t, Minghao-ge.”

He could accept a cameo with exposed legs before.

After all, he was a guy, and who hadn’t worn shorts? He didn’t find showing legs to be something shameful.

But showing his back, that was a bit strange.

He had never stripped or exposed his back in public before.

It just felt, well, a bit…

Gu Minghao encouraged, “Tangtang, why are you shy? You’re not a girl, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”

Tang Qing’s fair face blushed slightly, embarrassed as he said, “I can’t do it, my back, my back…”

“It’s covered in pus.”

Tang Qing blurted out, bluntly blackening his own name.

Gu Minghao glanced at Tang Qing, “How is that possible? With your delicate skin, who would believe that?”

Tang Qing shook his head, “I really can’t do it, it’s not good-looking. Minghao-ge, find someone else.”

“How could it not suit you? Tangtang, you’re too modest.”

Gu Minghao pushed Tang Qing into the dressing room, coaxing, “Be good, go on now, I’ll treat you to a meal later.”

Gu Minghao glanced proudly at Shangguan Linlin.

Shangguan Linlin stomped her foot in anger, then walked out of the set without looking back.

Gu Minghao sneered, “She really thinks highly of herself. If she wants to leave, I’ll just delete all her scenes.”

Lu Zeyu had just changed into his ancient costume, put on his headpiece, and finished his makeup before walking out of the dressing room.

His cold and noble features, sharp eyebrows, and handsome face seemed like they were carved by a knife, with distinct contours.

“Where is Shangguan?”

Lu Zeyu glanced around the set, sensing a strange atmosphere, especially since Shangguan Linlin, who was supposed to act with him today, was nowhere to be found.

Today’s scene was quite important, so he had arrived early on set.

Gu Minghao, however, showed no signs of worry and instead chuckled, “Movie Emperor Lu, I’ve found you a new leading lady. You better not thank me too much.”

“A new leading lady?”

Lu Zeyu furrowed his brows slightly, “Another stand-in?”

Gu Minghao nodded, looking a bit disgusted.

Lu Zeyu understood the situation.

Shangguan Linlin not only had poor acting skills but was also troublesome. It seemed she had caused another problem for Gu Minghao.

But could they really replace someone for such an important scene?

He couldn’t help but feel a bit concerned. After all, no one wanted any incidents to occur in a film that they had worked so hard on.

Just as he was pondering, the door to the fitting room was pushed open.

Lu Zeyu raised an eyebrow slightly and casually glanced over.

A young man dressed in a white floor-length gown slowly emerged from behind the door.

He wore a wig, with long hair flowing down his shoulders. His slender and delicate figure, exquisite features, and beauty made him seem like a character from a painting.

Lu Zeyu raised an eyebrow slightly, “Tang Qing?”

Gu Minghao glanced at Tang Qing, patted Lu Zeyu’s shoulder, and laughed satisfactorily, “Movie Emperor Lu, you’re in luck.”

Gu Minghao’s implication was that Tang Qing’s professionalism and attitude were much stronger than Shangguan Linlin’s. Acting with Tang Qing would definitely be more relaxed than with Shangguan Linlin.

Lu Zeyu remained silent.

He just gazed quietly at Tang Qing, his beautiful peach blossom eyes holding a mysterious and inscrutable look.

Tang Qing awkwardly walked over in his long dress, feeling a bit uncomfortable. He had a light makeup on his face and nervously adjusted his skirt, “Movie Emperor Lu, could you please persuade Minghao-ge? I really don’t think I’m suitable for this.”

Lu Zeyu looked at the young man without responding.

Gu Minghao knew that Lu Zeyu most likely agreed as well, so he said, “Alright, let’s film this scene first. Tang Qing, you just need to act out the scene where you apply ointment on your back. Later on, we’ll have that woman come in for a few shots.”

“This way, it won’t affect her ‘pure and flawless’ image.”

Tang Qing could only nod helplessly and, following the filming requirements, sat down at the edge of the bed.

“Action!”

The Emperor noticed the Empress sitting on the bed, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

The Empress wore a white gauze dress, her¹hey hey this is in the emperor’s point of view, not Lu Zeyu slender back faintly showing traces of blood.

The once pristine white dress, like a plum blossom tainted with red, appeared both beautiful and shattered.

“You, are you injured?”

The Emperor approached the bed, his voice somewhat unsteady.

The Empress turned her head in panic, looked up at the Emperor, opened her mouth to speak but remained silent.

She didn’t want the Emperor to know that she was the one who had blocked the hidden weapon for him last night.

The Emperor gazed at the delicate figure of the beauty and asked in a deep voice, “Does it hurt?”

The Empress bit her lip, shook her head.

“How could it not hurt.”

The tall man sat by the bed, his voice husky, “I know you have many secrets and don’t wish to reveal them.”

“At the very least, let me apply the ointment for you.”

The Empress, fearing the Emperor might ask further questions, nodded and delicately untied her gauze dress, revealing her round and graceful shoulders, as well as her smooth and fair back with a hint of blood seeping from a gruesome wound on the right side.

The skin was translucent and radiant, delicate like a halo had been cast upon it. The wound resembled a red plum blossom on white paper, gently spreading and staining, adding a fragile beauty to the otherwise flawless and pure image.

“Your Majesty, is this wound very unsightly?”

The person behind her remained silent, and the Empress couldn’t help but purse her lips, feeling somewhat nervous.

The Emperor lowered his head, gazing directly at the beautiful sight before him. He took out the medicinal ointment from the palace and in a husky voice said, “It’s not unsightly.”

“My Empress, there isn’t a single part of you that isn’t beautiful.”

The Empress shyly lowered her head, revealing a slender and fair neck, delicate yet fragile.

The Emperor half-embraced her and gently reached behind her back.

His hands were dry and warm, not causing any discomfort.

However, the Empress couldn’t help but feel a bit embarrassed, biting her lip and fluttering her eyelashes.

The Empress’s back was fair and beautiful, with smooth and elegant lines. Under the man’s touch, it blushed slightly, shining with a radiant glow, resembling exquisite white jade.

The Emperor’s fingers were slender, his touch gentle as he moved along the curves of the Empress’s back. Wherever he touched, his warmth immediately dissipated into her skin, disappearing quickly.

Due to the pain, the Empress bit her lip tightly, a faint sweat breaking out on her forehead. She tensed her back, arching sensually in response to the pain.

Vivid and lifelike.

Tang Qing, somewhat dazed, wondered if Lu Zeyu’s hands were too warm?

Perhaps it was due to the effect of the ointment.

He felt like the places touched by the man were heating up.

The fragrance of the ointment permeated the room, almost turning into an invisible sentiment that lingered between them, making the room feel a bit warm.

“CUT!”

Gu Minghao called for a break, looking at the camera and expressing satisfaction, “Very good, one take.”

“Have Shangguan Linlin come in this afternoon to shoot the frontal shots.”

“Tangtang, thank you for your hard work. Thank you.”

Tang Qing nodded, didn’t say anything else, and hurried into the dressing room, dragging his skirt.

For some reason, he felt his face heating up, even his earlobes turned pink.

Maybe it was because Lu Zeyu’s acting was just too good. He seemed to have immersed himself into the role of the Empress, who had been secretly in love with the Emperor for a long time.

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  hey hey this is in the emperor’s point of view, not Lu Zeyu