Chapter 645 - 409: Scheming! Lu Xiaoying’s Confidence! (Part 2)

Chapter 645: Chapter 409: Scheming! Lu Xiaoying’s Confidence! (Part 2)

"Canceling now means today’s millions are wasted, and everyone will have worked for nothing!"

He spread his hands, his gaze sweeping back and forth between the assistant director and the screenwriter.

That worried look vividly portrayed a leader driven to the brink by budget and schedule pressures.

As if silently declaring to everyone: he too was caught off guard by this sudden situation, and had no solution.

Just as the director feigned panic, a glint appeared in the assistant director’s eyes, prompting a timely suggestion.

"Director Tian, you see...it’s hard to find a suitable double on short notice, maybe we shouldn’t use one for this scene?"

"I’ll keep contacting people and once we have something, arrange for a reshoot immediately."

His proposal was barely finished before an action director chimed in, adopting a seemingly professional tone.

"He’s right. Ultimately, actors need a bit of professional spirit and a dedication to art."

"It’s just a kissing scene, all part of the job, no need to fuss over it."

Several assistants echoed the sentiment.

"Yeah, Director, many actors do it themselves these days."

"If there’s concern, just rinse your mouth after..."

This seemingly reasonable yet pressuring persuasion created an invisible pressure on Lu Xiaoying and Gong Qing, who hadn’t yet expressed their opinions.

Pushed by the group, the director had to reluctantly turn to Gong Qing and Lu Xiaoying with an awkward and troubled smile, tentatively asking.

"Xiaoying, Sister Qing... given the situation... the points made do have some logic, perhaps you could... be flexible?"

Upon hearing this, Gong Qing’s brow furrowed, a sharp look flashed in her eyes as she decisively refused.

"Absolutely not!"

Her voice wasn’t loud but carried an undeniable firmness, her gaze sharply sweeping over the assistant director and those who chimed in.

"The script we were given clearly states in black and white that all intimate scenes use doubles!

It’s the baseline set before we signed the contract, how can it be changed so casually now?"

She stepped half a pace forward, shielding Lu Xiaoying, as fierce as a lioness protecting her cub.

"Not finding a female double is the crew’s issue, our actors shouldn’t bear the consequences."

Lu Xiaoying stood quietly behind Gong Qing, her delicate face showing no expression.

With a strong manager like Gong Qing in front, she had no need to speak, merely observing coldly.

Amidst the stalemate, the Minghuang Group representative, who had been watching coldly, suddenly broke the silence with a snort.

"Hmph!"

His expression darkened, the superficial politeness from before vanished, his tone full of barely restrained anger and rebuke.

"There aren’t any double actors now, isn’t it special circumstances that warrant flexibility?"

The representative’s gaze fell on Lu Xiaoying and Gong Qing, his words sharp like knives with the arrogance of someone in power.

"It’s just acting, why be so pretentious?"

"It’s not like you’re doing it for real! If you’re eating from the actor’s bowl, you should have some professionalism and dedication to art!"

He grew increasingly agitated, even resorting to cliched arguments, gesturing mockingly.

"Ah, today’s young actors are so spoiled, can’t endure a bit of hardship!

Think about the older artists, their conditions were far more difficult, how did they do it? Now, look at you!"

These barbed comments instantly escalated the conflict to matters of "professional attitude" and "veteran spirit," trying to suppress them with moral and seniority arguments.

The atmosphere at the scene dropped to freezing point.

Before Gong Qing could rebuke, the Minghuang Group representative waved his hand once more, issuing a final ultimatum.

His prior anger subsided, replaced by a cold and businesslike seriousness: "I don’t want to hear any more explanations."

"Today’s scene must be completed as planned, this is the final decision, no room for negotiation."

Finally, the representative paused deliberately, then slowly added.

"Otherwise, it will be treated as a unilateral breach, and the contract will be immediately terminated."

"All resulting consequences—sky-high compensation, industry blacklisting—will be solely for Tianyu International to bear!"

This sudden and overtly severe threat stunned Gong Qing and Lu Xiaoying into silence.

The previous dispute had stayed within the realm of logic, but now it was bluntly exposed, transforming into stark corporate pressure.

As the atmosphere froze at its peak, a voice, somewhat lazy and amused, broke the dead silence.

"Director, I’m all set with hair and makeup."

A man dressed in a dark ancient costume leisurely walked forward, his makeup exuding a hint of intrigue.

His role was evidently the villain in the play.

His uniform dark attire and makeup emphasizing a gloomy air lent him a unique sense of dangerous allure.

He casually surveyed the scene, his gaze momentarily pausing on the bride-clad Lu Xiaoying, a slight and barely perceptible curve on his mouth.

Then, he slowly looked at the director, asking knowingly: "Director, has the double actress... been found?"

However, the deliberately crafted, alluring demeanor of this man failed to impress Lu Xiaoying.

Raised amidst figures like Lu Xuan and Lu Yulong, true National Martial Arts Grandmasters, her perspective had long been elevated.