Chapter 1859: Chapter 1846: Taking Cues (1)
After that look, the director shouted "cut," and her gaze softened instantly, turning playful as she ran off to the side: "Where’s the eye drops?"
She quickly put in two drops of eye drops and ran over to the monitor to watch her own performance, checking if there was anything she could improve.
This was the look when the protagonist first suspected that something might be wrong with the supporting female character. For the protagonist, it was subtly terrifying; she hadn’t realized that the murderer she had been searching for was lurking quietly right beside her, speaking softly every day, even enjoying visiting art exhibitions, watching plays, and going to museums.
Apart from Xia Siyu’s sudden change of expression, Shang Feifei also had to portray an initial confusion, followed by a sudden realization of terror when she discovers the devil was right beside her. But since she wasn’t completely certain and had no evidence, she could only stand by for now.
However, after watching the playback, Xia Siyu wasn’t very satisfied with her own performance: "Something’s not right."
The director turned his head; indeed, he also felt that subtle discomfort but, not being a world-renowned director, couldn’t quite articulate it.
"It’s not right, it’s not right," Xia Siyu kept saying, even though she couldn’t quite explain what was off. Her performance wasn’t faulty, as she had portrayed such dual-faceted characters in films like "Overthrows the Country and the City" and "Yu Beauty" before.
But she felt there was something wrong with the portrayal this time, though she couldn’t put her finger on it.
As she spoke, she absentmindedly picked up a bottle of water and started sauntering around. Lately, she had been so engrossed in practicing her body movements that even her strides turned into stage walks, and raising her arm looked like she was about to flick her sleeves.
She walked to the gate, and no one dared to stop her. Recently, both she and Shang Feifei were engaged in a sort of "long-distance duel," causing tension between the teams A and B, leaving everyone on edge. However, thanks to their rivalry, the actors arrived early and left late, practicing lines more diligently than in other films. The filming progress was significantly improved.
Xia Siyu walked pensively to the gate, just in time to see that the neighboring set seemed to be filming some sort of fantasy drama, with a lot of pigeons flying around. Xia Siyu watched from afar, recalling a master from traditional opera who used to watch pigeons in the morning and fish in the evening to train his observation skills. Having watched frequently these days, her eyes involuntarily followed them.
After she stepped out, others in the crew didn’t dare disturb her. The director called for a break, giving everyone a chance to review the footage and see if any adjustments were needed.
After fifteen minutes, inside, Shang Feifei was repeatedly practicing her lines. Xia Siyu hadn’t returned yet. Feeling a bit uneasy but unwilling to confront Xia Siyu directly, Shang Feifei turned to ask the director, "Director, can we start shooting?"
The director checked his phone for the time and nodded after some hesitation, "Okay, I’ll go ask her."
He had just turned around when he saw Xia Siyu enter with a calm expression, her face betraying no extra emotion. The director asked, "Ready to start again?"
Xia Siyu nodded, casually placing the water bottle to the side. Shang Feifei made a point to look; there was nothing unusual about the bottle.
If her departure was to exude intensity and practice her gaze, then the bottle should have been crumpled somewhat, shouldn’t it?
They resumed filming, and the beginning went the same as before.
Finally, it reached the last scene.
Thanks to prior preparation, Shang Feifei was not only unafraid but even had a sense of watching the drama unfold.
She and Xia Siyu had been engaged in a nonverbal battle on set, and she had just probed to see if Xia Siyu had indeed memorized the entire script. But acting is more than just knowing the script; it’s about performing it.
She did her best and calmly watched to see how Xia Siyu would perform.
The plot progressed as their dialogue unfolded to this point.
Then Xia Siyu turned back.
At that moment, she looked directly into Shang Feifei’s eyes. To be honest, it was somewhat less intense than the last time. Her eyes held less malice and instead more disdain, coldness, and indifference.
Shang Feifei initially portrayed shock but, for some reason, after seeing that look, seeing into her pupils, suddenly felt a chill rise, her hairs standing on end.
It was as if Xia Siyu’s gaze didn’t depict a monster eager to pounce but rather a deity watching a mortal on the verge of death. Just like when she had seen the flying birds upon stepping out. If it were any other time, she might have just watched the birds to train her gaze, but now, immersed in her role, she thought—these birds are no different from the dead, merely "exhibits." Some crazed killers lose sight of humanity because, to them, you’re no different from a bird or an ant, dead or alive.
Would you show malice for stepping on several ants? Of course not. Because in your eyes, you don’t see ants as akin to yourself. The expression in Xia Siyu’s eyes at this moment was just that.
But this gaze that doesn’t regard human life as such initially seems less shocking, yet upon reflecting suddenly sends shivers down one’s spine, even more chilling.
At least, although Shang Feifei prepared to respond according to the script, upon seeing that gaze, she couldn’t help but feel fearful afterward.
It was an instinctual dread.
As if this Xiaoyu really was the merciless demon in the drama who kills without blinking. If she were to upset her one day, she could be silently disposed of!
These days, when playing a villain or exuding dominance, many celebrities wear heavy smoky eye makeup that heavily accents their eyes and brows, making the look frightening enough to almost scream "Look, I’m the villain" across their faces. As for their voices—oh, sorry, those are dubbed by voice actors.
To not wear heavy makeup and use one’s natural voice for acting is already a rare dedication in today’s entertainment industry. To convey malice with just a look is considered a significant achievement in acting.
But Xia Siyu’s performance was different. At first glance, it wasn’t stunning and seemed even less impressive than her previous take. However, upon deeper contemplation, it was the perfect fit for someone calm, collected, killing without blinking, and viewing crime as art.
Others are "acting," but she seemed to take it seriously!
The more Shang Feifei watched, the more frightened she became, her steps unconsciously retreating a little, even cold sweat silently trickling down her temple.
But such a gaze was only momentary.
