To Sink Into You - Chapter 20

On September 15th, the drama production Wen Yuxi had signed onto officially began filming. She joined the crew with her master, embarking on a three-month internship.

The production was for a television series, an S-Class historical romance project adapted from the renowned romance novel Red Furnace Snow. Produced by Yuejin Entertainment, a subsidiary of the Qian Group, the series was directed by Luo Xinfeng, a highly respected director known for his academic approach. The lead roles were played by Zhao Lan, a wildly popular Alpha idol, and Han Yuwei, a seasoned Omega actress.

Wen Yuxi’s master, Shi Yuan, was a 44-year-old Beta woman and a highly respected veteran in the industry. Known for her generosity, kindness, and exceptional work ethic, this historical romance marked her third collaboration with Luo Xinfeng, making them well-acquainted.

Since both lead actors were top stars from the production company and brought their own makeup teams, Shi Yuan’s studio primarily handled the makeup and styling for the supporting cast.

After three years of working on various film and television sets, Wen Yuxi had gained considerable experience and skill. No longer relegated to applying makeup for extras, she was now entrusted with working on the supporting characters.

What struck her most was the second male lead, Yin Rong. Not because he was handsome or a good actor, but because his temper was truly atrocious.

Yin Rong, an Omega, played the female lead’s younger brother in the drama. Despite his relatively minor role, he acted more like a diva than the two main leads combined. He was perpetually late, constantly bossing around the crew and showering them with sarcastic remarks.

Strangely, no one dared voice their displeasure, not even the director, who turned a blind eye to his behavior.

Curiosity piqued, Wen Yuxi seized the lunch break to ask Shi Yuan, “Master, does Yin Rong have some kind of powerful backing?”

“Of course,” Shi Yuan whispered, sharing the gossip. “He’s the lover of Yuejin Entertainment’s second young master. We little people can’t afford to cross him. If he insults you, just pretend you didn’t hear it. Don’t make trouble for yourself.”

Wen Yuxi nodded obediently. “Understood.”

It all clicked into place. So he was Qian Lang’s kept lover. No wonder his acting was so terrible yet he still landed the second male lead role. When you’re on your own turf, you can truly do whatever you want.

Historical idol dramas inherently demand meticulous attention to makeup, costumes, and set design. Combined with Luo Xinfeng’s obsessive attention to detail and craftsman-like dedication, the entire crew worked tirelessly from dawn till dusk, enduring grueling conditions.

The “autumn tiger” lived up to its name. The midday sun scorched the earth, bringing suffocating heat with not a wisp of wind. The discomfort was no less oppressive than in the height of summer.

Countless tubes of sunscreen were emptied before the weather finally began to cool down in early October.

After half a month of eating the crew’s boxed lunches, Wen Yuxi felt she had lost a significant amount of weight. She borrowed a body scale from a supporting actress and confirmed her suspicions: she had indeed shed five pounds.

“Not bad, just what I needed to lose the extra weight I gained over the summer,” Wen Yuxi thought with satisfaction. She snapped a photo, sent it to Ming Qian, and returned the scale.

Wen Yuxi and Ming Qian didn’t chat frequently; both were busy with work, and it was common for messages sent in the morning to receive replies only in the evening. Despite this, Wen Yuxi still made a point of “bothering” Ming Qian whenever she had a spare moment, finding ways to maintain her presence in Ming Qian’s thoughts.

Tonight, Ming Qian replied almost immediately: You’ve lost weight? Is the food on set not good?

Wen Yuxi typed with a mischievous smile: No, I’m deliberately dieting. I gained too much weight over the summer vacation.

Ming Qian: Remember to take care of your health.

Wen Yuxi: I know~

Ming Qian: Are you off work?

Wen Yuxi: Yeah, I’m at the hotel, but I can’t sleep.

Ming Qian: What’s wrong?

Wen Yuxi sent a cute, pleading emoji: I want you to sing for me. Would you?

Ming Qian: Of course. What do you want to hear?

Wen Yuxi: “My Heart Will Go On,” the theme song from Titanic.

Ming Qian called immediately. Wen Yuxi answered eagerly, asking, “Sister, do you know the song?”

“I do,” Ming Qian replied with a smile in her voice. “Would you prefer an a cappella version or one with accompaniment?”

“A cappella.”

“Alright.”

Ming Qian paused for a few seconds, closed her eyes, and parted her lips slightly. Then, her soft, soothing voice filled the air. Her English pronunciation was distinctive, clear, and carried a hint of lingering allure, sending a tingling sensation through Wen Yuxi’s ears.

Wen Yuxi lay sprawled on her bed, headphones on, recording device running, a faint blush coloring her cheeks, her expression utterly entranced.

No wonder she’s the daughter of a pop diva—her singing is truly exceptional.

As the song ended, Ming Qian cleared her throat and asked with a soft laugh, “Is our Yuxi feeling sleepy now?”

Wen Yuxi replied shyly, “Mmm.”

Even less sleepy now! Aaaah!

I’m going to listen to this recording a hundred times!

Ming Qian: “Get some rest. Don’t you have work tomorrow?”

“Mmm,” Wen Yuxi said. “I’m going to sleep now. Good night, Sis.”

“Good night.”

The next morning, before her alarm even went off, Wen Yuxi sprang out of bed, humming a cheerful tune as she washed up. She bounded downstairs for breakfast, her face radiant with joy.

Shi Yuan, seeing her brimming with energy, exclaimed in surprise, “Why are you so happy?”

Wen Yuxi covered her mouth, giggling uncontrollably. “I talked to my wife on the phone last night! It made me so happy!”

“Aiyo,” Shi Yuan chuckled, shaking her head with amusement. “I envy you young people. Just being in love makes you ten times more energetic.”

Wen Yuxi declared proudly, “The power of love is truly magnificent!”

Shi Yuan playfully flicked her forehead. “Stop showing off! Having a wife isn’t such a big deal, is it?”

Wen Yuxi rubbed her forehead, grinning sheepishly.

After breakfast, the mentor and apprentice entered the dressing room to begin preparations.

As Wen Yuxi organized the vanity table, faint voices drifted from the doorway. Moments later, Yin Rong’s assistant pushed open the door and ushered the actor inside.

Shi Yuan and Wen Yuxi exchanged glances, their expressions mirroring each other’s surprise.

This terminal case of “prince syndrome” actually arrived on time?

The sun must be rising in the west today.

But more importantly, Yin Rong doesn’t have any scenes scheduled today. What’s he doing here?

Yin Rong settled into a chair, crossing his legs with an air of impatience. “What are you staring at? Hurry up and do my makeup.”

Shi Yuan frowned slightly. “Don’t you have the day off today?”

“What’s it to you whether I have a scene or not?” Yin Rong glared at her, lifting his chin arrogantly. “Just do my makeup. So much fuss. Don’t want to work anymore?”

Shi Yuan sighed and gestured for Wen Yuxi to help. Together, they began applying Yin Rong’s makeup.

“Make it look good, none of that ancient style,” Yin Rong drawled lazily. “I don’t have a scene today. I’m going out to meet friends.”

Shi Yuan took a deep breath, seething inwardly but unable to voice her anger.

Wen Yuxi retorted coldly, “We have scenes this morning. What if we don’t have time to finish the other actors’ makeup?”

Yin Rong glanced at her and sneered, “What’s that got to do with me?”

Wen Yuxi stood her ground. “If the director blames us, we’ll take the fall.”

Shi Yuan grabbed her hand, her face worried. “Xixi, let it go.”

Young people are always so impatient, Shi Yuan thought. The world works this way. Fighting power gets you nowhere. A moment of satisfaction isn’t worth losing your job. It’s cutting off your nose to spite your face.

“Who are you?” Yin Rong sized up Wen Yuxi, scoffing. “New here, right? Since we’re both Omegas, I’ll tell you this: I’m the king of this set. Even the director has to treat me with respect. What do you think you are?”