Why Does the Seductive Film Queen Keep Flirting with Me? - Chapter 13

Before it happened, Tang Wangyue never imagined she could be so captivated by a woman.

She first went to find Mo Lai, the director of Group B, who had arrived early to set up the scene.

Group A and Group B’s filming locations were adjacent. Group B was responsible for filming scenes involving supporting characters—scenes that were chaotic yet essential to the plot.

Today’s shoot featured the Third Female Lead and the Fifth Female Lead, with the latter playing a woman disguised as a man.

Group B was filming their first scene together—a scene where the Fifth Female Lead dies. Tang Wangyue couldn’t help but think that starting with such an emotionally intense scene would be a true test of their acting skills.

When Tang Wangyue arrived on set, Mo Lai was shouting instructions Yes, place it right there! Get ready to roll!

Where are the actors? Why aren’t they in position yet?

Mo Lai turned and spotted Tang Wangyue. A Yue, I was just looking for you.

Mo Lai pulled the script from her work vest pocket. We’re shooting this scene today. I think even though they’re supporting characters, we should give them a moment to shine.

She refused to believe that only the main characters deserved moments of brilliance.

As the director, she knew the supporting characters had limited screen time. Her challenge was to make those moments shine.

She brainstormed several ideas, but each felt too lengthy, threatening to drag down the plot. Perhaps sticking to the original script was best—safe, if unremarkable.

Just then, Tang Wangyue arrived, and she decided to consult with her.

Tang Wangyue flipped through the script, recalling the scene

The Third Female Lead, Huo Li, was the daughter of a great general. Trained in martial arts since childhood, she yearned to fight on the battlefield. But as a woman, her options were limited.

The Fifth Female Lead, Pang Shaoyou, came from a declining noble family. Desperate to revive their fortunes, her family sought a marriage alliance with the great general.

The general, wary of attracting the emperor’s suspicion, preferred a match with a fading noble house.

Knowing her true identity as a woman, Pang Shaoyou fled her arranged marriage. Huo Li, having heard Pang Shaoyou was a weakling, also ran away.

Fate intervened when their escape routes converged. Discovering shared values and kindred spirits, they joined the army together. After their true identities were revealed, they prepared to return home for their wedding. But before they could celebrate, foreign invaders attacked. Leading the city’s defense, Pang Shaoyou was critically wounded. Only the timely intervention of the Eldest Princess saved Huo Li from certain death.

The two women married under the witness of the Eldest Princess. With the Princess’s support, Huo Li became the first female general in the imperial court.

Today’s scene to be filmed was the city defense sequence, where the two women were already deeply in love.

Tang Wangyue rarely wrote romance scenes, making this one of the few emotional moments for the main characters in the novel.

As a female-centric story, she felt romance was unnecessary, so it was scarce throughout the entire narrative. This couple only appeared together two or three times, while the Third Female Lead had more screen time as one of the Female Lead’s closest confidantes.

Moreover, most of their interactions were tragic.

Mo Lai, noticing Tang Wangyue’s pensive mood, voiced her thoughts Should we make the wedding more elaborate? After all, the war is over.

Tang Wangyue considered this. My setting prioritizes the people above all else, including their personal feelings. Holding a grand wedding in a city ravaged by war would be completely inappropriate.

Thus, she had written a simple ceremony Heaven and Earth as witnesses, the Eldest Princess presiding, and a straightforward marriage.

There was no need to change this scene, but how could she add more emotional depth to the couple’s moment?

As she was pondering this, Mo Lai suddenly spoke up, Director Sun will handle the large-scale battle scenes himself. I’m only shooting the smaller ones.

Tang Wangyue rolled her eyes. Trying to make things difficult for me?

Heh heh.

Hmph. Tang Wangyue snorted coldly. Let’s focus on the common people. Prosperity brings suffering to the people, and so does destruction. Use the camera to silently convey the experiences of ordinary people who have lived through war.

Mo Lai’s eyes lit up. That makes sense.

Most of the plot revolved around the main characters, with few shots focusing solely on extras. As a political drama, this was the perfect opportunity to showcase the bleakness beneath the surface of the conspiracy.

Tang Wangyue offered more suggestions, and Mo Lai looked deeply moved. I’ll treat you to extra lunch today.

Mo Lai hurried off to work, and the production crew plunged into a frenzy of activity. Every day was packed with filming schedules, stretching until the very end of the shoot.

Tang Wangyue decided to go behind the monitor. Mo Lai would join her soon. The monitor was inside an air-conditioned tent, sparing her from the sun’s scorching heat alongside the actors.

Just as she reached the monitor, someone followed her.

A shadow fell, blocking the light before her eyes.

Tang Wangyue silently looked up and saw a tall, lanky man standing before her. She recognized him as Male Fifth.

The man placed an envelope on the table. Writer Tang, do you think my character could be developed further?

The envelope contained money—about 30,000 yuan, judging by its thickness. Her monthly salary was 15,000 yuan.

This was a fair rate. During her internship years ago, she had only earned 4,000 to 5,000 yuan. It typically took two or three years of experience to earn over 10,000 yuan. Only those with blockbuster hits could reach the next level, with top screenwriters earning over a million yuan annually.

Of course, even among the top tier, there were elite screenwriters.

This was only Tang Wangyue’s second project. Since they didn’t know she was the original author, her salary was likely due to Mo Lai’s influence.

What was this man’s name again? She couldn’t remember. Offering 30,000 yuan right off the bat—quite generous.

But judging by his designer clothes, he clearly wasn’t short on cash. His words made it clear he wanted her to write more scenes for him.

Tang Wangyue stood up calmly. If anything went wrong while she was sitting, she wouldn’t be able to react properly.

It’s like this, Tang Wangyue explained. I’m just a junior screenwriter. No matter how I revise the script, it needs the director’s approval before it can be filmed.

To some, this polite refusal didn’t count as a rejection.

Teacher Tang, if you make the changes well enough, how could the director possibly disagree? Male Fifth asked, a confident smile spreading across his face.

Ah, so this is a test of my writing skills, Tang Wangyue realized.

She cut to the chase. There are two other senior screenwriters on the team. As a newcomer, I don’t have that kind of authority.

How can that be? You’re the only screenwriter for Group B, and you have such a good relationship with Director Mo. All my scenes are in Group B.

No wonder he came to me. He’s been planning this all along.

Tang Wangyue’s peripheral vision caught sight of a cast list. She found the actor playing Xia Liang, Male Fifth—a character who endures humiliation and sacrifices himself to kill the enemy king, a role with significant dramatic potential.

Zheng Shen?

In female lead dramas, male characters typically have limited screen time, except for a few veteran actors playing court officials. If Male Fifth gets more than ten minutes of screen time in the entire series, that would be considered good.

However, Xia Liang seduces the king, gets close enough to attempt an assassination, and though he doesn’t survive, he successfully stalls the enemy’s advance.

It’s a striking role that requires a handsome actor. This Zheng Shen… well, let’s not dwell on that.

Seeing he didn’t understand her subtle hints, Tang Wangyue stated bluntly, I’m sorry, but I can’t do it.

Zheng Shen froze, completely taken aback by her direct refusal. His face flushed crimson. Fine, fine! You, a mere screenwriter, dare to offend me? Do you even know my connections?

No, I don’t, Tang Wangyue replied truthfully. She swore she was being honest—she genuinely didn’t know.

Why is he getting so worked up? she thought. Who told you to be so subtle if you couldn’t take a hint?

Zheng Shen grew even angrier. I know the vice president of the production company investing in this drama.

Perfect! Have the VP tell the Director to make you the male lead directly.

Tang Wangyue had no patience for this nonsense. This guy’s delusional. What’s the point of harassing a junior screenwriter like me?

What’s that supposed to mean? Are you looking down on me? Zheng Shen loomed over her, using his height advantage to corner her.

Tang Wangyue, at 178 cm tall, was still about ten centimeters shorter than this hulking man. She hated being crowded, especially by men.

She stepped back. Mr. Zheng, please maintain your composure.

Composure? Zheng Shen scrutinized her, trying to discern her full appearance through the narrow gap where only her eyes were visible.

Tang Wangyue’s gaze turned icy. She had trained in boxing and wouldn’t hesitate to defend herself if he made a move. After all, there were no surveillance cameras here.

Yet Zheng Shen, completely lawless and convinced he could bully this junior screenwriter, pressed on.

Tang Wangyue? Your name. Believe me, one word from me, and you’ll never work in this industry again.

Tang Wangyue replied calmly, I believe you.

She lacked connections, but she possessed talent. Her IPs had become wildly successful, and no one would turn down money.

Yet her indifferent demeanor only fueled Zheng Shen’s rage, bringing it to a boil in his throat. I don’t think you believe me at all.

You’re sick, Tang Wangyue retorted, turning to leave. But Zheng Shen grabbed at her clothes, reaching for her hat.

She dodged sideways and swiftly kicked out her foot, sending Zheng Shen sprawling face-first onto the ground.

Furious, he grabbed a clipboard from the table and lunged at her. Tang Wangyue frowned, ready to retaliate.

Stop. A familiar voice rang out. Tang Wangyue suddenly changed direction, deliberately falling toward the sound.

A warm, soft body caught her in its arms. The sharp scent of roses filled her nostrils, making her reluctant to move.

Above her, Yun Chuxian’s icy voice cut through the air I don’t want to see him on this set again.

Director Sun’s voice followed Zheng Shen, get the hell out of here now!

Tang Wangyue froze. Wait, there were other people here?