Mr. Wang said, “Yes, I’ve been a stunt double for many years. I can’t say I’ve never made a mistake, but at least I’m experienced.”
He was right. Luo Mingbai lifted his hand to look, and saw the wound on the stunt double’s hand looked like a centipede crawling on the skin. Poorly healed after stitching, the flesh was distorted and bruised, looking quite horrifying.
From his perspective, the wound seemed to have a faint layer of murderous aura with a bloody glow.
Luo Mingbai supported his arm with one hand and covered the wound with the other, gently squeezing it.
His movement was solemn and gentle, as if he was doing something very serious, causing the stunt double’s face to blush involuntarily.
Then suddenly, he felt excruciating pain that penetrated his bones and couldn’t help but scream, instinctively trying to withdraw his hand.
He had practiced martial arts since childhood but now in front of the young master, this strength was completely ineffective.
Fortunately, the pain came and went quickly. Luo Mingbai released his hand and smiled, “Sorry, that was a bit painful, but your wound will probably heal faster now.”
The stunt double, Director Xiao, Qiu Zeping, and others looked at the originally hideous wound on his hand, then were surprised to find that while the wound hadn’t disappeared, it was no longer as grotesque and distorted. The surrounding bruising had vanished, and the torn flesh had been significantly repaired.
They opened their mouths halfway, then turned to look at Luo Mingbai.
Luo Mingbai covered his face, unable to help laughing: “Don’t look at me like that. I could only slightly fade the scar.”
Director Deng repeatedly exclaimed, “Never seen, never heard of this! I was truly a frog in a well before!”
Just moments ago, I was still regretting that Pan Ze’s performance was quite good, only that his mental illness was too severe, or he was deliberately causing trouble. However, the moment he saw this young man, Zhou Junyi suddenly felt that even if Pan Ze had not encountered any unexpected situations, he was destined to be eliminated.
The Yue Huan performed by Pan Ze was mainly cold, so cold it could almost freeze people to death. Although according to the script’s setting, his performance was not wrong, he had lost the charm that a flesh-and-blood character should have. If he couldn’t make the audience like him, what use was being close to the script?
But the other person was different. He was not without a smile, but his smile was exceptionally cold. Behind that thin layer of ice, there was an inexplicable sense of mystery that invited exploration.
Zhou Junyi recognized him; this person was his old friend Luo Yingbai. He hadn’t noticed him in the audition room before, and now seeing him suddenly, a hint of joy involuntarily swept through his heart.
After the surprise, he didn’t go in to disturb him but simply stood at the doorway, watching with a smile.
They were all familiar with the audition script and knew that the next scene should be the princess leaving, with Yue Huan silently recalling the previous meeting.
After finishing the previous scene, Luo Yingbai stood in place for a moment, then seemed to think of something that made him happy. The corner of his eye curved, his lips slightly raised, and the atmosphere around him instantly transformed from cold to warm, making people involuntarily want to smile.
But this rare genuine smile was fleeting. The reality was that there was an insurmountable gulf between the two that could never return to the past. So Yue Huan’s expression quickly turned cold again.
His initial smile was indifferent, and when he was expressionless now, his eyes revealed a different kind of suppression that made people feel heartache.
Before the feeling of heartache could fully develop, Luo Yingbai’s expression suddenly softened, becoming that gentle-tempered young man again.
He said, “It seems everything is peaceful this time.”
Luo Yingbai’s emotions switched too quickly. The people around were interrupted by his question and came back to their senses, looking at each other.
Director Deng could no longer hold back and asked, “Master Luo, won’t you consider playing this role?
Luo Yingbai was not a professional actor, but in acting, professionals valued “spirit” more. Director Deng recognized Luo Yingbai’s extraordinary talent in entering the role and understanding the character’s psychology – which was why Director Xiao had invited him several times.
Now in his view, Luo Yingbai performing this role would not cause any issues. His appearance and acting skills were top-notch.
Unfortunately, their purposes were different. They wanted the entire drama to be shot smoothly, while Luo Yingbai needed to find the mastermind and handle the situation. If everything continued peacefully, he would not have any clues.
So he shook his head at Director Deng. Director Xiao whispered, “I also think he’s suitable, but he doesn’t want to be an actor.”
Compared to Director Deng, he understood that Luo Yingbai truly did not want to be an actor. Persuading once or twice was fine, but repeatedly pushing something impossible would only annoy people.
After their conversation ended, Luo Yingbai turned to look towards the door, a smile playing at the corner of his lips.
Zhou Junyi walked over, casually closing the audition room door, nodding to the others and smiling as he called out, “Yingbai.”
Seeing him, Luo Yingbai was neither surprised nor showed any joy of reuniting after a long time.
He smiled calmly, “Brother Zhou, long time no see.”
Zhou Junyi laughed, “Not really that long. I saw you on Weibo before, just never had time to contact you. Didn’t expect to meet in a production crew… are you going to develop in all directions?”
Luo Yingbai laughed, “Misunderstanding, misunderstanding. I’m here for something else, not competing with you for roles.”
Director Xiao said, “So you two know each other? Junyi has many scenes with the second male lead, so you should say hello.”
Seeing Luo Yingbai nod in agreement, he began telling Zhou Junyi about the strange events during this audition and Luo Yingbai’s purpose. During this time, Luo Yingbai’s gaze subtly swept across Zhou Junyi’s face.
After many years, Zhou Junyi, who had been navigating the entertainment industry, seemed to have not changed much from his previous image, still handsome and gentle.
However, with his well-maintained appearance, not only did he not seem out of place playing the lead, but he also added a mature and gentle feeling compared to ordinary young people.
But in a practitioner’s eyes, the first thing to look at was never appearance, but the facial features.
Such a person would typically have good career and financial luck, and be successful in love. Aside from possibly attracting many romantic entanglements, his entire life could be said to be peaceful and complete – all of which Luo Yingbai already knew.
In fact, Luo Yingbai had two questions in his mind. First, based on the current investigation, the actors who played Yue Huan had serious incidents, so why was it said that Zhou Junyi, the male lead, would be in danger?
Secondly, if Zhou Junyi was in danger, why would this danger only occur during his scenes with the second male lead?
“I see,” he said.
At this moment, Zhou Junyi, who now understood the situation, spoke up. He quickly comprehended the matter and suggested: “An outsider sees things clearly. Perhaps the ghost you’re trying to catch knows you’re formidable and won’t be attracted out. Would it be a good idea to find someone else to play the second male role, with you observing from the side?
The reason the two had become friends in just a few days was because of the calm and wise qualities Zhou Junyi possessed, which Luo Mingbai greatly appreciated.
