"Knock, knock, knock..."
"Director Wu, are you there? It's me, Old Geng!"
"What's the matter?"
Hearing the heavy, impatient breathing coming from inside the RV, Geng Le, the crew member, knew that their Director Wu was currently busy directing scenes with young actresses.
Normally, Geng Le shouldn't disturb the director's leisure at such a time, but with the entire crew at a standstill, he had no choice but to interrupt. After all, compared to the director, those two divas were truly untouchable.
Geng Le gently knocked on the car door and said, "That young diva is causing a scene again, now she's outright refusing to act, bringing the whole set to a halt. I'm at my wit's end, Director Wu, only you can handle this."
From inside the RV came the sound of a woman's moans, clearly indicating Director Wu was in the final stages. About five minutes later, the tightly shut door slowly opened.
Seeing the cold-eyed middle-aged man, Geng Le said with a bitter face, "Director Wu, I really didn't want to disturb you, but they're demanding script changes again—this is the third time this week. And as you know, the other one is also making a scene now. It's completely impossible to shoot, and we're out of options."
Director Wu zipped up his pants, adjusted his clothes, stepped out of the RV, and tersely replied, "Take me there."
Director Wu was like the calm before the storm, thoroughly angered by the two leading ladies. One was a popular actress in the industry married to a top male star, the other backed by a powerful sugar daddy. It's as if the set was run by their families, and he, the director, was just a mascot.
Director Wu couldn't help but recall his days as an assistant director under a ruthless director known as Hu Ge. That guy was notoriously harsh in similar situations. It's often said that fortune favors the bold.
Though Hu Ge's methods were unorthodox and somewhat despicable, they were incredibly effective against these high-and-mighty, troublesome actresses. Maybe it's worth a try?
Soon, Director Wu arrived at a small riverbank, where he saw the second female lead, Zhou Jieqiong, surrounded by a group, lounging on a beach chair, playing with her phone.
She was just a rookie transitioning from an idol group to acting. Director Wu Mingxuan had slept with countless such newcomers. In their line of work, it was either bedding women or on the way to do so.
After struggling for so many years, he finally made it to the top, becoming the head of the crew, and at the peak of his youth and energy. If he didn't have some fun with the actresses in the crew, what kind of director would he be?
However, this Zhou Jieqiong is not simple. Her patron is none other than Wang Dashao, the young heir of the Wanda Group. Just a few months ago, the two went on a sweet seven-day hot spring trip to Tokyo. Who would believe that a man and a woman alone together were innocent?
Just by looking at this woman's current demeanor, it's clear she has someone powerful backing her. A newcomer playing the second female lead is more arrogant than the first female lead and even the director, daring to bring a screenwriter into the crew. On the second day, she demanded script changes to add more scenes for herself, even trying to steal scenes from the first female lead. How can one word 'arrogant' suffice?
But this young girl is indeed quite attractive, with fair and tender skin, a lively and cute appearance, very sweet, and a pair of slender beautiful legs. At just 22 years old, she exudes a fresh and charming appeal with the purity and soft beauty of a young girl.
Of course, these are just appearances. Only those who have truly interacted with her know how terrible her personality is, which is why Wu Mingxuan is now considering taking harsh measures against her.
There's no reason why a seasoned veteran like him, with nearly 15 years in the industry, should be manipulated by a young girl relying on her patron, completely under her thumb.
"Let's talk. What's going on this time? I remember saying that the last time was the final time, there wouldn't be a next time. What, my words as the director don't carry any weight? Or does Miss Zhou simply not care about my face as the director at all?"
Zhou Jieqiong naturally doesn't take others seriously, with her current patron being the young heir of the Wanda Group. However, it's best not to offend the director to the point of no return. Once her reputation is ruined, no crew would invite her to act in the future.
"Director Wu, it's not that I'm trying to be difficult, but the plot setting is just too ridiculous. How can it be arranged like this? Why should all my scenes be just supporting roles for Sister Ying? Shouldn't I have some scenes of my own? I'm not someone's sidekick; I'm a female lead too, right?"
"Enough is enough. You've already been changed from the third female lead to the second, and a romantic line has been added for you. What more do you want? This drama is called 'You Fei,' not 'You Yan.' When you were approached to take on this role, it was clearly explained to you the positioning and plot of your character. You're the little sidekick following Zhou Fei, the first female lead. This is a female-led drama, with Zhou Fei as the main focus."
Zhao Liying, standing by, felt much better upon hearing this. Director Wu finally showed some backbone, not completely giving in like others, otherwise, this drama would truly be impossible to shoot.
Being bullied by a newcomer like this, how could she continue to survive in the circle? Who is she? She is Zhao Liying, once the top-tier celebrity!
Wu Mingxuan clearly understood what Zhou Jieqiong was scheming. Out of respect for Wang Dashao, he could make concessions in some areas, but there were certain bottom lines he couldn't let a clueless, talentless, and superficially attractive little brat cross.
Directors are not like these female celebrities. If things go south, they're the ones who have to take the blame. A single misstep could cost them their careers, making it nearly impossible to helm such big productions again. Even if it means facing walkouts or replacements, some boundaries must never be crossed.
However, Wu Mingxuan also noticed that Zhou Jieqiong lacked any semblance of respect, completely disregarding him as she sat there indifferent.
If you don't agree, fine. I'll do things my way, and you can deal with the consequences. Go ahead and replace me if you dare. Let's see how you'll manage to shoot this drama then.
"Director Wu, here's the new script. Actually, our little finger's (nickname) requests aren't too unreasonable. She just wants the character to be more fleshed out. This is her first time starring in a TV drama, and she takes it very seriously, not wanting to leave any regrets."
After flipping through the new script handed by Zhou Jieqiong's agent, Wu Mingxuan grew angrier with each page. Any hesitation he had vanished, solidifying a certain reckless decision in his mind. If push comes to shove, he had nothing to fear!