Read Novel Full Chapter 858: Scam Artists are Not Cute! (26)
Chapter 858: Scam Artists are Not Cute! (26)
MV Production
While exceptional acting wasn’t a must for the music video, a certain level of skill was still required.
Shi Sheng wasn’t keen on filming it, but with Xia Ling persistently coaxing her, she had no choice but to agree.
When Yu Sheng heard about Shi Sheng’s involvement in the MV, he didn’t object much, merely reminding Xia Ling to be mindful and not attract unnecessary trouble for his precious girl.
The music video had a historical theme, telling the tale of a princess from a fallen kingdom. Throughout the shoot, Shi Sheng had to change into over a dozen intricate costumes.
The sweltering weather made wearing layer upon layer of complicated attire a torment. Shi Sheng felt like lashing out.
“Miss Bu, please stay still, your makeup is smudging,” the makeup artist reminded Shi Sheng.
“It’s so hot!” Shi Sheng fanned herself, her face flushed.
‘Feels like I’m wrapped in a thick quilt. Feels like I’m made of sweat!’
The makeup artist sighed, “Miss Bu, please bear with it, this is the last outfit.”
“Why is this so troublesome?” Shi Sheng scratched at the table, cursing Xia Ling for dragging her into this mess.
‘Changing so many outfits is torture!’
The makeup artist chuckled behind her hand. This job was never easy.
Nearby, the stylist selected hair ornaments while asking, “Miss Bu, can you really tell fortunes?”
“I can’t. Who’s spreading these rumors?” Shi Sheng sighed. She had denied it countless times, yet no one believed her.
“That’s what everyone says.” The stylist walked over, eyes shining. “If you really can, could you tell mine?”
“I can’t tell fortunes,” Shi Sheng mumbled, feeling the increasing weight on her head. “Can you put less on me? It’s not even real. Who made these props so heavy?”
‘Do they want my head to fall off?’
The makeup artist giggled, explaining, “These are real, they’re specially sponsored.”
“Specially sponsored?” Shi Sheng looked in the mirror. “Who sponsored them? These must be expensive.”
‘Who has the spare cash to sponsor Xia Ling’s MV?’
‘Something feels off.’
“We don’t know. The director brought them, saying they were sponsored.”
None of the crew knew the sponsor’s identity.
Final Scene
In the final scene, the fallen princess, bearing her humiliation, finally avenges her country. But as the young emperor willingly dies before her, she realizes she had fallen in love with him all along.
The last scene required her to commit suicide out of love.
It sounded simple but was difficult to perform. While Shi Sheng could nail cool and swaggering scenes, she struggled with deep, emotional farewells.
The director managed to capture a passable take, planning to enhance it with special effects for a dreamlike quality.
As soon as the scene was done, Shi Sheng jumped up, tearing at her costume. “It’s so damn hot!”
“Change when we get back.” Xia Ling approached, his face darkening. ‘With so many people around, she still dares to undress?’
“I’m wearing several layers underneath. I’ll get heatstroke if I don’t change.”
“No.” Xia Ling’s tone was firm as he pulled her towards the dressing room.
‘Only I can see her like this.’
Understanding his possessiveness, Shi Sheng quietly followed.
Just as they reached the dressing room, a violent explosion erupted nearby. A wave of heat washed over them.
Instinctively, Xia Ling shielded Shi Sheng, throwing her to the ground.
The explosion was followed by an eerie silence.
Xia Ling’s whole body was trembling. It was a while before he felt her arm, checking for injuries. With a quivering voice, he asked, “Are you hurt?”
“No, I’m fine.” Shi Sheng touched his face. “I’m okay.”
Hearing her voice, Xia Ling’s racing heart gradually calmed.
‘If they had just walked a little quicker…’
With shaking hands, Xia Ling helped her up, then pulled her into a tight embrace as the noise of people gradually returned.
Shi Sheng patted his back, her eyes fixed on the blast site.
It was the dressing room they were just about to enter.
The explosion was clearly intentional, and the crew was quick to call the police.
The authorities confirmed no fatalities, only a makeup artist injured outside the dressing room. The cause of the explosion remained unclear.
The media quickly caught wind of the incident, and Xia Ling, predictably, faced another wave of negative publicity.
Although this case fell outside Captain Hong’s jurisdiction, hearing Shi Sheng’s name brought him swiftly to the scene.
Captain Hong, an efficient officer from the municipal bureau, struggled to uncover the explosion’s cause. It seemed inexplicable, with no traces of explosives found.
Listening to Captain Hong’s explanation, Shi Sheng had her suspicions.
Apart from that retard Mu Bai, she couldn’t think of anyone capable of such a feat.
She asked the director about the sponsor of the props she wore. He mentioned a renowned company, which had offered them for free.
However, Shi Sheng discovered that the company had never sponsored the MV.
The person the director met was untraceable.
Had Shi Sheng not switched the suspicious items for her own in her space, she might have been the one caught in the blast.
‘Mu Bai, that retard, really outdid himself this time!’
“Miss Bu, answer my question.” Captain Hong knocked on the table, snapping Shi Sheng from her thoughts. She had been lost in her own world.
“What?”
Captain Hong’s patience wore thin as he repeated his question, “Have you offended anyone recently?”
“Offended?” Shi Sheng tilted her head.
Captain Hong nodded, pen ready to jot down notes.
“I’ve offended too many people. It’d take three days and nights to list them all.”
Captain Hong: “…”
‘Somebody please come!’
‘Drag this wretched girl out and beat her to death in front of this captain.’
‘What do you mean, offended too many people?’
Taking a deep breath, Captain Hong struggled to remain calm. “Anyone particularly noteworthy?”
“I don’t know anyone noteworthy,” she replied. She had no idea what that retard Mu Bai’s current identity or affiliation was.
“Describe their appearance.”
“Never seen them.”
“Their voice?”
“Never heard it.”
Hong nearly snapped his pen in frustration, glaring at Shi Sheng. “Miss Bu, I need you to be truthful for your safety.”
“I am telling the truth. What do you want me to do?” Shi Sheng protested. ‘I(bbb) really have never seen that retard Mu Bai. How am I supposed to describe him?‘
Captain Hong was about to blow his top. ‘How do you expect me to believe you?’
“Captain Hong, I think you’re…”
Captain Hong abruptly stood and walked out.
He knew what she was going to say next.
Everyone she met today had been warned: “Your forehead is dark; expect bloodshed soon.”
“Ouch!”
As Captain Hong opened the door, he saw an officer bump into the doorframe and grimace in pain.
Surveying the chaotic precinct, he regretted bringing this jinx in.
‘Is it too late to send her away?’