CHAPTER 469: 189 HAS A BEAUTY

The film base of the Ancient City is divided into three sections: the magnificent and resplendent imperial palace, the rock garden with pavilions and terraces, and the meandering Blue Lake with its serene scenery—all favorite filming locations for period dramas. In the northwest corner of the base, there’s also a large bamboo forest, another frequently used backdrop for period dramas.

Today’s shoot takes place on a painted boat in Blue Lake. A group of noble offspring is enjoying a boat ride, but they unwittingly fall into an assassination plot by Jianghu assassins. The primary target of this assassination is none other than the Commandery Princess, the most favored daughter of the King of Chu. Her death will serve as the catalyst to reveal a colossal hidden conspiracy spanning Jianghu and the imperial court.

While this scene doesn’t feature the male and female leads, it is one of the key sequences in the drama, vividly depicting the bloody struggles between Jianghu and the court. Even someone as illustrious as the Commandery Princess cannot escape her fate amidst the ruthless machinations of power.

Along Blue Lake’s shores, rows of willow trees sway gently in the breeze. Under the sunlight, the still surface of the lake reflects their slender silhouettes, resembling a galaxy filled with a thousand points of starlight.

Director Huang was busily directing the props team to arrange two painted boats near the lakeshore. From time to time, he glanced at his watch, a trace of impatience faintly visible on his face.

At that moment, an assistant led a group of people over and said, "Director Huang, Brother Jie has found the actors."

Huang Chu swept his gaze over the group, his eyes moving from Gao Yuyue to Yan Lu, and then to Liu Runxi and Gu Bichen. A gleam slowly brightened in his gaze.

Cui Jie grinned as he leaned closer to Huang Chu. "Director Huang, what do you think of these actors? Not bad, right?"

Huang Chu nodded in satisfaction. "Not bad."

Out of appreciation for talent, he asked, "You’re all students, right?"

Cui Jie quickly responded, "Yeah, they’re tourists visiting the Ancient City. I used my smooth-talking skills to convince them to join the crew. They don’t have much experience, so I hope you’ll be understanding, Director."

Huang Chu counted the group. "Wait, the numbers don’t add up. Someone’s missing."

Cui Jie hesitated and said, "Director, time’s running out. There’s really no other option. Why don’t we reduce one female role? If all else fails, we’ll have Bingbing fill in."

Huang Chu pointed to Gao Yuyue. "Let her play the Commandery Princess, then."

This young woman, dressed in period costume, stood there gracefully, exuding an air of elegance and nobility. She had more of a regal demeanor than Sun Qianqian.

After Sun Qianqian’s antics, Huang Chu found everyone else far more pleasing to the eye.

Huang Chu approached the group, ready to explain the scene thoroughly. There weren’t many lines in this scene—primarily the Commandery Princess shouting for help when she fell into the water, with the others calling out around her.

Nevertheless, assassins were lurking throughout the lake. No matter how desperately the Commandery Princess called for help, she could not escape her predetermined fate, sinking into the icy waters and plunging into eternal darkness.

The brighter the sunlight, the more it contrasted against the oppressive chill in the air. This stark juxtaposition was precisely what Huang Chu wanted—the image of the Commandery Princess dying in the lake. In Huang Chu’s vision, this scene was conceived as a slow-motion sequence, emphasizing the poignant beauty of the Princess’s demise. It would use her tragic fate to critique the bloodthirsty cruelty of those in power.

Looking at the young, stunning face before him, Huang Chu thought it was beautiful—but still lacked something indefinable.

The Commandery Princess was characterized as a peerless beauty, someone outwardly frail yet inwardly intelligent and cunning. Earlier Chapters had discreetly foreshadowed her brilliant mind, building up audience expectations. Thus, when the Commandery Princess’s mysterious veil was finally lifted, only for her to face a perilous death, it would catch the audience completely off guard. In literature, this technique is known as "setting up through restraint, then delivering an impactful release."

And her death would be the release.

Thus, the actress for the Commandery Princess needed to leave an unforgettable impression, ensuring that this pivotal "release" would be executed to its fullest dramatic effect.

Originally, Huang Chu had invited a well-known, beautiful third-tier actress to make a cameo in the role. Under his camera work, he was confident he could fully showcase her beauty. But unexpectedly, the actress bailed on him at the last minute.

The young woman before him was certainly dazzling, yet to Huang Chu, she still fell short of his ideal Commandery Princess.

However, given the current circumstances, there was no room for pickiness. For a newcomer, she was like a blank canvas onto which he could paint anything he wanted. In a way, that was also an advantage.

As Huang Chu explained the scene, Gao Yuyue and the other three listened intently. Their studious demeanor exemplified the self-discipline of top students.

Suddenly, Huang Chu thought of something crucial. He turned, his face serious, and asked Gao Yuyue, "Can you swim?"

Gao Yuyue answered confidently, "Yes, I even won a gold medal in elementary school swimming competitions."

Huang Chu nodded. "For the drowning scene, we’ll choose a good spot. If you’re scared, I can arrange for a stunt double."