CHAPTER 277: CHAPTER 278: TEN SLAPS (1)

This incident was nothing more than a minor piece of gossip among everyone.

The car arrived at the film studio, and everyone quickly prepared. Vera Wave also went straight to the make-up artist to get her makeup done.

Irene Spencer walked into the makeup room. Seeing Vera Wave already seated, she secretly clenched her teeth but put on an affectionate, older-sisterly demeanor.

"Vera, did you sleep well last night?"

"I slept very well." Vera Wave smiled evasively. "I’m done with my makeup, so I’ll go change. Please, take your time."

Watching Vera Wave’s slender figure disappear out the door, Irene Spencer’s gaze turned cold.

A short while later, everyone was ready, and they began shooting the morning’s scenes.

Vera Wave walked over to the director to ask for guidance.

In this scene, Irene Spencer’s character, an underground party member, had her identity exposed. Vera Wave’s character was to interrogate her, a part that required her to slap Irene Spencer.

She had never filmed a slapping scene before, and with the other actress being such a superstar, she was naturally a bit worried.

"Director, how... how do I shoot the slapping scene?!"

"It’s fine, just give her a real slap."

The one who spoke wasn’t the director, but Irene Spencer.

"This..." Vera Wave turned to see Irene Spencer, who had changed into her costume and just walked out. "Is that really okay?"

"Actors must always make sacrifices. If it’s a fake slap, it won’t look good on screen." Irene Spencer’s lips curved slightly, her expression one of complete dedication to her art. "However, I have to attend an event for Ashton tomorrow, so please don’t actually make my face swell up."

Her remark, though phrased as a joke, only added to Vera Wave’s pressure.

"This..."

"Don’t worry, let’s do a test shot."

The director walked over and patted Vera Wave’s shoulder reassuringly. He then instructed her on some key points: how to make the slap look convincing yet painless, the angle of the palm, and other such details.

A short while later, everyone was ready. The director called, "Action!" Vera Wave forcefully pushed open the door, strode into the room, and walked up to Irene Spencer, who was tied to a chair. Vera Wave then sneered.

"Miss Arista, I never imagined we would meet in such circumstances."

Irene Spencer lifted her face and smiled faintly.

"If you want to condemn someone, you’ll always find a reason."

"So..." Vera Wave leaned in, scrutinizing her face. "You’re not going to talk?"

"I have nothing to say, especially not to you!"

Vera Wave was so furious she took a deep breath, then raised her right hand and swung it towards Irene Spencer’s face.

She raised her hand high, and the downward motion looked fierce. However, her palm was actually angled so that while it appeared to be a genuine slap on camera, it would only graze Irene Spencer’s face.

As Vera Wave’s hand swept down, Irene Spencer suddenly turned her face directly into the path of the slap.

SMACK!

The slap landed squarely on Irene Spencer’s face. Vera Wave, utterly shocked, froze on the spot, not having expected that at all.

Two seconds later, she snapped back to her senses.

"Irene, I... I’m so sorry!"

"Cut!" the director called out, clearly displeased. "What happened?"

"Director, I... I accidentally hit Irene for real." Vera Wave rushed to support Irene Spencer’s shoulder. "Irene, are you okay?"

Irene Spencer raised a hand to her stinging cheek. "Vera, that slap of yours really packs a punch!"

"I’m so sorry!"

"It’s fine. Let’s go again."

"I’ll be more careful this time."

And so, they started over.

This time, Vera Wave was hesitant, and her performance consequently felt restrained.

They filmed seven or eight takes in a row, but the director called "cut" on every single one.

"Stop, stop, stop!" The director’s patience had completely worn out. "Vera Wave, what is wrong with you? Seven or eight takes! Do you have any idea how much film you’ve wasted? That’s all money, not to mention everyone’s time!"