Beyond the show- the beauty is in you

Part 4

Next day,
while rehearsing a scene, Shàn Yuán offered constructive feedback, his eyes locking onto Xin Yi's.

Xin Yi-"Thanks, Shàn Yuán. You're always helping me improve."
Shàn Yuán-"You're already talented, Xin Yi. Just trust yourself."

Later, during a break, Xin Yi approached Shàn Yuán.

Xin Yi-"Hey, can I ask you something?"

Shàn Yuán looked up from his book.

Shàn Yuán-"What is it?"
Xin Yi-"Why are you always so serious? You have a beautiful smile."

Shàn Yuán's expression softened, and for an instant, Xin Yi saw vulnerability.

Shàn Yuán-"Maybe I just need someone to share it with."
Xin Yi-" What? "
Shàn Yuán-" Do you have time? "
Xin Yi-" Ya I do. "
Shàn Yuán- " Ok then let me take you somewhere after the shooting."

Later that day.
They drove and, Finally they arrived at a secluded beach, the sun shining brightly. Shàn Yuán and Xin Yi walked along the beach, the waves gently lapping at their feet. Xin Yi broke the silence.

Xin Yi-"Shàn Yuán, can I ask you something?"

Shàn Yuán nodded, his gaze drifting to the horizon.

Xin Yi-"What drives you? You're so hardworking and talented"

Shàn Yuán's expression turned introspective.

Shàn Yuán-"My mom."

Xin Yi's curiosity piqued.

Xin Yi-"What about her?"

Shàn Yuán's voice took on a hint of vulnerability.

Shàn Yuán-"She never really thought about me, only about the path she wanted me to follow."

Xin Yi listened intently.
Shàn Yuán continued,

Shàn Yuán-"She pushed me into acting when I was a kid. I never had a choice. Sometimes I feel like I'm still living her dream, not mine."
Xin Yi-"That must be tough."
Shàn Yuán-"You're the first person I've ever told."

Shàn Yuán's voice barely above a whisper.

Shàn Yuán-"Sometimes I wonder what it'd be like to make my own choices."

The waves washed over their feet, a soothing melody.

Xin Yi-"What would you choose?"

Shàn Yuán's eyes searched the horizon.

Shàn Yuán-"I'm not sure... but I want to find out."

Their eyes met, a deep connection forming. For a moment, the world narrowed to just the two of them, the ocean, and the unspoken understanding.

As they strolled along the beach, Xin Yi's serene expression suddenly contorted in pain.

Xin Yi-"Ah!"

she exclaimed, clutching her foot.
Shàn Yuán swiftly turned, concern etched on his face.

Shàn Yuán-"What's wrong?"

Xin Yi winced, hobbling on one foot.

Xin Yi-"I stepped on something."

Shàn Yuán quickly knelt down, his hands gently cradling her ankle.

Shàn Yuán-"Let me see,"

he said softly, lifting her foot.
Xin Yi's eyes locked onto his, her gaze mesmerized by the tenderness in his touch. As Shàn Yuán examined her foot, his fingers tracing the injured area, Xin Yi's heart skipped a beat. His proximity, the warmth of his hands, and the intensity of his focus made her breath catch.

Shàn Yuán-"A shell,"

Shàn Yuán murmured, carefully removing the offending fragment.
Xin Yi's eyes never left his face, her thoughts swirling. Shàn Yuán's gaze lifted, meeting hers. For an instant, they just stared, the connection between them palpable. Xin Yi's cheeks flushed as Shàn Yuán's hands lingered, cradling her foot.

Shàn Yuán-"Better?"

he asked, his voice low and soothing.
Xin Yi nodded, still entranced.
Shàn Yuán smiled, releasing her foot.

Next day.

Xié Li called out,

Xié Li-"Action!"

Xin Yi and Shàn Yuán stood facing each other, their characters sharing a poignant moment. Xin Yi's eyes locked onto Shàn Yuán's, her voice trembling.

Xin Yi-"I thought I lost you forever."

Shàn Yuán's expression softened, his voice gentle.

Shàn Yuán-"I'll always come back to you."

Their gazes held, the tension palpable. Xin Yi's heart raced, her pulse pounding in her ears. As they delivered their lines, Xin Yi felt an unexpected rush of emotions. Shàn Yuán's eyes seemed to hold a deep sincerity.

Xié Li-"Cut!"

Xié Li exclaimed.
The crew applauded, and Xin Yi broke into a smile. Shàn Yuán's expression remained serious, but his eyes crinkled slightly.

Shàn Yuán-"You were great."
Xin Yi-"Thanks."

As they stepped apart, Xin Yi realized her hand was still touching Shàn Yuán's.
Their eyes met once more.

Xin Yi couldn't explain why, but Shàn Yuán's presence made her heart skip a beat. His reserved nature intrigued her.
During filming, she found herself stealing glances at him. His intense focus on the scenes impressed her.

As filming wrapped up, Xin Yi realized she looked forward to their interactions.
Rú Xuán noticed her gaze lingering on Shàn Yuán.

Rú Xuán-"Xin Yi, what's up?"
Xin Yi-"Nothing."
Rú Xuán-"then why are you looking at him."
Xin Yi-" Nothing let's go."

That evening, Xin Yi couldn't shake off the feeling. She replayed their interactions in her mind.
Shàn Yuán's kindness, his smile, and his dedication to his craft drew her in.
Was it possible she was falling for her co-star?