Didi and Yueyue were piled underneath their coats. They were just about to film the scene where Daoming Si saves Shancai from the snow storm and he needs to use his body heat to warm her up.
Didi recalled his Super Idol days and Teacher He Bing's story about filming a bedroom scene with an actress who was 20 years younger than him. Teacher He was concerned about the actress because there were all the production assistants surrounding the set, and here he was, old enough to be the actress' father, shirtless, and she was supposed to lie on his bare chest as they shot the scene. No matter how many takes were needed, they would stay in that position until the director was satisfied. Teacher He asked the actress if she was ok, and she responded that she was. Then the actress asked if Teacher He was okay and tried to make him feel more at ease. "What's this?" Teacher He relayed to Didi and the other Super Idol contestants. "She's new to acting. Why is she trying to make me feel at ease?"
"I'm just fine," he said to her, "I was only worried about you." The actress did not let Teacher He off easily, and said, "I know you are anxious. Let's not forget, my ear is to your chest, and I can hear your heart beating very fast."
Teacher He had told this story to Didi and the others to describe what it would be like on set and how close you would get to your co-actors and how awkward it could become.
As Didi remembered this story, he hoped Yueyue could not hear his own heartbeat racing. As much as they had developed a friendship, one of playful banter and bashing, he never forgot that Yueyue was a girl, a cute girl whose smile could light up a room. The more time he spent with her, the more aware he became of her kind and generous nature. If you asked him, she had a lot of Shancai in her: loyal to her friends, considerate of others, fierce if anyone got on her bad side, which took quite a lot. I should know, I've done plenty to annoy her, and she not once has gotten upset with me. Come to think of it, he couldn't think of a time when he had seen her really upset, except when she was acting.
However, none of these thoughts explained his racing heart.
All right, he said to himself. Get ahold of yourself. It is just one scene with Shen Yue. Get into the mindset of Daoming Si. Shancai is freezing cold and in danger of losing her life. Now, Ah Si is attracted to and cares about her, and only he can save her. You are Daoming Si. You are concerned for her. No funny business.
His thoughts were interrupted by Yueyue's movements on his arm. "Hey, Didi, can you move a little bit?"
"Wah! What is it?" he said playfully. "Can't handle the heat, can you?" He wiggled his eyebrows at her to make her laugh as he gazed into her soft brown eyes. His joking was an automatic reflex as he realized yet again that Shen Yue was only wearing a camisole and he was shirtless. Only a thin strip of fabric separated her skin from his. He reminded himself, You are concerned for her. She's on the precipice of death.
As if on cue, Shen Yue laughed at his exaggerated expression and swatted his arm. I'm so glad that I'm working with Dylan. He has made this experience a lot less awkward, and actually, quite enjoyable. She couldn't imagine doing this scene in this way with any other actor.
He noticed that her laughter was a sound that was comforting, and one that he looked forward to hearing more and more. She rolled her eyes at him and said, "Right, it's starting to get a little damp underneath us. Do you think you can shift a little to the right?" She smiled at him as she made the request.
"All right, all right," he said and smiled at her as he scooted over to the right. "Better?"
"Yes," she sighed, as she laid her head down again on his outstretched arm. "Much. Is my head too heavy for you? I'm sure I'm making your arm fall asleep."
Asleep? He was relieved to hear that was what she was thinking. Sleep was the furthest thing from his mind. Her head, nestled in the crook between his shoulder and chest, felt like it was especially molded to fit there, like they were two pieces of a puzzle.
He noticed that she was looking at him questioningly.
"Yes, yes, my arm's asleep," he said hurriedly. He gave her a teasing smile. "Your head is so big and heavy, my arm fell asleep ages ago, but I'm used to it. Usually it's my neck that aches from looking down so much."
"Hey!" she exclaimed as she swatted his arm again. "I can't help my height. Also, it's your fault for being so tall." Her lower lip jutted out in protest. He held back an almost immediate instinct to reach out and touch her lip.
Ah, he groaned to himself. I am concerned for her life. I am concerned for her life!
Just then they heard the director call out: "Ready for the next take!"
He never felt so grateful for the director's voice as he did in that instant.
He felt Shen Yue shift herself into place and compose her face back into the sickly, cold Shancai. She almost seemed to visibly become two shades paler. He marveled at her skills and willed himself to do the same. I am concerned for her life. I am concerned for her life.
"Action!" the director yelled.
