C10 Slap After Slap

When nine o’clock rolled around the next morning, Yanxi still didn’t make an appearance at the Civil Affairs Bureau.

After all, this was her first day at a new project.

She had been scouted for a role in an ancient costume drama, of which she herself had been a fan in the past three months.

This was also going to be her first time to co-star with her older sister, Qin Yanfei.

The latter, however, got the main female lead, while Yanxi was nothing more than a side character among the antagonist’s minions.

What she hadn’t expected was that her first shoot would be a scene between her and Yanfei.

What’s more, she was going to get slapped.

“Director, do I really have to hit her for real?” Yanxi overheard her sister ask.

Yanfei was huddled with the director to the side of the set, and they seemed to be in a deep, hushed discussion.

The man nodded emphatically. “Why, of course!”

“Can’t I just act like I’m slapping her, just pretend?”

“Of course not!”

Yanfei frowned at the director, who was adamant about the matter. Still, she kept pleading.

It was at this point that Yanxi decided to step in.

“It’s okay, sister. I’ll be all right. I can handle a little slap. We’re all professionals here anyway, and such scenes are unavoidable.”

Well, in reality, a third-rate actress like herself would probably receive no treatment or special care after getting hurt during the shoot.

But Yanxi took comfort in the knowledge that she was already used to these kind of encounters.

Yanfei tried to protest again. “But—”

“Actors, get ready!” the assistant director yelled, effectively ending the women’s conversation.

They moved over to the stadium in the middle of the set and stood facing each other in front of the camera, while the rest of the extra actors went into position in the background.

“And action!” the director shouted. This was followed by the sharp snapping sound of the clapboard.

And then Yanfei was rushing over to her sister and the next thing Yanxi knew, a big slap had landed on her face.

It was so sudden that she had to scramble for her bearings before she could react.

The director yelled cut. “Yanfei, you didn’t use enough strength! Again!”

Yanfei glanced at her sister. “Does it hurt?”

“It’s okay, let’s do the scene again,” Yanxi said despite the mild stinging of her cheek.

“Actors ready! And, action!”

Another sound slap came at Yanxi.

It was so much more forceful this time that she lost her balance and got swept to the side.

The director yelled cut again, looking a little angry.

"What are you doing, Yanfei? This is supposed to be a very intense scene. Apply some strength; we’re not here to play around! Again!"

“Yes, director,” Yanfei mumbled, looking helpless. “I’m really sorry about this, Yanxi.”

The younger sister shook her head and smiled. “I’m really fine. Come on, we can’t let the crew look down on us. Show them what you’ve got, sister.”

Yanfei nodded.

Meanwhile, no one noticed a mysterious man lounging at a nearby pavilion.

He was wearing a black windbreaker, his eyes narrowed sharply as he watched the scene unfolding up on the stadium.

His lips were upturned into a cold smile.

“Qin Yanfei,” he muttered under his breath. “You will pay the price for bullying what is mine.”

“Again! Action!” the director’s voice boomed over and over, always followed by the explosive sound of skin hitting skin.

“Ugh,” Xiaolu groaned, her face twisted in worry. She was standing behind some of the staff below the stadium. “Yanxi…”

Yanfei’s palm was already burning in pain, and was actually trembling slightly.

One could only imagine what Yanxi was feeling.

She just stood there, seemingly in a daze, her eyes blank. Her ears were ringing, disorienting most of her other senses.

Her cheek was red and swollen, and looked like it would burst with blood any moment now.

She was in so much pain that even her nose felt like it had been broken. Nevertheless, she endured.

If she couldn’t do even this much, could she really call herself an actress?

Tang Zhengxun’s eyes glinted dangerously from where he sat. An ominous aura descended over him, causing the people around him to shudder in fear.

Then he stood up in one abrupt motion and left the area with his bodyguards in tow.

“Okay, everyone, that’s a wrap!” the director finally called out. A collective sigh of relief washed over everyone.

“Yanxi, are you okay?” Yanfei quickly went over, looking apologetic. “I’m really sorry about this. I wouldn’t have done it if we had a choice.”

"Oh don’t be like this, sister. I know you didn’t do it on purpose."

Then Xiaolu was there, pulling a makeup artist along with her. “Oh my goodness, baby! Your face is so red! You must be in a lot of pain.”

“It’s fine, I’m okay.” Yanxi forced a smile.

“Come with me. We need to put something on your face or it’s going to look even worse.”

Xiaolu put a hand over her shoulder and started guide her off of the stadium, only for Yanfei to pull her sister back.

“I’m afraid you can’t apply anything just yet,” she said in a firm voice. “The next scene we’re filming has Yanxi in it, too.”

“But her face is obviously swollen!” Xiaolu declared with a frown.

“Which is a fortunate coincidence, since the next scene is supposed to be after this last one.

Naturally, her face had to look like it had been beaten. This should be good since they wouldn't have to redo her makeup anymore.”