Chapter 648 Open And Honest Relationship
Meanwhile, in Livingsfill, Ning Ran arrived early at the outdoor filming location at the foot of a mountain. This was her first official day back with the production team.
In the film “I Am You,” every time the female lead teleported to a parallel world, she needed to find a suitable place with comfortable weather and temperature before she could teleport again.
This outdoor filming location was one of the “exits” of the teleportation. Many of the scenes would also be shot here.
When Ning Ran’s car reached the site, the production team, led by the director, stood in two groups and held fresh flowers to welcome her return.
Ning Ran was a little embarrassed by the high-profile welcome ceremony.
Although she had received the Best Newcomer Award and her television drama was now showing high popularity, she did not see herself as a celebrity.
Moreover, if she really became a celebrity one day, Ning Ran did not want to be so high-profile as others might be repulsed by it.
“Director, there’s no need for such a large-scale ceremony. I’m just coming back to work, just like everyone else,” she said awkwardly.
“We haven’t seen you for a long time. I heard you weren’t feeling well. We’re all very happy that you have finally recovered and returned.”
“Thank you, everyone. I apologize for delaying the filming schedule due to my personal reasons,” Ning Ran declared before bowing earnestly to everyone.
“It’s fine. Everyone has personal matters to settle once in a while. It’s great that you’re back,” the director hurriedly replied.
“Then, I’ll get my makeup done. Let’s get ready to begin.”
The instant Ning Ran sat down in the temporary makeup room, a bouquet of red roses appeared before her from behind, shocking her.
Turning around, she realized a handsome man was holding it. He was Huang Zichao, the famous actor and male lead in the film.
“Hello, Mr. Huang.”
Ning Ran hurriedly stood up and greeted him.
After all, he entered show business earlier than her and had won many accolades, so she should address him politely.
“Hi, Ms. Ning,” Huang Zichao replied with a smile. “Are you refusing my flowers? I’ve been holding them for a long time.”
Ning Ran was perplexed. “Why are you giving me flowers?”
“Because I like you!” Huang Zichao grinned.
Unable to find a suitable answer, Ning Ran froze for a moment, feeling awkward.
“Don’t get all nervous. I was joking. The flowers are to celebrate your return to work. I heard that you were sick and went on leave. Are you all right now?” Huang Zichao asked.
“Oh, yes. Thanks for your concern. I’ll accept your flowers. Thank you.”
He has already bought the flowers. If I reject him, he will be embarrassed. Still, it feels weird to accept roses from another man. After all, the love language of roses is love. If people from the production team saw this, they might gossip about us.
After accepting the roses, Ning Ran then placed the flowers on the table.
“Your dear CEO didn’t come along this time?” Huang Zichao asked, standing beside her.
“No. He doesn’t come along often as he has his own business to attend to.”
“That’s good.”
“Huh?”
“Haha, what I meant was I would be less stressed if Mr. Nan didn’t come along. I know he doesn’t like me shooting a film with you. I even heard he’s preparing to replace me with another actor. I guess it’s because he loves you too much. As a man, I can understand.”
Huang Zichao seemed interested in talking about Nan Chen.
However, Ning Ran didn’t want to continue talking about Nan Chen as she felt bad discussing him with another man.
Yet, she couldn’t tell exactly how it was inappropriate.
“Let’s not chat about him anymore. Mr. Huang, why don’t you go get ready? When I’m done, we can start shooting.”
“Okay. Why don’t we go out tonight since it has been so long? There are many bars in Livingsfill. We can go to one.”
“Oh, I don’t think I can…” Ning Ran immediately refused.
Huang Zichao was surprised by her speedy rejection. Even she herself was shocked.
“Why? Your CEO husband isn’t here. Can’t you go for a drink with your friends? Moreover, we’re partners. If we interact more and build rapport, our shooting will also go smoother, right?” Huang Zichao persuaded.
There were no flaws in his logic, so Ning Ran could only nod.
After all, it was important to build rapport between actors. Only when actors were in tune with each other could they get into character and perform well.
Also, a famous actor was the one who invited her. If she repeatedly rejected him, it would do no good for their collaboration since they were in the same production team and needed to work together for a long time.
Only when Huang Zichao saw Ning Ran nod did he become happy again.
Once the preparations were complete, the shoot officially began.
As she had not filmed for a long time, she couldn’t get into her working mode. It was only after the director yelled “cut” multiple times did she slowly get into character.
To make up for the delayed time, they shot till eight at night before wrapping up.
Everyone was tired, and Ning Ran was about to return to the inn when Huang Zichao came.
“Shall we have a drink or supper first?”
He directly gave her two options, leaving her no room for refusal. After all, Ning Ran did agree in the morning.
“I’m tired and want to go back to rest,” Ning Ran replied with a smile.
“Then you should let loose when you’re tired. Plus, it’s still early. We don’t need to stay till late at night, so it won’t affect your rest. I’ve already booked our seats, and I’ll be very disappointed if you don’t go.”
I don’t think Huang Zichao is going to give up easily. If I continue to refuse him, I’ll be humiliating him.
“Fine, but we can’t stay that late,” Ning Ran agreed reluctantly.
Then, she turned around to speak to Qiao Zhan. “I’m going out to eat with Mr. Huang. If Nan Chen calls, tell him I won’t stay out too late.”
Her words were meant for both Qiao Zhan and Huang Zichao, signaling to the latter that Nan Chen now knew she was going out with him.
Since everyone knew, it meant her relationship with Huang Zichao was open and honest.
“Why don’t I accompany you? Sir Chen said that I must ensure your safety,” Qiao Zhan suggested.
Ning Ran didn’t mind. As nothing was going on between her and Huang Zichao, it didn’t matter if Qiao Zhan went along.
However, Huang Zichao disagreed. “We’ll be chatting about things related to the film, so it will be inconvenient if outsiders come along.”
“Can you bear the responsibility if something happens to Madam?” Qiao Zhan retorted.
“Nothing will happen. If something really happens, I will bear the responsibility,” Huang Zichao declared assuredly, patting his chest.
“How will you bear the responsibility?” Qiao Zhan was unconvinced.
“Nothing will happen. Don’t worry.”
Ning Ran was conflicted. She didn’t want to chase Qiao Zhan away, nor did she want to offend Huang Zichao.
Huang Zichao had a high status in the entertainment industry, so she didn’t want to make things awkward between them.
Moreover, he always acted gentlemanly and never behaved frivolously or inappropriately.
“Why don’t you return first and let two of your subordinates follow me? Sorry for causing trouble for you,” Ning Ran said apologetically to Qiao Zhan.
“Don’t say that, Madam. It’s my duty. Then, I’ll return first. If anything happens, call me immediately.”
Since Ning Ran had spoken, Qiao Zhan could only concede.
