Chapter 25: Has He Really Been Unfaithful?

Her acting may not be award-winning, but compared to Yun Fu, it is more than sufficient. Thinking of this, Ning Lan smiled.

"Yun Fu, let's begin."

This scene was a heated argument between their two characters about whether it was worth risking their lives to save someone. In the script, Qian Xuan was a domineering ice-cold beauty, while Ning Lan played a straightforward, fiery girl. When two such contrasting personalities clash, it's usually the forthright one who prevails. So Ning Lan was very confident.

She adjusted her dress and glanced at Yun Fu's luxurious outfit beside her, unconsciously clenching her fists. It didn't matter—her costumes would become just as splendid later on. She was the real lead.

"Three, two, one, action!" At the director's call, a flash of provocation crossed Ning Lan's eyes.

They stood opposed, their robes fluttering. Ning Lan lifted her head, ready to recite the lines she had memorized flawlessly. But when she raised her eyes and met Yun Fu's gaze, it was as if her throat had been seized—she couldn't utter a single word.

It felt as though she stood before the clouds, gazing down at mortals as a deity. Those eyes seemed to encompass all things in the world, yet not even the smallest person could find a place within them, for Ning Lan found no trace of herself reflected in Yun Fu's gaze.

The line she should have delivered—"I'm not like you. All I know is that saving a life is worth more than building seven pagodas!"—now felt childish and foolish under those eyes. She simply could not bring herself to say it.

"Cut!" Bai Yu's brows furrowed deeply; he hadn't expected things to go awry right from the start.

Ning Lan's face turned pale, but she quickly recovered, bowing repeatedly in apology. "I'm sorry, Director, everyone, please give me another chance. Let's continue."

Her gaze swept to Yun Fu, who remained serene and composed. Ning Lan gritted her teeth, her smile stiff.

"Action!" The director called again.

This time, Ning Lan managed to deliver her line.

Now it was Yun Fu's turn. She lowered her eyelids, hiding those glass-like eyes and betraying no emotion. But her fingers curled slightly at her side. Her voice was soft, barely audible, but carried heavy weight, striking every heart present: "To risk your own life to save another is not kindness—it is foolishness.

My life is meant for greater things."

At that moment, everyone in the crew held their breath. They seemed to see the girl from the book—a cold, taciturn soul with burning passion in her eyes. A girl who, despite enduring all hardships, still chose kindness—not out of cruelty, but because she understood what must be sacrificed.

Bai Yu stared at the monitor, his eyes shining. If not for fear of disturbing Yun Fu, he would have applauded. Incredible—she truly embodied Qian Xuan's inner conflict.

Ning Lan looked at Yun Fu before her—no, she looked at Qian Xuan—and forgot her lines again.

"Cut!" Bai Yu's expression darkened.

Still, he kept his composure. "Yun Fu, keep up your state. Let's try another take."

The wind machine started again, making their robes billow—one in fiery red, one in snowy white. Yun Fu wore a fiery dress, but on her, it only added a splash of color to her face, while she still radiated coldness.

The scene continued, and this time, Ning Lan got her lines out. Yet, compared to Yun Fu's effortless performance, she always seemed to lack something.

"Cut!"

"Cut!"

"Cut!"

Every time it was Ning Lan's turn, the director kept calling for cuts. The crew's expressions grew grim.

But those who understood the craft knew Ning Lan's acting was decent—just that, next to Yun Fu, it paled in comparison. One seemed to have stepped straight out of the novel, while the other carried obvious marks of performance.

Fu Shi Qian watched the two actresses, inwardly awed—the girl called Yun Fu, her acting was as stunning as her beauty.

After over a dozen takes, Bai Yu finally lost his patience. "Enough! Ning Lan, take a break and find your state. We'll shoot again later!"

He turned and looked at Yun Fu, his tone softening. "Yun Fu's scenes are perfect. Keep it up."

Yun Fu nodded, took the water Joann handed her and drank a few sips, then sat quietly in a chair. She hadn't spoken a single word the entire time.

Joann paused, sighing to herself. "Thank you, Director. Our little Fu will work even harder."

Elsewhere, Du Xingyuan had come to visit the set today, just arrived. As soon as he entered, he saw Ning Lan with reddened eyes, looking deeply aggrieved.

A beautiful woman's tears always stir compassion.

"Lan Lan, what's wrong?"

Seeing Du Xingyuan, Ning Lan instantly threw herself into his arms, sobbing pitifully.

"I'm fine, really, just a little upset." She lay on Du Xingyuan's shoulder, her body shaking with sobs. "Xingyuan, don't blame Yun Fu. It's all my own fault. I promise I'll work hard to improve my acting."

Du Xingyuan frowned intensely. Ning Lan's acting might not be extraordinary, but it was more than enough for this role compared to Yun Fu. There should be no problem at all. How could she be crying over her acting?

"Yun Fu again!" Du Xingyuan shook his hand in frustration. "That Yun Fu, never a moment's peace!"

He held Ning Lan, gently comforting her. "Don't worry, I believe in your acting. As for Yun Fu, she's been too arrogant lately..."

Though he said this, the thought of Yun Fu's identity as a miraculous doctor and her connection to Lian Hanqi reminded him he was powerless.

Ning Lan, however, had absolute faith. She might not be able to deal with Yun Fu, but surely the Du family could.

"Xingyuan, you're still..." Her words were cut off by Du Xingyuan's phone ringing abruptly.

He took out his phone, his expression changing when he saw the caller.

He steadied Ning Lan's shoulders, his manner urgent. "Lan Lan, something's come up. I have to go. I'll visit the set again soon."

With that, he left in a hurry.

Watching his unhesitant departure, Ning Lan's heart skipped a beat, and Yun Fu's earlier words echoed in her mind: Cheating happens either never or countless times. If he can cheat on me, he can cheat on you.

Ning Lan's expression changed dramatically. She clenched her fists, biting her lip, scenes of Du Xingyuan's recent odd behavior replaying in her mind.

He refused to be intimate, hid things from her, and left in a rush.

Could it be... Du Xingyuan really was cheating?