[Quick Transmigration] The Clingy Spirit of the Blackened Male Supporting Character - Chapter 96

Luo Ning quickly apologized, “Brother Wang, I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I was really drunk last night. It wasn’t my intention to miss the shoot.”

“I won’t dare do it again.”

The original owner had privately arranged the meeting with that investor. If the manager found out, he would be even angrier. The manager controlled the resources for the artists. If he completely gave up on him, it meant there was no way for him to survive in this industry.

Luo Ning felt quite strange, as if he had suddenly returned to the time when he was struggling in the entertainment industry. This was the original owner’s last chance, being shoved into a costume drama as the fifth male lead. The director had a fiery temper, and if it weren’t for the fact that they had already filmed some scenes, he might have been kicked out by now.

Luo Ning humbly admitted his mistakes and managed to appease his manager. Since it was already afternoon and there wasn’t enough time to get to the set, he decided to go home first. His clothes were damp and wrinkled, so he took a taxi back.

The place the original owner lived in was a rented apartment in a small high-rise building. As soon as he opened the door, a foul smell wafted over. The room was simple and messy, with takeout boxes piled in the corner. In the heat of summer, flies buzzed around.

Looking at the dirty and messy environment, Luo Ning frowned and sighed. After changing into comfortable clothes, his mood improved slightly. He started cleaning up the place. He mopped the floor and washed the bedding and clothes and ended up exhausted.

Luo Ning leaned back on the sofa to rest for a bit, then took his bank card and went out. He first bought a new phone at the mall and then got some takeout fried rice, spending most of his money.

After getting a good night’s sleep at home, he woke up refreshed the next day. He put together a nice outfit and rushed to the set.

The filming location was in a famous film and television city, elegant and rich in ancient charm. The weather was hot, and many people had rolled up their long-sleeved costumes, sitting in front of fans to cool off.

When Luo Ning entered, the staff cast him disdainful glances and whispered among themselves, clearly disapproving of him and thinking he would be in for trouble.

Inside, the director was staring seriously at the camera. Two actors stood facing each other, one tall and imposing, the other graceful and handsome.

Seeing the two actors perform well, a smile finally appeared on the director’s face. He took a sip of the water, but when he caught sight of Luo Ning approaching, his smile immediately vanished, replaced by displeasure and resentment.

If it weren’t for Luo Ning’s appearance matching that of the fifth male lead and the production team struggling to find a suitable candidate, the director would never have allowed such a pretty face into the production. It was one thing to lack acting skills, but being unprofessional and acting like an arrogant fool made him even less likable.

With a cold snort, the director ignored Luo Ning. He busied himself with his own tasks and didn’t even give him a glance.

Luo Ning was aware he had made mistakes, so he sincerely approached to apologize. “Director Zheng, I know I was wrong. Please give me another chance. I promise to perform well.”

The director sneered, “Why would I let you admit your mistakes? You’re like a Buddha in my little temple. Why don’t you just not come at all?”

Luo Ning wasn’t angry. He quickly added, “It’s my fault for holding up the crew’s progress and making you all wait for me. I’ve been unreasonable. I’ll work hard on my acting skills from now on and never drag everyone down again.”

After some back and forth, along with Luo Ning’s previously arrogant demeanor softening into a serious and gentle one, the director finally relented, smiling sarcastically, “If you take another ten or so takes, the role will really be replaced. Anyone else would do better than you.”

Luo Ning assured him, “I will definitely work hard.”

The original owner couldn’t act, but for Luo Ning, it was as simple as eating. He had exceptional acting talent and knew how to understand characters, deliver stunning performances, and handle the camera angles perfectly. Having achieved the status of a film emperor at a young age, his acting skills were naturally impressive.

This world was open-minded and prosperous in all aspects, with few restrictions. Even same-sex marriages and relationships were accepted.

The historical drama being filmed, “The Prosperous Chang’an”, tells the story of the Crown Prince and the youngest son of the Grand Tutor, who became lovers and supported each other, eventually sharing control of the kingdom. It included sweet romance, heart-wrenching love, and court intrigue—albeit with a hint of melodrama.

Overall, it was a well-produced script, with carefully selected costumes and actors. The director had a track record of high-quality work, and it was adapted from a popular online novel. It was expected to be one of the hottest dramas of the year.

After all, the leading actors were no ordinary people. The Crown Prince was played by the three-time Golden Horse Award winner, Ye Xingzhou. His looks, acting skills, and charisma were top-notch in the industry, attracting a massive fanbase and making him a dream lover in the eyes of the public. He was unmatched in popularity by any other male star.

However, Ye Xingzhou had retired from the industry at the peak of his career. Insiders knew that he returned to develop his family business, the top-tier Huaguang Group owned by the Ye family enterprise.

Ye Xingzhou had been away from the industry for five years, but his status remained unchallenged. Recently, he had taken on this drama for some unknown reason, making the director very happy.

The other lead actor was the rising young actor Jian Xi, known as the “High-Class Beauty” in the entertainment industry, who also had outstanding acting skills among his peers.

In the director’s view, this drama would secure high ratings and a good reputation. He had carefully considered every actor he selected, ensuring none were merely “internet celebrities”. The costumes and jewelry were meticulously designed, with minimal reliance on special effects or body doubles, and outdoor filming was frequent.

Luo Ning’s role was the fifth male lead. At the beginning of the script, the Crown Prince was set to be a womanizing and roguish character to conceal his true nature. Luo Ning was presented as a prized beauty from a certain prince, sent to the Crown Prince’s side as a hidden spy, creating trouble among the main characters. In the end, he was a beautiful but foolish pawn who ended up as cannon fodder.

The scene that had been delayed yesterday involved the fifth male lead plotting against the protagonist out of jealousy, resulting in pushing someone into a river.

Luo Ning roughly understood the storyline and thought about how to perform. While such a malicious supporting character had little screen time and was generally unlikable, he realized that with a different approach, he could shine, especially with his good looks.

As Luo Ning contemplated, a refined-looking figure emerged from the hallway—it was Jian Xi. He was one of the main actors, dressed in a white ancient costume, exuding elegance and coldness.

Not only was he a main character in this drama, but he was also destined to become a Best Actor in the entertainment industry.

Luo Ning observed Jian Xi, who frowned slightly. In his cool piercing gaze, a hint of disgust flashed by.

Luo Ning felt awkward. He remembered that the original owner was often jealous of Jian Xi’s potential and often made things difficult for him, resulting in a strained relationship with him. He simply greeted him lightly, not wanting to provoke any annoyance. It was best to focus on his acting.

Then a dark corner of clothing appeared in the corridor, revealing a tall figure with long legs and strikingly handsome and chiseled features. His expression was cold and stern, yet he carried a unique charm.

Luo Ning paused, feeling a sense of familiarity. As he looked closer, he was surprised to recall that this was the man he had encountered last night. Could this be Ye Xingzhou?

What a coincidence.

But when Ye Xingzhou glanced at him, his gaze was as icy as if it could cut. Luo Ning felt helpless. It seemed the original owner had poor relationships, and people in the crew disliked him.

Thinking back to how Ye Xingzhou had helped him last night, Luo Ning composed himself. He let out a grateful smile. His smile was gentle and a bit shy, with his peach blossom eyes curving like blooming petals, very beautiful and eye-catching.

Yet Ye Xingzhou turned his head away, looking utterly disgusted.

Luo Ning was left silent. Was he really that annoying?

Before he could feel down about it, the director called for him to touch up.

Luo Ning was wearing a T-shirt, which was clearly inappropriate for the role. He changed into a dark red outfit with intricate patterns embroidered on the long hem.

If anyone else wore it, it might seem gaudy or overly feminine, but Luo Ning’s fair and beautiful face complemented the clothing perfectly.

It made his features even more exquisite, like a blooming peach blossom, the most stunning sight.

His hair was styled simply, adorned with a jade hairpin. The makeup artist couldn’t help but be impressed. Despite his past reputation, Luo Ning’s looks were simply striking. When she first saw him, she had a very favorable impression but later learned about his hidden unpleasant personality. But today, he seemed to have undergone a subtle transformation, his face glowing and inadvertently attracting her attention.

The makeup artist shook her head. If it weren’t for his numerous scandals and low emotional intelligence, he could easily make a name for himself in the entertainment industry by relying solely on his looks.

Luo Ning’s posture was cultivated, exuding elegance in every movement. When he walked out, his back was straight with a hint of nobility in his posture, alluring yet refined. He effortlessly drew people’s attention.

In his character’s setting, he was a well-known beauty, but the previous Luo Ning had portrayed him with a hint of a fallen aura. Now, he finally embodied the grace and charm a true beauty should have.

As soon as he stepped out, several gazes fell on him, all somewhat surprised. Even the director’s eyes flashed with satisfaction, noting that Luo Ning lacked his usual sleazy aura.

Instead, he radiated a refined elegance, leading the director to speculate whether Luo Ning had secretly taken some acting sessions, as his entire demeanor seemed different.

Originally, the crew all favored Jian Xi, thinking he was the most handsome. But now in comparison, Jian Xi appeared somewhat bland next to Luo Ning’s otherworldly beauty. When both entered the frame, Jian Xi’s advantage was significantly diminished.

Jian Xi’s eyes flashed with slight displeasure. Being looked at by many eyes, he naturally didn’t want to be overshadowed. His face became even colder.

The scene was set by a small lake, with the two actors standing opposite each other. Luo Ning’s character as the fifth male lead could no longer maintain his facade of false kindness and pride due to jealousy and decided to harm the protagonist. As he approached the lakeside, he secretly pushed the protagonist into the water from behind.

Luo Ning’s expression was tinged with excitement. His slightly reddened eyes hid jealousy and hatred, full of calculation, resembling a venomous snake ready to strike. As if unable to suppress something, he let out a cruel smile. He pretended to stumble and pushed the protagonist into the water.

Jian Xi’s face registered shock and panic as he fell into the water, struggling in fear.

Although both actors were in sync emotionally and handled the details well, the director was dissatisfied and shouted, “Luo Ning, what’s wrong with you?!”

“Are you the main character? How could you steal Jian Xi’s shot!”