Chapter 127/128: Shen Manbing's Difficulty

Translator: 549690339

The scene: Kim Shimei (driving) and her drugged, sleeping younger brother, Kim Shixun, flee to the United States, escaping opposition from the Kim family (and their long-absent matriarch). Lin Xiaofan chases their car on foot. The scene itself is simple to film. However, it's set during a Christmas scene, requiring winter clothing in the middle of July. The script calls for Lin Xiaofan (played by Xia Yangyang) to wear a heavy down jacket.

Xia Yangyang immediately overheated in the summer heat. The director, anticipating difficulties, reassured her: "This shouldn't be hard, Yangyang. One take should suffice."

Filming began. Kim Shimei drove while Kim Shixun remained asleep in the backseat (the car's air conditioning kept them comfortable). The camera crew followed on a track. Xia Yangyang began running, but quickly overheated, forcing a cut.

The director repeatedly called for retakes, criticizing Shen Manbing's (Kim Shimei's actress) driving speed: first too fast, then too slow, then inconsistent. After a dozen failed takes, Xia Yangyang was near collapse from the heat. She removed her down jacket, revealing her sweat-soaked clothing.

The director approached Shen Manbing: "Bingbing, you seem distracted today. Should we switch scenes?"

Shen Manbing replied, "I'm sorry, Director Yang. I rarely drive, so my skills are… lacking. But let's continue; I'll focus."

The director agreed, but it was clear to everyone that Shen Manbing was deliberately sabotaging Xia Yangyang.

Lu Yao anxiously speculated, "Did Yangyang fail to greet her properly earlier? This is excessive." Another onlooker added, "Poor Yangyang! Wearing a down jacket in this heat… she might get heatstroke." Xia Weiwei, meanwhile, watched with secret pleasure.

The entire crew, including the director, was intimidated by Shen Manbing's power and influence. They knew she was intentionally making things difficult for Xia Yangyang, but were powerless to intervene.

Finally, Chen Yu intervened: "Sister Bingbing, abusing your position for personal matters doesn't suit your image. If you have issues with Xia Yangyang, discuss it with Mr. Gu. This treatment is inappropriate."

Shen Manbing, surprised Chen Yu knew about her relationship with Mr. Gu, coldly laughed: "If you care about her, don't defend her. I'm petty; your intervention might just lead to more retakes."

Chen Yu knew Shen Manbing's volatile nature: easily angered, but usually restrained. Those who angered her, however, faced severe consequences. Backed by her powerful family, the Shen family, nobody dared to cross her. Xia Yangyang, therefore, was in serious trouble.