Chapter 10 Slap

The next day, Muqing did not show herself at the Civil Affairs Bureau at 9 o'clock in the morning. That day was the first day that she'll be working on a new show. It was a role for a costume drama that she accepted 3 months ago. Muqing would be collaborating with her sister, Xia Munuan for the first time in the show. However, her sister will be playing the female lead in that drama while she played the role of an evil servant that tagged alongside the main female antagonist. Muqing did not expect her first scene collaborating with her sister would involve an argument scene where the female lead would have to slap the evil servant in that episode. “Director, do we have to.... slap the other person in this scene?” Muqing heard her sister, Xia Munuan discussing with the director in a hushed voice inside the resting area. “Of course.” The director nodded. “Is it possible that we... fake the slap?” “Of course not!” Xia Munuan frowned at the director's response. Seeing the determined look in the director's face, Xia Munuan finally decided to give up on her appeal to amend the scene. “Sis, it's really fine.” Muqing comforted her sister while the makeup artist touched up her makeup. “I'll manage. It's just a slap anyway. Moreover, we are professional actresses, so it's common that we'll face this kind of scene.” A third-rated actress like Muqing would never be given any special treatments such as arranging for a 'fake slap' scene for her, so it's natural that the treatment towards her this time will remain unchanged. Muqing had already made peace with that thought. “But....” “Everyone gets ready in your position!” The assistant director announced loudly. The sisters had to put their conversation on hold following the announcement. All the actors and actresses took their positions. Muqing and her sister, Munuan stood in the middle facing each other. “Action!” The director shouted and slammed the clapperboard shut. Xia Munuan moved towards Muqing swiftly and slapped her. “Cut-” The director marked the take as NG before Muqing could react. “Munuan, you're not using enough force. We're going to retake the scene!” Xia Munuan looked at her sister without knowing what to do. “Muqing, does it hurt?” “Sis, it's alright. Let's retake the scene.” Muqing felt a stinging sensation on her cheek, but she also knew that her sister had already tried to restrain the force in that slap. “Everyone gets in position. Action!” “Piak-” Another slap landed on Muqing's cheek causing her head to turn sideways due to the force of the slap. “Cut! Cut-” The director shouted again with a hint of anger in his voice. “Munuan, what's the matter with you? This is the climax scene, if you do not perform the slap well, the character's emotion could not be brought forward to the spectators. We'll retake this scene. Slap harder this time!” “Okay....” Xia Munuan seemed a little down. “Muqing, I'm so sorry...” “Muqing shook her head and smiled. “Sis, we're going to try our best. Don't let the others underestimate us.” “Okay...” Xia Munuan nodded. Inside the resting area not far away from the scene, a man wearing a black-colored windbreaker was enjoying the view silently. He squinted his sharp eyes thoughtfully as a sneer played across his sexy lips. “Xia Munuan, you'll have to face the consequences for hitting the woman that belongs to me......” “Again! Action!” The director raised his voice. “Piak-” The sound of a forceful slap reverberated throughout the venue. “Ah....” Jin Xiaolu that was watching the scene gasped uncontrollably. “Muqing....” Xia Munuan's reddened palm was stinging with a burning sensation as she rested her trembling hand by her side. Muqing on the other hand, stood in front of Munuan in a daze, her mind blank as her ears started ringing with a buzzing sound. The throbbing sensation from that slap tugged painfully at her cranial nerves. Her pinkish cheek swelled right after she received the slap, Muqing looked pitiful with an outline of a palm imprinted on the side of her face. It's.... excruciating! Muqing wanted to sob from the pain, but she suppressed her emotions. How can I become a first-rate and outstanding actress if I cannot even withstand such an insignificant pain? Qi Chenjue's deep blue eyes gleamed as he watched on, he curled his lips wickedly as the air around him turned oppressive. He got up and left under his bodyguard’s protection. “Alright. This take is good!” Everyone sighed a breath of relief as the director shouted. “Muqing, are you okay?” Xia Munuan approached Muqing apologetically. “I'm sorry, Muqing. I did not do that on purpose.” “Sis, don't be sorry.... I know you did not do that on purpose.” Jin Xiaolu hurried over with the makeup artist following behind her. “Oh my God! Your face had become so red, my baby! You must be feeling so much pain!” “I’m... I'm fine.” Muqing put up a strong façade. “Let's apply some medicine quickly. Your face will swell up further otherwise.” Jin Xiaolu was about to lead Muqing away. “Muqing, I'm afraid you can't apply the medicine yet....” Munuan held her sister's hand as she said apologetically, “Another scene is coming up swiftly after.” “But her face is already swollen....” Jin Xiaolu frowned with displeasure. “The next scene would be a continuation following the slap....” So, you're saying that Muqing should proceed with her face in this condition? Do you intend to save the makeup cost by asking her to show her real swollen face on the camera?