Chapter 90: Psychological Shadow
"Why?" Director Wallace asked, utterly baffled.
"Don’t ask why. Delete it immediately. Delete everything."
’Delete the kiss scene? And specifically Zane Langdon and Melody Monroe’s kiss scene?’
’Just what kind of big shot could make the producer call in such a panic?’
"Okay, got it," Director Wallace agreed.
’The kiss scene wasn’t crucial to the plot anyway, so cutting it wouldn’t affect anything.’
Melody Monroe stood to the side, her mind replaying what had just happened.
’The more you fear something, the harder it is to forget. It really is an unbreakable curse.’
’Evan Fairchild was now a threat to her very life, and she was subconsciously terrified of him.’
’So all that mental preparation just now was a complete waste of effort.’
’The moment she thought about kissing, she couldn’t stop thinking of Evan Fairchild. It would probably take some time before she could completely escape this shadow.’
"Melody, have some water." Zane Langdon handed her a bottle of mineral water.
"Thanks." Melody Monroe took it and gave Zane Langdon a smile.
’Idols really are the best. Just seeing him is enough to lift my spirits.’
"I had a lot of bad takes during my first kiss scene, too."
"Mr. Langdon, who did you have your first on-screen kiss with?" Melody Monroe asked curiously.
"An actress who’s already left the business. She’s a good friend of mine. She doesn’t act anymore—she got married and settled down abroad."
"Oh." Melody Monroe nodded.
"This is your first on-screen kiss, isn’t it?" Zane Langdon suddenly asked.
Melody Monroe’s face instantly turned red, and she nodded.
"I’m deeply honored."
...
Evan Fairchild watched the brightly lit set, able to see every single move Melody Monroe and Zane Langdon made with perfect clarity.
Tommy watched his boss’s back and prayed silently, ’Why haven’t they done anything over there yet?!’
After finishing the call, Director Wallace walked toward Melody Monroe and Zane Langdon.
"We’re going to make a small adjustment to this scene. Since Melody keeps having bad takes, we’ll just cut the kiss scene. All we need is one more shot to wrap things up."
"Really?" Melody Monroe asked happily. ’If I don’t have to shoot the kiss scene, I won’t keep messing up!’
Zane Langdon also nodded, respecting the director’s decision.
"Alright, all departments, get ready! One more shot and we’re done for the day!" Director Wallace announced, turning to the crew.
Hearing that they would be wrapping up soon, everyone’s spirits lifted, and they quickly got busy.
Melody Monroe and Zane Langdon stood under the night sky as the camera slowly pulled back, capturing the beautiful moment.
"CUT!"
As the director’s voice rang out, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
"Great work, everyone. Thanks for all your hard work," Zane Langdon said to the crew members nearby.
"Great work, Mr. Langdon."
"Great work, Director."
The day’s work had gone exceptionally smoothly, and the atmosphere among the crew was excellent.
"It’s rare we wrap up this early. Who wants to go grab a late-night bite together?"
"Yeah! I know a food street just outside the studio complex. The night market there is pretty awesome."
"Then let’s pack up quickly. Get the props sorted, and I’ll see you all at the night market," Director Wallace added.
"Yeah!" Hearing that even Director Wallace was on board, everyone cheered in unison.
Melody Monroe couldn’t help but swallow.
’A night market...’
’Grilled chicken legs, grilled chicken wings, grilled eggplant, grilled oysters, grilled pork belly, grilled potato slices, lamb skewers, beef skewers...’
Zane Langdon hadn’t originally planned on going, but the lively atmosphere was tempting. He turned to Melody Monroe and asked, "Melody, do you want to go with us?"