Chapter 29.2 (1/2)
Deep in the Act
Translator: Kotoni
Editor: Cien
Quality Check: Isalee
First Published on Chaleuria
Chapter 29.2
The actors got to their feet, one after the other, and walked into the filming area. Two chairs were placed at a sixty-degree angle from each other, and Chen Hsin sat down on one of them. ”Please take a seat,” he said to Zhang Zhun. ”Today, as mentioned in our previous session, let's try out some exercises that involve physical contact.”
Standing before Chen Hsin, Zhang Zhun took a deep, shuddering breath. This was just an act, he warned himself over and over again while his shaking hands reached for his jacket b.u.t.tons. Although Chen Hsin did nothing, he watched Zhang Zhun's every move with smitten eyes, a provocative glint smoldering in their depths. Burned by the heated gaze, Zhang Zhun blushed. With a twist of his wrist, he began to undo his own b.u.t.tons one by one, revealing the thin s.h.i.+rt and tightly-cinched belt underneath.
”Slow down,” Chen Cheng-Sen ordered. He sat nearby, cross-legged, observing them up close. ”Zhang Zhun, your movements need to be more seductive here.”
Chen Hsin swallowed. The angle of his folded hands s.h.i.+fted as he adjusted his grip again and again. Before his eyes, a sacrificial air came over Zhang Zhun's movements. As if he were making an offering of his body, Zhang Zhun shed his jacket bit by bit, allowing it to slowly slide down his back. Once the clothing was removed, he turned a little to drape it over the back of his chair, flexing his waist muscles tantalizingly under his fitted s.h.i.+rt. Then, he reached for his tie with a single hand. After a light tug at the knot, the soft silk unraveled and spread itself over his chest.
”I followed your instructions and practiced accordingly.” Zhang Zhun pressed his lips together, his deliberate restraint suffusing him with an irresistible allure. ”Is this acceptable?”
Riveted with irrepressible excitement, Chen Hsin stared at the other man in silence. Moments pa.s.sed without a single word from Chen Hsin. Feeling as if they were playing a secret game in plain sight of everyone else, Zhang Zhun trembled with shame. Lowering his voice, he repeated, ”Is this acceptable?”
”Stop here.” Chen Cheng-Sen was at a loss for words. He waved his rolled-up script, not knowing where to begin. After a long pause, he continued at last, ”You're too intense, Chen-laos.h.i.+. Tone things down a bit. At this point in the story, Fang Chi's feelings for Gao Zhun… haven't gotten that far.”
Although the director kept his language vague, everyone knew what he was trying to say: Chen Hsin's performance was too eager, too pa.s.sionate. Just then, taking advantage of the timing, Feng Yunting came over and pa.s.sed some water to Chen Hsin. ”Do you need a break, honey?” she asked, darting a glance at Zhang Zhun at the same time. Zhang Zhun caught it and saw the resentment simmering in the corners of her eyes.
”Hurry up!” Bothered by Feng Yunting's obstructive presence between the two actors, Chen Cheng-Sen stamped his foot in annoyance. ”Continue where you left off.”
Chen Hsin combed back his hair and straightened his gla.s.ses. Staring at Zhang Zhun through his spotless lenses, he asked, ”What usually goes on in your mind when you carry out these exercises at home?”
His stare filled Zhang Zhun with misery. ”I think of you,” he breathed, at once delivering his line and giving voice to the deepest yearning within him. He could not help but tighten his grip on his tie as he continued, ”I picture you before me…”
Chen Cheng-Sen cut him off. ”Skip over this bit and go straight to Fang Chi's question, 'Is this okay for you?'”
As instructed, Chen Hsin stood up. Fixing his eyes on Zhang Zhun, he took a cautious step forward. Zhang Zhun tensed. Although he seemed ready to back away, he stopped himself and waited quietly for Chen Hsin's approach.