Chapter 857: Chapter 856: Overwhelmed by the Aura

Qin Hao had once mentioned that filming with Qiao Xiaren was a laid-back experience, and indeed, it proved to be extraordinary today.

Following that, Director Jiang shot a scene where Qiao Xiaren and Xie Yurou were framed together, both women sitting opposite each other drinking tea.

Xie Yurou, portraying the role of Liang Fei Niangniang, was enchantingly ruthless–a balance that seemed just right. Of course, perhaps because TV dramas didn’t demand much in terms of acting skills, Xie Yurou was still somewhat stiff and inexperienced.

However, compared to the past criticisms of poor acting, this was a significant improvement, which made Director Jiang see her in a new light, and his attitude toward Xie Yurou improved considerably.

Dressed in the Phoenix Robe, Qiao Xiaren’s delicate fingers gripped a white chess piece.

Beside her, the fragrant tea subtly filled the air, a picture of dignified grace.

It was often said the Empress was virtuous and graceful–indeed she was.

“The Emperor spent last night in my sleeping quarters. Though weary, he thought of my older sister waiting early in the morning to pay her respects, so he came over.”

Liang Fei placed a black chess piece on the board, a triumphant smile on her face.

Di Ge merely smiled faintly. Director Jiang noticed her hand tremble slightly, the pale light encased by hollowed-out colored glass flickering in her eyes.

The luster in her eyes seemed to fade completely, a delicate emotion hidden under a gentle demeanor, conveying a sense of desolation.

Yet such emotional expression was merely momentary.

Di Ge quickly regained her composure, leaning on the table, she smiled, “Little sister, you are really too formal. If you are tired next time, there’s no need for formalities.”

Xixi, watching from the side, suddenly felt a pang of sorrow.

After all, had Di Ge not once loved the Emperor, Fo Zhu?

Xie Yurou had wanted to portray the character as a wicked, domineering enchantress, but for some reason, she was overwhelmed by the other’s aura.

Why was her own presence suppressed by her? Observers on the side might not detect anything unusual, but Xie Yurou could clearly feel the strong aura emanating from Qiao Xiaren, causing her palms to sweat slightly.

Logically, a dark and ruthless antagonist never tends to garner much sympathy. But now, many people’s gaze had shifted, favoring a queenly demeanor. Meanwhile, the helpless, delicate ‘white lotus’ persona typically evoked disgust among viewers, even if it was the protagonist, not sparing them from criticism.

That’s why she had chosen the role of Liang Fei, having done extensive research, including honing her acting and figuring out how to gain favor in this movie.

However, it was all for naught!

Even though Qiao Xiaren was portraying a gentle and virtuous Empress, the aura around her suddenly made Xie Yurou tense. The acting skills she had honed before starting the shooting of Picture City felt inadequate now, overwhelmed by Qiao Xiaren’s presence, making Xie Yurou’s hands tremble slightly as she held her tea cup.

Qiao Xiaren was ostensibly playing a weak and ineffectual woman, but why did she manage to evoke not only sympathy but also an absence of disdain?

Although she was an unfavored Empress, her dignified and composed temperament already seemed to suppress her own. Xie Yurou simply couldn’t figure out why it was different from what she had initially thought.

In fact, the answer was simple–it was because Qiao Xiaren was playing the role. If someone else with lesser acting skills had taken it, they might have appeared merely weak to the audience.

Xie Yurou now realized that all her previous preparation had been practically useless. She had just engaged in a scene with Qiao Xiaren, and already her opponent had left her mind blank.