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Hengdian World Studios has been meticulously transformed into a meeting point of two time periods: Chongqing, a mountain city, and Nanjing, a city of strategic importance.

The filming of the new version of "Lurking" is in full swing, revolving around the stories of these two cities.

The Chongqing scenes, as envisioned by Suning, are more grand and detailed than the original version.

The camera not only focuses on the undercurrents within the Military Intelligence Bureau headquarters, but also devotes considerable space to depicting the unique features of Chongqing as the wartime capital...

The damp mist, the stilted houses built against the mountain, the dimly lit yet perilous nights, and the faint sounds of boatmen's chants and opera drums echoing through the streets and alleys.

It also presents the love story between Yu Zecheng and Zuo Lan in more detail, so that the audience doesn't feel it's too abrupt.

In this series, Zuo Lan (played by Chen Xiaojun), as a young male lead in the Yue Opera troupe, is portrayed in a vivid and comprehensive way.

The atmosphere at the "Chongqing Theater," a film set meticulously renovated to evoke the wartime capital's atmosphere, is quite different today.

A subtle anticipation lingered in the busy footsteps of the staff...

Today's shoot is the highlight scene, featuring producer and lead actress Chen Xiaojun making her debut in the role of a Yue Opera male lead.

Time seemed to pass very slowly inside the dressing room.

Chen Xiaojun had been preparing in the inner room for nearly three hours. Outside the door, Su Ning looked calmly at the set on the monitor, but her fingers unconsciously tapped lightly on the script.

The other lead actors and crew members also frequently glanced towards the dressing room, curious about the final result.

Finally, the door to the dressing room was gently pushed open.

The first thing that catches the eye is a bright and dazzling crimson.

Immediately afterwards, a tall and handsome young man with an elegant demeanor slowly walked out.

In an instant, the previously noisy film set fell silent.

All eyes were drawn to that figure as if by a magnet.

Chen Xiaojun wore a scholar's cap adorned with pearls and jade, and a meticulously crafted crimson robe embroidered with gold pythons, its flowing sleeves adding to the graceful and dynamic effect.

Her makeup adopted the handsome look of a young male lead in Yue Opera, with arched eyebrows and elongated eyeliner that outlined a heroic yet gentle profile. A touch of vermilion on her lips further accentuated her jade-like face.

She simply stood there, nodding slightly, and exuded an unparalleled elegance that seemed to have stepped out of a classical painting, possessing both the refinement of a scholar and the presence of a stage star.

This is not just about putting on theatrical costumes; it's about truly capturing the "soul" of a Yue Opera male lead!
The elegant and refined demeanor emanating from her makes one almost forget that she is Chen Xiaojun, and that she is a capable producer.

"My God..." a young stagehand couldn't help but exclaim, then realized he had misbehaved and quickly covered his mouth.

Su Ning, who plays Yu Zecheng, stood up with pride and admiration, looking intently at Chen Xiaojun as she walked towards him.

His eyes flashed with undisguised amazement and appreciation, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly, carrying a sense of "just as I thought" satisfaction.

He stepped forward and naturally reached out his hand to gently support her slightly backward-leaning body, which was affected by the weight of her headdress.

"How are you? Are you getting used to it?" Su Ning's voice was a few degrees gentler than usual.

Chen Xiaojun took a deep breath, trying to adjust to the heavy costume on her head and the height of the thick-soled boots on her feet. She tried to walk a few steps on the catwalk, and with a light flick of her water sleeves, she already had a bit of charm.

She looked at Su Shining, her eyes questioning, "It feels... a bit heavy, so I can't move too much. Is it okay in terms of appearance?"

"More than just 'okay'?" Su Ning laughed, glancing around at the still-shocked staff. "You can tell just by looking at everyone's reactions. This is absolutely the 'Zuo Lan' we've been looking for, and one of the biggest selling points of our new version of 'Lurking'!"

The assistant director also came over excitedly and said, "Sister Xiaojun, you're amazing! I almost didn't recognize you! This look, this aura, it's definitely going to be a trending topic when it airs!"

The director of photography rubbed his hands excitedly: "Director Su, the lighting effects are amazing! The crimson python robe looks absolutely stunning under the stage lights! I've already figured out how to move the camera; we have to capture this amazing effect!"

Originally, people had some doubts about Chen Xiaojun playing Zuo Lan, especially since she was going to challenge the role of a young male lead in Yue Opera.

After all, Chen Xiaojun's image over the years has leaned more towards modern and professional.

But at this moment, all doubts were completely shattered by the vibrant and captivating "classical star" before them.

They realized that Suning's design was not just a publicity stunt, but a genuine exploration of the hidden, contrasting charm of Chen Xiaojun, giving the character Zuo Lan a unique recognizability and cultural depth.

"Alright, everyone get ready!" Su Ning clapped her hands, pulling everyone back to work from their amazement. "Actors, rehearse your positions, fine-tune the lighting, highlighting facial contours and costume details. Let's aim for one take and capture Xiaojun's most natural state."

With the assistance of staff, Chen Xiaojun walked onto the set-up antique-style stage.

As the drums and music began, she danced gracefully to the rhythm, her flowing sleeves fluttering and her eyes sparkling.

Below the stage, the actors playing the audience, along with Yu Zecheng (played by Su Ning) who was hidden among them, gazed at the radiant figure on the stage.

The camera zooms in, capturing every glance and every movement of Chen Xiaojun.

She not only resembles Zuo Lan in appearance, but also strives to capture his spirit, subtly conveying the complex mentality of Zuo Lan, who uses his stage identity as a cover to carry out a dangerous mission under the dazzling spotlight, through subtle facial expressions and body language.

"Cut! Excellent!" Su Ning's voice came through the walkie-talkie, full of approval. "Xiao Jun, keep it up! Take a break and prepare for the next backstage kissing scene with Yu Zecheng."

Chen Xiaojun, supported by her assistant, stepped off the stage. Fine beads of sweat had appeared on her forehead, but her eyes were unusually bright.

She knew she had succeeded in taking the first step.

This costume and this look are not just a style; they are also a key for her to unlock the inner world of the character Zuo Lan, and the first big surprise that the new version of "Lurking" will present to the audience.

She could even foresee the sensation this scene would cause among viewers when it aired.

The set was busy again, but everyone who passed by Chen Xiaojun looked at her with more sincere respect and expectation.

This woman, who possesses both the charisma of a producer and the versatility of an actress, and the unique character Zuo Lan she portrays, has become one of the sources of confidence for the production team.

……

Next comes the highlight of the Chongqing scenes, namely the kissing scene between Yu Zecheng and Zuo Lan.

The night in Chongqing is humid and sultry, with the air filled with the unique fog of the mountain city and the faint smell of gunpowder.

Zuo Lan (played by Chen Xiaojun) has just finished a thrilling performance. The stage makeup has not yet been removed, and the heroic spirit and fatigue of playing a young male lead are still visible between her brows.

She returned to the rather simple backstage dressing room of the theater troupe, which served as a secret contact point.

Only a dim electric light was lit in the room, its soft glow outlining her profile.

She was looking in the mirror, gently wiping the rouge from her forehead with a cotton pad soaked in makeup remover.

Just then, the door was pushed open silently, and a familiar figure flashed in—it was Yu Zecheng (played by Su Ning).

He was still wearing that crisp, dark Zhongshan suit, but his expression was less deliberately understated and more genuinely serious than when he was at the Military Intelligence Bureau headquarters.

"You bastard, you scared me to death."

"Hehe, your performance today was perfect! I heard it caused quite a stir again."

Zuo Lan's face looked somewhat strange, as she hadn't removed her makeup yet. It still resembled the dashing young man on stage, but also retained her own delicate and gentle features, as if two souls were intertwined on the same face.

The two looked at each other without saying a word.

In the cramped space, the only sound was their soft breathing.

The air was filled with the faint scent of makeup remover, the smell of face paint, and a deep, unforgettable feeling of love.

The tension of walking on a knife's edge, the brief relaxation after a successful mission, the worry about each other's situation, and the long-suppressed emotions that grow ever more intense on the brink of life and death...

At this moment, like a volcano reaching its climax, it could no longer be contained.

Yu Zecheng's gaze was deep, churning with too many unspeakable emotions. He looked at her delicately perfect face, at her clear eyes that carried too many secrets, and slowly, yet with unwavering determination, he took a step forward.

Zuo Lan did not back down, but simply looked back at him quietly.

In her eyes, there was understanding, trust, an unspoken love, and a hint of a warrior's resilience.

He reached out and gently brushed his fingertips across the corner of her eye, where the red marks from her makeup hadn't completely disappeared, the movement as soft as a feather.

Then, his palm touched her cheek, the warm touch making them both tremble slightly.

There were no excessive words or dramatic build-up.

Under the dim light, in the backstage area filled with the smell of cosmetics and a sense of danger, Yu Zecheng lowered his head and kissed Zuo Lan's lips deeply.

The kiss wasn't intense, but it carried a long-suppressed desire and a sense of confirmation that finally burst forth.

His lips were cool, damp with the night breeze, while her lips were soft and warm.

At first, it was just their lips pressing tightly together, as if they were drawing comfort from each other's real existence.

Gradually, the kiss deepened, carrying a desperate, all-or-nothing affection and a relentless, cherishing feeling.

He tightened his arms around her waist, and she slowly raised her hands to wrap around his neck, her fingertips unconsciously digging into the hair at the back of his neck.

They were not lovers in the ordinary sense; every meeting they had could be their last. Their relationship was destined to remain hidden, and they could not even promise each other a future.

But it is precisely this mutual reliance and soul resonance in extreme circumstances that makes this kiss transcend romance and romance, filled with a profound sense of intertwined fates and a tragic beauty.

It felt so natural, like an unconscious act of comfort after a stressful day at work; it was also so perfect, because the emotions it contained had been refined to an unparalleled purity and intensity through countless moments of shared life and death.

"Cut!"

The director's satisfied shout caused Su Ning and Chen Xiaojun to separate almost simultaneously. Both were breathing unsteadily, and their eyes were even slightly red, clearly still immersed in the intense emotions of their roles.

The set fell silent, then a few suppressed but heartfelt applause broke out.

The photographer even forgot to turn off the camera, still immersed in the story-filled shot.

"Fantastic! That emotional delivery was spot on!" the assistant director exclaimed excitedly. "That restrained yet surging emotion, that feeling of being helpless yet unable to control one's emotions in a chaotic world—it's all there!"

Su Ning took a deep breath, calmed himself down, and looked at Chen Xiaojun in his arms with a questioning look in his eyes.

Chen Xiaojun nodded slightly, her cheeks flushed, whether from still being in character or from a touch of shyness, but her eyes were full of affirmation.

After all, filming a kissing scene in front of so many people, Chen Xiaojun naturally felt a little embarrassed.

"Keep this one." Su Ning gestured to the script supervisor, then whispered to Chen Xiaojun, "Are you alright?"

Chen Xiaojun shook her head, a complicated smile playing on her lips: "It's nothing, it's just... I feel a little tight in my chest."

This is a consequence of the character's emotions.

This kissing scene wasn't deliberately sentimental, but it was because of the special relationship between the two characters...

On screen, they are soulmates; off screen, they are a couple and partners who understand and trust each other deeply…

It appears incredibly real and natural, brimming with a powerful and moving force.

All the staff who witnessed this believed that it would become another memorable and talked-about classic moment in the new version of "Lurking".

It is not merely an expression of love, but also the most poignant and magnificent poem woven from ideals, beliefs, and personal emotions during that special era.

……

After filming in Chongqing came to a close, the crew quickly moved on to filming in Nanjing.

The pace here is noticeably faster, and the atmosphere is more tense and somber.

Yu Zecheng was given a critical mission and infiltrated Nanjing as a defector named "Lao Wenchi" to directly confront the cunning and suspicious traitor Li Haifeng.

This confrontation takes place in the study of the Li mansion, a place lavishly decorated yet fraught with hidden danger.

The actor who plays Li Haifeng is a veteran with profound skills. He perfectly portrays Li Haifeng's inherent suspicion and cruelty.

"Mr. Lao, you must have had a long journey." Li Haifeng said with a forced smile, his eyes sweeping over Yu Zecheng (played by Su Ning) like knives. "I heard that you were highly 'appreciated' by Mao Renfeng, Dai Li's secretary, back in Chongqing?"

Yu Zecheng (played by Su Ning) was calm and composed, with just the right amount of arrogance and a hint of dejection on his face, which belonged to "Lao Wenchi": "Station Chief Li is joking. Secretary Mao, do you think he 'appreciates' me? He probably wants to skin me alive."

"Oh? Why?" Li Haifeng feigned surprise, leaning forward slightly to apply pressure.

Following the pre-arranged script, Yu Zecheng revealed a hint of embarrassment and resentment, but his tone was deliberately light: "It's all because of... some rumors, about the director's wife. Station Chief Li, we're all men, some things are better left unsaid, right?"

He grasped the psychology of a character who got into trouble because of a romantic relationship and had to defect.

However, Li Haifeng's face suddenly darkened, and he slammed his hand on the table: "Lao Wench! Do you think I'm a three-year-old? I've investigated! There's absolutely no ambiguity between you and Mao Renfeng's wife, Xiang Yingxin! You deliberately spread rumors and created the illusion of being persecuted because you discovered evidence that Mao Renfeng had embezzled US aid supplies. You were afraid he would silence you, but you didn't want to completely break ties, so you defected first! Isn't that right?!"

This sudden outburst was in the script, but the veteran actor's explosive power instantly froze the atmosphere on set.

All eyes were on Suning.

In the footage, Yu Zecheng's pupils contracted almost imperceptibly, his facial muscles stiffened for a moment, and his feigned composure and arrogance receded like the tide, replaced by extreme embarrassment, panic, and even a deep-seated fear after his secret was exposed.

His lips trembled slightly, as if he wanted to argue, but in the end it turned into a helpless sigh, and he lowered his head dejectedly, acquiescing.

This series of subtle changes in expression, clearly layered, precisely portrays the character's inner journey from shock to quick thinking, and then to accepting this more "reasonable" reason for defection.

"Cut! Perfect!" Suning and the veteran actor snapped out of their reverie almost simultaneously, exchanging a knowing smile.

The veteran actor patted Su Ning on the shoulder: "Director Su, your reaction was brilliant! Li Haifeng wanted you to look embarrassed like this, as if your sore spot had been exposed. Only when he's pleased with himself will he truly believe you."

Suning responded modestly: "It's because you led the team well; that sense of pressure was so real."

The next major event is Yu Zecheng's solo act of eliminating the traitor after Lü Zongfang is killed by Ma Kui.

In the original version, Yu Zecheng relied more on his wits and close-quarters combat, while the new version highlights his action capabilities.

When filming the scene where Yu Zecheng is preparing to take action, Su Ning specially designed a detail.

Inside the dimly lit safe house, the camera slowly zooms in, giving Yu Zecheng a close-up of his hand.

He skillfully and calmly opened a leather case, inside which were disassembled sniper rifle parts.

His fingers were long and steady, quickly and precisely assembling the various parts under the dim light, producing a crisp and cold "click" sound.

Finally, he loaded a bright yellow bullet into the magazine with fluid, powerful movements that exuded both strength and professional beauty.

"This shot must capture the mechanical beauty and Yu Zecheng's calm and resolute inner strength," Su Ning emphasized to the photographer before the shoot.

When the scene of assembling the gun was completed, many female staff members on site couldn't help but exclaim in quiet amazement.

Su Ning is already tall and handsome, and this focused and powerful action instantly elevates Yu Zecheng's charm and handsomeness to a whole new level, perfectly fitting the "idol spy drama" positioning.

The romantic atmosphere and faith-based setting of Chongqing, the battle of wits and courage and the lone danger in Nanjing, were presented with great tension under Suning's precise control and the actors' wonderful performances.

The production team operates like a precise clock, working efficiently amidst a tight schedule, creating new scenes every day, and gradually transforming the script on paper into breathtaking visuals.

...(End of chapter)