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The filming of "Ode to Joy" proceeded smoothly, and Lin Yunxiao's performance surprised everyone.

She seemed born for the role of "Qu Xiaoxiao"...

She perfectly captured that quirky and mischievous spirit, and that seemingly cynical yet actually kind and insightful nature.

The director nodded repeatedly behind the monitor. The slight doubt that had arisen from the change of actors had long since vanished, replaced by the joy of finding a gem.

Lin Yunxiao's success is partly due to her own qualities and the honing of her acting skills, and partly due to the enviable top-notch resources provided by the production team.

In terms of styling, the light luxury fashion brand "S&C", which is strategically invested by Daning Capital, provided the costumes for the "five beauties" in the drama, and put a lot of effort into the character of Qu Xiaoxiao.

Every outfit she wears, whether it's a sharply tailored motorcycle leather jacket or a brightly colored limited-edition dress, accurately conveys the character's image as a "rich girl" and "fashion trendsetter," while also matching her quirky and mischievous personality.

These outfits not only lack the typical "studio-quality" feel, but instead resemble personal clothes taken directly from Qu Xiaoxiao's own wardrobe, greatly enhancing the character's credibility and fashion appeal.

Even before the drama aired, "Qu Xiaoxiao's style" was already on the agenda of "S&C's" internal planning.

What's even more eye-catching is the deep integration of Tiangong Auto's star products into the drama.

As symbols of the urban elite lifestyle in the drama, the sleek and avant-garde "Giovana A" and the more powerful "Giovana A plus" appear almost throughout the entire series.

They are not merely backdrops or simple props, but rather extensions of the characters' identities and personalities.

As Qu Xiaoxiao drove her bright yellow "Giovana A" through the city night, the car's agility and style complemented her own temperament, creating a visually striking scene.

These seemingly casual presentations are actually part of a strategic plan that Suning had already laid out.

"Ode to Joy" is not just a TV series, but also a precise and collective debut of his brand matrix for a national audience.

Lin Yunxiao radiates brilliance in front of the camera, and the clothes she wears and the open designs she makes become silent salespeople in this vast business empire.

Lin Yunxiao, immersed in the creative atmosphere, was not fully aware of all of this at first.

Until one day, she accidentally saw online discussions about behind-the-scenes photos of "Ode to Joy". In addition to discussing the plot and actors, netizens showed great interest in her outfits and cars in the show. She suddenly realized that she was not only playing a role, but also participating in a carefully planned grand showcase of modern lifestyles.

She stood on the set, looking at her own "Giovana A," the paint shimmering in the sunlight.

At that moment, she felt deeply fortunate to have landed the role of Qu Xiaoxiao.

She was standing on a huge platform, the power of which far exceeded her imagination.

……

Several months later, when the key negotiations between Tiangong Automobile and relevant departments came to a temporary end, Suning was finally able to extricate himself and quietly join the cast and crew of "Ode to Joy".

Dr. Zhao Qiping's scenes are indeed few, and if filmed intensively, they can all be completed within a few days.

This was precisely the consideration behind Suning's initial agreement to make a cameo appearance...

His role is small and flexible, so it won't overly affect his main job.

However, when he changed into a neatly pressed white coat and appeared on set, the atmosphere of the entire crew still changed.

Despite his gentle demeanor, the aura he exuded from managing a vast business empire still made the staff on site unconsciously more cautious and attentive.

Soon, it was time to film the crucial scene where Dr. Zhao and Qu Xiaoxiao would have their own scenes together.

On screen, Lin Yunxiao, who plays Qu Xiaoxiao, is using her expressive eyes to cunningly and boldly "flirt" with the talented young doctor Zhao.

"Cut!" the director called out with satisfaction.

But the play has ended, yet the emotions remain.

At that moment, Lin Yunxiao even forgot to immediately break character. The cunning and playfulness that had previously belonged to Qu Xiaoxiao quickly faded away in her eyes when she looked at Su Ning, replaced by a pure and fervent adoration that was almost overflowing.

That was by no means acting skills, but rather the most direct and instinctive reaction of an actress who was given an opportunity during a low point, to the man who decided her fate and achieved great success.

Realizing her lapse in composure, her cheeks flushed instantly. She hurriedly lowered her eyelashes and whispered, "President Su, I'm sorry, I... I was just a little distracted."

Su Ning, being such a person, naturally saw through that look clearly.

He didn't point it out, but just smiled gently and offered some advice in a tone that was somewhere between a boss and a colleague: "It's okay. Your emotions just now were right. The core of Qu Xiaoxiao's character is to have this vivid and direct attitude of 'If I set my sights on something, I must get it.' Maintain this state, and the effect will be very good."

This seemingly professional advice not only eased her embarrassment but also gave her ample affirmation.

Lin Yunxiao felt a warmth in his heart, and his tension instantly transformed into an even stronger resolve...

She had to perform even better; she couldn't let this opportunity down, and she couldn't disappoint the person in front of her.

"Thank you, President Su! I understand!" She nodded vigorously, her eyes regaining their sparkle, this time a flame a blend of admiration and fighting spirit.

In the subsequent filming, Lin Yunxiao's performance was indeed more natural and unrestrained. She portrayed the complex emotions of love, admiration and a little bit of pride when facing Dr. Zhao with distinct layers, which was extremely moving.

Perhaps even she herself can no longer distinguish whether it is Qu Xiaoxiao's affection for Zhao Qiping or Lin Yunxiao's gratitude and admiration for Su Ning, which are quietly blossoming through the body of the character.

……

As night deepened, only a few wall lamps cast a soft, dim glow in the corridor on the 22nd floor of Ode to Joy.

"Action!"

With the director's command, the crisp sound of the clapperboard drew everyone into the play.

Qu Xiaoxiao was clearly drunk; her steps were unsteady, and she was practically hanging half her body on Zhao Qiping.

She giggled, her fingers restlessly poking at his chest beneath his casual suit, her words tinged with drunken slurring and boldness: "Dr. Zhao... why do you always have such a long face... can you smile for me?"

Zhao Qiping, played by Su Ning, was also slightly tipsy.

The composure and self-control that usually belonged to elite doctors were torn open by alcohol at this moment.

Although he didn't lose his composure like Qu Xiaoxiao, his eyes were no longer clear, carrying a hint of confusion and indulgence, letting this "little vixen" cling to him and act silly.

"Stop fooling around." His voice was a few degrees lower and hoarse than usual, with a hint of helpless indulgence.

"I'm going to make a scene!" Qu Xiaoxiao pretended to be crazy because of the alcohol, or perhaps the alcohol emboldened her. She suddenly stood on tiptoe, wrapped her arms around his neck, and brought her flushed and hot face close to him. Her breath was sweet and fragrant with the scent of fruit wine. "Zhao Qiping, tell me... do you like me a little?"

This question, like a stone thrown into a calm lake, instantly shattered Zhao Qiping's last shred of fragile rationality.

He didn't answer.

Instead, a sudden, aggressive kiss followed.

He suddenly lowered his head and precisely captured her chattering, alluring lips.

"Mmm..." Qu Xiaoxiao struggled symbolically for a moment, then seemed to have all her strength drained away, and completely collapsed into his arms.

The kiss, initially a conquering act of punishment and catharsis, quickly transformed into an indescribable tenderness, intertwined with longing and reassurance, upon feeling the submissiveness and response of the person in his arms.

In the dim light, the two figures overlapped and swayed on the corridor wall.

The air was filled with the subtle intoxication of alcohol and the burning passion of emotions.

The occasional soft sounds that escaped between the lips were amplified infinitely in the silent space, striking the hearts of every onlooker. The director stared intently at the monitor, holding his breath, afraid to make a sound that might disturb this perfect moment.

After a long time, until both of them were almost suffocating, the long and intoxicating kiss slowly came to an end.

Zhao Qiping pulled away slightly, but his forehead was still pressed against hers. His breathing was heavy and hot, and his deep eyes were churning with an unquenchable tide.

Qu Xiaoxiao's eyes were hazy, and she leaned against his chest, her body limp, like a cat that had finally been tamed. Her face had a satisfied yet bewildered expression, as if she hadn't yet recovered from that earth-shattering kiss.

"Ka! Perfect!"

The director's excited voice broke the silence of the scene.

The staff members seemed to be released from their frozen state, and they all breathed a sigh of relief, their faces showing a mix of embarrassment and excitement.

However, the play had ended, and the lights on set came back on, but Lin Yunxiao was still immersed in the emotions she had just experienced, her heart pounding like a drum.

The scent of Su Ning, a mixture of faint aftershave and masculine aroma, along with the immense impact of that "kiss," made her cheeks burn, and she didn't even dare to look up into his eyes immediately.

At that moment, she realized with absolute clarity...

Some boundaries, once crossed, can never be crossed back.

……

Filming for "Ode to Joy" is nearing its end. During daily reviews of the rough cuts, the directing team reached a consensus: Lin Yunxiao, who plays Qu Xiaoxiao, is undoubtedly one of the biggest surprises of the series.

That day, after filming a pivotal scene depicting Qu Xiaoxiao's intense conflict with her parents, from her spoiled and willful nature to her emotional breakdown, the director behind the monitor couldn't help but slap his thigh hard. He turned to Su Ning, who had come to visit the set, and exclaimed:

"President Su, we've really struck gold! Lin Yunxiao is an amazing girl!"

He pointed to the close-up shot on the screen of Lin Yunxiao's face, which was streaked with tears but filled with stubbornness and hurt.

"Look at these micro-expressions, the layers of emotion are so distinct! At first, there's the disbelief and anger, the defiant spirit when she talks back, but when her father's words hit a nerve, the light in her eyes 'whoosh' goes out. It's all there—the grievance, the sadness, and the resentment of being looked down upon. And that last tear, just about to fall, is the most powerful... This isn't acting at all, this is living Qu Xiaoxiao herself!"

The director's praise was heartfelt.

When he first learned that an important role had been temporarily replaced by an unknown opera actor, he was worried and even prepared to work overtime to reshoot and heavily edit the footage if necessary.

Unexpectedly, Lin Yunxiao not only took on the role well, but also gave Qu Xiaoxiao a vivid and lifelike character that transcended the words in the script.

She perfectly captured the seemingly carefree rich girl's deep longing for love, as well as her sensitivity and pride in not wanting to be looked down upon.

Suning stared at the screen, his gaze calm, the sharp eyes of a business leader now transformed into professional scrutiny.

He nodded slightly, his tone carrying a subtle hint of appreciation:

"Yes. Her performance has 'roots,' and we will give her a lot of support in the future."

He then turned to the director and explained further: "The skills she honed on the opera stage have transformed into extremely strong control and expressiveness in her. Look at her body language; even in the most intense moments of emotion, her gait and gestures still carry a unique sense of rhythm, which makes Qu Xiaoxiao's 'acting out' seem cute rather than annoying. The same goes for her lines; the strength, rhythm, and even the use of breath in her voice are all very particular. She doesn't express emotions by screaming."

Suning's analysis points out the underlying reasons for Lin Yunxiao's success.

Traditional opera training endowed her with physical control and emotional expression far exceeding that of ordinary new film and television actors, while her own lively and agile temperament was highly compatible with the roles.

The combination of these two factors is what created the lovable yet pitiful Qu Xiaoxiao on screen.

"Yes! Mr. Su, you've hit the nail on the head!" the director exclaimed in sudden realization. "It's this sense of 'control,' this effortless mastery, that makes it so sophisticated! You truly have a keen eye!"

This praise not only compliments Lin Yunxiao but also expresses admiration for Suning's decision to agree to the substitution.

Suning smiled faintly and said nothing more.

But he knew in his heart that while Chen Xiaojun's strong recommendation was key, Lin Yunxiao's own excellent professional skills and her all-out dedication after seizing the opportunity were the fundamental reasons why she was able to gain a foothold in the crew and win everyone's respect.

This girl, who transitioned from the opera stage to the film and television industry, is using her talent to gradually transform opportunities into irreplaceable assets.

……

To coordinate with the promotional schedule of "Ode to Joy", the production team carefully selected several stills and released them one after another.

When the ambiguous kiss scene between Dr. Zhao Qiping and Qu Xiaoxiao in the apartment corridor suddenly went viral, the marketing strategy originally intended to "hype up the couple" caused a huge sensation far beyond expectations due to Suning's current status.

In the photo, under dim lighting, Dr. Zhao, wearing a white coat, pins the charming Qu Xiaoxiao against the wall, the two passionately kissing, the light and shadow outlining their extremely intimate silhouettes.

This highly dramatic scene instantly ignited public opinion...

People are no longer focused on the plot itself, but rather on the rare "intimate scenes" on screen involving Suning, a business tycoon.

#Business empire tycoon falls for child actor?#
#Suning's new romance exposed, his partner is Lin Yunxiao, a newcomer from the same drama!#
Speculative headlines quickly flooded the pages of major media outlets.

The area downstairs of the "Bizarre and Bizarre" film and television company, the headquarters of "Tiangong Automobile", and the office of Daning Capital were immediately surrounded by media who had caught wind of the news.

Despite the immediate statements from the public relations departments of all three parties emphasizing that "it was only for the sake of the plot, and that President Su and actress Lin had only a working relationship," the public's curiosity and speculation could not be quelled.

Meanwhile, in the bizarre and fantastical general manager's office, Chen Xiaojun was staring blankly at the kissing photo that was being wildly circulated on her computer screen.

She knew better than anyone that this was acting; she was intimately familiar with every camera angle, every lighting setup, and even the actors' movements.

But being rational is one thing, and the emotions surging in one's heart are another.

That photo was like a tiny thorn, piercing the softest part of her heart.

A belated, sharp sense of regret crept into my heart without warning.

Suddenly, she understood many things...

Why would Su Ning, despite his busy schedule, agree to play a minor role? And why did he specifically choose Zhao Qiping, a character with a complex emotional relationship with Qu Xiaoxiao in the drama?

Perhaps all of this was more than just a simple cameo appearance.

This could have been an opportunity he created for the two of them, a perfect stage to date "openly" under the spotlight and cleverly combine work and personal feelings.

In the drama, they are Dr. Zhao and Qu Xiaoxiao, who bicker but are attracted to each other. In real life, they can be partners and lovers who fight side by side.

And this position that she once had within reach, this unique and romantic experience that could have belonged to her, was given up by her own hands.

Because of the pleas of her former teachers and classmates, and because of the favors she couldn't refuse, she voluntarily gave up.

Chen Xiaojun leaned back in her chair, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath.

The office air conditioning was set very high, but she still felt a chill.

Outside the window was the clamor of the media gathering, while inside she savored the quiet regret of solitude.

For the first time, she realized with such clarity what a rash decision she might have made in balancing her career and her emotions.

The person who stood beside Su Ning, shared the joys and sorrows of the story with him, and could even legitimately approach him both on and off screen, should have been Chen Xiaojun.

Now, she can only watch as an observer as another girl shines brightly on the stage that rightfully belongs to her.

...(End of chapter)