308: Can’t she just let him bleed out?

Can’t she just let him bleed out?

"By the way, Mr. Zhu." Director Guan cleared his throat, observing Dominic. "Unfortunately, Miss Shen isn't here today."1

"Stop yelling."

"Huh?"

Dominic narrowed his eyes, his expression turning dark when Heaven looked away from him. Was she avoiding him? His gaze veered to the man with her, making him clench his teeth momentarily. 

"I said you're a little loud, Director Guan." Dominic slowly set his eyes on the talkative director. "I didn't come here to interrupt the filming. As I've said, I didn't come here for you… Oh, right, I think I have a reason to talk to you."

"To me?" Director Guan pointed at himself.

"Mhm." Dominic nodded. "Do you always scold your actors for being absent for personal reasons?"

"Huh?" Director Guan furrowed his brows, confused. 'Was he talking about Paula Shen?'

Director Guan inwardly frowned, thinking if he had ever scolded Paula for that reason. He couldn't remember, but he could remember scolding Paula harshly for many reasons. So, probably, he scolded her for such a reason as well. 

"Ah… about that…" Director Guan chose his words carefully, knowing he couldn't offend Dominic on purpose. "CEO Zhu, it's not like that. I mean —"

"I'm not saying you shouldn't scold your actors when they make a mistake. However, think about your health, Director Guan." Much to Director Guan's surprise, Dominic's concern was different from what he thought. "You're not getting any younger. People can hear you through speakers even if you don't yell."

"Ahh… hehe. Thank you for thinking of me, CEO Zhu. I'll keep that in mind." Director Guan chuckled. "But you see, in this field, it's hard to stay composed. But it's not as bad as you think it was."

"It's no harm if you keep your health in mind." Dominic rocked his head in understanding, peeling his gaze from him. "Anyway, the five-minute break already passed. Don't mind me."

"How can that be? How about you sit with me, CEO Zhu?" Director Guan grinned. "Since you're here, it wouldn't hurt if you see it from the director's perspective. It's more realistic that way."

"What do you mean, realistic?" asked Dominic. "The vexing romance unfolding in front of me?"

"Yes!" Director Guan happily clapped. "Although it's not romance, since it's a one-sided love."

"One-sided?"

Director Guan's mouth stretched from ear to ear, displaying his teeth. Pride dominated his face, not knowing how his words poked some of Dominic's nerves. 

"Just come and see for yourself, CEO Zhu!" the director excitedly invited Dominic. "You'll understand what I am talking about."

Dominic didn't answer immediately, considering if he wanted to hurt himself or ruin this filming. But after careful consideration, this film was very important to his wife. Therefore, he told himself to behave.

"Fine." Dominic nodded in agreement, following Director Guan to the director's seat. 

The assistant director got another seat ready for Dominic as he and the director were coming. Both men settled in their seats in front of the monitor.

"Ahem!" Director Guan cleared his throat, speaking gently through the microphone. "Everyone prepare for standby. We're going to start in two minutes."

Some production staff looked into the director's spot with dismay. Director Guan often yelled or roared like a dragon even before standby. Therefore, his tone this time almost brought disgust to everyone. 

'Just stay in character, Director Guan!' was what the majority wanted to say, almost getting goosebumps at this change of attitude. Even so, they kept their thoughts to themselves and did their jobs. 

Soon, the room was cleared as everyone stood behind the cameras. Some adjusted some lights, gazing at the director to see if he approved of the lighting. When Director Guan raised an OK sign, silence followed. 

"Okay. Standby," Director Guan maintained his calm tone, staring at the screen attentively. 

Leo took a deep breath and nodded after casting the director a look. Meanwhile, Heaven kept her eyes shut. For some reason, she felt awkward acting in front of Dominic. She didn't mind acting in front of many people, but now she felt a little… shy.

'Oh, my god…' Heaven took another deep breath as she reopened her eyes. 'Well, he's already here. I can't just tell him to leave the room, right?'

"Heaven, did you hear me — ahem!" Director Guan cleared his throat once again, realizing his voice had raised a little. "I said standby. Tell me when you're ready."

Director Guan put down the microphone and turned to Dominic. "CEO Zhu, don't worry. She's a good actress. She's just taking a bit longer to prepare."

"I'm not an expert, Director Guan. However, you shouldn't rush a masterpiece." Dominic just cast him a side eye before focusing on the screen. 

"Right… masterpiece, yes. That's correct. I see CEO Zhu also has good eyes on actors."

"Are they supposed to be this close?" asked Dominic, ignoring the director's comments. 

"Ah, yes. She'll have to treat his wound, after all."

"Can't she just let him bleed out?"

"I'm sorry?" Director Guan cocked his head to the side as he didn't get Dominic's mumbling. "Were you saying something, CEO Zhu?"

"Nothing." Dominic leaned back nonchalantly. "If you're hurrying them because of me, then forget about it. Do not make me repeat it for the fourth time. I didn't come here to interrupt the filming."

"Of course!" Director Guan's laughter had a tinge of nervousness, checking Heaven once again. His curled-up lips attempted to curve down every passing second that Heaven wasn't moving or doing anything. 

She was just in the same squatting position, looking at the kit beside Leo. If Dominic wasn't here, Director Guan would have been breathing fire. However, he had to keep up appearances. He didn't want Dominic to think he was an abusive director, afraid Dominic wouldn't invest in his next film. 

"What's wrong with her?" mumbled Director Guan when another minute had passed, but Heaven was still internalizing. 

"I think it's because of me."

"Huh?" Director Guan turned his head to Dominic.

Dominic propped his jaw against his knuckles. "I guess she doesn't like me in here."

"Haha. CEO Zhu, that's impossible! She's just probably pressured because she wanted to do good in front of you."

"Oh?" Dominic cast the director a look. "You think?"

"I'm sure of it!" Director Guan nodded in certainty. "Don't worry. You're not interrupting the filming. Not at all."

"If you say so." Dominic shrugged. 

Meanwhile, Heaven was just busy mentally beating herself. When she realized Dominic would stay, a helpless sigh slipped past her lips. 

'Fine. He wouldn't get mad, right?' she huffed another time, turning her head in the director's seat and purposely ignoring Dominic. She raised her thumb, signaling she was ready. 

'The scene is safe,' she told herself, facing Leo with a pair of determined eyes. 'I don't think this will anger him.'

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