181: Action!

Action!

"Nervous?"0

"A bit." 

"It's okay. That's normal." Leo tapped Heaven's shoulder, offering her a warm smile. "If you need help, I got you."

"Thanks." Heaven flashed him a short smile, fixing the huge jacket that was over her body. 

The scene they were about to shoot was a bathtub scene. Yes. A bathtub scene, hence, the reason Leo was just in his shorts with a robe to cover his top. Some hairstylists were working on his hair, making it look wet. 

Since both Leo's and Heaven's characters were outlaws, such evoking scenes were expected. Although they were not each other's love interests, this scene aimed to show the viewers their strong characters and how comfortable they were with each other. It would also display Leo's character's indifference to other women, aside from the detective Paula Shen would be playing. 

"Alright!" after a minute, Director Guan's voice was heard from the microphone. "Everyone, go to your positions and prepare for standby."

"Good luck." Leo flashed Heaven a reassuring smile before he went to the wide room. 

The bathroom and modern Victorian interior of the resort were one of the biggest factors why the production chose this place. This resort would stand as Leo's character's home, after all. With the Director's order, Leo went to the tub and took off his robe. Leo handed the robe to his assistant, planting his hands on the tub's rim as he dipped his body in. 

When Leo found his comfortable spot in the tub, he splashed some water on his toned chest. He then relaxed on the curve of the tub, turning his head to the people behind the camera before raising his thumb.

"Heaven, you ready?" Director Guan inquired through the microphone, staring at the screen where he could see the camera angles showing Leo. He was already pleased with the setup of the bath and Leo's look was spot on. He looked sexy even before the camera starts rolling. 

Heaven was standing behind the shut door and turned her head. She took off the huge jacket over her body, handing it to the staff. She was only wearing a black satin dress with a low back that showed off the tattoo on her back. 

"I'm ready, Director." She raised her thumb, and with that, the director told them to stand by. 

Director Guan gave them an entire minute to get into their character while the lights inside the bathroom dimmed. Once the cameras were in place and the lighting was good, they heard Director Guan once again. 

"Scene #23… standby…" Director Guan deliberately paused, keeping his focus on the monitor that was focused on Leo. "... action!" 

The moment the camera started rolling, Leo's expression turned sharp. He had his jaw propped against his knuckles, deep in thought while maintaining a seductive look. After a second, the door slightly creaked, and yet, despite seeing a figure enter the bathroom he was in, Leo didn't react. 

The camera focused on Heaven's calf as she walked before the camera panned up to her sexy back, displaying the huge tattoo on her back. She stopped beside the tub, but Leo still hadn't looked in her direction.

"Penny for your thoughts?" her voice was mild, but alluring, making Director Guan hold his breath.

Leo blinked ever so tenderly, observing her from the corner of his eyes. When he saw her moving her arms, that was his cue to cast her a look. 

In the original script, Heaven would have to undress to join him in the tub. Leo was supposed to show indifference even if she undress before him and watch her join him in the tub with the same nonchalance. However, to do this scene, they have to do it multiple times since Heaven needed to wear a tube after taking the scene of her back. 

Much to everyone's surprise, when Heaven undid the tie behind her nape, she let the dress fall to her feet instead of stopping it on her chest. Leo's pupils dilated as she confidently stood in cycling shorts with only a silicone strapless bra to cover her bosom.

"CUT!!!" Director Guan's voice thundered, snapping everyone back to reality. "Leo! What the — you were supposed to look indifferent, not bedazzled! Heaven, good job on your expression. They're spot on, but we have to redo it!"

"Oh…" Leo blinked countless times as he snapped out of his character. "I'm… I'm sorry about that."

Heaven smiled as she picked up her dress. "Did I do a terrible job that you got distracted?" she humored, letting another staff help her tie her dress once again. 

"No." Leo cleared his throat, forcing a smile. "I was just a bit surprised, that's all."

"Why were you surprised? I was just thinking it'll be efficient if we can finish the scene in one go since there were still a few scenes you need to shoot. Moreover, I promised Paula I won't make her wait for too long." Heaven quickly changed moods, as if smiling playfully. "It's okay. We can try again."

Leo felt a little ashamed as he smiled back at her, watching Heaven walk away to go back outside the room. He shook his head and took a deep breath, recomposing himself. 

He huffed faintly, glancing at Heaven as the staff closed the door once again. 'She used to dislike showing too much skin before… but that was five years ago.' 

'Focus. It's embarrassing. I kept telling her I got her back, only to mess things up.' Leo closed his eyes to concentrate, embracing the character he was playing.

Not long later, Director Guan's voice was heard again.

"... action!"

Just like the first time, Heaven entered the room and took off her dress. But right before Leo could cast her a look, she already lifted her leg into the tub.

"Cut!!!!" Director Guan harrumphed, making everyone flinch in surprise. "Leo! Wrong expression, Leo! You should be indifferent! Let's do it again!" 

Unbeknownst to everyone, this was just the beginning of the horrifying retakes they would go through just for this scene alone. Listening to Director Guan's screaming, "Again," over and over. 

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