Playing the Villainess, He Fell for Me

On camera, the girl’s brow was furrowed tightly, making it impossible to tell if she was acting or if she was in real pain.

After all, they were on camera; no one would suspect Leah Shaw of turning a fake scene into a real attack. Director Archer, however, looked displeased when he saw it, but he didn’t yell "Cut."

Yelling "Cut" would mean starting over, and there was no guarantee the same thing wouldn’t happen again. It was better to just get the shot and be done with it.

A piercing pain shot through the small of her back, but Joanna Kennedy’s expression showed nothing unusual. She remained immersed in her character, delivered her lines, and only let out a sigh of relief when the director finally said, "And... scene."

Under everyone’s watchful eyes, before Joanna Kennedy could say anything, Leah Shaw put on an apologetic face first. "Jennings, I didn’t hurt you just now, did I? Look at you, so lost in the role. You need to use technique for scenes like this. What if you really get hurt?"

It was a preemptive strike, completely absolving herself of responsibility. Her words were dripping with the concern of a senior actress for a junior, while also subtly hinting that Joanna Kennedy’s acting skills were still green.

If Joanna Kennedy were a more impulsive actress, she would have fired back right then and there, exposing Leah Shaw’s lies in front of everyone.

But that would have given Leah the perfect excuse to play the victim. Some people might even think Joanna Kennedy was throwing her weight around and disrespecting a senior.

After all, there was no direct evidence to prove that Leah Shaw had resorted to such petty tricks.

Seeing the flicker of unconcealable pride on Leah Shaw’s face, a cold glint flashed in Joanna Kennedy’s eyes. She simply smiled faintly. "You’re right, Leah. I still have much to learn from you."

Unexpectedly, Joanna Kennedy didn’t lash out. Leah Shaw, feeling a bit unsatisfied, was about to say something more when she was interrupted.

"Mr. Archer, stop pulling Joanna aside to talk. Her role is demanding, and she needs time to go over the script."

The change in address from "Jennings" to "Joanna" made it clear that Conor Archer was very satisfied with this newly famous rookie actress.

By mentioning that Joanna’s role was demanding, he was also indirectly warning Leah Shaw. This was the female lead. If she was going to cause trouble for his star on his set, he wouldn’t be so polite next time.

Leah Shaw’s expression turned ugly, but while she dared to pull rank on Joanna Kennedy, she didn’t dare to act high and mighty in front of Conor Archer. She forced a smile and said she "had been inconsiderate."

"Is it serious? I’ll have the doctor take a look at you later," Conor Archer said, walking over with concern. He sighed. "That’s just how Leah is. She really went too far this time."

Although Conor Archer said that, he had no intention of replacing Leah Shaw. Joanna Kennedy knew he was just placating her, hoping she wouldn’t make a scene.

If she made a scene, filming would halt, and everything would have to be redone. The production would suffer the biggest loss. As the head director, Conor Archer’s actions were understandable.

"I’m fine, thank you, Director." Joanna Kennedy showed no sign of dissatisfaction, which made Conor Archer breathe a sigh of relief and appreciate her even more.

Everyone likes a capable actor who isn’t arrogant.

Considering they had a location shoot the next day, they wrapped up early. It was just after five in the afternoon when Joanna Kennedy got back to her hotel.

Julie had bought some safflower oil from the pharmacy. She looked at the purple bruise on the small of the girl’s back with a pained expression, fuming, "Isn’t this just bullying? Who does that!"

"Jojo, you’re just too nice!"

Joanna was amused by her angry expression and comforted her, "Getting hurt while filming is normal. Lots of people have it much worse than me. Come on, don’t be angry."

"How is this the same!" Julie was still fuming. "You should tell Mr. Lockwood right this instant! Mr. Lockwood would definitely get Leah Shaw blacklisted!"

The way she said it made Simon Lockwood sound like some domineering, tyrannical despot. Joanna Kennedy didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

This was her first leading role in a movie, and a major director’s at that. So many eyes were on her. If a scandal really broke out, regardless of who was right or wrong, the blame would ultimately fall on her. After all, Leah Shaw wasn’t famous.

Netizens are always very forgiving of nobodies, especially older ones.

Besides, Director Conor Archer had already spoken to her about it, which meant he’d pay more attention in the future. She couldn’t disrespect his gesture. She sighed and said with a smile, "Don’t tell Simon Lockwood, or I won’t give you your bonus."

Julie: "..." That threat was far too powerful.

Julie poured the safflower oil into her palm. The doctor had said to rub it in forcefully. Julie thought for a moment, then applied some pressure. The sudden stab of pain in her lower back made Joanna Kennedy almost cry out, "You... could be a little gentler."

Julie replied with a straight face, "Can’t go any gentler. This way it’ll heal faster. What do you know."

Joanna Kennedy: "..."

After Julie finished rubbing in the oil, Joanna was numb. She felt like her back was broken, like it wasn’t even hers anymore. She flopped onto the sofa, limp and weak. "Leo... I hate you..."

"Oh." Julie paid her no mind. "I’m going to get you some food. What do you want to eat?"

Joanna’s eyes lit up. She said, "Spicy numbing stir-fry pot," but was mercilessly shot down by Julie. "Nope. You should eat something light and nutritious."

With that, she ignored Joanna’s wide-eyed stare and walked straight out the door.

Joanna, lying prone on the sofa: "..." ’So, what was the point of asking me?’

The next day, when Joanna Kennedy woke up, she felt like her back hurt even more, though it might have just been her imagination. She couldn’t see it herself, so she didn’t know what condition it was in.

The location was quite a distance from the main set. After getting out of the car, the crew couldn’t help but gasp in admiration at the sight of the priceless Chinese-style courtyard before them.

They had long heard that Director Archer wasn’t afraid to spend money on his films, but they never expected him to actually rent an entire courtyard to serve as the male lead’s home from the original novel.

"I heard this is a private residence, not usually for rent. No idea why they agreed to rent it to our crew," Owen Jennings whispered to Joanna Kennedy.

Joanna Kennedy raised an eyebrow but didn’t reply.

Once almost everyone had arrived, Director Archer gave his instructions: "We can only operate in this area. Don’t cross the line on the west side. If you cross it, you’re paying for any damages yourself, haha."

He said it jokingly, but his tone was serious. The crew got the message; the owner had probably only rented out this small section of the property.

It was still early. The staff was still unloading equipment, and after that, they would need to do some simple set dressing.

With some time to kill, several of the actors began to explore the courtyard, unable to suppress gasps of wonder with every step.

None of them were exactly short on cash. They had seen plenty of villas and Western-style mansions, and some could even afford to buy one themselves. But they were still awestruck by this Chinese-style courtyard.

’As expected of a private residence belonging to one of Marinus’s tycoons.’ Even the casually placed ornamental rocks were probably worth millions, to say nothing of the decorative fish in the pond.

A middle-aged actor cried out in astonishment, "Is... is that a Gilded Orchid koi?!"

The courtyard pond had flowing water. The water lilies had withered, and a few fish with white bodies and alternating red and black markings swam lazily inside.

The middle-aged actor looked as if he’d received quite a shock, his eyes filled with delighted surprise.