78: "The Prince's Wedding"
Director Wang Yan held a megaphone, standing before the temporary monitor shed with a calm expression.
His professional quality as an android allowed him to remain unfazed by the luxurious setup before him.
"All departments prepare! Opening ceremony in ten minutes!"
When Wang Chen stepped out of the nanny van, the scene instantly fell silent for a few seconds.
He was wearing casual everyday clothes today, but his face and physique were already enough to draw everyone's attention. Several young female extras' eyes went wide.
"Is that the boss? He's way too handsome..."
"I heard he's personally playing the male lead?"
"I must follow this short drama! I'm ready to lick the screen!"
An Jinxi and Su Xiaoxiao also got out of another nanny van. The two had already finished part of their makeup and were wearing casual clothes.
As soon as An Jinxi saw Wang Chen, she immediately jogged over. "Morning, President Wang!"
"Morning." Wang Chen nodded with a smile, glancing at Su Xiaoxiao who was walking over slowly behind her. "Did you sleep well last night?"
Su Xiaoxiao's face turned red. "It... it was okay!"
In reality, she hadn't slept well at all. But she would never say that.
At exactly eight o'clock, the opening ceremony officially began.
Cameras covered in red cloth, incense altars, roasted suckling pig, fruit offerings, and so on—everything that should be there was there.
As both the boss and the male lead, Wang Chen led all the crew members in offering incense.
Over a dozen media outlets arrived, their cameras snapping away fiercely; this was all part of the promotion arranged by Chen Yi.
Wang Yan took the microphone. "I announce that 'Prince, the Princess Consort Has Run Away Again and Again' is officially filming!"
Thunderous applause broke out.
"First scene, first take! Prepare!"
The clapperboard snapped.
"Action!"
The first scene was the Prince leaving the manor to welcome his bride.
The gates of the "Prince Wei Manor" slowly opened.
Wang Chen walked out of the manor gates dressed in a bright red wedding robe, the four-clawed python pattern embroidered in gold thread looking lifelike.
Wearing a jade crown on his head and a jade belt around his waist, he had sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, exuding a noble and heroic aura.
Behind him followed eight manor guards also dressed festively, and further back were sixteen servants carrying betrothal gifts.
"Your Highness, the auspicious hour has arrived," the butler said with a bow.
Wang Chen nodded slightly and mounted his horse. It was a pure black steed with a glossy coat, looking exceptionally divine and spirited.
His movements were clean and agile, not looking like a novice at all.
"Eh? President Wang is so skilled at horse riding?" An Jinxi whispered behind the monitor.
Su Xiaoxiao was also entranced. That posture on horseback, that aura—he truly looked like a powerful young prince.
Wang Chen chuckled inwardly. Master-level horse riding skill for 80 godly tycoon points—it was worth it.
The master of ceremonies shouted, "The auspicious hour is here! Set off to welcome the bride!"
Firecrackers roared and drums and gongs filled the air.
The wedding procession set off grandly. In front was the honor guard clearing the way, holding lanterns and plaques that read "Silence" and "Make Way."
In the middle was Wang Chen on his steed, followed by servants carrying betrothal gifts and musicians playing festive music.
At the very back, twenty manor guards brought up the rear.
The entire procession of two hundred people completely filled the main road of the movie studio city.
Tourists watching from the roadside and other crew members all raised their phones.
"Are they filming? I thought someone was actually getting married!"
"That male lead is so handsome! Is he a newcomer?"
"This crew is way too rich..."
Director Wang Yan stared at the monitor, nodding in satisfaction.
He had originally worried that Wang Chen would be nervous for his first time filming, but his performance on screen was perfect. He perfectly portrayed the noble air of a prince, the joy of a grand wedding, and a faint sense of anticipation.
"Cut! This take is a pass!"
Applause rang out on set.
Wang Chen dismounted, and staff immediately swarmed him to touch up his makeup and tidy his clothes.
An Jinxi leaned over, her eyes sparkling. "President Wang! You were so handsome just now! I was completely drawn into the scene!"
"Is that so?" Wang Chen smiled as he took some water. "Then you'll have to bring your A-game when you perform later."
"Of course!"
Su Xiaoxiao stood a bit further away watching, her heart racing again.
The scene shifted to the "Ministers Residence" to begin filming the second scene: the bride's departure from the Ministers Residence.
Su Xiaoxiao had already changed into her Phoenix Crown and Embroidered Robe.
This wedding dress had been custom-made by several Suzhou embroidery masters in advance, taking a full week to complete. The phoenixes and peonies embroidered with gold and silver thread were so magnificent that one couldn't look away.
The phoenix crown on her head was crafted with real gold, silver, pearls, and gemstones. Although it was just a prop costume, the craftsmanship was exquisite and perfect.
"Xiao Xiao, you look so beautiful in this!!!" Chen Yun, playing the third female lead as Su Xiaoxiao's younger sister, was currently helping her tidy her skirt.
Li Lan also nodded. "President Wang won't be able to take his eyes off you."
Su Xiaoxiao's face turned even redder.
The clapperboard snapped.
The shot began in the bridal chamber. The auspicious matrons and maids surrounded Su Xiaoxiao, saying auspicious words as they placed the red bridal veil over her.
Su Xiaoxiao's hands trembled slightly; this was required by the script to show the bride's nervousness and shyness.
"Miss, the auspicious hour has arrived. It's time to go to the front hall to bid farewell to the Master and Madam." The matron helped her up.
They arrived at the front hall. Two veteran actors playing the Minister and the Minister's Wife were already in place. Both were famous contract actors in Hengdian with solid acting skills.
"Daughter bids farewell to Father and Mother." Su Xiaoxiao knelt, her voice choked with emotion.
She finished this scene in one take. After the Director called cut, the actress playing the Minister's Wife even praised her: "The girl's acting is good, her emotions are very genuine."
Next was the highlight: the groom receiving the bride.
The Prince's wedding procession arrived outside the Ministers Residence. Wang Chen dismounted and walked through the manor gates accompanied by the butler.
The camera gave him a close-up; a gentle smile was on his handsome face, and his eyes were filled with anticipation for his new bride.
Su Xiaoxiao walked out supported by the matron. The red veil covered her face, making her figure appear even more graceful.
Wang Chen stepped forward, performed the etiquette according to protocol, and then took Su Xiaoxiao's hand from the matron.
The moment their hands touched, Su Xiaoxiao clearly trembled.
Wang Chen whispered, "Don't be nervous."
His voice was very soft, audible only to the two of them.
Su Xiaoxiao gave a soft "Mm."
Next was the tedious ritual process. Wang Chen performed everything meticulously, as if he had truly lived in ancient times.
Director Wang Yan stroked his chin behind the monitor. "The boss's bearing, this acting! It's incredible! It's more standard than actors who have studied ancient etiquette for years."
Finally, all rituals were completed. Wang Chen held Su Xiaoxiao's hand and walked toward the bridal sedan.
Before boarding the sedan, according to custom, the bride had to change into shoes provided by the groom's family.
Wang Chen crouched down. This action wasn't in the script; he had added it spontaneously.
The staff on set were all stunned.
But the Director didn't call cut.
Wang Chen personally changed Su Xiaoxiao into the embroidered shoes with gentle movements. Then he looked up and smiled at her beneath the veil. "Wife, let's go home."
"Cut! Perfect!" Wang Yan shouted.
The set erupted in applause.
This improvisation was brilliant, bringing to life the Prince's tenderness and consideration for his bride.
Sitting in the sedan, Su Xiaoxiao felt her face burning hot.
The moment Wang Chen crouched down just now, her heart had almost stopped.
The third scene was the wedding ceremony at the Prince's Manor.
The wedding procession returned to the "Prince Wei Manor."