Chapter Ninety-Seven: The End of the MV Shoot

Although Jessica kept asking Sooyoung for the filming location, Sooyoung skillfully dodged the question each time. After all, she hoped to bring Chen Zhe and Krystal together; how could she allow the overly protective Jessica to come and stir things up? The messages in the Girls’ Generation group chat popped up one after another, seemingly revolving around the interactions between Chen Zhe and Krystal, the younger brother and sister. Their curiosity was ablaze, prompting them to incessantly probe Sooyoung for all sorts of inside information.

Having dealt with her sisters for quite a while, Sooyoung finally closed the chat app and put her phone back in her backpack. She turned her attention once more to Chen Zhe and Krystal, who were still filming, a playful smile lingering on her lips.

Meanwhile, Chen Zhe and Krystal, already immersed in their roles and focused on filming, were unaware that a scheme to match them together was quietly taking shape, waiting for the perfect moment to unfold.

Filming continued throughout the day, with only brief breaks for lunch and dinner; the rest of the time was devoted to the shoot. It seemed as though they were determined to wrap up everything in one day, and everyone was working with intense determination, as if holding their breath.

Now they had arrived at the final scene, the most crucial one: the first kiss between the male and female leads when they start dating, and the last kiss when they part ways. Though both kisses took place in the same location, the protagonists' emotional states in the story were entirely different.

“Ahem, Chen Zhe and Krystal, please get ready. Next up are your two kiss scenes. Hmm, do you need someone to give you a bit of psychological counseling?” Director Zhang Chengxun glanced at the young pair before him. Despite their mature appearance thanks to makeup, their real ages were evident. He stroked his chin and offered a considerate suggestion.

“Director, there’s no need for counseling. We’ll just talk it over ourselves,” Chen Zhe and Krystal both replied, blushing, waving their hands in refusal.

“Alright, then I’ll give you two some time to discuss. Everyone, take a break and let’s give the leads a bit of privacy!” Seeing their earnest resistance, Zhang Chengxun couldn’t help but smile. He nodded, clapped, and feigned a cough, instructing the crew to clear the area and give the two young actors some space.

“You go ahead, Krystal/Chen Zhe,” they said simultaneously, gazing at each other, each seeing the other reflected in their eyes. After a brief hesitation, they both spoke at once, saying the exact same thing.

“I’ll go first then!” The synchronicity of their words startled them. After a moment of silence, they tried again, only to repeat the same synchronized response.

“Ahem, Krystal, you’re the older one—why don’t you go first?” Realizing this endless back-and-forth would lead nowhere, Chen Zhe pretended to cough and decided to break the awkward atmosphere.

“This is just for the music video, so don’t let your mind wander!” Krystal fixed her gaze on Chen Zhe, pointed at him with a slightly haughty air.

“Yes, yes, I understand, my dear friend!” Chen Zhe responded with a bright, easy smile, reaching out to grasp her finger.

—The heartfelt conversation resumed filming—

“Cut! That’s a wrap. Well done, everyone!” The final shot lingered on a snowy night: a kiss between the young couple, embraced beneath the falling flakes.

With the last scene completed, Director Zhang Chengxun clapped in satisfaction, officially declaring the MV shoot finished.

“Chen Zhe, you performed excellently today. You’re improving fast. I heard you’ve been cast as the lead in a youth drama?”

With the crew still packing up, Zhang Chengxun approached the two leads. Clearly fond of the newcomer, he patted Chen Zhe’s shoulder and asked with a smile.

“Yes, Director. I passed the audition and became the male lead in TVN’s ‘Reply 1997’.” Chen Zhe was a bit surprised by the director’s friendly gesture, but quickly smiled and bowed in response.

“Judging by your progress today, you really have a talent for acting.” Zhang Chengxun stroked his chin as he observed the boy who, thanks to makeup and demeanor, appeared much more mature.

“Chen Zhe, and Krystal, let’s exchange numbers. I hope we’ll have a chance to work together again!” After pondering for a moment, Zhang Chengxun broke the silence. He’d decided that, given the opportunity, he would support this promising junior. To avoid making Krystal feel awkward, he suggested exchanging contact information with both, not just Chen Zhe.

Hearing this, Chen Zhe and Krystal exchanged glances, each seeing joy in the other’s eyes. Without hesitation, both quickly took out their phones and exchanged numbers with the director.

“Well then, I hope we’ll collaborate again. Goodbye, Chen Zhe and Krystal!” After a few more words, Zhang Chengxun, seeing the crew nearly finished packing, excused himself, eager to begin post-production.

Having bid farewell to the director and crew, both Chen Zhe and Krystal unconsciously breathed a sigh of relief—the MV filming was finally done.

“It was just acting, no need to overthink it. I know, you don’t have to repeat yourself,” Krystal turned to Chen Zhe, her lips parted as if to speak.

But before she could begin, Chen Zhe jumped in, speaking rapidly and finishing her thought for her.

“Alright, alright, we finally finished filming. Let’s find a place for a late-night snack and relax!” Having his words stolen, Krystal glared at him, ready to throw a little tantrum.

But Chen Zhe, who had already figured out her personality, wasn’t about to just stand there. He quickly moved behind her, gently pushing her toward Sooyoung, deliberately emphasizing the words “late-night snack.”

Sure enough, Sooyoung, who had been reviewing photos on her phone, perked up at the mention of food. She put her phone away and greeted them with a smile.