Regardless of the external arguments, after the cast for "Assassination" was finalized, filming soon began. Fortunately, the filming location wasn't far. Aside from flying to Thailand later to shoot a few supplementary scenes, there was basically no need for the actors to travel back and forth.

Xi Nian's character had too many fight scenes, so before joining the crew, he spent nearly half a month learning from the martial arts instructor under the director's arrangement. He had a foundation from his previous life, so it wasn't difficult to practice, and he was more or less ready once he gradually built up his stamina.

Chong Wenxin was extremely strict about filming. In the first few days, almost everyone in the crew had been scolded by him, and even Yan Du was no exception. Xi Nian, however, wasn't scolded. His scenes were later on and hadn't started filming yet. At the director's request, he spent most of his days sitting on a small stool to the side, observing and learning.

Yang Jin, who had scenes with Xi Nian, did the same. But while Xi Nian simply watched with his eyes, her notebook was filled with acting insights, almost as thick as a book.

The weather was gradually getting colder. Although the filming studio had heating, it was still cold enough to make one's hands and feet stiff and numb. Xi Nian estimated that it would be his turn for the next scene, so he didn't stay seated, instead getting up to walk around a bit.

Seeing this, Lu Xingzhe handed him a thermos: "Drink some hot water."

Xi Nian didn't talk much most of the time on set. In contrast, Lu Xingzhe had familiarized himself with all the staff members in less than three days, gathering all sorts of information. Yang Jin couldn't help but tease, "Xi Nian, where did you find your little assistant? Recommend one to me. It's rare to see someone so considerate. It would be unreasonable not to give him a raise."

Lu Xingzhe nodded, "Exactly, exactly."

If no one was around, Xi Nian would have flicked him on the head. But in front of so many people, he couldn't do much, so he just casually pressed down on his cap and continued from Yang Jin's words, "Alright, I'll give you a raise when we get back."

His voice carried an imperceptible hint of a smile, only making people think Xi Nian had a good temper.

Lu Xingzhe glanced at him quietly, his eyes dark and moist. "How much of a raise?"

Hearing this, Xi Nian raised an eyebrow slightly. He tightened his arm, pulling him into a brotherly embrace, and lowered his eyes, mouthing silently, "We'll discuss it when we get back."

His fingertips imperceptibly pinched Lu Xingzhe's fair earlobe. Seeing a faint blush spread rapidly, he then let go and sat back down in his seat.

Lu Xingzhe had only asked as a joke, but he didn't know if it was his imagination; he felt like Xi Nian was being a rogue. He took off his baseball cap to hide his face, feeling uncharacteristically embarrassed. After a long while, he slowly put it back on and then sat down next to Xi Nian.

Yan Du had just finished reshooting a scene and came off set. He saw Xi Nian's alluringly handsome assistant buzzing around him like a little bee, busy with this and that. He watched quietly from the side for a long time, then walked over and said, "Xi Nian, Director Chong is looking for you."

Some time ago, their fans had been arguing incessantly, so there was bound to be some awkwardness. Yet Yan Du acted as if nothing had happened, smiling and being polite to everyone with his usual old-cadre style, making it impossible to guess what he was thinking.

Xi Nian's gaze swept over him, then he thanked him, his expression as inscrutable as ever. He got up from his seat and said to Lu Xingzhe, "I'll be right over."

Lu Xingzhe nodded. Due to others being present, he didn't say much.

Yan Du's seat was right next to them. When he sat down, his assistant handed him a cup of water. It was lukewarm. He glanced at it and didn't even take it. "It's cold. Go add some hot water."

His voice betrayed no emotion.

The assistant was a bit flustered. "Teacher Yan, I'm sorry. I got hot water just now. Maybe because the weather is too cold, it cooled down accidentally."

Lu Xingzhe watched from the side, thinking to himself, 'The assistant is so scared, Yan Du must not be a kind person behind the scenes.' He casually picked up Xi Nian's thermos, twisted it open to check—hmm, it was hot—and put it back.

Yan Du tilted his head, eyeing the delicate profile under Lu Xingzhe's cap for a while. Then he smiled with interest and initiated a conversation with him, his tone approachable, "How long have you been an assistant for Xi Nian?"

Lu Xingzhe thought, 'None of your damn business.' Without turning his head, he replied perfunctorily, "Not long."

Yan Du continued, "You don't look very old, but you're quite meticulous. When you have time, you could teach Ah Min a thing or two. She's been in this line of work for seven or eight years, and she's still not as skilled as you."

His features were well-defined and resolute, exuding an air of integrity. Though not exceptionally handsome, his smiling eyes could easily make people lower their guard, yet one couldn't see what he was thinking deep down. At this moment, he was staring straight at Lu Xingzhe, and as if to make conversation easier, his body even leaned slightly toward him.

Lu Xingzhe wasn't some naive rookie. He secretly raised an eyebrow, thinking, 'So Yan Du is into this too. I never noticed before, he hides it pretty well. But hitting on me is just asking for trouble.'

Lu Xingzhe glanced at him, his eyes playful. "That's not a good idea. I'm not very familiar with Ah Min."

More importantly, I'm not familiar with you either.

Yan Du felt an itch in his heart, captivated by his beautiful eyes. Just as he was about to say something in response, a familiar male voice suddenly sounded from above, "What are you talking about?"

It was none other than the returned Xi Nian.

Yan Du paused at his words, then sat back down, smiled, and said nonchalantly, "Nothing much. Just praising your assistant for being meticulous and telling him to coach Ah Min when he has the chance."

Xi Nian ignored him, merely lowering his gaze to Lu Xingzhe, his body firmly blocking Yan Du's line of sight. His eyes swept over Lu Xingzhe's somewhat thin jacket. "Are you cold?"

Lu Xingzhe inexplicably felt like he'd been caught doing something bad. Under the cover of his clothes, he secretly hooked Xi Nian's fingertip. In a very fawning tone, he shook his head and said, "Not cold."

He handed a cup of water over again, saying eagerly, "Want a drink? It's hot."

Xi Nian didn't take it and sat down in his seat. "I'm not thirsty. You drink it."

After speaking, he closed his eyes and dozed off in the chair. Lu Xingzhe felt that something was strange, but he couldn't put his finger on it. He had no choice but to put the cup back, then felt for the small snacks in his pocket, and leaned over the armrest of the chair to ask him in a small voice, "Are you hungry then?"

Xi Nian didn't even open his eyes, his voice lazy, "Not hungry."

Alright, Lu Xingzhe could only give up and continue to sit with him, unable to figure out why Xi Nian wasn't talking today.

Xi Nian imperceptibly opened his eyes and saw him sitting alone at the side, looking dejected and rather pitiful. Just as he was about to say something, Director Chong's assistant came over to inform them they were needed for the next scene, so he had to get up and leave for the time being.

Before leaving, Xi Nian patted Lu Xingzhe on the head. "Go lie down in my seat and sleep for a while."

And don't just casually talk to any random person.

Lu Xingzhe said, "Oh," then obediently sat down in his seat. Seeing his listless look, Yang Jin couldn't help but tease, "Why so unhappy? Did Xi Nian scold you?"

But everyone on set knew the two of them had a good relationship.

Lu Xingzhe shook his head. "No, Xi Nian never scolds people."

Yang Jin was older than him and couldn't help but see Lu Xingzhe as a younger brother. Hearing this, she smiled. "Oh, then it's because he wasn't talking to you just now. You're his assistant, and you were chatting so cheerfully with Yan Du. Of course he's not happy."

Yang Jin was just giving a reminder from a superior-subordinate perspective. After all, Xi Nian and Yan Du were rivals. If an assistant got too close, it could easily lead to privacy leaks. Anyone would be unhappy about that.

Lu Xingzhe paused at her words, but then, as if he had figured something out, his eyes suddenly lit up, and he shot up from the lounge chair with a rustle.

Yang Jin asked him, "Where are you going?"

Lu Xingzhe looked quite happy. "I'm going to watch Xi Nian film."

In a TV drama with a clear good versus evil dynamic, the villain's combat power is usually stronger than the hero's in the early stages, otherwise it would lose its appeal. This was a scene between Xi Nian and Yan Du. Assassin 19 infiltrates a safe house to assassinate a police witness, but is discovered by the male lead, Duan Haiyang. After a fierce fight, Assassin 19 manages to escape.

Xi Nian and Yan Du reshot the scene several times, but Chong Wenxin wasn't satisfied, feeling that the tension captured on camera wasn't enough. In the end, he just told them to fight for real, no fake moves, and to be as ruthless as they could.

Yan Du glanced at Xi Nian. "Director, I have no problem, but Xi Nian has only been training for half a month. I'm afraid there might be an accident."

He all but said outright that he was afraid of beating Xi Nian down.

Chong Wenxin scratched his hair in frustration. Just as he was about to speak, he heard Xi Nian say, "Director, let's try it first. If it doesn't work, we'll talk."

Since neither male actor had a problem, Chong Wenxin certainly didn't. He raised his megaphone and said, "All cameras, get ready! One more take! Replace the things that were broken just now. Slate it, and action!"

Xi Nian got into character quickly. In an instant, his eyes turned icy cold, filled with boundless ruthlessness. His fists and feet flew directly at Yan Du's face with full force. The latter hurriedly dodged to the side, only to be knocked to the ground by a leg sweep.

Xi Nian was an assassin; anything around him could become a weapon in his hands. During the struggle, he swiftly tore off his own tie, then wrapped it around Yan Du's neck from behind, directly restraining his movements.

The previous few takes were all fake fighting, and Xi Nian hadn't used his full strength. This sudden, ruthless attack was something Yan Du hadn't expected. He protected his throat with one hand and chopped back at Xi Nian with the other. Seizing a moment of looseness, he rolled on the ground to break free, then, as per the script, fumbled for a gun in the corner and fired three shots directly at him.

Xi Nian rolled on the spot to dodge, then kicked a nearby chair over to obstruct the view. He grabbed a prop wine bottle from the table and struck the back of Yan Du's head, then directly twisted his arm behind his back and snatched the gun in a few swift moves. The series of actions was dazzling and could be called beautiful.

Following the script, the gun was now out of bullets. The male lead, Duan Haiyang, pulled out a military dagger hidden on his person and stabbed it directly into Assassin 19's chest. The latter was defeated and escaped, injured, by jumping out the window.

The scene was completed in almost a single take. Chong Wenxin was quite satisfied. He had them shoot a few more detailed shots, then said, "Xi Nian, take a break. Get ready to continue with the next scene."

They had both sustained some injuries, and the pain couldn't be faked. Assassin 19 was supposed to hide in a residential house next, so maintaining this injured, near-death state was perfect for filming the next scene.

Xi Nian had no objections. He patted the dust off his clothes and went off set to rest. Yan Du got up with the help of the staff, unable to stop himself from sucking in a sharp breath of cold air from the pain. He could only think that Xi Nian's attacks were truly fucking ruthless.

Lu Xingzhe was originally watching from the side, but after seeing Xi Nian take several punches from Yan Du in succession, he stopped watching and hid himself away.

Xi Nian removed the half-empty fake blood pack from his body. It took him a long time to find him. In the end, he saw Lu Xingzhe sitting alone in a corner of the stairwell, smoking, a pile of cigarette butts at his feet. He watched quietly from behind for a while, then walked over and took the cigarette from his mouth. "Didn't you quit?"

Hearing his voice, Lu Xingzhe subconsciously turned his head. His gaze paused on Xi Nian's blood-stained clothes for a moment, then he asked in a daze, "Is it over?"

Xi Nian took a drag from his cigarette, then extinguished it. "Yeah, it's over."

Lu Xingzhe looked at the bruises on Xi Nian's arm, then patted his pants and stood up. "I bought some swelling-reduction medicine. Let's go, find a place so I can apply some for you."

There was a storage room right next to them. Xi Nian didn't listen and pulled him directly inside, closing the door behind him. It was pitch black. Just as Lu Xingzhe was about to speak, a warm sensation suddenly covered his lips, carrying a familiar scent.

During this period of filming, Xi Nian was busy and would basically fall asleep as soon as he got back, exhausted. The two of them hadn't done anything.

Lu Xingzhe paused, then reached out to wrap his arms around his neck, responding softly. In the dim environment, Xi Nian noticed his eyes were a little red. The pad of his finger stroked his cheek for a moment, and then he asked, "Why did you run off to smoke by yourself?"

Lu Xingzhe coveted his scent. He held Xi Nian and kissed him for a moment before saying, "I won't smoke anymore."

He was just upset after seeing Xi Nian get hit.

Xi Nian seemed to know his thoughts. "I'm not in pain. The one who should be in pain is someone else."

For example, Yan Du.

Lu Xingzhe said disdainfully, "Like I give a damn if he's in pain."

Xi Nian smiled. "Mhm, it's none of your business. So talk to him less next time."

Lu Xingzhe still wanted to apply the medicine for him, but Xi Nian didn't let him. "We'll do it back at the hotel. I still have another scene to film, it's not good to be away for too long. Don't watch, just find a place to sit and wait for me."

Lu Xingzhe remembered. Xi Nian's next scene was a romantic one with Yang Jin. His eyelid couldn't help but twitch. "Okay, I'll wait for you outside."

He couldn't watch. If he watched, he'd turn into a green-eyed monster.

Xi Nian quickly returned to the set. Yang Jin and the others were already ready. The makeup artist came forward to touch up Xi Nian's makeup and stuck another blood pack on him, making him look as miserable as possible.

Director Chong instructed him from the side, "In a moment, you'll hide in this room. When the stepfather opens the door, you slit his throat directly, and then discover Yang Jin."

Xi Nian nodded to show he understood. Chong Wenxin signaled for the slate and to start filming.

For the convenience of lighting, the filming location was temporarily constructed, but it was done to a point of being convincingly real. Xi Nian clutched his wound, staggering down the old, dirty corridor. Blood dripped onto the floor, which he then wiped away with something.

He couldn't walk anymore. He leaned against the wall to catch his breath. His whole body exuded weakness, yet his eyes were as bloodthirsty as ever. He pulled a sharp knife from his pocket and knocked expressionlessly on a nearby door.

He knocked twice. No one answered.

Xi Nian's expression remained unchanged as he continued to knock. A string of curses came from inside, and the door was finally opened. The owner was a short, fat man. Just as he was about to curse, he felt a cold sensation on his neck. Before he could react, his throat was slit.

Xi Nian slipped into the room, locked the door behind him, and covered the man's mouth. He stabbed him viciously in the heart once more before tossing the warm corpse aside.

Xi Nian's ears twitched. He didn't hear any movement inside; it was completely silent. He had thought no one was inside, but when he went in to look, he found a girl lying on the bed.

Her hands were tied with hemp rope to the headboard. Her white nightgown was mostly torn, covered in bruises. It wasn't hard to guess what she had just suffered, but that was not something an assassin should consider.

Xi Nian raised his knife, meeting Yang Jin's dark, dead eyes. For some reason, he lowered it again. Perhaps it was because he felt this girl posed no threat.

Xi Nian hid the knife back in his sleeve. He turned around and saw a few glasses of water on the table. He picked one up, sniffed it, and then drank them all in a few gulps. After doing all this, he opened the refrigerator. Inside was a half-eaten can of frozen luncheon meat, half a plate of leftovers, and a small half-bowl of cold rice.

Without a second glance, Xi Nian picked it up and started eating, like a ruthless beast feeding. The frozen luncheon meat was half-raw, but he didn't care at all. The food went down without being chewed, his cheeks bulging, his face expressionless as he replenished his stamina at a rapid pace.

The crew members watching from the side probably hadn't expected him to go this far and were secretly amazed.

Yang Jin lay on the bed, not moving at all. Though she was still breathing, she was more like a corpse. After Xi Nian finished eating, his gaze inadvertently swept over a family photo on the bedside table, and he belatedly realized that the short, fat man from earlier was her father.

He clutched his wound and walked step by step to the bedside. Blood was still gushing from the wound. He glanced at the girl's exposed white body, then reached out his hand.

His palm was gripping a knife, yet he pulled the girl's clothes up for her and removed the cloth gag from her mouth, while at the same time pressing against her throat—

If Yang Jin cried out, Xi Nian would kill her.

But the girl didn't. She showed no reaction from beginning to end, looking dazed and vacant. So Xi Nian backed away step by step, sat down against the wall on the floor, and began to treat his wound.

Chong Wenxin yelled, "Cut!" Everyone came back to their senses. They went forward to hand Yang Jin some clothes. Xi Nian also got up from the floor, preparing to wash off the sticky blood on his body and also go to the restroom to throw up everything he had just eaten.

In the end, Lu Xingzhe had watched the entire scene from the side. He heard the sound of vomiting from the restroom, walked to the water dispenser to get a cup of hot water, then quietly leaned against the doorway waiting for Xi Nian to come out. He opened his phone and looked at recent news, only to find that Yan Du's side had released many press releases, praising his professionalism, his acting, praising everything, and there were even many fans putting down Xi Nian.

His fingertips twitched. He wanted to do something, but held back.

Perhaps now wasn't the time.

Lu Xingzhe thought, 'Let them brag. The higher they praise Yan Du now, the harder he'll fall when the show airs.'

As long as one wasn't blind, they could see that the stunning quality of Xi Nian's character was no less than the male lead's.

After a long while, Xi Nian came out of the restroom, his eyes a little red and bloodshot. Lu Xingzhe tested the water temperature and then handed it to him. "Drink a little."

There was no one else around. Xi Nian took the cup and ruffled his hair.

Lu Xingzhe deliberately teased him, handing him his phone. "Your fans left you a message."

Xi Nian took it and looked. His eyelid couldn't help but twitch. It turned out his fans knew his supporting character would still be killed off in the end, and were already planning whether to support him again. They had all flocked to the Weibo comments section to leave messages, all with more or less the same content.

Fan: [Hubby, when you get killed off this time, we'll still spam 6s for you, and send you off to debut one more time!! Love you for ten thousand years!!]

Xi Nian paused, then personally replied with two words—

[No need.]