Top Dupe CH 088 You Did That On Purpose (Vlog Filming) Part 2

By the lake, Brother Yan had already set up a small folding table with two folding chairs beside it. On the table was Gu Xiaowei’s thermos, filled with freshly brewed coffee, along with two little cups that Brother Yan had specially brought from the villa.

“Are you two ready to sit down and let our vlog move into the Q&A segment?” Brother Yan asked with a grin.

“Coming!” Luo Yu immediately went over and plopped into the small chair, leaning back with such flair he almost tipped over.

Gu Xiaowei, passing by, caught him and pushed him forward. “Be careful. This chair doesn’t have a backrest.”

“Oh, I forgot.”

So they sat down, and Gu Xiaowei opened the thermos, pouring coffee into the two white porcelain cups.

Luo Yu tilted his head back to feel the sunlight, the air faintly tinged with the fragrance of roses.

The scene was so beautiful that Xiao Qin, who was still on a “wedding shoot” kick, began taking more photos from every angle.

Brother Yan held a phone with the topics that Li Qian had prepared for Yan Ye and Bai Ying’s characters.

“Brother Gu, Brother Luo, let’s talk about ‘Counterattack’. We’re curious: when you two first met because of this show, what were your first impressions of each other?” Brother Yan called out.

Luo Yu thought, This question sounds like something a matchmaker would ask after a blind date.

He looked at Gu Xiaowei, tilted his chin up, and said, “You first. What was your impression of me?”

Luo Yu didn’t have much interview experience, so he figured he’d listen to Gu Xiaowei’s “answer style” first.

In a normal interview, Gu Xiaowei would sit up straight and serious, but now he was relaxed, leaning his elbows on his knees with his chin in his hand, glancing at Luo Yu. “Aside from school, I think our first meeting for ‘Counterattack’ was in the elevator. You were going to the audition, still with shoulder-length hair.”

“This baffles me—I was wearing a mask back then, but somehow, you recognized me at a glance.”

“What’s so strange about that? I watched your performance at the school anniversary event, and I was front row for all your end-of-term performances every semester. I’ve watched your ‘Plum Blossom Rain’ countless times—I’m not that blind that I wouldn’t recognize you just because you wore a mask,” Gu Xiaowei replied.

Luo Yu didn’t know how to describe his feelings at that moment: surprised, a little incredulous.

“Hey, if that gets included in the vlog, people will think you’re my fanboy,” Luo Yu muttered, scratching his head, suddenly feeling shy as his ears turned red.

“I am,” Gu Xiaowei said, taking a sip of coffee.

“Are you really admitting that?”

“Why wouldn’t I? Who hasn’t been a fan at some point? Didn’t you used to like Xia Yun too?” Gu Xiaowei said.

In his previous life, Luo Yu had once dragged Gu Xiaowei to a late-night movie showing, choosing a screening with cozy sofa seats.

They had sat together, fully bundled up in masks and scarves, while the other couples on the sofas were huddling close, feeding each other popcorn, even passionately making out. Meanwhile, the two of them were earnestly watching the film.

Back then, Gu Xiaowei knew Luo Yu was a fan of Xia Yun, but in this life, Luo Yu hadn’t invited Gu Xiaowei to watch a Xia Yun film with him.

“How did you know I liked Xia Yun?” Luo Yu was stunned.

“There was a Xia Yun ad playing in the elevator. You stared at it so long that the floor passed by. Aren’t you her fanboy?” Gu Xiaowei asked.

Luo Yu shook his head, sighing, “In front of Teacher Gu’s powers of observation, there are no secrets. But…”

“But what?”

“I’m your fanboy too. I could rewatch your TV dramas and films countless times. I went to the cinema three times to see your film ‘Palace Gates’.”

“My performance in that film wasn’t that great,” Gu Xiaowei reflected earnestly.

A mischievous grin flickered on Luo Yu’s face, a glint of trouble in his eyes.

You’re the one offering this up; I’d be a fool not to take it. “There’s that one scene in the film—with scrolls of hanging paper everywhere. Every time the camera passed between those fluttering paper sheets, we’d catch your dazed expression. And that shot of your bare back was visually impactful too. Liking the former is just human nature; you always look so unattainable at events, so that palace artist’s romance was rare. And for the latter... I’ll admit I was a bit jealous. I always wanted to confirm whether that back of yours is special effects or real."

Ye Shengyi, who was watching them, couldn't help but reveal an 'auntie smile' along with the others.

This time, Gu Xiaowei's ears didn't turn red, and he looked calm, leaning toward Luo Yu and saying, "I don't know who, when acting out romantic scenes with me, often 'graciously admits defeat.' As for whether my back is special effects or all-natural, hasn't Senior Brother confirmed that several times?"

"Oh my god! When did you guys ever practice romantic scenes? What kind of romantic scenes?" Ye Shengyi was so excited he nearly dropped his phone.

"Nothing much, just during 'Counterattack,' I helped read the female lead's lines and practiced a romantic scene with him."

"And we teased each other's romantic acting, so sometimes we’d compete a little." Gu Xiaowei glanced sideways at Luo Yu, his expression clearly viewing him as a "coward."

"Well… Mr. Gu's romantic scenes are actually very delicate, famously…"

"You want to say I can even look at dogs with deep affection again?" Gu Xiaowei said coolly.

"No, no, no," Luo Yu quickly waved his hands, full of survival instincts, "It's that you can even look at me with deep affection!"

"Though, to be fair, who told Senior Brother to be a complete bachelor? Always able to woo yourself." Gu Xiaowei shot him another glance.

Luo Yu thought to himself, failing to flirt back and even getting teased.

Sigh, not skilled enough yet—still need to practice.

Brother Yan seized the moment, "Then let's talk about the blowing smoke scene! That scene has sparked intense discussion online; the first episode alone stirred up viewers' emotions! Many viewers are curious about how you two felt while filming that scene!"

Gu Xiaowei looked at Luo Yu, gesturing for him to go ahead, "For that scene, I was completely in the dark. It was a conspiracy between Senior Brother and Director Lin."

Mentioning this, Luo Yu's words flowed, "I was called over by Director Lin to look at the freshly revised script by Screenwriter Hua; it was thrilling and fresh, making me incredibly nervous. I asked the director if we should discuss it with Teacher Gu, and the director said they wanted Teacher Gu's most natural reaction."

"In other words, you wanted to 'scare' me, right?" Gu Xiaowei raised his eyebrows, clearly saying, "I know you guys too well."

"The one scared was me! A grown man, suddenly getting close to you; the moment I grabbed your collar, I worried you'd snap my wrist! The director demanded speed and precision. If my fist was off target or missed your mouth, wouldn't I be blowing smoke in your face? If you pushed me away, the scene would have bombed. It was meant to be a sudden ambush, quick and intense, with no chance for a retake!" Luo Yu's eyebrows rose high. Normally gentle in speech and demeanor, he came alive talking about that scene.

"Oh, thankfully it was you." Gu Xiaowei smiled a bit.

"If it wasn't me, you wouldn’t have managed to stay in character?" Luo Yu asked.

"If it wasn't you, I’d have thrown them over my shoulder." Gu Xiaowei said.

"Thank you for sparing me," Luo Yu clasped his hands in gratitude.

The temporary host, Brother Yan, kept the conversation going, "So, for both of you, were there any dangerous or particularly cautious parts during filming?"

Luo Yu tilted his head, thinking carefully, "For me, it’s probably the action scenes. If I can’t stop in time, I might injure other actors. Also, Bai Ying's character always appears well-dressed, often in dress pants. I’m constantly worried my pants will tear during scenes involving kicking."

After he finished speaking, everyone laughed, and thinking about it, they realized how awkward Luo Yu must have felt.

"And what about you, Brother Gu? Do you also think fight scenes are dangerous?" Brother Yan asked.

Gu Xiaowei lowered his eyes, picked up his porcelain cup but put it down again.

"For me, the dangerous part was the underwater scenes," Gu Xiaowei said.

"Underwater scenes? You mean the one where I was thrown into the sewer by the enemy, nearly drowning?"

"Yes. Your struggling in the water looked so… so real. Every time I watched from the top, I felt the urge to jump in and save you, afraid that a second's delay might be too late." Gu Xiaowei's voice was slightly more somber.

"I can swim; my breathing is good too," Luo Yu chuckled.

Gu Xiaowei looked at him, with a familiar depth in his eyes, "Sometimes, when danger comes, no matter what you can do, you can’t resist death."

Luo Yu’s fingertips instinctively trembled, recalling his previous life’s plunge into the river, sinking with his van into the water.

The river engulfed him; knowing how to breathe and swim didn’t change the outcome.

"Especially when my character Yan Ye jumped in, and your Bai Ying character was almost losing consciousness… I couldn’t tell if it was acting or real, and I quickly supported you to the surface. I was afraid… something might truly happen. That’s a price I couldn’t bear," Gu Xiaowei said.

Luo Yu’s heart warmed. He hadn’t realized it wasn’t just improv; Gu Xiaowei was genuinely worried, lifting him to ensure he wasn’t truly drowning.

"That scene was iconic! There are several edited versions of it online. It’s also the real beginning of mutual trust between Yan Ye and Bai Ying!" Xiao Qin, a member of the fan community, chimed in.

"Hahaha, tonight's episode of 'Counterattack' will enter a high-energy part. If we keep talking, we'll spoil it. How about you two evaluate each other’s acting skills?" Brother Yan suggested.

Tonight’s high-energy part would show Bai Ying sacrificing himself to save Yan Ye, so they couldn’t discuss it further.

Luo Yu took a deep breath, "Let me talk about Teacher Gu first. My vocabulary for compliments is limited, so I can only express my feelings in simple words."

Gu Xiaowei looked at Luo Yu, his face expressionless, but his words almost made Luo Yu choke.

"How about I princess carry you while doing squats, to stimulate Senior Brother's inspiration?"

This immediately brought up memories of their trending moment while filming “Burn, Little Cosmos”!

"No, no, no! No need!" Luo Yu quickly waved his hands, "I can do it!"

Xiao Qin and the others burst into laughter, joking about how many inside jokes Brother Gu and Brother Luo shared.

"Teacher Gu is an actor who deeply empathizes with his characters; every reaction, tone, and expression is shaped by the character. Acting with him makes me feel like I truly become Bai Ying, feeling his joys and sorrows, even his fierce struggle to escape the mire. He’s an actor who brings out the best in others."

Luo Yu gestured to Gu Xiaowei to show he’d finished.

"Is that it?" Gu Xiaowei tilted his head, eyebrows raised, clearly dissatisfied.

Xiao Qin immediately picked up on Gu Xiaowei's dissatisfaction, laughing, "Brother Luo, that evaluation sounds too formal, like you’re reciting an apology letter!"

Brother Yan joined in, "Exactly, this isn’t a parent-teacher meeting! Loosen up a bit!"

Luo Yu scratched his head in frustration, "Alright, alright, I’ll loosen up… Seeing Yan Ye fight for Bai Ying makes me feel accomplished, like I truly tamed a wolf. This wolf is wild but willing to hunt for me. Bai Ying, more perceptive than anyone, long sees through human nature, and everyone around him is there for benefits or power. Only Yan Ye’s wolfishness feels real, embodying the freedom he truly admires. For him, whether Yan Ye is an undercover cop or why he approached doesn’t matter. Bai Ying admires Yan Ye, wants to become Yan Ye, and he’ll do anything to fulfill Yan Ye's journey, and in that way he fulfills himself."

Luo Yu paused, looking at Gu Xiaowei, conveying not only Bai Ying's view of Yan Ye but also his own feelings towards Gu Xiaowei.

Do you understand, Gu Xiaowei?

"Yan Ye is Bai Ying's hope. If anyone else played the role, I wouldn’t feel such strong longing and desire. Gu Xiaowei’s Yan Ye is unique and irreplaceable. His performance forged a spiritual bond between Yan Ye and Bai Ying, giving them a fateful connection that resonates with the audience."

A genuine smile finally appeared on Gu Xiaowei's face, "I hope I’m also unique to Senior Brother."

A breeze passed, bending the reeds, while the sea of roses swayed behind them, and Luo Yu’s heart rippled, unable to calm.

This guy… is he talking about “unique” acting skills, or something else?