Peninsula: Starting with Hijacking Yoona

31, Han Jiaren

The makeup and styling for period dramas are relatively complicated and require some time.

While Lee Kyung-sung and Han Ga-in were getting ready with their makeup, Minister Park directed the staff to set up cameras for confidential filming in the rehearsal room and adjust the lighting. Then, he and Kim Min-joo went to the side and continued to discuss in hushed tones how to maximize the effect of the upcoming official announcement and publicity, and how to make good use of Lee Kyung-sung's unexpected but strong popularity.

Time passed quietly, and preparations in the rehearsal room were complete. Everyone found their seats or stood up, waiting for the arrival of the two lead actors.

The atmosphere was filled with anticipation mixed with a barely perceptible tension, or perhaps just nervousness.

Just then, a hushed gasp and a slight commotion came from outside the door.

Kim Min-joo was closest to the door, and she almost immediately noticed the unusual commotion, a knowing yet proud smile spreading across her face.

She knew it was Jingcheng, who had finished his hair and makeup and was coming over. Without the slightest hesitation, she turned around and walked briskly towards the door to greet him.

The door to the rehearsal room was gently pushed open from the outside.

The first thing that catches the eye is a meticulously drawn silhouette belonging to a king.

Li Jingcheng, no, at this moment he is already the young monarch Li Xuan.

He wore a black robe embroidered with intricate dark patterns in gold thread, a jade belt around his waist, and stood tall and straight like a pine tree. His long, black hair was meticulously tied up with a jade crown, revealing his full forehead and clear, perfect facial features. His eyes, which had previously been calm and even somewhat aloof, were now made even more profound and distant by the added eyeliner. His eyebrows were neatly shaped and arched, slanting upwards towards his temples, adding a touch of sharpness and majesty to his handsome features.

As he slowly walked into the rehearsal room, the exquisite and luxurious costume seemed to be a perfect match for him, not a deliberately put-on pose, but rather Li Jingcheng's own temperament.

Almost at the same time he appeared, the other door of the rehearsal room was also pushed open, and Han Ga-in, who had already put on her makeup, walked in accompanied by her assistant.

She wore an elegant and refined hanbok in soft, light colors, her hair neatly styled and adorned with simple hair accessories. Her makeup was clean and natural, highlighting her naturally gentle and beautiful features, especially her eyes, which were clear as water and carried a touch of innocent naivety.

When she looked up at Li Xuan as he walked in, it was as if a tiny electric current flashed through the air.

The two stood at opposite ends of the rehearsal room, not yet having started rehearsing their lines. It was only their first meeting after their costumes were completed, yet the tension between the male and female leads seemed to have already silently enveloped the entire space.

Screenwriter Jin Xiuwan held her breath, her eyes fixed on the two of them; director Kim Do-hoon's gaze kept shifting between them; even Minister Park and Kim Min-joo were completely captivated.

At this moment, the real sun and the moon met for the first time in this ordinary rehearsal room.

The air in the room seemed to freeze for a moment, then filled with an even stronger sense of anticipation.

Minister Park broke the silence first, his face beaming with undisguised amazement and satisfaction. He clapped his hands and laughed, "Excellent! Excellent! Kyung-sung, my dear, the makeup is absolutely flawless!"

Screenwriter Chen Xiuwan could hardly contain her excitement. She practically rushed over, her eyes sparkling as she carefully examined Lee Kyung-sung from head to toe. Her gaze was as intense as if she were admiring a work of art. "Damn...you really are Lee Hwon himself!" She didn't hold back her praise, even more exaggeratedly than Minister Park. "This aura, this charm in your eyes, Kyung-sung-ssi, you are the Lee Hwon I imagined, no, even better than I imagined! And Ga-in-ssi, you perfectly captured the clarity of Yeon-woo!"

Her dual satisfaction as a fan of good looks and a screenwriter reached its peak at this moment.

Kim Min-joo stood a step behind, maintaining a polite smile on her face. She didn't say much, but the satisfaction deep in her eyes was clearly visible.

Her gaze slowly shifted between Lee Kyung-sung and Han Ga-in, who stood side by side, assessing the chemistry that this first-ever joint image of the sun and moon would produce. The visual effect was already perfect; now, it was time to see the dynamic performance. The better the effect, the more impactful the subsequent promotional materials would be, and she was filled with anticipation.

Lee Kyung-sung and Han Ga-in's eyes met, and they both saw in each other's eyes approval of each other's look and a hint of focus on their upcoming scene together.

Han Ga-in has been in the industry for many years and is very experienced. She has a gentle and composed temperament, and her ancient costume adds to her classical elegance.

Lee Kyung-sung secretly sighed, realizing that seeing this Hallyu goddess in person was indeed even more radiant and captivating than seeing her on screen. He didn't watch Korean dramas, but he did read Korean entertainment novels. Back in 22, Han Ga-in appeared quite frequently in Korean entertainment, and her husband was definitely one of the villains. However, so much time had passed that he had long forgotten his name.

As for his feelings towards Han Ga-in, this appreciation is purely objective. He still has Yoona and Joo-hyun to pursue, and even Lee Hyeri has been put on hold. Naturally, he doesn't have many thoughts about Han Ga-in at the moment.

Director Kim Do-hoon stepped forward at the opportune moment, clapped his hands to bring everyone's attention back to the main topic, and his smile broadened. "Alright, you two both seem to be in great shape. So, we should be familiar with the scenes by now, right? Do we need a little time to get into the swing of things, or can we start right away?"

Han Jiaren didn't hesitate at all. She had already figured out Heo Yeon-woo's lines and state of mind. At this moment, she nodded slightly to Kim Do-hoon and Lee Kyung-sung, her gaze calm and confident, "I'm fine, I can start anytime."

Her gaze returned to Lee Kyung-sung's face, and she couldn't help but admire him once more. The makeup effect on this young actor was indeed far superior to the Kim Soo-hyun version she had seen before; that innate charisma was something that makeup and styling could not fully convey.

Meeting Han Jiaren's gaze, Li Jingcheng nodded almost imperceptibly. He already had a pretty good understanding of the plot regarding the character of Li Xuan.

A young monarch, burdened with heavy responsibilities for the nation and deeply hidden emotions, raised with high hopes from childhood and growing up in the heart of court intrigue. Proud, lonely, forbearing, and affectionate.

However, he didn't write the legendary character biography. Getting into character wasn't difficult for him; his proactive skill of empathy replication gave him a lot of confidence. He just needed to understand the role he was playing and then immerse himself in it.

"I'm all set, Director," Li Jingcheng said, his voice slightly lower than usual, carrying a regal calm and aloofness that perfectly complemented his current look. He was getting into character.

A glint flashed in Kim Do-hoon's eyes. He sensed a hint of Lee Hwon in Lee Kyung-sung's brief line. "Alright! You two, confirm the blocking with Kyung-sung and Ga-jin first." He said no more, gesturing for the staff to take their positions, then retreated behind the monitor, his expression focused. "Now, let's rehearse our first scene together, the part where Yeon-woo first meets Crown Prince Lee Hwon upon entering the palace. Pay attention to the emotional layers, from unfamiliarity and curiosity to a subtle attraction. You two, ready—"

The lights in the rehearsal room were adjusted to a suitable angle for filming. Although it wasn't an official shooting set, the atmosphere had become serious and focused. Everyone held their breath, watching the two figures in the center of the room, anticipating their performance.

Li Jingcheng slightly raised his eyes, his gaze falling on Han Jiaren. In that instant, his gentle demeanor seemed to vanish, replaced by an indescribable detachment and scrutiny. His eyes were deep, as if containing endless vicissitudes of life.

He made no extra movements, simply standing there quietly with his hands behind his back, exuding an aura of profound and imposing strength that shut out everything around him, leaving only the person before him to fall into his unfathomable gaze.

Han Jiaren felt a slight chill, surprised by Li Jingcheng's change. Was he already getting into character?

She took a deep breath and quickly put herself into character. She raised her clear eyes, with a hint of caution and curiosity as if she were entering the palace for the first time, and met that gaze.

Clarity meets profundity, gentleness meets aloofness; the threads of fate seem to intertwine quietly in this silent gaze.

An invisible tension began to spread through the air.

Kim Do-hoon stared intently at the monitor, his fingers unconsciously tapping his knee. Minister Park and Jin Soo-wan also subconsciously lowered their breathing.

Kim Min-joo gently clasped her hands together, a slight smile playing on her lips.

"Action." Kim Do-hoon's voice was deep and clear.