My Beloved Has Risen from Death’s Embrace

Wrapped in a midnight trench coat, Maximus blended into the dim surroundings, a sharp military knife marked with a codename tucked at his waist.

He approached Phoenix slowly, taking a moment to admire her stunningly beautiful face, then abruptly tore off the tape on her mouth and gripped her chin tightly. “Phee, we meet again.”

“Just get on with it–kill or mutilate. No need for all this nonsense,”

“Cut!”

In front of the camera, Kevin suddenly yelled “cut,” leaving the actor playing Maximus to turn around in confusion. “What’s wrong, Director? I was just getting into the character. Is there an issue?”

“It’s not you, it’s Phoenix,” Kevin looked at Xanthea. “Your expression and tone are too stiff. This is a reunion between Phoenix and Maximus after a long separation. Despite being mortal enemies now, there’s a bond from their years at Ignite Camp. She should be more affected.”

“Okay.”

Xanthea nodded, adjusted her state, and a few minutes later, Kevin called for action again.

“Phee, from the day you stepped into Ignite Camp, I told you, you could only belong to me–Maximus, and me alone. No matter if you run to the ends of the earth or to the deepest depths, I’ll always find you!”

Phoenix scoffed, a defiant sparkle in her eyes. “I’ve said it before, I will always be independent and free. I belong to no one.”

“So…”

“Cut!”

Kevin called out again.

Xanthea stepped out of character, puzzled. “Director, am I too stiff again?”

“This time there was some emotional stir, but it still feels overacted. It appears fake. Once it seems fake,” the audience’s immersion suffers.”

“Then shall I adjust again?”

“Yes.”

Kevin frowned, sensing something off with Xanthea’s performance today but unable to pinpoint exactly what. He continued to observe and after watching a complete take, he finally realized it. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

‘Cut!”

“Phew, finally done!”

The actor playing Maximus sighed in relief, about to celebrate, when he heard Kevin say, “This whole segment is cut!”

“Wirat?!”

“Phoenix, come here e moment.”

Hearing Kevin cali “cut” three times in a row, Benjamin looked worriedly at Xanthea from sidelines. From

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the start, he had noticed her struggle with the emotional scenes, especially those involving romantic elements.

Xanthea, removing her props and walked behind the camera, asking in confusion. “What’s wrong. Director?”

“Xan, have you never been in love before?”

His sudden question baffled Xanthea.

“No.”

She thought she had once, only to later discover it was all just a meticulously crafted deception.

“That explains it!”

Kevin nodded. “You hadn’t learned professional acting techniques and rely on natural talent. You’ve been excellent in other parts because you’re knowledgeable and have enough resilience and confidence, which align closely with Phoenix. But when it comes to romantic scenes, your inexperience shows.”