Chapter 383

"Hyuuga-san, you're finally here. We've all been waiting for you today," Director Wada said with a broad smile as Hinata arrived on set. Immediately, he signaled the crew to start preparing for filming.

While the team worked, Director Wada turned to Hinata, who was getting her makeup done, and said, "Hyuuga-san, you and Yoichi-san didn't attend the celebration last time. You should know, this drama has become the number one series in the ninja world. The viewership has surpassed 70%! Essentially, seven out of every ten televisions are tuned to our show. Hahaha!"

The makeup artist chimed in with a look of admiration, "That's right. Everyone I know envies me for being part of this production. But honestly, what they envy the most is you, Hyuuga-san. With just two dramas, you've become a household name and a superstar."

Such was the power of money and influence. Hinata's acting skills were average at best, but with financial backing and the subtle manipulations of Yoichi's Rinnegan-powered clone, the ninja world had been swept into a bandwagon effect. Even if Hinata's performances were mediocre, no one dared criticize her—doing so would be going against popular opinion.

Over time, this illusion of grandeur had cemented Hinata's image as a once-in-a-millennium acting prodigy. By now, stepping away from acting would mean opposing her tens of thousands of devoted fans.

Hinata forced a smile at the praise. While she appreciated the acknowledgment, her thoughts were consumed with anxiety over the upcoming scenes.

Before long, her makeup was finished. Once again, the alluring and elegant Hinata graced the set, captivating everyone present.

"Alright, everyone, let's get ready to shoot!" Director Wada's command set the large production crew into motion.

The first two scenes were straightforward and didn't involve anything too intimate, allowing Hinata to complete them without much trouble.

However, for the third scene, as per the usual routine, the director moved the set to an indoor location and dismissed everyone else.

Facing Hinata and Yoichi, Director Wada said earnestly, "Today's scene is the key to maintaining our series' legendary status. Please, I'm counting on both of you. We absolutely must succeed."

Under Yoichi's subtle mental suggestion, the words "critical" and "failure is not an option" weighed heavily on Hinata's mind.

"I-I understand, Director Wada. I'll do my best," Hinata replied, her voice strained with the pressure. Her heart was a storm of worry and hesitation. Memories of what happened last time haunted her, but the overwhelming expectations from everyone left her unable to refuse.

"Thank you. I'll leave it to you both!" Director Wada gave a deep bow before leaving the room, taking the cameraman with him. Only the set, prearranged props, and Hinata and Yoichi remained inside.

"Hinata-san, please wait for me over there while I adjust the camera," Yoichi said, walking to the camera to make a show of adjusting it.

What Hinata didn't know was that in addition to the main camera, three small hidden cameras had already been set up to capture the scene from different angles.

Once Yoichi finished his preparations, he approached Hinata, glancing at his watch. "Thirty seconds until we start, Hinata-san. Get ready and remember your first line."

"Eh? Oh, yes, I understand…" Hinata's mind, now frazzled by the tight timing, pushed aside her lingering doubts and focused entirely on her lines.

What felt like an eternity to Hinata passed in seconds, and she suddenly heard Yoichi's low voice near her ear.

"It's time. Let's start, Hinata-san."

"No, we can't. We both have families," Hinata said, delivering her line with a mixture of resistance and unease. Her face reflected the character's conflicted emotions as Yoichi pulled her into an embrace.

"What does it matter? You like me, and I like you. No one has to know," Yoichi responded smoothly, lifting her chin to meet her gaze. Seeing her slightly parted lips, he leaned in.

"We can't… we mustn't… Mm—"

The camera captured the scene as their faces drew closer. The two appeared like secret lovers, locked in a forbidden embrace by the bedside.

Hinata's performance was slightly awkward—her hands instinctively pushed against Yoichi's chest instead of wrapping around his back as the script suggested. But given her status as a married woman, it was understandable. This wasn't acting—it was far from professional filming.

...

"Filming is over. Everyone else can head home!" Director Wada announced, prompting the remaining crew members to breathe a sigh of relief as they prepared to leave.

A few curious staff members asked, "Director, shouldn't we clean up the set?"

"No need. I'll leave a few people here. We have another shoot in a few days," Wada replied casually.

The few people staying behind were, of course, under Yoichi's mental influence. Though their number was small, it was enough to maintain appearances.

Inside the set, hours had passed since the third scene ended.

Yoichi exhaled in satisfaction, his body relaxed. The most beautiful flower had finally been plucked.

(End of Chapter)

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