Chapter 149 “I’ll Do It Myself—No Stunt Double Needed”

Chapter 149 “I’ll Do It Myself—No Stunt Double Needed”
Zane had prepared three stunt doubles for the next scene.
It was a high-difficulty fight sequence.

According to the script, Lia’s character was found by the king’s guards after a mission, which revealed her weakness.

Veiled and clad in black, she was hunted by dozens of assassins.

Lia had memorized the entire sequence, including positioning.

After the first two takes, Zane was already explaining every detail with barely hidden admiration.

Lia listened, absorbing it all without a flicker of impatience.

“After this shot, the stunt double will take over. You freeze in position, and then we’ll shoot the next take. You lead, and the double handles the high-risk stunts.”

“No need,” Lia murmured, barely audible.

But the environment was too noisy for anyone else to hear her except Riley beside her.

For a moment, the gaze fixed on her seemed almost piercing!

“Have the stunt double get into position. Once ready…”

“I’ll do it myself.”

“Lia!”

The director was in the middle of giving instructions when Lia interjected. Her face remained perfectly still, as if carved from stone.

Riley shouted to stop her, but it was too late.

Zane froze. “Lia, what did you just say?”

“I said no stunt double. I’ll do it myself. There’s no need to switch shots either.”

Riley’s anger flared. “Are you out of your mind? This is filming! Do you really think you’re a real assassin?!”

Zane’s eyes widened. Ignoring Riley’s fury, he rushed to Lia’s side and leaned close. “You said you’d do it yourself? Twenty assassins and you alone? You’ll handle it all?”

Lia nodded. “Yes. Let’s begin.”

She flipped the script onto Riley’s hand, stretched her body as her high ponytail snapped like a banner in the breeze. The image of a highly skilled female spy was instantly formed in everyone’s mind.

The stunt coordinator beside Zane had directed countless action sequences, but he had never encountered such a daring actress before.

He gritted his teeth. “Zane, get me a killer’s outfit.”

“You’re stepping in yourself?”

“I’ll test that girl’s skills. If she can fight, Zane, you’ve hit the jackpot.”

Zane knew how to make a royal intrigue drama a box office hit. However, he always found actress’ fight scenes a headache.

The signal to start filming was given.

Lia sprinted into the frame, glanced back at the assassin who was close behind her, and ran towards a nearby tree.

She planted her feet firmly on the trunk, scrambled up a few steps, and then propelled herself upwards with a powerful leap.

Her body flipped in mid-air and she landed on a branch.

Clutching the leaves, her veiled face half-hidden, her eyes gleamed like a predator in wait.

Silence fell behind the camera.

It was now afternoon; post-production would transform the background into night.

A trembling voice whispered, “I… I forgot to attach her wire.”

“What?!”

Zane immediately stood up, eager to check if Lia was in danger.

However, he saw her leap down from the tree.

He frowned—this was the first time she had stopped since filming began that day.

Zane and Riley rushed over.

“What’s wrong?”

“Is there a problem?”

“No. I don’t mean to be rude, but are the stunt doubles I’m working with professionals?”

“Yes, what is it?” asked Zane.

“Can we skip the wire? Let’s keep it as real as possible.”

There was a gasp from the crowd.

She was so arrogant!

The stunt coordinator removed his visor and glanced at her. “I can do it. They all can. Unless it involves flying through the air or jumping off cliffs, there’s no need for wires.”

Lia nodded slightly. “I’m sorry.”

“Nothing to apologize for. I hope your skills match your arrogance.”

The stunt coordinator wasn’t being sarcastic. From the way she had climbed that tree, he could tell that she was very competent.

His tone remained calm, though tinged with scrutiny.

With that, he turned to confer with the other stunt doubles.

These veterans had been with Zane for years. The least experienced of them held a black belt in taekwondo, while several were skilled in Muay Thai. Performing stunts for a film was a piece of cake to them.

Riley pressed his temples; a headache made the veins on his forehead pulse.

He licked his lips, seemingly at a loss. Pointing at Lia, he snapped, “Listen carefully. If you want to show off, fine. But bring your real skills. Otherwise, I won’t let you off the hook!”

Lia lowered her head. “Okay…”

After that, everyone returned to their positions behind the camera.

Although Riley’s words were harsh, he never took his eyes off the monitor from the moment he sat down. He kept a close watch on Lia, ready to stop filming at the slightest sign of danger.

“Action!”

…

Lia stepped onto the tree trunk and climbed onto a branch. Hiding behind the swaying shadows of the tree, she watched the assassins closing in.

Her eyes narrowed slightly, cold intent flickering in their depths.

These assassins had probably discovered her identity. During the earlier assassination attempt, her veil had slipped, though she had pulled it back up immediately, and it was impossible to be certain that none of them had seen her face.

Therefore, they must die!

The stunt coordinator led the charge, with over twenty people spreading out to secure the perimeter.

Suddenly, the wind rustled through the leaves, making an unusual sound.

The lead guard glanced up, his gaze locking on a spot. After several seconds, he finally spotted a figure standing there.

“There!”

“His Majesty’s orders are to capture her alive!”

Lia drew the short dagger at her waist. Without hesitating, she leapt from the tree and plunged into the fray.

A figure ahead gripped a sword and thrust it towards her face.

Lia bent backwards, evading the strike. Straightening, she knocked the assassin’s sword from his hand and disarmed him. Then, she bent again and dispatched two more men.

Her movements were swift and precise; her posture was tall and heroic as she weaved through the assassins.

Wherever she passed, death followed!

The entire film crew was stunned.

It felt as if a 3D fight scene was unfolding before their eyes, drawing them into the action.

Gripping the armrest so tightly that the veins and bones in his knuckles stood out, Zane stared at the screen, his eyes gleaming.

To everyone, the fight sequence was intense and crisp.

The scenes were so spectacular that they seemed only achievable through editing, yet there they were, unfolding in reality.

Even Riley found himself viewing Lia differently.

Setting aside her fighting skills, she had a keen eye for camera angles and for capturing moments.

She nailed every crucial look that Zane had emphasized during rehearsals and exceeded expectations.

Was this really a newcomer?

Not far away, Ava sat in the lead actress’ chair, far from the calm she projected.

She knew that Lia was beautiful, had a great figure and—worst of all—was a talented actress. Now she had combat skills, too.

If she became a sensation, she would be every director’s darling.

Such an image would draw fans like a magnet. By then, no one could stop her.

She couldn’t let Lia become a sensation!

But who could? Who could step up and stop her?