June knew that Jian's character was supposed to be obedient. However, for him, blind obedience is something that had to be acquired—not something you were born with.

People who blindly obey other people either can't lose something more important…or can't do anything about the situation because they're with the only people who would accept them.

The latter was what June wanted to portray in this certain scene.

Before Jian became the trusty messenger of the Shadow clan, he was also a teen—someone who had the same aspirations as others, someone who was stubborn if they wanted to keep something.

Jian crossed his arms in front of his chest, grabbing the bag from the table and placing it next to him.

"I'm not going," he stubbornly said, surprising even the actress he was working with.

She narrowed her eyes at her son.

"What do you mean you're not going?" she incredulously asked.

"I said what I said," Jian said. "I'm not going. I'm staying here no matter what you say."

"You can't even attend school in this place," his mother sighed, massaging the bridge of her nose.

"I don't care about comfort," he whispered, his voice trembling with determination. "I don't care if our house is small or if we have to serve others. I don't even care if I have to clean the pig pens or endure the taunts of the lords' sons. None of it matters…"

"...as long as I'm with you."

He walked closer to his mother, holding onto her hands.

His mother pulled back slightly, her eyes still cold.

"Jian, you deserve better," she protested.

Jian shook his head, his eyes shining with unshed tears.

Those watching from the side couldn't tear their eyes away from the screen.

"No, Mother," he insisted, his voice gaining strength with every word.

"I don't want comfort or opportunity if it means being without you. I don't want a life where I'm not by your side, where I'm not here to support you...to take care of you."

"You're all I need, Mom," he said, finally letting go of himself as a tear fell from his eyes.

Why was it so hard to show our parents that we aren't asking for too much?

"I just want to be by your side," he whispered.

The actress playing his mother was swayed away by June's acting, and for a moment, she found herself tearing up at his words. It seemed like she was looking into the eyes of her real son, who was begging her to stay.

She could sense the profound love that Jian, the character, had for his mother, and it made her want to cave in. However, at the same time, she knew not to break the character that Director Jam had provided her.

He specifically instructed her not to show any remorse—to be as cold as possible.

"This place…it's not for you," she said, swallowing the lump in her throat.

However, even with her continuous hostility, Jian remained desperate.

"I can stay," he said with bright eyes. "I won't be a burden, I promise."

Just then, his mother's eyes flashed with sudden intensity, making Jian step back in surprise.

"You don't understand, Jian," she cried out, her voice raw with emotion.

"I don't want you," she finally said.

The set became dead silent as the actress spoke such painful words.

June's eyes widened in surprise. This was also something he didn't expect.

In fact, it was better than what he had expected.

This was exactly what he needed to hear—an outright rejection from the woman he treasured the most in the entire world.

"I never wanted this life," she continued.

"I never chose to have a son and to be tied down to this place."

"If it weren't for you, I would be free. Free to live as I please and pursue my dreams! But instead, I'm stuck here, suffocating under the weight of responsibilities I never asked for!" she screamed, losing the iciness in her voice and replacing it with pure fire.

Hana gasped loudly, covering her mouth in shock as she waited for the next dialogue. There were already tears threatening to fall down her eyes as she stared at the screen. She didn't expect to be so moved by such a short scene.

In fact, she only stayed so she could see how June's acting had improved. It was hard to gauge his acting skills with what they had filmed so far, yet today, he proved that he was now worthy of being called an actor.

Not even an idol-actor, but just an actor—one who can compete with them in their own expertise.

Jian staggered back, his heart shattering into a million pieces at his mother's words.

Then, even though he wasn't much of a crier, tears streamed down his cheeks as he struggled to find his voice.

Director Jam held his breath as he waited for June's next line.

"But…but I didn't choose this life either," he whispered.

"I didn't choose to be born or to burden you with my existence."

He paused, letting his words sink in.

"However, I did choose to stay," he said in a vulnerable voice.

"Isn't that what makes life beautiful?"

"When we choose to stay even though it's difficult? When the small bouts of happiness we feel is enough to overshadow the sadness that happens constantly within our lives?"

Hana let out the breath that she was holding. Again, it was something she wasn't expecting, yet it was perfect for the scene.

"I know this is your first life," he continued, smiling bitterly as he gazed at the ground.

"...and it must be shame."

Then, he looked up once more, his eyes showing all of the emotions that Director Jam was looking for.

"There it is," the director whispered, his eyes focused on the screen.

The expressive eyes that he admired so much. It was fascinating how June was able to portray everything with just a look in his eyes.

'Consume sympathy potion,' June thought, knowing this would be the last, most powerful weapon that he could bring out.

[Sympathy potion consumed]

June wasn't even sure if this scene was going to make it into the final cut, but still, he wanted to show off everything for this scene.

And just like that, another depth had been added to his gaze, making him look even more pitiful than he was.

His voice broke as he said his next words.

"But please be kind to me…"

"...because this is my first life, too."