The script reading continued for two more days.
The actors for two important supporting roles arrived on the second day, both personally selected by He Zhanpeng.
One was a skilled actor in his thirties, playing another bartender at Li Qianxing’s bar. Despite his solid acting skills, he lacked luck and had never landed a breakthrough role, remaining a perpetual supporting actor in the public eye.
The other was a soon-to-graduate film student, cast as Jiang Lin’s younger brother. The energetic young man with thick eyebrows and large eyes perfectly embodied the character, essentially playing himself.
Under He Zhanpeng’s guidance, the reading progressed smoothly. During group discussions, minor script details were refined, enriching the overall story.
Over these two days, Li Qianxing observed He Zhanpeng, noticing he seemed more satisfied than during the first afternoon’s reading.
After the reading concluded, Li Qianxing, realizing he was somewhat removed from college life, returned to his room to watch campus videos and classic campus film clips, studying them carefully. He worried he might not have captured the student mentality accurately last time.
Xiao Zhu approached with a face mask bowl. “Li-ge, pause for a moment. Wash your face, and I’ll apply this mask.”
Li Qianxing paused the video, glancing at her hands with a slight frown. “Why bother with that? A sheet mask would suffice.”
Xiao Zhu urged, “This works better. You’re taking photo stills tomorrow. You are supposed to be a fresh-faced college student. Hurry, wash up and lie down. I’ll apply it, then you can continue watching. I’ve made it thicker this time, so it won’t drip.”
Li Qianxing checked the time, washed his face, and lay on the long sofa, allowing Xiao Zhu to apply the sticky mask. Though unpleasant, he endured it for work’s sake.
Xiao Zhu also knew that he didn’t like this, so she chatted to distract him. “Tomorrow’s a full day of stills shooting, and the day after is the opening ceremony at noon. Mr. Qi will come early that morning, he should arrive around 10:30.”
Li Qianxing: “Did he mention when he’s leaving?”
Xiao Zhu: “He said he’s heading to the neighboring province that afternoon. Oh, and some media will attend the opening ceremony. There’s an interview segment, so prepare a few remarks.”
Li Qianxing: “Mm… Got the shooting schedule?”
Xiao Zhu: “Not yet, only the first two days’ arrangements. I heard Director He usually finalizes schedules just two days in advance, but once set, they rarely change unless there are unforeseen circumstances. Unlike some chaotic sets where scenes change last minute, even after actors put on makeup.”
Li Qianxing reached for his phone. “Forward it to me.”
Xiao Zhu handed him his phone and forwarded the message to his WeChat.
Li Qianxing squinted at the screen. It was only a day and a half, with filming starting the afternoon of the opening ceremony. Evening shoots were scheduled until 8 p.m., allowing for overtime if needed.
However, the scenes planned for those days weren’t complex, so they should be able to finish work and rest on time.
Recalling Jiang Lin’s reminder, Li Qianxing mentally reviewed the script’s intimate scenes, wondering which He Zhanpeng would shoot first.
Starting with intimate scenes wasn’t unusual. Filming them while actors were still unfamiliar often proved less awkward and more efficient.
Li Qianxing had prepared for possibly shooting all three bed scenes at once. But now, it seemed He Zhanpeng prioritized guiding actors’ emotional progression, maintaining consistent emotions rather than worrying about off-screen awkwardness.
As he pondered this, Xiao Zhu, seeing him set down his phone, changed the subject. “I heard another rumor about Jiang Lin today. Want to hear it?”
Li Qianxing: “You’re still digging for gossip?”
Xiao Zhu laughed, “It’s rare to see you interested in others. I remembered a friend who worked on Jiang Lin’s award-winning film set, so I chatted with her. This story hasn’t spread much. The production company is powerful, and the other party’s agency wants to protect his reputation. They’ve suppressed it, and no gossip accounts dare report it.”
Li Qianxing’s interest was piqued. “Go on.”
Xiao Zhu: “Initially, that film had a different team, even a different director. Two companies were the main investors – one purely for production, the other an entertainment company that secured the second male lead. Apparently, they wanted to transition their top star to the big screen, choosing a standout supporting role to either benefit from or blame if it flopped.
“That star relied on his company’s capital and brought his own screenwriter. Before filming began, he recklessly altered the script. He added scenes for himself, cut others’ parts, hogged the spotlight, disregarding character development and plot logic. He completely butchered a good script. The director at the time was too timid to object.”
Li Qianxing frowned as he listened. He knew the industry was full of dirty dealings, occasionally encountering them in supporting roles. But with the powerful Xingyu backing him, his father and brothers had always shielded him well. He only needed to focus on acting, never worrying about other matters.
“Then what happened? I remember the second male lead in the final film wasn’t very famous.”
Xiao Zhu: “Later, Jiang Lin went directly to confront the production company’s CEO with the script. The CEO was meeting with Director Liang at the time. I don’t know what Jiang Lin said, but Director Liang became interested in the script, declaring it award-worthy. They eventually changed the team and the second lead, resulting in the current film.”
Xiao Zhu couldn’t help but laugh, “Jiang Lin was quite brave. And lucky to meet a big shot like Director Liang. With Director Liang’s status, investors line up with money whenever he’s ready to film. He doesn’t tolerate those who meddle just because they invested.
“Interestingly, Jiang Lin seems to bring directors luck. His collaboration with Director He earned him Best New Actor, and Best Director for Director He. This time with Director Liang, he won Best Actor, and Director Liang won Best Director. In the future, he might become the go-to actor for top directors aiming for international awards.”
As Li Qianxing listened to Xiao Zhu, he recalled his recent interactions with Jiang Lin.
That memorable look from Jiang Lin resurfaced in his mind. Such a gaze made Li Qianxing feel that Jiang Lin’s success in salvaging that award-winning film might not have been mere luck…
As they chatted, Xiao Zhu finished applying the face mask. Li Qianxing set aside the gossip and resumed watching his research videos.
◇◆
The stills photo shoot was scheduled for a full day. Both male leads had two distinctly different age-based looks, with the supporting actors’ shoots interspersed during the main actors’ makeup changes.
The lead actors’ styling was personally handled by the head makeup artist, so they were assigned to the same large dressing room. In He Zhanpeng’s words – their looks needed to complement each other, creating a visual sense of compatibility for the audience from the start. Hence, they were placed together for the makeup artist to easily compare and adjust.
When Jiang Lin arrived, Li Qianxing was already seated, having foundation applied by an assistant while the head makeup artist prepared nearby.
Though it was still early, Jiang Lin, having climbed up from the bottom, naturally wouldn’t quibble over such matters. Especially since Li Qianxing, the bigger star, had arrived even earlier.
He immediately apologized with a smile. “I’m sorry, Teacher Zhang, Teacher Li, I’m late. I’ll have my assistant buy some cake and coffee to make amends.”
The makeup artist greeted him cheerfully. “No need to be so formal, Xiao Jiang. We’re not even at the agreed time yet. I came early to prepare, but I didn’t expect Xiao Li to arrive so early too.”
Jiang Lin exchanged pleasantries with her, then washed his face and applied a sheet mask.
Considering both seniority and arrival order, it was natural for Li Qianxing to have his makeup done first. Jiang Lin sat nearby, scrolling through his phone and occasionally glancing at the makeup artist working on Li Qianxing.
At 29, Li Qianxing looked youthful, perhaps due to his smooth sailing life and good self-care. Now, under the makeup artist’s skilled hands, he was transformed into a 21 or 22-year-old college student without any incongruity.
When it was Jiang Lin’s turn, he closed his eyes as the makeup artist worked.
After both were done, Jiang Lin looked in the mirror and praised, “Teacher Zhang, you have magic hands. You’ve made me even more handsome than when I was actually in college.”
The makeup artist laughed heartily, then ruffled his hair. “For your hair, we’ll have to make do with a wig for now. We’ll cut it short when we shoot the campus scenes.”
Jiang Lin: “No problem. I’d even shave it all off if needed for the shoot.”
Makeup artist: “That’s the spirit. Directors love such cooperation. Alright, go change into your costume.”
Jiang Lin stood up and realized Li Qianxing had already changed. He couldn’t help but observe discreetly.
Li Qianxing’s tracksuit was open at the chest, revealing a T-shirt underneath. The track pants were perfectly cut, though both the top and bottom were slightly loose, emphasizing that lanky look of a growing college student.
As the wardrobe assistant handed Jiang Lin his clothes, he had to tear his gaze away to accept them and change. He couldn’t help but wonder – did Li Qianxing seem thinner than when he saw him earlier this year? Was it just the costume?
His thoughts drifted to Li Qianxing drinking lemonade at the bar… He wondered if the earlier mention of stomach issues was genuine or just an excuse.
Just as Jiang Lin finished changing, his assistant Xiao Ding arrived with an array of food and drinks.
Jiang Lin immediately called out, “Come on, everyone, thanks for your hard work. Have some refreshments. Xiao Ding, quickly get Teacher Zhang a coffee.”
As he spoke, he walked over to the bags, picked out a noticeably different drink, and personally brought it to Li Qianxing.
“Teacher Li, you mentioned having stomach issues before. I specifically asked my assistant to get warm milk for you. I hope it’s okay. Please don’t force yourself if it doesn’t suit you.”
Li Qianxing looked up, slightly surprised, then put down his phone to accept it. “Thank you.”
Just then, He Zhanpeng entered, glancing around before quipping, “Any of those goodies for me?”
Jiang Lin turned to hand him a coffee. “Of course, Director He, here you go.”
He Zhanpeng looked at his coffee, then at Li Qianxing’s milk, feigning dissatisfaction. “Why give the old man coffee? Got any more like Xiao Li’s?”
Li Qianxing, who had just taken a sip, paused awkwardly, unsure whether to continue drinking or not.
Jiang Lin, unfazed, retorted, “Sorry, that was the last one. It’s my special bribe for Teacher Li, hoping he’ll guide me in our scenes together. You don’t get that treatment.”
He Zhanpeng clicked his tongue, then turned to Li Qianxing, “Xiao Li, don’t let him off so easily. If he wants your guidance, it should be at least one cup a day.”
Jiang Lin looked over, eyes crinkling. “No problem, I’ll prepare one for Teacher Li every day.”
Li Qianxing: “…”
After the banter, He Zhanpeng sipped his coffee while carefully examining both actors. Nodding in satisfaction, he urged them to start the photo shoot.
After the campus looks were photographed, Jiang Lin and Li Qianxing returned to the dressing room to change into their main film looks.
In the film, both main characters were 27, conveniently the average of Jiang Lin and Li Qianxing’s ages. Given their naturally good looks, they only needed slight adjustments to match their characters’ personalities, much simpler than the earlier student makeup.
This look involved multiple outfits and makeup styles.
The makeup artist started with Li Qianxing, giving him a sultry, heavy makeup look. It was paired with form-fitting clothing, including a deep V-neck top that plunged almost to his navel, revealing his lightly muscled chest.
Jiang Lin, having just finished his own shoot, stood with He Zhanpeng watching Li Qianxing’s costume photo session.
More than the small expanse of pale chest, Jiang Lin’s gaze was drawn to the clearly defined collarbones above. His eyes then slid to the waist, estimating that his hands could probably encircle that slim waist completely.
This time, he was almost certain – Li Qianxing had indeed lost weight since the beginning of the year.
As Jiang Lin pondered this, Li Qianxing finished shooting and walked over.
He Zhanpeng suddenly said, “There’s a scene in the script where Xiao Jiang carries Xiao Li. With Xiao Li’s current build, that shouldn’t be a problem for you, right, Xiao Jiang?”
Jiang Lin replied with a smile, “Of course not. I could even princess carry him steadily, let alone just carrying him.”
He Zhanpeng teased, “Don’t get too cocky. Xiao Li may be slim, but he’s got muscle. He might not be as light as you think.”
Jiang Lin raised an eyebrow and turned to Li Qianxing, who had just approached, “Teacher Li, would you mind if I demonstrate for Director He?”
Li Qianxing hesitated slightly.
Jiang Lin added, “Just a quick lift to confirm I’m strong enough. If not, I still have time to train before we shoot that scene.”
Li Qianxing: “Mm…”
Seeing no objection, Jiang Lin said, “Excuse me,” bent down, and scooped Li Qianxing up in his arms.
Suddenly airborne, Li Qianxing instinctively wrapped an arm around Jiang Lin’s shoulders.
Jiang Lin held his waist firmly, turning to meet his gaze.
Almost simultaneously, several rapid camera clicks sounded.
Then came the photographer’s voice, “This is great! It would work perfectly for the poster. Director He, come take a look?”
That sentence startled all three of them.
He Zhanpeng chuckled and walked over first.
Jiang Lin smiled at Li Qianxing, “Sorry about that.”
He carefully set Li Qianxing back on his feet, and they both went to view the photos.
The photographer’s composition was indeed beautiful, with their makeup and styling emphasizing strong couple vibes. The only issues were He Zhanpeng in the frame and the messy surroundings.
He Zhanpeng pondered for a moment, then looked up at Jiang Lin, smiling so widely his eye wrinkles deepened.
Jiang Lin felt a chill down his spine under that gaze.
He Zhanpeng patted Jiang Lin’s arm. “You’re in good shape, young man. Come on, let’s do it again. Hold it longer this time, use your acting skills. We’ll get a good shot!”
Jiang Lin: “…”
With the director’s orders, Jiang Lin sighed softly and turned to Li Qianxing, “Teacher Li, I apologize for the inconvenience.”
Li Qianxing: “It’s fine. You’re the one doing the hard work.”
His usual speech lacked emotion, but this time, Jiang Lin thought he detected a hint of amusement.
Jiang Lin looked at Li Qianxing’s face, trying to determine if the amusement was real. Unfortunately, Li Qianxing had already turned and walked towards the lights.
Afterwards, Jiang Lin, having dug his own grave, spent over half an hour carrying Li Qianxing before finally satisfying both the photographer and the director.
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