Director He Zhanpeng truly lived up to his reputation as a master of emotional storytelling, expertly guiding the actors’ performances.
Ever since that passionate scene, Li Qianxing and Jiang Lin had delved even deeper into their roles, their chemistry seeming to reach new heights.
The entire film hinged on their performances, and He Zhanpeng was known for his meticulous attention to detail. Yet, far from feeling pressured, the two actors held themselves to even higher standards than the director. As they played off each other, they frequently delivered performances that left He Zhanpeng applauding in awe.
Two weeks into filming, not only was He Zhanpeng satisfied, but the crew was also enjoying a smooth experience. Both lead actors were remarkably low-maintenance, never causing extra trouble for the staff. Filming progressed smoothly, with the team wrapping up on schedule almost every day, occasionally even finishing early.
The crew often praised the actors during their downtime chats.
“Today, the two teachers didn’t need any substitutes, so they came early.”
“When I was moving equipment, Teacher Jiang passed by and helped me move stuff. I’d heard he was down-to-earth, but to think he hasn’t changed even after winning Best Actor. It’s really rare.”
“It’s surprising that our two leads only have one assistant each. After seeing so many celebrities with huge entourages, this is quite refreshing. Teacher Jiang even eats with us. The other day, when someone couldn’t handle spicy food and all the mild dishes were gone, he swapped his meal with hers.”
“Teacher Li may have his own meals, but he uses his own trailer, his driver buys the ingredients, and his assistant cooks. As long as he doesn’t make extra demands on the crew, he’s a saint in my book.”
“His studio is the main investor in this film. To be honest, I’ve never seen such an undemanding boss.”
“Teacher Li might seem aloof, but he’s actually very kind. When I accidentally stained his clothes, he didn’t blame me at all and refused to let me pay for dry cleaning.”
“Aren’t all his clothes custom-made? If it had been someone else, you’d have been in deep trouble.”
“Exactly! My heart nearly stopped, and my mind went blank. I thought my savings would vanish in an instant.”
“Come to think of it, Teacher Li has become more expressive lately compared to when we first started filming. Before, he’d be completely stone-faced once the cameras stopped rolling. Anyone unfamiliar with his personality would’ve been too intimidated to approach him. As for Teacher Jiang, he seems a bit more serious than before, but he still smiles and responds when you greet him.”
“Well, they’re both award-winning actors who are fully immersed in their roles. It’s normal for them to retain some of their character’s essence even after filming. Once you work with more high-caliber productions and actors, you’ll see it’s quite common.”
“Easy for you to say, Jie. It’s not like we can just join any production we want. It’s already hard enough finding a project like this that has a light workload, good atmosphere, and no overtime.”
“That’s true. I just hope future projects don’t have actors who are always late or leave early. I’ve had my fill of those!”
“Two more actors are joining the cast soon. Let’s hope everything continues to run smoothly until the end.”
“I’m sure it will. With the lead actors setting such a good example, the supporting cast wouldn’t dare cause any trouble.”
And so, with the entire crew’s dedication, time passed steadily in the daily rhythm of filming.
*
On this particular day, Li Qianxing and Jiang Lin were filming as usual.
Their relationship had grown harmonious, with their chairs placed side by side during breaks for easy discussion. While they filmed, their assistants Xiao Zhu and Xiao Ding waited together.
Suddenly, Xiao Zhu slid off her chair and crouched on the ground, startling Xiao Ding.
Xiao Ding quickly knelt beside her, alarmed by her pale face, and whispered, “What’s wrong?”
Xiao Zhu curled up, replying weakly, “Menstrual cramps…”
Xiao Ding scratched his head, unsure what to do. He suggested, “Should I help you up and call Dr. Chen to check on you?”
Xiao Zhu shook her head, “No need. I took painkillers this morning, but they’re not working well… Strange, it’s never been this bad before…”
Just then, Li Qianxing finished a scene and strode over, crouching to assess Xiao Zhu’s condition. “If it’s that painful, have Li-shifu take you back to the hotel to rest.”
Xiao Zhu managed a weak smile, “I’ll be fine after lying down in the trailer for a bit. It’s almost noon, so I’ll make your lunch before I go. I’ll take another painkiller; I can manage.”
Li Qianxing frowned, “I remember those pills aren’t good to take too often. I can eat the crew’s boxed lunch. You should go back and lie down with a hot water bottle.”
Xiao Zhu quickly protested, “No way! I’ve seen the crew’s meals—they’re too oily, and most have some spice. You’ll definitely feel unwell, maybe even get an upset stomach.”
Li Qianxing suggested, “Then have Li-shifu buy something light from near the hotel.”
Xiao Zhu objected again, “That’s even worse! It’s so remote here; you’d have to wait over an hour for your meal. I’m fine, really. I’ve already prepped all the ingredients; they just need to be cooked…”
Li Qianxing helped her up while interrupting, “You can barely stand straight, yet you’re thinking about cooking. Do you have a hot water bottle?”
Xiao Zhu replied, “I’m wearing a heat patch…”
At that moment, Jiang Lin, who had been quietly following Li Qianxing, suddenly spoke up, “If it’s just cooking, I can do it.”
His words drew the attention of both Li Qianxing and Xiao Zhu.
Jiang Lin smiled, “I can cook most common home dishes. Just use less oil, right? Xiao Zhu, if you’re worried, you can send me the recipe.”
Xiao Zhu stood dazed, as if unable to process the situation.
Li Qianxing, however, made a quick decision, “Let’s do that. Xiao Ding, please help Xiao Zhu out. My car is parked outside.”
Xiao Zhu exclaimed, “Eh?!”
Xiao Ding looked at Jiang Lin, who nodded, then supported Xiao Zhu, “Let’s go.”
Xiao Zhu stammered, “Eh, eh, eh?!”
Just then, the director’s assistant came over, noticing the commotion.
Li Qianxing shook his head at him, then urged Xiao Zhu, “Go quickly, you’re hindering my next scene.”
Xiao Zhu whimpered, “…Mhm.”
Li Qianxing watched as Xiao Ding helped Xiao Zhu leave, then took out his phone to contact his driver.
Jiang Lin observed from the side, his smile deepening.
After filming another scene, He Zhanpeng called for a break and had meals brought out.
Jiang Lin asked Xiao Ding to fetch the boxed meals while he followed Li Qianxing.
Their trailers were adjacent. Approaching the vehicles, Li Qianxing said, “I’ll just make some porridge for myself. You should go rest.”
Jiang Lin smiled, placing his hand on Li Qianxing’s shoulder and turning him towards the car door, “That won’t do. I promised Xiao Zhu. I can’t go back on my word. She’s already sent me the recipes and asked me to cook everything. There’s enough for both of us. Or do you not trust my cooking skills?”
Li Qianxing had no choice but to open the door and lead Jiang Lin inside.
Jiang Lin washed his hands, put on an apron, and started by washing the rice and putting it in the cooker. He then took out the ingredients Xiao Zhu had prepared from the fridge and began working efficiently.
Li Qianxing, clueless about cooking, stood awkwardly to the side, wanting to help but not knowing how.
Jiang Lin glanced at him without shooing him away, and suggested with a smile, “I saw some cut watermelon in the fridge earlier. Do you know how to use the juicer? How about making us some watermelon juice?”
Li Qianxing let out a quiet sigh of relief and quickly checked the fridge, indeed finding a bowl of watermelon chunks.
He rinsed the juicer cup, poured in the watermelon, and hesitantly asked, “Do I just turn it on like this?”
Jiang Lin replied while cooking, “Yes. After blending once, give it a shake. If there are still large pieces, blend it again.”
Li Qianxing followed Jiang Lin’s instructions, made sure it was all liquid, then poured it into a glass. After a moment’s thought, he brought it to Jiang Lin, “I can’t drink it cold. Can you taste it to see if it’s okay?”
He had noticed Jiang Lin’s hands seemed free and deliberately offered it. Unexpectedly, Jiang Lin simply lowered his head and took a sip directly from the glass in Li Qianxing’s hand.
Li Qianxing was startled, his hand trembling slightly.
Jiang Lin quickly raised his head, licking his lips, “It’s quite good, very sweet. Why don’t you sit and wait? I’ll be done soon.”
Li Qianxing sat at the table with the glass, his gaze naturally falling on Jiang Lin’s back.
Jiang Lin said he could cook, and he was not bragging. His movements were not only skilled but also pleasing to watch, each gesture seemingly rhythmic. From behind, the apron strings tied at his waist, the front half-wrapped around his long legs, created a warm, domestic atmosphere.
Li Qianxing found himself lost in thought.
In the yet-to-be-filmed final quarter of the script, Ji Ming’an and Cheng Yue begin living together, even discussing marriage by the end.
Perhaps, having a lover who could walk into marriage with you felt something like this…
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