Before filming started in the evening, Jiang Lin discussed Xiang Xiaohu’s situation with He Zhanpeng and the producer.
He Zhanpeng frowned, showing disgust for the first time. “Nan Chao’s behavior is really disgusting.”
The producer asked, “Has he decided to continue filming?”
Jiang Lin nodded. “I’ve lent him the money, and Li-ge is helping him find a lawyer to handle the contract termination. I guessed he was desperate for cash, which is why he signed with such a company. Otherwise, if he’d been more patient, plenty of good agencies would’ve sought him out after this film’s release.”
He Zhanpeng sighed, “That kid, why didn’t he come to me? I could’ve lent him money.”
Jiang Lin smiled. “Anyway, the issue’s resolved. We can proceed with filming as planned.”
He Zhanpeng patted him. “Alright, go get your makeup done.”
The major problem troubling the crew was solved in an unexpectedly simple manner. As news spread, the atmosphere on set improved, and everyone seemed more enthusiastic about their work.
Li Qianxing had already finished his makeup. As the makeup artist worked on Jiang Lin, she couldn’t help but remark, “I never imagined something like this could happen. Nanchao’s actions were unnecessary. In our production, those without talent would drown in NGs. What isn’t meant for them won’t stay in their grasp even if they snatch it.”
Xiao Zhu chimed in, “They’re just eyeing our resources, hoping to ride on our coattails. Can’t believe they even infiltrated our group chat. No wonder it’s been so eerily peaceful.”
The makeup artist laughed. “Ah, our Assistant Director Zhao is just too softhearted. That agent was quite the smooth talker, with skin thick enough to match.”
Li Qianxing, who had been quietly typing, looked up at Jiang Lin. “My brother has found a lawyer and contacted Xiang Xiaohu. The lawyer reviewed the contract and says there’s no issue. If Xiang Xiaohu has evidence of Nanchao instructing him to deceive the crew, he could even sue Nanchao for compensation.”
Jiang Lin was having his lips made up, so it was inconvenient for him to talk, so he raised his hand to make an OK sign.
After makeup, they headed to the set.
The scene they were about to film next was Ji Ming’an and Cheng Yue’s first disagreement after getting back together.
He Zhanpeng briefed them, “Intense inside, restrained outside.”
Jiang Lin joked, “Director He, you’re only giving us four words?”
He Zhanpeng laughed, “Four words are enough for you two. Let’s try a take.”
Li Qianxing, perhaps pent-up from rehearsing with Dong Zibin all afternoon, unleashed his acting prowess as soon as the slate clapped. Jiang Lin’s emotions were instantly ignited, and their restrained argument became electric with the collision of their suppressed emotions.
Xiao Zhu, cupping her flushed face, whispered to Xiao Ding, “They’re arguing, but I want to make them kiss. I never imagined this scene could be performed like this when I read the script.”
Xiao Ding looked at her amusedly. “I feel like you are gradually becoming a CP fan.”
Xiao Zhu coughed twice, patting her cheeks and trying to look serious. “Separate the actor from the character. I’m just shipping the roles.”
They filmed four takes of this scene. Not due to mistakes, but because He Zhanpeng wanted them to try different approaches, curious to see what sparks they could create.
In fact, all repeatedly refined and reshot scenes were for this reason.
However, Li Qianxing and Jiang Lin were in great form tonight, finishing this scene before the scheduled wrap time.
The assistant director came over and said, “Director He, the weather’s nice outside, and the moon is full. Should we shoot the confession scene?”
He Zhanpeng checked the time and asked Li Qianxing and Jiang Lin, “How about it? Can you handle it?”
Jiang Lin smiled. “Sure.”
Li Qianxing: “No problem.”
He Zhanpeng instructed the assistant director to prepare. “We’ll shoot one take tonight to see how it goes. If we need more, we’ll continue tomorrow night.”
He then told the two, “Take some time to get into the mood. It’s not easy to transition from an argument to a heartfelt confession.”
Jiang Lin glanced at Li Qianxing, his eyes still twinkling. “It’s not too bad. Even when they’re arguing, they still love each other deep down.”
Li Qianxing called Xiao Zhu and Xiao Ding over. “Go check outside. If the trailers need to be moved, give them the keys.”
The confession scene was an exterior shot, but they only needed the parking lot, using the crew’s parking area as the set.
In the script, Cheng Yue is allergic to alcohol. Whenever they go to the bar, Ji Ming’an specially prepares non-alcoholic drinks for him, fearing he might accidentally consume alcohol.
After their unexpected intimate moment in the changing room, their ambiguous relationship deepened. Cheng Yue would visit the bar whenever he had free evenings. To ensure Cheng Yue got home early to rest, Ji Ming’an shortened his time at the bar, so they would leave for the parking lot together.
On this day, Cheng Yue had argued with his father. The pain of not being understood by his family made him increasingly crave a close, understanding lover. He finally gathered the courage to confess to Ji Ming’an.
Of course, his original plan wasn’t to do it in the unromantic setting of a parking lot, but the moonlight tonight was exceptionally beautiful…
◆
Cheng Yue turned his head to look at Ji Ming’an.
The soft moonlight fell on his pale purple hair and fair face, seeming to envelop him in a faint glow.
Perhaps because Cheng Yue had been staring unconsciously for too long, Ji Ming’an slightly turned his face and looked back.
Tonight, he wasn’t wearing his usual smoky eye makeup. His clean face made his eyes appear exceptionally bright, and in the moonlight, they held a rare innocence.
Just like in their university days.
Cheng Yue felt his heart quicken. Unable to suppress the surge of emotions any longer, he stopped walking and grabbed Ji Ming’an’s hand without warning.
Ji Ming’an froze, then stopped and turned to face Cheng Yue, his eyes questioning.
Cheng Yue opened his mouth, but his lips trembled, and no words came out.
He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and when he opened them again, he finally found his voice.
“Ming’an, in all these years apart, there wasn’t a single moment when I forgot you…”
His eyes welled with regretful pain, quickly overshadowed by nervousness.
“Can we… start over… try again…”
Ji Ming’an stared back at him, his face and eyes completely calm.
Cheng Yue grew increasingly anxious, his body gradually stiffening, yet he stubbornly waited for an answer.
Ji Ming’an suddenly smiled. “Cheng Yue, you were the one who said we should start, and you were the one who ended it. Now, you’re saying we should start again.”
Cheng Yue’s face paled, his lips trembling once more, the light in his eyes seemingly dimming.
He felt his heart plummeting, as if plunging into an icy hole, chilling him to the bone.
Cheng Yue struggled to control his voice. “If… I’m bothering you… tell me clearly now… I promise, I’ll never appear before you again…”
Ji Ming’an’s smile deepened, “Who said you’re bothering me?”
Cheng Yue froze.
Ji Ming’an admired his expression, smiling for a moment before continuing.
“You’ve already said ‘start’ once and ‘end’ once. This time, you’re saying ‘start’ again. So, shouldn’t I have the right to say ‘end’ this time?”
Cheng Yue felt his heart leap out of that icy hole, pounding fiercely.
Ji Ming’an looked into his eyes, speaking slowly, “We both ran far from where we used to be, yet fate brought us together again. Since we have this chance, this time, unless I say it’s over, even if we argue fiercely, you’re not allowed to run away.”
Cheng Yue, overcome with emotion, said hoarsely, “I won’t argue with you…”
Ji Ming’an placed a finger on his lips, chuckling softly, “Don’t say such things. I know you too well, you’re quite stubborn. Of course, I’m not much better. But arguments aside, we’ll solve problems together. We’ll face everything together, and neither of us is allowed to suffer in silence anymore.”
Cheng Yue’s eyes curved slightly, brimming with deep affection.
He raised his hand, gently lowering Ji Ming’an’s, and solemnly replied, “Alright. I’ll try my best to control my temper, discuss and resolve any disagreements, and even if we disagree, I’ll try not to argue. Moreover, I’ll do my utmost to ensure you never want to say it’s over.”
Cheng Yue cupped Ji Ming’an’s face with both hands, lowering his head slightly to touch their foreheads together.
“I love you, Ming’an.”
Ji Ming’an gazed back at him, smiling.
“I love you, Cheng Yue.”
Cheng Yue’s eyes instantly lit up.
Unable to hold back any longer, he tilted his head slightly and kissed Ji Ming’an’s lips.
Ji Ming’an closed his eyes, wrapping his arms around Cheng Yue’s waist.
In the moonlight, in an ordinary parking lot, two lovers earnestly made promises to each other.
◆
He Zhanpeng called “Cut!” through the megaphone.
Jiang Lin straightened up, closing his eyes to process the emotions, then opened them and said hoarsely, “Sorry, I felt the scene should develop this way and kissed without discussing it first.”
Li Qianxing released him, nonchalantly replying, “It’s fine, you didn’t actually kiss me.”
They walked to He Zhanpeng’s side to watch the playback together.
At the end, He Zhanpeng suddenly looked up at Jiang Lin, asking curiously, “Your hand covered it quite well. Did you actually kiss or not?”
Jiang Lin coughed, “Well, as long as the audience thinks we kissed, it’s fine.”
He Zhanpeng smiled and waved his hand, “Alright, that’s a wrap for today.”
Li Qianxing and Jiang Lin removed their makeup and changed clothes before getting in the car to return to the hotel.
Jiang Lin had been by Li Qianxing’s side all day, so he naturally got into Li Qianxing’s car, causing Xiao Zhu in the front passenger seat to keep glancing at the rearview mirror.
Li Qianxing didn’t mind Jiang Lin hitching a ride and even asked, “Isn’t Xiao Ding coming?”
Jiang Lin replied, “He’s riding in my car. The back seat is a bit damp, so I don’t want to sit there.”
In the front, Xiao Zhu couldn’t help but think to herself – Wait, Lin-ge, didn’t you come straight to our car without even checking yours?
As the car started moving, Jiang Lin chatted with Li Qianxing, “That argument scene earlier was quite emotionally draining. Li-ge, if it were you, would you resolve problems through arguments?”
Li Qianxing thought for a moment, “No. Arguments drain emotions and it’s easy to hurt each other with careless words. Most importantly, it’s an inefficient way to solve problems. I prefer more efficient methods.”
Jiang Lin asked, “Such as?”
Li Qianxing replied, “Both parties directly state their bottom lines and see if a balance can be found. If we can agree, we continue; if not, we part ways.”
Jiang Lin chuckled softly, “Indeed, it is time-saving, energy-efficient, and highly effective, but a bit lacking in humanity.”
Li Qianxing was curious, “What about you? How would you resolve issues?”
“Me?” Jiang Lin glanced at him, “As long as the other person isn’t unfaithful or cheating, I can be without a bottom line.”
Li Qianxing was quite surprised, “Then your partner would be very fortunate.”
Jiang Lin smiled, “Mm, I’ll make him happy.”
They weren’t speaking loudly, but with the air conditioning on and windows closed in the quiet car, Xiao Zhu in the front couldn’t help but overhear even if she wanted to avoid it.
Xiao Zhu thought to herself again – I feel a bit superfluous. I shouldn’t be in the car; I should be under it!
◇◆
That evening, the producer informed Agent Chen that Dong Zibin had been replaced. Despite Chen’s persistent efforts, he ultimately had to leave with his client.
Xiang Xiaohu quickly flew in to join the crew. Compared to Dong Zibin, even though Xiang Xiaohu’s acting was still raw and required He Zhanpeng’s patient guidance, his eagerness to learn, natural talent and sweet demeanor quickly won unanimous praise from the crew.
Even Li Qianxing privately told Jiang Lin, “Xiang Xiaohu has a special quality. When this film is submitted for the annual film awards, I think he could contend for Best Newcomer.”
Time passed smoothly with daily successful filming.
In June, the crew spent over half a month shooting on location in nearby towns. By early July, only three scenes remained before moving to the campus to film the flashback portions.
These three scenes were all scheduled for the same day.
In the morning, they would shoot the wedding scene.
At the end of the film, Cheng Yue only proposes to Ji Ming’an, without showing what follows. This wedding scene would be a 90-second post-credits Easter egg.
He Zhanpeng didn’t even plan to shoot it face-on. The storyboard only showed the grooms’ backs as they walked hand-in-hand through a rose-covered archway, with a close-up of their interlocked fingers.
However, even for these two simple shots, the set required thorough preparation.
The crew rented a common wedding venue, erected rose arches, and prepared a three-tiered cake for the background.
Li Qianxing and Jiang Lin, made up and dressed in white suits with roses in their lapels, walked together to the set.
Xiao Zhu circled them excitedly. “Wow, it’s like you’re really getting married!”
Li Qianxing chuckled, “What do you mean ‘like’? In the film, we are getting married.”
Jiang Lin suddenly asked, “Li-ge, have you ever filmed a wedding scene before?”
Li Qianxing thought carefully. “I don’t think so. In my previous romantic roles, we either only dated without marrying, like in the main film, or I entered the scene already married, playing a husband.”
Xiao Zhu raised her hand. “I can confirm, Li-ge has never marr— I mean, never filmed a wedding!”
Jiang Lin smiled. “So, I’ve collected Li-ge’s on-screen first kiss, first bed scene, and first wedding.”
Li Qianxing glanced at him. “Then I have one more than you. I’m also your first on-screen CP.”
Jiang Lin laughed heartily.
Just then, the assistant director called them to start.
Jiang Lin took Li Qianxing’s hand. “Let’s go get married.”
Vibrant red roses entwined the series of arches, with a red carpet of petals beneath. It seemed as if passing through these gates and walking this path would lead to love’s happy destination.
Hand in hand, they stepped forward together.
Their steps were light, each one stirring up a dance of flower petals.
The pure white of their suits became the most eye-catching color amidst the passionate red.
The camera slowly zoomed in, capturing the hems of their clothes gently fluttering in the breeze.
Finally, it focused on their interlocked fingers.
He Zhanpeng called “Cut!”, but the pair didn’t stop. They continued to the end of the petal-strewn carpet, reaching the small platform with the cake.
They turned around, and Li Qianxing produced a microphone from somewhere, speaking in Ji Ming’an’s manner.
“Hello, everyone. Today is the birthday of our great matchmaker, Director He Zhanpeng. Let’s all wish him a happy birthday! May your life be as long as the Southern Mountains! May you successfully match several couples each year, bravely achieving your matchmaker KPI!”
As he spoke, Jiang Lin turned a serving cart beside him.
The other side of the three-tiered cake was revealed, with “Happy Birthday, Director He Zhanpeng” written in jam on each layer.
As Li Qianxing finished speaking, the speakers on the platform started playing the birthday song while the crew below cheered, “Happy Birthday, Director He!”
Jiang Lin leaned towards Li Qianxing’s microphone, smiling. “Director He, come up and cut the cake. Everyone’s waiting to eat!”
Still stunned by the surprise, He Zhanpeng was pushed onto the stage by the producer, assistant director, and his assistant, while others showered him with confetti from party poppers.
He looked at Li Qianxing and Jiang Lin, then turned to the large cake: “Is this edible? Not a prop?”
Jiang Lin handed him a long knife from the cart. “It’s specially ordered by Li-ge and me for you. It’s whipped cream, it’s safe to eat.”
He Zhanpeng took the knife, gesturing at the tall cake, then suddenly put it down and turned to find Jiang Lin and Li Qianxing.
“Wait, wait. Since you’ve set me a matchmaker KPI, I should take a photo with the two grooms first, with the cake in the shot.”
He pulled Jiang Lin with one hand and Li Qianxing with the other, positioning them next to the cake.
He Zhanpeng was about to call his assistant to take the photo but then thought better of it. Looking around, he joined the pair’s hands together. “You two hold hands.”
He stepped back, ensuring they were holding hands properly, then nodded with satisfaction before calling his assistant to take the photo.
Xiao Zhu, watching from below, whispered to Xiao Ding, “So Director He is the ultimate CP fan.”
Xiao Ding showed her his phone. “I took a photo too. Do you want it?”
Xiao Zhu: “Yes!”
Then she looked closer at the image. “Hey, isn’t this Lin-ge’s phone?”
Xiao Ding: “Yeah, his phone is high-end and takes clearer photos.”
Xiao Zhu felt a pang of regret. “Oh right, I have Li-ge’s phone too. Why didn’t I think to take a photo! Good thing you did!”
Xiao Ding: “I also took a video of them walking through the flower archway earlier.”
Xiao Zhu: “Give it to me, give it to me!”
By the time they finished sharing the photos and video, Jiang Lin and Li Qianxing had helped He Zhanpeng cut the cake on the small platform.
The staff began distributing the cake. Jiang Lin chose a large piece for himself and a very small piece then went to find Li Qianxing.
The crew had gathered around the platform waiting for cake, while Li Qianxing had already stepped aside and returned to the resting chairs.
Jiang Lin quickly joined him, sat beside him, and handed him the small piece. “Only the campus scenes are left. It’s okay to eat a small piece, right?”
Li Qianxing accepted it but looked at the cake hesitantly. “I don’t really like cream…”
“Oh? Is that so.”
Jiang Lin took the plate back, scraped all the cream onto his own plate with a fork, then handed it back. “This bakery is said to bake exceptionally well. Try at least a bite, after all, you helped pay for it.”
Li Qianxing took it, picked up a small bite with his fork, and tasted it.
Jiang Lin: “How is it?”
Li Qianxing: “Not bad.”
Jiang Lin started eating his own, musing, “Time flies. We joined the crew in mid-April, and in the blink of an eye, it’s been almost three months.”
Li Qianxing: “Mm, we’ve gone from arguing to dating to getting married.”
Jiang Lin looked at him, fork in mouth. “Filming the wedding in the morning and the bed scene in the afternoon, does this count as the wedding night?”
Li Qianxing thought for a moment and said, “Then it seems a bit miserable for me since I have to be carried into the bridal chamber.”
Jiang Lin couldn’t help but chuckle quietly.
As a result, his hand shook, causing the half-eaten cake on his paper plate to topple and roll towards the edge.
Jiang Lin quickly extended his fork to stop it, just as Li Qianxing reached out with his fork to help. Their forks crossed in mid-air, perfectly catching the cake between them.
The cake on the paper plate fell, landing with a splat on Jiang Lin’s thigh, then sliding down, leaving an unsightly streak on the inside of his pants before finally dropping to the ground.
Li Qianxing looked down. “Now you’re worse off than me.”
Jiang Lin: “…”
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