Xiao Yi had never seen Lu Zhou's serious crying scene before, and he couldn't comprehend how a person could cry anytime, anywhere. While shooting, Lu Zhou did shed tears, but that kind of crying was much simpler than the silent, choked-up kind because tears were forced out. When emotions reached an extreme, it was easy to break down.

Silent tears were the most challenging, but Lu Zhou, quietly looking at the photo, had tears in his eyes in less than five seconds. Following with deep breaths, Lu Zhou trembled and shoved the photo under the glass on the table.

Xiao Yi was startled on the spot. The surroundings fell silent. Lu Zhou rubbed his face with both hands like a distressed child, choking back sobs. The camera zoomed in, capturing Lu Zhou's teary eyes, and he, suppressing bitterness, sighed deeply and stood up.

"Cut!" the director said.

Several people applauded. Lu Zhou took out the photo, returned it to Xiao Yi, breathed a sigh of exhaustion, and accepted the water bottle handed by Xiao Yi. He drank it in silence, staring at the set.

With everything in place, Lu Zhou sat down, seemingly immersed in some sad thoughts. Xiao Yi cautiously touched his back, as if comforting him. Lu Zhou smiled.

"Mr. Lu, makeup," the director reminded.

Lu Zhou stood up to do his makeup. The next scene was Lu Zhou being scolded by the editor-in-chief. Lu Zhou lowered his head, standing in front of the editor, who was half-sitting by the office desk. The male editor was about thirty centimetres shorter than Lu Zhou, lecturing him incessantly.

"I quit!" Lu Zhou finally erupted.

Xiao Yi was startled again. Lu Zhou pointed at the editor's nose and said, "Don't push your luck!"

The editor was stunned, and three seconds later, he forgot his lines.

"Ah—" Everyone was helpless.

Lu Zhou gestured that it was fine, and they had to redo the scene.

After a heated argument, the editor said, "Alright, you have guts. Kou Bin, go tell the CEO. I bet you won't dare to tell the CEO—go on."

The editor felt triumphant, but Lu Zhou just stared at him silently, suppressing the anger in his eyes, like an awakened lion.

The camera shifted away.

In the next scene, it was the pause.

Lu Zhou stood still and said to the female editor, "What?! Why is it me again?"

The female editor helplessly replied, "The other party specifically requested you to handle it. It's the son of our group's CEO. Be a bit more careful."

Lu Zhou mentioned, "I have plans tonight and other things to attend to."

The female editor shrugged.

"Draw me a watch," Lu Zhou came down to Xiao Yi and said, "Can you? Make it cute."

Xiao Yi held Lu Zhou's hand, bent over his wrist, and drew a cartoon watch. Lu Zhou then went back to acting.

After Lu Zhou packed up, he heard colleagues gossiping by the water dispenser. He stopped for a moment and rolled up the sleeves of his white shirt. There was a watch drawn with a ballpoint pen on his wrist. Looking at the camera with a puzzled expression, he pushed his glasses, showing a bewildered look, like a handsome boy who was completely unaware of his good looks.

Xiao Yi's eyes suddenly emitted heart emojis.

"Cut" the director said. "That's it for this morning's scenes. Mr. Lu, you've worked hard."

Lu Zhou immediately went to change clothes and said, "I have to go to the Beijing Film Academy in the afternoon. I'll leave first."

Xiao Yi drove, and Lu Zhou ate in the car. After finishing the meal, Xiao Yi parked the car in the garage, and the two rushed into the studio. After Lu Zhou finished his makeup, he sat on a chair and greeted everyone.

"Director Guo," Lu Zhou smiled. "Sorry for the wait."

"You came early," Director Guo smiled. "I just called Xiao Yi, telling you both not to rush, have lunch first, and then come over. Come, let me tell you about the scenes."

Lu Zhou waved his hand, and the logistics team was distributing boxed meals. Lu Zhou turned to Xiao Yi, "You go eat."

Xiao Yi received a boxed meal. Director Guo asked Lu Zhou, "Did you read the script yesterday?"

"I didn't finish it," Lu Zhou replied. "But I read all the scenes for today."

"Can you grasp the character's personality?" Director Guo asked patiently. "If you have any ideas, I won't say much."

Xiao Yi opened a can of cola, thinking that Director Guo was really nice. Although he was already fifty years old, he was still very refined and patient. What actor wouldn't like him? It seemed that encountering the right people was crucial for success.

"As for the character Xu Fengyan," Lu Zhou thought for a moment and said, "although he lived with his uncle who did business, his father came from a scholarly family. Most of the family members were intellectuals. His name comes from a poem by Wen Tianxiang." (NT: well known Chinese poet and politician of the XIIIe century)

"Indeed," Director Guo nodded. "Xu Fengyan, displaying books under the eaves, ancient paths reflecting colours, carries the pride of a scholar. Within the Kuomintang military system, he is an idealist. Throughout his life, until his death, he maintains a kind of integrity. The reason I chose you to play him is because Hu Yang couldn't portray such a multifaceted character."

"Uh-huh," Lu Zhou flipped through the script and said, "When falsely accused of being a traitor, Xu Fengyan feels extremely angry."

"But he must endure," Director Guo patted Lu Zhou's shoulder, smiling, "A real man can bend and stretch. Compared to when he was just a teenager, Fengyan has grown along the way, becoming more mature and responsible. People have a thousand faces, and so do you... Hahaha."

Lu Zhou laughed, turned to look at Xiao Yi, a smile in his eyes. Xiao Yi felt a flutter in his heart, handed him a cola, and Lu Zhou took it. Xiao Yi intended to use a tissue to wipe the mouth of the can he had just drunk from, but Lu Zhou waved his hand, indicating it wasn't necessary. He drank directly from the spot Xiao Yi had used.

Director Guo leisurely opened the teacup lid, took a sip of tea, and said, "A person with a thousand faces, conflicted, in pain, troubled, longing for love but aware of his inability to bear it, and not daring to ask for it. Despairing and needing you to release your true emotions through the character, to find the real you inside."

Lu Zhou didn't answer, just nodded. Director Guo continued, "That's the overall impression of this character."

"Director Guo, how do you think Hu Yang is doing?" Lu Zhou asked.

"Based on what I saw this morning, it's still acceptable," Director Guo replied. "Young talents are scarce nowadays. Of course, these people can't compare to you."

Lu Zhou modestly thanked him. Director Guo added, "I'll be honest; Hu Yang is playing your younger brother. In the first scene this afternoon, you two will have a confrontation. I think, of course, this is just my personal opinion, you can discuss it with me."

Lu Zhou looked at Director Guo, nodded, and listened to him.

Director Guo continued, "The relationship between brothers is one of tolerance, sternness, and meticulous care. As the saying goes, an elder brother is like a father. No matter how your younger brother is unreasonable or misunderstands you, you won't get angry, right? Young man?"

Xiao Yi smiled, "Yes." Xiao Yi was still wondering how Director Guo knew he had a younger brother.

Director Guo pointed to Xiao Yi and said to Lu Zhou, "Xu Fengyan cares for Xu Shujiang just like how you treat your little brother."

Xiao Yi: "..."

Director Guo said, "You will care for the person closest to you, ask how he's doing, even worry about his love life, fear that he might go astray, hope..." Director Guo made a grabbing gesture and said, "control him, making him forever an obedient child to you. It's a kind of indulgence. Deep down, you also hope he grows up, because in this family, he also has his responsibilities."

"Understood," Lu Zhou said.

"Go change your clothes," Director Guo told him with a smile. "Everyone is looking forward to your performance."

Saying that, Director Guo gave Lu Zhou a thumbs up. Lu Zhou handed the remaining cola to Xiao Yi and went to change clothes. Xiao Yi wanted to follow, but Lu Zhou waved his hand, indicating there was no need.

Another person came to consult Director Guo on something. Director Guo nodded, smiling most of the time. Xiao Yi sat on the side, feeling a bit uneasy after eating, thinking that Director Guo was too easy-going. Although a bit talkative, he really gave off the vibe of a kind professor!

"What's your name?" Director Guo asked Xiao Yi.

Xiao Yi answered, and Director Guo nodded, asking, "How long have you been together with Lu Zhou?"

Xiao Yi: "..."

Listening to this question, Xiao Yi felt it was as if they were asked how long they had been in a relationship. Of course, someone of Director Guo's age shouldn't be teasing. He replied, "I came to be his assistant last winter, almost half a year now."

Director Guo nodded again and asked, "Lu Zhou has a natural talent for acting. Generally, people with artistic talents are often forgetful in life."

"Hahaha," Xiao Yi laughed. "Yes."

Director Guo continued, "You should take good care of him."

"Absolutely," Xiao Yi uttered. "I've been learning how to be an assistant."

Director Guo nodded satisfactorily. Xiao Yi thought he was really amazing; probably in this crew, there was no gossip, no show of impatience. Shooting was just shooting.

After shadowing the three casts and crews, he caught wind of numerous WeChat gossip. Xiao Yi gradually discovered that each team member had vastly different working styles, sometimes as contrasting as the distance between the sky and the earth.

Director Guo, for instance, approached filming with utmost seriousness, meticulously refining his work each time he pressed the record button. Then, there was the type found in the "Ironhorse Glacier." In that group, the director held the ultimate authority, and the one with the fame wielded the power to dominate the entire set. Lastly, there was the type in "The Era of Leftover Men," making the film as a task to be completed, solely aiming to earn enough and move on. That's how the industry operated.

After waiting for a while, Lu Zhou was still trying on outfits. Today was about getting a feel for the role before shooting the official portrait photos. But for the first scene, preparations naturally took a bit longer. Xiao Yi decided to go inside and help. Seeing Lu Zhou's costume, he was almost overwhelmed.

Lu Zhou was wearing a Kuomintang military uniform, standing in front of the mirror. Xiao Yi's instinctive reaction was to grab his phone and take pictures.

"How is it?" Lu Zhou asked. "Don't look so infatuated! You're so disgusting!"

People outside were startled by Lu Zhou suddenly yelling. Xiao Yi had a moment of confusion, but quickly snapped out of it and went forward to help Lu Zhou put on gloves. His excitement surged, as if he was the one about to shine in the spotlight.

"Okay, okay, okay... Handsome," Xiao Yi said, drooling. "You're handsome enough to light up the galaxy."

Lu Zhou naturally had a sharp appearance, and with a military uniform that accentuated his good physique, made Xiao Yi foresee that countless screens would be filled with spilled cola when the official portrait photos would be released.

Grinning mischievously, Lu Zhou said, "Hehe."

Xiao Yi chuckled, and Lu Zhou's expression instantly turned cold as the handsome military man in uniform. He said, "Who's laughing with you?! I'm trying to get into the role!"

Xiao Yi: "..."

Lu Zhou emerged, surprising the entire crew, followed by an expected smile.

The male lead, Hu Yang, also arrived, wearing a Zhongshan suit. He greeted Lu Zhou, and Xiao Yi stepped aside to watch them act.

"Why are you back?" Hu Yang said coldly.

The camera pushed from the courtyard to the inside, slowly moving.

Lu Zhou stood in the courtyard, gesturing a "no big deal" motion, hands behind his back. Turning around, he looked at Hu Yang, who wore an all-black Zhongshan suit (NT: Mao tunic). With a gentle smile, Lu Zhou said, "This is my home. I come back whenever I want to."

Lu Zhou's aura completely overwhelmed Hu Yang. Xiao Yi hadn't noticed it before, but every time they started shooting, he could sense it to some extent. All attention, from both the main and supporting actors, focused on Lu Zhou's character. Everyone, including both leads and extras, seemed very tense.

This should be the result of Lu Zhou's reputation, acting skills, and the unintentional body language hints, creating a dominating presence. Hu Yang looked handsome individually, with fair skin, but standing in front of Lu Zhou, the two brothers compared side by side, and Hu Yang instantly seemed weaker.

"Dad was driven to illness by you," Hu Yang claimed. "Mom has already left! What else do you want? You're not welcome here! Go! Get out!"

"Hey!" Director Guo suddenly interrupted, "Stop, what does the script say? How could you forget again?"

Xiao Yi: "..."

Oh no, not a single word can be wrong. Hu Yang quickly apologized, "Sorry, I was too nervous and forgot."

After Hu Yang took a glance at the script, Xiao Yi noticed that while Lu Zhou usually memorized only the general lines during shooting, relying on the emotions at the time, sometimes improvising if he couldn't recall them fully, Director Guo was evidently stricter. If the lines weren't satisfactory, changes could be made off-stage, but once altered, no more on-the-spot creativity was allowed.

The two brothers performed the scene again. Director Guo wasn't quite satisfied, so he called Hu Yang over and explained the scene. Then he called Lu Zhou over, patiently repeating the instructions several times. After they finished, they re-shot the scene twice before it was accepted.

Xiao Yi noticed that there was little chatting among the crew. Conversations were mostly essential, and there were no jokes or anyone using their phones to check social media. It seemed like everyone was working very seriously, and their focus was unwavering.

Until the evening, for Lu Zhou's next scene, he wore a military uniform with a large windbreaker, standing by a stream. The lighting was set, creating golden ripples in the entire stream.

"Sometimes, I feel," Lu Zhou said, "Maybe tomorrow, next month, or even the next day, I won't be able to hold on anymore."

It was another solo performance by Lu Zhou. Xiao Yi had read the script and knew this was the scene where Xu Fengyan mourned his deceased girlfriend by the stream. His lover, killed by the Japanese army, lay in this small stream.

"Sometimes, I'd rather sleep quietly," Lu Zhou said. "Afraid that when I open my eyes, I'll see countless people dead because of me, cursing me. Collaborator, traitor..."

"But for you, even if a thousand people accuse," Lu Zhou sighed, then, with a sweet smile full of sorrow, kneeled by the water, grasping the grass roots on the streambank with a gloved hand, pinching a bit of mud.

The camera focused on his hand.

"Even so... I won't regret it," Lu Zhou said slowly, then pressed his fingers against his lips.

"Very good!" Director Guo said. "We'll stop here for today."

Lu Zhou immediately stood up, shook hands with Director Guo, and then got into the car without bothering to change clothes. Xiao Yi drove to the next set, but they got stuck in traffic.

Xiao Yi: "..."

Lu Zhou: "..."

Without waiting for Lu Zhou to instruct, Xiao Yi immediately called the director of the other crew. They replied not to worry; they were stuck in traffic too. If they arrived first, they could take a break. Xiao Yi burst into laughter, and Lu Zhou took advantage of this time to nap in the back seat.

*

At night, under the streetlights, after a lot of hustle and bustle, they finally started filming.

Lu Zhou had a bandage on his forehead, looking dishevelled, walking through a neighbourhood with the female lead. He carried the female lead's bag, containing one hundred thousand yuan.

Next, they sat in a garden, waiting for the female lead's scene. A car stopped in front of Lu Zhou, and Wu Henggu rolled down the window, asking Lu Zhou for directions. Lu Zhou pointed him the way.

The final scene involved several supporting actors restraining Lu Zhou, planning to take him to a quiet place for a beating.

"Cut," the director said. "That's a wrap."

Lu Zhou felt utterly exhausted. Once in the car, they drove back home. When Xiao Yi asked about the schedule, Lu Zhou said, "Hey."

Lu Zhou sprawled on the sofa in a completely relaxed position, and asked Xiao Yi, "Can you do massages?"

Xiao Yi came over to massage Lu Zhou, who asked, "Can you do foot massages?"

Xiao Yi found it a bit odd and chuckled, "Why are you so polite today?"

Xiao Yi took off Lu Zhou's socks, the latter retorted, "Isn't it because I am worried you'd feel offended?"

"How could that be?" Xiao Yi said. "I often give my girlfriend foot massages. After wearing high heels all day, she's tired when she comes home."

"Go ahead, then," Lu Zhou said, his face adorned with a cooling eye mask, looking a bit listless. "If you massage well, I'll give you a raise—ahhh—"

Xiao Yi: "..."

"Is this pressure okay?" Xiao Yi asked.

With gritted teeth, Lu Zhou shouted, "You're about to press the urine out of me!"

Xiao Yi had to lighten the pressure, and Lu Zhou lay lazily for a while. After a moment, he actually fell asleep.

Worried that Lu Zhou might wake up and call someone later, Xiao Yi covered him with a blanket and slept on another sofa.

Lu Zhou managed to sleep soundly through the night.

*

The next morning, both were in a rush. Xiao Yi thought it was unfortunate; he hadn't finished reading the script from the previous night. He quickly helped Lu Zhou change into clean clothes, handed him the script, and drove them to the set.

They started shooting ‘Catkins Flutter In The Wind’ today. When Xiao Yi had some free time, he sat aside, listening to Director Guo instructing the script supervisor. Although Director Guo was amiable, everyone was afraid of him. Everyone behaved, and from that day on, Xiao Yi followed the crew for two consecutive days.

During dinner that night, they learned that the second male lead had been fired by Director Guo.

The second male lead had tried a few scenes but never followed the director's instructions. He even took a break in the middle of filming to shoot an advertisement. When he returned, Director Guo calmly told him, "You don't need to come tomorrow. I'll talk to the producer."

So, the second male lead left in a fit of anger. Surprisingly, the producer didn't say much. With the departure of the second male lead, Director Guo said he would find a better replacement himself. However, when Director Guo was trying to save the situation with the second male lead, the male lead and the brokerage company were in a legal dispute, possibly not receiving the pay, and he left too.

Everyone thought the crew would disband, but Director Guo had them continue shooting supporting roles. After going out with the producer for a walk, they returned with new cast members. Du Mei initially wanted to take advantage of the situation and push people into the project. Even Wu Henggu wanted Lu Zhou to be involved, but Director Guo refused to add anyone. In the end, they didn't recruit anyone new.

Xiao Yi was speechless. It seemed that Lu Zhou's easy-going attitude had a reason, and following Director Guo might provide an opportunity to learn a lot. Although most of it might not be applicable, listening to how he taught actors and interpreted scripts was valuable.

One day, when there was a break, Director Guo approached Xiao Yi.

"Xiao Yi," Director Guo asked, "When will you write your song?"

Xiao Yi: "..."

"My song?" Xiao Yi asked.

Director Guo said, "Didn't Ms. Du say she wants you to write a song for Xu Fengyan?"

Xiao Yi dropped his jaw.

Director Guo said casually, "Once it's done, bring the lyrics, and I'll take a look."

"Sure... sure," Xiao Yi's heart was pounding. Why didn't anyone tell me! Why didn't anyone... tell me!

Xiao Yi was going crazy. After sitting for a while, Director Guo hadn't noticed Xiao Yi's abnormality yet. He got up and left, and Xiao Yi thought, Is it like this? Why didn't I know? Was it recommended by Du Mei? But Du Mei had never heard his song! She hadn't even heard Xiao Yi sing. Was it recommended by Lu Zhou?

"Xiao Yi?" Du Mei's voice rang from behind, startling Xiao Yi. He quickly stood up and saw Du Mei visiting the set.

"Why are you sitting here alone?" Du Mei asked. "Where's Lu Zhou?"

Du Mei had two assistants with her. Xiao Yi quickly responded, " Zhou  ge is in the dressing room."

"Oh, I see," Du Mei said. "Yesterday, we discussed... Oh, Director Guo! Hello! We were just talking!"

Director Guo came over and shook hands with Du Mei. Du Mei then turned to Xiao Yi and asked, "Xiao Yi, how long does it take for you to write a song?"

Xiao Yi finally calmed down and replied, "It might take... over a month."

"Can you compose while working?" Du Mei asked again.

Xiao Yi nodded, and Du Mei said readily, "Alright, I informed the film and television company. We'll also have a theme song. It will be included in the soundtrack, and they will choose it for the main theme."

Xiao Yi nodded nervously, and Du Mei went aside to talk to Director Guo.

That night, Lu Zhou looked puzzled and said, "Oh?"

"It was you who recommended me, right, Zhou ge!" Xiao Yi exclaimed, "Don't pretend! Only you have heard me sing—"

"Get lost, get lost!" Lu Zhou lifted his foot, ready to kick Xiao Yi away at any moment. Xiao Yi sat next to him, massaging his feet. Only then did Lu Zhou relax a bit and said, "If you're told to write, just write. Why are you dragging it out?"

Xiao Yi sighed and said, "I'm afraid I won't be able to come up with anything."

Lu Zhou said, "If you can't, go tell Director Du. Push this task away."

Xiao Yi hesitated, remained silent for a moment. He hadn't been creating for many years. Although he could compose a song casually, writing a good song was as difficult as making a blockbuster film. It relied 70% on inspiration and 30% on luck. It was very challenging.

"Why are you so spineless!" Lu Zhou suddenly got angry, staring at Xiao Yi and irritably said, "What are you afraid of? You haven't even started, and you're already scared? Afraid of compensating for losses if you mess up? Do they have to guarantee the box office for you? Do they have to ensure you win an award before you can create? Why are you a loser? It's because you don't dare, you don't dare to do anything, you're just a useless loser!"

"You're afraid to try, afraid of failure, so you're a loser," Lu Zhou continued, his tone easing a bit, seriously saying, "Your son will also be a loser, your grandson will also be a loser. Generations after generations will be losers, just like this."

" Zhou ge is right, my ancestors for eighteen generations were all losers," Xiao Yi earnestly said.

Lu Zhou was truly exasperated with Xiao Yi. Xiao Yi smiled and continued to massage Lu Zhou's feet. After a moment of silence, he said, " Zhou ge, thank you."

Lu Zhou was momentarily stunned, then inexplicably said, "I didn't recommend you. Why are you thanking me? Forget it, forget it, let's not talk about this. When did Ms Du say you should start writing?"

"She said as soon as possible," Xiao Yi mentioned. "I'll start tomorrow."

Lu Zhou said, "Is the studio ready? Where will you write?"

Xiao Yi, in a daze, replied, "At the film set, of course."

"You're crazy! What are you going to write at the film set? This is creation, you understand? Creation! If you write at the film set, you might as well quit. You're just picking up trash on the spot!" Lu Zhou scolded.

Xiao Yi: "..."

So, Xiao Yi was thrown into the company's soundproof room, where Lin Yao provided him with a desk, a piano, composing and arranging software, and a stack of paper.

"But I...," Xiao Yi said sorrowfully, locked behind iron bars. "No one is taking care of you!"

"Get lost! Who needs you to take care of me," Lu Zhou said without changing his expression or heartbeat, completely ignoring him, and walked away.

 

Translator : DarNan