Chapter 283 The place has been occupied. She was a petite girl with a healthy tan, her hair tied in a neat ponytail, and her eyes revealed a determined spirit that refused to admit defeat.

She was skillfully instructing the actors and photographers to adjust the camera positions, and when she turned around and saw Xia Zhining and her animal actor team, she immediately showed a warm smile.

"Is this Director Xia? I'm He Xi! The director of the short drama 'The Ship in the Desert'."

He Xi's voice was clear and crisp. She looked curiously at the little animals following Xia Zhining and gestured for them to enter, "I've prepared a rest area for the young actors. This way, please!"

Xia Zhining followed her over and saw a neat sunshade erected on the leeward side of the sand dune.

Inside the shed were several shallow troughs filled with clean water, and a half-circle of canvas was carefully placed around them to block the wind and sand. Even plant roots and meat "work meals" suitable for small animals were prepared.

Xia Zhining had heard Director He mention that his daughter, He Xi, was independent, low-key, and down-to-earth, and did not publicize her father's status as a famous director.

Every penny invested in this short drama was raised by He Xi through her own connections, and the budget was extremely tight.

Even under such tight conditions, she still carefully prepared water troughs, sunshades, and wind and sand protection for these animal actors.

Looking at the girl in front of her, who was even thinner than herself but thoughtful in everything she did, Xia Zhining felt a warmth in her heart.

He Xi single-handedly carried the entire crew, serving as both screenwriter and director.

Director He saw this and felt sorry for He Xi. He privately asked Xia Zhining to take good care of He Xi.

He also instructed Xia Zhining: "If Xixi asks, just say that these child actors are paid 500 yuan per day. Don't mention that they are paid 2,000 yuan per day. I will make up the difference."

After He Xi greeted Xia Zhi Ning, she went about her business. Meanwhile, Xia Zhi Ning was helping the young animal actors who had come to "apply" for roles to familiarize themselves with the storyline.

The sand fox, acting like a director, was instructing a group of furry "actors":

[Listen! This scene is simple. All you need to do is gracefully walk from this sand dune to that dead tree, and then make a startled "squeak" sound!]

Fortunately, these child actors didn't have to memorize lines, and their roles were simple. In addition, Xia Zhi Ning, the "golden translator," could accurately convey the requirements for movement and emotions, making the filming process exceptionally smooth.

What surprised Xia Zhining even more was He Xi's script.

The animals in the story are no longer just background characters for humans, but important characters with independent personalities.

The plot is simple and easy to understand, yet it is full of inspiration, which captivated even a "layman" like her.

Xia Zhining looked up and saw He Xi giving instructions to the actors with a dry mouth, so she asked the little ones beside her softly, "Does anyone have time to go and bring Director He a bottle of water?"

As soon as the words were spoken, the little animals immediately raised their paws in a rush.

The round, plump Pallas's cat took advantage of its size and got to the front.

[Let me go! Let me go!]

[Director, look at me! Your most reliable water deliveryman is here!]

The Pallas's cat used a secret, ancestral method of transporting the animals—

It used its two front paws to grab the mineral water bottle, then lowered its whole body and began to roll forward with force.

"Gurgle, gurgle..."

The water bottle moved steadily across the sand.

He Xi also noticed the "fur ball delivery" moving towards her. She stopped working and watched it with curiosity and anticipation.

However, as it rolled, the Pallas's cat seemed completely absorbed in the pleasure of the act of rolling itself. Its short legs tumbled about joyfully, rolling faster and faster, with increasing enthusiasm…