Half a month later
When Shen Xingsui first learned that Fu Jinxiao was going to star in "The Lonely City", she was shocked, or rather, she couldn't believe it.
So when he received Wang Meican's call, he even rubbed his eyes to see if he was dreaming, until Wang Meican repeated to him again, "The contract has been signed."
Shen Xingsui exclaimed in shock, "Why would Teacher Fu sign with this production team?!"
At least in his view, although he didn't look down on his own production team, it was definitely incomparable to the big-budget productions that Actor Fu used to work with.
Wang Meican said helplessly, "Sui Sui, although your production team is indeed a small production, if Tonight is really the producer, it won't be a small production team anymore."
If a movie boasts an award-winning actor, its production quality must be elevated to a higher level.
Fu Jinxiao himself is not the kind of person who just wants to make money and make a quick buck on fans. It was inevitable that he would bring his own investment to the production. The production team was indeed poor, obviously poor, but with the investment from the Shen family and now the investment from the Fu family, the production budget for the entire production team had already exceeded 100 million.
Shen Xingsui also figured things out, and he said, "Is Teacher Fu participating in the film... because of me?"
“You’ll probably have to ask your teacher Fu about that yourself,” Wang Meican said with a smile. “But you don’t need to worry about him losing out at all. When have you ever seen Fu Jinxiao do a losing business? Don’t worry, he only gets a cut. He’ll get a lot of the box office revenue.”
Shen Xingsui chuckled: "That's true."
How could Fu Jinxiao ever truly suffer a loss? If you're worried about Teacher Fu, you're really worrying unnecessarily.
However, the fact that Teacher Fu actually participated in this low-budget film still surprised Shen Xingsui to some extent, so when he met Fu Jinxiao on set, his feelings were somewhat complicated.
Zhang San San, that lackey, built a very large and comfortable lounge for Fu Jin Xiao when he learned that Fu Jin Xiao might be coming back. The director probably didn't even build such a luxurious lounge for his own.
Fu Jinxiao strode forward, looked down at her lover, and smiled: "What's wrong? Are you unhappy to see me?"
Shen Xingsui snapped out of her daze and then leaped into Fu Jinxiao's arms to hug him, saying, "Happy."
It was genuine happiness.
It's not for any other reason than that if they can film together in the future, it means they won't have to be separated for such a long time anymore.
"I just didn't expect it," Shen Xingsui said honestly. "I didn't expect you to come to my production team, after all, the subject matter and the production are quite small."
Fu Jinxiao chuckled softly.
Shen Xingsui looked at him with a puzzled expression.
Fu Jinxiao strode over and sat down on the sofa next to him. He lifted his eyelids and looked at Shen Xingsui, saying, "Then why did you take this movie role?"
“I remember when you took on this role, the production team couldn’t be called small; it was practically zero-cost?” Fu Jinxiao sat on the sofa, his posture upright, his long legs casually crossed, exuding an air of complete control. “You’ve already gained some fame in the last two years. Who would have thought you’d take on this role?”
Shen Xingsui explained, "I thought the script and story were pretty good, and I didn't want to miss out on a great script..."
Fu Jinxiao's lips curled into a satisfied smile: "Isn't that settled?"
Shen Xingsui was stunned for a moment, then realized what Fu Jinxiao wanted to express. They were actors, and of course they wanted to exist for good stories. Not all actors value big productions or high standards. There are also some actors who make movies for good stories, and they and the drama complement each other.
Shen Xingsui looked at Fu Jinxiao. He recalled that a long, long time ago, when Fu Jinxiao wasn't so famous, he didn't rely on the Fu family's power to force himself into making big-budget, high-production dramas. On the contrary, Fu Jinxiao always meticulously crafted low-budget films. It wasn't that the films made him, but rather that he made the films. And it was precisely that seriousness, that fearlessness in the face of hardship, and that unwillingness to admit defeat that attracted him.
Shen Xingsui felt that Fu Jinxiao's spirit influenced him in many ways, making him understand what kind of person he should become.
Shen Xingsui snapped out of his reverie, a smile appearing on his face, and said softly, "You haven't changed at all."
Fu Jinxiao looked at Shen Xingsui standing in front of him. The man's face was ashen. Suddenly, he smiled and said, "No, I've changed."
Shen Xingsui was taken aback.
Fu Jinxiao stretched out his long arm and pulled the person in front of him. He looked at Shen Xingsui and said in a serious and deep voice, "You are the one who found him."
From the first time he saw Shen Xingsui, he felt a strange feeling.
That hidden stubbornness, that despair in adversity, the relief after acceptance, and the choices he made when faced with many things all felt familiar to him. In fact, the entertainment industry can numb many people, especially after reaching his level. Interests and money are the things that can most easily numb people. He gradually felt somewhat tired and bored.
Shen Xingsui's arrival was like a small stone that caused ripples to spread across the stagnant water.
Shen Xingsui stammered, "I...I?"
"Hmm." Fu Jinxiao nodded, his rough fingertips gliding over Shen Xingsui's delicate skin, and said in a low voice, "This drama is not bad. You haven't been in the industry for long, and your first movie will definitely attract a lot of attention. If your first movie does well, it will be your stepping stone into the film and television industry, so it can't flop."
A hint of tenderness appeared in Fu Jinxiao's deep eyes as he softly said, "I'll guide you and pave the way for you."
Shen Xingsui was somewhat moved, but at the same time, looking at Fu Jinxiao's unusually serious expression, a bad premonition inexplicably rose in his heart. It was as if these words were a kind of entrustment, as if this was Fu Jinxiao's last journey with him, and that he would have to walk the road ahead on his own.
...
next day
Today is the last scene we're filming, the scene where he and the young Xu Yan part ways.
Fang Zhiwen's family suffered a major misfortune, and he and Xu Yan were trapped in a dilapidated temple while doing academic tasks off-campus. Taking advantage of the heavy rain, he lit a large pile of firewood to keep warm, while Xu Yan fell asleep with a fever from being caught in the rain. Under the cover of the rain, Fang Zhiwen whispered his love to the sleeping Xu Yan and secretly kissed him.
A water truck was hired outside, and the small, dilapidated temple was a makeshift prop shed. Zhang San San explained the scene to him, saying, "This monologue is very important. Your feelings for Xu Yan are intense yet restrained, but you can't help but express those feelings, understand?"
Shen Xingsui nodded: "I'll try my best."
"As for the kiss," Zhang San San coughed lightly, "we won't use any camera tricks, just a quick kiss on the lips, is that alright?"
Jiang Chao, who was not far away, looked over in their direction.
For some reason, ever since what happened in the lounge that day, Shen Xingsui felt that Jiang Chao seemed to be avoiding him. And this feeling was not just his imagination. Could it be that he was keeping his distance from him to avoid suspicion after witnessing that awkward scene?
Shen Xingsui didn't quite understand either.
However, since everyone was probably just colleagues working together, they didn't press the matter further.
After everything was ready and the set was set up, the director shouted, "Alright, everyone to your positions, action!"
The rain poured down, and the two people in the dilapidated temple huddled together. They lay on a straw mat, and Xu Yan, who was fast asleep, looked pale. The fire was burning, providing him with a little warmth.
Fang Zhiwen leaned close to him and heard Xu Yan muttering something in his sleep. He quickly moved closer to listen and found that Xu Yan wanted to drink water. However, their water bottle was empty, so he rushed to the eaves to get water despite the wind and rain outside. He helped Xu Yan up so that he could drink water.
Xu Yan was in a deep sleep, but forced himself to drink some water, said thank you, and then fell asleep again.
Fang Zhiwen's heart was filled with love and pain. He couldn't help but stroke Xu Yan's cheek and whispered his feelings over the past two years. Thunder roared outside. As night fell, he finally couldn't help but lean down and place a secret and restrained kiss on Xu Yan's lips.
The director said, "Cut!"
Everyone relaxed and became more alert.
Shen Xingsui pulled Jiang Chao to her feet, and the director quickly walked over and said, "Suisui, you haven't fully gotten into character yet. There's no restraint and forbearance in your eyes. You have the love in your eyes, but it doesn't quite feel right."
Shen Xingsui said softly, "Director, I'm sorry, should I go and get my emotions in order again?"
Zhang Sansan was in a dilemma.
He also knew that being an actor was not easy, and his task as a director was naturally to help the actors.
Shen Xingsui glanced at Fu Jinxiao, who was not far away. These past two days, the movie star Fu had spent a lot of time on set. In this scene with Jiang Chao, Shen Xingsui and Fu Jinxiao had a kissing scene. With her lover sitting not far away, she felt extremely awkward.
Zhang San San said, "Take a rest first. It's okay. Don't put too much pressure on yourself."
Shen Xingsui smiled gratefully: "I understand."
During the break, he went to Fu Jinxiao's tent and sat down to eat. While he was eating, Zhang Sansan came in and gave Shen Xingsui some acting advice. He also came up with an idea: "Suisui, have you ever had a crush on anyone since you were little?"
Shen Xingsui paused in her eating.
Fu Jinxiao, who was reading the script, actually put it down after hearing this and glanced at him.
Shen Xingsui coughed lightly and looked at the director, saying, "Why...why are you asking this?"
“The next scene you’re going to film is also related to unrequited love,” Zhang Sansan said, holding the script. “That’s why I’m asking you to imagine it and put yourself in that role.”
Shen Xingsui licked her lips guiltily.
Zhang Sansan continued looking at him and said, "Is there? Especially, is there any unrequited love, a deep, intense crush, but the other person never knew about it?"
Shen Xingsui's heart skipped a beat, feeling that Director Zhang really didn't miss a single word.
If Fu Jinxiao weren't here, he would have admitted it, but Director Zhang, you really know how to pick your timing! Everyone's here, how am I supposed to make him admit it?
Fu Jinxiao looked at the silent and conflicted Shen Xingsui, put the script on the table next to him, turned to look at him, and said with a smile, "Yes, Teacher Shen, the director is just trying to give you some advice. Why don't you tell me?"
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