After Reuniting with My Aloof Movie Queen Childhood Friend - Chapter 10

D City Film and Television Base.

Within a high-budget realistic set, Lin Shan was visiting the crew of an “S+” level project, a key development for the company this year.

For some reason, Meng Xingshu had accompanied her to the filming base for three consecutive days. Her diligence was unprecedented, so much so that Lin Shan had resorted to observing the stars for omens and consulting doctors, yet she still couldn’t grasp the reason behind it.

Regardless, it was a good thing. Having Meng Xingshu there made it easier to ask for direct advice.

Lin Shan followed the executive producer to check on the project’s progress. This was a massive undertaking with a crew of over a thousand people. With so many people came constant conflicts and disputes, leading to chaotic filming conditions. A vast amount of unnecessary expenses had been wasted, yet the results were mediocre, falling far short of Lingxing’s standards.

The executive producer stood aside, drenched in cold sweat, waiting for judgment. Lin Shan, with a dark expression, dismissed him.

Once the man left the room, Lin Shan turned to get Meng Xingshu’s opinion, only to find her staring at her phone screen, seemingly lost in thought.

Lin Shan nudged her shoulder.

Without shifting her gaze, Meng Xingshu said calmly, “Start by dealing with the director’s team. Xi Wenrui has too many ideas, and Cai Yi was brought in by the executive producer. The director, Feng Ping, should have mediated their conflict, but he’s lazy and indecisive. He prefers to listen to Xi Wenrui because he doesn’t want to think for himself, yet he worries about the producer’s connections, so he films everything twice. In reality, neither version fits. Tell the executive producer to warn him: the project doesn’t need his mediocre fame. If he doesn’t want to use his brain, he can leave. Also, have them organize the shooting scripts and send them over daily until I say otherwise. Furthermore, inform the crew that we will be in D City for a while and may drop by anytime. We only want to see raw footage, no special processing allowed.”

Lin Shan crossed her arms and tilted her head. “I didn’t ask you about that.”

Meng Xingshu glanced at her, then lowered her eyes back to the screen. “Tell me earlier next time.”

Seeing Meng Xingshu staring at her phone without moving for a long time, Lin Shan leaned in curiously. “What are you thinking about? You’ve been spacing out for ages.”

“Replying to a message.”

“To what?” Lin Shan was puzzled. What could possibly make Meng Xingshu so hesitant?

Meng Xingshu spoke slowly, as if weighing her words: “There is… an invitation for a new project.”

Meng Xingshu had an agent specifically for her acting career. Subpar scripts were filtered out before they even reached her. Anything that made it to her hands and was actually being considered, was likely a project she intended to sign.

In truth, given Meng Xingshu’s current status, she didn’t receive “bad” invitations. However, she had already achieved almost every milestone possible in her acting career. Her current focus was on Lingxing, her time was limited, and her personal interest had waned, unless it was an exceptional production, she wouldn’t take it.

Lin Shan’s spirits lifted. “A new movie? Nice! Didn’t you say you weren’t planning to act anymore? The last time I went to the cinema was for your summer blockbuster last year. What are you hesitating about? Is the crew bad? Which big director is it?”

As business partners and longtime friends, Lin Shan would inevitably be involved in any project Meng Xingshu liked. They made money together and solved problems together.

But this time, Meng Xingshu remained uncharacteristically silent.

The invitation in the chat box was enthusiastic. Meng Xingshu could imagine the other person’s expression just by reading the words:

[Sister Meng! How have you been?

Thank you so much for coming to my rescue last time, and for the clothes and medicine. Thanks to you, I’m feeling much better. Having a kind person like you around makes me feel like life is full of hope [Sun Emoji].

Do you remember what I said before we parted? ‘If I ever become a director, I’ll definitely ask you to be in my film!’ Hehe, I didn’t expect the chance to fulfill that promise so soon.

Due to some twists of fate, I am now the director of a crew. The screenwriter revised the script today, and there’s a character I absolutely love. She is a princess, calculating, visionary and wise, who eventually becomes a brilliant ruler.

In short, it’s a fantastic role! I want to invite you to play it. I wonder if you’d be interested. Sister Meng, are you free at 9:00 PM tonight? Would it be convenient to have a phone call so I can tell you more about the project and the character? [Cute Emoji]

By the way, Sister, spring is here, and the cherry blossoms at D City Film City are starting to bloom. It would be wonderful if we could enjoy them together if fate allows.]

When Lin Shan didn’t get an answer, she tried to peek at the screen. Meng Xingshu turned her wrist to block the view. “It’s not a new movie.”

“Fine.” Lin Shan was completely baffled. “Then what is it? A variety show? You never do those.”

“It’s nothing.” Meng Xingshu lowered her eyes and typed a reply, her face a mask of calm. “I have something tonight, so I can’t make it to the banquet. Let Ruohan accompany you.”

In the chat box with no contact name, the carefully formatted message occupied most of the screen. Below it was a succinct reply.

Ersilia: [I’m free.]

At the same time, another film set outside the base appeared much more meager. The sets were cheap, the costumes and props were low-quality, and only about thirty crew members were busy.

Even then, they were working begrudgingly.

A lighting assistant was grumbling, “What’s the rush? I was sleeping perfectly fine before being called here. The director is gone, the cinematographer is gone, what the hell are we supposed to shoot?”

“There’s nothing to do, just leave it,” the lighting director said, squatting while playing on his phone. “Do you know who the new director is? It’s that supporting actress from our drama. An actress suddenly becoming a director? Does she even know what she’s doing? This afternoon is going to be a mess.”

Li Zhulan, who was busy writing “insert pages” (revised script pages) for the afternoon shoot, looked up and said, “Don’t worry about all that. Just follow the instructions.”

The lighting director didn’t expect to be barked at. Seeing it was just a lowly screenwriter, his irritation flared. “Since when is it your turn to talk? Are the insert pages finished? If you don’t finish writing, what are we supposed to film?”

“I’m almost done with the last scene. I definitely won’t delay the shoot,” Li Zhulan said, her voice rising.

“What’s the use of finishing the script if we can’t film it? You think directing is easy? Like girls taking selfies?” the lighting director sneered. “Hey, you’re pretty close with that Ji Youyi, right? Ask around, why did the client let her be the director?”

“Why else? Because she’s pretty,” someone chimed in. “An actress like that knows plenty of tricks to keep a client happy.”

“I’m jealous.”

A wave of suggestive laughter rippled through the set.

Li Zhulan’s head throbbed with rage. She slammed her laptop down and rushed over. “What evidence do you have to spread such rumors?”

“What am I spreading? Did I say anything?” The man spread his hands, feigning innocence.

“You!”

Li Zhulan had a timid personality, she wasn’t good at arguing and tended to tear up when she got angry. Her eyes turned red with fury, her nose stinging, but she refused to back down even though she didn’t know how to retaliate.

Just as the tension peaked, a cold voice suddenly rang out, sharp as a blade cutting through the lazy atmosphere of the set.

“If you have time to argue, it seems your preparations are complete. I’d better not find any mistakes later.”

Ji Youyi stood there in a gray coat, her black hair tied in a low ponytail. Her hands were in her pockets and her face was cold. Though she looked young, her aura was incredibly sharp, instantly silencing the entire set.

Ji Youyi looked at Li Zhulan first. “We’ll film the first few takes this afternoon. Go finish writing the rest now.”

“Okay, Director,” Li Zhulan shot a glare at the gossipers and obediently returned to her seat.

“Who is the set producer?” Ji Youyi asked.

A girl in a baseball cap walked over nervously. “Director, that’s me.”

“Do you know how to manage set discipline, or do I need to teach you?”

Ji Youyi had noticed when she first joined the cast as an actress that this set producer had no authority and couldn’t control the crowd. The previous director had an assistant director to help, but Ji Youyi didn’t have the money for an assistant. She had to rely on this set producer.

The producer gave a stiff smile. “They… they don’t listen to me.”

“Don’t just call them ‘they.’ Give me specific names and tell me exactly which tasks they aren’t cooperating with.” Ji Youyi was facing the producer, but her words were meant for the whole crew.

Her sharp gaze swept across the set, lingering for half a second on the men who had been gossiping. “If anyone doesn’t listen to you, bring them to me. I’d like to ask them why they’re even on set if they won’t follow the set producer’s arrangements!”

The producer straightened up. “Yes! Director Ji, I understand!”

Ji Youyi nodded and dismissed her. She walked further into the set without a second glance at the others. “Lighting, bring the script and come see me.”

The lighting director and his assistant exchanged looks and walked over.

“Director, aren’t the insert pages not finished yet?” The lighting director still didn’t respect her, and the title “Director” sounded forced coming from him.

“We film take by take. As long as the next scene is ready, we’re good,” Ji Youyi looked at him. “Or would you prefer to wait until every single page is written so I can invite you to slowly prepare?”

The lighting director quickly replied, “No, no, of course not.”

The lighting crew’s job was to coordinate with the cinematography team. Usually, they followed the Cinematographer’s (DP) lead. But this crew’s DP was a friend of the original director and had fled with him that morning.

The lighting director said defensively, “The problem is, the camera crew quit. How are we supposed to shoot?”

“I’ve already found a new cinematographer, they’ll be here tomorrow.” Ji Youyi was currently assembling the camera, her movements swift and precise. It didn’t hinder her speech at all. “So, this afternoon, I’ll be filming alone. Single camera. I’ll be the operator and the focus puller. The lighting setup is simple, don’t mess it up for me. Any more questions?”

Operating the camera and pulling focus are the core technical tasks of filming. In the crews the lighting director had worked with before, a single camera usually required four or five people. But this Ji Youyi said she could do both simultaneously?

What? Does she actually know how? Isn’t she just an actress??

He wouldn’t have believed it in a million years, but seeing her calm, steady tone and her expert handling of the equipment, he had no choice but to believe it.

When he spoke again, his voice was significantly weaker. “No… no more questions…”

“Fine. I have three points to make.” Ji Youyi held the camera, her voice rising as her gaze swept over the lighting team and everyone else on set.

“First, everyone knows the situation of this drama. If it were easy to film, the last director wouldn’t have run away, and it wouldn’t be my turn to be here. The client spent two million for 36 episodes in 17 days. If anyone thinks they can do a better job, come sign up with me. I’ll step down immediately.”

“Second, a small investment doesn’t mean I accept laziness. If you want to slack off, there’s the door. Everyone is being paid market rates. Great talents are hard to find, but average workers are a dime a dozen. If you can’t do the job, don’t do it! I’m already hiring a camera crew. I might as well hire for other positions too.”

“Lastly, and most importantly, listen clearly. We are all here to film, this is a professional partnership. No one owes anyone anything. Respect your colleagues and do your job. If I hear any more rumors or gossip, I will fire you on the spot!”

Her cold tone and commanding presence created an intense pressure. Everyone on set lowered their heads and got to work.

“Is that clear?” Ji Youyi stared coldly at the two men in front of her. Only after they nodded frantically did her expression soften. “Since you understand, open the script. I’ll explain the lighting setup.”

The afternoon shoot went incredibly smoothly. Ji Youyi’s management style was rigorous and decisive. Her instructions were fast and clear, making the filming highly efficient.

Not only was it fast, but it was also a “comfortable” shoot. After suffering through the misery of the past few days, the crew couldn’t help but realize the charm of the new director.

The lighting director completely changed his tune. When Ji Youyi was looking at the monitor, he sidled up to flatter her: “Director Ji, these shots you’re taking… they’re truly exquisite!”

Ji Youyi remembered what he had said before filming. she didn’t care to engage with him, but the show had to go on. She gave a perfunctory nod, already planning to draft recruitment ads to replace him once she got back.

People who are arrogant one moment and fawning the next haven’t truly changed their mindset, they’ve simply realized they attacked the wrong person. They need a weakling to belittle so they can feel superior and soothe their own fragile egos.

Fortunately, Ji Youyi felt the same way, she needed a few “chickens” to slaughter to warn the “monkeys.”

The filming progress was rapid. Ji Youyi had braced for the worst, thinking they’d be stuck until 8:00 PM, but they finished before 7:00 PM.

“Good job, everyone. Go back and get some rest. Tomorrow’s workload will be much heavier, so keep up today’s pace.”

Ji Youyi waved her hand, giving the final order of the day. “Alright, wrap it up! Go get some dinner!”

Filming has no holidays, an early wrap meant more rest at night. The crew members were overjoyed and shouted, “Thank you, Director Ji!”

Ji Youyi smiled and prepared to go eat. Before she could stand up, the location manager ran over in a panic.

“Director Ji! Director Ji!” The manager was out of breath.

“What’s wrong?” Ji Youyi patted her back to help her catch her breath. “Take your time.”

The location manager said frantically, “The people at the filming location are here for the money! They said if we don’t pay by tonight, they won’t let us use the set tomorrow!”