What Should I Do If the Aloof Movie Queen Is Too in Love With Me? - Chapter 10

D City Film and Television Base.

Inside a real-life set built with a massive investment, Lin Shan was visiting the set of a “S+” project that the company was focusing on developing this year.

For some reason, Meng Xingzhu had accompanied her to the film base for three consecutive days. Her diligence was unprecedented, scaring Lin Shan so much that she spent her nights observing the stars and consulting doctors, yet she still couldn’t understand the reason behind it.

But overall, it was a good thing; having her there to ask questions directly made things much more convenient.

She followed the executive producer to understand the project’s progress.

This project was too large—it involved a crew of a thousand people. With more people came more conflicts, leading to constant disputes. The filming situation was very chaotic, wasting a lot of unnecessary expenses, yet the resulting effect was very flat, falling far short of Lingxing’s requirements.

The executive producer stood aside, forehead covered in cold sweat, waiting for judgment, only to be dismissed by a grim-faced Lin Shan.

Watching the person leave the room, Lin Shan was about to ask for Meng Xingzhu’s opinion when she turned around and saw Meng Xingzhu staring at her phone screen, seemingly lost in thought.

Lin Shan nudged her shoulder.

Without moving her gaze, Meng Xingzhu said calmly: “Take the knife to the directing team first. Xi Wenrui has too many ideas, and Cai Yi was brought into the crew by the executive producer. When those two clashed, the general director should have mediated, but Feng Ping is lazy and indecisive. He’s too lazy to think for himself, so he tends to listen to Xi Wenrui while worrying about the producer’s favors, so he films everything twice. In reality, neither fits. Tell the executive producer to knock some sense into him. Tell him the project doesn’t need his bit of fame, and if he doesn’t want to use his brain, he can leave. Then, have the actual filming scripts organized and sent over—once a day for now, until I say it’s okay. Additionally, tell the crew that we will be in D City for the time being and might return at any time. We only want to see raw footage; no special processing is allowed.”

Lin Shan folded her arms across her chest and tilted her head: “I didn’t ask you about that.”

“?” Meng Xingzhu glanced at her, then lowered her eyes to continue looking at the screen. “Say so earlier next time.”

Seeing that Meng Xingzhu had been looking at her phone for a long time without moving, Lin Shan leaned in curiously: “What are you thinking about? You’ve been dazed for so long.”

“Replying to a message.”

“Replying to what?” Lin Shan was very puzzled. What could possibly make Meng Xingzhu unable to make up her mind for so long?

Meng Xingzhu’s speech slowed down slightly, as if she were contemplating: “There is… an invitation for a new project.”

Meng Xingzhu had a manager specifically responsible for her acting work. Any scripts that weren’t good enough would be filtered out by the manager. Anything that reached Meng Xingzhu’s hands and was being considered by her was most likely going to be signed.

In fact, given Meng Xingzhu’s current status, there was no such thing as a bad project among those that sent her invitations. However, she had basically achieved all the milestones possible in her acting career. Her current focus was on Lingxing, her time was limited, and she lacked personal interest. Unless it was an exceptionally outstanding production, she wouldn’t take it.

Therefore, Lin Shan’s spirits lifted: “A new movie? Not bad. Didn’t you say before that you weren’t planning on acting anymore? The last time I went to the cinema was for your summer blockbuster last year. What are you hesitating for? Where is the team lacking? Which big director is it?”

Since they ran the company together and had been friends for years, Lin Shan would inevitably be involved in any project Meng Xingzhu took an interest in. They’d make money together, and if they encountered difficulties, they’d solve them together.

But this time, Meng Xingzhu was uncharacteristically silent.

The invitation in the chat box was enthusiastic; Meng Xingzhu could imagine the other person’s expression just by reading the text:

Sister Meng! How have you been lately?

Thank you so much for coming to my rescue last time, and for giving me clothes and so much medicine. Thanks to you, my health is much better now. Having a kind-hearted person like you makes me feel that life is still full of hope [Sun]

Do you remember what I said before we parted? — ‘If I become a director, I’ll definitely ask you to film something!’ Hehe, I didn’t expect the opportunity to fulfill that promise to come so soon.

Due to a series of twists and fate, I am now the director of a film crew. Today, the screenwriter did a major overhaul of the script, and there is a character I like very much. She is a princess of the dynasty, deep-thinking and wise, with a grand vision in her heart, eventually becoming a wise ruler of the nation.

In short, it’s a fantastic character! I’d like to invite you to perform it; I wonder if you’re interested. Are you free at nine tonight, Sister Meng? Would it be convenient to have a phone call? I’ll tell you about our project and this character in detail [Cute]

By the way, Sister, spring has arrived, and the cherry blossoms at D City Film Base are starting to bloom. If I could have the chance to enjoy them with you, that would be wonderful.

Lin Shan waited a long time for an answer and eventually poked her head out to try and see Meng Xingzhu’s phone screen. Meng Xingzhu turned her wrist to block her view: “It’s not a new movie.”

“Fine.” Lin Shan was completely baffled. “Then what could it be? A variety show? You never go on variety shows.”

“It’s nothing.” Meng Xingzhu lowered her eyes and typed a reply, her face calm and ripple-less. “I just have something to do tonight, so I can’t go to the cocktail party. Let Ruohan accompany you.”

In the dialogue box with no contact name, the carefully formatted words occupied more than half the screen. Below them was a concise reply.

Ersilia: “I’m free.”

At the same time, another film set outside the film base appeared much cruder. The sets were chosen for their cheapness, and the costumes, makeup, and props were low-cost. There were only about thirty staff members busy on the entire set.

And they were busy quite reluctantly.

A lighting assistant was cursing: “What’s the rush? I was sleeping perfectly fine when I was suddenly called over here. The director is gone, the cinematographer is gone, how the hell can we film anything?”

“What’s the point of working? Just leave it for now.” The lighting supervisor squatted to the side playing with his phone. “Do you know who the new director is? It’s that supporting actress from our drama. An actress switching to directing—does she even understand how to lead? We’re in for a mess this afternoon.”

Li Zhulan was currently writing the scenes to be filmed this afternoon. Hearing this, she looked up and said: “Don’t worry about so much, just follow the arrangements.”

The lighting supervisor didn’t expect to be talked back to. Seeing that the other party was just a minor screenwriter, his dissatisfaction surged: “Is it your turn to butt in? Have you finished writing the revised pages? If you don’t finish writing, what are we supposed to film?”

“Revised pages” referred to scenes written on the spot after script changes to be filmed immediately. Ji Youyi didn’t want to waste this afternoon, so she had Li Zhulan pick some plot points in the same setting and prioritize finalizing those pages.

Li Zhulan’s voice also got louder: “I’m almost done with the last scene. It definitely won’t delay filming.”

“What’s the use of you finishing? It won’t get filmed. You really think filming is that simple? Like you girls taking selfies?” The lighting supervisor sneered. “Hey, aren’t you quite familiar with that Ji Youyi? Ask around—why did the client let her be the director?”

“What else could it be? Because she’s pretty,” someone replied. “Those kinds of little actresses know a lot; they can make the client happy in minutes.”

“I’m jealous.”

A burst of suggestive laughter rang out on the set.

Li Zhulan’s brain exploded with a buzz. She put down her laptop and rushed over: “What evidence do you have to be spreading rumors here?”

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

“You!”

Li Zhulan had a pushover personality; she wasn’t good at arguing, and as soon as she got angry, she’d lose control of her tears. Her eyes turned red with rage, and her nose felt terribly sore, but she didn’t know how to fight back and refused to back down.

As they were in a deadlock, a cold voice suddenly came from behind, sharp as a blade, cutting through the originally lazy atmosphere of the set.

“Since you have the time to argue here, it seems all the preparations have been made. I hope I don’t catch any mistakes later.”

Ji Youyi was wearing a grey jacket, her black hair tied in a low ponytail behind her head. Her hands were in her pockets, and her face was cold. Although she looked young, her aura was exceptionally sharp, silencing the entire set instantly.

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

“Yes, Director.” Li Zhulan glared at the group of gossippers and obediently returned to her seat.

“Who is the on-site producer?” Ji Youyi asked.

A girl wearing a baseball cap walked over with trepidation: “Director, it’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 crew as an actress that this on-site producer had no authority and couldn’t control the scene at all.

The previous director had an assistant director to help, so the situation was manageable, but Ji Youyi didn’t have the money to hire an assistant and had to rely on this on-site producer.

The on-site producer gave a stiff smile: “They… they won’t listen to me.”

“Don’t just call them ‘they.’ Specifically, who are they, what are their names, and what work are they failing to cooperate with?” Ji Youyi addressed the on-site producer, but her words were meant for the entire crew.

Her sharp gaze scanned the set. When it passed the people who had just been gossiping, she lingered for half a second with clear intent. “Whoever doesn’t listen to you, bring them to me. I’ll ask them—if they won’t even listen to the on-site producer’s arrangements, what are they doing here on set!”

The on-site producer’s spirit jolted: “Yes! Director Ji, I understand!”

Ji Youyi nodded and let her go. She walked onto the set without sparing another glance at anyone else: “Lighting, bring the script and come see me.”

The lighting supervisor and assistant exchanged a glance and walked over.

“Director, aren’t the revised pages not finished yet?” In his heart, the lighting supervisor didn’t consider Ji Youyi a real director, and the title was uttered quite reluctantly.

“Scenes are filmed one take at a time. It’s enough if the next take is written.”

Ji Youyi looked at him. “Or do you want to wait until all the pages are finished so I can invite you to prepare at your leisure?”

The lighting supervisor hurriedly said: “No, no, no, of course not.”

The lighting team’s duty is to cooperate with the cinematography team to achieve lighting effects. What specific effects are needed must follow the cinematographer’s instructions.

But the cinematography team for this crew were acquaintances brought in by the previous director, and they had run away with him this morning.

The lighting supervisor said confidently: “The problem is, our cinematography team has blown up. How do we film?”

“I’ve already found a new cinematographer, they can be in place tomorrow.” Ji Youyi was installing the camera, her movements agile and swift without a moment of hesitation, nor did it delay her speaking. “So, I’ll film by myself this afternoon. Single camera, I’ll be the operator, and I’ll pull focus. Lighting is simple; don’t make mistakes for me. Any more questions?”

Operating the camera means handling the equipment and the framing, while pulling focus involves controlling the focus to ensure the visual expression.

These two are core tasks in the filming process. In the crews the lighting supervisor had followed before, one camera usually required four or five people to manage. Yet this Ji Youyi said she could not only operate the camera but also pull focus at the same time?

Huh? Did she actually know how? Wasn’t her main job being an actress??

The lighting supervisor originally wouldn’t have believed it for anything, but hearing Ji Youyi’s calm and steady tone and seeing her skilled movements as she installed the machine, he had to believe it.

When he spoke again, his tone involuntarily weakened: “No… no more questions…”

“Fine, then I’ll say three things.” Ji Youyi held the camera, her volume rising as her gaze slid past the lighting supervisor and assistant, then landed on everyone on set one by one.

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

“Second, a small investment doesn’t mean I can accept laziness and slacking off. If you want to loaf around, you’re free to leave. Everyone’s remuneration is paid at market price. A talent is hard to find, but aren’t there plenty of ordinary people? So if you can’t do the job, then don’t! Since we’re currently hiring for cinematography, I’ll hire for whatever else is lacking.”

“Finally, and most importantly, everyone listen clearly. We are all here to film—it’s a cooperative relationship; nobody owes anyone anything. Respect your colleagues and do your job well. If I hear any more rumors or gossip, I’ll fire you directly!”

Her grim tone, accompanied by an authoritative aura, brought a powerful sense of pressure. Everyone present closed their mouths and buried their heads in their work.

“Do you understand?” Ji Youyi stared coldly at the two men in front of her. Seeing them nod vigorously, her expression softened slightly. “If you understand, open the script. I’ll explain the lighting setup first.”

The afternoon filming was incredibly smooth. Ji Youyi’s management style was rigorous and decisive; her instructions were fast and clear, and the filming efficiency was extremely high.

Not only was it fast, but it was also comfortable. After suffering through the torture of the previous two days, it was hard for the cast and crew not to grasp the charm of the new director when comparing it to the current situation.

The lighting supervisor directly changed his tune. When Ji Youyi was looking at the monitor, he eagerly leaned in to praise her: “Director Ji, this shot you took is simply amazing!”

Ji Youyi still remembered what he had said before filming. She wasn’t interested in talking to him, but since the filming had to continue, she nodded noncommittally while mentally planning to draft some recruitment notices to replace people after getting back.

Those who are arrogant before and humble after often haven’t truly changed their thinking; they’ve simply discovered they attacked the wrong target.

What they need is a weakling they can belittle at will, so they can step on them and deliver sober words that seem insightful but are actually used to maintain their false sense of superiority and soothe their fragile self-esteem.

Coincidentally, Ji Youyi was the same. In order to “warn the monkeys,” she needed a few “chickens” to slaughter.

The filming progress was rapid. Ji Youyi had originally prepared for the worst, thinking they’d finish at 8:00 PM at the latest, but they ended before 7:00 PM.

“Good job, everyone. Go back and get some good rest. Tomorrow’s filming volume will be much larger—keep today’s pace.”

Ji Youyi waved her hand, giving today’s final instruction, “Alright, wrap up, go eat!”

There are no holidays during TV drama filming. Finishing early meant more rest at night. The staff members were overjoyed, shouting loudly: “Thank you, Director Ji!”

Ji Youyi smiled and planned to go eat too. Before she could even stand up, she saw the location manager running over in a panic.

“Director Ji! Director Ji!” The location manager was panting as she ran.

“What’s wrong?” Ji Youyi helped pat her back to calm her breathing. “Slow down.”

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