Luzhou wore his wig and costume. Xiao Yi was standing at the back, staring with a foolish look.
"Your saliva is going to drip on my head." Luzhou said.
Everyone in the dressing room laughed out loud. Xiao Yi retrieved a pack of gum from his bag, passing it to Luzhou. Luzhou crossed his legs, looking at the reflection of himself in the mirror, a trace of loneliness appearing in his eyes.
Li Changzheng sat behind Luzhou, and was in the middle of his makeup, with a smile in his eyes as he looked at the Luzhou in the mirror.
"So many years have passed." Li Changzheng smiled, "This is the first time being with senior brother in the same show."
Instantly the dressing room went silent. Luzhou gave a smile, and said: "We were in the same year, don't call me senior brother."
Li Changzheng was slightly younger than Luzhou, Luzhou repeated his studies after being enrolled in physical education for 2 years, and hence he was older than Li Changzheng. Li Changzheng was used to calling him senior brother when they were in class. Luzhou said: "In the future you have to give me pointers."
"It's nothing." Li Changzheng hurriedly replied.
Both stopped speaking. Xiao Yi could not stop feeling shocked at the sight of these two film and television industries' shocking talents in the same dressing room, there had never been such a grandeur before, and probably would never happen again after this.
Other than the gathering of these stars, this drama should be the sturdiest project in recent years.
"I'm old." Luzhou said again, :"You maintain yourself well."
Li Changzheng said: "I'm old too, once over 30, I can't even stay up for a night, and there's no one to take care of me. Senior brother, this is the way you've been in your twenties, and even now you're still the same."
Luzhou smiled helplessly, and said: "I am old. Wu Henggu."
Wu Henggu immediately replied. Luzhou said: "When you are following Changzheng, remember to learn more from him, he can speak with his eyes."
Everyone laughed, Luzhou also had laughter in his eyes, he was looking at another mirror that was reflected on his and also the Li Changzheng that was in that mirror. The makeup artist said in a low volume: "Teacher Lu, let the director see."
Luzhou got up, and went to interact with the director. The director has overseen countless martial arts dramas, and was also top in the country. Dumei, Lee Ye, all the bosses and managers of the two companies came. Luzhou was carrying a knife in one hand, standing like a ruffian in front of the curtains. He took the conical hat that Xiao Yi passed to him and wore it, and from underneath that conical hat, he revealed a smile that was full of evil intentions.
*T/N: Here's a pic of the hat --->
"Great!" The director immediately said, "Sleek Rat is indeed of this feeling, what do you all think?"
Everyone thought it was good. Luzhou drew the knife out of the sheathe and did a few moves, slanting a swipe that was slightly sideways, his eyes full of boredom, but also seemed to be thinking of some ridiculous idea.
Xiao Yi laughed, Luzhou really grasped the expression too accurately.
The photographer started shooting. After one round, Luzhou went to change into a costume for nocturnal activities, even as a thief Sleek Rat's outfit was outrageous, one arm was bared, and there was a dragon tattoo on that arm.
Li Changzheng also emerged, wearing a dark red guard's robes, carrying a long sword and clasped his hands into a fist saying: "Brother Bai, I've long heard of your name."
With this everyone starting wowing. The imperial cat Zhan Zhao's demeanor, wearing a crown with a hanging tassel, his robes drifting, it was simply the two pillars of the Song Dynasty. Li Changzheng reached out to sling his arm over Luzhou's shoulders, but Luzhou responded quickly, he blocked his (LCZ's) neck and sidestepped, nearly causing Li Changzheng to fall. Everyone was in laughter, but Xiao Yi saw that Li Changzheng's expression was bad.
Luzhou helped Li Changzheng stand upright, an elbow resting on his shoulder, and posed in a lazy manner. Li Changzheng smiled slightly and put his arm around Luzhou, his other hand holding on to his scabbard. He shifted a little sideways, and started his photoshoot with Luzhou.
The dressing was settled in one go. After the shoot, Xiao Yi was looking at the assistant who was editing the pictures, Dumei and Lee Ye went to discuss some business in the afternoon, and Li Changzheng and Luzhou started filming their first scene.
On the surface, the relationship between the two seemed harmonious, Luzhou and Li Changzheng could talk and laugh during their interactions, but Xiao Yi could feel Luzhou's wariness towards Li Changzheng. As for whether Li Changzheng's behavior was his usual, Xiao Yi wouldn't know.
If Luzhou liked someone, and wished to interact more with someone, he would make the first move to hang out with the person. Xiao Yi realized no matter who Luzhou was talking to, his eyes would glance around. It was obvious his attention was not on Li Changzheng, sometimes his eyes would search for Xiao Yi, sometimes he would check if the scene was done setting.
When he was with people he was familiar with he would be very open, and would often be touchy, and even make gags. But when practicing scenes with Li Changzheng, he was very restrained.
Xiao Yi felt that Luzhou had always disliked Li Changzheng, was it his own issue? Zheng Xiaocong, Lei Min and others were also award-winning movie leads, but Luzhou would often meet them.
"There's no reason." Luzhou replied, "Our auras clash."
Luzhou and Li Changzheng's first greeting finally ended, he sat swiping his phone, looking at the effects of the photoshoot posted today. Dumei and gang only posted Wu Henggu's photos, obviously they wanted to use the leftover hype caused by the two of them.
Li Changzheng opened a bottle of water and came over to have a seat, his assistant tagging behind. Luzhou put his phone aside, and said: "Come, time to film, Changzheng, let's go."
Luzhou brought Li Changzheng over to find the director, the first scene was at a corner of a street, the director clapped the slate board.
Like a gust of wind, Li Changzheng burst out of the alley, and instantly stopped his steps. The camera moved towards the tea house at the exit of the alley.
Luzhou was leaning against the tea house lazily, his left hand moved back, holding a knife, the tip of the knife was directly in front of Li Changzheng's throat.
Li Changzheng lifted his head slightly, his eyes followed the knife's movements to the right, and caught a glimpse of Luzhou with a conical hat.
Luzhou did not look at Li Changzheng, his eyes were glued to the ground from the very start. Then, the corner of his lips slightly tilted.
Luzhou retracted his knife, he stood straight, and casually said: "When will you kidnap your family's Lord Bao, the state of extreme nervousness will stop."
"One's heart will know between right and wrong." Li Changzheng gave a slight smile and said, "Injustice is injustice, 10 years, 20 years, even till a hundred years it will remain an injustice, it is also a wrong judgement, so there should be a day when the injustice is righted."
Luzhou casually said: "Don't you guys in the government office have this one saying, 'A hundred years of injustice is good judgement' ? It's already been 40 years, everyone who were involved have already died, the records have also sunk to the bottom, what else do you want?"
Li Changzheng looked towards the pathway outside the street, and answered: "The records have sunk to the bottom, but righteousness has not, as long as Lord Bao is here, the case must be investigated, Brother Bai's good intentions, Zhan Zhao has noted in his heart, please."
Luzhou gave a smile again. Li Changzheng went past him.
Luzhou: "Slowly!"
Li Changzheng turned around, as Luzhou lifted his conical hat, and their sights met.
Xiao Yi was simply shocked by that moment.
Director: "Cut!"
Xiao Yi almost hysterically said Cut your head! Continue acting! That sight was simply the pinnacle of the two male gods' states ah ah ah ah!
The props team went up to lay out the next scene. Luzhou came over for a drink of water, and Xiao Yi said: "You you you...... both of you acted great!"
Luzhou's face changed: "Both?"
"You! You!" Xiao Yi immediately said.
Luzhou then turned over with a face full of sorrow.
When Xiao Yi saw that Luzhou and Li Changzheng had good acting chemistry, he couldn't help but to be happy for Luzhou. Sometimes, acting also required opponents, from the few filming crews that Xiao Yi had followed Luzhou to, almost no one could go on par with Luzhou's acting, Wu Henggu performed the best out of those, but that was cooperating with Luzhou as a supporting role.
Once Luzhou and Li Changzheng were cast together, that flirting..... Wrong, they were opposites, like undercurrents surging, the feeling of being both at swords' point but yet sympathetic, was almost completely interpreted by their acting.
While he was in his thoughts, the second scene started. It was in mid session, Li Changzheng and Luzhou were sitting at a table in the tea house.
"Huang Shao An?" Li Changzheng frowned slightly.
Luzhou crossed his legs, sitting on a stool holding his arms, and as he was swaying towards the back he said: "This man's ancestor lived in Luohe and made cloth as a living, the family moved to Kaifeng 3 years ago. If you have the intentions, why not go to his shop to check, who knows it might be rewarding....."
Immediately after, Luzhou's stool slipped, his entire person fell on the floor with all 4 limbs facing the sky, even bringing the cup with him.
Everyone in the audience burst out laughing.
Li Changzheng resisted his urge to laugh: "Thanks."
Li Changzheng stood up and walked away. The director yelled cut, and Luzhou got up, patting his butt. Xiao Yi was almost dying of laughter.
"This was not in the script." Xiao Yi said.
"Accidentally fell." Luzhou faced the director asking, " Director Chi, was that okay?"
"Extremely good!" The director pointed a thumbs up to Luzhou.
What followed after was a scene where a bunch of masked men entered the shop. The martial arts instructor had explained to them the designed movements, Li Changzheng and Luzhou practiced a few times, both had no substitutes, and directly started the scene. The props team set up airbags outside.
The female lead entered, her acting was also really good, a bunch of masked men rushed in, and Luzhou immediately roared: "You leave first!"
"Bai Yutang!" The female lead shouted.
There was a whipping sound coming out from the inside, Luzhou protected the female lead, and let her escape first, but the female lead shouted: "Don't sprout nonsense! I won't abandon you!"
The female lead lifted a stool, rushing towards the masked men to hit them.
Everyone: "........"
Luzhou coughed loudly, the tables inside were flipped over, and at this moment, Li Changzheng rushed in from the side, dragging the female lead outside. The female lead had tears in her eyes, coughing loudly, as Li Changzheng headed back inside to save Luzhou. Luzhou couldn't see anything, he tilted his head to identify the sounds of the wind, and fought messily. Shortly after that, Li Changzheng stepped on the table, flew backwards to the outside, and fell onto the airbags.
Luzhou staggered out, the female lead immediately hugging him. Li Changzheng rushed towards them again, the two of them supported Luzhou and ran.
The first 3 scenes were approved in one take, it was simply too relaxing to work with highly professional big shots. The director saw that there was still time, so he pushed one of the scenes in the afternoon forward, and the coordinators went to arrange the setting for an entire street. Luzhou and Li Changzheng started to film a fighting scene again.
Night time, still at the Qing Ming Shanghetu scenic area.
By the riverside, the lighting was set up. Li Changzheng stood under a tree, donned in the attire for nocturnal activities.
Luzhou stepped on a branch with one foot, the other was dangling down, a twig in his hands, mocking Li Changzheng.
"Southern Hero Zhan Zhao also has his pitiful, lost lamb moments." Luzhou then casually flung a leaf on Li Changzheng's head.
"I entered the government office since I was 17 years old to be a criminal investigations officer." said Li Changzheng, "At 21 years old I followed Lord Bao, 11 years have passed since. I thought I could already distinguish between right and wrong......"
Li Changzheng watched the sparkling waves in the water, and said again: "But when the case is about to close, for a while I could not decide. What is right, and what is wrong?"
Luzhou: "Jump, jump into the river, just end it."
There were mosquitoes all around the riverside, Xiao Yi's face was bitten to resemble two big red buns. All the staff were spraying mosquito repellent, smacking mosquitoes, but Xiao Yi watched on in full concentration, in his mouth he was still eating some beef jerky that were given by fans.
"Cut." The director said, "Let's knock off, everyone has worked hard today. A good beginning is half the success!"
With the shout of cut from the director, Luzhou instantly jumped down from the tree, his whole body shaking as if he had been struck by lightning. Xiao Yi immediately rushed up, he initially thought Luzhou was crazy, but after he shook his body for a long time, a praying mantis popped out from Luzhou's tight fitting clothes.
Luzhou: "......."
Xiao Yi: "......."
Luzhou was holding a handheld fan, his whole body sweating bullets as he went to change his outfit. After he came out, Xiao Yi did not dare to on the car's air-con for fear that Luzhou might catch a cold from it. When he was about to drive off, Li Changzheng's assistant came by and said: "The fans gave this, take some back to eat."
"Thank you." Xiao Yi smiled saying.
After driving off, Luzhou's face sank as he said: "You dare to eat the food that Li Changzheng gave?"
Xiao Yi: "I gave a portion of the food given from your fans to him this afternoon."
Luzhou: "Be careful someone might try to poison him, then later you will be poisoned to death."
Xiao Yi: "......."
They reached the dormitory. Luzhou was simply like a dog that was about to get heat stroke, his entire body was covered in heat rash. Xiao Yi applied some talcum powder on him, Luzhou was shaking with his face in a grimace, Xiao Yi then helped to massage his shoulders and legs. Luzhou said: "If you are not needed you can just sit in the car, or sit beside the director, they all have air-conditioning fans, got it?"
"Roger." Xiao Yi obediently said.
But after the second day had also passed, Xiao Yi still followed Luzhou around, when Luzhou was under the sun he was also under the sun, when Luzhou got bitten by mosquitoes he was also bitten by mosquitoes. The director got someone to cook a large barrel of green bean soup, everyone had a bowl first, then during the break they had another. The summer weather was sweltering. The green bean soup that got exposed to the sun turned rancid, and Luzhou almost puked from drinking it.
Xiao Yi could only help him prepare iced ones, the night before he would store the green bean soup in the hotel's freezer, the next day he would use a thermos to bring it over. Drinking cold drinks in such a hot weather, Luzhou's stomach was going to hurt again.
"I'm old." Luzhou said, " I can't stand this sort of torment."
When Xiao Yi saw Luzhou suffering, he felt quite heartbroken. Nearly a week had passed, under the scorching heat even the script supervisor got a heat stroke. He could only take some Huoxiang Zhenqi drinks, dizzily he followed the director around, and almost bumped into the cameras quite a few times.
"You'll have money, this show is rich." Xiao Yi could only comfort Luzhou in this way, and twisted the air-conditioning fan to his direction. The weather was indeed too hot, hence Xiao Yi got a helper to buy an air-conditioning fan, this fan required a block of ice inside, so when it was switched on it would blow out cool air. Although Luzhou wore thick clothing everyday, after the scenes ended he would open his robes, revealing the shorts he wore inside and his thighs with leg hair, along with some slippers he would look like a pervertic uncle. Xiao Yi saw that the fan could not blow towards his lower body, so he moved the fan down to blow towards Luzhou's crotch.
Luzhou: "......."
"My dick is going to be frozen." Luzhou said to Xiao Yi.
Xiao Yi adjusted the air-conditioning back a little. It was even more hot when Luzhou wore the balaclava, a few times he saw that his face was pale, and Xiao Yi would quickly give him some Huoxiang Zhenqi drinks. He would always snatch Luzhou back and fix him up, then put him back to use.
But there was one thing that made Xiao Yi annoyed, and it was that Li Changzheng's asisstant would often use his air-conditioning fan. Frequently when he was not around, and Luzhou just turned his back to speak a few words, the assistant would turn Xiao Yi's air-conditioning fan over for Li Changzheng to use. Xiao Yi would pull it back, but once he was inattentive it would get pulled over again.
Xiao Yi thought Fuck your mother, if you want to cool down why don't you buy your own air-conditioning fan! In the end, Xiao Yi could not tolerate it any longer, and he did not want to either, he thought If I don't show that I'm a tiger, do you think I'm just a sick cat? He sought Luzhou out for this a few times, Luzhou just said You go scold them, whoever dares to scold you back you post on Weibo and I will let my fans come to Hengdian, to scold that defeated movie emperor's silly assistant to death.
Xiao Yi thought Li Changzheng, you provoked me into this! Hence, Xiao Yi ran out by himself to buy Li Changzheng an air-conditioning fan, this was fine, now he (LCZ) could cool himself as much as he liked.
Luzhou ended his filming, in the hotel he angrily shouted: "This is the end of your tolerance ah!"
Xiao Yi was afraid, as Luzhou continued: "My assistant went to offer hospitality to Li Changzheng, what nonsense is this? You explain yourself."
Xiao Yi: "I......I was scared he would snatch your air-conditioning fan......"
Xiao Yi thought if this matter was exposed by Reuters, something like Li Changzheng and Luzhou fighting over an electric fan, it will definitely be the year's most mentally retarded scandal. Luzhou said: "You don't know how to whack him?"
Xiao Yi thought If I whacked him I'll be dead, both your fans have so much conflict going on outside, if they knew you and Li Changzheng fought, they might just steal nuclear bombs and come to Hengdian for a showdown.
Truthfully, from the very first scene Luzhou and Li Changzheng shot together, the conflict outside had not stopped at all, Congee Fans* and Steamed Vermicelli Roll Fans*....... Fans of Luzhou and Li Changzheng do not seem to be influenced by the natural law of seven days validity of public opinion, they would fight everyday, and in the meantime all the actors in the show would get dragged in and blackened countless times, the one who was blackened the most was Wu Henggu.
*T/N: These are puns in chinese. Congee in chinese is 'Zhou' so Luzhou's fans are called Zhou Fen. As for Steamed Vermicelli Roll, it is 'Chang Fen' in chinese, Li Changzheng fans are Chang Fans = Chang Fen.
Rumors had it that Wu Henggu went to bed with Luzhou then climbed over to Li Changzheng's bed, all sorts of imaginary golden thighs were hugged before it switched to "Pui* my Zhou my Zheng wouldn't like you this kind of ?#%.....%#$..... !"
*T/N: Pui is the sound of spitting.
.......Then Wu Henggu heroically slept with the overall planning in charge, the script supervisor, the director, the producers, the investors...... and it was also said that he was a lackey that the production crew temporarily bought back to act as a prop.
If the rumors were true, then in the short 7 days that Wu Henggu entered the crew he had slept with close to a hundred people, on average he had to sleep with about 20 people a day, he had to sleep with a person every hour and that did not include the time needed to hook up.....there simply wasn't any time to film, after entering the crew his time was all consumed on the hotel's bed.
Sometimes Xiao Yi didn't know how to comfort Wu Henggu, Wu Henggu was blackened so much that his expression did not look too good, and in the middle of the shoot he also got a heat stroke. Xiao Yi thought it was fortunate he was not a guest on the show, otherwise if the fans started to make trouble, it could be estimated that he might see his entire family hanging from the ceiling when he went home for the New Year. Xiao Yi did not dare to talk about how fans would slander Wu Henggu, and Wu Henggu did not hire any personal assistant, the assistant hired after entering the crew did not make any follow up actions either, so everyday in the crew he could only endure. His broker came by for a few days then left, telling him to take good care of himself.
Xiao Yi thought Wu Henggu was very sad, so during the time when he had no instructions from Luzhou, he would take the initiative to take care of Wu Henggu for a bit, after all they were from the same company. A child who had just graduated, emerging from a talent show, even taking care of himself was a problem.
Once, Xiao Yi left a portion of Luzhou's leftover Wumei Xiaoshu chinese herbal soup for Wu Henggu. Wu Henggu took the thermos, and as he drank the soup his tears were dripping down.
"Jia you [1]." Xiao Yi said, "Zhou Ge says you can definitely do it."
"Thank you." Wu Henggu replied.
Xiao Yi said: "Zhou Ge said, if you need anything, just let me know, don't be courteous."
Wu Henggu did not speak any more, and nodded his head.
After returning to the room.
"Let me tell you again." Luzhou said, "Don't talk to Wu Henggu! What do you get out of being nice to him?! Does he give you your salary! Do you want the company to change your post, to let you accompany a newbie to sit on the cold bench!"
Xiao Yi: "......."
"Understood?!" Luzhou said fiercely.
"Okay..... alright." Xiao Yi said.
Luzhou said: "And! Get the air-conditioning fan back from Li Changzheng tomorrow! Based on what qualifications can he use it! What big shot is he!"
Xiao Yi: "......."
Thunder sounded from the outside, a savior has emerged for Xiao Yi, and he said: "Look, Zhou Ge.....it's raining."
Luzhou poked Xiao Yi's head, and said: "Did you hear me!"
"Alright alright." Xiao Yi replied.
Xiao Yi went to open the floor-to-ceiling windows. Luzhou said again: "What are you opening the windows for! You want to jump ah!"
"Ventilation......." Xiao Yi said, "It's not good to be constantly in the air conditioned room."
Luzhou was still in angst over the matter of Li Changzheng's electric fan, and said: "You go and get it back now, or else tomorrow you pack up, and get out yourself."
Xiao Yi said: "Okay.....okay."
What should he do? Xiao Yi thought, should he buy one more? And tell Li Changzheng he gave him the wrong one, then the newly emerged one he could claim it was bought by Li Changzheng himself? But if he spoke of this idea Li Changzheng would definitely die from laughter. Embarrassed, Xiao Yi went out for a walk, when he came back, he peeked at Luzhou, expecting him to be already asleep.
Luzhou: "You've taken it back? Let me see."
Xiao Yi: "I didn't."
A slipper flew towards him, Xiao Yi walked off at once.
Xiao Yi went back to his own room and stayed inside for a while before carefully going back again, luckily for him Luzhou had gone to sleep.
It was the 11th day since entering the crew, after finishing the few scenes for today, tomorrow they had an outdoors shoot, it was at Zhangjiajie. Xiao Yi thought it would finally be cooling, the days in Hengdian were simply a living hell, but miraculously, his health was actually quite good.
Everyone felt both frustrated and bored, only Xiao Yi remained as usual, for a few days at the beginning he was frequently scolded everyday. Hengdian after the rain was like a huge steamer, not only did the weather not cool down, it got even more humid. Everybody was drenched in sweat, Xiao Yi sent Luzhou to the filming site, then went back to the hotel to pack the luggage for the outdoors shoot.
"Hey!" Ning Yaqing's voice chimed from the side of his ear.
"Sister Yaqing!" Xiao Yi immediately said smiling.
"Visiting the crew visiting the crew——" Ning Yaqing brought a group of girls, and with a smile she pulled Xiao Yi.
Xiao Yi said: "I was just missing you, Luzhou even mentioned you yesterday night, you guys..... hello!"
"Wanna give us your signature?" Ning Yaqing laughed.
Xiao Yi hurriedly replied: "Come come, everyone follow me."
Today's first scene started out really early. It was a fight scene with Li Changzheng and Luzhou, the two of them went up to the roof, and the camera was mounted on the second floor of another restaurant, shooting the outside.
Luzhou fastened the safety belt around his waist, facing Li Changzheng he said: "It just rained, it's a little slippery, be more careful when you are chasing me."
Li Changzheng said: "You have to be careful too."
Quickly afterwards Luzhou stepped on the porch eaves, he borrowed the momentum from the steel wires and flew to the opposite side, brandishing his knife as he touched the surface of the roof, pointing it towards Li Changzheng.
"If you continue chasing, don't blame me for being heartless!"
Luzhou took off the steel wires, turning around and posed, as Li Changzheng quickly walked to the eaves and in a deep voice he said: "Sleek Rat, go back with me to surrender, if you didn't kill the person, Lord Bao will naturally not give you injustice!"
Luzhou gave a cold smile and said: "If I really killed the person, how will you deal with me?"
Li Changzheng's expression changed, he turned around to draw out his sword, and stepped forward, creating a soft noise. Luzhou's expression changed instantly, he said: "Below your feet!"
It was at this very moment, that the tiles below Li Changzheng's feet made a clattering noise and broke. Luzhou rushed back, intending to push Li Changzheng back, but at that instance he forgot he had no safety rope attached!
Meanwhile, with chitchats and laughter Xiao Yi walked back with Ning Yaqing, instantly he saw what happened at that height. It was a scene that Xiao Yi would never forget in this lifetime.
Luzhou and Li Changzheng collided on the roof of the two stories building. Luzhou pushed Li Changzheng backwards, then stepped on the broken tiles. With a clatter his whole person fell off. Xiao Yi's pupils momentarily dilated, the whole crew was in immediate panic.
The martial arts instructor had flown forward the moment Li Changzheng slipped, and managed to seize Li Changzheng's hand, while Luzhou grabbed onto the broken tiles, but failed to gather any strength, and his entire person flipped in midair, the back of his head knocked hard onto the eaves of the first storey, bringing along shattered tiles as he continued to fall. There was a muffled noise as he smashed hard onto the ground.
At this time, Xiao Yi gave a loud yell, and rushed forward.
Luzhou laid on the ground, the rain in the morning making it wet.
The world strangely quietened down. Xiao Yi knelt in front of Luzhou's body, feeling like the entire sky had just collapsed.
"Lao Zi [2]...... is not dead yet, you crying....for what." Luzhou struggled to open both eyes, slightly convulsing, and in a trembling voice he said: "I won't die so easily.... don't be afraid."