/
Chapter 7
Translator: Polarbearadise
“Tomorrow, I’m going back to Beijing.” Lin Yao said,“If there is too much work, just order the assistants, even driving, you can handed over to them, try to reduce your own work or else, I’m worried you will be extremely busy.”
Xiao Yi realized that’s true, but yesterday, he only met the five assistant once, till now he still hasn’t called them.
Luzhou said: “If there isn’t any business, don’t bother calling them over, it’s annoy to death.”
Xiao Yi got caught in the middle, he had to play the ball and said he understand.
(T/N: to agree to do something the way someone else wants you to)
After arrived at the hotel, Lin Yao have to leave right away, the producer’s assistant then called, inviting Luzhou to a celebration dinner. Xiao Yi immediately notified two assistants to come and help him picked out Luzhou’s outfit in the wardrobe.
Luzhou finished dressing, standing in front of the mirror, letting the two assistant fixing his sleeves. Xiao Yi inform them to ordered their own lunch then head back to their hotel, tomorrow filming will start and will call them.
That afternoon is filled with countless social interaction, gossiping, laughing, looking from one side to another. Originally Xiao Yi doesn’t know how to react to these kind of situation, afraid Luzhou will hate him, he can only bow and bend the knee, occasionally will put on a cold expression, when returned he was tire to the point of dropping on the ground.
The next day, Xiao Yi opened his eyes, it was half past six.
‘This is bad!’ Xiao Yi thought, ‘At seven, they have to go to the dressing room’, immediately rushed into Luzhou’s room, squeeze the toothpaste and turned on hot water. Luzhou is still asleep, lying on his stomach, Xiao Yi shook him awake and said: “It is 6:30! Get up!”
Luzhou looked edgy, wearing only a pair of underwear, turning over, he lay on his back with both hands and legs wide open like the ‘dai’ character (大). His ‘thing’ is pointing straight up and there is also a stain on his underwear.
Xiao Yi: “…….”
Xiao Yi put hot towel on Luzhou’ eyes, causing him to wake up, but surprisingly, he isn’t angry.
Xiao Yi thought if the fans see what Luzhou look like when waking up in the morning, don’t know if they still want to jump on him. While getting Luzhou’ clothes, he said: “I’ll go get the car!”
“What’s the rush,” Luzhou look helpless, “Only half past six, going at 8 o’clock isn’t too late.”
“The first day of trying on clothes and testing makeup, also taking picture for the poster.” Xiao Yi said, “I’m afraid we’re going got we late! It’s the end if we’re late!”
Xiao Yi called the group of assistants,
assistant A buy lunchbox,
assistant B bring foods,
assistant C bring cooker over to his room, giving her the card to his room and let her prepare the dishes, lastly, assistant C and D will follow them to the studio.
Coming back, he saw Luzhou only wear a pair of underwear, sitting in the living room sofa, like a child who hasn’t complete woken up yet.
Xiao Yi: “……….”
‘It’s 6:45 already!’
Xiao Yi pushed him into the bathroom to brush his teeth, he really want to cry at the spot, after Finnish changing clothes, it is 6:55.
Luzhou got on the car, leaning in his seat and said: “Go.”
Xiao Yi is on a rampage, fortunately when arriving at the dressing room, they are only 10 minutes late. All the actors had already came, one by one the make-up artist greet them, mostly the apprentice in charge.
Yesterday Luzhou already meet their teacher and exchange a few words. Without saying anything, Luzhou just head toward the middle of the room and sit on a swivel chair.
Dressing division brushed Luzhou’s hair, putting on a headgear, the co-ordinate came over with a single page script. A few actors are still outside eating breakfast, when the assistant brought the lunchbox over, Xiao Yi opened it for Luzhou, he take a few bite and didn’t touch it anymore.
After the makeup, came clothing, the assistant was holding the outfit, Xiao Yi followed in himself, helping Luzhou put on the tradition robe of Liao , seeing that, the stylist and dressing members was whispering on the side.
“Too small.” Luzhou said, “It’s hard to move in the fighting scenes.”
“This is the only one we can find.” The stylist said, “Mr. Lu, we couldn’t find the exact outfit that match your height, this one was borrowed from the manufacturer that cooperate with the studio.”
Luzhou, although not satisfied with the outfit, but still have to accept it, he then turned toward Xiao Yi and asked: “Do you think I look like a teenager?”
Luzhou wearing an ancient costume, his imposing manner was different from before, Xiao Yi standing next to him, instinctively hearts was popping out of his eyes,  looking at Luzhou’s appearance and manner, he decided to forgive all his viciousness and madness.
“Really…..Really suitable.” Xiao Yi muttered, “Very impressive!”
Xiao Yi was unable to control himself, making the stylist laughed.
Luzhou still hasn’t satisfied and said: “A Baoji of Liao is a teenager, he isn’t serious at all in the beginning, lacking the image of a young man.”
Stylist said: “Mr. Lu is right.”
Luzhou although still dissatisfied, but didn’t make things difficult and said: “When the moment comes, we’ll see if the expression and dialogue could compensate or not, let’s do it like that first.”
Luzhou went to greet the director and producer, everyone would praised his appearance, he then simply expressed his opinion to the director, the director said: “Yes, we’ll negotiate with them to change it.”
Luzhou than come back to his seat, letting the make-up artist toss themselves around, changing his hat, eyes-liner and lipstick, changing everything.
Xiao Yi learned a lot, but because of that he feel Luzhou isn’t just a bag of straw, he really do have power.
The male god took less than forty minutes to get everything fixed, Luzhou finally feel satisfied, then shoot a few pictures for the posters, the photographer repeatedly praise how goods he looked while bringing the props over. He let Luzhou carry a quiver on his shoulder while holding a bow in the ready position to fire. Then switched to holding spike, then empty-handed throwing punches like a martial artist.
Then holding both hands behind his back, he is like grown jade tree which has faced the wind, all the females in the crew surrounded the scene to watched, for most of the people in the crowd, it is their first time cooperating with Luzhou.
(T/N: means handsome, generally, it’s not only good-looking, but also tall and in good shaped. This word is only used to describe man, NOT woman. His figure is being compared to a jade tree. Imagine a tall man with a good body standing with his sleeves and robe blowing in the wind. A man with such a build and temperament was considered handsome)
Small voices emerge from the crowd saying “Male god! handsome!”
Xiao Yi has been paralysis  completely because of the male god handsomeness, Luzhou then come down and ask: “How is it?”
Xiao Yi immediately applauded, Luzhou face changed and said: “If it isn’t attractive enough then say it! This going to be posted on the internet! Let’s me see, did you take it?”
Xiao Yi didn’t take it, Luzhou said: “Overall, is there any problem?”
Xiao Yi thought, he want to say Luzhou’s nostril look a little bit big and said: “Do you want me to say it?”
Luzhou: “……..”
Xiao Yi: “Your head rise a little too high…..your nose look…. Like a wind coming out of an empty cave”
Luzhou said: “They’ll fix it later, what’s else? Is the outfit short, is it obstructed?”
“Not, it’s not short and not obstructed.” Xiao Yi quickly shake his head, he understand what Luzhou mean, some people look like grown jade tree which has faced the wind in the ancient costume and others look like a pillow.
Luzhou totally dominated the costume.
Lin Yao was looking at the picture for the poster, he is preparing the plan for the promotion period, posting on popular sites and the sidewalk after the draft went through the PS revision.
(T/N: PS: Photoshop)
The director said: “Luzhou, familiarize yourself with the script, we’ll discuss it later, I’ll go look at Ning Yaqing’s transformation.”
Luzhou casually make an agreeing sound, then sat down and play on his phone. Xiao Yi kind of wanted to see the picture, when coming over, the photographer’s assistant immediately stood up.
Xiao Yi was shocked, thought it was confidential, but the assistant said: “You can sit.”
Luzhou said nothing on the side and continue playing game on his phone. Xiao Yi sat next to him, looking at the assistant revising the image, also waiting for his request, Xiao Yi said: “Ah…can you fix the side face a little bit? Nose…Make it more narrowed.”
Luzhou glance at Xiao Yi, Xiao Yi thought ‘Did I said something wrong?’, Luzhou give him a meaningful glance indicating to continue with the revision. Xiao Yi then make more requests, for example like the facial skin doesn’t need resurfacing, the contour of the eyes need adjusted slightly and so on. Looking closely at the  picture, Xiao Yi thought ‘Luzhou really is f****** handsome, how can a person be this handsome, this is completely unscientific, 360 degree and there didn’t even any crack.’ After the image ben PS-ed, Xiao Yi contrary think the first one still look better.
By noon, all the actors finished taking their picture, everyone got on the train and head to the shooting location.
The director inform that they’ll film the first scene in the afternoon and shoot for the 2nd  poster tomorrow. When arrived at the location, lunchbox was passed out to everyone.
After eating, lights, video and props members head back to work. Xiao Yi just found out that this studio was set up two months ago, after four days filming, they have to demolish everything and create a new scene.
“Lunch?” Luzhou asked
Xiao Yi: “……….”
Xiao Yi snap out of it and immediately give the assistants a call, however, Luzhou’s separate meal couldn’t be made in time, Xiao Yi thought ‘My life is finished’. Surprisingly  Luzhou didn’t get angry and said: “Forget it, eat your lunch.”
Xiao Yi said: “Wait ten minutes! Only ten minutes! I’ll go pick it up!”
Luzhou: “……..”
Xiao Yi: “……..”
While everyone was eating lunch, the female co-ordinate was nowhere to be found, Xiao Yi and Luzhou was hungry, they only take a few bite out of their breakfast, all the cameras was prepared, Xiao Yi prayed thousands and millions times that the assistant will not appear at the same time as filming began or everyone have to wait for Luzhou to finish eating.
Xiao Yi rushed out, almost cried, thinking ‘Luzhou didn’t say anything, tonight I’ll certainly be death.’
Fortunately, the lunchbox arrived in time.
Xiao Yi opened the lunch box, it contain minced eggplant, braised fish, fried chicken mixed with cucumber, egg fried with tomatoes and soup. There isn’t anything difference compared to the crews’ lunchbox, only the amount is larger.
“Where’s your?” Luzhou asked.
“I’m eating the lunch box.”
(T/N: Lunchbox Xiao Yi refer to is the one at the studios”
Luzhou: “Where’s your lunchbox?”
Xiao Yi: “……….”
Xiao Yi went to get his lunchbox, but the people who passed out lunch, isn’t there anymore.
Luzhou then  readily give Xiao Yi a portion of his lunch, Xiao Yi laugh embarrassingly, fortunately Luzhou helped him out.
“Others assistant brought lunch for their idols and I have to give you my lunch.”
(T/N: The ‘I’ in Luzhou dialogue is being used arrogantly)
Luzhou choose the foods he want and leave the others out while speaking, Xiao Yi smiled thankfully, holding the lunch portion and sit on the side to eat.
Producer saw that, smiled  and said: “Ah, Xiao Zhou is eating a love-fill lunchbox?”
Luzhou look at the producer, smiled and said: “Teacher Wang.”
Luzhou doesn’t need to reminded Xiao Yi, he know that the middle-aged man in his fifties possess a high status, others called Luzhou “Mr. Lu” while he called him “Xiao Lu.” and in return Luzhou refer to him as “teacher.”
In the hierarchy  rules in the entertainment circle, he is still a low rank person, can only bow and bend his knee, greeting the producer with a smile. Luzhou then introduced him: “This is my personal assistant Xiao Yi, he is from Hubei.”
(T/N: Hubei is a province located in central China)
“Oh!” The producer and Xiao Yi shook hands, Luzhou said: “He was the one who cooked the foods, I’ll tell him to prepare some Hubei dishes and bring it over next time.”
Luzhou introduced the middle-aged man to Xiao Yi: “This is teacher Wang, he is from Wuhan.”
“Yes, definitely!” Xiao Yi laughed.
(T/N: Wuhan is the capital of Hubei)
Xiao Yi remembered what Lin Yao said before, the person who have the highest rank is the producer, even higher than the director. He is someone who hold the position to subducts and yell at the director, definitely not someone to offend.
Director, producer, and screenwriter have to determine if the idols is popular or not, before deciding to bow and bend knee or socializing normally. It is best to use the crew members’ attitude as a reference.
After dinner, Luzhou look at the mirror, putting on makeup then the director announce they’ll begin the shooting.
“This scene is focus on A Baoji and his cousin Shulu Ping, A Baoji is furious with the interference of Shulu Ping’s family, yelling at Shulu Ping, then later the couple reconciled…..”
“Talk less, show more feelings, lastly Luzhou will hold Shulu Ping in your bosom, also exchange eyes contact….”
Luzhou listened impassively, the director said: “If it convenient, also guide Yaqing, we can do retake several times if needed and act as you see fit.”
Luzhou absently let out an approving sound and stepped forward.
Xiao Yi quickly finish his lunch and came to see.
The decorated indoor scene was magnificent, 3-2-1, the camera then start rolling, moving forward.
Luzhou angrily sweep everything off the table, letting it hit the floor.
Xiao Yi: “!!!”
“I put up with you for too long.” Luzhou shouted with a commanding tone, “What your father and elder brother did,  I always turn a blind eye and endure. But you, look at yourself, how can this fit the image of an empress consort–!”
(T/N: When filming, the ‘I’ in Luzhou’s dialogue are all used in a superior tone)
Everyone in the crews captivated for a moment, the director give thumb up, indicating everything is great so far.
“Khan–!” Ning Yaqing was on her knees in front of Luzhou, crying out loud without any tear, “I known Khan since I was thirteen…..”
Xiao Yi: “…….”
(T/N: In Mongolia, Khan is a title given to the ruler/emperor)
Ning Yaqing’s knees touched the ground, starting to crawl closer, her was slipping, Xiao Yi almost let out a laugh.
Ning Yaqing: “Did your heart turned stone! Why is it so hard! Even if it like that, I’m confident I could soften it, but you never even visit my bedroom even once in the whole three years….”
Xiao Yi almost dropped the script in his hand and nearly couldn’t hold back his laughter.
“Cut.” Director roared.
Luzhou’s face twitches, wanting to laugh out loud, but try to endure it and bend down to retrieve the hat on the ground.
The props division came over to set up everything again, the director said to Yaqing: “Yaqing, when you crawl over, just move a little to symbolized it….”
“Luzhou’s acting is really good.” The female recorder whispered to Xiao Yi
Xiao Yi nodded, afraid to say something, she contiue: “This f****** script make me want to ascend to heaven and see Buddha.”
(T/N: What she mea is that she doesn’t like the script)
The female co-ordinate said with a smile: “Contriving the ideas is good enough, I’m just afraid it isn’t catchy.”
Xiao Yi didn’t dare to comments anything, in case the screenwriter  or anyone heard it. A moment later, the director announce filming is starting again. Luzhou then walked over, bitterly said: “I have put with you for too long!”
The speech was even better this time, Xiao Yi discovered, when people perform, speaking a sentence immediately clarify the hierarchy, that person definitely come from the big screen, their voice, even recorded directly won’t be a problem.
Ning Yaqing throwing herself over and crying out loud without tears again, while repeatedly shouting : “Khan, Khan.”
As a result, the Shulu Ping of Liao was first harm by the screenwriter, then later got stabbed by the female lead.
(T/N: Xiao Yi mean Shulu Ping in the script the screenwriter wrote isn’t doing a good job describing the actual Shulu Ping. Then the female lead act as her, make it even worse with her acting)
“Your servant, believe in Khan, you [Crying in mid-sentence]…..”
(T/N: Everyone under the emperor will addressed themselves as servant or subject toward the emperor)
Luzhou opened eyes looked straight at Ning Yaqing till she finish speaking, Ning Yaqing then hide her face behind her sleeve, let out a painful cough then sit on the floor.
Luzhou slowly stepped forward, his eyes were red, looking at Ning Yaqing.
“You already knew, An Duan and I are good brothers, this conspiration was informed by his wife. As a child, I had promised him that regardless of what crimes his committed, I’ll never held him accountable for it!”
(T/N: ‘You’ is informal)
“But……” Ning Yaqing said, “Khan, do you know what the outsider said? Why did his wife reveal the matter, it is precisely because she and khan…… have an improper relationship…..I can’t talk about it anymore, if Khan feels like…..”
Xiao Yi thought to himself, ‘With that kind of acting and no one call NG?, the director endurance is truly, amazing.
(T/N: NG = No Good)
“Cut.” The director finally said, “NG, start over.”
Luzhou waved at Xiao Yi, when he rushed over, Luzhou shouted: “Eyedrops!”
Ning Yaqing was taken aback, a little afraid of looking at Luzhou, Xiao Yi hurriedly went to get the eyedrop, waited for Luzhou to sit down and drop a few drops in each eyes. Because of opening his eyes for too long, it have turned red, he then rubbing his eyes, Xiao Yi give his shoulder a message, when the director announced they’re starting again, Xiao Yi left the scene as the filming began.
Half an hour later.
Luzhou sweep everything on the table, making it crash on the floor.
“I put up with you for too long!” Luzhou said word by word.
Xiao Yi really feel bad for them, they have to repeat the process over and over, he said to the female co-ordinate: “Sister An, filming like did we’ll run out of time right?”
The female co-ordinate said: “Look at the current situation, it’s like that in the beginning, later we will catch up, the male and female lead need sometime to improve their cooperation, to find the right mood.”
“How will we catch up with the speed?”
“We will just wing it”  the co-ordinate casually said: “The one was tricked isn’t us anyway, it’s the audience.”
Xiao Yi: “……..”
“I’m just kidding,” the female co-ordinate said: “No matter what we have to finish filming, if not this sister here will suffer.”
Xiao Yi thought ‘It is really tiring’, no wonder why Luzhou said joining the crew will be very exhausting, one scene keep filming repeatedly, it’s boring and tiring.
The director then let every rest for a while, Luzhou came over and said: “If it isn’t work then divided the big part into two.”
Director said: “Okay, I’ll do that.”
As a result, big scene was divided into two-part, the first part is Luzhou released the might of the dragon, to suppress Ning Yaqing, the other part is when he hugged Ning Yaqing.
(T/N: The might of the dragon – Powerful wrath)
Luzhou lean again the table, hugging Ning Yaqing in his arms. Ning Yaqing was delicate and innocently nestled in Luzhou’s embrace.
At that moment, Xiao Yi could almost hear the staff crying out internally ‘Release my male god!!!!!
Straight to the evening, the first scene finally finished, the director wasn’t really satisfied with Ning Yaqing. The co-ordinate glance at her watch and said: “What are we going to do, there are 3 scene in the afternoon, 2 scene isn’t even complete, we also have to film a night scene.”
“Second scene,” The director said, “Use 40 minutes, the last scene we will film Luzhou, try to film it once and then move on. At 6 o’clock we get on the train and head to the garden inside Ming and Qing Palace.  Now, get into your position.”
(T/N: The palace is located in Hengdian and imitation of the Forbidden City)
There is  a trace of eyedrop on Luzhou’s face, his voice was heavy, said: “Over the years, I…*puff*”
Director: “Cut!”
Luzhou couldn’t help but laugh, he said: “If you staring at me like that,  I’ll want to laugh.”
Ning Yaqing quickly apology, Luzhou waved toward the crowd, apologized and then start again.
“Over the years, I ask myself, I hadn’t ill-treated anyone even a little, the relationship with my brothers and friends is like the eagle’s wings.”
(T/N: Eagle’s wings mean the bond/relationship is strong)
“These, I do understand.” Yaqing said: “But Khan, now it isn’t the same, your servant have to take care of it on your behalf, even if you cut me in thousand pieces, your servant will….will”
“Will…”
“……will”
She forgot the lines.
“Cut.”
Luzhou released Ning Yaqing, exhaustion is clearly visible on his face.
“I’m sorry Mr. Lu.” Ning Yaqing quickly apologize.
Luzhou waved his hands and said: “You acted very well, give it up.”
Ning Yaqing was very touched, Xiao Yi could sense that Luzhou’s tear is overflowing inside, ‘if it isn’t for 450,000 who would want to associate with you’
Half an hour later:
Luzhou used his index finger to play with Ning Yaqing’s hair, her hair glued to her face, three consecutive times Luzhou still hasn’t moved aside for her, the screenwriter and Hou Qin about to laugh out loud. Finally, Luzhou put the strand of hair aside, Xiao Yi curiously whispered: “No NG?”
The recorder waved his hand and whispered: “The editor will fix it.”
Luzhou pick up Ning Yaqing’s chin, whispered: “My beloved wife.”
At that moment, Xiao Yi  was immediately in shock.
Luzhou’s eyes really showed the deep feeling of love and repentant, thought he said only two words, but his movements and facial expressions could convey his heart.
“I’m really sorry, everyone, I’m really sorry.”
“At this moment I just want to peacefully stay together with you, just wish to be with you………”
Everyone is very nervous, fearing Ning Yaqing would laugh or forget her lines, Ning Yaqing partly watching Luzhou and mumbly said: “Khan, your servant will forever be with you, no matter where you are…”
Xiao Yi feel relieved, he suddenly have a good feeling toward Ning Yaqing, she is serious and become the character very quickly.
“Cut.” The director said, “The next scene.”
Everyone was pardoned, Ning Yaqing rubbed her foot, because she keep slanted for a long time, Luzhou helped her sit down.
Ning Yaqing nervously said: “I’m sorry, I was too nervous in the beginning.”
Luzhou didn’t speak, just smiled toward Ning Yaqing, giving her a thumb up then turned away.
The studio once again prepared the props for a new scene, the male supporting waited for the whole afternoon finally was able to film, the guards get into their position. Luzhou wiped his eyes, sitting in his imperial chair and read over the memorial.
The supporting male actor entered, he have a supporting role but pretty famous, he is a young actor who rise to fame recently, look handsome, come from a minority ethnic group, his name is Wu Heng Gu.