Chapter 1783: What Matters Is the Present

"Come on, one, two, three..."

"That's a wrap!"

By the shores of Shichahai, the crew finished filming the final scene, so just as they had when production began, they took a grand group photo to mark the wrap.

After more than a month of day-and-night companionship, and with no big stars throwing their weight around here, although filming issues inevitably led to some mutual shirking of responsibility and even fights, Wang Yan mediated the internal conflicts of the crew quite promptly, so the overall atmosphere remained fairly good; as for those few individuals who refused to communicate due to personality issues, there was nothing to be done about them.

All in all, everyone got along quite harmoniously.

Now that filming had finally concluded, and the money Wang Yan provided was more than sufficient, the scale was simply too small; the budget of six hundred thousand yuan was overly abundant, and indeed, the treatment given to these staff members was the best among all the projects any of them had ever participated in, bar none.

Normally, any surplus funds from an ample budget would typically be pocketed by superiors under various pretexts, but Wang Yan refused to do so; instead, he gave everyone high-temperature subsidies, ensuring soda and ice cream never ran out daily, along with other items like mung bean soup and red bean soup, while the boxed lunches provided were of a high standard, well-balanced between meat and vegetables, and tasted excellent.

As a result, even in such sweltering weather, no one's appetite was affected; Wang Yan truly took care of everyone exceptionally well.

After filming this single drama, everyone held this director, Wang Yan, in considerable respect and admiration, hoping his film would succeed and that they would work with him again on his next project.

Thus, in this grand group photo, every face bore a smile from the heart, and Wang Yan stood in the center while Shen Ranran stood beside him, smiling with exceptional brilliance...

"Ah, how wonderful!"

Guo Zongbao, a cigarette dangling from his mouth, watched everyone busily packing up their things, saying, "Now that I've finished acting in this film, I can finally consider my acting career settled, and I have no regrets left for the future."

Tao Liangliang asked, "What's wrong, Brother Bao? Are you planning not to live anymore?"

Cao Ye added softly, "Exactly; leaving when one has no regrets is the most decisive way, making it easy to avoid remorse; otherwise, when the revolving lantern of life flashes before your eyes, if you realize there are still so many things unfinished, it will be too late to want to die even if you do; having no regrets is good, very good..."

"Scram, scram, scram! I was talking about the movie; I certainly haven't lived enough; life these days is simply beyond imagination; as for you lot, go ahead and be envious, jealous, and resentful."

Guo Zongbao retorted irritably, then went to find Wang Yan.

"Boss, once I'm done here, I'm heading back; I won't stay for the wrap banquet; I need to hurry up and produce; the more days I earn, the better."

Wang Yan nodded with a smile and said, "You've come at just the right time; it was only recently that I learned your wife is deaf-mute; a few days ago, I happened to see someone wearing a hearing aid, so I made some inquiries..."

"So if she wears this hearing aid, she'll be able to hear? And gradually, she'll be able to speak?" Guo Zongbao became excited, subconsciously grabbing Wang Yan's arm with great force.

"Not necessarily; it depends on the situation; I can't explain these medical details clearly myself, and conveying them to you might lead to misunderstandings; you should go to the hospital and ask a Physician for advice; afterward, bring your wife and child over, and take your wife for an examination; since it's currently the holidays, it won't disrupt your child's studies, and they can even enjoy some time in Jingcheng; if you wish for them to stay in Jingcheng, there will also be time to handle your son's school transfer."

Guo Zongbao expressed his gratitude several times, then immediately followed Wang Yan's advice and hurried off to the hospital to consult on the relevant matters.

Guo Zongbao was more than willing to do anything to let his wife hear sounds; in the original story, he had worked tirelessly, exhausted himself, lived frugally, yet still didn't earn enough money, so Shen Ranran even lent him tens of thousands to install a cochlear implant for his wife.

Previously, Guo Zongbao indeed hadn't mentioned it, so naturally, Wang Yan wouldn't have proactively asked; it was only while Guo Zongbao was filming here that fellow villagers came to watch the excitement, discussed these matters, and Wang Yan overheard them; thus, Wang Yan seized the opportunity to inform Guo Zongbao of this news.

Guo Zongbao's current circumstances were truly very favorable; although his earlier claim to Xin Baiqing and the others about a monthly salary of over ten thousand was boasting, the wages Wang Yan actually paid him were not low; despite saying he didn't want money, his pay still had to be higher than that of other production workers; while it might not reach over ten thousand, it was close to ten thousand.

Although he hadn't earned money for many months yet, and his savings were still insufficient to cover the expensive cost of a cochlear implant, he still had some savings, plus Wang Yan would not just stand by and watch; therefore, money was actually the least of his concerns...

Shen Ranran asked, "Brother Yan, will Uncle Guo's wife really recover?"

"Didn't you hear? She needs an examination; if it's determined to be effective, she will recover," Wang Yan waved his hand, saying, "Alright, it's quite hot; don't stay out here baking in the sun; go to the restaurant first; Zhuangzhuang is over there; if my film becomes a hit across Dajiangnanbei, you'll be a big star, and getting tanned will affect your earnings."

"I won't get tanned; I'm not directly under the sun," Shen Ranran smiled brightly, saying, "I'd rather go over with everyone else; look, they're all helping out; I can't be unsociable."

"Then let's just stand here and watch, giving them our steadfast companionship."

Of course, Wang Yan didn't need to do any physical labor here; he was merely present to keep an eye on things and ensure no other problems arose; after all, with not many people, he could still oversee everything, avoiding troublesome complications if issues occurred.

For instance, dealing with onlookers causing disturbances, children running amok, inventorying various tools, cleaning up trash at the site—there was a chaotic pile of such matters; if anything truly went wrong, compensation would have to be paid.

Especially now that filming was complete and most of the money had been spent, any economic disputes would be exceedingly tedious; by being present on-site, Wang Yan could largely prevent such problems from arising.

It was just like being in school; he was the homeroom teacher; when he watched from the podium, the students would be very quiet; but if he wasn't watching, they would be eager to climb onto the roof and tear off the tiles.

Fortunately, the wrap-up proceeded smoothly; everyone then moved to the restaurant to celebrate; as per custom, a wrap required a meal with food and drink to bring a good conclusion to the past period of work, and everyone used this opportunity to chat further, seeking future mutual support.

Although there was a high probability it wouldn't happen, the necessary words had to be spoken, and the necessary wine had to be drunk; the goal was simply to leave an impression on everyone, so that perhaps later they would think of you; what was sought was precisely that slight possibility.

And as the director, especially one who had already won the hearts of this entire crew, Wang Yan naturally became the primary target of everyone's attention.

Initially, an assistant from the film studio came to drink with Wang Yan, stating they hoped to continue cooperating in the future and that Factory Director Han held his directorial prospects in high regard; afterward, the lead actors, including Xin Baiqing and others, hearing that if this film made money, Wang Yan planned to continue filming, also raised their glasses to Wang Yan, hoping he would keep them in mind for future projects.

On another note, they had all learned of Wang Yan's remarkable life story; within just over two months, he had started by selling lamb skewers and become a boss worth millions; he would certainly become even wealthier in the future; even if Wang Yan never filmed another movie, establishing a good relationship with him would still be a great benefit.

As for the remaining personnel from various departments of the crew, there was even less need to mention them; cinematographers, lighting technicians, sound recordists, floor managers, and others had witnessed what constituted a good director, experienced what generosity meant, and felt a different kind of crew atmosphere that made them very comfortable.

Moreover, the director's attitude was quite excellent; he was gentle with everyone and helped resolve anyone's problems; for instance, during filming, when a lighting assistant's mother fell suddenly ill and was hospitalized, it was Wang Yan who sought Han Sanping's help to arrange everything; this gesture deeply moved everyone.

After all, a mere lighting assistant, though nicely titled an assistant, was effectively still an apprentice; even in this small crew involving dozens of people, generally, a lighting assistant wouldn't exchange more than a few words with Wang Yan, let alone have Wang Yan pull strings to directly approach Han Sanping to solve their problem; this was akin to using a cannon to swat a mosquito.

But in reality, Han Sanping was currently the most effective contact Wang Yan knew; otherwise, he would have had to send company personnel to invest money just to find a path forward, as he had been operating for only a short time, and his network of relationships had not yet extended to the upper echelons.

However, even if he could invest money to find a way, he would absolutely not do so; he insisted on finding Han Sanping; after all, he had always valued personal marketing, and since this was a sensational event that would earn him tremendous reputation, he naturally had to do it.

As for the trouble caused to Han Sanping, that was a trivial matter for Wang Yan.

In life, one must always demonstrate value to be worthy of asking for help, and only then will others be willing to assist; Wang Yan feared owing others the least, because he was capable of repaying them; in fact, he didn't even fear being unable to repay, because he was equally capable of being shameless enough to get away with it.

Han Sanping also recognized that Wang Yan possessed directorial ability, had ideas as a screenwriter, and furthermore had the business acumen to make great wealth; like everyone else, he believed Wang Yan was destined for great success; therefore, regarding Wang Yan's request, Han Sanping readily agreed.

It was too noisy around Wang Yan; Zhuangzhuang sat at a table with Shen Ranran and others from "Winter Departs, Spring Arrives," silently watching Wang Yan, who was the center of attention amidst the crowd.

Xu Xu Shengli sighed with emotion, "Truly unexpected; when we first arrived, Director Wang casually made a joke, and today it has actually come true; just look at everyone, all flattering and currying favor."

"Flattering and currying favor? And you have the nerve to say that?" Tao Liangliang glanced at him, saying, "I wouldn't even bother criticizing you; you were practically kneeling before Brother Yan."

Xu Xu Shengli raised his eyebrows slightly, looking at everyone as if in disbelief, saying, "Is that so?"

Xiao Xiao Dongbei chimed in, "Absolutely; Xu Xu Shengli, you really have no face to accuse others of flattering Brother Yan."

"What, are you all standing before Brother Yan?" Xu Xu Shengli tilted his head at Tao Liangliang, asking, "Are you standing?"

"No," Tao Liangliang shook his head, his face full of sincerity, saying, "Not only am I kneeling, I'm also kowtowing."

He had finished composing all the background music and was just dropping by to mooch a meal; during regular filming, he also frequently came here to watch the excitement and sneak a boxed lunch.

"That's right; I'm kowtowing too; not only that, I kowtow more often than him, and louder," Cao Ye said from the side, sipping his wine, his face flushed and looking delighted.

"You can't possibly surpass me!" Tao Liangliang refused to concede.

"Just look at these two; how amusing they are," Xiao Xiao Dongbei's disdain was written all over his face; truly pathetic.

He maintained an independent personality; his relationship with Wang Yan had always been like water between gentlemen—pure and light; although he had eaten a few meals and drunk a few rounds of wine with Wang Yan, he also regularly prepared some wine, dishes, fruits, and other items to invite Wang Yan to share.

In other matters, he had never asked Wang Yan for anything; in this regard, he could indeed look down upon Tao Liangliang and Cao Ye.

"However, I truly never expected my fellow villager to reach this point so quickly; from the moment I picked him up at the train station until now, not even half a year has passed, yet here he is, surrounded by stars worshipping the moon."

Little Northeast sighed again; he was always sighing, but what else could he do? How could someone be so damn awesome?

He looked at Zhuang Zhuang. "Zhuang Zhuang, I have to say you have a blessed fate; you spotted the extraordinary nature of my fellow villager early on. In just a few months, he went from a migrant worker who had just entered the city to a big boss running a company and a great director making movies. I've heard many people talking about 'investment,' but what investment could be more successful than yours?"

"Hey, I wasn't investing, and besides, I don't understand those things." Zhuang Zhuang waved her hands repeatedly. "I just knew Brother Yan was reliable—he has ideas, takes action, and bears responsibility. A man like that will never lack for a girlfriend anywhere; it was my good luck to meet him."

Cao Ye shook his head. "Zhuang Zhuang, that's not right. Otherwise, why didn't Brother Yan have a wife when he was farming back in our hometown? You have vision, not caring about so many superficial things. Just based on this one point, Zhuang Zhuang, I can say with certainty that even if Brother Yan becomes incredibly successful in this life, even if he becomes the richest man in the world, he will absolutely never abandon you."

Tao Liangliang chimed in, "Old Cao is right. Even if Brother Yan makes more movies in the future and those beautiful female stars beg for his attention, Brother Yan will only take you as his single ladleful from the weak water."

This time, Little Northeast was truly disgusted. "If you two can't speak properly, just shut your mouths. What kind of nonsense are you spouting? Is Brother Yan that kind of person? Zhuang Zhuang, don't listen to their blather."

Tao Liangliang and Cao Ye fell silent; they also knew they had said too much. Exchanging an awkward glance, they each resumed eating and drinking.

Zhuang Zhuang looked at the two of them, then glanced at Shen Ranran, who was sitting beside her and gazing at Wang Yan, and said, "It's fine; what they said makes sense too. Many things still need to be thought through. Brother Yan is like this now, but he might be different later; who knows? However, I am looking at him as he is now. If he really becomes different later, then we'll deal with it when that time comes. Isn't that right, Ranran?"

"Huh?" Shen Ranran startled, withdrew her gaze from Wang Yan, nodded, and said, "Yes, Sister Zhuang Zhuang, what matters is the present... yes, what matters is the present!"

Tao Liangliang asked strangely, "Ranran, why did you say the same sentence twice? Could it be that I'm drunk and hearing repetitions in what people say?"

"Just drink your wine," Shen Ranran said, rolling her eyes at him.

Zhuang Zhuang raised her wine glass. "Ranran, let's have a toast; congratulations on finishing your first film as the female lead."

"Thank you, Sister Zhuang Zhuang." Shen Ranran took a sip of wine, then covered her mouth and said, "It was all thanks to Brother Yan's care; if not for him, I might never have been able to play the female lead in this life."

"You are naturally beautiful; even without Brother Yan, you would have risen to prominence—it was only a matter of time. Ranran, you are excellent," Zhuang Zhuang encouraged her considerately.

Shen Ranran avoided Zhuang Zhuang's gaze and changed the subject. "Sister Zhuang Zhuang, you are definitely going to be a hit this time too. Even if the movie doesn't sell well, the song you sing will become famous throughout Dajiangnanbei. I really never expected that Brother Yan could write songs as well."

"It's hard to say for sure, but the song Brother Yan wrote this time is indeed very pleasant to the ear, and quite trendy too." Speaking of singing, Zhuang Zhuang broke into a brilliant smile.

Xu Xu Shengli, sitting at the same table, silently gulped down a large mouthful of wine, forcing himself to endure the fiery burn. He truly could not understand: how could Wang Yan also write songs? And such good ones at that. This behavior, akin to Zhang Fei doing embroidery, really made him, as a creative professional, feel utterly frustrated...

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