Chapter 152: Han Shanping Makes a Cameo

On a winter day in the outskirts of Beijing, the cold wind blew fiercely. The crew of "Departures" had been filming continuously for two months; today was the final scene—the pivotal moment where Kobayashi Daigo prepares the body of his father, Zhang Fengyi, for the encoffining.

Inside the set, Leslie Cheung knelt on the tatami mats, facing an elderly male corpse. His fingers trembled slightly, his eyes mixing sorrow, relief, and an indescribable calm.

"Action!" Xiang Fei sat behind the monitor, his voice low.

Under the lens, Leslie Cheung slowly wiped Zhang Fengyi's face, his movements so gentle as if treating a fragile work of art. His tears slid down silently, yet he did not wipe them away, letting them drip onto the deceased's collar.

"Cut! Perfect!" Xiang Fei stood up, his voice slightly choked, "That's a wrap! 'Departures' is officially finished!"

Warm applause and cheers erupted across the set. Leslie Cheung let out a long sigh, wiping the corner of his eye: "Finally done. This role drained my spirit."

Xiang Fei walked over and hugged him tightly: "Brother, thank you. You played the role of Kobayashi Daigo perfectly."

Just as everyone prepared to pack up the equipment, a commotion arose outside the set.

"Factory Director Han is here!" the stagehand shouted loudly.

Xiang Fei turned to look and saw Han Shanping walking in, wearing a sharp black overcoat, accompanied by several leaders from the Beijing Film Studio.

"Uncle Han? Why have you come?" Xiang Fei hurried forward to greet him.

Han Shanping smiled and patted his shoulder: "I heard today was the wrap, so I came specifically to see. How is it? Smooth?"

"Very smooth. We just finished the final scene."

Han Shanping nodded, his gaze sweeping over the set: "This set dressing is truly excellent; it has a very Japanese flavor."

At that moment, Chen Kaige came over to greet him: "Factory Director Han, you've arrived just in time; we were just about to open champagne to celebrate."

Han Shanping waved his hand: "No rush. I have an idea." He turned to Xiang Fei, "Ah Fei, I remember there's a role of an irritable middle-aged man who lost his wife in the script that hasn't been cast yet?"

Xiang Fei was stunned: "Yes, it's a minor role with only a few lines of dialogue. We planned to find an actor..."

"How about I play it?" Han Shanping said suddenly.

The entire set fell silent instantly.

Xiang Fei widened his eyes: "Uncle Han, are you saying... you want to make a cameo?"

Han Shanping took off his overcoat, revealing a suit underneath: "What, do you think my acting isn't good enough?"

"No, no, no!" Xiang Fei hurriedly waved his hands, "It's just that I didn't expect you to..."

Leslie Cheung chuckled from the side: "If Factory Director Han acts in this, the film will be even more worth watching."

Chen Kaige also got into the spirit: "Why not reshoot it now? The set is still here."

Xiang Fei checked his watch: "The light is still good; we can shoot." He turned to Han Shanping, "Uncle Han, are you sure?"

Han Shanping was already walking toward the makeup room: "Stop talking nonsense and hurry up."

Half an hour later, Han Shanping had changed into a dark gray suit, his hair combed meticulously, looking exactly like a middle-aged man who had lost his wife.

"Action!"

Under the lens, Han Shanping stood at the entrance of the funeral home, shouting curses at Leslie Cheung and Chen Kaige who had arrived.

His tone was steady and powerful, completely unlike someone acting for the first time.

"Cut!" Xiang Fei exclaimed in awe, "Uncle Han, your acting is simply like that of a professional actor!"

Han Shanping adjusted his tie and smiled: "I spent some time in the art troupe when I was young; I have a bit of a foundation."

Chen Kaige gave a thumbs up: "This take can be used directly; the temperament fits perfectly."

At the wrap party that night, Han Shanping's cameo became the hottest topic.

Leslie Cheung raised his glass and walked to Han Shanping: "Factory Director Han, I toast to you. Today was truly an eye-opener."

Han Shanping smiled and clinked glasses: "Rongzi, you are too polite. Acting opposite you is my honor."

Xiang Fei walked over with a glass of champagne: "Uncle Han, you really added color to our crew today. If we release this behind-the-scenes footage, it will definitely be big news."

Han Shanping waved his hand: "Don't promote me; the focus should still be on the film itself."

After the banquet ended, Xiang Fei and Leslie Cheung stood outside the hotel door smoking.

"Brother Rong, are you returning to Xiangjiang tomorrow?" Xiang Fei asked.

Leslie Cheung blew out a smoke ring: "Mm, rest for a few days, then prepare for the concert." He turned to look at Xiang Fei, "What about you? Fly directly to Xiangjiang to see Huimin and Yangyang?"

Xiang Fei smiled: "First, I'll oversee the rough cut. At most a week, and I'll be there."

Leslie Cheung patted his shoulder: "Don't work too hard. Huimin must miss you."

Just as they were speaking, Han Shanping's car stopped in front of them. The window rolled down, and Han Shanping leaned out: "Ah Fei, want a ride?"

Xiang Fei hurriedly waved his hand: "No need, Uncle Han. My driver will be here any moment."

Han Shanping nodded: "Alright then. Contact me anytime if you need anything."

Watching Han Shanping's car drive away, Leslie Cheung sighed: "Factory Director Han really has nothing but good things to say about you."

Xiang Fei gazed at the receding taillights and said softly: "Yes. Without him, there would be no me today."

Back home, Xiang Fei dialed Zhou Huimin's phone number.

"Ah Fei?" Zhou Huimin's voice carried a trace of sleepiness.

"Did I wake you?" Xiang Fei said gently, "I have good news to tell you. We wrapped today."

Rustling sounds came from the other end of the line, followed by Zhou Huimin's clear voice: "Really? Then when are you coming to Xiangjiang?"

"At most a week." Xiang Fei walked to the window, gazing at the distant lights, "I miss you and Yangyang."

Zhou Huimin's voice softened: "We will wait for you."

After hanging up the phone, Xiang Fei let out a long sigh. The tense filming of two months had finally ended, and a new journey was about to begin.