Chapter 196: Visiting the Set

At 3 a. m., in the editing room of Feimin Entertainment, Xiang Fei rubbed his sore, swollen eyes. On the screen, the final shot of "Drive My Car" froze on the retreating back of Qiu Shuwen, played by Zhou Huimin.

"President Xiang, color grading is done," the colorist yawned. "Take a look at this grayscale..."

Xiang Fei leaned closer to the screen: "Darken it another 5%. I want that feeling of morning mist."

His phone vibrated; it was a message from Zhou Huimin: "The kickoff ceremony went smoothly. Miss you."

Xiang Fei's lips involuntarily curved upward. He replied: "Editing is wrapping up. Tomorrow I'll bring the finished film to show Han Shanping."

At the film and television base, on the set of "The Moment I Met You."

When Xiang Fei walked onto the set carrying several watermelons, Zhou Huimin was sitting before the monitor, her brows furrowed.

"Cut!" she suddenly shouted. "Jinglei, your expression is too tense. We want a naturally revealed surprise, not a startle."

Xu Jinglei bowed apologetically: "Sorry, Director Zhou. I'll adjust it again."

The stagehand spotted Xiang Fei first and hurried over: "Hello, President Xiang!"

That cry made the entire crew turn around. Zhou Huimin's eyes lit up, but she immediately stiffened her expression: "Don't get distracted! Prepare for another take!"

Xiang Fei tactfully stood on the periphery, observing his wife's directorial debut. Before the camera, Liu Xiaofeng was naturally acting opposite Hai Yitian; between their gestures and movements, they already possessed the bearing of professional actors.

"So it's those three," Xiang Fei suddenly understood. During the company's new talent selection, he had noticed these three young people with considerable spirit and found them familiar.

At lunchtime, Zhou Huimin finally put down her walkie-talkie and ran over to Xiang Fei: "Why did you come suddenly?"

Xiang Fei handed over the half-melted iced coffee: "Here to see Director Zhou's debut work."

Zhou Huimin took the coffee, but her eyes fixed on the briefcase in his hand: "Is 'Drive My Car' finished editing?"

"Mm," Xiang Fei nodded. "But I found an issue—" He pointed to the monitor. "The camera blocking in this scene is too conservative. Move the camera angle slightly to the side; you can capture the subtle expressions of both people simultaneously."

Zhou Huimin bit on the straw, thinking: "But that would reveal the lighting rig behind..."

"Use a telephoto lens," Xiang Fei gestured. "Shallow the depth of field, and the background will naturally blur."

Zhou Huimin's eyes lit up. She immediately picked up the walkie-talkie: "Camera crew! Adjust Camera B, switch to an 85mm lens!"

Liu Xiaofeng and the other two, holding their boxed meals, watched the discussing couple from afar, too afraid to approach.

The three who had been talking noticed Xiang Fei walking toward them. They immediately set down their meals and stood straight: "Hello, President Xiang!"

Xiang Fei smiled and waved: "Relax. I just came to visit the set." He sized up the three young people. "You acted well; your acting is more mature than I imagined."

Liu Xiaofeng gathered his courage: "Thank you, President Xiang! Director Zhou has taught us a lot."

"She is a good actor," Xiang Fei said, looking at his wife who was gesturing to the cinematographer. "Now it seems she's quite capable as a director too."

Leaving the words "Keep it up, I'm rooting for you," Xiang Fei turned and walked toward Zhou Huimin, who was checking the lenses.

"I have to go," Xiang Fei glanced at his watch. "I have an appointment with Uncle Han at two to view the film."

Zhou Huimin helped him adjust his collar: "Do you think... how are those three?" Her eyes flicked toward the newcomers rehearsing.

"Good taste," Xiang Fei chuckled lightly. "Especially that Xu Jinglei; she has a certain spirit. With proper cultivation, she can make something of herself."

Han Shanping pushed up his glasses: "I heard this film has trained Hong Jinbao and Zhou Xingxing to have an artistic flair?"

Xiang Fei pressed the play button: "You'll know once you've seen it."

Two hours later, the end credits slowly rose. Han Shanping took off his glasses and wiped the corner of his eye: "This film..."

Xiang Fei held his breath.

"It's even better than I imagined," Han Shanping let out a long sigh. "Especially Zhou Huimin's character; it completely subverts her previous image."

Xiang Fei's suspended heart finally settled: "Uncle Han, don't forget the Oscar submission."

Han Shanping stood up and patted his shoulder: "You kid. I won't forget. It's just..." He paused, as if holding back words. "I heard the new film on Ah Min's side is all new people?"

Xiang Fei smiled: "Your news is truly sharp. It's a low-budget romance film; let her get some practice."

"You two," Han Shanping shook his head and sighed. "One chases awards, the other cultivates new talent. Are you two planning to take over the entire future of Chinese-language cinema?"

In the twilight, two film sets were busy with different dreams. The edited film lay quietly in the briefcase, while a new story was slowly unfolding before the lens.