Chapter 72: God of Gamblers Begins Filming

Early morning at the entrance of Macau's Hotel Lisboa, over a dozen black nanny vans were parked in neat rows. Crew members were busy setting up filming equipment, lighting technicians adjusting spotlights, makeup artists weaving through with their toolboxes. Xiang Fei stood in the center of the hotel's resplendent lobby wearing sunglasses and holding a clapperboard, surveying the casino that was about to become the film's main set.

"All departments, ready!" the assistant director shouted through a megaphone. "Scene one, rolling in five minutes!"

In the makeup room, Liu Furun was practicing Chen Xiaodao's signature roguish grin in the mirror. He wore a floral shirt with an exaggerated gold chain around his neck — the spitting image of a street thug.

"Brother Rong, this look suits you perfectly!" the stylist couldn't help exclaiming.

Liu Furun broke into a grin, revealing two small canine teeth: "Brother Fei wrote this character with so much flavor. The moment I read the script, I fell in love with Chen Xiaodao."

In the adjoining makeup room, Xiang Qiang was trying on Long Wu's black suit. He struck a few fighting poses in the mirror and frowned: "Isn't this outfit too tight? Will I be able to move freely in the action scenes?"

The costume director quickly explained: "Don't worry, Mr. Xiang. We used stretch fabric, specially designed for action scenes."

Xiang Fei walked into the lead actors' rest area, holding a storyboard in his hand. "Everyone, we'll shoot the big scene of God of Gamblers Gao Jin's entrance first." He turned to Liu Furun. "Rong Zai, your Chen Xiaodao needs to show that complicated mix of admiration and unwillingness to yield later."

Liu Furun nodded: "Understood. I'll nail that feeling of 'wanting to cozy up to the big shot while also wanting to prove myself.'"

Xiang Fei turned to Xiang Qiang again: "Uncle Qiang, Long Wu's first shot is crucial — it has to read as a tough character at first glance."

Xiang Qiang snorted coldly: "Do I even need to try? Just standing there isn't tough enough?"

At that moment, Zhang Min and Wang Zuxian walked in arm in arm. Zhang Min was in a red evening gown, breathtakingly beautiful; Wang Zuxian wore jeans with a white T-shirt, pure yet with a wild streak.

"Wow! Sister Min looks absolutely stunning today!" Liu Furun couldn't help letting out a whistle.

Zhang Min twirled gracefully: "Xiang Shao said the first scene is the God of Gamblers couple's entrance, so of course I had to dress up."

"Everyone quiet!" the assistant director shouted. "God of Gamblers, Scene One, Take One — action!"

The clapperboard snapped with a sharp "click."

The camera slowly pushed in from the casino entrance. Accompanied by stirring background music, Xiang Fei's Gao Jin — in a black suit, hair slicked back in his signature style, a faint enigmatic smile on his lips — walked into the casino with elegant steps. Zhang Min looped her arm through his, the two of them dazzling like a king and queen.

"Cut! Perfect!" the director's assistant shouted excitedly.

But Xiang Fei didn't call stop — he kept performing. Gao Jin walked to the gaming table and casually tossed a stack of chips to the waiter: "A glass of champagne for every guest. Put it on my tab."

This improvised detail made everyone on set hold their breath. Liu Furun's Chen Xiaodao pushed his way out of the crowd, eyes shining as he stared at Gao Jin: "Boss, can you teach me a trick or two?"

Xiang Fei turned around, his gaze suddenly turning sharp: "Are you worthy?"

This improvised line caught Liu Furun off guard for a beat, but his professionalism kicked in immediately: "I, Chen Xiaodao, have been hustling in Macau for years — I've never met anyone I couldn't beat!"

"Cut!" Xiang Fei finally called stop. "That's a wrap! Rong Zai, your reaction was amazing!"

Warm applause broke out on set. Liu Furun wiped the sweat from his brow: "Brother Fei, you really startled me just now — that look was killer!"

Xiang Qiang walked over and patted his nephew on the shoulder: "A-Fei, you've got a bit of the God of Gamblers in you now."

At noon, the crew ate at the hotel restaurant. Xiang Fei, Liu Furun, Xiang Qiang, Zhang Min, and Wang Zuxian sat at one table, discussing the afternoon's scenes between bites.

"This afternoon we're shooting the amnesia scenes. How are you planning to play it, Xiang Shao?" Wang Zuxian asked curiously.

Xiang Fei smiled mysteriously: "Just wait and see." As he spoke, his expression suddenly changed — his eyes turned innocent and childlike — and he grabbed a chocolate from the table and stuffed it into his mouth: "Delicious... chocolate is the best..."

This sudden transformation stunned everyone. Liu Furun's chopsticks clattered to the floor: "My God! It's like he's a completely different person!"

Zhang Min couldn't hold back a laugh: "Looks like this 'wife' of yours is going to have to take good care of her 'silly husband.'"

In the afternoon, while filming the scene of Gao Jin wandering the streets after losing his memory, an accident happened. According to the script, Xiang Fei was supposed to be shoved around in a wet market wearing tattered clothes. But one extra got too into it and shoved too hard, sending Xiang Fei crashing to the ground.

"Xiang Shao!" the crew members cried out, rushing over.

But Xiang Fei lay on the ground laughing heartily: "Great shove! That's exactly the realism we need!" He got up and dusted himself off. "Come on, let's do another take!"

This professional dedication earned the sincere respect of all the crew. Liu Furun said privately to Xiang Qiang: "Xiang Shao is giving it his all like this — us old actors can't afford to lose face."

In the evening, they filmed the casino climax — the scene of Gao Jin wiping out the tables after regaining his memory. This scene required a single continuous take, an enormous challenge for both actors and the cinematographer.

"Everyone, ready!" the assistant director shouted. "This is the last scene of the day — stay sharp!"

The shot began with a close-up of Xiang Fei. He slowly raised his head, his gaze gradually sharpening from confusion. As the music swelled, he ripped off the tattered outer jacket to reveal the black suit underneath.

Then came a fluid, seamless display of gambling technique — Xiang Fei's hands moved so fast they dazzled the eye.

"Cut! Perfect!" the cinematographer shouted excitedly. "That take was incredible!"

Xiang Fei let out a long breath, only then realizing his back was soaked through with sweat. Liu Furun was the first to rush up and hand him water: "Brother Fei, that scene is absolutely going to become a classic!"

At 11 p. m., the first day's filming finally wrapped. Xiang Fei called all the key creatives together for a wrap-up meeting.

"Everyone did great today," Xiang Fei said, looking at his exhausted but exhilarated team members. "Especially Rong Zai and Uncle Qiang — the sparks between you two were flying."

Xiang Qiang cracked a rare smile: "A-Fei, you're directing like a real pro now."

Liu Furun rubbed his aching shoulders: "Brother Fei, tomorrow we're shooting the romance scenes between me and Zuxian — go easy on us, will you?"

Wang Zuxian gave a playful wink: "What? Is Rong Zai getting shy?"

Another burst of laughter rippled through the group. Xiang Fei looked at the harmonious crew, his heart full of accomplishment: "Alright, that's it for today. Tomorrow morning at 7 a. m. — be on time!"

Back at the hotel, Xiang Fei found Liu Furun still in the hallway rehearsing his lines for tomorrow.

"Rong Zai, still up this late?"

Liu Furun smiled: "Tomorrow's scenes are important — I want to find the right feel." He hesitated. "Fei Zai, do you think Chen Xiaodao's feelings toward Gao Jin should lean more toward admiration, or jealousy?"

Xiang Fei thought for a moment: "I think it should be conflicted. He both admires Gao Jin's talent and envies his success — that complex psychology is exactly what makes the character compelling."

Liu Furun's eyes lit up: "I get it now! It's like... like that feeling of loving and hating your idol at the same time."

The two exchanged a smile and continued discussing their characters in the hallway deep into the night. When a hotel staff member passed by, they couldn't help stealing a second glance — these two big stars, at this moment, were as devoted as two students passionate about acting.