Chapter 148: The Proactive Liu Yifei and the 19th Birthday

The filming locations for *The Forbidden Kingdom* were mainly in Hengdian, with some special exterior shots in the Gobi Desert, Jiuzhaigou, Xianju Waterfall, Wuyi Mountain, the bamboo forests of Anji, and the Plum Blossom Garden at Yongkang Fangyan.

However, the exterior filming had long been completed in the early stages, and since May, they had been filming continuously in Hengdian; all the remaining important scenes would be completed here.

During the two-plus months of filming in Hengdian, every set was under strict guard, and the secrecy was maintained to the extreme.

The entire project's filming time had already reached nearly five months, and with the wrap-up in sight, the crew finally opened up for reporters to visit the set.

As an Oscar Director, Wei Jin's itinerary could not be hidden; he had communicated with the crew in advance about this visit, and as soon as he arrived, he saw crew members coming to welcome him.

"Director Wei, hello, welcome to the set. The director and several main cast members are here; please, this way."

Wei Jin nodded and followed the staff toward the set, seeing many warning signs along the way, which read:

"We kindly request all J&J department staff, under any circumstances, not to disclose any information regarding the film's exterior shooting locations to outside parties. Anyone found in violation will be dismissed immediately."

Wei Jin clicked his tongue inwardly; this was too exaggerated, almost as if they were guarding against thieves.

Arriving at the scene, a scene was currently being filmed, so Wei Jin did not speak to disturb them.

Many staff members noticed Wei Jin and nodded or smiled in greeting; Wei Jin smiled and returned the gestures while observing the set.

The Qin King Palace's Four Seas Return to One Hall, used as the main shooting location, had been transformed by the crew into a super-large studio. It was said that the cost of installing the lighting alone was nearly 1 million yuan. Wei Jin was noncommittal about this, as he hadn't invested in it himself.

After looking around, Wei Jin began to focus his attention on the actors.

Liu Yifei had improved a lot since *Those Years* and was performing very seriously.

Cheng Long and Li Lianjie's salaries were too expensive, and this film adopted the Hollywood working model, with huge insurance policies taken out on both of them. Ordinary fight scenes were handled directly by stunt doubles, so, overall, their greatest advantages were not fully utilized.

Wei Jin observed the foreign director and his cinematographer for a while; purely from the perspective of an expert director, he always felt they were somewhat timid and overly cautious.

"Director Wei? Why are you here?"

Liu Xiaoli didn't know when she had spotted Wei Jin and was somewhat surprised.

"Hello, Auntie. I promised Yifei I'd visit the set. Since the wrap-up is in sight, if I didn't come now, Yifei would hold a grudge against me."

Setting aside his prejudices, Liu Xiaoli was truly good to her daughter, and Wei Jin didn't mind showing a bit more respect.

"That's unfortunate, you'll have to wait a while."

Liu Xiaoli didn't know what to chat about with Wei Jin, so after some pleasantries, she invited Wei Jin to sit and wait.

This film adopted the Hollywood working model, with a very clear schedule for when to start and finish work. Not long after, the hour arrived, and someone reminded the director, Ming Kefu.

As soon as the director spoke, the day's filming came to an end.

Wei Jin was such a large figure that he couldn't be hidden in the crowd, and Liu Yifei spotted him at a glance.

"Brother Wei Jin, you really came?"

Liu Yifei ran over excitedly and hugged Wei Jin's arm tightly; she had made up her mind to be more proactive now.

"When have I ever failed to do what I promised you?"

Wei Jin stood up and said with a chuckle, then looked to the side.

"Brother Cheng, hello. It's our first time meeting; I've been looking forward to this for a long time."

"Director Wei, we've brushed past each other so many times; we've finally met today. Very good."

Cheng Long also came over with a smile to greet Wei Jin. Coincidentally, both were internationally renowned figures, but they had never had the chance to meet.

After some pleasantries, the two exchanged phone numbers, and Wei Jin achieved his "stamp collecting" milestone.

To be fair, no matter how much people badmouth him, one cannot deny Cheng's status internationally. He had always had a high level of political consciousness, his stance was firm, and he liked to help the younger generation; he was a person worth associating with.

As for other aspects, who in the entertainment industry would dare say they are clean? Subsequently, the director Ming Kefu also came over to greet him, keeping a very low profile. Wei Jin's illustrious reputation as an Oscar Director was not something a Hollywood flop director like him could compare to.

"Wei, you are still so young; the achievements you've made in film are truly astonishing."

Seeing the welcome Wei Jin received on set, Liu Xiaoli finally understood that this young man's international status was likely beyond her imagination. — "Brother Wei Jin, how was my performance just now?"

Liu Yifei held Wei Jin's arm tightly, her face full of anticipation; one had to know she had been scolded terribly while filming *Those Years*.

"Not bad. As far as this scene is concerned, your acting has improved a lot."

Wei Jin wasn't lying; the quality of the film was one thing, and an actor's acting skills were another. Liu Yifei had indeed grown a lot.

However, what made him feel a bit strange was that he felt Liu Yifei was being a bit too enthusiastic today.

"Then can I appear in your movies in the future?"

Having her acting skills recognized, Liu Yifei was very happy and felt full of anticipation for working with Wei Jin.

"Of course, as long as the role is suitable, I won't forget you."

"That's great, mua!"

Receiving Wei Jin's affirmative answer, a smile bloomed on Liu Yifei's face, and she actually gave Wei Jin a kiss. However, she immediately thought of something: "I'm really envious of Tian Tian; she can appear in your movies just after debuting." Regarding this matter, Liu Yifei felt a bit bitter; Jing Tian must have pestered Wei Jin for the role again. It seemed she had to be even more proactive.

"Hey, it was a small role, and the screen time wasn't much. Besides, if you film my movie, you'll be the lead right from the start."

"Hee hee, that's true."

The two chatted for a while longer, and in the evening, Wei Jin treated Liu Yifei and her mother to a meal before leaving without lingering; there was still a little girl at home waiting to celebrate her birthday. — July 21st, inside Jing Tian's villa, a birthday party was underway.

This birthday was much livelier than the last. Although Jing's father and mother were not there, Jing Tian had already enrolled in school and had called over many of her classmates from the Beijing Film Academy's Director Department.

Just as he entered the house, Wei Jin saw many familiar faces, although they all appeared very young and reserved at this time; a group of people were playing games.

"Hello, Senior, I'm Zhu Yilong."

"Hello, Senior, I'm Peng Guanying."

"..."

Many people saw Wei Jin arrive and stopped talking, rising one after another to greet him. Just kidding, this was an Oscar Director, the most outstanding senior from the Beijing Film Academy's Director Department. If they didn't try to build a connection now, when would they? In fact, many people had come to Jing Tian's birthday party with this very purpose.

Wei Jin smiled and responded to the smiling faces of his juniors, though most of them would not have the chance to interact again.

In the corner, there was a relatively quiet girl who caught Wei Jin's attention. Whoa, good heavens, this is the "Big Sister-in-law."

Sensing Wei Jin's gaze, Gao Ye stood up somewhat nervously and called out "Senior."

"Don't be nervous, you all keep playing; I'll go to the kitchen to see Jing Tian."

Wei Jin waved his hand and walked toward the kitchen; he was curious, what kind of culinary skills could Jing Tian have? "Phew, Senior Wei's aura is so strong; I didn't even dare to speak loudly..."

"That goes without saying, a 24-year-old Oscar Director, this achievement—"

"I really envy Jing Tian, if only..." — "Guess who I am?"

Watching Jing Tian focused on cooking, Wei Jin quietly covered her eyes, deliberately changing his tone.

"Brother Wei Jin, you are so childish. Apart from you, the boys in our class don't dare to get too close to me..."

Jing Tian really couldn't think of anyone else who would dare to put their hands directly on her face.

This was also normal; she sang Wei Jin's songs from her debut, and followed up with television dramas and big-budget films. It was clear that Wei Jin was protecting her behind the scenes, so few of her peers dared to cause trouble in front of Jing Tian.

"You are so smart, what reward should I give you?"

Turning Jing Tian around, Wei Jin wrapped his arms around her slender waist, his tone somewhat playful.

"Oh, not here, the classmates will see us in a while..."

Of course, Wei Jin would not mess around regardless of the occasion; the two just kissed for a while, and the big feast was naturally to be saved for the evening.

Jing Tian's culinary skills ultimately failed to be showcased; a portion of twice-cooked pork was all boiled down into oil dregs.

However, dinner was naturally prepared by the nanny. After eating a lively meal, Wei Jin took Jing Tian and joined the classmates' games.

It had to be said that being with young people, Wei Jin felt a bit out of place, but he also felt very relaxed, not needing to think about so many schemes and interests.

As the candles on the cake were extinguished, Jing Tian officially stepped into her 19th year, and Wei Jin suddenly had a feeling of raising her. — "Tian Tian, what wish did you make?"

After eating the cake, the Beijing Film Academy classmates left very tactfully, leaving the space to Wei Jin and Jing Tian.

"I can't tell you, Brother Wei Jin."

"If you don't say it, you won't get your gift today."

There were too many people just now, so it wasn't easy for Wei Jin to take out the gift he had prepared.

"I don't believe you, hurry up and take it out, otherwise I'll make you sleep in the living room tonight."

After such a long time, Jing Tian's parents had also discovered the relationship between the two. Apart from warning Jing Tian to be safe, they didn't ask any more questions, and Wei Jin was naturally going to stay the night tonight.

"Tian Tian, I'll sleep in the living room, I'm afraid some people won't be able to help themselves at night..."

"You're talking nonsense, I wouldn't do that."

The two laughed and played around, and Wei Jin took out the gift he had prepared, which was still a script.

"Now You See Me? What type of movie is this?"

Looking at the script in her hand, Jing Tian asked curiously: "This is a magic crime movie that wins through special effects and plot. The requirements for acting skills are not too high, which is suitable for your current stage."

Wei Jin explained it, and the following sentence made Jing Tian pleasantly surprised:

"The movie will be filmed in North America; this is a Hollywood blockbuster."

"Brother Wei Jin, you are really so good to me."

"Tian Tian, when expressing gratitude, you should show sincerity..."

Although Jing Tian didn't quite understand, she still offered a sweet kiss, and then, under Wei Jin's guidance, showed more and more sincerity. Until today's first update, I implore all book friends to reward me with subscriptions, follow-up readings, and collections. Please flip to the last page for the follow-up reading, thank you everyone! (End of chapter)