Chapter 242: Yang Mi Teaches Liu Shishi a Lesson, Filming Wraps

At the China Film Group digital production base, inside a green screen studio, a special effects shot was currently being filmed.

In the shot, Qiao Zhenyu was wearing a spacesuit, suspended by wires behind his back, his body parallel to the ground at a height of just over half a meter, one hand gripping the door of the spacecraft.

This was the male lead being pulled by the massive vacuum of space, desperately trying to save himself.

This kind of performance without physical props looked quite awkward; it placed extremely high demands on the actor, requiring at the very least a highly natural facial expression and reasonable body movements.

Off to the side, Lei Datou and Nazha watched the scene unfold, feeling somewhat awestruck; Qiao Zhenyu was truly worthy of being the top star of Shanhe Media, no wonder the boss was willing to promote him.

"Cut!"

With a command from Wei Jin, this scene was considered complete. — Ning Hao's third edit was already finished; having been rejected twice in a row, he was holding back a surge of energy.

It was said that Han Sanping of China Film Group had stepped in personally, approaching that group of people more than once, but unfortunately, this censorship committee seemed determined to make an example of someone to regain the face they had lost earlier with Wei Jin, showing absolutely no regard for personal relationships.

However, this method of giving no reason and refusing to grant approval, only offering a single line about "not conforming to social values" and leaving people to guess, really seemed rather petty.

It infuriated Han Sanping so much that he jumped up and down, directly slashing more than half of the special film support funds for the second half of the year.

One must know that in the past, most of the people applying for these funds had close ties to the censorship committee, either being members of the Film Association or the students and old acquaintances of those stubborn traditionalists.

Now that they were relying on their power to disrespect Han Sanping, they couldn't blame the latter for withholding the money; the two sides were now locked in a standoff.

Many industry insiders were also watching the subsequent outcome, and Wei Jin was no exception; he knew this matter was not over.

But soon, the attention of the circle was diverted; the official website of Shanhe Media announced the latest project information:

"Brotherhood of Blades 2: Shura Battlefield", total investment of 60 million, Director: Lu Yang; Screenwriter: Wei Jin; Producers: Shanhe Media, China Film Group; Male Lead: Huang Xiaoming; Female Lead: Yang Mi;

Other roles: several to be determined; for a time, it caused a sensation in the circle again. One must know that "Brotherhood of Blades" had raked in a massive 334 million at the box office, and although the director had changed, the screenwriter was still Wei Jin, not to mention that the new director Lu Yang had already proven himself before; he was quite adept at martial arts films.

Without a doubt, this was another high-quality project, but what made the actresses in the circle go crazy was why the female lead had been decided directly? When did Yang Mi manage to get a connection with Shanhe Media?

As for why they didn't consider whether Yang Mi had connected with China Film Group, let alone whether she had that capability, the industry was very clear about the casting of Shanhe Media's works: other producers could not interfere.

As for the male actors, their minds also began to wander; "Brotherhood of Blades 2" was undoubtedly a man's film, and even if it were a supporting role, it was definitely a huge temptation for many. — At the China Film Group digital production base, the filming process reached its final stage.

The entire spacecraft system malfunctioned, various module programs went out of control, and Qiao Zhenyu and Gao Yuanyuan were racing against time to troubleshoot.

The Intelligent Bionic Robot played by Lei Datou, with a strip of green cloth stuck to his forehead, was dancing around in a completely irregular manner.

In the post-production footage, the green cloth on Lei Datou's forehead would be turned into a wound, with the visual effect of turned-out metal skin, inside of which were precise metal components.

On the monitor screen, Qiao Zhenyu crossed the bar counter and turned off Lei Datou's switch; the latter instantly powered down and became completely motionless.

"Cut!"

Wei Jin nodded; in nearly two months of filming, Lei Datou's acting skills had improved visibly, which showed that while stage play training could lay a foundation, to turn acting skills into reality, one still needed practical experience.

"This take is a wrap. All units, prepare, we start the next scene in ten minutes."

"Copy that."

Just as Wei Jin was planning to smoke a cigarette, Lei Datou walked over, looking somewhat timid.

"If you want to smoke, let's do it together. What's with that look?"

"No, Boss Wei, um, I wanted to ask if there are any roles suitable for me in 'Brotherhood of Blades 2'."

Although Lei Jiayin knew his image didn't seem very suitable, what man didn't have a martial arts dream in his heart? "Hmm, actually, there really is one that suits you."

Wei Jin thought of Pei Lun from the original "Brotherhood of Blades 2"; Lei Jiayin's performance was truly excellent.

"But I won't interfere in this matter; you should contact Lu Yang yourself."

Lei Jiayin felt a bit disappointed upon hearing this, but immediately cheered up; after all, it was his own company's film, so the director would take care of him to some extent, and since Wei Jin had pointed out there was a role for him, he believed his chances should be quite high under fair competition.

"Alright, I'll call Director Lu tonight to reserve a spot, hehe." — "Chinese Paladin 3" was still in promotion, but Yang Mi clearly felt that the way everyone looked at her was a bit different.

Liu Shishi's gaze toward Yang Mi was the most complex; she had actually already guessed the reason, but she wanted to ask Yang Mi in person.

When they returned to the hotel after the promotion ended, Liu Shishi pulled Yang Mi aside.

"Aren't you going to explain something?"

"Explain what? How inexplicable."

Yang Mi broke free; she considered herself to have already climbed into Wei Jin's bed, and her current status was much higher than Liu Shishi's, so the latter's usefulness was gone, not to mention that her relationship with Tangren was not harmonious, so naturally, she no longer had any scruples.

"How did you get the role? Is it really..."

Yang Mi wanted to laugh upon hearing this; this woman was truly naive enough.

"Yes, it's exactly what you think. Just a fair trade."

"But how could you do this? Aren't we good friends?"

Seeing Yang Mi admit it herself, Liu Shishi felt a bit sad.

"Shishi, your personality really isn't suitable for this circle."

Yang Mi sighed; in consideration of the help she had received in getting an invitation letter back then, she prepared to give Liu Shishi one last lesson.

"I am helping you recognize reality. The women who want to climb into Wei Jin's bed could line up from the Shanghai Theatre Academy all the way to the Beijing Film Academy. Besides, what qualification do you have to judge me?"

Yang Mi's words struck Liu Shishi like a bolt of lightning. Yes, what qualifications did she have herself? How was she any different from Yang Mi? Weren't they both bowing their heads for resources?

Liu Shishi then said no more, walking toward her room with her head down; her Assistant Xiao Tao glared at Yang Mi and followed her, looking worried.

"Sister Shishi, don't listen to Yang Mi's nonsense. Boss Wei definitely has feelings for you. Just think about the times you were together..."

"Xiao Tao, stop talking. I want to be alone for a while." — The casting requirements for "Brotherhood of Blades 2" had already been published on the official website of Shanhe Media.

Many artists cast their gaze toward it, but unfortunately, for this kind of series, there was very little room for maneuvering; compared to the first installment, there were only three or five roles available for selection in "Brotherhood of Blades 2".

Even so, with the backing of the previous work, the competition was still very fierce.

Lu Yang had truly experienced what it meant to be treated differently these past few days.

Previously, when directing "Eye for an Eye", because it was a low-budget film, not many actors had bothered to pay him any attention.

Now that he was confirmed as the director for the "Brotherhood of Blades 2" project, he instantly became the "hot commodity" in the circle; the number of stars and artists calling him these days was simply too many.

Additionally, having graduated for more than two years, this was the first time he had received so many calls from his teachers at the Academy, all of them hinting in their words that he should take care of the junior students from the Beijing Film Academy.

Without giving any promises, Lu Yang was loyal to the film; even the company's own artists had to participate in auditions. He had to live up to Wei Jin's trust and be responsible for this series.

Soon, various talent agencies began sending audition resumes his way.

Looking through the resumes, Lu Yang couldn't help but sigh; connections really are everywhere in this circle.

Among the audition resumes received, graduates or current students from the three major academies were the most numerous. Beijing Film Academy alone accounted for as high as 40 percent; did they really think that if he was from Beijing Film Academy, he would give them extra care?

He first did some screening; he had flipped through the script of *Brotherhood of Blades 2* countless times over these two months, and the character positioning and imagery were already clear in his mind.

This stage already weeded out quite a few people, and the rest were notified for auditions. The promotion for *Lucy* was already in full swing, and the programs Jing Tian recorded were being broadcast one after another; many people were looking forward to the film's release.

Some media reported on the promotional situation of *Lucy* in North America.

In addition to the normal promotional methods by the distributor, Summit Entertainment, more than a dozen Hollywood stars and big names helped out.

Best Actor Leonardo, Best Actor Matt, Golden Horse Best Actress Theron, popular actress Kristen, North American diva Taylor, Iron Man Robert Downey Jr., horror master James Wan, billion-dollar director Nolan—a lineup of pure Hollywood big shots, so luxurious that even domestic fans felt it was unreal.

The key was that these people were very diligent in their promotion; not only did they record promotional videos, but they also posted soft-sell tweets, making everyone have to marvel at Wei Jin's appeal and influence in Hollywood.

This also instantly raised the promotional effect of *Lucy* by a notch.

Even Han Sanping felt a bit jealous when he saw it, calling to complain to Wei Jin that *The Martian* hadn't been promoted this hard back then.

To this, Wei Jin could only chuckle; for a female-led film, the results must be impressive, so this promotion could be considered a birthday gift for the young lady. — At the China Film Group Digital Production Base, *Passengers* welcomed its final few scenes.

"Wire is ready, safety measures are in place."

Following the reports from each team, Wei Jin knew the crew had made full preparations.

"Wire technicians ready, action!"

In the monitor, Qiao Zhenyu, suspended by wires, suddenly rose more than ten meters.

After post-production special effects, this shot would be the male lead being blown out of the spaceship by a powerful flame airflow.

At this moment, the tether on the male lead snapped, and his spacesuit was damaged; he couldn't return to the ship and faced death.

The camera cut to Gao Yuanyuan, who quickly put on a spacesuit and decisively went to the rescue.

The voice of the artificial intelligence sounded: "Location of personnel needing rescue identified." In the frame, Gao Yuanyuan followed the guidance and quickly found Qiao Zhenyu's position, but because of the length of the tether, she was just a bit short and couldn't reach him.

Seeing Qiao Zhenyu drifting further and further away, at the critical moment, Gao Yuanyuan swung her arm hard, pulling the tether behind her to its limit.

Finally, heaven rewards the diligent; Gao Yuanyuan barely grabbed the other end of the broken tether on Qiao Zhenyu.

The camera continued to follow as Gao Yuanyuan dragged the heart-stopped Qiao Zhenyu back inside the spaceship, her face full of anxiety and unease, her body trembling from tension.

She placed the male lead into the Medical Pod and used the final authorization the male lead gave her—derived from Liang Jiahui's legacy—to order the medical system to perform emergency treatment, and finally, she succeeded.

"Cut, that take is good."

Wei Jin stood up and left the monitor, stretching his body.

"Director Wei, why make it so thrilling?"

Nazha asked with some curiosity; when watching the scene just now, even though she already knew the plot direction, she still couldn't help but worry for the male and female leads.

"Nazha, you don't understand this."

Before Wei Jin could speak, Lei Jiayin started to explain for him.

"Although this trope is cliché, the audience absolutely loves it. Just tell me, were you nervous just now or not?"

Hearing this, Nazha nodded thoughtfully; sure enough, there is a lot of learning in film.

A few minutes later, the next shot began—"All camera positions ready."

Wei Jin looked around and, seeing that the crew was all in place, shouted out.

"Action!"

Today was the final scene; once this was finished, it meant that *Passengers*, which had been filming for nearly two months, had officially wrapped.

In the shot, Qiao Zhenyu accidentally discovered that the Medical Pod actually had a hibernation function, but it could only be used by one person.

He wanted to save this opportunity for the woman he loved deeply.

"Go, after eighty-plus years, we can meet again..."

At this moment, Qiao Zhenyu's face was full of deep affection.

"No, I would rather grow old and die with you."

Under the final long take, in the swimming pool, the two embraced and kissed—of course, it was a camera trick.

"Cut."

Wei Jin stood up and picked up the megaphone beside him; even though sound transmission was perfectly fine inside the studio, he still felt that a sense of ritual was necessary.

"I announce, *Passengers* has officially wrapped!"

"Yay, finally wrapped!"

"Good luck with the wrap!"

"Director Wei, treat us to a meal tonight~~"

"Alright, let's drink until we drop." — Beijing, at a private kitchen restaurant, a small gathering was underway.

"Cheers!"

Wei Jin's proposal was approved by everyone present, and they all raised their glasses to celebrate.

After a glass of wine, Gao Yuanyuan stopped everyone from picking up their chopsticks, took out her phone, and signaled for everyone to gather around.

"What are you dazing for? Come over and take a photo; we have to make Brother Jiahui jealous."

"Yuan Yuanjie, you are too mean, but I like it, hahaha."

Lei Jiayin was the first to agree, and the others followed suit.

"Come, lean towards me, 1, 2, 3, cheese..."

With a "click," the photo was frozen, and everyone returned to their seats to start enjoying this sumptuous dinner.

Gao Yuanyuan then sent the photo just taken to Weibo, with the caption: "*Passengers* has officially wrapped, crew dinner. Brother Jiahui, satisfy your craving first, see you at the wrap party."

After posting, she didn't forget to tag Liang Jiahui; while on set, everyone had registered and used Weibo under Wei Jin's call, and they were all following each other.

Liang Jiahui hadn't replied yet, but the media had already reacted.

Directed by Wei Jin, jointly produced by five major investors, and with an investment of 250 million, the sci-fi romance film *Passengers* had officially wrapped after two months of filming!

Wishing everyone a happy Lunar New Year and a happy Valentine's Day!

(End of this chapter)