Chapter 555: Filming, Gossip, and a Stern Lesson

On the last day of May, *The Fault in Our Stars* officially began filming.

Wei Jin led the crew in holding a low-key opening ceremony at a location near Beijing.

This time, Wei Jin handled the confidentiality work very well and did not accept any interviews from reporters at all.

After the ceremony ended, Wei Jin looked at Liu Yifei; at this moment, the young girl had completely transformed into her character's makeup.

Wearing a hospital gown, pale-faced, wearing a nasal cannula, and with ear-length short hair, she looked indescribably haggard and weak.

Beside her was Liu Xiaoli, who played the female lead's mother, and the doctor in a white coat—Zhang Songwen.

This role had very few scenes, so Wei Jin simply had the on-set acting coach Zhang Songwen make a cameo.

"Yifei, for the upcoming scene, you must grasp your state of mind. The female lead has been ill for many years; she is physically and mentally exhausted, even carrying a sense of self-abandonment. So, when facing the doctor, she is somewhat impatient and indifferent."

Listening to Wei Jin's nagging instructions, Liu Yifei nodded incessantly, a sweet smile still on her face.

This treatment was much better than back during *Those Years*, hmph hmph.

After Wei Jin finished giving instructions, he first looked at Liu Xiaoli and Zhang Songwen, then checked the setup of the scene, walked straight behind the monitor, and picked up the megaphone.

"Attention all units, filming officially begins in 30 seconds."

"Lighting, in position."

"Props, in position."

"."

As one voice after another rang out, the floor manager appeared in front of the camera.

"*The Fault in Our Stars*, scene one, take one, action."

The first scene was the mother in the hospital room comforting the female lead, urging her to take blocking medication and attend the support group for patients.

In the frame, Liu Yifei wore an indifferent, even reckless expression, looking completely crushed by the illness and self-abandoning.

What surprised Wei Jin most was Liu Xiaoli's performance; her lips and voice trembled slightly, yet her face wore a kind and doting smile.

And after being rejected by the girl, her tone was gentle, and her eyes even held a hint of pleading.

Finally, under the "eye-kill" of her mother, the female lead gave in and nodded in agreement.

"Cut! That take is a wrap."

As soon as Wei Jin finished speaking, Liu Yifei jumped off the hospital bed, her face full of surprise.

"Mom, you acted so well, I almost thought I was really sick..."

"Don't talk nonsense."

Liu Xiaoli interrupted Liu Yifei in a serious tone, then pressed her palms together: "Children's words are harmless, may the bad not come true and the good be fulfilled."

Watching Liu Xiaoli's demeanor, Liu Yifei wanted to laugh but didn't dare to, and combined with the makeup on her face, it was hilarious.

At this time, Zhang Songwen walked over and said with some emotion:

"Director Wei, there is a line in your script that I think is written so well..."

Before Wei Jin could ask, Zhang Songwen gave the answer: "The only thing more tragic than having a terminal illness is having a child with a terminal illness, and parents wishing they could take their place."

At this moment, Wei Jin thought of his son and daughter and nodded heavily.

"Mm, that's how it is."

Collecting his emotions, Wei Jin sat back at the monitor and began the next scene. Outside, seeing the Summer Slot drawing closer, several films scheduled for June had entered the final stage of frantic promotion.

The most prominent one, of course, was the 220 million investment, *Tianji: Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains*, jointly created by China Film Group, Media Asia, Pegasus, Movie Channel, and many other producers.

Online and offline, the promotional press releases for the film were overwhelming.

In the latest teaser trailer, the white-haired Tong Dawei was either playing with Lin Zhilin's beautiful legs or flirting with Zhang Jingchu; he couldn't have been more carefree.

However, this trailer left people completely confused, not knowing what the director wanted to express.

But as the director, Sun Jianjun expressed great confidence in front of the media: "Director Wei Jin's *The Thieves* gave me great inspiration, but unlike *The Thieves*, *Switch* is not a simple treasure-hunting film.

It contains many elements such as espionage, action, suspense, thriller, and even alternative emotions. The audience will have a completely different experience. I believe that in the hot Summer Slot, the film will definitely achieve eye-catching results."

Besides *Tianji: Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains*, the most anticipated film in the circle should be *Tiny Times*.

After all, the examples of *Left Ear* and *So Young* were right before their eyes, and their box office results were still fresh.

Therefore, facing the media's cameras, Guo Jingming was exceptionally high-profile: "*Tiny Times* is a precipitation of thought; it is about indulging in enjoyment and love during one's youth. I believe that in the Summer Slot, it will definitely not disappoint the expectations of fans and the audience."

Yang Mi was also heavily promoting the film on Weibo, looking forward to becoming a lead actress with 700 million, or even 800 million, in box office.

Other films about to be released, such as *No Man's Land* and *Badges of Fury*, were not to be outdone.

*No Man's Land* had the Triangle combination of Ning Hao, Huang Bai, and Xu Guangtou, and its appeal was not weak.

Especially since the film had been under review for nearly four years and revised many times, it had aroused the anticipation of many viewers and fans.

*Badges of Fury* focused on the "After This Our" between Li Lianjie and Wenzhang, and the addition of two major young actresses from Starry Sky Culture, which was also very gimmicky.

For a time, the smoke of the Summer Slot had completely filled the air.

Beijing, *The Fault in Our Stars* crew.

"Ah, why are you all here?"

Liu Yifei was chatting away with Shu Chang when she suddenly saw a group of familiar figures; she couldn't believe it and exclaimed on the spot.

"Haha... Surprised? Unexpected? Old Wei called me over to make a cameo. I didn't even go to the film promotion and just came over. Are you touched, Yifei?"

Huang Bai pulled up a small stool and sat down as if he were at home, then Luo Jin, Qiao Zhenyu, and Lei Datou also sat down.

"Thank you, Brother Bai, Brother Zhen Yu, Brother Jiayin."

Liu Yifei gave a sweet smile, then looked at Shu Chang, who was still drinking milk tea beside her, and said with disdain: "If I had known this was a *Those Years* reunion, I would have called Sister Jing over. You are just an extra person."

"What are you saying, you fickle person, I even brought you milk tea."

"Hahaha."

The group met and chatted happily, and Wei Jin did not urge them.

Not until the crew was about to finish the setup did Wei Jin speak up.

"Alright, everyone, hurry and get ready. Change into your costumes and get your makeup done. Bring the guitar over to Huang Bai."

This time, Huang Bai will be the core figure of the Support Group for Patients in the drama, and he has many more shots than Qiao Zhenyu and the others.

"This arrangement is quite good. Old Wei, I haven't sung in a long time. Today, I'll show everyone what I've got."

"By the way, for today's scenes, is President Wei going to appear?"

"Hmm, didn't you see that Lu Yang is sitting in command behind the monitor?"

"Haha, that works. Let's see Old Wei's acting skills today." Half an hour later, everyone was ready, and Lu Yang, sitting behind the monitor, issued the command.

"Action!"

Today's scene is where the male and female leads first meet at the place where the support group gathers.

The plot is a bit cliché—it's the classic scene of bumping into each other at a corner, followed by the two of them looking at each other and apologizing.

But looking at the image on the monitor, Lu Yang frowned.

"Cut! The last shot is no good. Let's do another take."

As soon as the words fell, Huang Bai, Qiao Zhenyu, and the others waiting on the sidelines were stunned. Was this guy Lu Yang trying to rebel? Wei Jin, however, didn't mind at all. He walked behind the monitor to take a look, understood the crux of the matter, and immediately explained to Liu Yifei:

"Yifei, both of our expressions are off. We are strangers; the state of our first meeting wasn't captured well. Let's do another take."

"Okay."

Liu Yifei nodded immediately and went back to her position with Wei Jin.

"Action!"

"Cut! Again!"

"Action!"

"Cut! Again!"

After two consecutive NGs, for a total of four takes, Wei Jin's first scene in the drama was finally finished.

Shu Chang, Luo Jin, Huang Bai, and the others watching from the side all gave Lu Yang a thumbs-up. Daring to make the big boss NG so many times—that's truly impressive! "Oh my, I was worried before that he wouldn't be able to keep up with my acting, I didn't expect so many NGs."

Hearing Liu Yifei and Shu Chang teasing his acting skills, Wei Jin stumbled, as if this NG had nothing to do with her.

Just as Wei Jin was pondering how to deal with this little lady tonight, Lu Yang shouted the command, "All units, prepare."

All the actors, including Wei Jin, instantly sat in a circle according to the Executive Director's instructions.

"Action!"

On the monitor screen, Huang Bai played and sang a song with his guitar, winning applause from everyone.

Afterward, he stood up, looked around, and smiled as he suggested: "Welcome everyone to the 【Support Group for Patients】. Many new friends have come today, so let's introduce ourselves again. Old friends, why don't you set the example first?"

Shu Chang stood up first. One could see that her makeup at this moment was a bit pale, but the smile on her face was full of healing power.

"Hello everyone, I have acute myeloid leukemia. I've been in the support group for many years. Here, I feel everyone's care and encouragement, which has given me the courage to survive. I also hope that our new friends can be positive in this atmosphere and say no to the illness together."

Next, everyone introduced themselves in turn: Qiao Zhenyu's lymphoma, Lei Datou's kidney failure... At this moment, the camera turned to Wei Jin. He was sizing up Liu Yifei from time to time. The latter clearly noticed it, and a look of shyness and awkwardness appeared on her face. Her eyes also darted around, trying to avoid the embarrassment.

In the end, she couldn't withstand Wei Jin's gaze and couldn't help but look back.

This eye contact was different from the one at the corner earlier; it seemed as if a strange feeling was rippling in the hearts of the two young people.

The camera turned again, and it was Luo Jin's turn. He stood up, looked around, and introduced himself: "I suffer from retinoblastoma. This eye of mine is fake, but I have a girlfriend who loves me deeply. I don't feel that life is difficult. I'm here today to accompany my good buddy."

As he spoke, Luo Jin looked at Wei Jin. The latter immediately rolled up a pant leg, revealing his lower leg wrapped in green cloth.

"Bone cancer. It was already amputated before..."

This part would be made into a prosthetic limb using special effects in post-production. The actors on set were all Veterans, and no one showed any abnormality.

Next, it continued to be self-introductions. After Liu Yifei finished introducing her situation, only Huang Bai was left on set.

Sitting behind the monitor, Lu Yang knew that the time to test the skills of an old actor had arrived.

In the frame, Huang Bai changed from his previous optimistic and funny appearance. He sat in his seat with a dejected expression, his legs slightly tucked inward.

"I... I suffer from testicular cancer. It was removed many years ago, and my wife has also divorced me..."

"Sigh."

A sound of sighing filled the set.

"Cut! Very good, this take is a pass."

As soon as Lu Yang's voice fell, Lei Datou rushed toward Huang Bai and punched him in the chest.

"Brother Bai, your acting is amazing. Let me see, is it really gone? Haha."

"Datou, get lost!"

"Hahaha."

The entertainment industry is always about gathering less and parting more. Although the few people who came to make guest appearances today were all company actors, the time they could spend together was truly rare.

Therefore, Wei Jin had specially arranged a dinner for the evening, which could also be considered a memory of *Those Years*.

Without realizing it, everyone had known each other for over 8 years, and the table was filled with sighs and reflections.

After reminiscing about the past, everyone started talking about their recent work.

Perhaps wanting to maintain his brilliance, Xu Laoguai was very concerned about *Shendu Longwang*. The promotional work started 20 days in advance, and Qiao Zhenyu would soon be joining the crew.

Lei Datou, swayed by his best friend Guo Jinfei, participated in *Longmen Express* last year, which would start airing at the end of next month.

The production team of *Beauties at the Crossfire*, which Shu Chang filmed last year, had such low efficiency that they had only just sold the film, and the specific broadcast time was still unknown.

Huang Bai invited everyone to attend the premiere of *No Man's Land* on the 5th, and everyone naturally responded one after another.

"Brother Bai, you'll be going head-to-head with your close female friend then, haha..."

Lei Datou joked with a smile. *No Man's Land* and *Tianji: Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains* were only two days apart; they were absolute competitors.

"What nonsense are you talking about? We're just friends."

"I'm afraid it's not that simple. Sister Lin Chi-ling even said that if you weren't married, she would have wanted to marry you, haha."

"Right, she said she was a bit too immersed in *Proposals*. Brother Bai, you're really something. That's Sister Lin Chi-ling!"

"."

Huang Bai was teased in all sorts of ways and, finding it truly unbearable, he directly adopted the airs of a big brother and began frequently challenging others to drink.

Except for Luo Jin, the scenes for everyone else had wrapped up, so they had nothing to fear; even Shu Chang held up a wine glass and started drinking.

The atmosphere at the table suddenly reached a climax.

Amidst the lively and bustling atmosphere, the dinner party came to an end; because they were filming right near Beijing, the production crew did not arrange for lodging, and everyone returned to their own homes.

Tonight, Wei Jin specifically brought Liu Yifei to Xishan Villa, because here, one could shout to their heart's content.

Wei Jin was not a pervert; after the girl sincerely admitted her mistake and made a series of promises, he changed tracks.

However, while the death penalty could be avoided, the living penalty was hard to escape; subsequently, Liu Yifei changed into three sets of outfits in the room: flight attendant, nurse, and student.

Each set was reduced to ashes under the violent reinforcement of Wei Jin.

(End of this chapter)