Chapter 81: Wrap-up Scene, Under the Pear Tree, Everyone Fighting for People!

After Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Qinglian finished confronting her manager.

She used her phone to draft two messages and sent them to the 【Pink Girls Group】 and the 【March Boys Group】.

The one sent to the 【Pink Girls Group】 was:

【Sisters, I've officially joined the cast today. I'll be living the life of an ascetic monk for the next three months. Don't miss me too much; my heart aches that I won't be able to chat in the group!】

The one sent to the 【March Boys Group】 was:

【Brothers, I've joined the cast today and am withdrawing entirely from the recording of "PICK~ Next Station Diva." But don't worry, I've found a heavyweight guest to come and take my place for the final group-formation night!】

In the 【Pink Girls Group】 chat.

Sister Sister Zhenzhu: 【The gossip-loving person has logged on~ Wow, congrats Lotus, how did you become so successful? Why didn't I notice you had acting talent before?】

Lotus: 【Despise. jpg, do you still need my child to discover Dad's talent? Dad didn't say anything before because it wasn't worth mentioning~】

NANA: 【What kind of cast is it that requires being sealed off for three months? So strict. Are you playing the female lead?】

Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Qinglian: 【The "Great Sheng Dynasty" TV drama cast, a production team with an excellent foundation. Even the male and female leads they hired are powerful first-tier actors.

As the second female lead, I only need to be sealed off for three months, but the male and female leads have to be sealed off for at least five months. However, I coaxed my manager and said I'd be sealed off for five months too. Anyway, if I want to stay later, I can always find a way.】

Tongtong: 【Congrats, congrats! I'm also joining a cast to film soon. I'm playing the female lead, Grinning. jpg】

Sister Meng Meng: 【Wow, what's going on with you guys? Have you all been involution-ing into the acting industry lately? Even Jin Li has gone off to act! Should I find a role to play too? Deep in thought. jpg】

Tongtong: 【Should I find a role to play too? Deep in thought. jpg】

Sister Meng Meng: 【Repeater +1】

……

The group chat where the 【March Boys Group】 is located.

Compared to the harmony and friendship on the girl group side, this side started playing a guessing game.

The March Boys were resting, and upon seeing the message from Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Qinglian, they replied immediately.

Chen Lin: 【I wonder which sister from the Pink Girls Group is gracing us with her presence?】

Yan Yan Yan Yan Yan Yan Yan Xingdong: 【It's rare for my child's IQ to keep up for once, Earnest. jpg】

Luo Yi: 【The hottest entertainment news recently is undoubtedly Xi Xi Sister Meng Ze and Jin Li joining forces to sign with Chenxi Entertainment. So, for the final group-formation battle, is the heavyweight guest replacing you Xi Xi Sister Meng Ze?】

Gu Cheng: 【Relying on Xi Xi Sister Meng Ze alone probably won't offset your breach of contract fees, so is it a double combo of Jin Li and Xi Xi Sister Meng Ze?】

Chen Lin: 【Wow, are both sisters coming together? Welcome, welcome!】

Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Qinglian had just exited the harmonious and friendly Pink Girls Group chat and switched to the March Boys group chat.

Seeing the chat history, she was speechless.

She hadn't said a word yet, and this group of people had already guessed seven or eight-tenths of it.

What else could she say?

She chose to turn off her phone screen and mute herself!

……

Evening.

Gu Cheng Match Match Match Match Match Made a video call to Jin Li.

He had been busy running promotional events these past few days and hadn't found time to study with her, nor did he know how her study progress was going.

Jin Li also looked very busy on her end and hadn't proactively asked him any questions.

Today, having finally found some time, the little teacher Gu Cheng went online faithfully.

It was exactly nine o'clock in the evening when he called.

Jin Li answered quickly.

Gu Cheng was just about to speak when he was suddenly shocked by the scene before him. He felt his heart tighten in that instant and come to a standstill.

His brows furrowed tightly: "What happened to your face? Why is there so much blood? Are you wearing Hanfu? No, it should be a costume. Are you filming?"

It took several seconds for Gu Cheng to regain his senses.

Jin Li reached out and wiped her face.

There was blood residue on her face, still fresh and warm; the night scene she had just filmed was the princess killing someone with a sword.

With this wipe, not only her face but even her hands were stained with some blood.

Jin Li said: "Mm, I'm filming. This isn't my blood; it's syrup prepared by the crew. It's actually sweet."

Just now, she had seen Gu Cheng's face turn pale.

Even now, Gu Cheng's complexion didn't look very good. He said expressionlessly: "Do I have to thank you for not licking the blood in front of me, so my little heart didn't suffer such a huge shock?"

Jin Li burst into laughter, "Alright, alright, it's my fault. I shouldn't have let you see this scene without any preparation. I'm fine, really fine!"

The place where the crew was filming was not far from the hotel where she was staying.

And because it was a night scene that had just finished, Jin Li didn't return to the filming location and went straight back to the hotel nearby.

After filming for a day, although her spirit was still okay, her body was already a bit exhausted, and she wanted to rest early.

Gu Cheng asked: "Should I call back later?"

Jin Li shook her head, "No, you called at the right time. I encountered a problem today that I didn't quite understand, so I memorized the question. I'll read it to you now; see how to solve it. Assume a≥b, b is..."

Gu Cheng quickly pulled out a piece of white paper, lowered his head, didn't look at Jin Li's face, listened to the question seriously, and wrote down the key data.

After thinking for just a moment, he immediately said: "It's very simple. This question actually tests a theorem. As long as you fully understand the theorem, you can bypass the complex prerequisites and see the essence..."

Gu Cheng's voice was clean and clear. Jin Li inexplicably thought of the snow falling from the sky in the depths of winter.

Quiet, translucent, and limpid.

Although the snow was silent, it decorated the entire winter.

"Jin Li, Jin Li? Did you understand?" Gu Cheng's voice came from the phone.

Jin Li came back to her senses, "Sorry, I was distracted just now. I didn't hear it. Can you explain it again?"

Listening again, Jin Li followed Gu Cheng's train of thought and understood the problem.

She said with great emotion: "Sometimes, I really envy you."

Gu Cheng:?

"Especially your brain. Why am I not as smart as you?" Jin Li said with great sincerity, "I really want your brain."

Gu Cheng: "... Are you sure you want to say that to me while covered in blood?"

He added: "Have I been too indulgent with you lately, which is why you want to give me nightmares?"

Jin Li blushed.

Why did this child suddenly change his style of speaking? It was quite unsettling.

Looking up, she saw the smile in Gu Cheng's eyes.

Jin Li raised an eyebrow, "Do you know how to respect the old and love the young? Are you trying to tease your sister?"

Gu Cheng straightened his expression, "I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare."

While talking, Jin Li had already returned to the hotel.

She hung up the call for the time being and would call back after she was done. Gu Cheng, this study partner, was still very reliable.

She thought to herself: Gu Cheng is a very honest child. When she originally said "Why don't you teach me," she was just saying it casually, not expecting Gu Cheng to actually take it to heart.

Not to mention a call every day, but they could always talk two or three times a week. Under his guidance, her learning ability was steadily improving.

Looking back at Gu Cheng's teaching, the most precious thing he taught her wasn't knowledge, but a learning mindset.

She could see that Gu Cheng had his own set of learning logic, and this logic could be applied not only to studying but also to problem-solving.

In summary: A good teacher!

With nothing to repay him, she could only buy a few more stacks of scratch-offs to send him, hoping to share some koi luck with him.

The next day.

Jin Li continued filming the princess's dark transformation scene.

Unknowingly, today was already the fourth day of filming, and with the plot's progression, Jin Li's burden was becoming heavier and heavier.

If the princess in the early stages was an innocent and naive little girl, then the princess in the later stages was a black-hearted lotus who would kill anyone in her way.

Originally, the director was worried that Jin Li wouldn't be able to grasp that ruthless feeling.

But when Jin Li performed, everyone was startled.

On the set.

Liu Ci held a dagger in her hand and viciously slapped Lin Lin Zhiyi's face with it.

At this time, Lin Lin Zhiyi had been poisoned with muscle-relaxing powder and couldn't move at all, forced to be at Liu Ci's mercy.

At this moment, Liu Ci had already returned from the Yudian Kingdom after killing her way back.

When she first went to the Yudian Kingdom, she was full of expectation that the Great Liu royal family would save her after a year.

But she didn't wait for them.

In the second year, she became pregnant, only to be forced by the King of Yudian to drink an abortion potion, which left her with a serious illness.

In the third year, she was bedridden year-round.

The room was cold, desolate, and empty; even the mice didn't visit.

Seeing this scene, Liu Ci suddenly laughed maniacally. She had waited so long, only to end up here?

She wanted to live...

From beginning to end, throughout it all, she just wanted to survive.

She climbed out of bed, unwilling to give up, her heart filled with malice. She had to return to the Central Plains and make those who deceived her pay the price!

The scene shifted back to the set.

Liu Ci lightly patted Lin Lin Zhiyi's face with the dagger and asked in a soft, delicate voice: "Tell me, if I were to carve a cut on your face, would the Commandery Prince still like you? Does he want to marry an ugly monster, or find another high-born lady?"

Lin Lin Zhiyi glared at Liu Ci, her expression full of anger.

Liu Ci also stared at her, saying with a fierce expression, "Do not stare at me with those eyes; do you think I truly dare not gouge them out?"

She swung the dagger forward forcefully, and as a flash of blade light flickered, Lin Lin Zhiyi suddenly found she could move, hurriedly reaching out to grab the descending dagger.

"Princess Liu Ci, how have you become like this? Are you mad?!"

This scene was the first time Liu Ci met Lin Lin Zhiyi after leading her forces back to the Central Plains.

Lin Lin Zhiyi was surprised that Liu Ci had returned and hurriedly sought an opportunity to meet her; she had originally been very happy, but she did not expect to be hit by a dose of Muscle-Softening Powder head-on.

And now, if it weren't for her dodging in time, the Princess would have killed her.

Liu Ci pulled hard on the dagger, but could not pull it free; her body was still very weak, her strength small, and she could only rely on petty tricks to scheme against people.

If she were to fight someone head-on, she would absolutely be no match.

"Yes, I am mad. Ever since I went to marry into a foreign land, I have already been mad.

I must be mad to have believed in your one-year promise, mad to have had expectations in that cold Yudian Kingdom, mad to watch my child be aborted, and mad to be one wife serving two husbands!"

Liu Ci glared at Lin Lin Zhiyi: "I have long since been mad. I am no longer the weak and incompetent princess of the past. Lin Lin Zhiyi, your debt! And the debts of others! I will reclaim them one by one!"

"Cut!"

Li Dao called for a stop.

This scene had already been filmed twice.

He had no issues with Jin Li's performance, but he did have issues with Qiu Qiu Qiu Qiwen's performance.

During the first take, Li Dao discovered that Qiu Qiu Qiu Qiwen's energy in the scene was too weak.

Although this scene was a highlight of Liu Ci's emotional outburst, it did not mean the female lead should be completely overshadowed by Liu Ci.

Yet, under Jin Li's interpretation, Qiu Qiu Qiu Qiwen's aura was too weak; she was completely suppressed, without even a hint of an evenly matched aura.

Therefore, Li Dao chose to reshoot.

But in this take, he discovered an even bigger problem—

Qiu Qiu Qiu Qiwen's aura had been completely crushed out of existence!

The second take was even worse than the first.

Li Dao looked at Jin Li, then at Qiu Qiu Qiu Qiwen, thinking: If this continues, no matter how many takes we do, it will be useless; Qiu Qiu Qiu Qiwen's beginner-level acting is simply not up to par in front of Jin Li.

Originally, he thought that since the two had a good relationship, there wouldn't be any "acting suppression," but once Jin Li started acting, it was as if she had become a different person.

Although she didn't follow the "method acting" route of a drama fanatic, she was quite responsible when acting and wouldn't hold back.

However, the current situation might be that Jin Li couldn't even perceive this state.

Li Dao looked back at the first take and felt that the first attempt wasn't actually bad; at the very least, Qiu Qiu Qiu Qiwen's shock was expressed very well.

Li Dao said in a deep voice: "This take, it's a wrap!"

Qiu Qiu Qiu Qiwen let out a long sigh of relief.

She really didn't want to do another take; she felt immense pressure acting against Jin Li in this scene.

Especially when Jin Li glared at her, her own heart tightened as well.

Taking advantage of the time before Jin Li could pull out her "Five-Three" study book, Qiu Qiu Qiu Qiwen said a few words to her: "Jin Li, do you ever have moments where you particularly want to 'stab' someone?"

Jin Li was stunned: "Want to 'stab' someone?"

Qiu Qiu Qiu Qiwen nodded: "Yeah, that feeling of wanting to stab someone—have you ever had it? Is that why you were able to act so realistically in this scene?"

She had truly been frightened by Jin Li's aura just now; the moment she Match Match Match Match Match Made eye contact with Jin Li, she almost broke out in a cold sweat.

It was as if she had truly become Jin Li's enemy.

Jin Li's expression turned solemn, and she said inscrutably: "I have."

Qiu Qiu Qiu Qiwen's eyes widened: "You really have?"

Jin Li maintained her serious expression, "For example, right now, I quite want to 'stab' you."

Qiu Qiu Qiu Qiwen was so scared she took a few steps back.

Jin Li was amused and burst into laughter.

She said earnestly: "Sister Qiu, read fewer novels. Do actors who play criminals really have to have been to prison? That's not right; even novels wouldn't be written so absurdly!"

Qiu Qiu Qiu Qiwen gave a sheepish smile, "Th-that's true."

Jin Li turned to pull out her "Five-Three" and started working on problems.

The closer it got to the end, the tighter the schedule arranged by the crew became, and rest time grew increasingly scarce.

She had to maintain her energy and cultivate it, so she could only be serious when filming, and serious when working on problems.

……

Time flew by, and it was the fifth day.

Jin Li's filming schedule remained very dense.

According to the plan, she should have finished filming today, but an actor in the crew suddenly had an issue, coming down with a high fever and having to go to the hospital for an IV drip.

This actor had scenes with Jin Li, so they had to drag it out until tomorrow to film.

For this reason, Li Dao specifically sought out Jin Li to explain the situation.

He actually felt a bit embarrassed; Qiu Qiu Qiu Qiwen had initially agreed with Jin Li that it would take four or five days to finish, but later, upon arriving at the set, it clearly became five days.

Now that the crew had an issue, it became six days.

Jin Li said readily: "Fine, I'll leave the crew tomorrow. I'll communicate with my manager; she originally said she was coming to pick me up today."

Before coming to the crew, she thought everything could be arranged perfectly.

But after arriving and understanding the operation of the entire crew, she realized that her previous thoughts were too naive.

"Wishful Thinking Husband" was a medium-sized crew, but it faced many problems every day.

Some were actor issues, some were location issues, and others were issues with props, filming, and so on.

It was precisely because she had seen it firsthand that she knew a crew without any problems did not exist.

Among many crews, "Wishful Thinking Husband" had relatively fewer issues because the management was quite strict.

She had originally come to help out in an emergency.

But after actually filming, she found that this crew was quite loving, and she also hoped to contribute her strength to the crew.

Hearing Jin Li say this, Li Dao let out a long sigh of relief; Jin Li is truly righteous!

On the other side, Jin Li called Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang.

Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang was somewhat speechless: "It was supposed to be five days and now it's six; don't wait until tomorrow for another issue to pop up and make it seven."

Jin Li smiled: "Sister Fang, my luck isn't that bad; I should be able to successfully wrap up tomorrow."

Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang: "This isn't about you. Just because you have good luck doesn't mean the rest of the crew does. What if someone else has an issue?"

Jin Li: "We'll see when we get there."

There were some things she didn't tell Sister Fang.

For instance, this: a Heavenly Realm Koi can suppress the fortune of a region!

Which is to say, she can not only bring herself to success, but also bring a whole wave of people with her!

Another day passed.

On this day, the breeze was mild and the sunshine was just right.

Jin Li finished her morning scenes, rested at noon, and immediately went on to film the afternoon scenes.

She only had one scene in the afternoon.

This scene was nothing else but a scene from the Princess's innocent and carefree period.

In this scene, the Princess walks under a pear tree, holding an umbrella in her hand, and amidst a "flower rain" of falling pear blossoms, she reaches out her hand to catch the blossoms falling from the sky.

The pear blossoms were a singular white, like snowflakes, clean and pure.

The Princess looked up at the pear blossoms, suddenly seemed to discover something, turned her head to look, and smiled slightly.

In the post-production editing, the Commandery Prince's scene would be added; the Princess was smiling at the Commandery Prince.

But in reality.

The actor playing the Commandery Prince had already filmed this scene long ago and was just waiting for Jin Li to film this part so the crew could do the editing.

Jin Li did not expect that the final wrap-up scene would be arranged in such a setting.

Before filming, she asked the floor manager in surprise, confirming it several times.

The floor manager confirmed it firmly: "That's right, it's this scene."

Jin Li thought: No wonder the whole crew refused to tell her which scene was the final wrap-up scene and wouldn't let her prepare.

So the surprise was waiting here.

This scene depicted the innocence and carefreeness of Princess Liu Ci, and it was also the final romance the crew gifted to Jin Li.

Under the pear tree, there was a beauty, looking back with a smile.

"Cut! It's a wrap!" Li Dao pressed the final key.

"Congratulations on wrapping up!"

"Congratulations to Jin Li on completing her first acting role!"

"Come back to the crew to play when you have time!"

The rest of the crew emerged one after another, led by Qiu Qiu Qiu Qiwen, who presented her with wrap-up wishes and a bouquet of fresh flowers.

This was Jin Li's first time filming and her first time wrapping up; everything in the crew felt very novel to her.

This was also her first time experiencing this wonderful feeling; how should she put it—she felt a bit of a swelling in her heart, and some reluctance to leave.

"Jin Li!" Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang had already arrived at the set and waved at her.

Jin Li's eyes lit up, and she waved back at her.

Qiu Qiu Qiu Qiwen looked toward a staff member, who followed closely behind while pushing out a cake.

She said, "Everyone make way, it's time to cut the wrap-up cake! Eat as much as you like; this was bought with the production crew's public funds, so everyone have a few extra slices!"

On the very top of the cake, a congratulatory message was written: Happy Wrap-up, Jin Li!

Jin Li was urged by the crowd to cut the cake; she happily brought the knife down without a hint of hesitation, dividing the cake into several portions in just a few quick strokes.

Qiu Qiu Qiu Qiwen said, "You divided this cake quite evenly!"

Jin Li nodded and said, "Yes, I calculated the surface area of this cake in my mind, then used statistical analysis to determine how many portions were needed so that everyone could have some.

Cutting the cake also used statistics; there are several ways to cut it into dozens of equal parts, and I specifically chose this one."

Qiu Qiu Qiu Qiwen:...

The cake in her mouth suddenly didn't seem delicious anymore.

Stunned. jpg

On the other side.

Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang was also conversing with the director.

Li Dao hadn't originally known that Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang was Jin Li's manager; it was only after Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang greeted him and revealed her identity that he found out.

Li Dao immediately became a bit more solemn, shook her hand, and then asked, "Does Jin Li have any plans to develop in the film and television industry?"

Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang was taken aback, "Not yet."

Li Dao said, "Actually, it really could be arranged. Jin Li's performance has a lot of spirit; it would be a pity not to enter the film and television industry.

I went online during my free time these past few days and discovered that many netizens are calling for Jin Li to act. The eyes of netizens are truly sharp; just by looking at a photo, they discovered Jin Li's talent. She could pursue further studies in this direction..."

Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang had not expected Li Dao's endless praise for Jin Li.

Jin Li's acting is very good?

How come she didn't know?

Oh, it seems Jin Li had never discussed this issue with her, and she hadn't asked either; after all, any normal person would think this way—how good could the acting skills of a novice just starting to act possibly be?

She truly hadn't expected that the director would actually think so highly of Jin Li, and that Jin Li apparently filmed quite well, with her acting skills receiving the director's recognition.

Screenwriter He and Producer Zhang walked over and exchanged business cards with Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang; upon learning she was Jin Li's manager, they immediately put on enthusiastic faces.

Screenwriter He asked, "Have you received any suitable art-house films? Jin Li could try filming those. She has a good foundation, a strong sense for the camera, and her acting is very lively; she is fully capable of portraying the delicate expressions in art-house films.

I think very highly of her. If there is a suitable script and director, she could absolutely aim for awards by filming art-house movies."

Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Sui Lingfang's smile was so wide she couldn't close her mouth.

Originally, she thought the director was being a bit hyperbolic, but she hadn't expected the screenwriter to be even more so, even shouting the slogan of aiming for awards.

Producer Zhang went even further, saying, "For her next movie, can I be the producer?"

Li Dao and Screenwriter He glared at him.

"Are you poaching people? Do you understand the concept of first come, first served?"

"I haven't even said that line yet; you take it back, and wait until I've said it before you do!"

The update is here! Continuing with 6K words!

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(End of chapter)