Chapter 142: Training Liu Tianxian

For the Immortal Sword production team, Cheng Chen as the male lead was somewhat unfitting.

Preparing for the concert earlier was forgivable, but now that the concert was over, everyone assumed he'd focus on filming.

Then came another invitation for Spring Festival Gala rehearsals.

After the Spring Festival Gala ends, the Lantern Festival gala surely can't be missed.

Immediately after, invitations from this satellite channel and that satellite channel followed.

Then came numerous commercial performances and endorsements afterward—how much time was left for the production team?

Of course, these were his personal commercial activities; as long as they didn't delay the production team's filming…

Hmm… even if they did delay it, what could be done?

He's the boss, a Heavenly King, and the male lead.

Even the director hasn't said anything—what right do others have to complain?

One can only say that fame brings trouble; the greater one's reputation, the more money one can earn until one's hands grow numb!

One's influence also rises significantly!

Cheng Chen himself knew he had caused the production team great trouble.

So after returning this time, he voluntarily bought food and drinks for the entire crew.

Like roasted sweet potatoes, most popular among girls in winter, and the recently trendy Tai Sheng pearl milk tea from Jingcheng.

Although he held privileged status—as investor and male lead—he never did things that would damage his own reputation.

Hearts are won over, not crushed by abusing privilege; forcing others will only provoke backlash.

Of course, he'd heard rumors around the set calling him a "drama tyrant."

Where there are people, rumors and negativity inevitably follow—it's unavoidable…

The day after Cheng Chen returned to the set, he had a scene opposite Liu Tianxian.

The scene where Li Xiaoyao and Zhao Ling'er get married…

The basic plot: Li Xiaoyao travels to Xian Ling Dao to beg for medicine for Li Shen, and happens upon Zhao Ling'er.

Zhao Ling'er and her grandmother claim they've known Li Xiaoyao for ten years already.

Li Xiaoyao is utterly confused; then the grandmother arranges for Li Xiaoyao and Zhao Ling'er to marry.

As Li Xiaoyao and Zhao Ling'er exchange vows, he feels unworthy of Zhao Ling'er and flees the wedding.

Zhao Ling'er chases after him; after she persuades him, they consummate their marriage.

Most of the appeal in this scene lies with Cheng Chen.

That feeling of getting the better end and still acting aloof—only reluctantly agreeing when the fairy begs to marry him.

In the future, this behavior would be utterly condemned—but it also satisfies the fantasies of many men.

Fundamentally, if you ignore the latter half, Immortal Sword is still a wish-fulfillment drama.

A street brat keeps leveling up, flanked by two gorgeous women, with a powerful background…

It creates a fantasy haven where viewers find joy and vent the pent-up bitterness of real life.

It has a bit of the feel of future web novels.

What Cheng Chen previously starred in, The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, was the most extreme form of this.

In future terms, it's called "invincible stream."

The protagonist can do anything he wants, easily reaching the pinnacle of the world.

The Legend of the Condor Heroes is traditional wish-fulfillment: the protagonist, born in hardship, meets benefactors and opportunities, and grows into a great master.

The Return of the Condor Heroes and The Smiling, Proud Wanderer are pseudo-wish-fulfillment.

The protagonist has extraordinary encounters and is far stronger than others.

But he's always tormented and depressed by this or that, finally becoming a great master…

Of course, Jin Daxia's novels are now fully established; just collecting film and TV adaptation fees makes one's hands ache.

This gave Cheng Chen an idea: why not write future web novels and adapt them into scripts?

Like Nirvana in Fire, The Disguiser, Empresses in the Palace, and so on.

In the future, these were all super IPs…

"All units, prepare!"

While Cheng Chen was still lost in thought on set, wearing his costume, Director Li Guoli's voice rang out from outside.

Cheng Chen snapped back to attention and saw Liu Tianxian standing across from him, dressed in a red bridal gown.

Regardless of how Liu Tianxian's acting was criticized, her face—plump with collagen—was undeniably among the most beautiful.

Especially in this red bridal robe, she blended the youthful innocence of an eighteen-year-old girl,

with the shy grace of a newlywed bride.

It made one forget the mundane world—utterly stunning.

For a moment, Cheng Chen felt a disorienting sense of time travel.

In ancient times, women marrying at this age would have looked just like this.

Seeing Cheng Chen staring intently at her, Liu Tianxian grew nervous and unconsciously stepped back.

"What is Zhao Ling'er doing? Don't mess up your positioning—get into character quickly."

The moment she moved, Director Li Guoli shouted at her.

Young actors are such a hassle—they've shot so many scenes already, and rehearsed beforehand.

Yet even now, they still mess up basic positioning.

Actually, Liu Tianxian felt wronged—she hadn't realized the director hadn't called "action."

Cheng Chen, her scene partner, had already slipped into performance mode.

And it looked so natural, not at all like acting.

It was as if he had always looked at himself with that gaze and expression.

Liu Tianxian reluctantly stepped back beside Cheng Chen.

Seeing this, director Li Guoli unconsciously frowned.

Cheng Chen, also a young actor, was far superior in performance to Liu Tianxian.

Yes, this is the feeling we want—Cheng Chen stunned upon seeing Zhao Ling'er.

After all, he's just a country boy who's never seen the world, gazing at the immortal lady before him who will soon be his wife.

Cheng Chen perfectly portrayed this look of awe and wonder.

And his eyes held no trace of lewdness or desire, which fits Li Xiaoyao's early persona as a rogue.

Yet still kind and pure-hearted.

Good, good—no wonder that guy Zhou Xingchi, who's so meticulous about film, noticed him.

He's got real talent!

Of course, if Cheng Chen knew Li Guoli thought this, he'd be utterly speechless.

He was simply stunned by Liu Tianxian's attire, and then remembered she was only fifteen years old.

No matter how perfect the appearance, a single article of the Criminal Code shuts him down completely.

"Alright, all departments ready!"

"Lighting crew, OK!"

"Props crew, OK!"

"Sound, OK!"

"Cinematography crew, OK!"

……

"Alright, roll camera!"

On set, Cheng Chen and Liu Tianxian, veiled in a red bridal veil, walked step by step toward the stage.

On either side stood four beautiful maids; on stage sat Zheng Peipei as the role of the Elder.

She was a seasoned veteran with years of experience, deeply skilled in ballet music and classical Chinese dance.

Thus, in martial arts films, her movements were swift and graceful.

Undisputed queen of the Gang Sheng film industry from the mid-to-late 1960s through the early 1970s, China's first female action star.

She was dubbed "Martial Arts Queen" by the press; her lead role in "The Big Boss" was China's first new-wave martial arts film.

She held an indispensable position in the film industry, a golden veteran essential to countless movies and TV dramas.

And what left the deepest impression was Zhou Xingchi's comedy "Flirting Scholar."

Her portrayal of the sharp-tongued, eccentric Lady Hua left a lasting impression.

She also played Bi Yan Hu Li in Li An's "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."

For this, she won the 20th Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Supporting Actress and was nominated for an Oscar…

In later years, she received the 24th Huading Award for Lifetime Achievement in Chinese Television Drama.

In "Immortal Sword I," she was called Elder by Liu Tianxian.

Fourteen years later, she reunited with Liu Tianxian to play the matchmaker in "Mulan"…

"Bow to Heaven and Earth!"

Cheng Chen and Liu Tianxian knelt and bowed.

But at this moment, he felt uneasy, his gaze flickering over the hall's furnishings.

He glanced at the maids standing on either side—back in his small fishing village, only wealthy households had servants standing by like this.

He, a lowly shop boy, had always been the one serving others—how could he ever have been served himself?

And now he only wanted the Purple Gold Pill to save his aunt—how could he ever have imagined marrying, especially to this beautiful immortal girl?

Sure enough, when others shouted, "Bow to each other as husband and wife," he interrupted, standing up.

He looked at Zheng Peipei on the high stage and said:

"I'm sorry… I'm sorry, I can't ruin Ling'er for the sake of a Purple Gold Pill."

He turned his head, as if speaking to Zhao Ling'er, slowly:

"I'm just a rogue. You won't be happy with me. I'm sorry… I've disturbed you!"

After saying that, he ran out without looking back.

Cheng Chen's emotional control in this scene was precise.

He wanted to use the Purple Gold Pill to save his beloved aunt, yet felt it would be irresponsible to marry Zhao Ling'er just to save her.

After all, he had no ability yet to give her happiness.

This scene perfectly revealed Li Xiaoyao's kind and simple nature.

Of course, if those LSPs from the future saw the bride was Liu Tianxian,

They'd probably rush straight at her and launch into a wedding-night scene!

"Cut!"

"Zhao Ling'er, your veil-lifting motion was too slow—watch the ground.

When you see the cinematographer's feet approaching, lift the veil so the camera catches your face!"

Director Li Guoli called out to the set.

"Yes, Director, sorry."

Liu Tianxian nodded in reply.

"Sorry... I'm sorry to disturb you..."

Cheng Chen ran out again.

Liu Tianxian lifted the bright red veil...

"Cut... Expression's wrong! Her husband just ran off—she shouldn't be expressionless; she needs emotion!"

"Sorry, Director, I'll try again!"

Liu Tianxian nodded.

"Sorry... I'm sorry to disturb you..."

"Good, cut!"

Liu Tianxian was stuck—not because Director Li Guoli's demands were too high.

Since working with this group of young actors, he had lowered his standards considerably.

But the problem was, now Liu Tianxian couldn't even convey his most basic emotional cues.

One of the crew members muttered silently to themselves:

Here we go again!

After working with Liu Tianxian so often, they'd learned her temperament well.

If she didn't nail it in three takes, it'd drag on—either Director Li would give in, or Liu Tianxian would finally get it.

From their days of experience, most often it was Director Li who, worn down, gave in first.

At first, after calling cut, Li Guoli would patiently explain the scene to Liu Tianxian, breaking down the key expressions.

But as the number of NGs grew, Li Guoli's patience wore thin; his face darkened, and all he muttered now was:

"Roll camera."

"Cut!"

Cheng Chen had walked back and forth six or seven times; at this point, his mindset was truly to say:

"Sorry, I'm sorry to disturb you!"

Liu Tianxian was pacing anxiously—this was just one expression, after all; even if she got stuck, she'd never stuck this many times!

But today, it felt like she'd been cursed—from the very first positioning to now, endless NGs.

The more the director urged her, the worse she performed.

She was tired—mentally exhausted.

"Director, could we take a five-minute break?"

Seeing this couldn't go on, Li Guoli seemed to be locked in a standoff with Liu Tianxian.

If the expression wasn't right, he wouldn't call "cut" at all!

So he spoke up and suggested to Li Guoli:

Li Guoli, sensing his own stubbornness, wearily waved his hand and said:

"Five-minute break on the spot. Zhao Ling'er, adjust your state."

"Yes, Director."

Liu Tianxian said timidly.

Five minutes to adjust—but how could she adjust?

Seeing this, Cheng Chen handed her a cup of hot water and said:

"Don't rush. Drink some water and calm down."

Liu Tianxian nodded, but declined the water Cheng Chen offered.

Instead, she took a thermos from her assistant and sipped slowly.

Cheng Chen recognized this assistant—when Liu's mother wasn't around, she always stood in for her.

Cheng Chen made no comment about Liu Tianxian refusing his water.

He spoke gently:

"Your performance just now was good—you were just too tense.

Be natural. Don't try to act the role.

Replace that emotion with another similar mindset. Don't rush. Take it slow.

Zhao Ling'er's emotion right now should be like this..."

Using the five-minute break, Cheng Chen carefully explained the scene to Liu Tianxian.

In truth, it was all just what Li Guoli had already said.

But unlike Li Guoli, Cheng Chen spoke slowly, gently, and his words were full of encouragement and affirmation.

He also focused more on eye contact, occasionally looking at Liu Tianxian with warmth.

"Okay, I understand. Thank you, Teacher Cheng."

Liu Tianxian nodded obediently.

"Mm."

The five minutes passed quickly; Li Guoli called "Roll camera" again.

"Sorry... I'm sorry to disturb you."

Cheng Chen spoke the line.

Watching Cheng Chen walk away, a hint of confusion appeared on Liu Tianxian's delicate face, as the camera drew closer.

Her confusion turned to bewilderment and worry...

"Cut!"

Li Guoli called out with a blank expression.

Hearing this, Liu Tianxian trembled, her face paling considerably.

"That maid, take your position and don't move—again!"

Upon hearing Li Guoli's words, Liu Tianxian could hardly believe it.

The director hadn't yelled at her!

The problem in that scene wasn't hers—it was the extras behind her!

Sure enough, after Li Guoli shouted "Action!" again, Liu Tianxian reenacted her previous performance.

And this time…

"Cut!"

Hearing Li Guoli's words, Liu Tianxian's tense little face finally relaxed.

She smiled, glancing toward Cheng Chen.

Cheng Chen gave her a quiet thumbs-up.

Liu Tianxian lowered her head, embarrassed.

Watching Liu Tianxian's charming demeanor, Cheng Chen sighed inside…

…

——————Author's Note——————

Thank you to v Xiaokang, Che Feng Xuan Wu Yu Liang Huang, Xuanzang LX, Qiao Ran Luo Di, Yuan Shuai 2333, Book Friend 160629234319859, and all the brothers for your monthly votes and recommendation votes.

Come to think of it, you guys really had a burst, huh hahaha—so long as there are monthly votes, I'll still take them, and welcome brothers to join the group chat!