[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-that-year-in-huayu":3,"chapter-that-year-in-huayu-that-year-in-huayu-chapter-68":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","That Year in Huayu",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2286904,4473,"Chapter 68: Machines Aren't Taken for Free","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-68",68,"\u003Cp>Hearing this, Jing Tian was somewhat excited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin Nan?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her large eyes sparkling, Jing Tian waited for the makeup artist to finish before immediately stepping off the motorhome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan operated it for a while, \"I understand your mood these past few days now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was just waiting for you to say that. Itching to try it? Why don't you buy a set, and I'll borrow it from you later.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao suddenly blurted out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you dreaming?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan knew the other party was joking, so he retorted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Jing Tian walked in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young girl was quite happy, thinking Lin Nan had come to visit her on set.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tian Tian, this outfit of yours is quite nice.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan offered a compliment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Will Director Lin be here for the afternoon shoot as well?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This question from the girl was hard for Lin Nan to answer; he had only come to fiddle with the equipment to satisfy his craving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao didn't play by the rules, \"Why don't you take over the camera for me? It's a good chance to practice with this equipment. You're idle anyway, just consider it doing me a favor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once this suggestion was made, everyone present thought it was a great idea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan looked at Jing Tian, who seemed very expectant, and then at Ning Hao's mischievous smile, \"You weren't planning this all along, were you? Trying to get me to be your assistant?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You guessed it. How about it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao did not deny it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine, just for a few hours this afternoon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan also really wanted to try out this new machine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That would be great,\" Jing Tian smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan understood the principle that indulging in hobbies can sap one's will; photography equipment, especially that used for film, actually updates quite rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Buy it? He wouldn't buy it. Technology changes with each passing day; unless it was some epoch-making technical equipment, he wouldn't buy it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao's plan was well-made, but the style of the lyrics and music limited his performance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During a break, Lin Nan listened to the pre-recorded song. To be honest, he didn't think this \"Who Are You\" was good; it was too flat. He even wondered if the producer had taken money to outsource it; it didn't seem like the skill level used for making \"Butterfly\" for Faye Wong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seventeen-year-old Jing Tian singing a love song couldn't quite capture that feeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention Jing Tian, Liu Yifei seemed to have a few songs like this too, where the content and style were severely mismatched with her age.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haozi, you've really set me up today. I have a premonition that this is going to end up in the entertainment news.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan called Ning Hao by his nickname directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By filming the MV for Jing Tian, Lin Nan had contributed a wave of his own fame. Although it was only a small portion of the footage, it might not be reported that way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao was carefree, \"This isn't a big deal. Just consider it helping your fellow townsman out. You even got a free big meal out of it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You really are capable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan said with annoyance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, alright. I just said it on a whim, and you agreed to it, didn't you? It's just that now we've both realized there might be repercussions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's not talk about it anymore.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan was too lazy to think about those things and focused intently on operating the machine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shoot went very smoothly and was finished in less than three hours.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Zheng rushed over in the afternoon. He had received news that Lin Nan was actually operating the camera for the second half of the MV today, which was great news.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a wave of his hand, the shooting site, which was strictly off-limits to outsiders, saw the addition of several reporters visiting the set.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin, thank you so much...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dinner was taken care of; there was no shortage of five-star hotels in Jingcheng, and all the staff were treated to a banquet today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Lin Nan was in a separate private room; it was the same five people as last time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So Director Lin likes that set of equipment. Fortunately, we rented it for half a year, and it doesn't expire until February next year. After Director Ning finishes filming, you can take it and use it anytime during this period.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Zheng was very generous. Renting equipment wasn't as expensive as buying it, and he had signed a half-year lease from the start.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan's eyes lit up. If everything went smoothly, his new film's shooting time would be about a month, two months at most, and it could definitely be filmed by the end of the year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Under normal circumstances, we can finish by the end of October.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao saw Lin Nan's thoughts and said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reward for operating the camera this afternoon was secured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then thank you, President Lu. It just so happens I might have a filming plan at the end of the year, so I'll borrow this set of equipment then.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surroundings went quiet instantly, and everyone looked at Lin Nan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You have a new film plan?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao swallowed a piece of lobster meat and asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Tian looked at Lin Nan with burning eyes, almost asking if she had a chance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I just had the company send the script up; waiting for the results.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You wrote the script and you're directing it; there should be results very soon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao flattered him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin, do you think our Tian Tian has a chance? Is there a role suitable for her?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Zheng asked very naturally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shaking his head, Lin Nan said, \"She's too young. The supporting actresses in this drama are all required to be at least twenty-five to thirty years old; that's the most natural. The protagonist is set as a single mother, with a child already several years old.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since he was going to use someone else's equipment, Lin Nan didn't hide the role requirements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The protagonist is a single mother? Not the female lead?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xing Ai was a screenwriter and instantly became interested in the script.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Three men and three women, but there is only one main lead, which is that single mother.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Before it passes censorship, I hope everyone can keep it confidential,\" Lin Nan added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That goes without saying.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Tian was slightly disappointed, \"Can't makeup work?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan smiled and shook his head. He didn't dare to gamble with his own film. Jing Tian? Better forget it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin has strict requirements for film details; that's probably why he can be successful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Tian, you don't have a chance this time, so wait for the next one. I believe that one day, Director Lin and Director Ning will definitely give you this opportunity.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Zheng's level of speech was high; he comforted Jing Tian, elevated Lin Nan, and put Ning Hao and Lin Nan on the spot—this was hard to respond to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao didn't mind; weren't they already collaborating?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan nodded, which counted as a reply, and brushed it off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did a smile bloom on the girl's face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, Lin Nan checked the web portals, and the photo of him and Ning Hao sitting in front of the machine yesterday was on them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Two great directors oversee a newcomer's MV, who is she?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ning Hao directs, Lin Nan operates the camera! Newcomer Jing Tian reports!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The uniformity was such that even the update times for the news were almost the same. At this moment, Lin Nan was certain that Lu Zheng had used his \"money power.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quite a few people were attracted by this news, but Jing Tian was like a complete amateur; she didn't seem to have any previous works. The only news currently related to the circle was the MV being filmed and her agency, Starlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Tian even called specifically to talk about this, admitting that Lu Zheng had communicated with the media for her own good. The girl was still quite innocent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It doesn't matter. You should work hard. If you really want to be an actress, take the exams for professional institutions and pursue further studies; otherwise, it's hard to go far.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan kindly gave his advice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, Director Lin. I will carefully consider your advice.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Zheng had spent over a million to rent this set of equipment, and it took some effort to bring it back to the country. Now that he let Lin Nan use it for free to gain some momentum, he could still accept it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two days after the birthday party, Liu Yifei went to the Sony Music headquarters. This time she only recorded a few songs and attended some events.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan had tactfully suggested to her that even if she wanted to debut in music, she didn't need to run off to the island nation, but the Sony brand had blinded Liu Xiaoli.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many companies in the industry would pay attention to news from the Administration, such as policies or which company or individual had submitted a project.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, not two days after the script was sent for review, before the Administration had even notified Lin Nan of the result, this matter had already been noticed by attentive media.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Lin Nan suspected of having a new script under review...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's strange. The results aren't out yet, where did they get the news?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan was very puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Could it have leaked from the Administration?\" a company employee guessed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yawen called immediately to say he hadn't told anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the dinner table that day, Lu Zheng and the others had all promised to keep it confidential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, Lin Nan felt that the company employee might have been right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Before there are any results, ignore these news reports for now and just say we aren't clear on anything,\" Lin Nan instructed. Because people had already come to the company wanting to interview them about something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The official website of the Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games released a notice: on the 19th of this month, the first round of the competition for the chief director of the 29th Olympic Games opening ceremony will be held at the Kuangou Conference Center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Director Tian Zhuangzhuang had completely given up on participating, having decided that a long time ago, but that didn't stop him from going to the audience area to listen in, and he asked Lin Nan if he wanted to go together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We can still listen in?\" Lin Nan was very surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Any director or team that was previously invited can, even if we have given up on competing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, there will be other professionals and official media present as well,\" Tian Zhuangzhuang explained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then I definitely have to go; it's a perfect chance to see everyone's creativity,\" Lin Nan gave an affirmative reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's good. I'll help you pick up a pass when the time comes, and you can come to me to get it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Zhuangzhuang said very thoughtfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, thank you, Master.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Olympic chief director competition—this was the peak of the industry, and Lin Nan was already looking forward to it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei and her mother had been gone for a week and were returning on a flight today. The only one there to pick them up was Shu Chang, because Lin Nan had been called away by Tian Zhuangzhuang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the airport, the September weather was a bit hot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mother and daughter pushed their suitcases out, wearing sun hats, black sunglasses, and scarves wrapped around their faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their aloof temperament made it easy for Shu Chang to spot Liu Yifei's mother, and there was no need to guess who the person next to her was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She ran up happily, and the two girls hugged each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Changchang.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Qianqian.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei's mother watched from the side, feeling very gratified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's go quickly, don't get in other people's way,\" Liu Yifei's mother urged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A driver came to pick them up, and Shu Chang went back to Liu Yifei's home with them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How is your song recording going?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Half is recorded; the rest still needs some revisions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then can you finish recording before December? Didn't you say you were supposed to join the crew around that time?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The \"joining the crew\" that Shu Chang mentioned was for *Journey to the Center of the Earth*.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A while ago, when New Line announced the cast list, they also announced the start date.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's plenty of time; the rest can be recorded domestically,\" Liu Yifei said, smiling at her best friend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Chang rolled her eyes, \"Have you seen the recent news?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, what's wrong?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei was very confused; what was Shu Chang trying to say?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's just that a few days ago, Lin Nan actually went to film an MV for a girl...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Achoo...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan pinched his nose. He didn't seem to have a cold, did he? In this hot weather.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Take care of your health. Don't think that just because you're young you don't need to be careful; you'll regret it when you're older.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Zhuangzhuang said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As for that script of yours, there should be news in a couple of days. I even asked specifically for you; there are no problems. Whatever plans you have, you can make them in advance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Lin Nan deeply realized the benefits of having a master; he could even ask about things like this!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood, thank you for your trouble, Master.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",2279,"2026-06-20T03:22:09.099Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","f63f575896eb50824c32185bb97594f0136a5ab65b221a58f6fdb49b1fdc0b51","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-69","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-67",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthat-year-in-huayu-cover.jpg"]