Chapter 63 1/2

“Star Wars” officially started shooting.

After a few days of shooting, it seemed that due to some people’s questioning of “letting C University students make props for the film,” a certain well-known figure in the scientific research community named Zhang openly expressed his opinion:

“Collaborating with C University students for a film project in the science fiction genre is something I strongly support. Those who say that this is not good, do these students ignore their main responsibilities? Are those students squatting in school just reading books their main responsibilities? Those engaged in scientific research should continuously learn and practice.”

“They are willing to provide this opportunity, using real money to let them practice and learn. So, just enjoy it quietly. What’s wrong with helping with movie props? Ah, with so much money given to you, you’re not doing any work? What are you thinking? If I were a student, I would apply too.”

How influential was this big shot with the last name Zhang? It was to the extent that, after expressing the above opinions, the heat around him suddenly surged again.

Although not many people were mentioning “Star Wars” yet, anyone could guess that when this movie aired, the actors in it would have numerous impressive titles to boast about.

The male second lead who joined today scrolled through these highly popular videos while feeling that Shengdong was indeed a rare and generous person who didn’t care about money.

Look, even someone as formidable as him said so. This is an opportunity for students to practice and learn. He directly interpreted it as: This research-related investment probably won’t make much money.

This might be called having a broad perspective.

The real name of the male second lead was a bit unpleasant, so he adopted the stage name Ming Yi, just an ordinary small actor.

The main reason he paid attention to Shengquan was that, as a small actor, he had a self-awareness that “Shengdong is the benefactor of everyone in the entire crew.” So, he wanted to practice the correct way to flatter in advance.

Ming Yi wasn’t just seeking to curry favor; he genuinely appreciated Shengquan.

Originally, even before “Star Wars” was praised by the central authorities, he was already ecstatic to get this role. Even if “Star Wars” was not well received in China, he was playing the male second lead in a big production!

With such a large investment, the male lead was the recently acclaimed actor Jiang Zhen, who rose to fame domestically and internationally. The female lead was already well-known, and after joining Starlight Entertainment, her career was expected to take a sudden leap to great heights.

Even the currently popular Yan Hui was coming to play the male third lead. Although it was said that he took on the role of the male third lead due to scheduling issues, even if he rushed to make time, he could only play a male third lead with not too many scenes. But for the small actor who got the male second lead role, there was a somewhat inexplicable sense of insecurity.

He felt like a husky that had wandered into a pack of wolves.

However, his agent consoled him, saying that this “Star Wars” film was produced by Starlight Entertainment. It was their own company’s movie, and it was normal for their contracted artists to come over to help. Didn’t you see that among the currently confirmed actors, almost all of them are signed with Starlight?

Ming Yi thought about it and found it reasonable, so he eased his mind a bit.

During the time he was waiting for the crew to start shooting, he had already received the script. Every day, he was holed up at home memorizing lines, repeatedly practicing his movements and expressions.

Even if “Star Wars” was not popular in China, with so many well-known actors in it, the box office shouldn’t be too bad. Ming Yi knew that this opportunity was not easy to come by and was determined to seize it.

Then, Shengdong was praised by the central authorities and brought up “Star Wars.”

Even before the filming of “Star Wars” started, it suddenly became a hot topic.

Ming Yi: “…”

From that moment on, he had a premonition of the miserable future of being replaced.

But one day, two days, one month, and two months passed, and the crew notified him that he could join the shoot.

They did not replace him in “Star Wars”!

They did not use a big star to replace him!

After he joined the crew, perhaps sensing his anxiety, the producer reassured him, saying that there was even a well-known actor who voluntarily lowered his pay to play the male second lead but still failed to get the role because of Shengdong’s statement. Unless there were special circumstances, the crew did not allow the arbitrary replacement of roles. So, as long as Ming Yi didn’t mess up, the role of the male second lead would always be his.

Ming Yi was simply overjoyed.

Not exaggerating, at that moment, his gratitude to Shengquan reached its peak.

Seeing Ming Yi leave with a face full of “joy and gratitude,” Yu Xiangwan was very satisfied.

As the chief producer of the crew, he was very busy, but this did not prevent him from gaining favor with Shengquan whenever he had the chance.

Especially after Shengdong read the script and liked the situation of the male second lead

The costume and makeup for the male second lead were not enough; a few more custom sets should be ordered.

Yu Xiangwan quickly calculated a plan in his mind, adjusting his glasses and appearing even more refined and cultured.

Meanwhile, Ming Yi’s heart settled down completely, welcoming the “supporting male” role he had received for the first time in his life as if he were walking on clouds.

Today, with no scenes for him, after attending the opening ceremony, Ming Yi was free to explore the crew.

Then he found out that this crew was really huge.

The green screen area was vast.

He had never seen these shooting machines before.

There were so many people here.

This pillar was quite tall. What was this?

“Oh my god…”

His assistant involuntarily exclaimed behind him.

Because Ming Yi had received an assistant assigned by the company when he got the role of the male second lead in “Star Wars.”

At this moment, the two stood in front of this “pillar,” looking up in shock.

This was not just a “pillar”; it was one of the legs of a giant mechanical dog.

It was too massive, too ferocious, and exuded a full sense of science fiction.

“This is a model used for shooting mecha beasts, not a real one.”

The prop guy was busy behind the pillar, replenishing colors. Hearing the commotion, he poked his head out to remind them, “Be careful not to bump into it. If you damage it, it needs to be repainted.”

“Oh, it’s fake. It looks so realistic.”

Ming Yi inexplicably breathed a sigh of relief. “This should be the team that built the Ten Immortal Palaces, right? The realism is amazing.”

He thought of the news he saw when he was on the road, and then looked up at this giant mechanical dog. “Isn’t this the news that Shengdong invested in students to make?”

Ming Yi didn’t understand scientific research, but he felt that, even though it had only been two and a half months since the news, if those students could make such a huge mechanical dog, that would be incredible.

The prop guy was quite good-natured and answered, “Of course not.”

 Ming Yi: Exactly; that’s what I thought.

Then he saw the prop guy free up his hands and point towards the left.

“Over there, those few are the ones made by students.”

Looking up, they saw three entirely black metallic dogs, about the height of a person, with iron cages over their heads, powerful limbs, and a menacing appearance. These “black dogs” were covered in film crew equipment and lined up neatly, walking nonchalantly towards the other side.

When someone carrying a box walked towards them, they even actively moved around the person.

Both of them: “…”