Chapter 21

On the day when Yan Zhao joined the team, it happened to be the Great Cold.^[1]大寒(Dàhán) = The Great Cold, is the 21st solar term in the traditional Chinese calendar. The intersection occurs around January 20 of the Gregorian calendar every year. It’s also represents … Continue reading

Hearing that he wanted to film, Song Jing handed him several scripts, including some high-budget productions, but Yan Zhao still chose the current one.

The drama is titled “You in Teaching Building 7,” and just by the name, you can guess that it’s a youth campus drama. The script is adapted from a highly-rated novel, but the production team is just average.

Yan Zhao chose it for a simple reason – he has filmed fantasy, spy, urban comedy, literary films, but never a campus drama.

Moreover, in his previous life, due to a busy schedule, he didn’t spend much time in school. The longest continuous stay was only a week. After rehearsing for the end-of-term drama, he immediately rushed to the film set.

At that time, he didn’t feel much, but when taking graduation photos, he suddenly felt a bit regretful. School is perhaps the most tolerant place in the world.

When selecting the script, the song playing in his earphones happened to be “You, My Deskmate.” At that moment, he felt that this script was just right.

“Cut! Excellent!” the director called, and praised, “Once again, Teacher Yan has accelerated the progress of our entire team single-handedly.”

This segment is Yan Zhao’s individual scene. The male lead is a carefree and cynical character, but in reality, he is delicate and gentle. Yan Zhao was initially worried about controlling it, but his performance turned out unexpectedly well.

Yan Zhao smiled at the director. It had been a while since he acted, and he felt a bit rusty, but fortunately, he quickly got back into the groove. After filming a few scenes, he was able to capture the emotions of the male lead.

The male lead was fine, but the female lead…

The smile at the corner of Yan Zhao’s mouth disappeared, and he asked, “Has teacher Lu arrived yet?”

The director’s expression stiffened, and scratched his head. “Um… she should be here soon?” Towards the end, his tone became uncertain, and he wasn’t sure himself.

Yan Zhao said, “I won’t wait for her. If my scenes are done and she hasn’t arrived, then I’ll just finish work directly. Do you have any objections?”

“No, no, Teacher Yan, you’ve already filmed tomorrow’s scenes. You can take a day off directly,” the director smiled awkwardly, mentioning that the female lead hadn’t come yet, and Yan Zhao had already filmed both personal scenes and scenes with supporting actors for tomorrow. He said to the assistant director Qian Qian, “Go remind Teacher Lu, she’s been late for too long.”

Qian Qian said in a helpless tone, “I just reminded her. Teacher Lu said she’s stuck in filming and needs some more time.”

Yan Zhao asked, “Filming? Is she taking on another project?”

The director replied, “Yes, she also has a historical drama, over at the Ancient Qin Palace.”

Just being late would be tolerable, but she’s also taking on additional projects?

Yan Zhao clicked his tongue against his upper teeth, not saying much. After all, the entertainment industry is currently too chaotic. For exposure, many celebrities shoot multiple films simultaneously. Directors are no longer as picky about actors taking on multiple projects as they used to be. Or rather, they have no choice – there are only a few popular figures, and with more projects than available stars, it’s not surprising for someone to take a bite of one project while hoping for another.

Yan Zhao finished the remaining scenes, habitually marking them with a check on the script, distinguishing them from the ones yet to be shot.

There are no night scenes today or tomorrow. Seeing that the time is about right, Yan Zhao decided to go to the dressing room, remove his makeup, and leave.

Just as he got up from his seat, the sound of high heels tapping on the ground approached from a distance.

Lu Yinnan said, “Sorry, I’m late!”

She hurried over, still wearing the floral hairpin on her eyebrows, probably filming a Tang Dynasty or Song Dynasty drama.

The director stood up immediately, “Oh, Teacher Lu, you’re here!”

“Sorry, sorry! It’s my fault. I thought I could finish on time, but Director Guo held me back!” Lu Yinnan apologized to those around her, opened the bag in her hand, revealing a golden honey cake. “Just baked, still warm. Everyone, have some quickly!”

After an afternoon of shooting, everyone was a bit hungry and went to get a piece of cake. Yan Zhao had mostly breezed through his scenes, not exerting much energy, so he took a cake more as a symbolic gesture.

It was Lu Yinnan’s first time meeting him, and she looked at his face, blushing a bit. “Ah… Teacher Yan, I’m sorry for keeping you waiting!”

Yan Zhao replied, “After we finish filming this scene, try not to be late next time.”

Lu Yinnan nodded nervously, “Okay, okay, I promise!”

The character of the female lead is a studious type who doesn’t know how to dress up. In this scene, it’s her first time putting on makeup on Christmas Eve, and she does it poorly, getting ridiculed by others. The male lead happens to pass by, emitting a cold aura that scares away those mocking her.

“Haha! Teacher Lu, your expression is too naive, the female lead should be more resilient!”

“No, don’t glare like that, it’s too fierce!”

“Pouting doesn’t work either!”

Once again stopped by the director, Lu Yinnan lowered her head and stayed still.

Director: “We’re filming, teacher Lu. Why aren’t you moving?”

Lu Yinnan shrugged, and Yan Zhao said, “… Why are you crying?”

The director was shocked, “Ah?! Teacher Lu is crying?!”

Upon hearing this news, half of the crew gathered around.

Lu Yinnan sobbed, “I’m sorry, my acting is terrible…”

The director reassured, “No, no, you’re doing great!”

Lu Yinnan asked, “Then why do you keep stopping me?”

The director hesitated, “Uh…”

“Because you didn’t portray the qualities of the female lead,” Yan Zhao handed her an unopened packet of tissues, “Her character is full of contradictions. On the surface, she appears weak and easily bullied, but in reality, she’s strong-willed. Confident yet insecure, that’s the most challenging aspect of her role and also the highlight of her character.”

The director gave a thumbs up, “Exactly, what Teacher Yan said! The transformation from a restrained soft bun to a strong woman is one of the highlights of this drama.”

Lu Yinnan took the tissues and gently placed them around her eyes to avoid smudging her makeup. She looked at him, puzzled, “But Teacher Yan, the things you just said are all contradictory. How am I supposed to act that?”

“… “ Yan Zhao patiently analyzed for her, “Do you know why, when helped by the male lead, the female lead’s first reaction is not to thank him but to confront him? It’s because her makeup isn’t done well, and her most embarrassed side is exposed in front of the male god. She feels that she has shown vulnerability, and the strong side needs to reclaim her presence. But before this, she was cautious, avoiding conflicts with others, holding back any grievances. Now, accidentally breaking the facade and getting angry at the person who helped her, she feels scared and embarrassed. That’s why she cries and asks the male lead: ‘Are you all laughing at me in your hearts.’”

Lu Yinnan nodded in sudden realization, “I understand. Teacher Yan, you’re amazing, just like my drama literature mentor. You’ve thoroughly thought about the characters.”

The director also nodded repeatedly. Yan Zhao had already portrayed the male lead well, and now he even studied the female lead. If only he could play the female lead himself, sigh…

Yan Zhao smiled and said, “Let’s shoot it again.”

After Yan Zhao guided her through it again, Lu Yinnan’s performance was noticeably better than before. Though there were still many shortcomings, the director let her pass. After all, acting is a learning process, and she couldn’t master it in a day.

When it was time to finish work, Yan Zhao met a few fans who looked like students outside the set.

“Zhao Zhao! It’s really Zhao Zhao!” the fans exclaimed happily.

Yan Zhao waved to them, “Haven’t you all started your vacation yet?”

Someone said, “I have an internship and couldn’t get a ticket for the Spring Festival travel rush, so I’m not going back.”

“Me too, I have to work on my graduation project at school…”

Yan Zhao smiled at them, “I’ll be working during the Spring Festival too, accompanying you all. The production is starting late, and spring will be here soon.”

Several girls couldn’t help but sweetly smile upon hearing this.

Before leaving, a fan pulled out a pair of knitted gloves from her bag, “Zhao Zhao, it’s still cold, don’t freeze.”

Yan Zhao took them and put them on right away, saying, “Thank you, they’re very warm.”

The other fans envied their friends for a moment, then started chatting, “Zhao Zhao, you’re dressed too lightly, even in a bundled-up ball, you’re cute!”

“Yeah, consider knee-length down jackets!”

“Don’t wear sandals, wear snow boots!”

Yan Zhao chuckled helplessly, “There are hot water bottles in the crew, don’t worry.”

After bidding farewell to them and just sitting in the car, she heard someone loudly shout, “Zhao Zhao looks the coolest and most dazzling in red autumn pants on the whole street!”

Yan Zhao couldn’t help but laugh and cry at the same time.

*

“A University?” Shen Yuanting changed the cartoon for Wang Zai, “Where are you filming? Building Four?”

Yan Zhao held the cat, “Building Four, but most of the scenes are still shot around the dorm and the clock tower.”

On the TV, Tom Cat was once again tricked into a vase by Jerry. Shen Yuanting sat back on the sofa, “There’s a Bagua Array in front of Building Four.”

Yan Zhao paused in stroking the cat, “…”

Shen Yuanting took an apple and started peeling it, “It seems there are rumors of ghosts. Construction was halted for various reasons halfway through, and it only resumed after the Bagua Array was constructed. But you guys don’t go there often, so you probably won’t encounter anything.”

Yan Zhao held Wang Zai tightly, “Don’t spread feudal superstitions.”

Shen Yuanting said, “That’s how it’s talked about in the school. After all, Building Four ranks high, but construction only started seven years ago.”

Yan Zhao puzzled, “Why do you know so much?”

Shen Yuanting replied, “That’s my alma mater.”

University A is a top-notch university in China. Yan Zhao said, “Quietly showing off your education, we can’t relate!”

Shen Yuanting smiled and handed him the peeled apple. The crescent-shaped flesh, covered with pointed red skin, resembled rabbit ears.

Just as Yan Zhao was about to reach for it, Wang Zai rolled over, claws holding onto Yan Zhao’s hand, rubbing against it.

Shen Yuanting chuckled, “Do you want me to feed you?”

Yan Zhao gave him a side glance, opened his mouth, and bit into the apple slice on the toothpick.

It’s not like it’s a kiss, there’s nothing to be afraid of.

The next day, as soon as Yan Zhao entered the set, the director said, “Teacher Yan, are you wearing red autumn pants?”

Yan Zhao: “…”

Yesterday, the girl’s voice was too loud, and the whole crew knew that Yan Zhao was being urged to wear autumn pants by Salt Soda.

Yan Zhao showed the knitted gloves on his hands, “No autumn pants, only these.”

In the crew, everyone except Lu Yinnan had arrived.

Having learned from yesterday’s lesson, she informed the director that she would be a bit late but would definitely come. Then she performed for everyone what it means to be later but not the latest. After all, being half an hour late is still late, and being late for half a day is also late.

Yan Zhao completed most of the scenes for the next day again, leaving only the scenes with his co-star.

During the break, he discussed the upcoming scenes with the director and took a sip of hot water. “I feel like I can’t stay for three months. We might wrap up by mid-next month. It’s just that this drama may not have any romantic scenes.”

The director smiled wryly, “She called me just now and said she’s on her way.”

Yan Zhao held the script, bending it into a cylinder. “You said the same thing an hour ago.”

The director laughed awkwardly, “Qian Qian, go hurry up teacher Lu, speak in a serious tone, tell her that Director Wang is getting angry!”

Qian Qian acknowledged and was about to make the call when Yan Zhao said, “Wait, add a line, say Guan Ying is also getting angry.”

Guan Ying is the name of the male lead. Yan Zhao’s words were tactful, but they also conveyed some displeasure. The whole crew was waiting for her alone, even if she had given an early notice, it was a bit too much.

Half an hour later, Lu Yinnan arrived leisurely.

She tucked the hair on her temples behind her ears and told the assistant, “Quickly distribute the milk tea to everyone.”

Yan Zhao didn’t trouble the assistant, took the milk tea, and placed it aside without drinking.

Yan Zhao said, “Ms. Lu, if your schedule is too tight now, we can concentrate the scenes and shoot them a month later. By then, your ‘Tang Niangzi’ should be almost finished, right?”

Lu Yinnan exclaimed, “That won’t work. A month later, I have to go record ‘Love in This Moment’ and fly to J Country!”

Yan Zhao: “…”

Director: “What?!!!”

Can’t handle this.