Chapter 35 – He really is Ling Xiao!
Translator: Vian
Slightly edited: Vian (Please tell me if you find any mistakes, but it should be readable.)
In the spacious and neat studio, one can see the busy crew members bustling everywhere. The props group was divided into three separate groups: one for arranging the scene settings, one for indoor props, and one for the outdoor props. The lighting group was also divided into two so that they could rotate at anytime. As for the cameras group, it was split into four groups.
"Black Clouds" premiere was set to be in five months. This movie doesn't require any complicated special effects and neither was there any big scenes that needed to be filmed. The biggest scene would probably be the concerts as the crew needs to replicate Ling Xiao's one hundred thousand audience. However, this part can be done in post-editing by the computer.
So for this crew, their biggest obstacle was actually the filming process.
In the "Black Clouds" cast, the one with the least qualifications would be Rong Xu.
It has already been confirmed that the stars coming to appear in this movie totaled to as many as ninety-six people. In the entire Chinese entertainment circle, whichever star you can name, they will be there. There were also some foreign stars who have accepted the invitation as well. In the movie, they would essentially star as themselves to create the 'real' entertainment circle for this biographical film.
To be able to get the responses of so many stars and have them take the time to do a mere guest appearance, Ling Xiao's own influence and vast network of connections could be seen. Although there are some among them that are only appearing due to all the big names coming and to join in the fun, the majority of the stars were still coming for Ling Xiao.
In order to match these luxurious guest stars, the crew especially prepared four camera groups to film their respective scenes at the fastest speed possible.
In Rong Xu's last life, there was a movie that gathered nearly three hundred of the most famous stars at the time. It was to where even the top superstar was only a guest that played a very small role. The movie was an art film as only films of this nature can assemble so many famous stars.
For "Black Clouds" to be able to invite ninety-six famous stars was a certain strength, but it was also a challenge.
But now, Director Liang was relieved.
The reason why he wanted to choose Ling Xiao's actor among three small fresh meats was one, to be as close to the image of Ling Xiao back then—— they can't be that old because when Ling Xiao entered the entertainment circle, he was still young; the second reason was to achieve a balance.
If Ling Xiao's actor was also very famous, when the audience sees him play Ling Xiao, would they see him or Ling Xiao? Ling Xiao's death was not long ago, his image still vividly lived in the hearts of every fan. The lead of "Black Clouds" must be playing the role of Ling Xiao and most definitely not as any other.
Therefore, there was no need to even mention Rong Xu. He, himself, was a newcomer. Aside from him, whether it was Jiao Jingshan or Ling Zhen, they were drama series' actors that have never filmed a movie. They were at the right age, has good acting skills, and although they are popular, they were far from the point where people would confuse them with Ling Xiao.
So in the end, Director Liang sent the three people an audition invitation, and afterwards, chose Rong Xu.
It took a certain amount of courage to chose Rong Xu. While Rong Xu currently has a good amount of fans, he does not have much of a name in the hearts of the Chinese people and lacks representative works. Secondly, he was still a newcomer. No one can guarantee that his acting can hold down this luxurious group of guest stars.
But now, the main cast has one more person—— Qin Cheng.
Director Liang held the crumpled up script and rambled on: "I've seen Rong Xu's acting skills during the audition, it was very good. But I don't know how he will do after the opening ceremony today. Qin Cheng, it's rare for you to personally want a role, I'll have to bother you to take care of him during this time. I remember that he also seems to be from your Huaxia Entertainment? I'll thank you for your hard work in advance, you should just take care of this junior okay. How about it?"
Director Liang has made many brilliant commercial film with high box offices but his movies could never invite Qin Cheng. This is his first cooperation with Qin Cheng but he had no doubts about this person and instead thought this was a matter of course: Qin Cheng will take good care of Rong Xu.
Hearing Director Liang's words, the man slight knitted his handsome brows and just as he was about to open his mouth to reply, Director Liang spoke again: "I know this would be troubling you, but this is also for the good of the movie. I think that you also don't wish for the main lead of this movie be crushed by the guests?"
Qin Cheng slightly nodded his head: "Yes, I will take care of him."
Director Liang finally breathed a sigh of relief.
And of course, Rong Xu who just entered the dressing room naturally didn't know that when he was changing his clothes, he was already sold by Director Liang to a big-tailed wolf who has been planning exactly for this since a long time ago.
The makeup artist carefully applied on a base foundation of powder of his face. Rong Xu lifted his head and saw the photoshoot set up in the distance through reflection on the mirror. The cameraman was currently taking the character posters for that man.
In his last life, someone once evaluated Rong Xu like this: "If god's complete love is worth ten points, then they must have loved Rong Xu nine points."
Although these words were a bit exaggerated — even when Rong Xu himself heard it, he was also left speechless — but it was actually praising the appearance and temperament of this top Superstar. In terms of appearance, Rong Xu won the title "The Fans' Perfect Dream Lover" for five consecutive years; In terms of his physique, he was 188cm in his last life, 3cm taller than this life, with broad shoulders, narrow waist, and long legs. He would appear thin with clothes on, but was muscular without.
However, Rong Xu inexplicably felt that those exaggerated words also to apply to Qin Cheng.
Under the lens of the cameraman, Qin Cheng quickly posed for his character posters. He changed his clothes three times. Everytime the camera lens leaves him, he would indifferently look off to the side. An assistant quickly ran up to help wipe away his sweat while the makeup artist touched up his makeup. However, once the lens was aimed at him again, in that instance, he became that somber and gloomy lyricist.
—To chose to act in this low-budget film, and it was even the role for the second male lead.
So to say, Qin Cheng, this person… what was he thinking?
Rong Xu withdrew his gaze and didn't continue to ponder this issue anymore.
***
At ten in the morning the day after the opening ceremony, Qin Cheng also finished taking his character posters. At this point, the male and female leads, the second male lead, and third female lead have all entered the crew.
The third female lead never thought she would actually be able to act together with Qin Cheng in the same scene, much less have so many scenes together! Taking advantage of the fact that the crew has yet to officially start filming, she excitedly ran over to Qin Cheng's side, and after fidgeting for a moment, took out a book and pen.
Qin Cheng was taking the character posters at that time and should have been too occupied to take it, but he still received the book and pen and gave her an autograph.
To the very end, Qin Cheng did not notice that this person was actually the third female lead who has scenes with him, but the latter was extremely happy to where her face flushed red. When she was sitting next to Rong Xu for her makeup, she was still talking to her assistant about it: "Third Young Master just smiled at me right now, did you see did you see! Ahhhhhhh I'll treasure this smile my whole life!"
Third Young Master was Qin Cheng's role is his most famous movie "Musheng". His name was Lu Musheng, the prestigious Lu Family's Third Young Master. He had already died seventy years prior. At the start of the movie, he appeared as a ghost beside the second male lead and asked him to help fulfill his wish.
He had forgotten what was his wish, and what was his obsession; like this, one person and one ghost relied on the Third Young Master's fragmented memories to blindly search.
In the very end, this wish was not achieved. The woman he had once loved and died for already has children and grandchildren. When the second male lead mentioned the name "Lu Musheng", the woman looked at him confused, appearing to have already forgotten the peerless and unmatched Young Master she had once loved when she was young.
For this woman, the Third Young Master went against his parents for the first time and had to kneel in the heavy rain for a day and night. He was affected by the cold and unfortunately passed away. These matters were already a thing of the past from seventy years ago. There is no longer anyone who remembers the Third Young Master who has passed away. That woman as well, after a period of suffering from the pain of his death, have also forgotten that she once received another happiness.
Rong Xu went through the hardcover DVD gift box he received from Qin Cheng last month and had just finished watching this movie. Now that he heard the third female lead, Luo Xiaoting, mention it, he remembered the scene at the end.
Luo Xiaoting excitedly continued: "I remember I have a scene together with Third Young Master tomorrow? I need to thoroughly study the script tonight, I definitely can't NG tomorrow. Xiao Qi, you have to remember to remind me to go to bed early tonight. If I��m not in good form because I slept late and don't read my lines properly and NG-ed then I really feel bad for Third Young Master."
The makeup artist Wang jie heard this and couldn't help smile: "You like Qin Cheng this much?"
Luo Xiaoqing righteously exclaimed: "Of course! I entered the entertainment circle for him!"
This sentence was very familiar. Rong Xu recalled a little and suddenly remembered… it seems that Ye Qiao had also said something similar?
Just as he was thinking this, Rong Xu suddenly heard Lu Xiaoqing's lively voice: "Hello, I'm Luo Xiaoqing. You must be Rong Xu right, I've watched "Vie for Supremacy", I think Wanqi Yao is really beautiful! I've been following the drama everyday recently, I would always turn on the TV to watch it when I return to the hotel, I really like it!"
Rong Xu raised his lips in a smile and asked: "You would watch it once you return to the hotel?"
Luo Xiaoqing replied subconsciously: "Definitely, I never missed an episode."
Rong Xu smiled and reached out his hand, saying: "Thank you for liking "Vie for Supremacy". I'm Rong Xu, I appreciate your guidance." So it turns out you were the one who was watching "Vie for Supremacy" last night. That person who accidentally turned on the sound too loudly ah…
Luo Xiaoqing carefreely replied and did not notice Rong Xu's meaningful expression.
***
An hour later, the crew was ready to film the first scene.
This scene was the first scene after the opening ceremony. Director Liang placed great importance in it. After thinking about it repeatedly, he decided on a scene between Rong Xu and Yu Siyu. There's no need for a complicated scene, they will be doing the scene after where Yu Siyu saw a video of Ling Xiao's singing online, she personally want to B-city's subway station, determined to sign a contract with Ling Xiao.
In order to make sure this scene goes well and avoid NG-ing, Yu Siyu deliberately pulled Rong Xu to practice the scene half an hour earlier. During the actual scene, this box office Queen appeared serious, completely different from her soft image. However, the voice that sounds is an exquisite and steady voice unique to that female manager she is playing as.
If she wasn't insightful enough, then it was absolutely impossible for her to dig out such a perfect jade; if she wasn't strong enough, then it was absolutely impossible for her to go against all odds and stubbornly sign with such an ordinary singer that one can find anywhere like grass.
Leaning against the wall of the subway entrance, the youth lowered his head and wholeheartedly sang his song. He sang "Black Clouds" over and over again, meeting his beloved girl in the song over and over again, as if he would never tire of it; he happily and cheerfully sang.
The whole crew was silent. There was only the sound of the extras making conversation as they walked around the subway entrance. Aside from that, it was only the sound of the wind and Rong Xu's singing. His voice was carefree and gentle. When he sings, one would relax their minds, let go of their troubles and sorrows, and feel comfortable in their hearts.
When people walk past him, they would all stop for a bit and throws a bit of money into his guitar case. Everytime, he would raise his head and cast a friendly smile towards the other party.
The loose messy hair fell onto that pair of clear, narrow eyes, those eyes appear to shine brightly like crystals. His warm smile can infect people's hearts, the passersby who look at him cannot help but feel happy.
After he had sang for the eighth time, the new onlookers sincerely applauded for him before turning around and continuing with their lives. He squatted down and carefully collected the loose bits of change when his light was suddenly blocked by someone.
Ling Xiao looked up.
Wearing a suit, a person who looked like an elite career woman pushed up the glasses at the bridge on her nose and said: "Nice to meet you, I am Zhao Chuyun from Huaxia Entertainment. I was listening to you singing the same song eight times now, what is the song called? It should be your own composition and lyrics correct? Are you interested in signing with me and turning this song into a single and releasing it?"
Most likely shocked by the long spew of words, the youth looked up at this unfamiliar lady for a long time without saying anything.
Zhao Chuyun seriously repeated what she said and added another sentence at the end: "If you don't believe me, this is my business card. You can go to Huaxia Entertainment to find me tomorrow. I will be at the company, you can come anytime."
With a 'click', Ling Xiao gently closed the guitar case. He slowly stood up, and so happens to be a head taller than Zhao Chuyun. He softly gazed at her.
Zhao Chuyun originally wanted to speak again, but who would have expected for this younger boy to smile gently at her and asked: "Are you nervous?"
Zhao Chuyun was stunned and stared blankly.
Putting the guitar case on his back, Ling Xiao looked over the neverending flow of people coming in and out of the subway station and said with a smile: "I was also very nervous. So when I saw you, I felt… that you were also very nervous. But you don't have to be nervous, I believe you. I will go with you to see your company, thank you for liking my music."
The next excerpt was Yi Siyu's last part in this scene. She needs to show Zhao Chuyun's surprised, but still pretending to be calm appearance.
This scene was still a bit difficult for Yu Siyu, but on the other hand, it wasn't particularly difficult for Rong Xu. That's why Director Liang purposely chose this scene as the first scene.
Yu Siyu wrinkled her eyebrows, her eyes showing her suspicion. She carefully regarded the youth in front of her for a long while before finally asking: "Why do you believe me so much? Are you not afraid that…"
"In that past hour, you threw a ten RMB and two twenty RMB into my guitar case. I have always believed that good people would not be liars. To be able to meet such a good person when I am at the lowest point of my life who was willing to sign me and release my song…"
The voice slowly paused, and the youth gently raised his head. The loose hair strands were swept to either side of the forehead, showing a pair of eyes that turned crescent-shaped when he smiled. With a smile, he sincerely said: "So I am really thankful towards you. I believe you, Miss Zhao."
Yu Siyu was startled.
In that pair of clear and bright eyes, it seems to have hidden an entire galaxy. It was warm and gentle as it quietly gazed at her. Time suddenly returned to eight years ago. Eight years ago, she was part of the background in an evening party, and it was also there the first time she saw that person.
The Ling Xiao at that time was already thirty-six, he wasn't extremely handsome, but had a comfortable atmosphere that made it hard for people to move away their eyes. He grabbed her when she was walking too fast and almost fell down. When she was still dazed, he smiled at her and said: "Be careful not to fall, the floor is slippery."
It was the same gaze, the same tone…
He is Ling Xiao…
He really is Ling Xiao!
"Cut! This scene is good! Very good, Rong Xu performed well. Yu Siyu, pay attention to your small actions. Everyone get ready for the second scene."
The author has something to say:
Qin Orangeorange: A back-pot reason to get close to Rongrong~ Baby is such a genius~
Rongrong: …Please return the two tears I shed when I watched "Musheng"!!!
Musheng – Formerly known as Evening Sound
However, this is Evening Sound [暮聲 – mù shēng] and the lead's name is [陸暮聲 – Lù mù shēng] so you can see the problem. The title of the movie is most likely not the trans. version 'Evening Sound' but the lead's actual name. In my defense, this is the first time we heard anything about the movie plot :v
I… will go back and change it… eventually… buuuttttt… if any lovely souls just happens to have re-read SA and happens to know which chapters 'Evening Sound' was mentioned…. You know... I would be eternally grateful (ㆁᴗㆁ✿)◞♡
Back-pot – [背锅侠 – Bèi guō xiá] The more accurate trans for this is back-pot man. But a back-pot is referring to where a person is forced to take all responsibility for someone else even if it's not their fault. And that person is called 'back-pot man'