Chapter 564
Shishi Visits the Set
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"Boss, Sister Cai said she'll personally deliver it to you tomorrow and she wants to give you a surprise."
After finishing the phone call, Zhao Ya quickly got into the car and explained the situation.
"A surprise for me? Not a shock, is it?"
Gu Qing's expression was slightly strange, and she raised her eyebrows slightly.
He really didn't believe that Boss Cai could prepare any "surprise" for him.
Based on his understanding of this Tangren leader, the so-called surprise was most likely that some project wanted to bring him on board, or wanted to use his name to do something.
Nine out of ten surprises from businessmen will actually cost you money.
"Hey boss, did Yang Mi leave?"
Zhao Ya glanced at the empty seat and asked curiously.
She remembered seeing Da Mimi sitting on the sofa talking to Gu Qing when she got into the car, but she disappeared in just a short while.
"Yeah, we were just walking too fast."
Xiaoya, could you send a message to her agent saying that Sister Cai is coming tomorrow, and ask Sister Mi if she should try to avoid it?
Gu Qing put down the medicine bottle, ready to be a kind-hearted person.
Although Da Mimi was tough on the outside, he could tell that she was still somewhat guilty towards Boss Cai.
"I see, I see, so those news reports were true."
Zhao Ya muttered something to herself, her fingers already swiping rapidly across the phone screen.
She had long heard about the grudges and grievances between Yang Mi and Tangren Media, and between her and Cai Linong, but she had never had the chance to verify them.
In retrospect, those rumors were not entirely unfounded.
It's so great to be in the entertainment industry; you can hear all the gossip you want.
Zhao Ya felt a surge of emotion.
The next free time,
Gu Qing didn't plan to rest either, but instead picked up the fitness equipment that was always kept in the car and started working out her strength.
All the costumes prepared by their teacher, Mr. Guan, were delivered, especially a set of full silver armor. It was made of thick rubber and iron plates, embroidered with patterns resembling dragon scales, and was very exquisite and gorgeous. It shone brightly in the sunlight and had a very high-quality feel.
The scales were sewn on piece by piece by hand, and they would show different luster under the light, just like real dragon scales.
The bad news is that the armor is too heavy.
Wearing it, even without weapons, weighs over thirty kilograms.
Thirty-odd kilograms may not sound like much, but wearing it while being suspended by wires, doing stunts, and filming action scenes is a different story.
The weight pressed down on my shoulders, and after a while, even breathing became difficult.
Gu Qing has been drinking milk for several years, and she hasn't lost too much nutrition; she's even grown a little taller.
In addition,
He maintains his physique through years of shaping and exercise, and his physical strength and figure are better than many of the weak male celebrities in the industry.
But jumping and leaping while wearing this armor is still too difficult.
He would never do something like binge eating to gain weight.
Gu Qing was willing to put in the hard work and practice his strength at the last minute.
after all,
It's not like we're actually having him wear that armor and fight for ten minutes straight. We'll keep filming, one take after another, until we finish.
That's it.
Gu Qingdu believes he is already ahead of 99% of male celebrities in the industry.
Those colleagues who don't even dare to use wire work and need stunt doubles for action scenes,
How could anyone be like him, striving for perfection with the production team even for a prop sword, and even spending his own money to find the prop?
Time flew by, and the next day arrived.
The morning sunlight pierced through the clouds and shone on the bluestone pavement of the film studio, giving it a pale golden glow.
The crew members have already started working, with lighting, photography, props, and costumes all in their positions, proceeding in an orderly manner.
After a whole morning of filming, Gu Qing finally finished shooting the scene where he delivers peach blossom wine to Si Yin.
That scene wasn't particularly difficult; the main focus was on the eye contact and subtle facial expressions, especially the restrained, unspoken emotions Mo Yuan conveyed when looking at Si Yin.
He handled it perfectly, and Yang Mi responded well too.
When Lin Yufen called "pass," he rarely showed a satisfied smile.
When it was lunchtime, Dilraba, whom she hadn't seen for two or three days, was overjoyed to have lunch and chat with Gu Qing and Sister Mi after finishing filming her most difficult scene.
Today she wore a casual outfit, her hair tied into a long, thin braid that swayed gently behind her as she walked, like a cheerful little pony.
When they arrived at the RV,
But all they saw was Gu Qing sitting alone on a small stool, holding a phone in one hand, looking down at something, occasionally exchanging a few words with Zhao Ya across from her.
He hadn't changed out of his costume yet; the dark robe gleamed softly in the sunlight, like a watercolor painting spreading out.
"Little brother, where did my honey sister go?"
Dilraba stopped her light steps, her right hand gently swinging her tied-up braid. She was lively and agile, her voice clear and melodious, with a peculiar accent.
"Hey friend, I can't see her even with my big eyes. Have you eaten yet?"
Upon seeing that she was playing with abstract art, Gu Qing immediately perked up and waved to her.
"Haha, little brother, where did you learn that accent?"
Dilraba opened her big eyes slightly, burst out laughing, and was amused to the point of trembling.
She clutched her stomach, laughing so hard she bent over, squatting on the ground, her smile uncontrollable. "How come the way people talk sounds so much like people from my hometown?"
"I just learned it from watching a short video."
Seeing that Zhao Ya across from her was also laughing so hard she was choking, Gu Qing chuckled and handed her a tissue. "Don't I have a knack for languages?"
Zhao Ya took the tissue, wiped her mouth, nodded vigorously, and gave a thumbs up.
“That’s it! Little brother, I feel like if you come live with me at my hometown, none of us locals will notice anything wrong with you.”
Dilraba was still laughing while squatting on the ground when she accidentally cried out "Ouch!" and sat down on the ground with her pert bottom.
Her lower abdomen ached a little from laughing, and she couldn't get up even with a little effort, looking somewhat silly.
"Sister Dilraba, take it easy, don't laugh it off."
Seeing Reba like this, Gu Qing reached out and pulled her up.
His hand was steady, and his strength was just right. Dilraba stood up with the force, patted the dust off her skirt, and the smile on her face had not completely faded.
"You're so funny, how can I not laugh?"
Dilraba giggled and kept laughing. She glanced into the car again to confirm, "Sister Mi is really not here?"
"Friend, sincerity is reciprocated. Why would I lie to you?"
Gu Qing shook her head, picked up a piece of braised pork with her chopsticks, stuffed it into her mouth, chewed it a couple of times, and mumbled, "Sister Mi is probably afraid that Boss Cai will come over later, so she's making a run for it."
"Who is Boss Cai?"
Dilraba, hands on her hips, unable to laugh any longer, asked weakly.
Her forehead was still damp with the fine sweat from laughing, and her cheeks were flushed.
"The boss of Tangren. She'll be coming over to deliver the props to me soon, she should be here soon."
Gu Qing had barely finished speaking when his phone rang. He glanced at it and laughed, "Alright, they're already here."
He put down his chopsticks, stood up, and closed the lunchbox. "Sister Reba, if you're hungry, sit here and eat. I have to go pick up the next person."
Gu Qing gave a signal with his eyes, and he and Zhao Ya got up and left.
"I...I'll go find Sister Honey."
Dilraba hesitated for a moment, looking around at the staff everywhere under the sunshade in broad daylight—the lighting technicians were adjusting the lights, the photographers were auditioning, and the production assistants were moving props.
People came and went, and it was noisy and bustling—without her own sister Mi, she really wouldn't dare to sit and eat with Gu Qing.
Lately, she has heard a lot of sarcastic remarks from her assistant.
A lot of harsh words were spread.
"Is Dilraba trying to ride on Gu Qing's popularity?", "Why does she always seem to be associated with Gu Qing?", "Doesn't she even know her own status?", "Her ambition to climb the ladder is so obvious!"...
Dilraba initially thought she didn't care about these comments, but when she was really shocked by them, she still felt ashamed and embarrassed.
"How wonderful it would be to be as strong as Sister Honey..."
Dilraba left dejectedly, her long braid swaying gently behind her like a little fox with its tail drooping.
……
Outside the film set, Gu Qing and Lin Yu personally came to pick them up.
Upon receiving the news, Jiaxing Media sent Producer Fang, whom they had met yesterday, to greet them.
Although comparing the current market value of the companies—Jaywalk's valuation is 50 billion, Tangren's market value has been halved to 30 billion.
Even a starved camel is bigger than a horse; since the boss himself came to visit the set, the proper etiquette still had to be observed.
"Mr. Gu, our company has already contacted some of the best special effects production teams in the industry. Once the show airs, it will definitely not disappoint you."
Producer Fang put on a smile and took the initiative to start a conversation, his tone as attentive as if he were serving an ancestor.
"Then I'll wait and see."
Gu Qing smiled at him, but didn't have much hope.
He had already experienced Jiaxing's petty-mindedness.
When it comes to valuing and ensuring the quality of their dramas, they are far inferior to Tangren Media, whose market value has plummeted.
If it weren't for finding a good partner and successfully listing the company with Yang Mi as a cash cow, she would have been forgotten in the industry long ago.
but,
Gu Qing vaguely remembered that shortly after the performance-based agreement was completed, Da Mimi sold her shares and cashed out a large sum of money.
This clearly shows that they saw through the company's incompetent nature.
"Special effects, special effects..."
While waiting, Gu Qing's thoughts drifted.
Now he has popularity, status, and earns the most money among artists, receiving profit-sharing contracts for every project.
But Gu Qing was not blinded by greed.
He knew that the reason he was able to get so much money was because he had a forward-looking vision and was able to find works from his previous life that already had good viewership ratings.
If you just keep working hard to improve, you will naturally be able to add the finishing touches.
But what about the future? Are there that many good dramas suitable for me to film?
Even if it were a good fit, small and medium-sized production teams might not be willing to hire me—the cost would be too high.
Unless Gu Qing is willing to lower her status and eagerly take on the role, wouldn't that be just asking for trouble?
With the arrival of the film and television industry downturn and the implementation of salary reduction orders, those film crews must be grinning from ear to ear when they see him.
It's almost possible to gain the popularity of top celebrities for free with virtually no cost.
To make money, one can only take on multiple jobs, holding various positions in the film crew, or, like veteran actors, have their own network of contacts, directing, acting, and producing their own films.
It's definitely not a pleasant feeling to be controlled by others.
"As for directing: I have Sister Yufen for TV dramas and Brother Sicheng for movies. I can learn from them and even do filming on their behalf."
I have no shortage of connections as an actor.
"Given Tangren's dire financial situation, Mr. Cai is more than eager to collaborate with me on film and television projects..."
After thinking it over, Gu Qing realized that she lacked nothing.
Even good scripts have one that has survived to this day – "Wu Xin: The Monster Killer," a web series that achieved great success with a low budget, which can be said to be the most perfect test budget.
As for money?
After the screening of "Wolf Warrior 2" ended, the funds for "Love O2O" and "Nirvana in Fire" were settled, and the invested "Duckweed" and the unfinished "Eternal Love" were broadcast.
Once he settled all the money, Gu Qing felt he could buy most of the Tang people.
As for Ah Dou's year-end bonus, Gu Qing didn't want to think about it.
He won't get a single penny in a few years.
The amount of money spent on promoting and advertising short videos, and paying video creators, is definitely not a small sum.
In a past life,
Alibaba's first real profit was reported in 2023, with a profit of 2000 billion yuan in one year.
Before this, everything was a loss-making situation.
Gu Qing felt that even with her there, at most she could see the money a year or two earlier, which would be considered good.
He advertised for Adou, acted as its spokesperson, and provided his own songs to the creators' platform free of charge, creating a huge buzz and making most young people in China aware that he was Adou's spokesperson.
This is the result of Gu Qing's dedication, which also ensured that the companies that invested in her had no complaints. Otherwise,
Mei Mei signed a contract, made an appearance, and got 1.5% of the shares. She could just lie around and collect dividends at the end of the year. Those investors would have already ganged up to kick her out.
Money... isn't so easy to earn.
"In that case, the only thing that can restrain me is the special effects team..."
Gu Qing pondered, his brows furrowing slightly.
Creating good special effects can really cost a fortune.
If outsiders want to hire a special effects team to create it, they have to spend a lot of money, and the supply still can't meet the demand.
"Are there any special effects teams I can hire, like the one known for their 'don't underestimate a young person' approach?"
Gu Qing didn't want to be tricked, so she silently pondered in her heart.
"Here it comes, the car is here!"
Producer Fang suddenly exclaimed in surprise, interrupting Gu Qing's thoughts.
A black minivan was parked at the entrance of the film crew's location.
The car body was gleaming, reflecting the sunlight, and the windows were covered with dark tint, making it impossible to see who was inside.
The driver had just gotten out of the car and was about to turn around to open the car door when the door was already pushed open from the inside.
“Cai…”
Gu Qing was about to raise his hand to greet them—
"younger brother!"
A gentle female voice rang out, like a spring breeze rippling across a lake.
Liu Shishi's gentle and beautiful face radiated joy and brightness. Today she wore a light apricot-colored knitted sweater paired with a beige long skirt, her hair casually draped over her shoulders, making her look like a delicate white magnolia.
She closed the car door and saw Gu Qing standing at the entrance. The joy in her heart was indescribable.
that moment,
She longed to rush over and embrace the gorgeously dressed young man she had been longing for day and night, who was still in his costume.
His dark robe gleamed softly in the sunlight, a black leather belt cinched his waist, and his long hair was tied up with a jade crown, making him look like an immortal who had stepped out of a painting.
But she saw many staff members outside the film crew staring intently at her, and after taking a couple of light steps, she stopped and slowed down.
She was afraid of causing trouble for Gu Qing.
In her beautiful eyes, a gentle, watery light flowed, like moonlight spilling onto a lake.
She bit her lower lip, her pearly teeth gently pressing a faint mark into her lips.
His eyes held longing, joyful restraint, and a cautious timidity and nervousness.
She was even afraid that Gu Qing would be unhappy.
Not every artist is willing to accept unannounced set visits.
"Senior Sister?!"
Liu Shishi tried to suppress her embarrassment, but Gu Qing happily opened his sleeves and hugged her.
"Why did you come here? You didn't even tell me!"
He even spun her around in his arms, the dark hem of his robes drawing a graceful arc in the air.
Liu Shishi gasped softly at his sudden enthusiasm and instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.
Gu Qing didn't care about the stares, the whispers, or the possible rumors from the crew.
He was completely unconcerned about the strange looks from outsiders when he was with his loved ones.
"miss you."
Liu Shishi's laughter was melodious.
She gently cupped Gu Qing's cheeks in her delicate hands and rubbed them.
She lightly touched the ground with her toes, wrapped her arms around him, and gently pressed her cheek against his neck, her voice soft as a breeze whispering in his ear: "I came to see you..."
The voice was very soft and gentle, as if afraid of waking something.
"Little Gu, did you like the surprise Sister Cai gave you?"
Mr. Cai then slowly got out of the car from the other side.
She was dressed in a smart black suit, her hair tied up in a bun, and she had nothing more to say as she watched her daughter, who was losing money, cling to Gu Qing.
She joked with a smile, her tone full of teasing.
Liu Shishi blushed, gathered her loose hair, and quickly let go.
But she remained standing beside Gu Qing, without leaving.
"like."
Gu Qing took her hand and nodded with a bright smile.
"Oh my, oh my, what are you doing? Are you trying to make me sick of your sweetness?"
Mr. Cai, on the contrary, was embarrassed by the laughter.
She was a beauty in her youth, but the sweetness between these two young people was simply too much for her.
She hugged Lin Yufen, shook hands with Producer Fang, and the group headed towards the film set.
The people in front are walking, and the people behind are talking.
"Little brother, I heard you're going to use the Xuanyuan Sword?"
Liu Shishi looked on with curiosity and confusion, her beautiful eyes filled with doubt, "Didn't the production team prepare anything for you?"
"Sigh, stop talking, Senior Sister. The Xuanyuan Sword? It's just a small iron sword! Do you know how ugly it is?"
Gu Qing gestured to her complainingly, drawing a crude sword shape in the air with both hands, "It's only this long, and it's all gray..."
Liu Shishi covered her mouth and chuckled, "It's so shabby? Did they embezzle the money for the props?"
Producer Fang, who was walking ahead, stumbled slightly upon hearing these words.
"Please forgive me, my silly girl at home has never seen the world."
Mr. Cai was ashamed.
"President Cai, I... I won't disturb your reminiscing any longer, I just happen to have something to attend to."
Producer Fang left quite consciously.
He felt ashamed to reveal the embarrassing situation of his own production crew in front of other company executives.
But we can't punish those with connections.
Because he gets a commission too!
The rest of the group arrived at Gu Qing's RV.
"Little brother, you haven't eaten yet?"
Liu Shishi frowned slightly as she looked at the almost unopened food on the table.
"I still ate a little bit."
Gu Qing said, "I originally thought Sister Cai would come alone, and I was even planning to treat her to some boxed lunches."
"If I had known you were coming, Senior Sister, I wouldn't have eaten. We would have gone out for a big meal together."
"You brat, are you looking for death?!"
Enraged, Boss Cai kicked his butt.
"Sister Cai, my clothes are very expensive! If they get dirty, I won't be able to film."
Gu Qing jumped aside.
Seeing this, Liu Shishi gradually calmed down her worries and tension.
She found that Gu Qing treated her the same as always, without the awkwardness one would expect after a long time apart.
His smile was still so bright, his tone still so affectionate, and his gaze towards her still so piercing.
Liu Shishi's laughter became as hearty as it used to be; she no longer tried to maintain a facade.
"Isn't my Xuanyuan Sword enough to compensate you?"
Boss Cai laughed and scolded, hands on his hips.
She stopped in front of the car, looked around, and suddenly clicked her tongue, "Yu Fen, Xiao Gu, why are only the two of you here to pick me up? Where's your leading lady?"
"I don't know, you should ask Xiao Gu."
Lin Yufen shook his head with a smile, knowing that his friend was holding back a lot of anger.
"Sister Cai, our leading lady feels very guilty towards you and is embarrassed to come see you."
Gu Qing glanced at her senior sister beside her and silently added in her mind—especially with senior sister here, I think Sister Mi is even less likely to show up.
"Oh, really? Mimi's afraid of me too?"
Mr. Cai's round face was slightly tense, clearly indicating that he was clenching his teeth.
"Alright, you guys stay here and have fun. I'm busy at work, so I'm heading back now."
Mr. Cai waved his hand, preparing to leave.
"Sister Cai, are you really leaving? I was just joking."
Gu Qing was stunned for a moment, not expecting her to leave so suddenly. "I've already made reservations at the restaurant."
"You'll miss your sister?"
Boss Cai smiled, a smile that carried a hint of sincerity, "Don't worry, it's me who's leaving."
Shishi will stay here with you for another day. It's been so long since we last met, I don't want to disturb you two catching up.
"Alright, you can go now."
Gu Qingyi said.
Boss Cai: "..."
"You're even more awful than Mimi!!"
Boss Cai almost choked on his breath and rolled up his sleeves, ready to punch someone.
The scene was filled with playful banter.
As he got out of the car, Mr. Cai sat inside and sighed, touching his cheek.
Why do I feel so young after just one meeting with Gu Qing?
That brat seems to have some kind of magic that makes everyone lower their guard and unconsciously want to get closer.
Within the film crew,
Since Liu Shishi came to visit, Gu Qing naturally wanted to take her out to eat.
"Little brother, we can just eat here. There's no need to go through all that trouble and travel such a long distance."
Liu Shishi only wanted to see Gu Qing and didn't want to waste time traveling.
"By the way, Director Yufen, can I watch you and your brother film this afternoon?"
Liu Shishi asked, her beautiful eyes full of anticipation.
"No problem, this is a good opportunity for you to see my acting skills."
Gu Qing smiled and agreed.
But he overlooked Lin Yufen's strange expression.
"Xiao Gu, have you forgotten what we're filming this afternoon?"
Lin Yufen's voice drifted over softly.
Gu Qing's smile froze on her face.
What were we supposed to film this afternoon?
He quickly recalled the day's filming schedule—after finishing the peach blossom wine delivery shoot in the morning, the afternoon should be…
His expression changed little by little.
"No way..."
He muttered to himself, a hint of despair in his voice.
If I remember correctly, his afternoon scenes involve rescuing Yang Mi, who is soaking in a water dungeon.
"Bless yourself."
Lin Yufen nodded, her expression full of sympathy.
Looking at their expressions, Liu Shishi's beautiful eyes grew increasingly puzzled.
"What...are you talking about?"
……
...(End of this chapter)