CH 99

Half a month later–

When Shen Xingsui first learned that Fu Jinxiao was going to star in “Lonely City”, he was shocked, and felt like this was unbelievable. 

So when he received a call from Wang Meican, he even relied on rubbing his eyes to judge whether he was dreaming, until Wang Meican repeated to him again: “The contract has been signed.” 

Shen Xingsui exclaimed in pure shock, “Why did Teacher Fu agree to act on this?” 

At least in his opinion, although he didn’t despise his crew, this crew was incomparable with the quality of the big production crews that Actor Fu has worked with before. 

Wang Meican could only helplessly say, “Suisui, although your crew is indeed a small production, it doesn’t mean it’s bad. As long as they have good supervision, they can produce a well-recieved film.” 

Simply put, they could be “levelled up”. 

And Fu Jinxiao himselfwais not the kind of person who just wanted to make fast money by sacrificing the quality of his works. So bringing money into the crew has become an inevitable thing. The crew was indeed poor, and that fact was very obvious, but they have the Shen family’s investment. Now, added with the Fu family’s support, the production funds of the entire crew have successfully reached hundreds of millions.

Shen Xingsui also figured this out by himself. “Teacher Fu participated… because of me?”

“You may have to ask him yourself. There is no need to worry about him losing money at all. When did you see Fu Jinxiao participate in a losing business? Don’t worry, he also gets a commission, and he will get a lot of money from the movie’s box office share.” 

Shen Xingsui laughed, feeling like a stone weighing his heart has disappeared. “That’s right…”

–He was afraid that Fu Jinxiao was willing to suffer if it could help Shen Xingsui. Participating in this low-budget film was risky, but it wasn’t a guarantee that the movie it produced would flop.

Now that Fu Jinxiao’s participation was known to the crew, Shen Xingsui saw him on the set. Even he felt like this was some kind of lucid dream. 

Zhang Sansan  built a very large and comfortable lounge when he learned that Fu Jinxiao might come back. Simply put, he didn’t even splurge on that for himself, but he totally was willing to do that for Fu Jinxiao. 

Fu Jinxiao stepped forward, looked down at his lover, and smiled, “Why? Does seeing me make you unhappy?” 

Shen Xingsui replied as he hugged the actor’s arm, “Mn, I’m happy.”

‘–Very genuinely happy.’ 

It’s not for anything else, but if they could film together in the future, it means that they didn’t have to be separated for a long, long time.

“I just didn’t expect it,” Shen Xingsui said honestly: “I didn’t expect you to come to my crew. After all, both the themes and production are quite small.” 

Fu Jinxiao laughed in a low voice, causing Shen Xingsui to look at him suspiciously.

Fu Jinxiao stepped on the sofa next to him and sat down. He raised his eyelids and looked at Shen Xingsui and said, “Then why did you accept this movie?” 

“I remember that when you accepted this drama, this crew could not even be called small, but rather… zero cost?” Fu Jinxiao sat on the sofa with his long legs crossed. He looked like a man who had everything in his hands, “Why did you agree to star in this film?” 

Shen Xingsui explained, “I think the script and story are not bad, and I don’t want to miss a good story…”

The corner of Fu Jinxiao’s mouth curled up in a satisfied smile, “Ah, so those reasons are enough?” 

Shen Xingsui was stunned, and then realized what Fu Jinxiao wanted to express. They are actors, and of course they wanted to act in a good story – that was a given. Not all actors value big productions, but high standards. There were also some actors who film for a good story, or they wanted a specific role to build their image. 

Shen Xingsui looked at Fu Jinxiaol. He recalled that a long time ago, when Fu Jinxiao was not so popular, he didn’t rely on the Fu family’s power to make big-budget and big-produced dramas. On the contrary, Fu Jinxiao would always choose refined, low-cost movies. It was not the movie that made him perfect, but he was the one who made the movie perfect. This was a man on his mission – undaunted by hardships, unwilling to admit defeat or take shortcuts. 

For many things, Shen Xingsui felt that it was Fu Jinxiao’s spirit that influenced him, making him understand what kind of person he should be.

Shen Xingsui withdrew from his memories, a smile appeared on his face, and he said softly, “You haven’t changed at all.”

Fu Jinxiao looked at Shen Xingsui standing in front of him. His expression was soft yet full of meaning.

“No, I’ve changed.”

–That’s not an answer that Shen Xingsui expected. 

Instead, Fu Jinxiao pulled Shen Xingsui even closer to his side. Making eye contact, he whispered gently, “You brought him back.” 

Since the first time they met, Fu Jinxiao always had a strange feeling. 

The hidden stubbornness, the despair in adversity, the relief after acceptance, including the choices he made when he encountered many things, all made him feel familiar. In fact, the entertainment industry would make many people numb, especially when it came to status, interest, and money. Even Fu Jinxiao wasn’t immune to such things – slowly, but surely, the industry grinded down his spirit until his bones felt weary and his spirit felt bored. 

The arrival of Shen Xingsui was like a small stone causing the whole stagnant water to ripple into waves. 

“I… me?” 

“Yeah,” Fu Jinxiao nodded, his rough fingertips slid over Shen Xingsui’s delicate skin, and whispered, “This movie is not bad. You have just entered the industry not long ago, and the first movie you make will definitely attract a lot of people’s attention. If the response of the first movie is good, it will be a stepping stone for you to enter the film and television industry in the future. That’s why you can’t rush such a thing.”  

Fu Jinxiao’s eyes were full of tenderness. After a brief period of silence, he continued, “I’ll take you with me and pave the way for you.”

Shen Xingsui was a little moved in his heart, but at the same time, he looked at Fu Jinxiao’s rare serious expression. Inexplicably, a little bad premonition rose up in his heart – it’s like… these uncomfortable feelings, heralding something bad would happen. It’s like this was the last journey they would take together–

–As for his future, it would all depend on himself alone. 

The next day—

It was the last scene involving the young Xu Yan. 

Fang Zhiwen’s family had a big change, and he and Xu Yan were trapped in a dilapidated temple because of their academic tasks outside the school. Because of the heavy rain, they had to huddle together beside the fire to keep themselves warm. Falling asleep with a fever, Fang Zhiwen whispered his confession to the sleepy Xu Yan under the downpour. 

–Out of bravery, or maybe desperation, Fang Zhiwen secretly kissed Xu Yan. 

Sprinklers were stationed outside; as for the small dilapidated ruin, it was the prop shed that was painted anew. Zhang Sansan told the actor: “This monologue is very important. Your feelings for Xu Yan are strong, yet restrained. It’s like… it’s something you bottled it up, but it overflows in the end. Do you understand that kind of emotional expression?”

Shen Xingsui nodded. “I will try my best.” 

“As for this kiss…” Zhang Sansan coughed lightly, “I don’t want to do any tricky angle. Just kiss his lips for a second. Is that okay?” 

Jiang Chao, who was not far away, looked over.

He didn’t know why, after what happened in the lounge that day, Shen Xingsui felt that Jiang Chao seemed to be avoiding him all the time. These feelings also couldn’t be his imagination – could it be because he saw that embarrassing scene, he stayed away to avoid suspicion? 

Shen Xingsui didn’t understand very well either.

But since their working relationship went well, Shen Xingsui didn’t care much. 

After everything was ready and the scene was set up, the director shouted: “Okay, everyone, let’s start!” 

The heavy rain poured down, and the two people in the dilapidated temple cuddled together. The two young men laid down on the hay mat, looking pale and sick. Xu Yan’s expression looked pained, and he curled up into the direction of the fire, searching for a little bit of warmth.

Fang Zhiwen was leaning against him, and when he heard Xu Yan muttering something in his sleep, he hurriedly moved closer to listen. He found that Xu Yan wanted to drink water, but the kettle they were carrying was running out of water. Fang Zhiwen ran to the eaves to fetch water, then he helped Xu Yan to sit up so he could drink water.

Xu Yan deliriously woke up, forced himself to drink water, said thank you, and fell asleep again.

Fang Zhiwen’s heart was full of love and pain. He touched Xu Yan’s cheek and whispered,  expressing his thoughts for the past two years. The thunder and lightning roared outside. When night fell, he finally couldn’t help but leaned over and planted a secret and restrained kiss on Xu Yan’s lips.

The director said, “Cut!”

Everyone was relieved and let out an exhale. 

Shen Xingsui pulled Jiang Chao to stand up. The director walked over quickly and said, “Suisui, you haven’t fully entered into this state yet. You don’t have that kind of restraint and forbearance in your eyes. There is love, but it’s not quite in place yet.”

Shen Xingsui said softly, “Director, I’m sorry, why don’t I go brew up my emotions?”

Zhang Sansan was in a dilemma.

He also knew that actors did not have it easy, and his task as a director was of course to help actors.

Shen Xingsui glanced at Fu Jinxiao, who was not far away. In the past two days, the actor had been on the set for a long time, including this kiss scene. Playing this kind of scene was especially awkward when you have your lover watching you. 

Zhang Sansan agreed, “Let’s take a rest first. It’s okay. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.”     

Shen Xingsui’s smile gradually bloomed. “Understood, thank you, Director.”

Then, Shen Xingsui plopped down to a chair next to the director. His assistant fetched him his water and snacks. Not long after, Zhang Sansan came up with an idea: “Suisui, have you ever had a crush on someone since you were a child?” 

Shen Xingsui’s movement stopped in place.

Fu Jinxiao beside him was originally reading the script, but after hearing this, he actually put the script down and glanced at him.

Shen Xingsui coughed lightly, looked at the director and said, “You… why are you asking this?” 

“The scene you are going to shoot next also has something to do with secret love,” Zhang Sansan held the notebook and said, “So I think you can try imagining your secret crush in place of Xu Yan.” 

Shen Xingsui licked his lips guiltily.

Zhang Sansan continued to look at him and said, “Are there any? Especially that kind of emotional experience where you are in love, but cannot let the other party know?” 

Every sentence felt like a stab into the youth’s heart. 

‘If Fu Jinxiao was not here, I would admit it. Director Zhang, you are really good at picking your timing. With all these people here, how do you want me to admit it!’

Fu Jinxiao looked at the silent and troubled Shen Xingsui, and put the script on the table beside him. The actor’s bemused smile got wider and wider, and he finally said something in a teasing tone:

“Yes, Teacher Shen, the director also kindly wants to advise you, why don’t you just tell us?” 

If you can, please support me by donating on my ko-fi~ For every 2 ko-fis, I’ll release an additional chapter ^^