Eunuch, do you really know these martial arts?

Late at night.

The hotel suite's lighting was set to a soft, warm yellow, but the tension in the air did not lessen at all.

Jiang Nian sat in a wheelchair, holding the three silver needles in her hand, her fingertips able to feel the unique coolness of the metal.

Yang Zhan didn't leave; he pulled up a chair and sat opposite him: "Let's try it out."

"Now?" Jiang Nian looked up.

"The needlework must be mastered."

Yang Zhan said, "If you don't pinpoint the acupoints accurately and can't seal the pulse, you might end up hurting yourself."

Jiang Nian took a deep breath, held the needle in her left hand, and unfastened the bandage securing her chest with her right hand.

The wound has scabbed over, and the area around the sutures is a little itchy.

"No need to actually stab."

Yang Zhan said, "Imitate the movements and find the feeling."

Jiang Nian nodded, the needle tip hovering half an inch above the skin.

He closed his eyes, sensing the flow of internal energy through his meridians.

One second, two seconds, three seconds.

He flicked his wrist slightly, simulating the action of stabbing.

"Too slow." Yang Zhan frowned. "In a life-or-death situation, you don't have time to slowly find the right spot. Go faster."

Jiang Nian starts over.

This time, he abandoned all unnecessary movements, and with a slight downward and upward motion of his wrist, he simulated the moment when a needle tip penetrates flesh.

"Still slow."

Yang Zhan shook his head, "Do you know what the hardest part of acupuncture is?"

"what?"

“Overcome instinct.” Yang Zhan stood up and walked behind Jiang Nian. “The human body has a self-protection mechanism.”

"If you try to acupuncture yourself, especially at vital acupoints, your body will instinctively resist. Your muscles will tense up and your breathing will become disordered."

He pressed down on Jiang Nian's shoulder: "Again. Don't think about stabbing, think about releasing."

"Treat the needle as part of your body, just put it where it's supposed to be."

Jiang Nian readjusted her breathing.

This time, he no longer deliberately controlled his movements, but let his wrist fall in accordance with the natural rhythm of the flow of internal energy.

"Snapped."

A slight hissing sound.

Yang Zhan's eyes lit up: "Great! That's the feeling!"

"The other two are the Mingmen point on the lower back and the Baihui point on the top of the head. The locations are different, but the principle is the same."

For the next half hour, Jiang Nian repeatedly practiced simulating needle insertion at three acupoints.

At first, it was a bit sluggish a dozen times, but later it was able to complete the positioning of three places in one second.

Sweat trickled down his forehead.

"That's enough," Yang Zhan called out. "Just remember this feel. When you actually need to use it, you'll rely on instinct, not thought."

He put away the silver needles, returned them to the cloth bag, and stuffed them into a hidden pocket on the side of Jiang Nian's wheelchair.

"Hopefully we won't need it."

There was a knock on the door.

"Enter."

Li Su and Wang Chuang pushed open the door and came in. Both of them looked tired from staying up all night, but their eyes were bright.

"Instructor, Advisor Jiang."

Li Su saluted, "I've already mastered the operation of the screening device; it's not difficult."

"We brought ten back, and the rest will be delivered directly to the film set tomorrow morning from the base."

Wang Chuang added, "We also checked the background information of all the crew members for tomorrow's production."

"Of the fifty-three people, three have problems with their files, and Director Zhang has been notified to replace them."

"What's the problem?" Jiang Nian asked.

“A lighting assistant suddenly received a large sum of money last month, the source of which is unknown.”

"The younger brother of a script supervisor recently went missing, and police records indicate he may be involved with an overseas gang. There's also an extra whose background is too clean, abnormally clean."

Li Su quickly reported.

Yang Zhan nodded: "That was the right thing to do."

"Better to kill the innocent than let the guilty go free."

At this moment, Chen Meng also returned from outside, carrying a black metal box in his hand.

"Consultant Jiang, here are the things you requested."

He placed the box on the table and opened it.

Inside, there were twelve specially made syringes, six blue and six red, as well as several palm-sized electronic devices.

Jiang Nian looked at the equipment and remained silent for a few seconds.

"By the time we actually need to use these, the situation will probably be very bad," he said.

"It's better to have something on hand than nothing at all."

Yang Zhan patted him on the shoulder. "Kid, I know you don't like this feeling of being protected so much. But that's reality."

“You are not alone. You have the entire base behind you and the hard work of countless people.”

He paused, then lowered his voice: "The two missing sentries, one is named Liu Feng, thirty-four years old, with a four-year-old daughter. The other is named Chen Hao, twenty-seven years old, and just got engaged."

The room fell silent.

Jiang Nian gripped the armrests of the wheelchair tightly.

“So,” Yang Zhan looked at him, “no matter what happens tomorrow, you have to live.”

"It's not for yourself, it's for those who are risking their lives for you."

"I see."

Jiang Nian's voice was low and deep.

At two o'clock in the morning, most people went to rest.

Su Qing insisted on staying to work the shift, but Yang Zhan told her to go to the next room to sleep for three hours.

Lin Wei and Chen Lu were organizing medical kits in the living room, while Li Su and Wang Chuang took turns on duty in the hallway.

Jiang Nian couldn't sleep.

The wound hurts more at night, as if fine needles are twisting inside the skin.

He tried to nourish it with his internal energy, but the effect was limited.

The labeling activity was very quiet, as if it had fallen into a deep sleep.

He pushed the wheelchair to the window and pulled back a corner of the curtain.

The streets were deserted, with only a few streetlights casting a dim yellow light.

In the distance, the outline of the film and television base was hidden in the night.

We'll be filming there tomorrow.

The rooftop is seven stories high and surrounded by open space.

If the organization is going to take action, that's certainly a good place.

"What are you thinking about?"

Yang Zhan's voice came from behind. The old man, who was also awake, came over with a cup of strong tea.

"Thinking about tomorrow."

Jiang Nian spoke the truth.

"afraid?"

“A little.” Jiang Nian paused, “but not because I’m afraid of death.”

"What are you afraid of?"

"I'm afraid of implicating others."

Jiang Nian looked out the window, "And those crew members, they know nothing, they're just here to work. If it's because of me..."

"Then protect them."

Yang Zhan interrupted him, "Your safety is their safety. If you fall, the organization succeeds, and they might be silenced instead."

This is harsh, but it's the truth.

Jiang Nian remained silent.

“When I was young,” Yang Zhan took a sip of tea and suddenly started talking about the past, “I also encountered a similar situation.”

"It's not an organization, it's another enemy from the underworld. They kidnapped one of my friends and forced me to go rescue him alone."

"You went?"

"went."

Yang Zhan said, "At the time, I thought, 'At worst, we'll fight to the death.' But when we got there, I found out that they had no intention of letting my friend live."

"Their target was me from the beginning." "And then?"

"I killed seven people and was seriously injured, but I rescued my friend." Yang Zhan spoke calmly, as if he were talking about someone else's business.

"The price was that another friend of mine died there while covering our retreat."

He looked at Jiang Nian: "So do you know why I'm telling you all this?"

Jiang Nian shook his head.

“Because I want to tell you that when it’s time to fight, you should fight, but don’t think about carrying everything alone.” Yang Zhan put down his teacup. “We’re all here. We’re not a burden, we’re your comrades.”

"Comrade..."

Jiang Nian pondered this word.

“Yes.” Yang Zhan patted him on the shoulder. “Go to sleep. Even if you can’t sleep, just close your eyes and rest. You need energy tomorrow.”

Jiang Nian was pushed back to the bedroom.

At six o'clock in the morning, everyone in the suite was already awake.

Lin Wei and Chen Lu prepared a nutritious breakfast with high protein. When Jiang Nian was pushed to the restaurant by Su Qing, everyone else had already finished eating.

"Teacher Jiang, how are you feeling?" Su Qing asked with concern.

"It's alright." Jiang Nian flexed her fingers. "The wound is better than yesterday."

Yang Zhan walked over, reached out and felt Jiang Nian's pulse, then looked at his complexion: "Your internal energy is relatively stable, but your blood and qi are still deficient. Don't push yourself today."

"know."

At 7:00 AM sharp, the convoy set off.

A convoy of five vehicles drove toward the film and television base in the morning light.

There are fewer cars on the streets today than usual.

Li Su was driving, Yang Zhan was in the passenger seat, and Jiang Nian and Su Qing were in the back.

There were two guard cars in front and two behind.

"Breaking news from the base."

Chen Meng's voice came through the encrypted channel, "All six sniper positions have been taken control. The special police have completed their search and found nothing unusual. But they found this on the roof of Building 3."

A photo pops up on the tablet screen.

In the shadow of the rooftop water tank, there was an abandoned black backpack.

The backpack was opened, revealing disassembled sniper rifle parts and two empty magazines.

"Where are they?" Yang Zhan asked.

"did not find."

Chen Meng said, "There were no fingerprints on the backpack, and no footprints around it. It looks like it was left on purpose."

"provocative."

Li Su snorted coldly.

"It could also be misleading."

Wang Chuang's voice broke in, "Let's focus our attention on sniping, and actually take action in other ways."

Jiang Nian stared at the sniper rifle parts in the photo and suddenly asked, "What model is the rifle?"

“The M200 Intervener,” Chen Meng replied. “The US’s current long-range sniper system, with an effective range of two kilometers. It’s rarely seen in China.”

"The organization's equipment is becoming more and more advanced," Yang Zhan frowned.

The convoy drove into the film and television base.

The base was unusually quiet today; the extras and staff who were usually everywhere were nowhere to be seen.

There were roadblocks at the entrance, and several people in security uniforms with sharp eyes were checking identification.

"People from the base."

Li Su said in a low voice, "The entire film and television base is under temporary control today."

The car drove up to Building 7 in Zone C.

This building is one of the older buildings in the film and television base. It has only seven floors, but the rooftop terrace is very spacious and is often used to shoot urban dramas.

Police tape was put up around the building, and there was no one within 20 meters.

"Have Director Zhang and the others arrived yet?" Jiang Nian asked.

"We've arrived. We're inside the building."

Su Qing checked the tablet. "All personnel have passed the screening test and there are no problems. A body double has also been found; she has a similar figure to you and is currently getting her makeup done."

Yang Zhan pushed Jiang Nian out of the car, with Li Su and Wang Chuang standing guard on either side.

Zhao Qing and Zhou Yan had already entered the building and were checking each floor.

The elevator goes directly to the seventh floor.

In the corridor, Director Zhang Yi was pacing anxiously. When he saw Jiang Nian coming over, he quickly went to greet her.

"Jiang Nian, you've finally arrived."

Zhang Yi wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Isn't today's commotion... a bit too much?"

"Safety first." Jiang Nian smiled. "Director, where's the stunt double?"

"In the dressing room, it'll be ready soon."

Zhang Yi lowered his voice, "Jiang Nian, tell me the truth, is there any danger today?"

“Director,” he began slowly, “there are some things I can’t say. But believe me, as long as we finish filming as planned today, everyone will be safe.”

Zhang Yi stared at him for a few seconds, then sighed heavily: "Okay, I trust you. I'll keep things stable on set; you focus on filming."

In the dressing room, the stunt double had already finished his makeup and was wearing the same white coat as Jiang Nian. Seeing Jiang Nian enter, the young man stood up somewhat nervously: "Hello, Teacher Jiang."

"Thank you for your hard work." Jiang Nian nodded. "Today's shots are mainly of backs and distant views, so don't be nervous."

"No hard work, no hard work."

The stunt double quickly waved his hand, "It's my honor to be your stunt double."

Lin Wan and Chen Xiao also arrived. Both of them seemed a bit tense today, especially Chen Xiao, who had noticeable dark circles under his eyes.

“Teacher Jiang,” Lin Wan approached, her voice soft, “your hand…”

"It's alright." Jiang Nian raised his bandaged arm. "It won't affect the close-up shots."

Chen Xiao hesitated for a moment, but finally just bowed deeply and said, "Teacher Jiang, I will definitely perform well today and not let you down."

At eight o'clock in the morning, everything was ready.

The rooftop was all set up; lights, cameras, and recording equipment were all in place. Zhang Yi sat behind the monitor, holding a walkie-talkie: "Final checks by all departments!"

Yang Zhan pushed Jiang Nian to the pre-arranged filming area at the edge of the rooftop. This area was a relatively enclosed space enclosed by a green screen, where Jiang Nian only needed to complete close-up shots, while her stand-in would film the panoramic shots from the other side.

"How are you feeling?" Yang Zhan asked in a low voice.

“Okay.” Jiang Nian adjusted the angle of his wheelchair, facing the virtual cityscape background. “Have they arrived?”

"Haven't found it yet." Yang Zhan scanned the surrounding buildings, "but it's definitely nearby."

Zhao Qing's voice came through the walkie-talkie: "Instructor, there's an abnormal heat source signal coming from the direction of Building 3. It appeared briefly and then disappeared. Should we send someone to check it out?"

“No need,” Yang Zhan said decisively. “It might be bait. Everyone stay in place and proceed as planned.”

"clear."

Director Zhang Yi picked up the megaphone: "Actors, take your positions! Scene 97 of 'Lifeline,' take one, get ready!"

Field recorder.

The rooftop fell silent instantly, with only the sound of the wind and simulated city sounds in the distance.

Jiang Nian closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, she was already seeing Lu Chenxi.

This scene depicts Lu Chenxi reminiscing about the past alone on the rooftop after witnessing the sacrifice of her colleague. There are few lines; the focus is mainly on her eyes and facial expressions.

The camera zooms in.

Jiang Nian sat in a wheelchair, gazing into the distance.

The sunlight shone on his face, outlining its clear contours.

His eyes were empty, not hollow, but a kind of calm that came from having all his emotions drained away.

But beneath the calm surface, turbulent undercurrents are brewing.

Behind the monitor, Zhang Yi held his breath.

He has seen many good actors, but very few can transform into someone else entirely in an instant, like Jiang Nian.

Moreover, I'm in better shape today than ever before.

That wasn't acting; that was reality.

"Cut!" Zhang Yi called out, his voice trembling slightly. "Pass...passed."

Jiang Nian slowly exhaled and exited the character state.

Su Qing immediately handed over some warm water: "Teacher Jiang, have some water."

"Thank you."

Yang Zhan stood behind him, his gaze never leaving the surroundings: "The first take went smoothly. At this pace, we can finish filming this morning."

"I hope so." Jiang Nian took a sip of water, then suddenly frowned.

"What's wrong?" (End of Chapter)