Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 219 The Shape of Romance

Huairou.

The joyous news of the wrap-up spread like wildfire throughout the crew, and laughter echoed across the open space outside the studio.

A temporary red banner swayed gently in the wind, and the words "The entire crew of 'Black Peony' has wrapped up filming" shone brightly in the sunlight.

"Sister Yifei, I'll miss you so much."

Li Qin's eyes welled up with tears as she experienced separation from the film crew for the first time.

"It's okay, you have my contact information, we can contact each other via QQ." Liu Yifei smiled and patted Li Qin's head.

Compared to Li Qin, she is two or three years older.

"Li Qin!"

Wu Chen suddenly thought of something.

Li Qin paused for a moment, then looked up at Wu Chen: "Director!"

"The director of the 'Dream of the Red Chamber' production team might have taken a liking to you. She might contact you. If you're unsure, you can come to me."

Wu Chen began by saying that the talent show for the "Dream of the Red Chamber" production team was in full swing, ruining what should have been a remake of a classic TV series.

After all, Li Qin came from his school, so she should help him out if she can.

He realized that, given Li Qin's current state, it was highly unlikely she would return to singing Kunqu Opera.

"Okay, director."

Li Qin nodded gratefully; she has now officially entered the film and television industry.

The longer you stay in this industry, the more you understand the director's status within it.

Separation of film crews is commonplace in the industry.

After working together for several months, everyone gets to know each other well and can talk about anything. However, some people can't rest for more than a few days before moving on to the next film crew. This cycle repeats itself, and even the most familiar relationships can become distant.

However, there is a group of people here whom Wu Chen intends to focus on developing.

In one of the wrap-up photos, Liu Yifei is wearing a white turtleneck sweater with a windbreaker over it, standing next to Wu Chen and smiling like a flower illuminated by snow.

“It’s really beautiful, Song-il, send me a separate picture.” Liu Yifei said to Park Song-il.

"Understood, Senior Sister."

Park Song-il made a "good" gesture.

He was still very careful on set, since neither Wu Chen nor Liu Yifei had explicitly said anything, so he naturally couldn't reveal it.

The wrap party that evening was filled with delicious food and drinks.

The crew cheered:

"Director Wu! The crew says you're going to 'remove the director's makeup' tonight, is that true? If it is, then we won't hold back."

Surrounded by everyone, Wu Chen stood up, smiled, raised his glass, and said in a gentle but not loud voice: "You've all worked so hard along the way. The success of 'Black Peony' is all thanks to your support."

Tonight there's no director, no producer, no cameraman, no props, no lighting, or any other roles. Let's do it.

Looking forward to working with everyone again.

After downing a glass, the entire crew cheered.

When the banquet ended, it was already late at night.

Rain fell thickly and obliquely under the eaves of the hotel, and the wind blew in from the other side of the mountain, carrying the chill of early spring.

"Let's go, I'll take you home first. It's cold and too late, it's not safe." Wu Chen's voice was not loud, but slightly hoarse from drinking.

"No, you've been drinking, why are you taking me home?" Liu Yifei shook her head repeatedly.

"I'll drive. I'll take you home first, and then I'll drive your car back. My driving skills are top-notch!"

"Just hire a designated driver," Wu Chen said with a light laugh.

"That won't do either. I need to see you go back with my own eyes, otherwise I won't feel at ease. Hurry up, stop dawdling, I'll drive."

With a gentle smile, Liu Yifei turned around and reached out to Wu Chen for the car keys, her bright eyes shining especially clearly in the rainy night.

The moment she looked up, her long hair swept over her shoulders, and a few raindrops, mixed with a delicate fragrance, silently landed on Wu Chen's face.

Wu Chen wiped his face almost imperceptibly; the cool water droplets on his face gradually sobered him up, but warmed his heart.

The car lights came on, their shadows slowly spreading through the rain, hazy yet tender. One was worried about his health after drinking and rushed to take him home; the other was concerned that it was late and it wouldn't be safe for her to go home.

Both of them cared for each other first, and at that moment, like rain meeting sunlight, romance took shape.

The next morning, the rain from the previous night had long since stopped, and the sunlight, carrying a touch of early spring languor, shone down. News of the official wrap-up of filming for "Black Peony" had already spread through the media.

[Wu Chen's "Black Peony" Officially Wraps Up Filming; Golden Globe-Winning Best Director's New Work Enters Post-Production Stage] — Sina Entertainment

[Liu Yifei in Lead Role, "Black Peony" Wrap-up Photos Released, Mysterious Atmosphere Whettes Expectations] — NetEase Entertainment

[One of the most anticipated projects in the industry, "Black Peony," may head straight to Cannes after filming wraps?] — Southern People Weekly

【.】

Comments from netizens and movie fans quickly flooded forums, online communities, and portal comment sections:

"Oh my god, filming has finally wrapped! Do you know how long I've been waiting? Almost two years! Two years! Release some stills already!"

Is Wu Chen's art-house thriller aiming for Cannes?!

"I have a feeling there's something going on between these two. They're standing so close together in the wrap-up photo?"

"."

As a highly anticipated film, the completion of filming for "Black Peony" gave fans of both actors a big surprise.

"My fans are so smart, they even figured out such a secret."

Liu Yifei was lazily curled up in the computer chair, wearing a loose, fluffy pajama top with the collar askew, revealing a slender collarbone.

She rested her chin on her knees, her pajama sleeves slipped down halfway, revealing her fair wrists, and a few unruly tufts of hair stuck up at the ends, swaying gently with the trembling of her shoulders as she chuckled.

Shu Chang, standing to the side, glanced at the stills and couldn't help but roll her eyes:
"Please, what's so secretive about it? I suspect your crew has already guessed, but you just don't say it outright, and with a director as big as Wu Chen, they're too lazy to tell you."

"nonsense!"

"Ha, the emperor's new clothes!" Shu Chang scoffed.

"."

At the same time, Wu Chen had just arrived at Ning Hao's studio when Lu Zheng called.

"Director Wu, congratulations on wrapping up filming for your new movie."

"Thank you, Mr. Lu, for your help these past few days."

Wu Chen smiled. The other party had put in a lot of effort in the matter of cinemas in first-tier cities, and Xu Dong had mentioned it in his reports every now and then.

"It's all minor stuff, I just acted as a go-between. But I'm really envious of you, Director Wu, for finding such a professional talent in the film industry. He's a real gem, and it's fortunate that you've brought him under your wing, otherwise I would definitely have poached him."

Wu Chen chuckled upon hearing this, as if he had thought of something: "By the way, has Xiao Tian's matter been settled?"

"It's settled. At first, I was worried that Lionsgate wouldn't be able to select Oda as their director."

But director Rob Minkoff was quite easy to talk to. He felt that having new actors was also an advantage, and he saw no problem with it, as he was very experienced in directing actors.

"."

Wu Chen was stunned when he heard this.

He's incredibly experienced, for crying out loud.

How many live-action films has Rob Minkoff directed? Aren't they mostly animated films?

Thinking about this, he was a little confused about Lionsgate's brains. Why would they choose Rob Minkoff to direct such a magical Chinese-themed film?

However, Lu Zheng felt it was worth it. Although it cost money and the role didn't seem complicated, it was good because Jing Tian couldn't play too complicated roles now; he only needed to do some fighting.

Moreover, the other party is the director who directed "The Lion King," and has enough fame, making them an excellent choice.

Therefore, Lu Zheng happily invited, "Director Wu, the New Year is coming soon, and I would like to invite you to a meal. I wonder if it would be convenient for you?"

"Well, this is Xiaotian's first time acting in a Hollywood film, and I'm worried she might not be used to it. I wanted to ask her for advice. Also, she applied to the Beijing Film Academy this year, and there's the entrance exam for arts students after the New Year, so I'm a little concerned."

"Mr. Lu, you're worrying too much. With Xiao Tian's physique, she'll definitely have no problem with the art exam. As for Hollywood's filming style, it is a bit different from that in China."
But I have something to do before the end of the year, so I might not be able to make it. Maybe after the New Year.

"Okay, after that year."

Lu Zheng didn't insist before the New Year, since everyone is busy during the year-end period. After exchanging a few pleasantries, he hung up the phone and then looked at Jing Tian:
"Director Wu's idea is to wait until after the New Year, there's no rush, and in the meantime, we should prepare according to Director Rob Minkoff's arrangements."

Jing Tian nodded gently upon hearing this: "Okay, Uncle Lu."

(End of this chapter)