Huayu: This celebrity doesn't follow the rules.

Chapter 130 Departure, Budapest

In the center of the crowd, Jiang Ye, dressed in casual black attire and wearing sunglasses, was making final confirmations with the executive producer, down to the smallest detail.

He faced considerable pressure leading the team abroad this time.

After all, a team of over 100 people would be in a lot of trouble if something happened to them while they were abroad.

Meng Ziyi and Zhou Ye, dressed in comfortable sportswear, huddled together, chatting and laughing in hushed tones.

Zhou Ye's beautiful face showed a mixture of novelty and trepidation from her first time filming abroad, while Meng Ziyi seemed quite experienced, sharing tips on long-haul flights with her.

The two smiled broadly, each holding a cup of milk tea, and followed closely behind Jiang Ye.

The two who seemed the most relaxed on set were like young ladies preparing for a trip with a large group.

Huang Xiaoming made a low-key appearance accompanied by his assistant and makeup artist, and went straight into the VIP lounge.

In addition to the main actors, the executive director, director of photography, art director and other core creative personnel have also arrived, and everyone's face is filled with focus and anticipation for the upcoming battle.

Surrounding them was a much larger production team.

Nearly a hundred professionals from various departments, including photography, lighting, art direction, costume and makeup, sound recording, and production management, work together like precise gears, each fulfilling their specific roles.

The large equipment and supplies they carried had already been shipped a month in advance via specialized sea freight.

The production team members were extremely busy, repeatedly counting heads, distributing credentials, and giving instructions.

They wanted to ensure that the filming, accommodation, and transportation for these more than 120 people in a foreign country went smoothly.

In addition, the team consisted of publicity personnel, investor representatives, a team doctor, and local translators and coordinators hired in advance.

Next to the huge conveyor belt, there were piles of suitcases and equipment boxes bearing the same logo as the film crew.

Department heads called out names loudly from the lists, the air thick with parting words, anticipation for the unknown future, and an unavoidable sense of hectic activity.

"Is everyone here?" Jiang Ye asked the executive producer beside him.

"Everyone's here, Director Jiang."

"Okay." Jiang Ye nodded, pointing towards the boarding gate: "Let's go!"

The massive Airbus A330 passenger plane flew smoothly at an altitude of 10,000 meters.

The long flight from Yanjing to Budapest is halfway over. In economy class, after the initial excitement, most of the crew members have put on eye masks and neck pillows and are catching up on sleep.

The business class section at the front is much quieter.

The seats are spacious and can be almost fully reclined, providing a private and comfortable environment.

Only a few soft reading lights were on, and most passengers were resting, including Meng Ziyi, who had already fallen into a deep sleep.

After Jiang Ye finished processing a few emails, he rubbed his slightly sore temples and was about to dim the lights to rest when he heard a faint noise from beside him.

He turned his head slightly and saw Zhou Ye, who was sitting by the window, carefully taking something out of her bag.

She first glanced at Meng Ziyi, who was fast asleep beside her, and gently pulled the blanket back up from its slippage. Her movements were very light.

Then, she hesitated for a moment and turned her gaze to Jiang Ye.

Zhou Ye pursed her lips, as if she had made up her mind, stood up, and walked over silently.

Jiang Ye looked at her with some confusion.

She took out a small white ceramic bottle from behind her back, with a label on it, which appeared to be some kind of ointment.

Her voice was kept extremely low, as if afraid of disturbing others, with a hint of barely perceptible concern: "Uncle Jiang... I noticed you were rubbing your temples just now, are you having a headache? Or is your temple feeling uncomfortable?"

She handed over the small bottle and explained, "This is menthol essential oil balm. It's very effective at refreshing the mind and relieving headaches. I... I sometimes use a little when I'm tired from reading. Would you like to try it?"

Her eyes were clear, filled with genuine concern, without any deliberate attempt to please, just a natural and spontaneous thoughtfulness.

Jiang Ye did feel a bit tired and dizzy, but he didn't expect that she would notice this subtle movement.

He was somewhat surprised. He took the small bottle, which still held a little warmth from her palm, opened the lid, and a cool, refreshing minty scent immediately filled his nostrils, truly invigorating him.

"Thank you."

Jiang Ye looked at her, his tone unconsciously softening slightly, "Just what I needed. You've thought of everything."

Seeing that he accepted it, Zhou Ye seemed relieved and gave him a sweet smile: "You're welcome. Apply some to your temples, it will make you feel much better."

After saying that, she tiptoed back to her seat, picked up the script again, and began to read it carefully.

Jiang Ye looked at her quiet profile, somewhat surprised.

This girl appears aloof and naive, but her mind is far more delicate than one might imagine.

He took a little ointment as instructed and gently applied it to his temples. The cooling sensation spread instantly, and his tense nerves relaxed considerably.

After a nearly ten-hour flight and time difference, we arrived here at around 10 a.m.

The plane landed smoothly at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport.

The airport is small, but it is clean and modern, with architectural styles that are characteristic of Central Europe.

Through the windows of the covered bridge, you can see the slightly overcast sky and typical European pastoral scenery in the distance.

Despite their exhaustion, the novelty of stepping onto foreign soil still lifted the spirits of many staff members.

After collecting their luggage, the long line walked out of the arrival gate.

The advance production team, which had arrived several days earlier, immediately came to greet them. Accompanying them were several Hungarians dressed in formal attire and exuding a capable demeanor.

According to the preliminary producer, these individuals were representatives from the Hungarian National Film Agency and officials from the Budapest Film Committee.

They represent the Hungarian government's high regard for and welcome of the Chinese production team, "A Thousand Years of Songs".

Officials delivered a brief welcoming address, expressing their hope that the filming in Budapest would proceed smoothly, that all needs could be coordinated and resolved through the Film Commission, and wishing the project success.

Jiang Ye, representing the production team, expressed his gratitude, and the two sides had a brief but friendly exchange.

After exchanging pleasantries, the group was quickly guided to the airport entrance.

Three luxury buses and several vans for carrying personal equipment were already neatly parked there.

The advance team efficiently arranged for everyone to board the vehicles according to their departments, and luggage and equipment were quickly settled. The convoy departed the airport and headed to the city.

It takes about 40 minutes to drive from the airport to their hotel.

Along the way, Budapest's unique urban landscape slowly unfolds.

Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe, with a land area of ​​approximately 9.3 square kilometers and a population of approximately 959 million.

The main ethnic group is the Magyars, but there are rumors that they are descendants of the Xiongnu.

Many of their customs are indeed similar to ours; they even sometimes use chopsticks to eat.

Regardless, they are the most friendly EU country to our people.

Budapest is the political, economic and cultural center of Hungary, covering an area of ​​525 square kilometers and with a population of approximately 167 million.

The city, known as the "Pearl of the Danube," was formed in 1873 by the merger of Buda and Pest on either side of the Danube. Its riverbanks, Buda Castle District, and Andrássy Avenue are listed as World Heritage Sites.

As the vehicle travels along, the ancient architecture blends with modern facilities, creating an exotic atmosphere unlike anything in Asia, prompting many first-time staff members to look around with curiosity.

The film crew stayed at the Hilton Budapest Hotel, located in the heart of Budapest on the banks of the Danube River.

This historic five-star hotel, converted from an ancient monastery, perfectly blends medieval style with modern luxury and boasts ample room capacity and meeting facilities to accommodate large groups.

The hotel's interior is elegantly decorated, with arched ceilings, vintage chandeliers, and heavy stone walls all conveying a sense of historical weight.

Despite the beautiful scenery, the fatigue from the long-haul flight was still written on everyone's faces.

Many people were yawning, their eyes still sleepy, and all they wanted to do was get their room keys and collapse into the soft beds.

However, Jiangye did not immediately announce the disbandment.

In the hotel lobby, he picked up the microphone he had prepared beforehand, and his voice clearly carried through the slightly noisy hall: "Everyone has worked hard. I know you are all very tired and want to rest immediately. But please hang in there a little longer."

"All department heads and all actors, please assemble immediately in the Castle Hall conference room on the third floor. We will have a brief meeting first. Other staff members can rest in the lobby for a while and wait for room keys to be assigned."

In the Castle Hall conference room on the third floor, some members of the advance team, along with translators and production assistants hired locally in Hungary, were already waiting.

This is the first time the entire team has been present.

Jiang Ye stood at the front, his gaze sweeping over the faces below, each one showing signs of exhaustion yet forcing a smile, and cut to the chase:
"Welcome to Budapest. Without further ado, here are a few requests."

"First, the filming requirements. This is overseas, and the workflow is slightly different from that in China, but our professional standards cannot be lowered. All departments must strictly follow the filming plan, cooperate closely with the local team, and communicate and resolve any problems immediately. Delays and slackness are not allowed. I want efficiency, but even more so, quality."

"Secondly, and most importantly, are the discipline and safety requirements. Everyone must strictly abide by the crew's regulations."

"Follow orders in all actions, especially when filming outside the area, and do not leave the team without permission."

"When not filming, if individuals want to go sightseeing or shopping, they must report to the production manager in advance, stating their destination, companions, and return time."

"When going out, you must go in groups of three or more. Going out alone is strictly prohibited. Budapest is generally safe, but when you are in a foreign country, safety comes first."

"Respect local laws, regulations, cultural customs, and religious beliefs. Do not cause trouble. If anyone messes up and causes trouble for the crew, don't blame me for handling it according to the strictest contract terms."

His tone was serious and left no room for argument.

The audience listened attentively, knowing this was no joke.

"This overseas filming assignment is very demanding, and it's planned to last two months. During these two months, we're all part of a team; we'll share both success and failure. I don't want to see anything unpleasant happen."

After finishing his strict remarks, Jiang Ye changed the subject, his tone softening somewhat: "Of course, it's not like you're all supposed to be on edge all the time. Tomorrow, everyone will have a day off to adjust to the time difference, and you can also move around freely in Budapest, provided it's safe, to get familiar with the environment."

Upon hearing this, a suppressed cheer and applause erupted from below, and a smile finally appeared on his tired face.

“But!” Jiang Ye emphasized, “Remember the rules I just mentioned! Meet at the hotel entrance promptly at 7:00 AM the day after tomorrow to head to the first filming location! It’s the first overseas scene for ‘A Thousand Years of Song,’ and I don’t want anyone to be late! Meeting adjourned!”

After the meeting, everyone was still tired, but they felt more confident and looked forward to resting tomorrow.

……

After finally getting through the meeting, Meng Ziyi and Zhou Ye, carrying their room keys and dragging their exhausted bodies, found their room on a higher floor of the hotel.

The company originally arranged single rooms for the lead actresses, but the two of them requested a luxury suite, saying it would be more convenient for them to keep each other company while filming.

Upon entering the room and locking the door, the two of them almost simultaneously pushed their suitcases aside and collapsed onto the soft sofa in the living room without any regard for appearances.

"Ugh, I'm exhausted..." Meng Ziyi let out a long groan, "I feel completely drained..."

Zhou Ye slumped softly into the sofa, barely able to speak, only managing a soft "Mmm... my back aches..."

The two of them remained paralyzed for several minutes, like two beautiful sculptures that had lost their souls.

Meng Ziyi weakly took out her phone, glanced at the time, and suddenly seemed to remember something, abruptly sitting up straight.

"Wait! Xiao Ye! Didn't the director just say that tomorrow... is a break?!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ye's previously unfocused gaze gradually sharpened, and she nodded: "Yes, President Jiang said... everyone should take a day off."

As soon as they finished speaking, the two looked at each other, and the half-dead fatigue in the air seemed to be shattered by some invisible force!

"A break?! No need to work?"

Meng Ziyi's eyes lit up at a visible speed, her previous listlessness vanished, replaced by barely suppressed excitement, "That means...we can go out and play?"

Zhou Ye seemed to have been injected with energy as well, sitting up straight. Although she wasn't as outgoing as Meng Ziyi, a hopeful smile appeared on her face as she nodded vigorously: "Yes! Okay!"

"What are you waiting for?"

Meng Ziyi grabbed her backpack and started rummaging through it for a change of clothes. "Quick, quick, take a shower and change! Let's go explore Budapest! I want to take pictures by the Danube, visit the legendary century-old café, and while I'm at it... do some shopping!"

Zhou Ye was amused by her hurried manner and muttered under her breath, "Huh? Aren't you going to wait until tomorrow to get some rest? It's almost evening now, isn't this too rushed?"

Wasting time is wasting life!

Meng Ziyi winked at her and ran towards the bathroom in her slippers, saying, "It's such a waste to come all this way to Europe, sleeping during the day and spacing out at night!"

Zhou Ye was still a little worried: "Is it just the two of us? Isn't it safe?"

"Don't worry! Of course we'll bring Director Jiang along!"

Meng Ziyi's voice, mixed with the sound of water, came from the bathroom, "With him here, what's there to be afraid of! Hurry up and get ready!"

(End of this chapter)