I am a historical film director in the entertainment industry.

First base, second base, third base...

Fourth and fifth base...

If first base is contact, second base is a kiss, third base is a caress, and fourth base is a home run, then fifth base is three runs in one go.

There was nothing about Zeng Li that Cheng Sheng didn't recognize.

"Teacher Liu Ye, Teacher Zeng Li, the director asked everyone to get ready."

Just as Zeng Li was recalling what happened last night, the script supervisor walked over and said...

"Ok."

Liu Ye and Zeng Li nodded and then walked towards the film set.

"You two come here, I'll tell everyone about the last shot."

Cheng Sheng addressed the crowd.

Everyone gathered around.

Cheng Sheng, with great confidence and eloquence, analyzed the final farewell scene and then instructed everyone on how to perform it.

Everyone listened attentively and nodded silently.

After everyone understood, Cheng Sheng announced the start of filming.

In front of the camera.

Zeng Li, her face solemn after cutting her long hair, took a deep breath and slowly began to speak: "After seeing the Red Army soldiers off down the mountain, the autumn wind and drizzle lingered..."

During Zeng Li's performance, the entire film set was completely silent, without a single sound.

Although her voice is not as good as those singers, Zeng Li's singing is very emotionally moving.

Lyrics such as "Sending the Red Army down the mountain" vividly portray the deep affection of the people in the revolutionary base area for the Red Army when sung by Zeng Li.

She sang with great emotion, and her voice seemed to convey a feeling that lingered in the listener's heart.

Details such as "the gentle autumn breeze and drizzling rain" better recreated the real historical scene, evoking a sense of resonance among the crew members on set for the close bond between the military and the people.

The song "sings out that arduous and extraordinary history" and has become a symbol of the emotional connection between the people and the Red Army.

The final scene of the film, through the lyrics, uses a narrative approach to depict the deep affection of the people in the base area for the Red Army through the description of farewell scenes. Each farewell scene contains the people's concern, worry, blessings, and expectations for the Red Army and their loved ones who have gone far away.

A somber atmosphere permeated the set.

At that moment, no one realized they were acting; instead, they saw themselves as part of that era.

Whether it's extras or actors, everyone's facial expressions are very full and real.

Cheng Sheng's film is titled "Ten Send-Offs to the Red Army," and its theme directly references the song "Ten Send-Offs to the Red Army."

This song is not only a flowing melody, but also an echo of history.

The lyrics reveal a profound historical sentiment.

In the revolutionary history of China, this song is like a narrator of time, telling the story of that glorious period when the army and the people united to overcome national difficulties.

Everyone present was deeply moved by Zeng Li's song. They couldn't help but think of the martyrs who bravely sacrificed themselves for the revolutionary cause, and the deep emotional bond between them and the people.

After seeing the Red Army off down the mountain, the autumn wind and drizzle lingered, the wild deer on the mountain cried mournfully, and the leaves of the sycamore trees fell. I asked my dear Red Army, when will you return to the mountain?

From the first farewell to the tenth, the emotions build layer by layer, demonstrating the deep affection between the soldiers and civilians at parting and their anticipation for the victory of the revolution.

"Ten times we send off the Red Army to the Moon-Gazing Pavilion, on the Moon-Gazing Pavilion stands a tall tower, the tower is ten feet high with white jade pillars, carved with dragons and painted with phoenixes, shining brightly. We long for the Red Army morning and night! This tower is called the Red-Gazing Tower." Zeng Li sang entirely with her own emotions, without any of the techniques of a professional singer.

Although the lyrics were off-key, the emotional delivery was so captivating that listeners didn't care whether she sang well or not.

The photographer's lens moved slowly, and as Cheng Sheng requested, most of the shots were on Zeng Li, while a small portion of the shots were focused on the extras playing the Red Army soldiers.

Then there's another shot focused on Liu Ye, the male lead. He gazes deeply at the female lead singing, his face showing reluctance, but his eyes reveal a longing for the victory of the revolution. Finally, he turns his head and strides towards the troops ahead, heading towards victory in the direction of the sun.

"Cut, that's a wrap."

Cheng Sheng wiped away his tears, stood up, clapped his hands, and shouted.

When everyone heard the words "filming wrapped up," they should have been happy, but they found themselves filled with sadness and tears still wet on their faces.

This made everyone realize that they had just gotten into character.

A few minutes later, the entire crew began to applaud.

"I never expected this song to be so moving; it almost made me cry."

"It's not that her singing is particularly moving, but that Teacher Zeng Li infuses her emotions into her singing. Teacher Zeng Li is a goddess."

"Yes! Teacher Zeng Li put in so much effort to play this role well."

"Sigh, I can hardly recognize Senior Sister Zeng now. When I was studying at the Central Academy of Drama, everyone said that Senior Sister Zeng was a once-in-a-century beauty. Now, I can't recognize her at all."

"If 'Ten Red Army Soldiers' were to enter the competition for the three major European awards, and if Zeng Li doesn't win Best Actress, I'll eat with my feet."

"I agree."

On set, many onlookers were repeatedly praising Zeng Li's acting skills.

It's not that they're carrying the sedan chair; it's just that Zeng Li's performances lately have been truly excellent.

His acting was VIP-worthy.

Whether it was the early stage where the female Red Army soldiers in the cultural troupe contacted the masses, provided them with assistance, and helped the Red Army, or the later stage where she brought out the fighting spirit of a female Red Army soldier to the fullest, Zeng Li truly shaped the character bit by bit.

Even Liu Dehua, who made a cameo appearance, praised Zeng Li's acting skills and invited her to play the female lead in his next film.

Cheng Sheng was very satisfied with Zeng Li's progress. In another world, Zeng Li's acting skills were actually very controversial.

As one of the "Seven Golden Flowers" of the Central Academy of Drama's Class of '96, she was classmates with Zhang Ziyi and Mei Ting. Logically speaking, those who could come out of that class should all have good acting skills, right?

Moreover, Zeng Li has acted in many dramas, including period dramas, modern dramas, and fantasy dramas, trying all kinds of genres.

She played a lot of roles, including Mei San Niang in "The New Strange Tales of Liaozhai: Painted Skin", Song Jia Yi in "The Barber", and Madam Jin Ling in "The Legend of Chusen", but she just didn't become famous.

Is it a lack of resources or poor acting skills?

Some viewers praised her acting skills, while others criticized them.

It wasn't until 2022, when "The Starry Night, The Moon Rises Over the Sea" aired, that Zeng Li's portrayal of Xiao Yuanyi finally made her a star.

Acting opposite Zhao Lusi, she appeared very experienced and was affectionately called "Grandma" by fans, and was also known as a veteran actress.

But this veteran actor seems to have gotten old; his acting skills haven't improved at all!
Regarding the controversy surrounding her acting skills, her portrayal of the female demon 'Shen Muyue' in the 2024 drama 'With the Phoenix' was heavily criticized.

Comments say she "has a pretty face but can't portray ruthlessness and domineering presence; she looks very artificial."

This is why Zeng Li never became a big star in the future.

She's beautiful, but her acting skills remain controversial. (End of Chapter)