Entertainment Industry: I am a top-tier movie star

Chapter 101 begins filming

The first day of filming for "Joy of Life".

At 5:30 a.m., the sky over Hengdian was still a deep blue.

Chen Nianbei arrived at the dressing room on time, half an hour earlier than the scheduled time.

This is a habit he has developed over the years—giving the makeup artist ample time, and also giving himself enough time to gradually transition from "Chen Nianbei" to the character.

The lights were already on in the dressing room.

Makeup artist Xiao Zhou was preparing her tools when she saw Chen Nianbei enter. She was slightly taken aback and said, "Teacher Nianbei, so early?"

"I'm used to waking up early." Chen Nianbei sat down in front of the mirror. "Thank you for your help. It's the first show today, so being in good shape is very important."

Xiao Zhou nodded and began working.

Fan Xian's look was more complex than she had imagined—not in the makeup itself, but in the sense of "just right" proportion.

He was both a young man from Danzhou and possessed a unique temperament that set him apart from others of that era.

He needs to blend seamlessly into the crowd, yet remain the focus in crucial shots.

An hour and a half later, the styling was complete. Chen Nianbei looked at herself in the mirror—her long hair was tied up, her eyebrows and eyes were delicate, and she was dressed in simple clothes, yet she possessed an indescribable air of elegance.

That's Fan Xian, but not entirely. The real Fan Xian still needs to come alive on camera.

He stood up, adjusted his posture slightly in front of the mirror, straightening his back while maintaining a touch of youthful relaxation.

Then he nodded and walked towards the film set.

The first scene is when Fan Xian arrives in Kyoto and is being followed on the street.

The filming location was chosen on an antique-style street within the Qingming Riverside Scene scenic area in Hengdian. At seven in the morning, the sunlight had just peeked over the eaves and onto the bluestone pavement.

The entire crew is in place—lighting, photography, sound recording, and set management—everyone is making final preparations in an orderly manner.

Sun Hao sat behind the monitor, holding a walkie-talkie, looking focused.

His eyes lit up when he saw Chen Nianbei walking over.

"I'm in good shape," he said. "Shall we take a walk around and see?"

Chen Nianbei nodded and walked to the designated position. The assistant director gave him a brief explanation of the blocking and camera movements. He listened attentively, nodding occasionally and asking a question or two about the details.

"Okay, let's rehearse the scene once."

Chen Nianbei took a deep breath, her eyes subtly changing.

In that instant, the relaxed feeling that belonged to modern people disappeared from his body, replaced by a subtle tension that was slightly wary, like that of a strange intruder.

He started walking around.

His pace was unhurried, his gaze sweeping over the shops and pedestrians on both sides of the street, like a newcomer instinctively observing everything around him.

But upon closer inspection, there's an added layer to that gaze—a unique, timeless scrutiny characteristic of Fan Xian.

When he reached the third stall, he paused slightly and glanced in a certain direction behind him out of the corner of his eye.

There, two plainclothes "stalkers" were casually picking through goods.

He didn't turn back and continued walking forward, but the rhythm of his steps changed.

It was a little too fast, but not in a panic; rather, it was a kind of composure that said, "I know, but I'm pretending not to."

"Okay!" Sun Hao's voice came through the walkie-talkie. "It feels right. Let's do a proper take."

Article 1, Let's begin.

Chen Nianbei returned to the starting point. The script supervisor clapped the clapperboard: "Scene 1, Shot 1 of 'Joy of Life,' Take 1!"

He started walking around again.

This time, every detail is much richer: the hint of curiosity in the eyes as they glance at street vendors, the instinctive wariness as they brush past passersby, the extremely subtle twitch in the corner of their eye when they spot someone watching them—

The camera followed him, capturing him from multiple angles: front, side, and back.

"Cut!" Sun Hao called out, staring at the monitor replay for a few seconds. "Good. One more take, from a different angle."

O

Article .

Article 3.

Article 4.

Chen Nianbei was making subtle adjustments to every single thing—the angle of his gaze, the rhythm of his steps, the depth of his breathing.

These subtle differences are almost imperceptible to the average person, but in the lens and in the eyes of the director, they are the layers and textures.

At the end of the fifth move, Sun Hao finally nodded: "Passed. Prepare for the next match."

Chen Nianbei walked to the monitor and watched the playback with Sun Hao.

On the screen, the image of Fan Xian walking from the street is already taking shape.

"That look you gave me just now,"

Sun Hao pointed to a spot on the screen, saying, "Looking back, it would be even better if there was a little more of that 'I know, but I don't care' feeling."

Chen Nianbei nodded and made a mental note of it.

The second scene in the morning is Fan Xian moving into the Fan residence and meeting Fan Jian for the first time.

The filming location was moved to another courtyard within the scenic area.

A mansion in the style of the Ming and Qing dynasties, with blue bricks and gray tiles, and a deep courtyard.

This location will be used for filming interior scenes of the "Fan Mansion".

Gao Shuguan has already changed his makeup and styling.

He plays Fan Jian, Fan Xian's nominal father and the Vice Minister of Revenue, a character with a serious exterior but a complex inner world.

The dialogue in this scene is minimal, but the emotions are subtle.

Fan Jian felt a mix of guilt, expectation, and scrutiny towards Fan Xian, as well as a complex emotion that was difficult to articulate.

He needs to convey all these layers in a brief conversation.

Chen Nianbei stood in the courtyard, taking in her surroundings. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows; birdsong could be heard in the distance, and the low murmur of staff members could be heard nearby.

He closed his eyes, trying to immerse himself in the moment. Fan Xian's feelings at that moment must have been complex.

When I first met this nominal "father," I felt a mix of anticipation, wariness, and an indescribable sense of alienation.

"Are you ready?" The executive director walked over.

Chen Nianbei opened her eyes and nodded.

Filming has officially begun.

Gao Shuguan sat in the main seat of the hall, holding a book in his hand, his expression serious.

Chen Nianbei walked in from outside the door, stopped, and bowed slightly.

"Father."

His voice was not loud, and it was respectful but tinged with a hint of unfamiliarity.

Gao Shuguan looked up at him. His gaze held scrutiny, complex emotions, and a subtle tenderness.

He paused for a few seconds, then said, "You've arrived? You must be tired from the journey."

"It's not hard work," Chen Nianbei said. "It's what I should do."

Another silence fell. Gao Shuguan put down his book, stood up, and walked over to him.

The two were very close, close enough to see the subtle changes in each other's eyes.

"You look a lot like your mother."

Gao Shuguan said.

The sentence was short, but there was a barely perceptible tremor in the voice.

Chen Nianbei's eyes reddened slightly, but he quickly regained his composure, simply lowering his eyes and remaining silent.

Gao Shuguan reached out, seemingly wanting to pat him on the shoulder, but his hand paused in mid-air before he simply said, "Go and rest. From now on, this is your home."

Chen Nianbei raised her head and looked at Gao Shuguan.

In that gaze, there was gratitude, complexity, and a faint, indescribable sense of estrangement.

He knew this wasn't his real home, but at that moment, he chose to accept this kindness.

"Thank you, Father," he said.

"Cut!"

Sun Hao called a stop, then paused for a few seconds, "Okay. Very good. One more take, but toned down the emotion a bit."

After two takes, the scene was over.

Gao Shuguan walked over and patted Chen Nianbei on the shoulder: "Kid, you reacted really well. I almost got dragged in by you just now."

Chen Nianbei smiled: "Teacher Liu, you're praising me because you're the one who taught me."

Gao Shuguan waved his hand, but there was a satisfied smile in his eyes.

The afternoon scenes were more demanding.

Fan Xian met Wang Qinian for the first time at the restaurant.

The character Wang Qinian is played by Tian Yu.

He is an actor with the National Theatre of China, possessing solid acting skills, and is particularly adept at portraying the kind of "slick on the surface, but shrewd on the inside" little people.

This scene marks Fan Xian's first real "confrontation" after arriving in Kyoto.

Wang Qinian appears to be offering compensation, but he actually has ulterior motives; Fan Xian appears innocent, but he is actually testing the waters step by step.

The filming location was inside a restaurant within the scenic area. The restaurant had a wooden structure and carved windows; sunlight streamed through the paper windows, creating a soft halo of light.

Chen Nianbei and Tian Yu sat on the second floor by the window.

Several small dishes and a pot of wine were laid out on the table. The two men were reciting poems.

"You need to tone down that look in your eyes later."

Tian Yu said, "Wang Qinian is testing you at this time. You have to make him feel that you have taken the bait, but you can't actually take the bait."

Chen Nianbei nodded: "Understood. Relaxed on the surface, tense on the inside."

"Yes." Tian Yu smiled. "Smart."

Filming has officially begun.

Tian Yu (Wang Qinian) held up his wine glass and looked at Chen Nianbei (Fan Xian) with a smile: "Young Master Fan, I can tell you're from out of town. The capital is a dangerous place, you'd better be careful."

Chen Nianbei (Fan Xian) smiled, picked up his wine cup, and took a small sip: "Thank you for the reminder, Lord Wang. But I wonder, what's in this water?"

He spoke casually, but his eyes flashed with a sharpness for a moment before quickly returning to normal.

Tian Yu (Wang Qinian)'s smile paused slightly, then returned to normal: "There are all sorts of people. Powerful people, businessmen, swindlers, thieves—all kinds of people."

"But Young Master Fan, rest assured, with me, Wang Qinian, here, you will be safe."

"Oh?" Chen Nianbei (Fan Xian) raised an eyebrow. "Lord Wang is being so kind?"

Tian Yu (Wang Qinian) laughed heartily: "Young Master Fan, what you say is true. I, Wang Qinian, am the most warm-hearted person."

Of course, this kind of warm-heartedness—it also needs a little something in return.

He rubbed his fingers together, making a counting motion.

Chen Nianbei (Fan Xian) watched that action, and the corners of his mouth slightly turned up.

That smile contained an understanding of Wang Qinian's market practices, a keen awareness of the atmosphere in Kyoto, and a subtle, almost imperceptible, modern sense of mockery.

"Of course," he said, taking a silver ingot from his sleeve and placing it on the table.

Tian Yu (Wang Qinian)'s eyes lit up, and he reached out to take it.

Chen Nianbei (Fan Xian) pressed his hand on the silver.

"However, Lord Wang,"

His voice wasn't loud, but his eyes were serious. "If you take this money, there are some things you need to make clear."

Tian Yu (Wang Qinian) paused for a moment, then smiled, a smile with a deeper meaning: "Young Master Fan, you're not from out of town, you're clearly a seasoned veteran."

"Cut!"

Sun Hao's voice came through the walkie-talkie, tinged with laughter, "Great take! The chemistry between the two teachers is amazing. Let's do one more, make sure it's perfect."

By the time filming wrapped up in the evening, Chen Nianbei had already shot eight scenes.

He sat on a folding chair on set, and his assistant, Xiao Wu, handed him a glass of warm water.

He sipped his drink slowly, his gaze still fixed on the distant scenery.

Those eaves, those stone-paved roads, those extras dressed in ancient costumes, seemed to truly transport him to another era.

Sun Hao walked over and sat down next to him.

"How was your first day?" Sun Hao asked.

Chen Nianbei thought for a moment: "Tired. But very fulfilling."

Sun Hao laughed: "It's good to be tired. This is just the beginning. Fan Xian has over 800 scenes, and you'll be tired for a long time to come."

Chen Nianbei smiled and said, "It's okay, take your time."

Sun Hao looked at him with admiration in his eyes: "You're in better shape than I expected today."

Especially in those performances with teachers Gao Shuguan and Tian Yu, the rhythm was excellent.

"They're the ones who brought me here."

Chen Nianbei said, "As soon as Teacher Liu and Teacher Tian open their mouths, I know how to respond."

Sun Hao nodded: "Your mindset is good. But remember, you are the lead, the show is yours. They help you, and you help them too. Mutual support is what makes a good show."

Chen Nianbei nodded seriously.

It was already dark by the time we got back to the hotel.

Chen Nianbei leaned back in the car seat with her eyes closed.

Scenes from the day's filming flashed through my mind frame by frame—the surveillance on the street in the early morning, the eye contact in the courtyard of the Fan family mansion, the probing by the window of the restaurant—

He silently reviewed every detail of every scene, the tone of every line, and the focus of every glance.

My phone vibrated. It was a message from Nazha: "How was the first day of filming? Are you tired?"

He opened his eyes and replied, "Smooth. A little tired, but feels good."

Then came Dilraba's message. As enthusiastic as ever: "Teacher Chen!! How was the first day of shooting?!"

Isn't Fan Xian handsome?! Is there anything you can reveal?!

He replied with a smile, "It's fine. I can't say whether I'm handsome or not; that's for the audience to decide."

Dilraba replied instantly: "Then I decide! I'll definitely look handsome!"

Chen Nianbei smiled and put down her phone.

Back at the hotel, he didn't rest immediately, but sat down at his desk.

He took out the script and turned to the part that was to be filmed the next day: Fan Xian attends a poetry gathering and makes his first appearance in Kyoto's social circles.

This scene is very important; it's the moment when Fan Xian truly begins to show his talent.

The script was filled with his lines, as well as many markings he had made beforehand—where to emphasize certain parts, where to hold back, and where to use eye contact.

He picked up a pen and added new annotations next to several key lines. Then he began to recite those lines silently, over and over again, until he knew every single one by heart.

Outside the window, the night in Hengdian grew deeper and deeper.

He let out a soft sigh.

Are you tired? Yes.

But that kind of exhaustion is a fulfilling exhaustion, the exhaustion of giving a part of your soul to the role, the exhaustion of climbing towards a higher goal.

He found joy in this kind of exhaustion.

The second day of filming was even more intense.

The poetry gathering reached its climax with Fan Xian engaging in a poetry duel.

This scene is one of the key moments in the entire series. Fan Xian is provoked at the poetry gathering and forced to compose a poem on the spot.

Using his "advantage" as a time traveler, he recited Du Fu's poem "Ascending the Heights"—"Boundless fallen leaves rustle down, the endless Yangtze River rolls on," astonishing everyone present.

But performing it is extremely difficult. He needs to portray the state of "inspiration" and "composing in one go" without any props, and he also needs to make the audience believe that the poems were created on the spot.

Sun Hao had discussed the handling of this scene with Chen Nianbei beforehand.

"Don't just recite poetry," Sun Hao said. "You have to act out the creation. You need to make the audience feel that these verses were already in your heart, just suddenly brought to life. Your eyes, expressions, and breathing should all convey that feeling of suddenly grasping something."

Chen Nianbei remembered it.

Filming has officially begun.

The camera zooms in, focusing on his face.

His gaze began to change—from initial calm to a slight fluctuation after being provoked, and then a sharp glint flashed in his eyes when he heard the words, "If Young Master Fan cannot do it, he might as well admit defeat."

Then, he closed his eyes.

When he opened his eyes again, something had changed. It was a light of "I've grasped it"—as if a poem was truly taking shape in his heart.

He spoke.

"The wind is fierce, the sky is high, and the monkeys howl mournfully—"

His first sentence was not loud, but every word was clear and powerful. His gaze was fixed on the distance, as if he could truly see those scenes.

"Clear waters, white sand, birds fly back—"

In the second sentence, his voice rose slightly, and his eyes held an added layer of emotion—not pride, but a sense of relief and excitement at "I've found it."

"Endless falling leaves rustle down—"

In the third sentence, he raised his head, his gaze passing through the camera lens, across the film set, and looking towards some distant, unseen place. His eyes held a desolation, a sorrow, and a profound感慨 about the impermanence of life—it was a line from Du Fu's poem, and also the moment when Fan Xian truly resonated with the ancients.

"The endless Yangtze River rolls on and on—"

With his last words, his voice faded into calm. But the lingering emotion from before still remained in his eyes.

The entire room fell silent for a few seconds.

Then, Sun Hao's voice came through: "Cut—that's a pass."

There was a hint of barely perceptible excitement in his voice.

Chen Nianbei stood there, still immersed in the emotions he had just experienced. Only when the surrounding extras began to applaud did he snap out of his reverie, bow slightly, and express his gratitude.

Sun Hao walked over, looked at him, and without saying anything, just patted his shoulder hard.

That gesture was more powerful than any praise.