Against the Current Hong Kong 1979

Twenty days passed in the blink of an eye amidst our frantic busyness.

Soon, the filming of "Young Detective Bao Qingtian" came to a close.

The rest of the scenes have been filmed, including some major outdoor scenes, such as the scene where the Eighth Prince and Grand Tutor Pang lead a group to surround Bao Zheng and Xiao Liuzi.

In the final scene, Zhang Shuai'an, who plays Bao Zheng, has a final confession with Tang Zhenye, who plays the emperor in a guest role.

Tang Zhenye stared intently at Bao Zheng, as if trying to prove something to him, and said loudly, "I've had someone investigate that Xiao Liu. He's carefree and unrestrained, and his actions are often impulsive. He's not a qualified candidate for ruler."

As he said this, he lowered his eyes slightly, and his fist was still clenched under his sleeve.

Zhang Shuai'an was now completely immersed in his role, taking in all the other's subtle movements. He then cupped his hands and said, "Then, if I may be so bold as to ask, if Sixth Prince were a person of great wisdom, magnanimity, and love for the people, Your Majesty... would you abdicate and yield the throne to such a worthy person?"

Tang Zhenye's pupils dilated violently, his eyes instinctively darting away. His lips moved several times, but he couldn't utter a single word.

"Bao Zheng takes his leave."

Zhang Shuai'an gave a knowing look, solemnly cupped his hands in greeting, and then left gracefully.

After a long while, Zhao Zhenqiang's voice finally rang out: "Click!"

He then turned off the camera, picked up a megaphone, and announced, "I hereby declare that filming for 'Young Detective Bao Qingtian' has wrapped!"

"Yay!"

"It's finally over!"

The crowd erupted in cheers, and both the actors and staff breathed a long sigh of relief.

For more than twenty days, their workload was so intense that it could have completely drained them.

"Anzai, you acted wonderfully!"

Zhao Zhenqiang walked up to Zhang Shuai'an and patted him hard on the shoulder: "It was a very pleasant experience working with you. I hope we'll have the opportunity to work together again next time."

Zhang Shuai'an calmly replied, "There will be opportunities."

"Brother An, is your acting really self-taught? It's amazing!" Huang Rihua looked at him like a little fanboy.

Miao Qiaowei also expressed his deep admiration for Zhang Shuai'an's performance: "You are truly a born actor. If there's a chance, let's have a good chat. I really want to improve."

Zhang Shuai'an responded to each question with a smile, displaying his humble demeanor.

Tang Zhenye was somewhat unconvinced. He considered himself exceptionally talented and believed he was second to none among his peers in acting skills, but today he was genuinely overwhelmed by the other party's aura.

Seeing Zhang Shuai'an being so popular made him feel even worse. He turned around, handed over the costume, and left.

"Anzai, you did a really great job."

Zhao Yazhi's face was full of appreciation, and there was a hint of tenderness in her eyes: "It completely exceeded my expectations. I have never enjoyed acting so much before."

Zhang Shuai'an immediately replied, "It's also thanks to Sister Zi's cooperation that I was able to feel so comfortable and relaxed."

That sounds a bit strange.

Zhao Yazhi looked puzzled, but Zhang Shuai'an's behavior didn't seem strange at all, so she could only conclude that she was overthinking it.

Zhang Shuai'an laughed and called out to Chen Yulian, who was hesitating in the distance, "Hey, Sister Lian, won't you chat with me for a bit?"

A week ago, Chow Yun-fat visited the set and had a friendly chat with Zhang Shuai-an. At the strong request of Zhang Shuai-an, Zhao Zhenqiang, and others, he also made a cameo appearance as Cui Mingchong.

Chen Yulian curled her lip dismissively and said, "What's there to talk about? It's just that filming has wrapped up, not that you've finished filming."

"Oh dear, Sister Lian, can't you say something positive?" Huang Rihua said, somewhat amused and exasperated. "How can you say such discouraging things when filming is wrapping up?"

Zhang Shuai'an went to chat with Ren Dahua, the actor who made a cameo appearance as Liu Zi: "Brother Hua, your acting skills are quite good, and you have good versatility too."

Yam Tai-wah also graduated from TVB's acting training class, in the same class as Chow Yun-fat. He is only three years older than Tong Chun-yip, so playing the role of Six Sons was a piece of cake for him. Moreover, Six Sons grew up in poverty among the common people, and his appearance was older than that of the emperor who was born on the same day, which was quite in line with the character's personality.

Ren Dahua smiled and replied, "You're the real actor; I just have a few tricks up my sleeve."

Zhang Shuai'an suddenly asked, "Brother Hua, did you sign a long-term contract with Shaw Brothers?"

"No." Ren Dahua shook his head and said with a wry smile, "Ten years is too long. I already have so few opportunities. If I'm tied to the TV station, I'll have even less chance of getting ahead. Besides..."

He then explained, "I've already signed with Bling Films."

Zhang Shuai'an knew about this company before he transmigrated, not because the company produced any famous movies, but because the person who founded the company was Ye Zhiming, the older brother of Ye Yuqing, one of the two big boob queens in Hong Kong entertainment.

After all, he had carefully studied Ye Yuqing's trilogy of "Uncontrollable Love", "I'm Crazy for You" and "You Are a Beauty" before he transmigrated.

After chatting for a while, Zhao Zhenqiang reappeared, announcing through a megaphone: "Everyone, don't leave yet, I have something else to say. Everyone come to the wrap party at Dafa Restaurant at 9 PM tonight! The company will reimburse the expenses."

"Very good!"

"We're going to have a big meal."

"Really?"

"Wow, Manager Fang is finally being generous this time."

"..."

Everyone cheered again, and then dispersed.

After Zhang Shuai'an finished taking off his costume and makeup, he walked out of the film set and was greeted by He Jiatong, who handed him a glass of water: "Brother An, the filming is finally over. Are you alright? Why don't you go back and rest for a while?"

It's a little past six in the afternoon, and there are still more than two hours until the wrap party at nine o'clock tonight. It's definitely a good time to take a nap and recharge.

"It's alright, but..." Zhang Shuai'an had actually been working several all-nighters, and even though he was physically strong, he needed to rest for a while: "Let's go back and catch up on some sleep."

Before returning to the dormitory, Zhang Shuai'an found Ling Zhijian and asked him a few questions, and then gave him a few instructions.

Ling Zhijian's eyes widened: "You really want to do this?"

"What, is it difficult to do?" Zhang Shuai'an asked in return.

Ling Zhijian shook his head: "It's not hard to do, there are plenty of luxury cars in Tongluo Bay, but... is it really necessary?"

"If you want to add fuel to the fire, you have to pour some oil on it," Zhang Shuai'an replied.

Ling Zhijian nodded and did not ask Zhang Shuai'an for payment.

Then, Zhang Shuai'an took He Jiatong back to the dormitory.

After entering the room, Zhang Shuai'an said directly, "Later, I'll take a shower and then catch up on some sleep. Wake me up before 8:30."

He Jiatong nodded: "Okay."

Zhang Shuai'an took a shower, washed away the sweat, dried himself off, and went straight to bed.

He didn't know how long he had slept when He Jiatong woke him up: "Brother An, wake up, it's almost time."

Zhang Shuai'an slowly opened his eyes and asked, "What time is it?"

"8:20," He Jiatong replied. "We'll walk to Dafa Restaurant, which will take about 20 people."

Zhang Shuai'an got out of bed, washed up, and changed into a clean shirt: "Let's go."

After getting downstairs, I ran into Mrs. Wang, the dormitory manager.

She looked on in astonishment and said, "You're just going to walk there like that?"

Zhang Shuai'an said, "Since there are no cars, we can only walk."

Mrs. Wang kindly advised, "Anzai, do you have no idea how popular you are lately? Be careful not to get eaten up by those housewives on the street."

Zhang Shuai'an asked hesitantly, "It can't be that exaggerated, can it?"

Not long after they left, Mrs. Wang's words were proven true.

Just a few steps from the Shaw Brothers cinema, a middle-aged woman stopped and pointed at Zhang Shuai'an, saying, "You, aren't you that guy? Bao Heitan from 'Young Detective Bao Qingtian'?"

"Ah, it's me." Zhang Shuai'an nodded in acknowledgment.

"Hey, someone come here! Bao Heitan is here!" The middle-aged woman suddenly grabbed his hand and shouted loudly.

Before long, more than a dozen people emerged from several corners, mostly women, ranging from female disciples to female students, just like the scene in the drama where Bao Heitan was surrounded by people.

"Everyone, don't push, don't push. If you have any requests, just say so." He Jiatong was also startled and quickly stepped in front of Zhang Shuai'an.

"What's it to you? Get out of the way, we want to talk to Bao Heitan!"

"Go away, we want Brother An!"

"..."

Before long, more and more people gathered around.

"Everyone, don't rush. Whether you want an autograph or a handshake, that's fine. Take your time!" Zhang Shuai'an initially wanted to fulfill their little wishes, which were nothing more than signing an autograph or shaking hands.

At that moment, a woman stepped forward and plucked a hair from Zhang Shuai'an's head, shouting, "Ah, I touched Anzai's hair!"

"I ripped a button!"

"I want one too."

"..."

Soon, he sensed that things were going badly, because several hands started groping him. If this continued, he might really be devoured by these hungry female fans.

He Jiatong immediately spread her arms to block the crazed women and hurriedly said, "Brother An, you run first, I'll hold them off here."

Seeing that things were not going well, Zhang Shuai'an immediately took off running.

The women quickly pushed He Jiatong aside and chased after Zhang Shuai'an frantically.

When he finally shook off the women and arrived at Dafa Restaurant, he was surprised to find that there were even more fans surrounding it.

Upon seeing Zhang Shuai'an appear, cheers erupted immediately:

"Look here, you black charcoal!"

"Brother An! I like you so much!"

"Zhang Shuai'an! Can I get an autograph?"

"An'an, I'm the only one who loves you. Marry me."

"..."

The crew members who arrived one after another were dumbfounded. They had seen celebrities being popular before, but for a newcomer whose drama had not even finished airing, such a scene was truly a first. It was simply terrifying!

"Anzai, you're famous now, you're famous everywhere."

It took Zhao Zhenqiang a while to recover from his astonishment: "From today onwards, who in the world doesn't know you?"