Seeking good fortune and avoiding misfortune, I became a legend in the entertainment industry by avo

Chapter 194: Normal, Yet the Most Abnormal

Everyone had almost identical smiles on their faces when they were introduced.

Nervous, excited, and a little reserved.

The entire introduction process subtly revealed a sense of "admiration" constructed by culture, status, and subconsciousness.

Zhang Qilin was well aware that this was the consequence of long-term cognitive warfare.

It's not something that can be reversed in a short time, and he currently has no ability to change it.

So he just watched quietly.

His face showed neither the obvious excitement or nervousness of others, nor the deliberate indifference or aloofness.

Zhang Yimou led Bale to him and introduced him, saying, "This is Zhang Qilin, who plays the commander of the training corps in the movie. You two have a scene together."

Zhang Qilin stood up, and the two looked at each other for a second.

Zhang Qilin spoke calmly, "Mr. Bell, welcome."

There was no excessive flattery, just a simple greeting.

Bell looked at Zhang Qilin with curiosity and scrutiny.

He was somewhat surprised by the young man's reaction.

During his time in China, he had become accustomed to being treated with utmost care wherever he went, with everyone afraid of upsetting him.

That cautiousness sometimes stemmed from respect, sometimes from nervousness, and sometimes because he was Christian Bale.

But the young man in front of me greeted me as if I were an equal colleague.

There was neither excessive respect nor deliberate indifference.

That's normal.

At this dinner party, this "normal" actually seemed rather abnormal.

Bell replied politely, "It's a pleasure to meet you."

He extended his hand, shook hands with Zhang Qilin, and then they parted.

Others also noticed that Zhang Qilin's attitude was somewhat out of place, but due to his status as a person with connections, no one dared to question his attitude.

Zhang Yimou also noticed it, but he didn't say anything either.

The banquet officially began.

The dishes were exquisite, catering to both Chinese tastes and Belle's preferences.

The conversation during the meal was mainly led by Zhang Weiping and Zhang Yimou.

Most of the others kept their heads down and ate, only cautiously interjecting a word or two when the topic turned to their own department.

Zhang Qilin focused his attention on the food and rarely spoke.

He would only give a brief answer when asked by others.

Over time, Bell noticed.

It wasn't because he kept looking at Zhang Qilin, but because Zhang Qilin was the only person at the table who wasn't looking at him.

Everyone else was observing his expression and trying to figure out how to make him happier.

Only this young man sat there, focused on eating, as if he didn't exist, showing no intention of initiating any conversation.

The atmosphere seemed to become more relaxed in the latter half of the dinner.

Perhaps it was because Bale seemed approachable, or perhaps it was the effect of the alcohol.

As the banquet drew to a close, Bell looked at Zhang Qilin again and saw that Zhang Qilin finally raised his head.

When Zhang Qilin turned his gaze in his direction, he raised his wine glass in a gesture of respect.

Seeing this, Zhang Qilin politely raised his own cup in a gesture of respect.

After the banquet, Zhang Qilin returned to his room as usual, washed up, and rested.

Over the next few days, Bale officially began filming.

His scenes mainly take place inside the church.

Zhang Qilin's scenes were concentrated in the alleyway battles, so the two did not meet again.

They didn't meet again until that scene where they were acting opposite each other.

Upon entering the tent, the first thing that catches the eye is the tall church backdrop.

The stained glass windows, wooden benches, and pulpit are all replicas of a Catholic church in Nanjing from the 1930s.

The staff are making final preparations.

Zhang Yimou stood next to the pulpit and was talking to Bell.

Bell, dressed in a black priest's robe, listened attentively, nodding occasionally.

Zhang Qilin walked in, and Bell, who was talking to Zhang Yimou, subconsciously looked up and saw the man in military uniform at the door. He was surprised by the aura emanating from that man.

Zhang Yi also saw Zhang Qilin and waved to him, saying, "Qilin, come here for a moment."

When Zhang Qilin approached, Bell recognized him as someone he had met at the banquet.

He spent about five seconds looking Zhang Qilin up and down.

The more I looked, the more surprised I became.

He has seen too many excellent actors in Hollywood, and quite a few of them can completely immerse themselves in their roles.

But the changes in this young man are not just reflected in his appearance and demeanor.

It's like my entire sense of presence has changed.

Zhang Yi also noticed Bell's expression.

"He gets into character very quickly," Zhang said in English, "and very thoroughly."

Bell nodded without saying anything, his gaze still fixed on Zhang Qilin.

Zhang Qilin walked closer, and Zhang Yimou told him what kind of effect he wanted for the scene later.

Zhang Qilin nodded after listening.

Zhang Yimou left to inspect other preparatory work.

Bell looked at Zhang Qilin, remained silent for two seconds, and then said, "You and that night—are not the same person."

Zhang Qilin glanced at him: "In the play, I am Instructor Li."

Bell nodded, his gaze fixed on her: "How did you do that? So—thoroughly?"

Faced with Bale's pure curiosity and exploration, Zhang Qilin pondered for a moment and said, "It's about completely entering the character's world, seeing with his eyes, hearing with his ears, and thinking with his way of thinking—"

Bell looked at Zhang Qilin thoughtfully: "You seem to be more than just experiencing it; you seem to—truly believe that you are that person, that you come from that place."

Bell looked at him, and something new appeared in his eyes.

It is appreciation.

At this moment, Director Wang walked over and said to Bell with a fawning expression, "Mr. Bell, everything is ready. You may take your position."

Bell nodded, then looked at Zhang Qilin: "Hey Zhang, I hope you'll actually fall during filming, that'll make it real."

Zhang Qilin nodded.

These words startled Director Wang, who was standing next to him, and his expression changed.

Watching Bale walk away, Director Wang pulled Zhang Qilin aside and whispered, "Qilin, Mr. Bale is an international superstar. Whether this film can compete for an Oscar depends entirely on him. When you're pulling him—"

Zhang Qilin remained silent.

He didn't even glance at Director Wang.

This put Director Wang in a difficult position.

Christian Bale is a top-tier Hollywood actor, the biggest asset for this film's overseas market success, and a box office guarantee that the producers paid a hefty sum to bring in.

Ensuring Bale's safety and his filming experience is a consensus among the entire crew.

But he couldn't afford to offend Zhang Qilin, unless Director Zhang came to say it himself. But how could Director Zhang come to say it himself? What would be the point of having him then?

While Director Wang was in a dilemma, Zhang Yimou had already requested that preparations begin.

He immediately began clearing the area to ensure everyone was ready.

First time filming.

The clapperboard sounded, and the church fell silent instantly, with only the faint hum of the camera running.

The scene begins with Mo Yu apologizing to Instructor Li, then Bale's character, drunk, comes down and harasses Mo Yu, only to be thrown to the ground by Instructor Li.

Everything was normal up to that point.

Bale's character, emboldened by alcohol, is about to embrace Yu Mo.

Instructor Li grabbed Bell by the collar and shoulders and pulled him backward forcefully.

"Bang----"

A deep, muffled thud.

John, played by Bale, fell heavily to the ground.

The loud crashing sound sent a shiver down the spines of all the staff present.

Director Wang was so anxious that he almost rushed onto the field.

He looked nervously at Zhang Yimou, only to see that Director Zhang was staring intently at the monitor and showed no intention of stopping the game.

The performance inside the venue was still ongoing.

After throwing John out, Instructor Li said a few words to Mo Yu and then turned to leave.

"Click!"

Zhang Yimou's voice finally rang out.

Almost simultaneously, Director Wang rushed into the scene.

She ran to Bell's side, her voice anxious and full of concern: "Mr. Bell, are you alright? Where did you fall? Does it hurt? Medical team, come quickly!"

As he spoke, he tried to help Bell up, while glancing at Zhang Qilin not far away out of the corner of his eye.

His eyes held reproach and lingering fear, but more than anything, they conveyed a stifling sense of anger that he dared not express.

Bale was helped up by Director Wang. He rubbed his sore shoulders and back and grimaced as he moved his neck.

He said in English, "I'm fine, I'm fine, it's just that the ground is a bit hard—"

He looked at Zhang Qilin, who was not far away.

He gave Zhang Qilin a thumbs up: "Zhang, that was great, very realistic, just the feeling I wanted to convey."

His tone was full of satisfaction, even excitement, over the confrontation that had just taken place.

He appreciates this level of engagement and authenticity.

Zhang Yimou walked over, first inquired about Bell's condition, and only after confirming that he was alright did he look at the surveillance footage.

Zhang Yi watched it twice and said to Zhang Qilin and Bell who came over, "The emotions and actions are very good and realistic. In order to have more options, we will keep one. Qilin, you can control the force of the fall a little, but you must maintain that feeling of instant subjugation. Bell, your reaction after falling can have more of the confusion and rascality of being drunk."

"Okay, director," Zhang Qilin nodded.

Bell also said there was no problem.

Director Wang, listening from the side, was terrified. They still wanted to protect one?

Is he going to fall again?

While Zhang Yi was talking to the director of photography, he quickly moved closer to Zhang Qilin.

He lowered his voice, almost pleading, "Qi Lin, my little darling, please be careful next time. That's Bale, an international superstar. Our film's overseas success depends on him. If he really hurts him, no one can take the blame. Just give him a light touch, just to make it look like he's really hurting Mr. Bale. I'm begging you, okay?"

Zhang Qilin glanced at Director Wang: "Director Wang, I know what's important."

After saying that, he walked away to stretch his arms and legs, preparing for the next shoot.

Director Wang choked on his breath, his face turning red and then white.

He wanted to get angry, but knowing Zhang Qilin's situation, he wouldn't dare to vent his anger on Zhang Qilin even if he had ten times the courage. He could only forcefully suppress his anger.

I mentally prayed to all the gods and deities, hoping for a smoother experience next time.