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Chapter 155

He said: "I want this movie to sound like Yunyang."

Everything is on track.

But the challenges of low-budget films soon became apparent.

On the tenth day of filming, we encountered our first major problem: continuous rain.

May in Yunyang is usually the rainy season, but this year the rain came particularly early and lasted particularly long.

It rained drizzly for three days, and fog rolled in over the river, making visibility very low and impossible to shoot any outdoor scenes.

The film crew was trapped in the old house.

"The weather forecast says it will rain for another two days."

Wang Zhonglei looked at the weather app on his phone, his brow furrowed.

"Every day is a cost."

Our budget is already tight, and if this drags on—”

Su Xiao was also very anxious.

She sat by the window, watching the rain outside, biting her lip and remaining silent.

Li Jun remained calm.

He had experienced the rain in southern Anhui and knew that being anxious at times like this was useless.

"Since we can't shoot exterior scenes, we'll shoot interior scenes."

He said.

"Aren't there a few indoor scenes in the script? In the traditional Chinese medicine shop, Xiaoman helps her father get medicine; in the teahouse, the painter and Xiaoman speak for the first time—"

These can all be photographed.

"But the interior lighting equipment is insufficient."

"That's what the director of photography said."

"To save money, we used natural light as much as possible for outdoor shooting."

We only brought a portion of the lighting equipment needed for the interior scenes.

"Then let's use the existing equipment and figure something out."

Li Jun said.

"Su Xiao, adjust the shooting schedule. Schedule the next three days for indoor scenes."

"it is good."

Su Xiao immediately took action, took out the script, and began to re-plan.

Wang Zhonglei went to coordinate the venue.

The traditional Chinese medicine shop was Su Wenshan's clinic, and the teahouse was an old shop in town. The owner was a distant relative of Su Xiao, and both were easy to talk to.

The lighting crew began setting up the lights.

The equipment was indeed limited, but the photographer was very creative. He used a reflector to reflect the skylight from the window, used a table lamp and a flashlight for fill light, and used a white sheet as a diffuser.

Although simple, the effect was surprisingly good, with a natural and lifelike quality.

The first day of filming was at the Chinese medicine shop.

The scene is Su Wenshan's real clinic; the medicine cabinets, counters, and treatment beds are all readily available, and even the aroma of the medicine is authentic.

Xiaoyu grew up here and is so familiar with this place that she feels like she's home, which makes her performances exceptionally natural.

This scene shows Xiaoman helping her father organize medicinal herbs. While taking her pulse, her father explains the properties and meridians of various herbs to her.

Xiaoyu didn't need to memorize lines; Su Wenshan was genuinely explaining, and she was genuinely listening and helping.

The camera captured a completely authentic father-daughter interaction.

"This is great."

Su Xiao said softly from behind the monitor.

"Better than any designed performance."

Li Jun nodded.

This is the charm of slice-of-life films: when the reality is moving enough, acting becomes superfluous.

The next day, we filmed a scene in the teahouse.

The teahouse is located in the center of town. It is an old building with a wooden structure and carved window frames, where time has left a warm patina.

The boss was a man in his seventies. When he heard that a movie was going to be made, he was very enthusiastic and even made tea for the crew himself.

This scene depicts Xiaoman visiting a teahouse to buy tea for her father, where she encounters Zhou Yuan, a painter sketching there.

The two chatted casually, talking about everything from tea to painting, from Yunyang to the outside world.

Before filming began, Su Xiao told Zhou Yuan and Xiao Yu, "You two can just chat however you like, don't worry about the script."

I will ask you questions, and you will answer them.

The photographer captures the most natural moments.

So the scene became semi-improvised.

Su Xiao asked off-camera, "Xiaoman, do you like Yunyang?"

Xiaoyu thought for a moment and said, "I like it, but I don't like it. I like that it's quiet here, but I don't like that it's too small."

"Do you want to go to a big city?"

"I want to, but I'm also afraid."

"What are you afraid of?"

"I'm afraid that if I go, I won't be able to come back. I'm afraid things will change, I'm afraid I'll forget what this place looks like."

Zhou Yuan chimed in, "It's okay if you forget, you can draw it."

Xiaoyu turned to look at him: "Won't you forget it if you draw it?"

Zhou Yuan looked at the rain outside the window: "Drawing it down is another way of remembering."

This dialogue wasn't in the script, but it's more real and moving than anything written in the script.

The photographer keenly captured the moment when the two exchanged glances: Xiaoyu's confusion and longing, and Zhou Yuan's understanding and tenderness.

"Cut!"

When Su Xiao called for a stop, her eyes were a little red.

"This one is perfect."

On the third day, it was still raining, but the crew had already adapted to the pace.

They filmed several transition scenes:

Xiaoman cooks at home, the painter organizes his paintings at the inn, and this is the daily life of the town's residents on a rainy day.

Suhe took the opportunity to collect a large amount of rain sounds: the sound of rain hitting the eaves, the sound of rainwater flowing over the bluestone slabs, and the sound of raindrops falling on the river surface.

He said, "These sounds will become an important part of the film."

Three days later, the rain finally stopped.

The sky was as clean as if it had been washed, sunlight pierced through the clouds, and a rainbow appeared on the river.

The entire Yunyang area resembles a newly painted ink wash painting, fresh and bright.

The crew resumed location shooting.

After the rainy day helped us get used to each other, everyone worked together more smoothly, and the progress was faster than expected.

But new challenges have arisen.

On the twentieth day of filming, a major scene unfolded:

Xiaoman decided to leave Yunyang to study in Chongqing. She said goodbye to the painter at the old wharf.

This scene is the emotional climax of the entire film.

Xiaoman is about to leave the place where she grew up, and the painter is about to continue his journey of sketching.

Both of them knew that this farewell might be their last.

The scene is set at the old wharf in Yunyang.

This is a dock with a history of over a hundred years. The stone steps have been worn smooth by time, and heavy hemp ropes are tied to the mooring posts.

Cargo ships come and go on the river, their horns blaring long and drawn-out.

Before filming began, Su Xiao gave Xiao Yu and Zhou Yuan some acting instructions.

"The key to this scene is the unspoken words."

"7

Su Xiao said.

Xiaoman wanted to say, "Don't forget me," but she couldn't bring herself to say it.

The painter wanted to say, "Wait for me to come back," but couldn't bring himself to say it.

All emotions are conveyed in the eyes and in the subtlest gestures.

Xiaoyu nodded, looking a little nervous.

This was the first time she had acted in such a deeply emotional role.

Zhou Yuan held her hand: "Don't be afraid. Just think about how you would feel if you really had to leave here and leave the person you love."

Xiaoyu closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and when she opened them again, her eyes had changed.

There was reluctance, resolve, fear, and anticipation for the future.

Filming begins.

Xiaoyu stood by the dock with simple luggage on her back.

Zhou Yuan, carrying his painting box, stood opposite her. The river breeze ruffled their hair and the corners of their clothes.

There were no lines, only a long silence.

Then Xiaoyu spoke softly, "I'm leaving."

Zhou Yuan nodded: "Mm."

""

How much longer will you stay here?

"I don't know. I finished drawing and then left."

Silence again. A boat sailed by on the river, its whistle trailing off for a long time.

Xiaoyu lowered her head, looking at her toes: "Goodbye then."

Zhou Yuan looked at her, wanting to say something, but in the end only said, "Have a safe trip."

Xiaoyu turned around and stepped onto the springboard.

Her steps were slow and heavy.

As she walked to the side of the boat, she glanced back.

Zhou Yuan was still standing there, looking at her.

Their eyes met in mid-air.

A thousand words are left unsaid.

Then Xiaoyu turned around and boarded the boat. The boat slowly left the shore.

The camera follows Xiaoyu, who is on the deck, watching the dock recede into the distance and the figure grow smaller and smaller.

Tears finally fell, but she bit her lip and didn't make a sound.

Another shot follows Zhou Yuan as he stands on the dock, watching the boat disappear into the river mist.

Then he opened his drawing box, took out his brushes, and quickly sketched on his sketchbook. It wasn't a landscape, but Xiaoman's back view.

"Cut!"

When Su Xiao called "cut," the scene fell silent. Everyone was deeply moved by the emotions of the scene.

During the playback, Li Jun saw many precious details:

When Xiaoyu boarded the boat, she gripped the railing tightly, her knuckles turning white.

Zhou Yuan's hands trembled slightly as he painted;

And then there's the complex, indescribable emotion in their eyes when they finally look at each other.

"This one is approved."

Li Jun said.

"We can keep one, but this one is already very good."

After filming this scene, the entire crew was somewhat downcast.

I got too absorbed in it and couldn't get out of it for a while.

In the evening, Su Xiao organized a barbecue by the river, which was a good way to relax.

The charcoal crackled, the meat skewers sizzled and dripped oil, and the beer bubbled.

The Yangtze River flows quietly in the night, with scattered lights on the opposite bank.

Xiaoyu's eyes were still red, and Su Xiao put her arm around her shoulder: "You acted very well, really."

"Director, it feels like I really experienced a farewell."

Xiaoyu said softly.

"Because you invested real emotions."

Su Xiao said.

"That's the secret to a good performance."

Zhou Yuan sat to one side, looking at the river, lost in thought.

Li Jun walked over and sat down next to him: "What are you thinking about?"

"Thinking about Xiaoman and the painter."

Zhou Yuan said.

Will they see each other again?

"Maybe not."

Li Jun said.

"But those times spent together, those unspoken words, will remain in each other's memories."

Like the river, it flows away, but the river remains.

"Director Li, do you believe in love?"

Zhou Yuan suddenly asked.

Li Jun smiled: "I believe it. But love isn't just about grand gestures; it's more about everyday companionship and quiet protection."

It's the feeling of wanting the other person to be happy even after you've broken up.

Zhou Yuan nodded: "I understand."

After the barbecue, everyone went back to their accommodations.

Li Jun stayed alone by the river, gazing at the Yangtze River in the night.

He thought of Lin Shen and Wanrong, of Xiaoman and the painter, and of all the farewells he had experienced in the movies.

Life is a series of farewells. Farewell to childhood, farewell to hometown, farewell to loved ones, farewell to the past self.

But saying goodbye is not the end, but another beginning.

Like a river, the old flows away and the new will come.

And film is about capturing those memorable moments amidst these farewells.

My phone vibrated; it was a message from Zhang Liangying: "How did the filming go today?"

"We filmed a key scene, about farewell. It was a great success."

Do you miss me?

"6

"I've thought about it."

"I miss you too. I'll come pick you up after filming is over."

"it is good."

Li Jun put away his phone and continued watching the river.

The night was deep, and the river breeze was slightly cool. But my heart was warm.

Because he knew that on the banks of the ever-flowing Yangtze River, in this film that is being created, and in these sincere emotions, he found the meaning of film and his own path.

As filming entered its final week, the biggest challenge came when Su Wenshan fell ill.

That morning, Su Xiao was preparing to film the last scene at the Chinese medicine shop when her father suddenly collapsed in the clinic.

He was taken to the town hospital and diagnosed with a heart problem caused by overwork, requiring hospitalization for observation.

Su Xiao panicked.

She had to take care of her father and continue filming, and she couldn't give up either of them.

"Director, you focus on taking care of Dr. Su, I'll take care of the filming."

Li Jun said.

"There aren't many scenes left, I can handle it."

"But----"

Su Xiao's eyes reddened.

"My dad is working so hard to help me."

These past few months, he's been coordinating venues, helping find extras, and taking care of the crew's meals —

"So now you need to take even better care of him."

Li Jun patted her shoulder.

"Leave the movie to me."

Su Xiao nodded and went to the hospital.

After Li Jun took over, he adjusted the filming schedule.

First, finish filming the scenes where Su Xiao doesn't need to be present, including several group scenes in the small town and a few establishing shots.

Then we went to the hospital to discuss with Su Xiao how to film the remaining scenes.

In the hospital, Su Wenshan had woken up. His face was still a little pale, but he was in good spirits.

Upon seeing Li Jun, he struggled to sit up.

"Dr. Su, don't move, lie down."

Li Jun held him down.

"Director Li, I'm sorry to have delayed your filming."

Su Wenshan said apologetically.

"Don't say that, your health is the most important thing."

Li Jun sat down by the bed.

"There aren't many scenes left. Xiaoxiao and I discussed it and decided we can make some adjustments."

"Take good care of yourself and don't worry."

Su Wenshan looked at his daughter, then at Li Jun, and suddenly said, "Director Li, there's a scene I'd like to act in myself."

Su Xiao and Li Jun were both stunned.

"Dad, what did you say?"

"In the Chinese medicine shop, there is a scene where Xiaoman's father teaches her to recognize medicinal herbs, saying that these prescriptions have been passed down for generations and cannot be lost in my hands."

Su Wenshan spoke slowly.

"I want to act in this scene myself."

"But your body—"

Su Xiao panicked.

"I know my body, I'm fine."

Su Wenshan waved his hand.

"Moreover, this scene is very important to me."

He looked at Li Jun: "Director Li, I have been a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for forty years and have seen countless patients."

This clinic was passed down to me by my father, and I hope to pass it on to Xiaoxiao as well.

But she chose film, that path. I don't blame her, but sometimes I think:

Will the Su family's medical skills be lost with me?

He paused for a moment: "What's being said in this scene is exactly what I feel in my heart. So, I want to say it myself."

Li Jun looked at the old Chinese medicine doctor and saw the sincerity and longing in his eyes.

"it is good."

Li Jun nodded.

"We'll film this scene at the hospital when you're feeling better."

Right here in your hospital room, in the real environment, with the real you.

Su Wenshan smiled and said, "Thank you, Director Li."

Three days later, Su Wenshan's condition stabilized and he was able to get out of bed and walk around.

The film crew moved their simple filming equipment to the hospital and set up the scene in his private room.

This scene is very simple:

Su Wenshan sat on the hospital bed, holding an old handwritten prescription book in his hand, turning the pages one by one.

Xiaoyu sat on the edge of the bed, looking at him.

Without any pre-designed lines, Li Jun asked Su Wenshan to tell his true story.

Filming begins.