I really didn't intend to make a living based on my looks.

Chapter 98 Jiang Chen's RV and the Start of Filming for the Battle of Changsha

In September, Hengdian is as hot as an upside-down steamer.

The sun hung overhead, turning the gray bricks and tiles of the film studio white.

Yang Zi walked towards the parking lot while making a phone call and cursing.

She changed her hairstyle to a shoulder-length bob with the ends slightly curled inwards, which made her round face look even more delicate.

This was the styling requirement for "Battle of Changsha". Hu Xiangxiang was a sixteen-year-old girl in the early stages, and her short hair made her look younger. Later, after experiencing the war, her short hair also revealed a stubborn and neat demeanor.

"Xiao Chenzi, are you stupid? How old are you? You've even acted in two movies, though you're not as good as a senior like me, and you can't even find your way around?"

"You expect me to personally pick you up? Believe me, next time I do an interview I'll say you're throwing your weight around!"

On the other end of the phone, Jiang Chen's voice was lazy: "Okay, come quickly, I'll wait for you."

"Wait forever! This fairy is about to get a tan!"

She hung up the phone, stuffed it into her pocket, and quickened her pace.

The parking lot is located on the west side of the film and television city. It is a spacious concrete area filled with various film crews' commercial vehicles, vans, and several celebrities' nanny vans.

Yang Zi looked around and saw Jiang Chen standing by the roadside with his hands in his pockets, looking quite leisurely.

As she approached, she rolled her eyes: "Xiao Chenzi, what are you up to? The film set is tiny, are you directionally challenged or blind? You even sent me a message to come pick you up, are you kidding me? You're getting more and more arrogant!"

Jiang Chen smiled faintly and tilted his chin to the side. "Oh, it's nothing. I brought you a cup of milk tea. It's in the car. Go get it. There are too many people on the set to give it to you."

Yang Zi was still grumbling and complaining: "I have to make a whole trip just to get a cup of milk tea, what kind of car do you have?!"

Before she could finish speaking, her gaze swept in the direction he was pointing.

She froze, her mouth slightly open.

A huge luxury RV was parked quietly by the roadside. Its exterior exuded a powerful aura, and its paint was shiny. Its size was several times larger than the commercial vehicles commonly used by film crews, and it exuded an air of wealth at first glance.

Yang Zi's eyes widened in disbelief: "—What, what is this?"

Jiang Chen feigned nonchalance, his hands still in his pockets: "It's nothing, just a newly bought RV. Staying in hotels while filming is too troublesome, and it's exhausting to travel back and forth, so I simply got one. It's convenient for filming on set, resting, and cooking."

"It's just for daily commuting and staying at the film set. It's not expensive, so I'll just make do with it."

Yang Zi: "————"

Damn it, he really pulled off a show of bravado!

This car is so cool!

Although she didn't recognize the specific model, the car's size and presence immediately told her it was very expensive.

Compared to this, the vans used by celebrities on other film sets are like bicycles meeting tanks.

"Get in the car." Jiang Chen opened the car door. "I'll show you around."

Yang Zi followed, her eyes widening again.

The interior space is ridiculously spacious.

Upon entering, you'll find the living room area, where a leather sofa surrounds a height-adjustable solid wood coffee table. On the coffee table sits a set of built-in tea utensils, and next to it is a small coffee machine.

"This is the living room, where we usually read scripts and receive guests."

He walked inside: "This is the bedroom."

A double bed with a thick mattress, covered with light gray linen bedding.

There is a reading light and a USB charging port by the bedside, and a row of built-in wardrobes on the side, where several of his everyday clothes are already hanging.

"When I'm tired from filming, I just sleep in the car instead of going back to the hotel."

Further inside is the kitchen area.

It has everything: an induction cooker, a microwave oven, a mini-fridge, and a sink.

The refrigerator was already packed with drinks and fruit, and there was a small wine cabinet next to it with several bottles of red wine.

"Cooking something for myself occasionally is better than the boxed meals provided by the film crew."

At the very back is the restroom.

The space is compact yet fully functional, with a shower room, toilet, and sink.

"How much does this car cost?"

"Not much, the final price was 180 million, with some added features, it was about 200 million more."

Yang Zi: "————"

He froze on the spot, speechless for a long time.

This vehicle just arrived yesterday.

It was a gift from Jing Tian.

The production of "My Love from the Star" was still in the process of gradual integration, with script polishing, team building, and location scouting all taking time.

But as soon as Jiang Chen's album was released, it topped the sales charts, and Da Tiantian immediately placed an order for this GMC Savana 2500S, even paying extra for expedited delivery.

Her confidence in dominating the music scene has greatly increased!

"You're working hard filming, junior. Staying in a hotel is so inconvenient. I'll give you this RV as a small token of my appreciation."

Jiang Chen did not refuse.

He knew that this was Jing Tian's investment.

Investing in emotions, relationships, and future returns.

A few days ago, he put Han Jianu into the scriptwriting team for "My Love from the Star".

The moment the title of "Han Sanping's daughter, the princess of China Film Group" was revealed, Wanda's preparations inexplicably accelerated.

The venue that was previously under consideration, the actors that were still being negotiated, and the approval process that was still going through all suddenly became smooth.

Behind Jing Tian lies the Wanda Group, behind Han Jianu lies the China Film Group, and behind Zhengwu Sunshine and Shandong Film Group are three production lines that he is slowly intertwining.

Yang Zi, who had recovered by now, was jumping around in the car like a monkey, touching and looking at everything.

He squeezed the leather sofa, studied the coffee machine for a while, and finally hopped into the bedroom area and plopped down on the bed.

"Ah~"

"So soft! So comfortable!"

She bounced her hips, and the mattress rose and fell with her movements, supporting her like a cloud.

"Hästens mattresses are handcrafted in Sweden, filled with horsehair, and are breathable and supportive. This particular bed measures 1.8 meters by 2 meters, with a mattress thickness of 35 centimeters, and costs approximately 12 yuan."

Yang Zi: "??????"

Did I ask you about the brand?

"12? For a mattress?"

"Yes," Jiang Chen nodded, "They call themselves the Rolls Royce of bedding, used exclusively by the Swedish royal family."

Yang Zi's lips twitched, and she turned around and rushed towards the wine cabinet again.

She opened the glass door, her eyes widening even more.

The first bottle is Château Lafite Rothschild 2008, the genuine Grand Lafite, with a market price starting at 2 yuan.

The second bottle was Romanée-Conti 2010, the King of Burgundy. She had only seen it in magazines, and a single bottle cost over 8.

The third bottle, Château Haut-Brion 2005, a Grand Cru Classé in Graves, cost around 1.5.

Yang Zi has good taste.

Having worked in the entertainment industry for so many years, she had specifically studied these things.

These kinds of insights are essential for celebrities; otherwise, they could easily embarrass themselves at banquets.

"Jiang Chen! Have you struck it rich?"

"That's too extravagant!"

"Xiao Chenzi, this isn't good. Being detached from the people isn't good for us. We actors should be down-to-earth, staying in the film crew's hotel, eating boxed lunches, and mingling with the masses—"

Jiang Chen was speechless: "What exactly are you trying to say?"

Yang Zi's expression switched instantly, from heartbroken to fawning, as fast as turning the pages of a book: "Brother Chen, can I stay here for a few days?"

"6

'

"I promise I won't drink any of your wine, I'll only drink the cheapest one!"

Industry"

"I can also clean your house."

'

'

"If all else fails, I'll warm your bed for you—"

"----roll!"

Yang Zi lunged forward, pretending to strangle him, but Jiang Chen dodged with a smile.

After playfully bickering for a while, Yang Zi ultimately failed to get the right to spend the night in the RV and followed Jiang Chen to the film set in a huff.

The core filming areas for this production are scattered across several large sections.

Guangzhou Street and Hong Kong Street recreate the Nanyang (Southeast Asian) style of the Republic of China era.

Arcades, neon lights, and cobblestone streets make it a perfect location for filming spy dramas and period films.

The China Revolutionary War Expo City, also known as the Republic of China City, with its blue bricks and gray tiles, trenches and bunkers, and old-fashioned railway station, is the main battlefield for anti-Japanese war dramas.

The period setting is even more complex, ranging from the late Qing Dynasty to the Reform and Opening Up period, and can piece together any scene.

The main scenes of "Battle of Changsha" are concentrated in the Republican-era city and the period filming location.

As I walked along, I saw busy figures everywhere.

The stagehands pushed the prop cart at breakneck speed, the tires splashing mud as they ran over puddles.

A girl from the clothing team was carrying a stack of military uniforms, running and shouting, "The Third Battalion is still short two pairs of trousers."

A long queue formed outside the dressing room. The extras, dressed in coarse cloth and with their faces smeared with coal dust, looked like a group of mud monkeys who had just come down from the battlefield.

This is Hengdian, the heart of China's film and television industry, where dozens of film crews, thousands of cameras, and the dreams of tens of thousands of people beat together every day.

People kept greeting Jiang Chen along the way.

"Brother Chen!"

"Teacher Jiang!"

"Brother Chen is here!"

His voice carried a clear respect, not just politeness, but genuine respect from the heart.

These are all veterans of Zhengwu Sunshine; they were also the team behind "Gu Jian Qi Tan".

At that time, Jiang Chen was still a newcomer, always running around on set, learning lighting techniques from the lighting technician, learning blocking techniques from the cinematographer, and moving equipment with the production assistants.

Now, it definitely feels different.

The terms "Brother Chen" and "Teacher Jiang" used to be playful nicknames, but now they are respectful titles with a sense of propriety.

Jiang Chen nodded in response, and would occasionally crack a joke, just like before.

"Director, I'm here!"

Jiang Chen pushed open the door to the monitor booth. Kong Sheng was sitting in a folding chair, holding a walkie-talkie, his eyes fixed on the monitor screen.

Hearing the voice, he didn't even look up: "You brat, if you don't come soon, I'll have your dad come and get you."

"Hi, look at you," Jiang Chen said with a smile as he walked in, carrying a neat paper bag. "I only delayed you for a day, Director. I brought something for your wife; please take it with you when you go back."

Kong Sheng then turned his head, and the sunlight fell on the paper bag.

"What? You're wasting money again?"

"This isn't something you can just buy with money!"

"I heard you mention before that your sister-in-law often has a pale complexion and poor sleep when the seasons change."

"I have a friend whose elder family makes nourishing dried goods in Chaoshan. I specifically asked him to save some bird's nest and deep-sea fish maw made using traditional methods."

"Wow, this is a really nice old item!"

"It's all-natural. My sister-in-law usually makes soups and sweet soups. It nourishes the complexion, calms the nerves, and helps with sleep. It's gentle and nourishing for middle-aged women."

This was also the first thing Jiang Chen specifically instructed Xu Yinuo to do after he had more money.

There are also rules to follow when giving gifts!

Gifting designer luxury goods is problematic because, on the one hand, the recipient may not accept them, and on the other hand, these items can be bought anywhere.

It doesn't show sincerity.

He specially ordered people to search far and wide for a batch of rare and precious items, all of which were hard to buy even if you had the money.

Moreover, when giving gifts, it's better to give them to family members than to the person giving them the gift.

No matter where you are, you'll always have to maintain social relationships.

Kong Sheng was stunned for a moment.

"You bastard—"

He didn't stand on ceremony and took the paper bag.

How could he refuse gifts meant for his wife?

If you accept it, you'll get praised when you get home.

"Alright, hurry up and get your hair and makeup done. Let me see. I specially had them recreate Gu Qingming's military uniform based on old photos. If you don't look the part, I'll replace you on the spot."

"Okay."

Jiang Chen turned to leave, then turned back and added, "Director, I'll treat everyone to dinner tonight. After all, we're a few days late. Let's invite Brother Zhou and the others, and have a few drinks together. I'll drink you all under the table."

Kong Sheng: "————"

He watched Jiang Chen's retreating figure, shook his head, but a smile played on his lips.

He likes this kid more and more the more he looks at him.

Much better than Hou Hongliang —

The dressing room was quite lively.

Ren Chengwei sat in the corner, dressed in military uniform, looking down at a newspaper prop.

He was a burly man, and when he sat there, he looked like a bear.

Hearing the door open, he looked up, nodded, and said, "Jiang Chen."

"Teacher Ren."

Ren Chengwei graduated from the Shanghai Theatre Academy. His wife was his classmate at the academy, and they got married right after graduation.

A poor boy from Northeast China and a rich girl from Harbin, they stayed together through thick and thin, a model couple in their circle.

He keeps a low profile in the industry and is considered a specialist in tough-guy dramas.

Zuo Xiaoqing was sitting on the other side, having already finished her makeup, and was adjusting her collar.

She plays Hu Xiangjun, the eldest sister of the Hu family, dressed in a plain cheongsam, dignified and gentle.

Upon seeing Jiang Chen, she smiled and said, "The big star is here?"

"Sister Zuo, please don't make fun of me."

"How is this mockery?" Zuo Xiaoqing raised an eyebrow. "Who doesn't know you now? Your albums are selling like hotcakes, and you're getting so many endorsements that we washed-up actors have to rely on you to keep us relevant."

"Sister Zuo, if you're past your prime, then I'm still alive and well."

Zuo Xiaoqing chuckled.

She wore a moon-white diagonally-fastened blouse and a blue cloth skirt, as seen in the play. Her long hair was styled into a low bun, with a few stray strands falling beside her ears.

In her early thirties, a young woman is at her most attractive.

Moreover, she has a very special temperament.

How so?

A dignified air tinged with innocence, and within that innocence lay a hidden story.

This woman is no ordinary person!

A former national rhythmic gymnast, she was later recruited by Jiang Wen to play a small role in an acting role, and then she was admitted to the Beijing Film Academy, where she was in the same class as Xiao Yanzi and Chen Kun.

She also acted alongside Wang Zhiwen in the TV series "The Way of Heaven," which included a highly controversial scene of a nude confession—of course, filmed while wearing a flesh-colored bodysuit.

Her romantic history is also quite extensive!

Chen Daomin's only publicly known affair was with her, where he reportedly lowered his salary and there was a six-hour incident on a rainy night.

And is your melon guaranteed to be ripe, you idiot?

Compared to her, Jiang Chen's romantic history is as green as a greenhorn.

He walked to his seat and sat down, where makeup artist Sister Li was already waiting.

She was in her forties, with a round face and a smiling face. She was a long-time employee of Zhengwu Sunshine, having worked with Kong Sheng for seven or eight years.

"Sister Li," Jiang Chen sat down, looking up at her, "how come you've become even more beautiful after just a few months? Did you secretly go to South Korea for plastic surgery?"

"screw you!"

Sister Li giggled at his joke, almost knocking over her powder puff. "Brother Chen, you're a big star now, how come you're still as talkative as before?"

"You said that," Jiang Chen closed his eyes, letting her sweep and paint across his face. "Even the biggest stars have to sit here obediently and follow your orders, right?"

Sister Li laughed so hard her shoulders shook, but her hand movements became even gentler.

"You're so good at talking."

The atmosphere in the dressing room was relaxed, with several people chatting and waiting to start work.

An hour later, the makeup was finished.

Jiang Chen stood up and took one last look at himself in the mirror.

The person in the mirror was dressed in a dark blue National Revolutionary Army uniform with a stand-up collar, the rank of major neatly displayed on the collar insignia, a leather standard armed belt around his waist, and shiny black high-top riding boots.

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