Huayu97: Starting with Wu Song Fighting the Tiger

Liu Xiang listened to their conversation and secretly clicked his tongue in amazement. Looking at the tombstones that seemed particularly eerie in the twilight, and thinking about the night scene they were going to film there, he couldn't help but feel a little emotional. Film crews in this era really went all out to make a good scene.

Night fell quickly, shrouding the Kunning Palace grounds in darkness, with only a few high-powered spotlights illuminating the main building. However, the light carried a chilling aura, failing to dispel the darkness and instead making the entire residence appear even more eerie and oppressive.

All the staff had arrived. The props team was doing a final check, the lighting team was repeatedly adjusting the lighting, and the costume team was tidying up the actors' clothes.

Sun Shupei stood in front of the monitor, the smile on his face long gone, replaced by a serious expression. His eyes were fixed on the direction of the main room, as if he wouldn't miss even the slightest flaw.

Liu Xiang arrived early as well, standing at the edge of the crowd with anticipation in his eyes. Not long after, Lin Xinru and the actress who played Rong Momo were seen walking towards the main house, accompanied by their assistants.

Lin Xinru had changed into that drab gray prison uniform, her hair was combed into a mess, with a few strands sticking to her forehead, her face was painted a sallow yellow by the makeup artist, and her lips also looked a little pale. She looked haggard and had completely lost her usual gentle and graceful appearance.

She was still clutching a tattered handkerchief in her hand, her body trembling slightly, and just standing there she exuded a strong sense of sorrow and despair.

The actress playing Rong Momo changed into a dark palace dress. The fabric of the dress looked somewhat stiff, and a black belt was tied around her waist, making her appear even thinner and her face sinister and stern. She held a small tray in her hand, on which were a dozen or so terrifying "silver needles," which gleamed coldly under the light.

Her eyes were sharp as a knife, and wherever they swept over, they sent chills down one's spine.

Zhou Jie and Alec Su had already changed into their costumes and were standing backstage waiting, keeping quiet and not daring to say a word.

Sun Shupei glanced at the time, then at everyone present, cleared his throat, and said in a voice that was neither too loud nor too soft, "Attention everyone! Today's scene, 'Escape from Death,' is the most crucial part of the entire play! Rong Momo's ruthlessness and Ziwei's stubbornness must be portrayed to the core! The props team, check the 'silver needles' one more time to ensure everything is perfect!"

After speaking, he paused, then looked at Liu Xiang and beckoned, "Liu Xiang! Come here and follow me closely; you'll observe and learn later!"

Liu Xiang quickly responded and strode over to the director. He straightened his back, his eyes fixed on the actors in the main room, not daring to blink even for a moment. He knew that such an opportunity to observe was hard-won; the scenes between Lin Xinru and the actress playing Rong Momo would definitely teach him a lot about character development and emotional control.

Just then, the assistant director walked over from the props department with three incense sticks, a stack of yellow paper, and an incense burner with a red candle. He walked up to Sun Shupei and whispered a few words to him.

Sun Shupei nodded, then addressed everyone present: "As per tradition, before filming begins, let's go to the back gate to offer a prayer. This back mountain is an ancient tomb complex, filled with heavy yin energy. Everyone just wants peace of mind, and to pray for a smooth and safe filming tonight!"

Upon hearing this, everyone put down what they were doing and followed Sun Shupei toward the back door.

In the open space behind the door, the assistant director had already set up the incense burner and carefully lit the red candles. The candlelight flickered, casting swaying shadows in the night, looking particularly eerie. Sun Shupei picked up three incense sticks, bowed three times to the incense burner, and then lit the incense. Wisps of smoke rose slowly, swirling in the evening breeze, releasing a faint sandalwood scent.

Sun Shuping held the lit incense sticks in both hands, bowed respectfully three times towards the ancient tombs on the back hill, and murmured, "Dear ancestors, your junior, Sun Shuping, led the 'Princess Pearl' crew to film here, disturbing your peace. I hope you will forgive us and bless our filming to go smoothly, without any disasters or difficulties, and that all the actors and crew will be safe and sound!"

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried exceptionally far in the quiet night. Everyone present held their breath, their faces solemn.

After the prayers were finished, Sun Shupei placed the incense sticks into the incense burner, then picked up a stack of yellow paper and handed it to the assistant director. The assistant director took the paper, carefully lit it, and threw it into the brazier beside him. The paper crackled and popped as it burned, the flames shooting into the sky and turning everyone's faces a bright red. Sparks danced in the night, gradually dissipating into the air.

Then, the assistant director shouted to everyone, "Everyone come over and bow! Bow once!"

Everyone bowed down in unison, giving a respectful bow.

"A second bow!"

He bowed again.

Three bows!

With the final bow, everyone bent their waists even lower.

Liu Xiang bowed along with the others. Looking at the flickering flames and smelling the faint scent of sandalwood and ashes, he couldn't help but wonder if these superstitious customs were still being passed down in later generations. But then he thought, this was also a token of the crew's goodwill. Filming night scenes near ancient tombs like this was always a bit unsettling, and paying respects to their ancestors would put everyone at ease.

After the ceremony, everyone breathed a sigh of relief, and the solemn expressions on their faces lessened considerably. Sun Shupei waved to everyone: "Alright! Go back now! Take your positions, get ready to film!"

Everyone returned to their posts, and the atmosphere in the main room instantly became tense.

Lin Xinru walked to the wooden bench in the center of the main room and sat down. She lowered her head slightly, her hands tightly gripping the hem of her clothes, her shoulders trembling slightly. Even just her back view exuded a strong sense of despair and helplessness. The actress playing Rong Momo stood opposite her, holding a tray with "silver needles" in her hands, her eyes full of ferocity and contempt, as if she had completely immersed herself in the role.

The lighting crew immediately shone cold light on the two men, instantly creating a gloomy and oppressive atmosphere. The candles in the candlesticks flickered, casting their shadows, which stretched and shortened, onto the mottled wall, making them look particularly terrifying.

Sun Shuping raised the megaphone, took a deep breath, and shouted the command everyone was waiting for: "All departments, prepare—action!"

As he finished speaking, the camera lens slowly zoomed in, recording the scene inside the main house bit by bit.

Rong Momo, carrying a tray, approached Ziwei step by step with small, hurried steps. A sinister smile played on her face, a smile full of mockery and disdain. Reaching Ziwei, she abruptly stopped, looking down at her with a fierce glint in her eyes.